Understanding the factors that contribute to the growth of sediment delta lobes in river systems has significant benefit towards protecting civil and social infrastructure from…
Abstract
Purpose
Understanding the factors that contribute to the growth of sediment delta lobes in river systems has significant benefit towards protecting civil and social infrastructure from severe weather events. To develop this understanding, this paper aims to construct a three‐dimensional numerical model of a sediment delta depositing on to a two‐dimensional bedrock basement entering an ocean at a constant sea‐level.
Design/methodology/approach
The approach used adapts and applies techniques and schemes previously used in building numerical heat transfer models of melting systems. Particular emphasis is placed on modifying fixed grid enthalpy like schemes.
Findings
The resulting model provides important insight on the features that control the partition of sediment delta deposition between the land and ocean domains. The model also illustrates how tectonic subsidence may control the rate of delta growth.
Originality/value
This is the first numerical heat transfer inspired model of a three‐dimensional sediment delta deposit over both land and ocean domains. The problem has scientific merit in that it represents a melting‐like moving boundary problem with two distinct moving boundaries and a space/time dependent latent heat. Further, this work is a necessary first step towards building a comprehensive understanding of how to restore delta systems to protect civil and social infrastructure.
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V.R. Voller, J.B. Swenson, W. Kim and C. Paola
To present a novel moving boundary problem related to the shoreline movement in a sedimentary basin and demonstrate that numerical techniques from heat transfer, in particular…
Abstract
Purpose
To present a novel moving boundary problem related to the shoreline movement in a sedimentary basin and demonstrate that numerical techniques from heat transfer, in particular enthalpy methods, can be adapted to solve this problem.
Design/methodology/approach
The problem of interest involves tracking the movement (on a geological time scale) of the shoreline of a sedimentary ocean basin in response to sediment input, sediment transport (via diffusion), variable ocean base topography, and changing sea level. An analysis of this problem shows that it is a generalized Stefan melting problem; the distinctive feature, a latent heat term that can be a function of both space and time. In this light, the approach used in this work is to explore how previous analytical solutions and numerical tools developed for the classical Stefan melting problem (in particular fixed grid enthalpy methods) can be adapted to resolve the shoreline moving boundary problem.
Findings
For a particular one‐dimensional case, it is shown that the shoreline problem admits a similarity solution, similar to the well‐known Neumann solution of the Stefan problem. Through the definition of a compound variable (the sum of the fluvial sediment and ocean depths) a single domain‐governing equation, mimicking the enthalpy formulation of a one‐phase melting problem, is derived. This formulation is immediately suitable for numerical solution via an explicit time integration fixed grid enthalpy solution. This solution is verified by comparing with the analytical solution and a limiting geometric solution. Predictions for the shoreline movement in a constant depth ocean are compared with shoreline predictions from an ocean undergoing tectonic subsidence.
Research limitations/implications
The immediate limitation in the work presented here is that “off‐shore” sediment transport is handled in by a “first order” approach. More sophisticated models that take a better accounting of “off shore” transport (e.g. erosion by wave motion) need to be developed.
Practical implications
There is a range of rich problems involving the evolution of the earth's surface. Many of the key transport processes are closely related to heat and mass transport. This paper illustrates that this similarity can be exploited to develop predictive models for earth surface processes. Such models are essential in understanding the formation of the earth's surface and could have a significant impact on natural resource (oil reserves) and land (river restoration) management.
Originality/value
For the most part the solution methods developed in this work are extensions of the standard numerical techniques used in heat transfer. The novelty of the work presented rests in the nature of the problems solved, not the method used. The particular novel feature is the time and space dependence of the latent heat function; a feature that leads to interesting analytical and numerical results.
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R. Duncan M. Pelly and Melinda Roberson
The Marquis de Sade wrote that people behave differently in separate spaces and that, in different environments, they more easily reveal their true predilections. Throughout de…
Abstract
The Marquis de Sade wrote that people behave differently in separate spaces and that, in different environments, they more easily reveal their true predilections. Throughout de Sade's writings, he reveals ways that hidden rooms, closets, castles, brothels, and monasteries can be used as spaces to unleash inner evil. Conveyed within de Sade's writings are ways in which characters actively change their settings in order to create these heterotopias – or spaces that are separate from normal routines. The role that separate spaces play in maintaining alternative behaviors has not been adequately examined in either de Sade's writings or in heterotopia literature. The purpose of this chapter is to explore the inner workings of a heterotopia frozen in time and space – a small town family business. This query merits exploration because the incestuous, atemporal behaviors that de Sade enacted can manifest themselves in family businesses. To examine this facet of family business, a customized methodology will be introduced – the Sadean duography. This manuscript is beneficial to practitioners in family businesses who seek to understand the hazards of inherting or purchasing new businesses, and to scholars in entrepreneurship and organizational studies seeking a deeper understanding of the role of heterotopias, also known as third spaces.
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Lipi Jain, Jaya Joshi and Rajeev
The main purpose of this paper is given below: To present a mathematical model of a two-phase Stefan problem including a moving phase change material and variable thermophysical…
Abstract
Purpose
The main purpose of this paper is given below: To present a mathematical model of a two-phase Stefan problem including a moving phase change material and variable thermophysical properties. To find a numerical solution of the problem to discuss the dependence of considered phase change problem on variable thermal conductivity, variable specific heat and Peclet number.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, a numerical solution of the problem is obtained using the front-fixing method in tandem with the explicit finite difference scheme. The authors have also discussed the consistency and stability of proposed numerical scheme.
Findings
In this study, it is observed that the considered scheme is an efficient tool that provides sufficiently accurate results for exploring the behaviors of moving interface (free boundary) and temperature profile for a nonclassical two-phase free boundary problem. In this study, the authors have observed that the parameters α1 and α2 influence the temperature profiles of the liquid region and the solid region. It is also found that the free boundary propagates faster when the authors increase the parameter α1 or decrease the parameter α2.
Originality/value
From the literature, it is seen that most of the two-phase problems with free boundary in an infinite domain are considered by the authors with constant thermophysical properties. Because it is possible to establish an analytical solution of two-phase problems with free boundary in case of an infinite domain. Moreover, a two-phase problem in a finite domain involving moving phase change material with the unidirectional speed is not considered. Therefore, the authors have considered a two-phase free boundary problem with variable thermal coefficients.
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Mohamed A. Shahat, Sulaiman M. Al-Balushi and Mohammed Al-Amri
The purpose of the current study is to assess Omani teachers’ performance on tasks related to the stages of engineering design. To achieve this, data from an engineering design…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the current study is to assess Omani teachers’ performance on tasks related to the stages of engineering design. To achieve this, data from an engineering design test was used, and demographic variables that are correlated with this performance were identified.
Design/methodology/approach
This descriptive study employed a cross-sectional design and the collection of quantitative data. A sample of preservice science teachers from Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) (n = 70) participated in this study.
Findings
Findings showed low and moderate levels of proficiency related to the stages of engineering design. Differences between males and females in terms of performance on engineering design tasks were found, with females scoring higher overall on the assessment. Biology preservice teachers scored higher than teachers from the other two majors (physics and chemistry) in two subscales. There were also differences between teachers studying in the Bachelor of Science (BSc) program and the teacher qualification diploma (TQD) program.
Originality/value
This study provides an overview, in an Arab setting, of preservice science teachers’ proficiency with engineering design process (EDP) tasks. It is hoped that the results may lead to improved instruction in science teacher training programs in similar contexts. Additionally, this research demonstrates how EDP competency relates to preservice teacher gender, major and preparation program. Findings from this study will contribute to the growing body of research investigating the strengths and shortcomings of teacher education programs in relation to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.
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Brian Handley, Tekle Shanka and Fazlul K. Rabbanee
The purpose of this paper is to explore Australasian students’ current perception towards a sales career.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore Australasian students’ current perception towards a sales career.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected through a self-administered survey from 431 students enrolled in a Sales Management unit in a large Australian university and its Asian campuses.
Findings
The study reveals a four-factor solution with factors labeled as “exciting,” “deceptive,” “taxing,” and “challenging,” with “exciting” being the only factor to significantly predict likelihood of pursuing a sales career. Although no differences of perception were found between males and females, Asian students were found to perceive sales career as more exciting, innovative and fun than Australian students.
Research limitations/implications
Although significant difference was noted between Australian and Asian students’ perceptions towards sales as an exciting career, it is prudent to interpret and generalize the finding with caution as Asia is the largest continent with different cultures, religions and races.
Practical implications
The four factors that were found to influence students’ perception towards a sales career are novel, psychometrically sound, and are pertinent for businesses conducting graduate recruitment. This study indicates how sales education at university level assist in changing students’ views towards a sales career from negative to positive.
Originality/value
While previous research has reported negative perceptions about sales as a career, this study reveals that students consider sales to be an “exciting” career.
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Although the nonprofit sector is enormous, we know little about how workers there are compensated. This may be due, in part, to the fact that the literature is scattered across…
Abstract
Although the nonprofit sector is enormous, we know little about how workers there are compensated. This may be due, in part, to the fact that the literature is scattered across many fields including Human Resources Management, Accounting, Economics, Finance, Organizational Behavior, Political Science, and Sociology. This chapter aims to synthesize the research on nonprofits from an economics point of view, while carefully considering the work in the many other areas. In addition to using data from the U.S. census to provide a description of employment and wages in the nonprofit sector as well as a comparison with the for-profit sector, this study describes institutional details in nonprofits, considers why organizations form as nonprofits, reviews possible theories for a for-profit/nonprofit wage gap, performance pay in nonprofits, management compensation in nonprofits, gender issues, and international research.
Laurent Bompar, Renaud Lunardo, Camille Saintives and Reynald Brion
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the distinct effects of aggressive and constructive humor on perceptions of Machiavellianism, relationship quality and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the distinct effects of aggressive and constructive humor on perceptions of Machiavellianism, relationship quality and willingness-to-switch (WTS).
Design/methodology/approach
The empirical analysis includes a first replication study with 138 business-to-business buyers and a second study with 175 business-to-business buyers that aims to test the theoretical model. The Process macro is used to test the study’s hypotheses.
Findings
Results indicate that aggressive and constructive humor types have distinct effects on relationship quality and subsequent buyers’ WTS. Specifically, and contrary to constructive humor, aggressive humor from sellers increases buyers’ perceptions of Machiavellianism, which reveals detrimental to relationship quality and subsequently increases buyers’ WTS.
Research limitations/implications
Although the results about the effects of humor on relationship quality were obtained from actual buyers and consistent across the two studies, they were obtained from two cross-sectional designs, which limits the causality of the effects being observed.
Practical implications
Sellers may benefit from getting deep understanding of how usage humor may impact their relationship with buyers. In particular, this research makes clear for sellers that as long as the type of humor that they use when dealing with a buyer is constructive, no negative outcome might emerge. However, if the humor is aggressive, then the stereotype of Machiavellianism might emerge, leading to lower relationship quality and an increase in WTS from the buyer.
Originality/value
While research on humor as a communication technique for sellers has increased lately, to the best of the authors’ knowledge this research is the first to examine the effects of the distinct types of aggressive and constructive humor and to provide empirical evidence for the different effects of these two types of humor. This research also contributes to the literature on stereotypes associated with sellers, by presenting insights into how the negative stereotype of Machiavellianism is prompted by the use of aggressive humor.
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Bernard Pierce and Richard Brown
The study was designed to examine specific issues relating to the usage and perceived success of activity‐based and traditional costing systems. Data were collected from…
Abstract
The study was designed to examine specific issues relating to the usage and perceived success of activity‐based and traditional costing systems. Data were collected from management accountants operating at senior management level in large companies in manufacturing, financial services and other non‐manufacturing sectors.