Relations Theory Research Articles

A novel incomplete hesitant fuzzy information supplement and clustering method for large-scale group decision-making.

Clustering is an effective means to reduce the scaling of large-scale group decision-making (LSGDM). However, there are many problems with clustering methods, such as incomplete or ambiguous information usually provided by different decision makers. Traditional clustering methods may not be able to handle these situations effectively, resulting in incomplete decision-making information. Calculating the clustering centers may become very complex and time-consuming. Inappropriate distance weights may also lead to incorrect cluster assignments, and these problems will seriously affect the clustering results. This research provides a novel incomplete hesitant fuzzy information supplement and clustering approach for large-scale group decision-making in order to address the aforementioned difficulties. First, the approach takes into account the trust degradation and the inhibition of relationships of distrust in the process of trust propagation, and then it builds a global and local network of trust. A novel supplemental formula is provided that takes into account the decision-preference maker's as well as the trust-neighbor's information, allowing the decision-neighbor maker's recommendation to be realized. Therefore, an improved distance function can be proposed to calculate the weights by combining the relative standard deviation theory and selecting the selected clustering centers by using the density peaks in order to optimize the selection of clustering centers and reduce the complexity and scaling of the decision. Finally, an example is presented to demonstrate how the proposed method can be applied. The consistency index and comparison experiments are used to evaluate if the suggested approach is effective and reliable.

Theorising Foreign Policy and IR in Vietnam: A Case for a Non-Western IRT?

The article is devoted to revealing some of the key concepts pertaining to International Relations Theories (IRT) suggested by the leading Vietnamese scholars at present. While claiming no comprehensiveness with regard to the coverage, the paper unveils some of the circumstances that served as a background for the evolution of International Relations (IR) as a discipline in Vietnam with a specific focus on the indigenous school(s) of thought. In particular, a Vietnamese conceptualisation of the middle power theory is of interest, being relevant not only in terms of advancing the methodological constructs but also for formulating – even if indirectly – Vietnam’s foreign policy in practice. On the whole, noteworthy is the creative adaptation of Ho Chi Minh’s thoughts to the contemporary intricacies of international politics. Findings show that while some Vietnamese groundwork in IR theories is typical of non-Western scholarship on the whole, it manifests a certain degree of uniqueness in that it relies on a combination of Marxist-Leninist doctrines and Ho Chi Minh’s postulates with both characteristically Asian notions (e.g. “bamboo diplomacy”) and theoretical developments originating in the Global West (such as the concept of a “middle power”).

The Translatability of Near-Synonyms into English: Analytical Study of the Translation of Al-Qarni’s Book ‘La Tahzan’ Expository Details On Summary Skills in English Language for Beginners

This study aims at discovering the obstacles that might encounter translators while translating near-synonyms into English in the social field and discourse. It concludes that if translators follow a specific arrangement of equivalences as suggested and explained by Werner Koller (1979), the process of translating near-synonyms from Arabic into English will be facilitated. The methodology adopted in this research is based on the analysis and comparison of a professional translator’s and MA students’ renditions of ten texts containing near-synonyms in 'La Tahzan' book. The importance and significance of this study is to discover difficulties that might face translators in the social filed and discourse, since some previous pieces of research proved that translators face difficulties in other kinds of discourses, such as the literary and Islamic field. The research chooses a professional translator rendition, Faisal Mohammad Shafeeq, and forty MA students to have a fair comparison. The choice of the 10 near-synonyms is based on searching in the old monolingual dictionaries for famous Arab linguists, and some of the interpretation books for the Holy Qur’an. The analysis aims at examining the extent to which the translators are able to find English equivalents for Arabic near-synonyms. Moreover, the research provides model translation for these near-synonyms, based on following the equivalence relations theory.

“It was amazing and magical, but it was not a vacation at all.”: Examining U.S. maternity leave through a relational dialectics theory analysis

ABSTRACT Using contrapuntal analysis to explore interviews with 25 women in the U.S., we contribute to understandings of maternity leave as an ideologically laden and contested experience through multilevel (micro-meso-macro) themes within centripetal-dominant and centrifugal-marginalized discourses. The centripetal discourse of Maternity Leave as a Manageable Transition (MLMT) animated leaves as restful vacations, relational experiences, and predictable processes designed to facilitate workplace re-entry. In contrast, the centrifugal discourse of Maternity Leave as Maternal Experience (MLME) framed maternity leave from a maternal-centric perspective characterizing leaves as spaces of effortful recovery, isolation, and fluid/unpredictable processes. We contribute to relational dialectics theory (RDT) by exposing the complexities and controversies surrounding motherhood, mothers’ wellbeing, and maternity leave in the United States with theoretical and practical implications.

Wavelet structuring element-based morphological filtering method in wire rope inspection signal denoising

Aiming at the multi-source interference signals in wire rope inspection, while common morphological filtering methods with traditional structuring elements are hard to distinguish, a new wavelet structuring element-based one-dimensional (1D) generalized morphological filtering method is proposed. First, principles and related theories of the generalized morphological filter are introduced and then the new wavelet structuring elements are analyzed. Thereafter, simulation and comparison regarding common structuring element morphological filter and the new wavelet function-based models are conducted through signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and mean square error (MSE) analysis. Meanwhile, the influence of different noises and main structuring element parameters of length L, amplitude H to the signal processing results are revealed. Finally, experiments for different wire rope defects inspection by magnetic flux leakage testing are conducted, and characterizations of the wavelet structuring element-based morphological filtering methods are presented and compared through six case studies. Besides, the superior performance of the wavelet structuring morphological gradient models are compared and validated by short-time Fourier transform, SNR, MSE analysis, and quantitative defect recognition. The comparison results show that db4 and sym4 wavelet structuring elements-based 1D morphological filter features the highest wire rope defect detection and signal recognition accuracy under the gradient operation, which demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed methods. Additionally, advantages and disadvantages of the new models are summarized and discussed.

Supply chain representation on the board of directors and firm performance: A balance of relational rents and agency costs

AbstractAppointing individuals drawn from suppliers and customers to a firm's board of directors is an increasingly popular practice that can enhance the interorganizational relationship and generate relational rents. Yet, such board members may act in the best interest of their primary employer rather than the shareholders of the firm whose board they serve on, thus creating potential agency conflicts. Drawing on the relational view and agency theory, we explore the tension between rent generation and agency costs and consider how a firm can design governance mechanisms to effectively leverage customer or supplier representation on the board of directors. The associated hypotheses are tested using a large panel dataset constructed from multiple archival sources, and our findings suggest that supplier and customer board members are a double‐edged sword: While they generate value in some instances, they can also be associated with lower performance depending on the levels of two key governance mechanisms—the number of inside directors on the board and the proportion of outcome‐based board member compensation.

Sport for social cohesion: a conceptual framework linking common practices and theory

Sport for development (SFD) has become an increasingly well-defined field of academic inquiry, and numerous related theories have emerged. Existing theories have however been critcised for their lack of interdisciplinary engagement, lack of connection to specific outcome areas and challenges translating to practice. These issues are especially evident concerning the linkages between sport and social cohesion. Sport has been prominently positioned as a vehicle to promote social cohesion, yet the term remains vaguely defined and programme practices are underreported. The following paper seeks to address this by presenting a conceptual framework linking common practices, mechanisms and social cohesion outcomes. Findings from literature and previous work are contextualised against existing theories, allowing practices to be connected to mechanisms and specific social cohesion outcomes. In turn, this framework can help provide practical guidance to implementers, support programme design, and identify areas for future development.

Turning ingroup wounds into bonds: perceptions of gender inequalities predict attitudes toward other minorities.

Despite significant strides in reducing gender disparities over the past decades, women still face disparities in several domains. While extensive research has explored the various consequences of gender inequalities for women, this study (N = 493 participants) delves into a less-explored dimension, investigating whether and how perceiving gender inequalities is associated with attitudes toward minorities. Drawing on relative deprivation theory and intra-minority solidarity research, we examined the relationship between women's perceptions of gender inequalities-spanning workplace inequality, domestic inequality, sexual harassment, and social expectations-and attitudes toward gays and lesbians, transgender women, and immigrants. We also explored whether indignation, arising from recognizing unjust circumstances, mediated these relationships, and the moderating role of perceived friends' support for gender equality. The results of the path analyses unveiled a nuanced relationship. While women who were more aware of gender inequalities exhibited more positive attitudes toward gays and lesbians and transgender women, no such relationship was observed regarding immigrants. Indignation and perceived friends' support for gender equality were key factors in fostering positive intergroup attitudes. Regarding their moderating role, perceived social norms only influenced the relationship between indignation and attitudes toward gays and lesbians. These findings shed light on the intricate interplay between gender inequalities and minority group attitudes. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of gender inequality and its emotional impact can catalyze promoting coalitional attitudes and collective action among disadvantaged groups. The study also underscores the potential of close groups' norms in promoting positive intergroup attitudes, warranting further exploration.

Application of Management Theory and Practices in Home for the Aged in Cebu City

This research investigates the application of management theories and practices in homes for the aged in Cebu City, Philippines, with a unique focus on respondents displaying an exceptionally high level of knowledge in management theories and practical expertise. with a specific focus on participative decision-making, Theory X and Theory Y application, transformational leadership, human relations theory, and administrative management and employing the Likert Scale method Through a comprehensive survey, we gathered responses indicating not only a profound understanding of management theories but also a consistent implementation of these theories in the day-to-day operations of care facilities. Notably, the majority of respondents expressed a high level of satisfaction with the application of management theories, especially in addressing the challenges specific to homes for the aged.

Employee Pension Services and Employee Performance in Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Kenya: Moderating Effect of Top Management Commitment

An organization's employee welfare policies, including employee pension services, are critical and essential to promote employee engagement or increase productivity. As a result, the main objectives of this study were to determine the relationship between employee pension services and employee performance and the influence of top management commitment in non-governmental organizations in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study included a cross-sectional survey approach, including combined qualitative and quantitative methods. The study's target population consisted of 14,323 NGO employees in Nairobi County, Kenya, and 391 respondents, top managers, middle-level managers, and lower managers, were chosen through the use of stratified, simple random, and purposive sampling techniques. While surveys and interviews served as the primary data sources, secondary data came from peer-reviewed books, articles, and journals. The study drew on pertinent theories on the subject, such as Abraham Maslow's theory of the hierarchy of needs, Herzberg's two-factor theory, and Human relations theory. A pilot research was carried out to establish the tools' reliability and validity. The Statistical Packages for Social Sciences, version 25, was used to analyse the data. Inferential and descriptive statistics were used in the analysis as diagnostic tests for the tools, along with frequencies, means, correlations, and multiple linear regression. The results of the investigation were presented using pie charts, graphs, and tables. In non-governmental organizations in Nairobi County, Kenya, the study found a positive and substantial relationship between employee pension services and employee performance. According to the study's findings, managers should assess the pension services initiatives already in place in their organizations, reinforce them, and develop and put into place regulations that support employee engagement and productivity.

Internal and Observational Parametricity for Cubical Agda

Two approaches exist to incorporate parametricity into proof assistants based on dependent type theory. On the one hand, parametricity translations conveniently compute parametricity statements and their proofs solely based on individual well-typed polymorphic programs. But they do not offer internal parametricity: formal proofs that any polymorphic program of a certain type satisfies its parametricity statement. On the other hand, internally parametric type theories augment plain type theory with additional primitives out of which internal parametricity can be derived. But those type theories lack mature proof assistant implementations and deriving parametricity in them involves low-level intractable proofs. In this paper, we contribute Agda --bridges: the first practical internally parametric proof assistant. We provide the first mechanized proofs of crucial theorems for internal parametricity, like the relativity theorem. We identify a high-level sufficient condition for proving internal parametricity which we call the structure relatedness principle (SRP) by analogy with the structure identity principle (SIP) of HoTT/UF. We state and prove a general parametricity theorem for types that satisfy the SRP. Our parametricity theorem lets us obtain one-liner proofs of standard internal free theorems. We observe that the SRP is harder to prove than the SIP and provide in Agda --bridges a shallowly embedded type theory to compose types that satisfy the SRP. This type theory is an observational type theory of logical relations and our parametricity theorem ought to be one of its inference rules.

Unveiling the Endowment Effect: Understanding Its Significance and Applications

The endowment effect is a widespread prevalent cognitive bias that affects peoples decision-making process in various aspects. This phenomenon is mainly because of peoples cognitive biases towards certain things. The primary manifestation of this cognitive bias is that when a person owns an item or asset, his/her evaluation of the value of the item or asset is more significant than when he does not own the item or asset. Thus, this research paper aims to unveil the significance and applications of the endowment effect and its relationship with risk aversion. Meanwhile, the paper will also explore how individuals tend to assign higher value to items they own. To conduct this research, a comprehensive literature review was performed to examine existing studies on the endowment effect, loss aversion and related behavioural economics theories. Real-life examples and case studies were also analyzed to illustrate the practical implications of these cognitive biases. The findings of this research paper demonstrate that the endowment effect and loss aversion are deeply ingrained in peoples decision-making process, leading individuals to make emotional rather than rational choices.Understanding the endowment effect is crucial for making informed decisions, as it allows individuals to distinguish between subjective and objective thinking. While it may not eliminate these biases from decision-making processes, strategies such as seeking outside perspectives, considering alternatives, and conducting thorough analyses may mitigate the endowment effects influence.

The Marketing Strategy of Nike: Combining the Market and the Media

This paper using the marketing strategy related theory, first use3c analysis and the external environment and the internal environment of the Nike China, then summarizes the Nike China's own advantages and weaknesses and facing opportunities and threats, and how to expand the advantage to seize the opportunity to reduce the threat, finally combined with the actual situation of Nike China business market segmentation and target market selection for market positioning and put forward its marketing strategy combination and safeguard measures. The paper of the conclusion for Nike marketing strategy is to choose good suitable for Nike products target market namely market. adjust the product strategy to strengthen basketball, running and leisure life products and provide product portfolio, optimize the channel strategy adjustment channel division and improve the terminal store present the way has been more to adapt to the needs of consumers, with the right price strategy and the characteristics of Nike promotion strategy, make more consumers understand, love and use Nike products, and achieve the company's marketing goals, cooperate with other brands, continue to maintain Nike market share in China. At the same time, in the process of the implementation of Nike's marketing strategy, the process management should be implemented, the organizational structure should be adjusted, and the brand building and risk control should be strengthened to ensure the smooth implementation of Nike's China marketing strategy. Through the study of Nike's marketing strategy in China, the paper summarizes how to formulate and adjust Nike's marketing strategy in the new form, which has a certain guiding role for the marketing performance and sustainable development of the brands in China.

Influence of Dilution on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Polyurethane-Cement Based Composite Surface Coating.

Polyurethane-cement composite are widely used in modern civil engineering, and the method of adding diluent is often used to adjust the construction process to adapt to the engineering environment. Studies have shown that the addition of diluent impacts the performance of polyurethane-cement based composite surface coatings, but there have been few reports on the influence of diluent content on the mechanical properties and microstructure of the coatings. To address this, polyurethane coatings with different diluent contents were prepared, and positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy was used to test the microstructure of the coatings. The tensile strength and elongation at rupture were tested using a universal material testing machine, and the fracture interface morphology of each coating was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Finally, the correlation between the microstructure parameters and the mechanical properties of the coating was analyzed using grey relation theory. The results demonstrated that with the increase in diluent content, (i) the average radius of the free volume hole (R) and the free volume fraction (FV) of the coating both showed a trend of first decreasing and then increasing. The value of R was between 3.04 and 3.24 Å, and the value of FV was between 2.08 and 2.84%. (ii) The tensile strength of the coating increased first and then decreased, while the elongation at rupture decreased first and then increased. Among them, the value of tensile strength was between 3.23 and 4.02 MPa, and the value of elongation at fracture was between 49.34 and 63.04%. In addition, the free volume in polymers plays a crucial role in facilitating the migration of molecular chain segments and is closely related to the macroscopic mechanical properties of polymers. A correlation analysis showed that the R value of the coating had the greatest influence on its tensile strength, while FV showed a higher correlation with the elongation at rupture.

The sound of silence: deconstructing notions of inclusion in career guidance on exploring the experience of deaf people

ABSTRACT Learning that “career” was not a definite sign in Irish Sign Language (ISL) and that “Career Guidance” was poorly understood by the Deaf community prompted a systematic literature review (SLR). An uncomfortable truth relating to Career Guidance emerged – “Inclusion” is not where we presume it to be at. This paper presents the results of the SLR and shares how the answers from a thematic analysis can – through a Universal Design (UD), and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) (Rose & Meyer, 2002) lens – guide developments for inclusive Career Guidance. This paper shares the story of “d/Deaf guidance” in the literature; the tensions between theory and practice in relation to inclusion (Quirke, 2022), and the themes identified from the SLR – themes the Deaf community believe are a Deaf gain.

Propriedades e relações: uma leitura pós-antropocêntrica

Abstract This article explores the philosophical postulates that are generating a whole series of transformations at the ethical, legal and political levels. In order to trace back the philosophical conditions of possibility of such change, it will study the scope of the theory of relations and the theory of properties. After its exhaustive analysis, it concludes that the theory of relations has a greater explanatory and operational scope than the theory of properties. After exploring the moral justification of sensocentrist and biocentrist arguments, it invites to the cultivation of non-destructive relations with any entity, strengthening a relational ontology as a way out of the current ecological crisis.

Examining the Impact of Adoption of Emerging Technology and Supply Chain Resilience on Firm Performance: Moderating Role of Absorptive Capacity and Leadership Support

The purpose of this article is to examine the impact of firms’ intellectual capability on adoption of emerging technology (ET), and the influence of supply chain resilience on firm performance (FP). The article also investigates the moderating role of firms’ absorptive capacity on adoption of ET and the moderating impact of leadership support (LS) on the relationship between adoption of ET and FP. With the support from literature review and related theories, a model has been developed conceptually. Then, the model has been validated using the data collected from various firms. The article finds that firms’ intellectual capability, agility, and integration significantly impact the adoption of ET, which in turn positively influences supply chain resilience of the firm along with FP. The article also highlights that there is a positive and significant moderating impact of firms’ absorptive capability on the relationship between firm intellectual capital and adoption of ET. Also, the article shows the moderating impact of LS on the relationship between adoption of ET and FP.

Nacionalni interes Republike Srbije za učešće Vojske Srbije u mirovnim operacijama

Peacekeeping operations are one of the instruments for resolving crises in the world and preventing armed conflicts that threaten global peace and security. This article argues that the participation of the Serbian Armed Forces in UN missions contributed to peacekeeping in the world and produced positive benefits for the country. Namely, the Serbian Armed Forces inherits the tradition of many years of participation in UN and EU peacekeeping operations. This article first provides an overview of the most important contributions of the Republic of Serbia to peacekeeping operations, focusing on the important role that this activity plays in the achievement of foreign policy goals, national development and international relations. This is followed by the presentation of national legislation that regulates the Serbian Armed Forces participation in peacekeeping operations. Therefore, peacekeeping operations are recognized as a type of multilateral mechanism for achieving cooperation between the Republic of Serbia and the UN/EU and a contribution to building trust and the position of a reliable partner in international relations. The theory of international relations that explains such actions of states is the realism theory. In accordance with realists school of thought, state national interests for participation in peacekeeping operations are military security issues, national and strategic interests as well as economic interests, and increased credibility and power of states in international relations. Starting from the fact that global security is comprehensive and indivisible, states are even more interested in participating in peacekeeping operations and perceive it as their national interests and an element of foreign and security policy. This is the initial thesis from which the authors base their analysis presented in the paper.

Metrization of soft metric spaces and its application to fixed point theory

<abstract><p>Soft set theory has attracted many researchers from several different branches. Sound theoretical improvements are accompanied with successful applications to practical solutions of daily life problems. However, some of the attempts of generalizing crisp concepts into soft settings end up with completely equivalent structures. This paper deals with such a case. The paper mainly presents the metrizability of the soft topology induced by a soft metric. The soft topology induced by a soft metric is known to be homeomorphic to a classical topology. In this work, it is shown that this classical topology is metrizable. Moreover, the explicit construction of an ordinary metric that induces the classical topology is given. On the other hand, it is also shown that soft metrics are actually cone metrics. Cone metrics are already proven to be an unsuccessful attempt of generalizing metrics. These results clarify that most, if not all, properties of soft metric spaces could be directly imported from the related classical theory. The paper concludes with an application of the findings, i.e., a new soft fixed point theorem is stated and proven with the help of the obtained homemorphism.</p></abstract>

Analysis of Financial Data Risk and Network Information Security by Blockchain Technology and Edge Computing

To solve the problem of computer network security, this study creatively establishes a new information security (IS) strategy recommendation system and a cooperative intrusion detection system (CIDS) based on blockchain (BC) and edge computing (EC) technologies. The innovation lies in the proposal of the real-time CIDS method. First, the related technologies and theories of the Bayesian network, deep learning (DL), and neural network (NN) are analyzed. Second, a real-time IS strategy recommendation system is constructed using NNs and expert systems, and CIDS is built on BC and DL networks. Finally, experiments compare recurrent NN and long-short term memory (LSTM). The research results reveal that the accuracy of LSTM can reach about 93%. The comparison between the single intrusion detection system (SIDS) and CIDS denotes that CIDS is better than SIDS in detection accuracy, and the specific performance is 97.54% > 91%. The proposed model based on business continuity management can help enterprises better protect financial data and establish a complete protection system of network information security (NIS). In this study, a CIDS with good performance is obtained, which lays a foundation for the further development of the NIS.