Order Theory Research Articles

Free vibration analysis of laminated anisotropic doubly-curved shell structures reinforced with three-phase polymer/CNT/fiber material

The present work investigates the vibrational response of laminated anisotropic doubly-curved shell structures reinforced with Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) short fibers. The fundamental equations are derived from a curvilinear reference system of principal coordinates, employing the Equivalent Single Layer (ESL) methodology. Furthermore, a general variation in laminate thickness is considered. The unknown field variable is described using higher order theories through the unified formulation, taking into account a general interpolation of the unknown variables with Lagrange polynomials across the physical domain. The Hamiltonian Principle is adopted for the derivation of the dynamic equilibrium equations, which arediscretized numerically by using the Generalized Differential Quadrature (GDQ) method. In addition, an efficient isogeometric NURBS-based mapping is adopted for the distortion of the physical domain. The boundary conditions of the differential problem are modelled through a general distribution of linear elastic springs along the lateral surfaces of the three-dimensional doubly-curved solid. The theory is then applied to study the vibrational modes of structures with different curvatures and lamination schemes, taking into account a general distribution of CNTs along the thickness direction. The homogenized properties of CNTs layers are obtained from the Mori-Tanaka procedure, which accounts for the agglomeration effects of the dispersed nanofibers within the matrix. Unlike previous studies focusing on doubly-curved shells reinforced with composite materials and CNTs, the present formulation enables to derive the vibration characteristics of structures made of generally anisotropic materials with general orientations. Furthermore, the calibration of the parameters for the linear elastic springs’ distribution leads to general external constraints within a single element, thus reducing the computational cost of the problem.

ℏ 4 quantum corrections to semiclassical transmission probabilities

The combination of vibrational perturbation theory with the replacement of the harmonic oscillator quantization condition along the reaction coordinate with an imaginary action to be used in the uniform semiclassical approximation for the transmission probability has been shown in recent years to be a practical method for obtaining thermal reaction rates. To date, this theory has been developed systematically only up to second order in perturbation theory. Although it gives the correct leading order term in an ℏ2 expansion, its accuracy at lower temperatures, where tunneling becomes important, is not clear. In this paper, we develop the theory to fourth order in the action. This demands developing the quantum perturbation theory up to sixth order. Remarkably, we find that the fourth order theory gives the correct ℏ4 term in the expansion of the exact thermal rate. The relative magnitude of the fourth order correction as compared to the second order term objectively indicates the accuracy of the second order theory. We also extend the previous modified second order theory to the fourth order case, creating an ℏ2 modified potential for this purpose. The resulting theory is tested on the standard examples—symmetric and asymmetric Eckart potentials and a Gaussian potential. The modified fourth order theory is remarkably accurate for the asymmetric Eckart potential.

Corporate cash holding and firm’s performance in times of Ukraine war: a literature review and way forward

Corporate cash holding and firm’s performance in times of Ukraine war: a literature review and way forward

A new canonical affine bracket formulation of Hamiltonian classical field theories of first order

It has been a long standing question how to extend, in the finite-dimensional setting, the canonical Poisson bracket formulation from classical mechanics to classical field theories, in a completely general, intrinsic, and canonical way. In this paper, we provide an answer to this question by presenting a new completely canonical bracket formulation of Hamiltonian Classical Field Theories of first order on an arbitrary configuration bundle. It is obtained via the construction of the appropriate field-theoretic analogues of the Hamiltonian vector field and of the space of observables, via the introduction of a suitable canonical Lie algebra structure on the space of currents (the observables in field theories). This Lie algebra structure is shown to have a representation on the affine space of Hamiltonian sections, which yields an affine analogue to the Jacobi identity for our bracket. The construction is analogous to the canonical Poisson formulation of Hamiltonian systems although the nature of our formulation is linear-affine and not bilinear as the standard Poisson bracket. This is consistent with the fact that the space of currents and Hamiltonian sections are respectively, linear and affine. Our setting is illustrated with some examples including Continuum Mechanics and Yang–Mills theory.

On the number of limit cycles in piecewise planar quadratic differential systems

We consider piecewise quadratic perturbations of centers of piecewise quadratic systems in two zones determined by a straight line through the origin. By means of expansions of the displacement map, we are able to find isolated zeros of it, without dealing with the unsurprising difficult integrals inherent in the usual averaging approach. We apply this technique to non-smooth perturbations of the four families of isochronous centers of the Loud family, S1, S2, S3, and S4, as well as to non-smooth perturbations of non-smooth centers given by putting different Si’s in each zone. To show the coverage of our approach, we apply its first order, which is equivalent to averaging theory of the first order, in perturbations of the already mentioned centers considering all the straight lines through the origin. Then we apply the second order of our approach to perturbations of the above centers for a specific oblique straight line. Here in order to argue we introduce certain blow-ups in the perturbative parameters. As a consequence of our study, we obtain examples of piecewise quadratic systems with at least 12 limit cycles. By analyzing two previous works of the literature claiming much more limit cycles we found some mistakes in the calculations. Therefore, the best lower bound for the number of limit cycles of a piecewise quadratic system is up to now the 12 limit cycles found in the present paper.

Thermodynamic design and evolution of unmanned aerial vehicles

This paper reviews the recent evolution of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) through the lens of thermodynamic design. Emphasis is placed on using constructal theory in order to understand the relationship between different degrees of freedom within these complex dynamic systems. Size scale, the way in which UAVs are categorized based on weight and dimensions and one of the most significant factors in the design of any UAV, is analyzed in terms of its relationship to energy consumption. Specifically, constructal theory is used to predict the minimum size at which any UAV will need to be tethered in order to support its energy requirements.

Ukotveni v pohybu: reflexivní identita mladých dobrovolníků

This paper combines the framework of collective and reflexive volunteering with emerging adulthood theory in order to investigate volunteer work in communities as a source of reflexive identity. In the theoretical part, it looks into the concept of identity from the reflexive modernization perspective, volunteer communities, and emerging adulthood. The empirical part is based on qualitative biographical research with an emphasis on the position of sociological romanticism. It analyzes six biographical interviews with young adult volunteers and with one focus group that four of them were involved in. The outcomes indicate that volunteers in the age of emerging adulthood incline to communities and to shared identity, no matter how their life situation pushes them to reflexive behavioural patterns. After reviewing their life course as a set of important milestones, they interpret their volunteer and community experience as a biographically passing but indispensable chapter in life. This experience persists in their personal identity in the sense of a fixed point that can help them choose their next path in life.

The determinants of corporate cost of debt during a financial crisis

Panel data from publicly listed US industrial firms is used to investigate how firm-specific cost of debt (COD) determinants impact COD at different quantiles during a financial crisis. Six COD determinants: firm size, firm age, profitability, leverage, liquidity, and firm value, and advanced estimators: robust and bootstrapped fixed effects, bias-corrected least square dummy variable (LSDVC), and quantile regression, are employed within the context of pecking-order theory. The results show that firm size and leverage negatively impact COD, while liquidity positively impacts it when COD is high (90% quantile). The degree of profitability only confirms the pecking order theory when COD is extremely low (10% quantile) and contrasts with the theory for the 25% and above COD quantiles during the Global Financial Crisis (GFC). These findings confirm that the practicalities of access to finance matter during a financial crisis for corporate financing decisions.

The impact of LHC jet and ZpT\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$p_T$$\\end{document} data at up to approximate N3\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${}^3$$\\end{document}LO order in the MSHT global PDF fit

We present an analysis of two key sets of data constraining the high x gluon at up to approximate N3\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${}^3$$\\end{document}LO in QCD within the MSHT global PDF fitting framework. We begin with LHC 7 and 8 TeV inclusive jet and dijet production at both NNLO and aN3\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${}^3$$\\end{document}LO. This makes use of the formalism established in the previous global MSHT20aN3\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${}^3$$\\end{document}LO PDF fit, but now considers the role of dijet production for the first time at this order. We present a detailed comparison of the fit quality and PDF impact for both cases, and consider the role that electroweak corrections, and the scale choice for inclusive jet production has. Some mild tension between these data sets in the impact on the high x gluon is seen at NNLO, but this is largely eliminated at aN3\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${}^3$$\\end{document}LO. While a good fit quality to the dijet data is achieved at both orders, the fit quality to the inclusive jet data is relatively poor. We examine the impact of including full colour corrections in a global PDF fit for the first time, finding this to be relatively mild. We also revisit the fit to the ATLAS 8 TeV ZpT\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$p_T$$\\end{document} data, considering the role that the pT\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$p_T$$\\end{document} cuts, data selection and different aspects of the aN3\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${}^3$$\\end{document}LO treatment have on the fit quality and PDF impact. We observe that in all cases the aN3\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${}^3$$\\end{document}LO fit quality is consistently improved relative to the NNLO, indicating a clear preference for higher order theory for these data.

Validity of Capital Structure Theories in the Shipping Industry: An Application on U.S. Equity Markets

This paper analyses the financial factors that affect the capital structure decisions of 29 shipping companies in the U.S. equity markets. The study focuses on the impact of International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations and new initiatives. The results show that leverage has a negative impact on profitability and size, in contrast to tangibility. It is also confirmed that the decisions of shipping companies regarding capital structure align with the pecking order theory of capital structure.

Determinants of Capital Structure from Malaysian Shariah-Compliant Food and Beverages Firms

This paper addresses the dearth of empirical research on the capital structure of Shariah-compliant food and beverage (F&B) firms in Malaysia. Despite the industry's dynamic growth, specific financing needs, and adherence to Shariah principles, a comprehensive investigation into the determinants of their capital structure choices is lacking. By exploring factors such as profitability, tangibility, growth opportunities, liquidity, and firm size, this paper aims to provide valuable insights into the financial strategies of these specific entities and fill crucial knowledge gaps in empirical evidence. The study employs panel data, a combination of cross-sectional and time-series data, with a sample comprising 24 Shariah-compliant F&B firms listed on Bursa Malaysia, totalling 240 observations. Quantitative methods are applied using secondary data sourced from the Eikon database and financial statements in the annual reports of Bursa Malaysia-listed companies from 2013 to 2022. The findings reveal that profitability, tangibility, liquidity, and firm size significantly impact the capital structure choices of Shariah-compliant F&B firms, while growth opportunities emerge as an insignificant factor. These results support the application of the trade-off theory for profitability and the pecking order theory for tangibility, liquidity, and firm size, shedding light on the nuanced financial decision-making processes within this sector.

FINANCIAL ANALYSIS AND VALUATION OF SELECTED UK LISTED COMPANY: A CASE STUDY

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the financial analysis and valuation of UK listed companies, with the aim of gaining insight into the financial performance and operational position of Hill and Smith Plc and other key players in the industry. Theoretical Framework: In this study, the main concepts and theories that underpin the research include the irrelevance theory, trade off theory, pecking order theory and market timing theory. These theories explain the underlying factors that determine the financing and valuation choices of listed firms. Method: The study adopted the net assets valuation, dividend discount model, free cashflows, earnings model, comparative companies, and comparative transactions valuation methodologies. The study adopted Hill and Smith Plc as a case study, extracting relevant data from its annual financial records. Results and Discussion: The study revealed a +4.17% abnormal return, suggesting an exceptional performance. It compared financial positions with peers like Morgan Advanced Materials and Keller Group, employing multiple valuation methods. The earnings model indicated a share price of £14.1, suggesting a potential overvaluation in the stock market at £10.0 per share. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied or influence practices in the field of corporate finance and valuation. These implications impact various stakeholders such as the researched firms, investors, and academia. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the valuation methodologies employed in the study, emphasisng the importance of accurate valuation techniques in informing investment decisions.

Overcoming the liability of newness: The interplay of debt, equity, and profitability in nascent SMEs

ABSTRACT Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their early stages face the liability of newness that can undermine their survival. This study investigates the impact of strategic financing decisions and profitability on the solvency of 1,106 Ghanaian SMEs during their first 5 years. Leveraging the pecking order theory, the study examines how internal equity and debt, in conjunction with net profit after tax, as well as returns on equity and assets, influences the liability of newness. Regression analysis highlights a positive association between equity financing and return on equity with solvency, while return on assets shows no significant relationship. The study emphasizes the importance of internal equity in mitigating the liability of newness. Considering this study’s findings regarding the significance of equity ratio, debt-to-equity ratio, return on equity, and net profit after tax in mitigating the liability of newness, SME owners are advised to take specific measures to boost these metrics.

TSDT vs CPT and FSDT for Free Vibration Analysis of Functionally Graded Incompressible Plates

This article studies vibrational behavior of incompressible functionally graded plates through utilizing classical, first-order shear, and third-order shear deformation plate theories. Plate material properties are presumed to differ continuously in the thickness direction concurringto a power law function. The motion and continuity equations are produced using three different plate theories, and then they are analytically solved for rectangular plates with simple supports utilizingNavier's method. The results are verified by obtaining the plate natural frequency for the power law index value equals zero and comparing them to those reported in previous works. It is shown that transverse vibrational analysis of the classical and first-order shear deformationplate theories for incompressible plates are not as precise as thecompressible ones. It is shown that this issue is due to the fact that according to those theories, unlike the higher order theories, the hydrostatic pressure cannot participate in carrying the bending loads. Consequently, the equivalent flexural stiffness and as a result flexural frequencies decrease. So, to analyze the vibrational behavior of functionally graded incompressibleplates, whether the plate is either thin or thick, higher order theories should be adopted. Also, it is demonstrated that TSDT is the simplest shear deformation plate theory for which the hydrostatic pressure can contribute to withstandig the bending moments. So, it can be a practical theory for free vibration analysis of functionally graded incompressible plates. Finally, this theory has been taken into consideration to analyze the vibrational behavior of rectangular plates made of functionally graded incompressible materials Also detailed parametric studies have been carried out.

Aspects of Aperiodic Order

The theory of aperiodic order expanded and developed significantly since the discovery of quasicrystals, and continues to bring many mathematical disciplines together. The focus of this workshop was on harmonic analysis and spectral theory, dynamical systems and group actions, Schrödinger operators, and their roles in aperiodic order – with links into a full range of problems from number theory to operator theory.

Reconceptualizing selective moral disengagement mechanisms as continuums of moral influence: a theoretical expansion

Abstract Mass communication researchers have applied Bandura’s selective moral disengagement (SMD) concept in diverse contexts to explain audiences’ acceptance of moral violations and reduced condemnation. Recent updates to moral psychology—specifically the application of social intuitionist theories—challenge SMD’s underlying assumptions, necessitating a reconceptualization. In this article, we incorporate modern social intuitionist theories of moral judgment into SMD’s underlying assumptions. We further propose a two-stage moral signal detection process consistent with current decision-making theory in order to explain how SMD reflects a modulation of both moral condemnation and moral commendation. Building on these extensions, we reconceptualize SMD’s eight original mechanisms as expanded continuums of moral influence applicable to diverse forms of moral perceptions and moral judgments. This reconceptualization of SMD removes unnecessary boundary conditions, improves the internal consistency of the theory, and can begin to resolve scholarly disagreements. We conclude the article by providing concrete suggestions for future empirical research.

DFT study of mechanical, optoelectronic, and thermoelectric characteristics of double perovskites Li2CuTiZ6 (Z = Cl, Br, I) for energy harvesting technology

Recent studies have produced stable inorganic perovskites that contain no lead, replacing lead-containing perovskites' risky and unstable properties. The present investigation thoroughly examined the electrical behavior, elastic characteristics, optical features, and transport properties of Li2CuTlZ6 (Z = Cl, Br, I) halides in order to discover potential applications. The Wien2k code was utilized to apply density functional theory (DFT) in order to clarify these physical properties. Using the generalized gradient approximation (PBEsol-GGA), we determined structural parameters through the energy optimization procedure that corresponded with the available data. Additionally, elastic parameters as well as formation energies ranging between -2.33 to -1.39 eV were used to validate cubic durability for the two halides. Moreover, the modified Becke-Johnson (mBJ) potential successfully provided precise direct bandgap values for all halides. According to this study, the shift in anions from Cl to Br is responsible for the reduction in band gap within the infrared spectrum. Our computed optical parameter findings show that Li2CuTlCl6 and Li2CuTlBr6 halides demonstrate excellent optoelectronic efficiency with low reflection, strong optical absorption, and conductivity. The investigation clarifies that the temperature-dependent character of the materials electrical transport properties is due to their very small bandgap. These materials may find use in thermoelectric applications, as evidenced by the almost unity of the obtained figure of merit, which points to their semiconducting behaviour.

On the Fibonacci Tiling and its Modern Ramifications

AbstractIn the last 30 years, the mathematical theory of aperiodic order has developed enormously. Many new tilings and properties have been discovered, few of which are covered or anticipated by the early papers and books. Here, we start from the well‐known Fibonacci chain to explain some of them, with pointers to various generalisations as well as to higher‐dimensional phenomena and results. This should give some entry points to the modern literature on the subject.

Disciplinary Seriousness in International Relations: Towards a Counterpolitics of the Silly Object

Abstract International Relations is a discipline that takes itself seriously. What functions does this posture of seriousness serve? What is at stake in its maintenance and reproduction? And what ways of knowing, understanding, and performing politics are marginalized as a result? This article addresses these questions, drawing on feminist theory in order to show how the discipline’s performances of seriousness have served to exclude particular ways of being and knowing. While some feminists have responded to these exclusions by demanding to be taken seriously, we draw on queer theorists including Lauren Berlant, Jack Halberstam, and Cynthia Weber in order to suggest that IR might profitably benefit from the exploration of other critical and analytical registers. Engaging in what Berlant calls a “counterpolitics of the silly object,” we outline three sites of ontological, epistemological, and methodological intervention that emerge from a counterpolitical embrace of silliness.

Sovereignty, Territoriality, and Private International Law in Classical Muslim International Law

Abstract Scholars in recent years have shown interest in challenging the historical origins of international law and its normative claims to universality. This Article challenges the prevailing conceptions of Islamic international law (al-siyar), first set out in English-language scholarship by Majid Khadduri, as primarily an ad-hoc response to the failed aspiration of a universal Muslim commonwealth. It shows that Islamic international law, in its classical phase (eighth–thirteenth centuries), as first formulated by Iraqi, and later, Central Asian, scholars (who together later came to be known as Ḥanafīs), understood all legal order as being rooted in sovereignty and territoriality, with shared religion a secondary concern. This theory of legal order arose out of an understanding of political order as emerging from a natural and universal condition of war that is incidental to the individual’s natural sovereignty. I trace the genealogy of this conception to the founding moment of the Muslim commonwealth and describe its manifestation in classical Ḥanafī solutions to a series of cases in “private international law.”