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Grazing-incidence x-ray diffraction (GIXRD) is a scattering technique that allows one to characterize the structure of fluid interfaces down to the molecular scale, including the measurement of surface tension and interface roughness. However, the corresponding standard data analysis at nonzero wave numbers has been criticized as to be inconclusive because the scattering intensity is polluted by the unavoidable scattering from the bulk. Here, we overcome this ambiguity by proposing a physically consistent model of the bulk contribution based on a minimal set of assumptions of experimental relevance. To this end, we derive an explicit integral expression for the background scattering, which can be determined numerically from the static structure factors of the coexisting bulk phases as independent input. Concerning the interpretation of GIXRD data inferred from computer simulations, we extend the model to account also for the finite sizes of the bulk phases, which are unavoidable in simulations. The corresponding leading-order correction beyond the dominant contribution to the scattered intensity is revealed by asymptotic analysis, which is characterized by the competition between the linear system size and the x-ray penetration depth in the case of simulations. Specifically, we have calculated the expected GIXRD intensity for scattering at the planar liquid–vapor interface of Lennard-Jones fluids with truncated pair interactions via extensive, high-precision computer simulations. The reported data cover interfacial and bulk properties of fluid states along the whole liquid–vapor coexistence line. A sensitivity analysis shows that our findings are robust with respect to the detailed definition of the mean interface position. We conclude that previous claims of an enhanced surface tension at mesoscopic scales are amenable to unambiguous tests via scattering experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the literature on corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been growing, there is still a limited understanding of the connection between CSR reporting and corporate misconduct, especially in cases where the decision-making process is influenced by interactions between top management teams (TMTs) and boards of directors. The present study aims to fill this gap by exploring how this relationship is affected by factors such as chief executive officer (CEO) career horizon, TMT heterogeneity, and board size. This study develops and tests hypotheses with a sample of 90 construction firms in China from 2008 to 2017. The findings indicate that firms voluntarily issuing CSR reports are more likely to engage in illegal activities when the CEO career is longer and TMT heterogeneity is lower. Regarding the moderating role of board size, the result shows that large board size may not always imply better monitoring. While the positive impacts of CSR have been extensively emphasized, this study provides confirmation that it can also potentially lead to adverse behavior, such as corporate misconduct. Aligned with the upper echelon theory, this study substantiates the moderating roles of CEOs and TMTs. These findings are poised to make a contribution to the academic domain of CSR by elucidating the potential adverse outcomes of CSR activities and delineating the boundaries within which such outcomes occur. Practical Applications: This study endeavors to confront the recurring issue of corporate misconduct within the construction industry through an investigation into the impact of CSR reporting in conjunction with corporate governance mechanisms. The empirical findings reveal an intriguing trend: companies that voluntarily engage in CSR reporting are more susceptible to misconduct, particularly when helmed by long-tenured CEOs and TMTs characterized by limited diversity. Notably, the study also finds that board size does not significantly influence the CSR-reporting-misconduct relationship, suggesting that merely enlarging the board does not guarantee improved oversight. To address this issue, companies are advised to transition from a singular focus on CSR reporting to a comprehensive overhaul of their governance and management systems. Specifically, appointing CEOs with shorter decision horizons is touted as a promising strategy, alongside augmenting TMT diversity to balance diverse stakeholder demands and enhance decision-making quality. Moreover, government agencies are encouraged to refine existing corporate laws and regulations to promote greater TMT diversity. Through the diligent implementation of these multifaceted strategies, the construction industry can proactively mitigate instances of corporate misconduct and cultivate a genuine commitment to CSR activities, fostering a more ethical and responsible business environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examines the problem of unique determination of the fundamental solution of a mesh analogue of Laplace's equation within the theory of discrete gravitational potential. The mesh fundamental solution of the finite-difference analogue of Laplace's equation plays a key role in reconstructing a continuously distributed source of gravitational or magnetic field from heterogeneous and different-precision data obtained at points of a certain mesh set. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface gravity wave interaction of composite wavy porous plate is studied by developing a numerical model using the boundary element method in the context of two-dimensional linear potential theory. Bragg scattering phenomenon is studied by considering the linearized pressure drop condition known as Darcy's law passing through the porous structure. Numerical results are obtained through the boundary element method for the special limiting case of the existing previous literature to authenticate the accuracy of the numerical solution. The influence of wave and structural design parameters such as the number of ripple wavelengths of the wavy plate, relative plate length, structural porosities, and relative submergence depth on hydrodynamics properties such as reflection, transmission, horizontal wave load, and vertical wave coefficients are discussed. The study results of composite wavy porous plate indicate improved hydrodynamic performance as compared to the horizontal porous plate and wavy porous plate. This study is significant for practical applications in coastal engineering environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The simulation analogy presented in this work enhances the accessibility of abstract quantum theories, specifically the stochastic hydrodynamic model (SQHM), by relating them to our daily experiences. The SQHM incorporates the influence of fluctuating gravitational background, a form of dark energy, into quantum equations. This model successfully addresses key aspects of objective-collapse theories, including resolving the 'tails' problem through the definition of quantum potential length of interaction in addition to the De Broglie length, beyond which coherent Schrödinger quantum behavior and wavefunction tails cannot be maintained. The SQHM emphasizes that an external environment is unnecessary, asserting that the quantum stochastic behavior leading to wavefunction collapse can be an inherent property of physics in a spacetime with fluctuating metrics. Embedded in relativistic quantum mechanics, the theory establishes a coherent link between the uncertainty principle and the constancy of light speed, aligning seamlessly with finite information transmission speed. Within quantum mechanics submitted to fluctuations, the SQHM derives the indeterminacy relation between energy and time, offering insights into measurement processes impossible within a finite time interval in a truly quantum global system. Experimental validation is found in confirming the Lindemann constant for solid lattice melting points and the 4He transition from fluid to superfluid states. The SQHM's self-consistency lies in its ability to describe the dynamics of wavefunction decay (collapse) and the measure process. Additionally, the theory resolves the pre-existing reality problem by showing that large-scale systems naturally decay into decoherent states stable in time. Continuing, the paper demonstrates that the physical dynamics of SQHM can be analogized to a computer simulation employing optimization procedures for realization. This perspective elucidates the concept of time in contemporary reality and enriches our comprehension of free will. The overall framework introduces an irreversible process impacting the manifestation of macroscopic reality at the present time, asserting that the multiverse exists solely in future states, with the past comprising the formed universe after the current moment. Locally uncorrelated projective decays of wavefunction, at the present time, function as a reduction of the multiverse to a single universe. Macroscopic reality, characterized by a foam-like consistency where microscopic domains with quantum properties coexist, offers insights into how our consciousness perceives dynamic reality. It also sheds light on the spontaneous emergence of gravity in discrete quantum spacetime evolution, and the achievement of the classical general relativity limit in quantum loop gravity and causal dynamical triangulation. The simulation analogy highlights a strategy focused on minimizing information processing, facilitating the universal simulation in solving its predetermined problem. From within, reality becomes the manifestation of specific physical laws emerging from the inherent structure of the simulation devised to address its particular issue. In this context, the reality simulation appears to employ an optimization strategy, minimizing information loss and data management in line with the simulation's intended purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the interplay between exit selection models and local pedestrian movement patterns within floor field frameworks. Specifically, this investigation analysed the performance of a multinomial logit exit choice model, incorporating both expected utility theory and cumulative prospect theory frameworks when coupled with three distinct local-level pedestrian movement models (FF-Von Neumann, FF-Moore, and NSFF). The expected utility theory framework considers the deterministic component as a linear relationship, while the cumulative prospect theory framework further considers the decision-maker's risky attitudes by transforming objective terms into subjective terms using a power value function. The core objective was to comprehend how local movement dynamics, as represented by the floor field models, influence decision-making during exit selection. Comparative analyses revealed intriguing variations between the three local models, despite their shared expected utility theory-based exit choice framework. These discrepancies stemmed from the diverse pedestrian trajectory behaviours generated by each model. Consequently, these local dynamics impacted the decision-maker's assessment of critical factors, such as the number of evacuees close to the decision-maker ( N C D M ) and the number of evacuees close to an exit ( N C E ), which the exit choice model incorporates. These assessments, in turn, significantly affected higher-level decision-making. The integration of the three models with the multinomial logit exit choice model, using either cumulative prospect theory and expected utility theory frameworks, further strengthened the observed bilateral relationship. While the specific nature of this relationship varied depending on the chosen framework and its implementation details, these consistent findings demonstrate the robustness of the results. This reinforced the influence of local-level pedestrian dynamics on higher-level exit selection, highlighting the importance of accurate crowd dynamics modelling, especially when advanced exit choice models consider local movement factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Topological solitons, renowned for their stability and particle-like collision behaviors, have sparked interest in developing macroscopic-scale information processing devices. However, the exploration of interactions between multiple topological solitons in mechanical systems remains elusive. In this study, we construct a topological mechanical lattice supporting static vector solitons that represent quantized degrees of freedom and can freely propagate across the system. Drawing inspiration from coupled double atomic chains with sublattice symmetry breaking, we design a mechanical analogue featuring topologically protected boundary modes and induce independent modes to finite motions along branched motion pathways. Through a continuum theory, we describe the evolution of boundary modes with vector solitons composed of superposed kink solutions, identifying them as minimum energy pathways on the rugged effective potential surface with multiple degenerate ground states. Our results reveal the connection between transformable topological lattices and multistable systems, providing insight into nonlinear topological mechanics. Topological solitons can be realised in a range of platforms that have the potential for processing topologically protected information. Here, the authors identify a class of vector solitons in a mechanical lattice, showing superposed kinks and invertible polarizations, with implications for nonlinear topological mechanics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an isogeometric dual reciprocity boundary element method (IG-DRBEM) is proposed for the time-domain acoustic wave problem in 3D infinite domain. The fundamental solution of the potential problem is used to establish the boundary-domain integral equation, which avoids the problem of solving the coefficient matrix repeatedly at different times. On the one hand, in order to maintain the dimensionality reduction advantages of the boundary element method, the classical dual reciprocity method is used to transform the domain integral into a boundary integral. On the other hand, for purpose of satisfying the boundary conditions at infinite distance accurately, a reliable integral convergence criterion is established by adopting the approximate variation coefficient. Furthermore, the effects of different approximation functions, variation coefficients, time steps, number of interior points and elements on the results are discussed in detail by several typical examples. Numerical results show that the proposed method has high accuracy and good stability even when analyzing geometrically complex dolphin models. • IGABEM for solving acoustic wave in time domain is proposed for the first time. • The coefficient matrix formed by the boundary integral equation only requires to be calculated once. • The adaptive expansion basis function satisfying the integral regularization condition is proposed. • The multi-patch dolphin model is solved and a stable solution is obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the potential theory, we establish the existence and the asypmtotic behavior of radial solutions for the following boundary value problem:... ... where k1 > 0 and k2 > 0. The nonnegative nonlinearity a is required to satisfy some appropriate assumptions related to the Karamata regular variation theory. We end this paper by giving applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To accurately simulate wave-structure interaction based on fully nonlinear potential flow theory, a three-dimensional (3 D) high-order immersed-boundary adaptive harmonic polynomial cell (IB-AHPC) method is proposed. Both the free surface and body surface are immersed in background octree cells that are adaptively refined near the boundaries of interest, thereby dramatically reducing computational costs without loss of accuracy. We also propose an easy-to-implement IB strategy to deal with possible instabilities in the time-domain solution arising from the intersection of Dirichlet–Neumann boundaries. For a linearized problem of wave-wall interaction, a matrix-based stability analysis is performed, providing mathematical support for the robustness of the proposed IB strategy. In contrast to the two-dimensional HPC method, compressed cells are found to offer superior stability compared to stretched cells in the vertical direction, while equal mesh aspect ratio in the horizontal plane is superior. Cubic octree cells are, however, still preferred in practice. The free surface is primarily described by a set of massless background wave markers; however, to address the challenges of IB methods in tracking the free surface evolution near the structure, additional body-fitted wave markers are introduced close to the waterline. The information exchange between these two sets of wave markers is realized by radial basis function (RBF) interpolation. While standard RBF schemes have grid-size-dependent filtering performance, we propose a normalized RBF scheme, which is then optimized in terms of the number of neighboring nodes, a smoothing coefficient and the basis functions. Excellent accuracy properties of the proposed 3 D IB-AHPC method are demonstrated by studying fully nonlinear wave propagation. The method is further applied to study relevant fully nonlinear wave-structure interaction problems, including sloshing in 3 D rectangular tanks and wave diffraction of a bottom-mounted cylinder in regular waves. Satisfactory agreement is demonstrated with existing experimental and numerical results, suggesting that the proposed 3 D IB-AHPC method is a promising potential-flow method in marine hydrodynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our main discovery is a surprising interplay between quadrature domains on the one hand, and the zeros of the Gaussian Entire Function (GEF) on the other. Specifically, consider the GEF conditioned on the rare hole event that there are no zeros in a given large Jordan domain. We show that in the natural scaling limit, a quadrature domain enclosing the hole emerges as a forbidden region, where the zero density vanishes. Moreover, we give a description of the class of holes for which the forbidden region is a disk. The connecting link between random zeros and potential theory is supplied by a constrained extremal problem for the Zeitouni‐Zelditch functional. To solve this problem, we recast it in terms of a seemingly novel obstacle problem, where the solution is forced to be harmonic inside the hole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper considers elastic anisotropic nano‐sheet with nanotopography and containing embedded nanocavities under time‐harmonic in‐plane wave motion. The mechanical model is based on the classical elastodynamic theory for the anisotropic bulk solid and the nonclassical boundary conditions along its boundary derived by Gurtin and Murdoch. A localized constitutive equation for the half‐plane boundary is considered in the frame of surface elasticity theory. The computational tool is an efficient direct displacement boundary element method (BEM) based on the frequency‐dependent elastodynamic fundamental solution for elastic generally anisotropic material. To show the versatility of the proposed methodology, wave propagation in an elastic anisotropic heterogeneous nano‐sheet with nanorelief presented by hill‐canyon nanotopography is studied. The simulations illustrate the dependence of the wave field on the material anisotropy, on the surface elasticity properties, on the nanorelief peculiarities, on the nanocavities existence and their dynamic interaction, and on the incident wave characteristics. The obtained results reveal the potential of the developed mechanical model based on the boundary integral equations in the frame of surface elasticity theory to produce highly accurate results by using strongly reduced discretization mesh in comparison with the domain‐based methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floating objects will drift due to the action of surface gravity waves. This drift will depart from that of a perfect Lagrangian tracer due to both viscous effects (non-potential flow) and wave-body interaction (potential flow). We examine the drift of freely floating objects in regular (non-breaking) deep-water wave fields for object sizes that are large enough to cause significant diffraction. Systematic numerical simulations are performed using a hybrid numerical solver, qaleFOAM, which deals with both viscosity and wave-body interaction. For very small objects, the model predicts a wave-induced drift equal to the Stokes drift. For larger objects, the drift is generally greater and increases with object size (we examine object sizes up to 10% of the wavelength). The effects of different shapes, sizes and submergence depths and steepnesses are examined. Furthermore, we derive a 'diffraction-modified Stokes drift' akin to Stokes (Trans. Camb. Phil. Soc., vol. 8, 1847, pp. 411-455), but based on the combination of incident, diffracted and radiated wave fields, which are based on potential-flow theory and obtained using the boundary element method. This diffraction-modified Stokes drift explains both qualitatively and quantitatively the increase in drift. Generally, round objects do not diffract the wave field significantly and do not experience a significant drift enhancement as a result. For box-shape objects, drift enhancement is greater for larger objects with greater submergence depths (we report an increase of 92 % for simulations without viscosity and 113 % with viscosity for a round-cornered box whose size is 10 % of the wavelength). We identify the specific standing wave pattern that arises near the object because of diffraction as the main cause of the enhanced drift. Viscosity plays a small positive role in the enhanced drift behaviour of large objects, increasing the drift further by approximately 20%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we complete pioneering research that indicates the very low frequency (VLF) signal amplitude and phase noise reductions, and short-period wave excitations and attenuations as new potential earthquake precursors. We consider changes in the VLF signal broadcast in Italy by the ICV transmitter and recorded in Serbia that start a few tens of minutes before earthquakes. The sampling interval of the analyzed data is 0.1 s. The main objectives of this study are (1) to complete this research in the time and frequency domains during the periods of the four earthquakes analyzed in the previous studies, and (2) to define the parameters of the VLF signal amplitude and phase in both domains that should be further examined in statistical analyses of the aforementioned potential earthquake precursors. In the first part of this study, we analyze the ICV signal amplitude in the frequency domain during the period around three earthquakes that occurred in November 2010 near the considered signal propagation path. Here, we apply the Fourier transform to the relevant recorded data. In the second part, we compare characteristics of the signal amplitude and phase noise reductions in the time domain, and wave excitations and attenuations in the frequency domain. The results of these comparisons indicate the parameters that should be analyzed in subsequent studies to confirm the connection of the considered VLF signal changes with seismic activity before earthquakes, and potentially establish procedures for their detection are: (a) the start and end times of the noise reductions in the time domain and the excited/attenuated waves in the frequency domain, (b) the differences in the corresponding times, and (c) the wave periods of wave excitations of both the signal amplitude and phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The connection between microstructural vectors and strain tensor under small elastic deformation is presented. • The evolution of microstructural vectors can be converted to deviatoric strain tensor. • Rate of inelastic deformation in microstructural vectors can be calibrated by the Hill's potential. • The rate of inelastic deformation from microstructural vectors and Hill's function, although not identical, exhibited similar trends. • Cup drawing simulation shows that the proposed equations can be practically used in metal forming analysis. The dissipation inequality provides a useful method for specifying constitutive equations of plastic deformation. There are two main ways to use the dissipation inequality to determine the plastic deformation path: by utilizing a plastic potential with the normality rule, or by not utilizing the plastic potential to determine the plastic flow according to the elastic distortion of the material coordinate axis (microstructural vectors). While both methods satisfy the inequality condition and predict experimental results well, they have been developed separately without discussion on relationship. This study presents a physics-based mathematical discussion on the relative dependence between the two methods of determining plastic flow and their point of connection, using Hill's quadratic plastic potential. For this, the conversion of the distortional length and angle changes in microstructural vectors to deviatoric strain tensor under small elastic deformation conditions is mathematically demonstrated. Using these equations, the rate of inelastic deformation derived from microstructural vectors exhibited a similar form to that derived from Hill's quadratic potential. Moreover, the model parameters of the microstructural vectors can be calibrated using the Hill's function. The plastic flow derived from the microstructural vectors and Hill's function exhibited a remarkably similar trend under the assumption of small elastic deformation, although not identical. The newly defined relationships were implemented numerically and validated through simulations. The parameters of the microstructural vector theory derived from Hill's plastic potential can be utilized in materials science and engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dilatancy equation ignores the noncoaxiality of granular soil for the coaxial assumption of the direction of the stress and strain rate in conventional plastic potential theory, which is inconsistent with extensive laboratory tests. To reasonably describe the noncoaxial effects on dilatancy, the energy dissipation of plastic flow is derived based on the property-dependent plastic potential theory for geomaterials and integrates the noncoaxiality, the potential theory links the plastic strain of granular materials with its fabric, and the noncoaxiality is naturally related to the mesoscopic properties of materials. When the fabric is isotropic, the dilatancy equation degenerates into the form of the critical state theory, and when the fabric is anisotropic, it naturally describes the effects of noncoaxiality. In the plane stress state, a comparison between a simple shear test and prediction of the dilatancy equation shows that the equation can reasonably describe the effect of noncoaxiality on dilatancy with the introduction of microscopic fabric parameters, and its physical significance is clear. This paper can provide a reference for the theoretical description of the macro and micro mechanical properties of geomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, an oscillating water column (OWC) device is considered placed in front of a V-shaped vertical breakwater. The idea conceived, is based on the amplified wave power absorption due to the wave interactions originating from the presence of the breakwater. A theoretical analysis is presented in the realm of linear potential theory, based on the solution of proper diffraction, and radiation problems in the frequency domain, using the eigenfunction expansion method, the method of images, and the multiple scattering approach. Optimum absorption efficiency is examined taking into consideration the characteristics of the power take off (PTO) system and the air compressibility. Numerical results are presented and discussed in terms of the expected power absorption. The effect of the distance between the OWC and the vertical walls, the breakwater's forming angle, and the wave heading angle, is examined to demonstrate the enhanced absorption ability of the device. It is concluded that the device's efficiency is strongly dependent on the position of the OWC in front of the walls, as well as the angle of the wave impact, and should be taken into account when determining the optimum device parameters for maximization of its performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the nonlinear dynamic behavior of an asymmetric Wave Energy Converter (WEC) was studied on a 1/11-scale model based on a numerical and experimental method in a regular wave field. The numerical analysis involved both frequency-domain and time-domain solutions. The frequency-domain solution was based on linear potential flow theory using the WAMIT® model whereas the time-domain solution was based on the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equation using the OpenFOAM® model. The pitch response amplitude operators obtained from the numerical results were compared with experimental data. Additionally, the nonlinear dynamic behavior of the asymmetric WEC due to various wave heights and periods obtained through the experiments were compared with the OpenFOAM results. Wave excitation moments and hydrodynamic coefficients based on the linear solution approach were separately obtained for the fixed asymmetric WEC induced by waves and the forced oscillating motion with OpenFOAM. Moreover, frequency-domain solutions based on linear potential flow theory were obtained in order to ascertain the nonlinear effects observed in the OpenFOAM results. It was found that a higher motion amplitude could be attributed to nonlinear hydrodynamic coefficients on the asymmetric WEC calculated by the forced oscillation motion of the RANS-based solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The novelty of this paper is to propose exact three-dimensional analytical solutions to the half infinite thermo-elastic body pressed by a rigid cylindrical structure for the first time, in which uniform heat flux flowing from rigid structure into the half infinite body is considered. Using recent general solutions expressed by four harmonic functions and extending potential theory method to consider heat effect, the governing integral equations are first derived. Then, the equations are analytically solved and displacement, stress, and temperature field components expressed by elementary functions are obtained. To validate the presented solutions, the correctness of the solutions is exactly examined, and normal contact displacement and stress without heat effect are compared with those in literatures. Furthermore, a numerical example which is the stainless steel thermo-elastic body pressed by a displacement restrictor is studied. Displacement, stress, and temperature distributions are analyzed, and the influence of heat flux on the pressed depth is also discussed in detail. The analytical solutions presented in this paper are rather important in engineering practice and can provide a basis for indentation analysis, displacement restrictor design, foundation settlement calculation, and so on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using super-heterodyne Doppler velocimetry with multiple scattering correction, we extend the optically accessible range of concentrations in experiments on colloidal electro-kinetics. Here, we measured the electro-phoretic mobility and the DC conductivity of aqueous charged sphere suspensions covering about three orders of magnitude in particle concentrations and transmissions as low as 40%. The extended concentration range for the first time allows the demonstration of a non-monotonic concentration dependence of the mobility for a single particle species. Our observations reconcile previous experimental observations made on other species over restricted concentration ranges. We compare our results to the state-of-the-art theoretical calculations using a constant particle charge and the carefully determined experimental boundary conditions as input. In particular, we consider the so-called realistic salt free conditions, i.e., we respect the release of counterions by the particles, the solvent hydrolysis, and the formation of carbonic acid from dissolved neutral CO2. We also compare our results to previous results obtained under similarly well-defined conditions. This allows identification of three distinct regions of differing density dependence. There is an ascent during the build-up of double layer overlap, which is not expected by theory, an extended plateau region in quantitative agreement with theoretical expectation based on a constant effective charge and a sudden decrease, which occurs way before the expected gradual decrease. Our observations suggest a relation of the non-monotonic behavior to a decrease in particle charge, and we tentatively discuss possibly underlying mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A paucity of research has explored the integration of supply chain management (SCM) and quality management (QM) within an overall organizational context. The investigation of integrating SCM and QM within an organizational framework has the potential to foster theory development of SCM and QM and to strengthen SCM and QM practice. The Baldrige Award promotes organization performance excellence and the associated framework has evolved into a notable quality focused organizational framework. Prior studies have focused on validating the effectiveness of the Baldrige framework. In this research, we integrate SCM and QM within the context of a quality focused organizational framework by proposing a modified version of the Baldrige framework and validate the proposed framework. We use cross-sectional survey data to test the hypothesized research model through partial least squares – structural equation modeling. The results support the effectiveness of the proposed framework. The research shows the importance of SCM as a major organizational construct with a significant positive direct influence on organizational results. The research also shows that SCM is a mediator for leadership and measurement, analysis and knowledge management that influence organizational results. This work discusses theoretical and managerial implications as well as implications for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose an enhanced approach to the extrapolation of mean potential forces acting on atoms of solute macromolecules due to their interactions with solvent atoms in complex biochemical liquids. It improves and extends our previous extrapolation schemes by additionally including new techniques such as an exponential scaling transformation of coordinate space with weights complemented by an automatically adjusted balancing between the least square minimization of force deviations and the norm of expansion coefficients in the approximation. The expensive mean potential forces are treated in terms of the three-dimensional reference interaction site model with Kovalenko-Hirata closure molecular theory of solvation. During the dynamics, they are calculated only after every long (outer) time interval, i.e., quite rarely to reduce the computational costs. At much shorter (inner) time steps, these forces are extrapolated on the basis of their outer values. The equations of motion are then solved using a multiple time step integration within an optimized isokinetic Nosé-Hoover chain thermostat. The new approach is applied to molecular dynamics simulations of various systems consisting of solvated organic and biomolecules of different complexity. For example, we consider hydrated alanine dipeptide, asphaltene in toluene solvent, miniprotein 1L2Y, and protein G in aqueous solution. It is shown that in all these cases, the enhanced extrapolation provides much better accuracy of the solvation force approximation than the existing approaches. As a result, it can be used with much larger outer time steps, leading to a significant speedup of the simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monolayer silicon phosphide (SiP) and germanium phosphide (GeP) are predicted to exhibit fascinating electronic characters with highly stable structures, which indicate their potential applications in future electronic technologies. By using first-principles calculations combined with the semiclassical Boltzmann transport theory, we systematically investigate the thermoelectric properties of monolayer SiP and GeP. High anisotropy is observed in both phonon and electron transport of monolayer SiP and GeP where the thermal and electrical conductivity along the xx crystal direction are smaller than those along the yy crystal direction. The lattice thermal conductivity (room temperature) along the xx crystal direction is about 11.05 W/mK for monolayer SiP and 9.48 W/mK for monolayer GeP. However, monolayer SiP and GeP possess almost isotropic Seebeck coefficient, and the room temperature values with both n- and p-type doping approach 2.9 mV/K and 2.5 mV/K, respectively. Based on the electron relaxation time estimated from the deformation potential theory, the maximum thermoelectric figure of merit of monolayer SiP and GeP with n-type doping approach 0.76 and 0.78 at 700 K, respectively. The results presented in this work shed light upon the thermoelectric performance of monolayer SiP and GeP and foreshow their potential applications in thermoelectric devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integral equations play an important role for their applications in practical engineering and applied science, and nonlinear Urysohn integral equations can be applied when solving many problems in physics, potential theory and electrostatics, engineering, and economics. The aim of this paper is the use of spline quasi-interpolating operators in the space of splines of degree d and of class C d − 1 on uniform partitions of a bounded interval for the numerical solution of Urysohn integral equations, by using a superconvergent Nyström method. Firstly, we generate the approximate solution and we obtain outcomes pertaining to the convergence orders. Additionally, we examine the iterative version of the method. In particular, we prove that the convergence order is (2 d + 2) if d is odd and (2 d + 3) if d is even. In case of even degrees, we show that the convergence order of the iterated solution increases to (2 d + 4) . Finally, we conduct numerical tests that validate the theoretical findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the scattering theory for the defocusing energy subcritical wave equations with an inverse square potential. By employing the energy flux method we establish energy flux estimates on the light cone. Then by the characteristic line method and radiation theorem, we show that the radial finite-energy solutions scatter to free waves outside of light cones. Using Morawetz estimates we then obtain the scattering theory for radial solutions with finite weighted energy initial data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mathematical model for the acoustic pressure field induced by an enclosed cavity upon a solid sphere impacting into water is established. The relation between sound emission, cavity ripples, and the falling sphere is elaborated analytically. To describe the water domain above the sphere, physical and co-moving cylindrical coordinate systems are introduced. The water domain is analyzed by the perturbation method and potential flow theory. The air inside the cavity is assumed to be uniform and adiabatic. In the physical coordinates, the zeroth-order cavity surface is governed by the Rayleigh–Plesset Equation and is cylinder-like. In the co-moving coordinates, the sphere is stationary and subjected to an upward free stream. The slender cavity geometry permits linear surface waves with a vertical normal-mode solution, which corresponds to the first-order cavity ripples. The formula of ripples suggests that the cavity nose is a falling, pulsating, flat, cylindrical acoustic source in water. The induced acoustic wave is formulated in another spherical coordinate system. The sound frequency equals the vibration frequency of the cavity nose and also equals the formation/propagation frequency of the ripples. Moreover, the natural frequency of the cavity nose and the natural normal mode of the ripples are formulated. A water entry experiment is implemented and validates the theory. The normal mode of the cavity ripples, the criteria of the sound emission, and the initiation of the ripples and sound emission are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the generalized optical theorem and its applications with special emphasis on the roles of bound states. First, we prove the theorem which gives a necessary and sufficient condition for a function |$\langle {\boldsymbol {k}}^{\prime } | T | {\boldsymbol {k}} \rangle$| of two variables |${\boldsymbol {k}}^{\prime }$| and |${\boldsymbol {k}}$| to be physically acceptable as a half-on-shell T-matrix, i.e., to have an underlying Hermitian potential V. Secondly, using the theorem, we construct a scattering theory starting from a physically acceptable half-on-shell T-matrix |$\langle {\boldsymbol {k}}^{\prime } | T | {\boldsymbol {k}} \rangle$|⁠ , which in turn introduces a very useful classification scheme of Hermitian potentials. In the end, as an application of our theory, we present the most general solution of the inverse scattering problem with numerical examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the boundary behavior of solutions to the Dirichlet problems for integro-differential operators with order of differentiability s ∈ (0 , 1) and summability p > 1 . We establish a nonlocal counterpart of the Wiener criterion, which characterizes a regular boundary point in terms of the nonlocal nonlinear potential theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the interactions of capillary–gravity waves by presenting novel exact solutions to a coupled Schrödinger–KdV equation. The authors introduce a reduction method based on Nucci's approach to derive these exact solutions. The results provide a new approach to solving the Schrödinger–KdV equation, offering potential applications in various fields such as mathematical physics, hydrodynamics, and soliton theory. Effectiveness and versatility of utilized reduction technique make it a valuable tool for researchers in various fields, including mathematical physics, fluid mechanics, and nonlinear dynamics. Overall, this research contributes to the understanding of the complex behavior of capillary–gravity waves and provides a useful tool for modeling and analyzing such phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we consider an extended dual risk model under a mixed dividend strategy, which is a combination of ratcheting dividend strategy and periodic dividend strategy. The expected present value of dividends paid up to ruin is studied by using Lévy fluctuation theory, and its accurate expression is given in terms of scale functions. Numerical analysis under three different gain distributions is given for characterizing the impact of parameters on the expected present value of dividends paid up to ruin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, the majority of fluid mechanisms are multi-field coupling mechanisms, and their function is also achieved in the flow field. Therefore, calculating the aerodynamic characteristics of the multi-field coupling mechanism in a symmetric flow field is very important. However, at present, the strong coupling algorithm in the domain has the problems of low accuracy and computational efficiency, which make it more difficult to solve the coupling problem. This article obtains the vector potential of the law of conservation of momentum using the tensor analysis method in a Cartesian coordinate system. Meanwhile, the generalized operator of Navier–Stokes equations and the fundamental solution of the generalized operator are obtained on this basis. Then, this article proposes the boundary integral equation of the Navier–Stokes equations by combining the fundamental solution of the Laplace equation with generalized potential theory. Based on this boundary integral equation, this article has developed a new calculation method that can help achieve integral calculation without domains, greatly reducing the problem's difficulty. Finally, by comparing the ellipsoid example solution with the experimental results, the algorithm's reliability in solving the incompressible problem is verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The exact solution of three-dimensional multilayer structure with arbitrary thickness under point load is derived. • The analytical method can clearly predict the critical load of interface shear delamination failure. • The stresses and displacements of the substrate, adhesive, and adherend are presented by explicit closed-form expressions. Explicit closed expressions of stresses and displacements of an adherend and an adhesive provide researchers and designers with insight into the effects of variable parameter properties on structural performance. Through potential theory method, the Green's functions of a double-coated structure under normal point load are solved using the mirror image method, where the mirror image rule satisfies the recursion law of the Fibonacci sequence. The stress distribution of the multilayer structure under the action of point load is presented in the form of an infinite series with a fast convergence rate. A guideline for the design of coating thickness and material parameters to reduce interfacial stress is developed (reduce adhesive thickness, reduce elastic modulus of adherend, increase elastic modulus of adhesive). The accuracy of the exact solution is demonstrated through comparison with contact analytical solutions. In addition, the critical load of interface shear delamination failure is predicted. The stresses and displacements of the adherend and the adhesive are presented with the solutions, which can serve as a reference for researchers and designers. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamics of thin, non-circular droplets evaporating in the diffusion-limited regime is examined. The challenging non-rectilinear mixed boundary problem this poses is solved using a novel asymptotic approach and an asymptotic expansion for the evaporative flux from the free surface of the droplet is found. While theoretically valid only for droplets that are close to circular, it is demonstrated that the methodology can successfully be applied to droplets with a wide variety of footprint shapes, including polygons and highly non-convex domains. As our solution for the flux fundamentally represents a novel result in potential theory, the applications are numerous, as the mixed boundary value problem arises in fields as diverse as electrostatics and contact mechanics. Here, we demonstrate the practicality of our result by considering the analytically tractable case of deposition of solute from large droplets in detail, including a matched asymptotic analysis to resolve the pressure, streamlines and deposition up to second order. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In A Treatise on Electricity and Magnetism, Maxwell determines the angles of intersection for which one may use Kelvin's inversion method to obtain the perturbed electric potential upon placing intersecting spherical conductors into a region with a known potential. There are numerous modern applications utilizing this geometric construction in potential theory and hydrodynamics, and generalized circle and sphere theorems play a foundational role in this area of mathematical physics. In his work, Maxwell gives an intuitive argument for obtaining the perturbed potential based on intersecting planar conductors and a spherical inversion, and in this paper we extend his ideas to a full proof using rotational transformations and reflections. In the process, we disprove results in [Proc Lond Math Soc., 1966:3(16)] and [Stud Appl Math., 2001:106(4); Z. Angew. Math. Mech., 2001:81(8)] on boundary value problems in hydrodynamics involving intersecting circles and spheres, and we detail the angles of intersection for which these theorems are viable. Moreover, our proof recovers a special case overlooked by Maxwell for which Kelvin's inversion method may be utilized to obtain full solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a systematic and constructive way to determine the exchange-correlation potentials of density-functional theories including vector potentials. The approach does not rely on energy or action functionals. Instead, it is based on equations of motion of current quantities (force balance equations) and is feasible both in the ground-state and the time-dependent settings. This avoids, besides differentiability and causality issues, the optimized-effective-potential procedure of orbital-dependent functionals. We provide straightforward exchange-type approximations for different density functional theories that for a homogeneous system and no external vector potential reduce to the exchange-only local-density and Slater Xα approximations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We revise formal and numerical aspects of collinear and noncollinear density functional theory (DFT) in the context of a two-component self-consistent treatment of spin-orbit coupling (SOC). While the extension of the standard one-component theory to a noncollinear magnetization is formally well-defined within the local density approximation, and therefore results in a numerically stable theory, this is not the case within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). Previously reported formulations of noncollinear DFT based on GGA exchange-correlation potentials have several limitations: (i) they fail at reducing (either formally or numerically) to the proper collinear limit (i.e., when the magnetization is parallel or antiparallel to the z axis everywhere in space); (ii) they fail at ensuring a quantitative rotational invariance of the total energy and even a qualitative rotational invariance of the spatial distribution of the magnetization when a SOC operator is included in the Hamiltonian; (iii) they are numerically very unstable in regions of small magnetization. All of the above-mentioned problems are here shown (both formally and through test examples) to be solved by using instead a new formulation of noncollinear DFT for GGA functionals, which we call the "signed canonical" theory, as combined with an effective screening algorithm for unstable terms of the exchange-correlation potential in regions of small magnetization. All methods are implemented in the CRYSTAL program and tests are performed on simple molecules to compare the different formulations of noncollinear DFT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the impacts of compressive and tensile uniaxial strains on the lattice and electronic properties of the two-dimensional (2H-phase) vanadium diselenide (VS e 2) monolayer, which hitherto has not yet been synthesized, by using first-principles density functional theory and deformation potential theory. Under equilibrium, it is found that the mobility in the "zigzag" direction (μ zig ≈ 307 c m 2 / V s) is about 3.20 times larger than the mobility in the "armchair" direction (μ arm ≈ 96 c m 2 / V s). It is revealed that by applying 1%, 2%, and 3% compressive uniaxial strains along the "zigzag" direction, μ zig can be enhanced by 2.20, 5.25, and 10.55 times, respectively. The strain dependence of the bandgap, effective mass, elastic modulus, and deformation potential constant are analyzed quantitatively, in order to better understand the underlying mechanism. The strain-enhanced electron mobility and mobility anisotropy properties of the emerging two-dimensional VS e 2 monolayer might be useful to implement novel devices and sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are known for their vast design space of possible structures, covering a wide range of often porous crystal structures and physical properties. Electrical conductivity, though, was—until very recently—not a feature usually associated with MOFs. On the other hand, well defined porous media such as MOFs, showing some measure of conductivity, could find uses in a huge number of fields ranging from electrochemistry to electronics and sensing. In this work, we therefore investigate the different aspects contributing to the bad conductivity in MOFs. Using Bardeen–Shockley deformation potential theory, we devise an approach that allows us to gauge all factors influencing the conductivity, including the availability of free charge carriers and their mobility. The latter itself is determined by the effective masses of the charge carriers, the material's elastic constants, and the deformation potential constants, which measure an effective electron-phonon coupling. Based on these parameters, we study charge carrier mobility in metal (1,2,3)-triazolate MOF crystals, M(ta)2, where the metal is either iron, zinc, or ruthenium. Thereby, Zn(ta)2 was experimentally shown to have little to no conductivity, while Fe(ta)2 is one of the best currently known MOF semiconductors. Disregarding the fact that all three investigated MOFs show near-zero carrier densities due to their large bandgaps, our calculations reproduce the trends between Zn(ta)2 and Fe(ta)2. In contrast to that we find the Ru(ta)2 MOF, which to date has not been synthesized experimentally, to yield even better performance than iron triazolate. In summary, assuming, fox example, light doping to counter the large bandgap, our analysis of the factors influencing conductivity in MOFs allows us not only to confirm experimental trends but also to predict new, as yet unknown semiconducting MOF crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report an implementation of periodic boundary conditions for mixed quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) simulations, in which atomic partial charges are used to represent periodic images of the QM region. These charges are incorporated into the Fock matrix in a manner that preserves the variational nature of the self-consistent field procedure, and their interactions with the MM charges are summed using the conventional Ewald technique. To ensure that the procedure is stable in arbitrary basis sets, the atomic charges are derived by least-squares fit to the electrostatic potential generated by the QM region. We formulate and implement analytic energy gradients for the QM/MM-Ewald method and demonstrate that stable molecular dynamics simulations are thereby obtained. As a proof-of-concept application, we perform QM/MM simulations of a hydrated electron in bulk liquid water at the level of Hartree-Fock theory plus empirical dispersion. These simulations demonstrate that the "cavity model" of the aqueous electron, in which the spin density of the anionic defect is localized within an excluded volume in the liquid, is stable at room temperature on a time scale of at least several picoseconds. These results validate cavity-forming pseudopotential models of e−(aq) that have previously been derived from static-exchange Hartree-Fock calculations, and cast doubt upon whether non-cavity-forming pseudopotentials are faithful to the underlying Hartree-Fock calculation from which they were obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study the perturbed risk model with a threshold dividend strategy and proportional investment. The insurance companies are allowed to invest their surplus in a financial market consisting of a risk-free asset and a risky asset in fixed proportions; the risky assets are modeled by the jump-diffusion process. Firstly, using the theory of the stochastic process and stochastic analysis, we obtained the integro-differential equations satisfied by the expected discounted dividend payments and the discounted penalty function. Secondly, we obtained the numerical approximate solutions of the integro-differential equations through the sinc method, since the analytical solutions of them are not easy to obtain, and we found that the error is within a manageable range. Finally, we considered some numerical examples where the claim sizes follow an exponential distribution, a mixture of two exponential distributions or the lognormal distribution in detail, and explored how perturbations and proportional investment affect dividends and ruin probability. Moreover, sensitive analysis showed that the proportion of the risky investment, the diffusion coefficient, the distribution of the claims and the positive jump in the risky assets investment all have explicit impacts on dividends and ruin probability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We discuss some results concerning continuous functions and small subsets or complex structure specific conditions. A characterization of holomorphic functions using potential theory methods is obtained. Moreover, we establish necessary and sufficient conditions for the product of two exponents of continuous functions having two special types to be plurisubharmonic. The obtained results are fundamental keys in the study of the complex structure of a product of several plurisubharmonic functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dual-stage cascaded dc systems are some of the most widely applied power interfaces in dc distributed power systems. However, in some practical situations, these systems might be unstable, especially if they incorporate tightly regulated load converters that operate as constant power loads (CPLs), whose power fluctuations could exert a cascading impact on the operation of the systems. Existing studies tend to describe the instability phenomena using bifurcation diagram analysis and the loci of eigenvalue analysis. However, it is usually difficult to derive the explicit expressions of the stability criterion. This paper addresses the large-signal stability issue of the dual-stage cascaded dc systems from a standpoint of load power and obtains the explicit form large-signal stability boundary in terms of load power by using Lyapunov-type mixed potential theory. Moreover, the prototype dual-stage cascaded dc system, in which the control strategies for the feeder converter and the load converter are different, is used as an example in this study. According to the results, the system remains stable when the load power is in [5.8, 23.2] W. When load power is less than 5.8 W or increased to [23.2, 32.8] W, the system is in a period-2 subharmonic oscillation state. Moreover, when the load power exceeds 32.8 W, the system falls into a chaotic state. The deduced boundary is highly consistent with the analysis results of both a bifurcation diagram and Jacobian matrix based analysis. Finally, both circuit-level simulation and experimental results validate the effectiveness of the load power stability boundary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green's functions for two-phase materials play a vital role in both applied and theoretical studies of solid physics. These functions are fundamental constituents in a lot of areas. In this article, we explore two-dimensional (2D) general solution for two-phase orthotropic poro-thermoelastic (PTE) materials. The operator theory, the superposition principle, and Almansi's theorem are used to develop complete general solutions of the corresponding governing equations, which satisfy the eighth-order homogeneous partial differential equations (PDEs) concerning harmonic functions. The Green's function for a steady line fluid and heat sources within two-phase orthotropic PTE material is examined by employing these compact general solutions. As a result, eight new harmonic functions with unknown constants are produced. These constants are determined under continuous and equilibrium conditions. The values of the corresponding coupled field is derived by inserting harmonic functions into the general solution. Consequently, the exact and complete solutions of the coupled field are expressed in terms of elementary functions which serve as standards for various forms of approximate and numerical solutions. Also, numerical simulations are performed using general solutions, and graphs are drawn through contours to illustrate physical mechanisms. In addition, the effect of anisotropy on pore pressure and temperature are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]