Order Theory Research Articles

Sources of the Planetary Theories in Fahhād’s ̔Alā ̓ī zīj: Solving a Medieval Case of Intellectual Fraud

According to the anonymous 13th-century Shāmil zīj, Abu ̓l-wafā ̓ al- Būzjānī’s (10 June 940–after 25 May 997) planetary theories were adopted in Ibn al- Fahhād’s 12th-century ̔Alā ̓ī zīj without acknowledgement. This puzzling case of plagiarism, noted by the late Prof. E. S. Kennedy in 1956, is solved by means of a graphical approach, together with some astronomical analysis, in order to (A) visualize the perplexing network of the development of planetary theories in medieval Islam and (B) distinguish the types of relations existing between them. The paper describes the new strategies invented in the Islamic period to modify the available planetary theories in order to reconcile them with the observations, called istidrāk and i ̔tibār, which were different from the standard methods set forth in the Almagest. The accusations of fraud are shown to be unfounded. It is shown that Ibn al-Fahhād’s solar and lunar theories and his precessional rate of 1°/66y are taken from the Mumtaḥan tradition; his theories of Jupiter and Saturn were the results of his modifications of ̔Abd al-Raḥmān al-Khāzinī’s corresponding theories in the Mu ̔tabar zīj (1121 ce) on the basis of the results he achieved from his observations; his theory of Mars was constructed on the basis of his observations, independent of any other available theory; and his theory of Venus is taken directly and faithfully from Khāzinī.

Corporate Governance, Internal Control and Leverage: Are We There Yet?

Corporate governance serves as a robust internal control mechanism. Literature has established that strong corporate governance improves oversight, accountability, and transparency. In the governance and leverage literature, agency theory and pecking order theory suggest that strong governance mechanisms reduce leverage, as stronger governance provides good internal control to check managerial opportunistic behaviors, preventing overinvestment and other entrenchment practices through excessive borrowing. However, leverage may itself act as an external disciplinary mechanism, thereby substituting the need for strong internal governance. Almost two decades of studies exist investigating the relationship between corporate governance and leverage without a clear direction. Furthermore, we investigate the relationship between corporate governance and the speed of leverage adjustment, revealing a consensus among many studies that firms subject to strong governance adjust their leverage more expeditiously than those under weak governance. Our current study synthesizes prior research and points toward the direction of improvement.

Determinants of Credit Default in Banking in Nigeria

Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine the determinants of credit default in banking in Nigeria.
 Methodology: The study adopted a desktop methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library
 Findings: The determinants of credit default in Nigerian banking encompass a range of factors, including economic stability, regulatory oversight, risk management practices, loan portfolio quality, and macroeconomic conditions. Addressing these factors is crucial for banks to effectively manage credit risk and reduce the likelihood of credit defaults.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Agency Theory, Pecking Order Theory and Information Asymmetry Theory may be used to anchor future studies on the examining determinants of credit default in banking in Nigeria. banks should initiate financial literacy programs for borrowers to improve their understanding of financial products and responsibilities. Regulators should encourage the adoption of advanced credit risk assessment models and provide guidelines on best practices in risk management.

Approximating roots by quadratic iteration

We apply a coctel of elementary methods to the problem of finding the roots of an arbitrary polynomial. Specifically, we combine properties of the iteration z → z2 + c with rudimentary Galois theory in order to justify an algorithm to find the roots of a complex polynomial.

Evaluation of Students’ Measuring Capability in the Dimensional Control Laboratory Using R&R Procedure by Variables

Abstract The curriculum of technical bachelor programs often focuses on various theories in order to emphase understanding but there is also an actual need to provide the students with specific technical skills. This paper presents an effective means to evaluate the students’ capability to measure geometrical product specifications namely the procedure of Repeatability and Reproducibility by variables. The measurement results were processed using MINITAB statistical software with its module called Gage R&R Study. The conclusion was that the analyzed measurement system is excellent.

Influence of Entrepreneur’s Action Logics on His Intention to Adopt Crowdfunding: A Pecking Order Theory Perspective

Crowdfunding (CF), a new funding channel, is prompting more research on the non-financial determinants of its adoption. This paper is part of this emerging current and aims to explain using the logic of entrepreneurial action, the entrepreneur intention to adopt CF. The binomial logistic regression test on a simplified intention model based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model (UTAUT) reveals that the intention to adopt CF varies according to the entrepreneur’s commitment to entrepreneurial act logic and his management logic. These results reveal the validity of the pecking order theory and highlight the importance of incitation to risk-taking and entrepreneurial transparency, catalyst factors for participation in CF.

Effects of the Covid Pandemic on the Economic Vulnerability of Italian Society.

This paper provides some insights on the effects of the Covid pandemic, on the economic vulnerability of Italian society. Data come from the first 5 waves of a special social survey, held by Bank of Italy, to monitor the economic consequences of the Covid emergency. Economic vulnerability is assessed through a set of four ordinal variables, then condensed into a synthetic measure, by using tools from Partial Order Theory; social groups are identified based on profiling socio-economic variables. Results reveal the heavy economic impact of the pandemic and the risk of increased polarization of the Italian society.

Research on the Construction of School-Enterprise Cooperation Model Based on Synergy Theory

In the systematic project of school-enterprise cooperation(SEC) with the synergistic cooperation of multi-subjects, the SEC model, as the overall guiding strategy, is particularly important for its scientific construction and should be included in the framework of synergy theory. Based on this, this paper investigates the construction of SEC model in vocational education under the framework of synergistic theory in order to provide a scientific construction idea for the construction of SEC model.In order to achieve this purpose, this paper introduces the concepts of supply chain and knowledge management into the SEC, analyzed the subject categories and cooperation contents of SEC from the perspective of the extension of the supply chain of SEC, and explores the subject roles and cooperative relationships of SEC from the perspective of the connotation of knowledge management of SEC, and then puts forward the idea of constructing the SEC model in vocational education. After the study, it is found that the SEC model should be constructed from the two dimensions of the lead-subject category and the subject cooperative relationship of SEC; and the construction of the model dimensions of both the dominant subject category and the subject cooperative relationship should be based on the degree of knowledge transfer-ability of SEC. The results shew that SEC should be constructed independently and independently of the modes of each SEC sub-platform under the overall dominant mode of the institution, and the construction of SEC modes should effectively promote the knowledge transfer between schools and enterprises.

Organizational resilience: leadership, operational and individual responses to the COVID-19 pandemic

PurposeSince the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, most organizations have experienced a sudden and unprecedented drop in revenue and productivity. However, the pandemic did not exclusively negatively impact organizations; rather, it resulted in both negative and positive effects. To delve into the multi-level process through which organizational outcomes change from negative to positive indicators, this study focuses on organizational resilience as a theoretical concept to overcome pandemic-related turmoil.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a multi-level analysis based on grounded theory with a sample of 30 healthcare employees who worked in hospitals and were simultaneously enrolled in a part-time master of business administration (MBA) program at a university in the Midwest. Of the 30 participants, 21 were from a single university hospital (UH), and the remaining 9 participants were from other hospitals (non-UH).FindingsThe authors analyzed the data and incorporated three existing perspectives of organizational resilience (attribute, process and multi-level views) into an integrated model. The authors identified 25 first-order concepts and 8 second-order themes and categorized them into 4 aggregate dimensions at different unit levels: organizational field, leadership, operation and individual units.Practical implicationsA resilient hospital operates as a cohesive system, with entities at various levels – from individuals and teams to the broader organization – collaborating seamlessly to foster resilience. Top management team (TMT) should persistently communicate with employees to provide information about the current crisis and clear strategic directions to reduce employees' fear and prevent anomie stemming from future uncertainty. Managers should not only be concerned about employees' physical safety from infection and psychological safety from isolation but also encourage employees to elicit meaningfulness from their work. Furthermore, TMT and human resource (HR) teams should adapt human resource management (HRM) practices to allow for flexibility and optimism in employee roles.Originality/valueIn this study, the authors utilized a qualitative methodology with grounded theory in order to develop a comprehensive model that holds theoretical, methodological and practical significance. Theoretically, the authors' novelty lies in the synthesis of three distinct perspectives: attribute, process and multi-level. The authors merged these approaches into a unified model, identifying precursors of resilience at different levels. Methodologically, the authors focused on hospitals as target samples, which were the foremost and representative organizations severely confronting the crisis and turmoil brought by the pandemic. The authors documented organizations' experiences amidst the crisis as they unfolded in real time rather than in hindsight. This approach highlights the immediacy and significance of the authors' research in the realm of crisis management. Practically, the authors' findings illuminate that organizational resilience can be developed through a collaborative effort. It emerges from coordinated interactions across various organizational actors, from employees and middle managers to the TMT.

Sharp bounds in the latent index selection model

A fundamental question underlying the literature on partial identification is: what can we learn about parameters that are relevant for policy but not necessarily point-identified by the exogenous variation we observe? This paper provides an answer in terms of sharp, analytic characterizations and bounds for an important class of policy-relevant treatment effects, consisting of marginal treatment effects and linear functionals thereof, in the latent index selection model as formalized in Vytlacil (2002). The sharp bounds use the full content of identified marginal distributions, and analytic derivations rely on the theory of stochastic orders. The proposed methods also make it possible to sharply incorporate new auxiliary assumptions on distributions into the latent index selection framework. Empirically, I apply the methods to study the effects of Medicaid on emergency room utilization in the Oregon Health Insurance Experiment, showing that the predictions from extrapolations based on a distribution assumption (rank similarity) differ substantively and consistently from existing extrapolations based on a parametric mean assumption (linearity). This underscores the value of utilizing the model’s full empirical content in combination with auxiliary assumptions.

Board Diversity and Efficiency of Universities Registered in Kenya: The Role of Funding Sources

The board diversity of institutions plays an integral role in minimizing uncertainty, augmenting knowledge sharing, improving resource utilization, and crafting overall institutional strategy to enhance optimal efficiency. Institutions with more heterogeneous boards are characterized by their ability to attract finances from multiple sources; hence, they are better positioned to be more efficient in their operations. The main aim of this study was to assess the role of funding sources in the association between board diversity and the efficiency of universities registered in Kenya. The study was supported by the agency theory, the human capital theory, the stewardship theory, and the theory of pecking order. The positivist research paradigm anchored the study. A census study of 75 public and private universities in Kenya was conducted using a descriptive longitudinal research approach. The descriptive statistics included calculating the counts, standard deviation, mean, minimum and maximum values, coefficient of variation, kurtosis, and skewness. The fixed effect model was used as the primary estimation technique in inferential statistics. The results established that funding sources partially mediate the association between board diversity and efficiency. The study recommends that for universities to increase efficiency, the boards must make a greater effort to support board diversity, establish the dimensions within the board diversity relevant to efficiency enhancement, and establish multiple funding sources to remain afloat in their operations.

Is French (dis)inflation explained by conflicting-claims theory? Evidence from cointegration with structural break

ABSTRACTThe aim of this article is to provide an explanation of French (dis)inflation based on the conflicting-claims theory. Making use of cointegration techniques with structural breaks, we bring some empirical evidence suggesting the soundness of such a theory in order to explain the variation of inflation in the long run. Amongst our main results, we show that the transition from the Great Inflation of the 1970s to the Great Moderation was the consequence of a dramatic collapse in the bargaining power of both workers and firms. As a secondary objective, it is also an attempt to fill the gap with other competing theories of inflation since the conflicting-claims approach is characterized by a relative paucity in terms of empirical works.

Understanding the Formation of Complex Phases: The Case of FeSi2

One of the fundamental goals of materials science is to understand and predict the formation of complex phases. In this study, FeSi2 is considered as an illustration of complex phase formation. Although Fe and Si both crystallize with a simple structure, namely, body-centered cubic (bcc A2) and diamond (A4) structures, respectively, it is rather intriguing to note the existence of two complex structures in the Si-rich part of the phase diagram around FeSi2: α-FeSi2 at high temperatures (HT) with a slight iron-deficient structure and β-FeSi2 (also referred to as Fe3Si7) at low temperatures (LT). We re-analyze the geometry of these two phases and rely on approximant phases that make the relationship between these two phases simple. To complete the analysis, we also introduce a surrogate of the C16 phase that is observed in FeGe2. We clearly identify the relationship that exists between these three approximant phases, corroborated by a ground-state analysis of the Ising model for describing ordering that takes place between the transition metal element and the “vacancies”. This work is further supported by ab initio electronic structure calculations based on density functional theory in order to investigate properties and transformation paths. Finally, extension to other alloys, including an entire class of alloys, is discussed.

Myth as a Performance: Lope de Vega’s The Journey of the Soul and the Bivium

ABSTRACT The Journey of the Soul (El Viaje del Alma) by Lope de Vega has not been studied deeply by scholars. It exemplifies the myth of the bivium, so common in literature throughout history. This article explains the location of Lope de Vega’s play, provides a thematic analysis, and shows its relation to the myth of bivium. The first part explains the play’s dating, structure, and plot. The second part presents the different topics derived from the play. The author then relates the bivium to myth theories in order to explain this topic’s purpose, meaning, and function. The bivium, manifested through performance, communicates the moral values of Lope de Vega’s religion, and elevates its principal eucharistic dogma and ritual, therefore explaining the theoretical configuration of this Christian myth in relation to The Journey of the Soul.

Higher order theories for the modal analysis of anisotropic doubly-curved shells with a three-dimensional variation of the material properties

The manuscript investigates the dynamic properties of doubly-curved shell structures laminated with innovative materials employing the Generalized Differential Quadrature (GDQ) method. A higher order generalized expression of the displacement field variable is assumed following the Equivalent Single Layer (ESL) approach. The geometrical description of the structures follows the differential geometry basics, whereas arbitrarily-shaped domains are distorted by means of generalized isogeometric blending functions. A three-dimensional generally anisotropic elastic constitutive behaviour is assumed within each layer of laminates, and a smooth variation of the material properties is implemented. In particular, a two-dimensional distribution alongside the physical domain is considered, whereas a through-the-thickness dispersion of the material properties is associated to each layer, taking into account both polynomial and non-polynomial analytical expressions. The fundamental equations are derived from the Hamiltonian principle, and they are solved directly in strong form via the GDQ method taking into account a non-uniform discrete computational grid. After some preliminary validating examples, some parametric investigations are performed systematically, showing the influence of the variation of the material properties on the modal response of the structures characterized by different lamination schemes, curvatures and boundary conditions. The proposed model allows for the dynamic analysis of the structures of different curvatures characterized by very complicated dispersions of the material properties following a simple and accurate methodology.

Gravity waves’ modulational instability under the effect of drag coefficient in the ocean

The research on oceanic gravity waves interacting with a drag coefficient has drawn a lot of attention. The interaction of these waves with a drag coefficient was recently found to be significant when modeling the propagation of these gravity waves. In this framework, the configuration involving the drag coefficient is of special interest. The gravity wave considered here is chosen to be unstable to two kinds (amplitude and phase) of perturbations. Given the complexity of the process to be investigated, it is necessary for us to make use of Miles’ theory in order to better model the evolution of these gravity waves propagating in deep water under the effect of drag coefficient, using the deterministic approach (well-known as the Benjamin–Feir method), and the statistical approach (also known as Klimontovich’s statistical average method) which is used starting from the Wigner Moyal transform. This study is performed to contribute to the understanding of the drag coefficient to the amplitudes (or phases) modulations of the driven waves: modulations that can sometimes accidentally trigger unpredictable extreme gravity waves.

PENGARUH PROFITABILITAS TERHADAP HARGA SAHAM DENGAN STRUKTUR MODAL SEBAGAI VARIABEL INTERVENING DAN UKURAN PERUSAHAAN SEBAGAI VARIABEL KONTROL

ABSTRACTObjective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of profitability (ROA) on stock prices, considering capital structure (DER) as an intervening variable and company size as a control variable.Methodology: The sample in this study is a company incorporated in LQ45 on the Indonesia Stock Exchange which has complete data for the period 2018-2022. The data analysis method used is Path Analysis using the SPSS 20.0 program.Finding: The first, second, third, and fourth (H) hypotheses were accepted because the t statistic value was greater than t table, and the p value was smaller than alpha 0.05.Conclusion: The results indicate that ROA has a significant positive effect on stock prices. However, ROA has no significant effect on capital structure (DER), while DER has a significant negative effect on stock price. These results indicate that DER is unable to mediate the relationship between ROA and stock price. Firm size can serve as a control variable in the effect of profitability on stock price. This study shows important findings, that signaling theory can be confirmed where the profitability ratio is a positive signal for investors. However, it does not support the packing order theory because the capital structure is not influenced by profitability, so the capital structure does not mediate profitability on stock price.

Nonlinear dynamic stability analysis of CNTs reinforced piezoelectric viscoelastic composite nano/micro plate under multiple physical fields resting on smart foundation

This study analyzes the nonlinear dynamic stability of carbon nanotube reinforced composite (CNTRC) piezoelectric viscoelastic nano/micro plate under time dependent harmonic compressive biaxial mechanical loading. The nano/micro plate is single-layer with a uniform and rectangular cross section. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is the material used for the nano/micro plate. Also, it is located on a nonlinear viscoelastic piezoelectric foundation made of Zinc Oxide (ZnO). Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have been used to strengthen nano/micro plate. Using Kelvin-Voigt model, the material properties of the system are assumed to be viscoelastic. Nano/micro plate is subjected to 2D magnetic field and electric potential. Magnetic field effects are incorporated using Maxwell’s relations. An alternating and direct voltage is applied to the nano/micro plate and also smart foundation in thickness direction. Eshelby-Mori-Tanaka approach is used to estimate the effective elastic properties. Additionally, follower force and uniform thermal gradient is applied to nano/micro plate in this study. The nonlinear strain–displacement relations are based on the Von-Kármán theory. According to classical, first order, third order, sinusoidal, parabolic, hyperbolic and exponential shear deformation plate theories, a new formulation is proposed incorporating surface stress effects through the Gurtin-Murdoch elasticity theory. In order to consider small scale parameters, this research is based on modified strain gradient theory (MSGT). Using the energy method and Hamilton’s principle, the non classical governing equations are derived. For nano/micro plate, simply supported boundary conditions are considered. For the purpose of solving differential equations, an analysis based on Galerkin procedure and finally the Bolotin method will be used to obtain the dynamic instability region (DIR). It is the objective of this study to investigate the impact of such parameters as small-scale parameters, alternating and direct applied voltage, intensity of magnetic field, surface effects, thermal environment and static load factor on the DIR. This study revealed that taking into account the smart foundation reduces the area of dynamic instability region by more than 60% for a constant intensity of magnetic field. The stability responses are also more convergent with the smart foundation. Additionally, the range is moved toward higher excitation frequencies and greater system stability. Validation of answers based on reliable scientific articles is one of the final stages of this research. These results can be used to design nano/micro electromechanical systems.

MR based magnetic susceptibility measurements of 3D printing materials at 3 Tesla

Commercial availability, ease of printing and cost effectiveness have rendered 3D printing an essential part of magnetic resonance (MR) experimental design. However, the magnetic properties of several materials contemporarily used for 3D printing are lacking in literature to some extent. A database of the magnetic susceptibilities of several commonly used 3D printing materials is provided, which may aid MR experiment design. Here, we exploit the capability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to map the local magnetic field variations caused by these materials when placed in the scanner's B0 field. Exact analytical solutions of the magnetic flux density distribution for a cylindrical geometry are utilized to fit experimentally obtained data with theory in order to quantify the magnetic susceptibilities. A detailed explanation of the data processing and fitting procedure is presented and validated by measuring the susceptibility of air along with high resolution MR measurements. Furthermore, an initiative is taken to address the need for a comprehensive database comprising of not only the magnetic susceptibilities of 3D printing materials, but also information on the 3D printing parameters, the printers used, and other information available for the materials that may also influence the measured magnetic properties. An open platform with the magnetic susceptibilities of materials reported in this work besides existing literature values is provided here, with the aim to invite researchers to enable further extension and development towards an open database to characterize commonly used 3D printing materials based on their magnetic properties.

Minority entrepreneurs and start‐up financing

AbstractThere is a need for additional research on minority entrepreneurs need to access start‐up funding to grow and sustain their businesses. The problem is access to financial capital is a constraint for minority entrepreneurs and negatively impacts their ability to stay in business. Minority borrowers face more difficult borrowing conditions than Caucasian entrepreneurs. The results from this case study demonstrated the pecking order theory and the resource base theory, and that there is no relationship between the source of the funding and the success and failure of 11 minority‐owned small business startups. Case study is an excellent research design for this study because it allows a researcher to investigate the lived experiences of individuals who have shared experiences of a particular event or condition. The results from this case study showed a majority of the research participants indicated that avoidance of debt is a primary motivating factor to use personal savings as a primary choice in funding their respective businesses. This article is designed to assist policymakers at both the state and federal government levels in better understanding how to provide accessible financing to these entrepreneurs. Also, this article is designed for all individuals who have started a business or may be thinking about starting a business to get a better understanding of the obstacles and motivations minority entrepreneurs encounter when attempting to find financing to start their businesses.