William R. Freudenburg, Scott Frickel and Rachel E. Dwyer
Examines the debate over “Higher superstition” (Gross and Levitt, 1994). Puts forward the arguments in the book and the response to the book from members of the US science and…
Abstract
Examines the debate over “Higher superstition” (Gross and Levitt, 1994). Puts forward the arguments in the book and the response to the book from members of the US science and technology studies community. Asserts that increases in technical control have been at the expense of social and individual control. Mentions “diversionary reframing” – changing the subject, possibly by diverting attention away from the subject matter to the person doing the criticizing. Explores public attitudes towards science and technology, quoting a number of layman approaches to the bafflement of science. Identifies the irony in Gross and Levitt’s arguments, particularly in developing the interface between science and technology. Recommends paying more attention to the social construction of beliefs.
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Debates why and how some practices become universal – taking as a case in point closed‐chest massage (CCCM). Points out that CCCM was recognized in 1960 and its use generated…
Abstract
Debates why and how some practices become universal – taking as a case in point closed‐chest massage (CCCM). Points out that CCCM was recognized in 1960 and its use generated heated debates, which altered the technique and reshuffled existing infrastructures. Claims that debates act as a catalyst for university. Investigates the emergence of CCCM, the debate on the merits (or otherwise) of closed versus open‐chested cardiac massage, and who could use the method of CCCM. Indicates that CCCM only became universally practised when it was incorporated into the infrastructure for dealing with emergency cases, and thus became taken for granted.
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P.R. Ess and C.B. Allen
A computational fluid dynamics code for the calculation of laminar hypersonic multi‐species gas flows in chemical non‐equilibrium in axisymmetric or two‐dimensional configuration…
Abstract
Purpose
A computational fluid dynamics code for the calculation of laminar hypersonic multi‐species gas flows in chemical non‐equilibrium in axisymmetric or two‐dimensional configuration on shared and distributed memory parallel computers is presented and validated. The code is designed to work efficiently in combination with an automatic domain decompositioning method developed to facilitate efficient parallel computations of various flow problems.
Design/methodology/approach
The baseline implicit numerical method developed is the lower‐upper symmetric Gauss‐Seidel scheme, which is combined with a sub‐iteration scheme to achieve time‐accuracy up to third‐order. The spatial discretisation is based on Roe's flux‐difference splitting and various non‐linear flux limiters maintaining total‐variation diminishing properties and up to third‐order spatial accuracy in continuous regions of flow. The domain subdivision procedure is designed to work for single‐ and multi‐block domains without being constrained by the block boundaries, and an arbitrary number of processors used for the computation.
Findings
The code developed reproduces accurately various types of flows, e.g. flow over a flat plate, diffusive mixing and oscillating shock induced combustion around a projectile fired into premixed gas, and demonstrates close to linear scalability within limits of load imbalance.
Research limitations/implications
The cases considered are axisymmetric or two‐dimensional, and assume laminar flow. An extension to three‐dimensional turbulent flows is left for future work.
Originality/value
Results of a parallel computation, utilising a newly developed automatic domain subdivision procedure, for oscillating shock‐induced combustion around a projectile and various other cases are presented. The influence of entropy correction in Roe's flux‐difference splitting algorithm on diffusive mixing of multi‐species flows was examined.
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Sigrid Pauwels, Johan De Walsche and Dra. Lies Declerck
The authors reflect on the academic bachelor and master programs of architecture. From the perspective of higher education policy in Flanders, Belgium, they examine the intrinsic…
Abstract
The authors reflect on the academic bachelor and master programs of architecture. From the perspective of higher education policy in Flanders, Belgium, they examine the intrinsic challenges of the academic educational setting, and the way architectural education can fit in and benefit from it, without losing its specific design oriented qualities. Therefore, they unravel the process of architectural design research, as a discipline-authentic way of knowledge production, leading to the identification of a number of implicit features of an academic architectural learning environment. The disquisition is based on educational arguments pointed out by literature and theory. Furthermore, the authors analyze whether this learning environment can comply with general standards of external quality assurance and accreditation systems. Doing so, they reveal the Achilles’ heel of architectural education: the incompatibility of the design jury with formalized assessment frameworks. Finally, the authors conclude with an advocacy for academic freedom. To assure the quality of academic architectural programs, it is necessary that universities maintain a critical attitude towards standardized policy frameworks.
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Gives an in depth view of the strategies pursued by the world’s leading chief executive officers in an attempt to provide guidance to new chief executives of today. Considers the…
Abstract
Gives an in depth view of the strategies pursued by the world’s leading chief executive officers in an attempt to provide guidance to new chief executives of today. Considers the marketing strategies employed, together with the organizational structures used and looks at the universal concepts that can be applied to any product. Uses anecdotal evidence to formulate a number of theories which can be used to compare your company with the best in the world. Presents initial survival strategies and then looks at ways companies can broaden their boundaries through manipulation and choice. Covers a huge variety of case studies and examples together with a substantial question and answer section.
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Roxanne M. Mitchell, Brenda J. Mendiola, Randall Schumacker and Xaviera Lowery
The purpose of this paper is to use SEM to explore the effects of enabling school structure (ESS) and academic optimism (AO) on school achievement (SA).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to use SEM to explore the effects of enabling school structure (ESS) and academic optimism (AO) on school achievement (SA).
Design/methodology/approach
A sample of 58 urban schools, including 42 elementary schools and 16 middle schools in a southeastern district in the USA were included in this study. Structural equation modeling was used to test the effects of three exogenous predictor variables (ESS, elementary status, and socio-economic status (SES)) on a latent mediating variable (AO) and a latent dependent variable (academic achievement).
Findings
Findings confirm that three factors; collective efficacy, faculty trust in clients, and academic emphasis come together to create the general latent construct referred to as AO by Hoy et al. (2006). Findings also support the importance of ESS in establishing a culture of AO. Together ESS, AO, elementary school level, and SES explained 77 percent of the variance in SA, with AO having the most significant effect above and beyond the effects of SES.
Research limitations/implications
This study was based on a sample of schools in the Southern portion of the USA. Findings may not be generalizable to other areas. The lack of availability of individual student achievement data prevented the use of hierarchical linear modeling.
Practical implications
Findings from this study point to the importance of administrators establishing flexible rules and regulations and engaging in a leadership style that is collaborative. It appears that ESS not only promotes the establishment of AO but contributes to increased SA and is likely to be critical for upper levels of schooling.
Social implications
Reform efforts need to involve parents and community members. AO may provide an appropriate lens to further explore parent and community perceptions of reform efforts and relationships with administrators and teachers. ESS may assist in creating the structures necessary for increased parent and community involvement as well as increased perceptions of AO.
Originality/value
This study is one of only three studies known to explore the effects of ESS on AO and is one of the first known studies to explore these effects in a middle school setting.
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Jiazhi Lei, Qingwu Gong and Jun Ye
This paper aims to propose a simplified model of vanadium redox flow batteries (VRBs) for VRB energy storage system (ESS) design considering the operational characteristics of…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to propose a simplified model of vanadium redox flow batteries (VRBs) for VRB energy storage system (ESS) design considering the operational characteristics of VRB, and a VRB ESS, considering the low terminal voltage of VRB, was presented.
Design/methodology/approach
According to the designed topology of VRB ESS and the simplified model of VRB, a small perturbation analysis method was used to establish the transfer function of VRB ESS, and the controller parameters of VRB ESS under constant charging and discharging current were designed.
Findings
Test results have demonstrated that this designed VRB ESS has fast response, small overshoot, strong adaptation and high steady precision, which strongly verified the reasonable design.
Practical implications
This simplified model of VRB can be suitably used for VRB ESS design. This designed VRB ESS realized the bidirectional power flow of VRB and AC grid. In this designed VRB ESS, phase-shifted full-bridge converter and a single-phase inverter were used and VRB was charged and discharged under constant current.
Originality/value
The paper presents a topology of VRB ESS which can realize the bidirectional power flow of VRB and AC grid. Considering the complexity of VRB model, a simplified model of VRB was proposed for the controller parameters design of VRB ESS, and this method can be used in application.
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Neville T. Millen, Chris L. Peterson and Roslyn Woodward
Discusses chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), which is a “contested disease”, that is, it is not recognized by the medical profession as a legitimate illness and, consequently, people…
Abstract
Discusses chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), which is a “contested disease”, that is, it is not recognized by the medical profession as a legitimate illness and, consequently, people suffering from the illness are not eligible for support/aid. Explores what this non‐recognition means and the impact it has on both the sufferers and their families. Refers to repetitive strain injury and Alzheimer’s disease – neither of which were recognized by medical professionals until recent times – as examples of illnesses that have gained medical legitimacy. Reports that sufferers of CFS, who did not receive an adequate medical diagnosis, were under pressure to become active again, whereas sufferers who received a diagnosis of persistent fatigue gained a lot more support from family and friends. Investigates also the strains involved in coping with a family member with an illness such as Alzheimer’s disease or CFS – as ever economic resources figure prominently. Raises the issue of management of illness in modern society. Recommends that, as health care is pushed ever more onto families and the community, so they should be the recipients of financial support.
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Recounts Rockefeller philanthropy and the role it has played in shaping the development of medicine in the USA and elsewhere. Questions why social scientific research was not…
Abstract
Recounts Rockefeller philanthropy and the role it has played in shaping the development of medicine in the USA and elsewhere. Questions why social scientific research was not included in Rockefeller philanthropy in its formative stages. Investigates the role one Frederick T. Gates played in Rockefeller philanthropy and, particularly, his opposition to the creation of an institute of economic research. Sketches a biography of Gates, covering his professional career and the development of the philosophical views he held. Explores his approach to wholesale giving and scientific philanthropy as he gained more and more influence over Rockefeller’s business interests. Mentions William Lyon Mackenzie King (who later became Prime Minister of Canada) and his role within the Rockefeller philanthropic set‐up – to investigate labour relations – as a key factor in later obtaining support from the Rockefeller Foundation for social scientific research.
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Yueling Xu, Haijun Bao, Wenyu Zhang and Shuai Zhang
Recently, the concept of financial technology (FinTech) has attracted extensive attention from international organisations and regulators, in particular, how to achieve a…
Abstract
Purpose
Recently, the concept of financial technology (FinTech) has attracted extensive attention from international organisations and regulators, in particular, how to achieve a “win–win” situation between financial institutions' FinTech innovation and effective regulation has become a hot topic. This study purposes to explore the evolutionary game relationship between FinTech innovation and regulation by constructing both static and dynamic earmarking game models.
Design/methodology/approach
A simulation experiment was conducted using primary data obtained from a commercial bank in China.
Findings
The results of the theoretical analysis of evolutionary game models were consistent with the corresponding simulation results, proving the validity of the proposed evolutionary game models. It was also found that the dynamic earmarking game model was more stable and effective than the static earmarking game model in promoting FinTech innovation and regulation. Furthermore, when the regulators utilised a dynamic earmarking mechanism, the evolutionary path of financial institutions and regulators' behaviour strategies took the shape of a spiral and eventually converged to a central point, indicating the existence of an evolutionary stable strategy and Nash equilibrium. Finally, because the behaviour strategies of financial institutions were mainly influenced by the regulators' policies, the regulators were inspired to adjust the corresponding regulation policies on FinTech innovation.
Originality/value
This study bridges the knowledge gap in the existing literature on financial innovation and regulation, in particular by establishing evolutionary game models from the perspective of financial earmarking policies. Also, the case study for simulation experiments can gain a more intuitive insight into FinTech innovation and financial earmarking policies.