Order Theory Research Articles

Wages and Labor Relations during Francoist Developmentalism: The Role of the New Unionism

AbstractThe relation between wage growth and the reconstruction of the labor movement in Spain, during the developmentalist Francoist regime (1957-1975), has been controversial. Applying the power resources theory in order to explain wage growth, this paper argues that the rise of the labor share was the result of the increased bargaining power of workers in spite of repressive policies of the Francoist government. The action of new trade unionism mobilized the following power resources. First, the structural power increased as a consequence of techno-economics transformations of Fordism and a generational change of the labor force. Second, the associational power increased due to new organizational forms, with more democratic modes of collective action and combining clandestine and legal actions, and the reappearance of collective bargaining with the Law of Collective Bargaining Agreements of 1958. These political opportunities opened up the possibility to the new trade unionist of developing the strategy of entryism that served as the driving force for worker mobilization.Consequently, the new trade unionists could mobilize their power resources in the three spheres, exchange, production, and politics, as a strategy by accelerating collaborative action, establishing a discursive and cultural framework, and allowing the articulation of the different trade union actions. In this way, internal solidarity was favored when a collective agreement was negotiated at the company or sector level (and not an individual contract, as it has been to date), due to the links with the social activities characteristic of the paternalistic management of labor relations and the presence of anti-Francoist organizations, the “network embeddedness” was strengthened. In turn, the successes in the consequence of wage increases and solidarity with other workers who were suffering repression increased the narrative resources that frame union actions. All this made it possible to counterbalance in part for the restrictions imposed by the dictatorship, which weakened the structural power of workers in the political sphere.The main contribution to the existing knowledge on the issue consists in explaining the apparent paradox between the wage policy of the Francoist government (oriented towards wage restriction) and the increase in labor share. This also serves to understand how labor markets and the wage-setting mechanism worked from a historical point of view. As a corollary, the previous analysis implies that the most important factor was the ability to mobilize workers successfully. The union strategy that combined democratic instruments of representation (assemblies) with clandestine and legal actions served as a catalyst for other productive and social changes. This reflects the primacy of the action of social actors for the worker mobilization theory.

Does Capital Structure Affect Profitability of Listed Ghanaian Firms?

ABSTRACT: Capital structure is one of the crucial decisions managers must make that can affect a firm's short-term and long-term value maximization prospects. Though extant studies have shown capital structure significantly affects profits, researchers have struggled to find an optimal mix of capital structure ideal for value maximization due to the influence of macro and micro factors. There is therefore the need for this to be properly studied contextually. Building on the Pecking Order Theory, this study examines the capital structure effects on profitability from a short-term, long-term, and total debt financing perspective on listed Ghanaian firms between 2003 and 2013. An unbalanced panel data of 23 listed manufacturing and service firms that are listed on the Ghanaian Stock Exchange are subjected to robust maximum likelihood heteroskedastic linear estimation models. Three main regressions that are run explain the short-term debt, long-term debt and total debt effect on firm profitability. The results show that short-term debt exhibits a positive effect on return on equity (ROE), whilst the relationship reverses for long-term debt, indicating that short-term financing was beneficial to firms rather than long-term financing. Also, total debt exhibited a negative and non-significant effect on return on equity. The author also found that firm liquidity exhibited a more pronounced positive effect on profitability for firms with short-term debt than long-term debt. Financial risk negatively affected the returns of only firms with short-term debt. Market share had a pronounced positive effect on ROE across firms whilst firm age exhibited a less pronounced positive effect on firm profits. Firm size and growth had increasing profit effects but was not significant in the dataset. Financial risk also negatively affected profits, but this was only significant in firms with short-term debt structures. This study finds that managers need to adopt more short-term debt financing rather than long-term financing as the former leads to more profits. There is a need for policymakers to develop long-term debt financing structures to compete in the Ghanaian debt market. It is also recommended that managers exercise due care when supplementing equity capital with debt.

Percepções dos professores sobre o fenômeno da neuroeducação em uma instituição pública colombiana

The general purpose of this study, product of a research process at doctoral level, was to know the teachers’ perception of neuroeducation. For this purpose, theinterpretative paradigm was used, following the qualitative strategy proposed in the grounded theory in order to generate knowledge through the process ofunderstanding and interpreting neuroeducation in 8 teachers in their educational context. Accordingly, this research used in-depth interviews and participant observation as techniques. For data processing, the analytical strategies of the inductive thematic analysis software, Atlas/ti and content analysis were used. For the validation of the collection instruments, we proceeded to the judgment of three experts with doctoral degrees was used to evaluate criteria related to the wording, relevance, sufficiency and coherence. Among the findings, significant results were found for the teaching work and for the teaching-learning process in a public institution in the city of Monteria, Colombia. In the first place, information was generated on the current role of neuroeducation in educational processes and practices, and, secondly, different perspectives related to the pedagogical task were generated, making possible a different view and meaning in the teachingpractice based on the evidence provided by neuroeducation, creating spaces for reflection, self-criticism and feedback of the pedagogical task of teaching. It is concluded that there is little knowledge and mastery in the pedagogical practice of teachers about neuroeducation and it is recommended a change in teaching strategies, where didactic tools based on the way the brain learns are approached.

Effect of Firm Size and Profitability on Long Term Debt of Firms Listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya

Organization expenses result from a company’s utilization of long-term debt in its capital structure. One can also characterize a firm’s size by looking at its assets. In order for a company to draw in investors, its worth increases with its size. The profitability of a business may be enhanced by including long-term obligations in its structure of capital since the interest paid on such debts is deduction for taxes. Therefore, this study aimed at examining the effect of firm size and profitability on long term debt of listed firms at the Nairobi Securities Exchange. The study was based on trade off theory and pecking order theory. Secondary data was obtained from the firms from 2007-2011. Panel data was used to analyze data observations. The result indicates that firm size had insignificant effect on long term debt of firms. Profitability had significant effect long term debt. The study recommends that larger firms should leverage their greater access to capital markets to secure long term debts financing at favorable terms, balancing the benefits of debt against potential risks. Firms also with high profitability should encourage internal financing sources to reduce reliance on external debt and minimize financial cost.

Linkage Theory and Autocratic Regime-Survival Strategies in a Post-Liberal Order: The Case of Authoritarian Middle Power Turkey (2013–2022)

ABSTRACT At a time of authoritarian drift in many parts of the world characterizing a post-liberal order, this paper aims to contribute emerging literature on how domestic and international factors interact in shaping the foreign policy preferences of middle powers in this new epoch. Hinging on a synthesis of linkage and regime survival theories, the article argues that as the ‘inner-directed linkage’ of the West to those authoritarian regimes weakens, those regimes’ ‘outer-directed linkage’ with emerging Asian authoritarian centres strengthens. Having been ruled for more than 20 years by authoritarian leader Erdoğan of the JDP (Justice and Development Party), Turkey is an interesting case as an authoritarian middle power with its incrementally intensifying ties with Russia and China. Drawing on the Erdoğan regime’s statements and acts departing from the liberal order, especially after the Gezi Park protests in 2013 and the failed coup attempt in 2016, the article concludes that Turkey has recalibrated its domestic and foreign policy, replacing its Europhilism with Eurasianism as a part of his regime survival strategy.

Mathematical analysis of parameters belonging to the universe in the soft set theory with new distance measures

Introduction: The soft set theory has drawn the attention of many researchers, particularly for dealing with uncertainty in decision-making problems. Despite its remarkable advantages, the soft set theory has only been used to tackle decision-making problems that aim to choose the best option. However, there exist different forms of decision-making problems that involve different forms of uncertainty. Methods: In this study, we present various algorithms based on the soft set theory in order to handle the cases where one has different uncertainty forms in decision-making problems. Some new concepts such as object code, personal object code, parameter significance weight and new distance measures have been introduced to the literature for the construction of these algorithms. Furthermore, we show the application results of those algorithms and provide several examples. Results and Conclusions: As a result, a comparison among the application results of the algorithms implies that the best objects might not always yield the most efficient outcomes.

Ether, sulfide and sulfone derivatives of cinnamaldehyde: Insights into synthesis, structural elucidation and solvatochromism

Symmetric ether, sulfide and sulfone derivatives based on Schiff base functionalized group (3a-c) were synthesized via classical condensation of 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl precursors (1a-c) and cinnamaldehyde (2) in methanol at ambient reaction settings. The compounds were characterized using CHN, UV–Vis, FTIR, and 1H- and 13CNMR . The origin of absorption spectra was chased using Time-Dependent Density-Functional Theory (TD-DFT) in order to figure out the electronic transitions. The compounds exhibited almost a similar electronic potential as displayed by the molecular electrostatic potential. The energy gap of these materials was extracted from the computational approaches, showing ΔE of 3.778, 3.724, and 4.014 eV respectively for 3a, 3b, and 3c. These values were further harnessed to estimate the global reactivity parameters. Moreover, the electrophilic and nucleophilic points were examined through surface analysis of the optimized structures via DFT simulations. Such investigations support the compounds’ molecular structures via common noncovalent interaction, like hydrogen bonding and non-classical CH…π forces. Experimental and computational findings were in a respectable agreement to display that only compound 3c possesses the ability of altering its maximum absorption under different solvent conditions. A substantial shifting of the maximum absorption was noticed with ethyl alcohol at λmax = 321 nm, referring to a 32 nm of blue shift in respect to acetic acid, which could be responsible for the partial protonation of the sulfone group.

Impact of capital structure on performance from a pecking order perspective: evidence from panel data of Brazilian publicly traded companies before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship of the capital structure versus the performance, from the perspective of the Pecking Order theory, of companies listed on B3, and to compare the results in the pre-pandemic and post-Covid-19 pandemic periods. The study was characterized as descriptive and quantitative. A regression was performed with panel data, a fixed and balanced model, for 187 B3 companies, whose consolidated and inflation-adjusted financial statements were available at Economática®. The quarterly data corresponded to the period from the 2nd quarter of 2018 to the 4th quarter of 2021. A dummy variable was included in the model to identify the pre-pandemic (2018 and 2019) and post-pandemic (2020 and 2021) periods. The results indicate that companies listed on B3 were negatively impacted in their value during the Covid-19 period, given that companies that increased the use of short-term third-party capital during the pandemic showed a decrease in the market value ratio divided by the Asset. The increase in leverage showed a negative relationship with their performance, as recommended by the Pecking Order theory. As a limitation of this study, the lack of use of other theories on Capital Structure to compare the results found is mentioned, thus suggesting, for future studies, the inclusion of other theories for analysis and also the realization of a deeper investigation on the effects of the problems of agency and information asymmetry that may have contributed to the results found.

Control parameter optimization of underwater gliders with uncertainty using hierarchical optimization method and interval analysis theory

This article attempts to solve the engineering optimization problem for control parameter configuration of underwater gliders with parameter uncertainty. The optimization objectives are maximizing the glider energy utilization rate and average voyage velocity; design variables include the net buoyancy adjustment amount and movable mass block translation amount; and uncertain parameters include the glider control parameter errors, manufacturing errors and sensor measurement errors. First, a dynamic simulation-based performance evaluation model of the glider is established, and interval number order theory is used to quantify the uncertainty. Then, surrogate models of the performance evaluation model are established, and the Sobol’ method-based sensitivity analysis is executed to identify the key uncertain parameters. Thus, a hierarchical optimization framework is introduced, and its system level and sub-level are used for determining optimal control parameter values and performance evaluation parameter intervals, respectively. Finally, optimization calculation is executed under different parameter configurations, and some rules are summarized.

An investigation of the Catholic Church’s viewpoint on miraa production and consumption in Igembe Deanery, Meru Diocese

The study sought to investigate the Catholic Church’s viewpoint on miraa production and consumption in Igembe Deanery, Meru Diocese, Kenya. The study employed a descriptive research design. Data were obtained from oral interviews, focus group discussions, questionnaires, primary and secondary sources, and participant observation to ensure the study's validity and reliability. The study was based on the Structural-Functionalism and Social Conflict theory in order to establish the viewpoint of the Catholic Church on miraa production and usage in Igembe Deanery despite the CC policies on drugs of all kinds except on therapeutic grounds. A sample of 348 of the 3614 church members in Igembe Deanery was chosen for the study. Ten (10) priests, eight (8) catechists, ten (10) elders, ten (10) farmers, ten (10) traders and three hundred (300) church members from sampled parishes of Igembe Deanery were used as key informants. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentages, tables and the mean were used in analysing data. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 27.0 was used to analyse the data. This study’s findings were that the Catholic Church in Igembe Deanery, Diocese of Meru, views miraa as the main source of livelihood for Christians, and miraa's economic, socio-cultural, religious, and educational functions are the main reasons for the Catholic Church in Igembe Deanery to accept Khat's production and consumption. This study recommends that the church in Africa needs to enhance efficient and effective Christianity by enhancing the inculturation of Christianity in Africa.

A new meshless method of solving the distributed-order time-fractional mobile-immobile equations

A new method is introduced by combining neural network’s huge expressive power with technologies of the minimum residual approximate solutions (MRASs). In spatial direction, a single hidden layer neural network makes the construction of bases functions easier. The cost of calculations becomes acceptable in high dimensions space using the technologies of the MRASs. And this paper establish approximation and convergence order theories based on neural network.

Thermoelastic diffusion in a half space due to fractional order theory

Based on the theory of fractional thermoelastic diffusion, a two dimensional problem for thermoelastic half space is considered. The upper surface of the half space is taken to be traction free and subjected to ramp type heating. Integral transform technique and a direct approach method are used to obtain the solution in the transformed domain. Numerical inversion techniques are used to obtain the inverse double transforms. The effect of Tempered-Caputo fractional derivative is studied. Numerical results are discussed and represented graphically.

Reconciling science and democracy: evidence-based policy as seen from the perspective of a role-based democratic theory

The question of whether policy can be informed by evidence and at the same time be democratically legitimate is contentious. The present article draws on the philosophy of democracy and role-based moral theory in order to inform a reconciliation of rigorous use of evidence with democratic legitimacy. The article argues that in order to realise the value of equality that underpins their offices, democratic officials have a special moral responsibility to utilise appropriate, high-quality evidence to identify the means by which to realise citizens’ democratically chosen aims, because utilising appropriate, high-quality evidence that addresses how to achieve citizens’ aims makes it more likely that their aims will be realised. Furthermore, the paper argues that when value judgments must be made in the employment of evidence for policy, these value judgments should ideally be made by elected representatives serving on scientific advisory committees.

Comparative Analysis of Yi Lacquerware Ornamentation in Liangshan and Dafang

This paper explores the evolution of lacquerware ornamentation from traditional to modern expression in two Yi lacquerware regions in China, Liangshan, Sichuan and Dafang, Guizhou, through comparative analysis. Elements from nature, plants, animals and productive life are extracted as the basis of traditional Yi lacquerware ornamentation, focusing on their ornamental nature. However, under the influence of modern civilisation, lacquerware ornamentation has gradually incorporated some creative or modified thematic images, marking a response to the evolving needs of contemporary society. Adopting the sense of order theory and formal analysis theory as theoretical guides, this paper compares the formal characteristics, organisational structure and stylistic expression of lacquerware ornamentation in Liangshan and Dafang, revealing their distinctive visual expressions influenced by culture, history and art.

COULD PAUL TAYLOR’S BIOCENTRISM BE INTERPRETED AS A RAWLSIAN THEORY OF JUSTICE?

In his „A Theory of Justice” Rawls accepts that „a conception of justice is but one part of a moral view”, that „it is wrong to be cruel to animals and the destruction of a whole species can be a great evil”, and that there are moral duties regarding animals, species and nature, but „they are outside the scope of the theory of justice, and it does not seem possible to extend the contract doctrine so as to include them in a natural way”. However, Rawls mention a way to find an answer to this challange: „A correct conception of our relations to animals and to nature would seem to depend upon a theory of the natural order and our place in it. One of the tasks of metaphysics is to work out a view of the world which is suited for this purpose;it should identify and systematize the truths decisive for these questions.” (Rawls, „A Theory of Justice”, 1999, p. 512). My aim in this paper is to argue that Environmental Ethics tried to offer exactly this requested theory of natural order so that it become possible to talk in terms of justice about an extended moral community, the so-called biotic community or community of life. I claim that biocentrism is a theory which is able to fulfill this task. Paul W. Taylor, in his „The Ethics of Respect for Nature” (1981) develops a theory based on the concepts of respect for nature, good of a being and inherent worth. If Rawls (See his „Justice as Fairness”, Philosophical Review, 1958, 67, p. 183) describes the rules of the duties of human morality (fidelity, gratitude, honesty and fidelity) as „forms of conduct in which recognition of others as persons is manifested”, Taylor considers that „the rules of duty governing our treatment of the natural world and its inhabitants are forms of conduct in which the attitude of respect for nature is manifested.” (1981) I will argue that the extension of moral community is possible using Rawls’ conceptual framework. Therefore, a new theory of natural order can be derived step by step so as the contract doctrine will be extended without any prejudices to Rawlsian initial presuppositions. My aim is to offer a reconstruction of this extension. Then I shall return to Taylor and his biocentrism.

Trade-Off vs. Pecking Order Theory: Panel Data Approach

In this study, an attempt has been made to investigate any significant changes in variables influencing the capital structure decisions among selected companies from Nifty-50 Index. The financing behaviour of the companies are explained by using Panel data analysis – fixed and random effects. As per the analysis, it is observed that Business Risk, Growth Rate, Profitability, Size (log assets) and Size (log sales) are the significant variables influencing the capital structure over the study period. Finally, the study concludes that neither the pecking order theory nor the trade-off theory fully explains the determinants of capital structure for the selected companies.

Global Ordering and the Interaction of Communities of Practice: A Framework for Analysis

Abstract Several new frameworks for the study of the differentiation of and relations between global orders have recently been introduced to International Relations. This article demonstrates how the communities of practice (COP) framework provides complementary as well as novel answers to processes of global ordering. COP theory has become a thriving research framework and has led to substantial innovative work on the internal logics of international institutions, including the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European Union, and various professions, such as diplomats. Surprisingly, researchers have so far not appreciated the potential of the approach as a more general theory of global order. We argue that lifting this potential implies focusing on the interaction of and spaces between communities as well as going beyond the study of the internal logics of a discrete community. We propose a framework for the study of this interaction with a focus on its spatial and agential dimensions. We then show how this leads to an innovative research framework, drawing on an illustration from the case of global ocean governance.

Graph‐based spectrum sensing algorithm via nonlinear function regulation

AbstractTo solve the difficulties in threshold selection and poor performance under low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) conditions in existing spectrum sensing algorithms, a graph‐based spectrum sensing algorithm using nonlinear function regulation was proposed. The idea was to add a specific nonlinear transformation between the normalisation and quantization steps of the existing signal‐to‐graph converter (SGC). If the autocorrelation function of the observed signal selected as the input fed to SGC, the nonlinear function has the ability to adjust the uniformity of its probability distribution, increasing the probability of the observed signal being transformed into a complete graph under the alternative hypothesis, whereas remaining a noncomplete graph under the null hypothesis. Thus transformed the graph‐based spectrum sensing into a complete graph‐detection problem. Based on the theory of dispersive ordering, a theoretical analysis of the mechanism by which nonlinear transformations affect graph connectivity was conducted. The simulation results showed that the detection performance of the proposed algorithm was superior to that of existing graph‐based spectrum sensing algorithms. When SNR was −7 dB, the detection probability of the proposed algorithm exceeded 95%. Moreover, among the existing graph‐based spectrum sensing algorithms, the proposed algorithm exhibited the lowest computational complexity apart from the block range‐based method.

Cash Holdings Determinants: The Case of Malaysian Local Authorities

This paper investigates the determinants of cash holdings by Malaysian local authorities. The researchers seek understanding on the motivation/intention behind the pattern of cash holdings and the theory that may be able to explain why the local authorities hold such amount of cash. Extensive research affirms that organizations in the private sector possess reasons to maintain cash, encompassing transactional, precautionary, and speculative objectives. The pecking order theory, trade-off theory, and free cash flow theory are also significant frameworks that explain why individuals, businesses, and institutions hold cash. However, there has been limited investigation into the factors influencing cash holdings in the public sector, particularly among local authorities in Malaysia. Therefore, relationship between the local authorities’ size, growth opportunities, financing deficits, liquidity, leverage, capital expenditure and access to credit market and cash holdings in Malaysian local authorities is examined. The sample in this study is 37 districts in Malaysia and data is collected from financial statements of the studied districts between 2015 and 2019. Thus, the total observations in this study are 185 districts-years.

Chinese Anti-Republicans Propaganda during COVID-19 Outbreak

The history of the Sino-US relationship has been marked by its turbulence. It moves up and down in accordance with the desires of both sides. This relationship was initially solid under Trump's presidency, but after the outbreak of COVID-19 it became exceedingly challenging. As a result, media sources generally and newspaper articles specifically reflect this erratic relationship. The purpose of this research is to reveal the conspiratorial agendas promoted by Chinese media against republicans in general and Donald Trump in particular, as it is hypothesized to occur in the selected data. Propaganda is to be used to disclose these agendas. Two articles from the Global Times and China Daily, two Chinese newspapers, are chosen for the analysis of this study. In terms of analysis, the research is intended to be both qualitative and quantitative. The Institute for Propaganda Analysis' suggested propaganda techniques are the foundation of the qualitative analysis. The frequencies, percentages, and Chi-square are the foundation of the quantitative analysis. The data shows that the most common form of propaganda is card stacking. It serves to disparage Trump and other republicans. The next technique is name-calling, which is mostly employed to disparage the republicans' action of demonizing China. Besides, different agendas are revealed including: Republicans mounted a rumor offensive and started spreading false conspiracy theories in order to harm China's reputation abroad, America is significantly dependent on Chinese manufacturing and if republicans maintain their stigmatizing actions, China will respond in a way that will bring catastrophe in the stock market.