Jose Miguel Abito, David Besanko and Daniel Diermeier
We model the interaction between a profit-maximizing firm and an activist using an infinite-horizon dynamic stochastic game. The firm enhances its reputation through…
Abstract
We model the interaction between a profit-maximizing firm and an activist using an infinite-horizon dynamic stochastic game. The firm enhances its reputation through “self-regulation”: voluntary provision of an abatement activity that reduces a negative externality. We show that in equilibrium the externality-reducing activity is subject to decreasing marginal returns, which can cause the firm to “coast on its reputation,” that is, decrease the level of externality-reducing activity as its reputation grows. The activist, which benefits from increases in the externality-reducing activity, can take two types of action that can harm the firm’s reputation: criticism, which can impair the firm’s reputation on the margin, and confrontation, which can trigger a crisis that may severely damage the firm’s reputation. The activist changes the reputational dynamics of the game by tending to keep the firm in reputational states in which it is highly motivated to invest in externality-reducing activity. Criticism and confrontational activity are shown to be imperfect substitutes. The more patient the activist or the more passionate it is about externality reduction, the more likely it is to rely on confrontation. The more patient the firm and the more important corporate citizenship is to firm’s brand equity, the more likely that it will be targeted by an activist that relies on confrontation.
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C.A. Long and P.G. Tucker
A heated rotating cavity with an axial throughflow of cooling air isused as a model for the flow in the cylindrical cavities between adjacentdiscs of a high‐pressure gas‐turbine…
Abstract
A heated rotating cavity with an axial throughflow of cooling air is used as a model for the flow in the cylindrical cavities between adjacent discs of a high‐pressure gas‐turbine compressor. In an engine the flow is expected to be turbulent, the limitations of this laminar study are fully realised but it is considered an essential step to understand the fundamental nature of the flow. The three‐dimensional, time‐dependent governing equations are solved using a code based on the finite volume technique and a multigrid algorithm. The computed flow structure shows that flow enters the cavity in one or more radial arms and then forms regions of cyclonic and anticyclonic circulation. This basic flow structure is consistent with existing experimental evidence obtained from flow visualization. The flow structure also undergoes cyclic changes with time. For example, a single radial arm, and pair of recirculation regions can commute to two radial arms and two pairs of recirculation regions and then revert back to one. The flow structure inside the cavity is found to be heavily influenced by the radial distribution of surface temperature imposed on the discs. As the radial location of the maximum disc temperature moves radially outward, this appears to increase the number of radial arms and pairs of recirculation regions (from one to three for the distributions considered here). If the peripheral shroud is also heated there appear to be many radial arms which exchange fluid with a strong cyclonic flow adjacent to the shroud. One surface temperature distribution is studied in detail and profiles of the relative tangential and radial velocities are presented. The disc heat transfer is also found to be influenced by the disc surface temperature distribution. It is also found that the computed Nusselt numbers are in reasonable accord over most of the disc surface with a correlation found from previous experimental measurements.
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Barrie O. Pettman and Richard Dobbins
This issue is a selected bibliography covering the subject of leadership.
Abstract
This issue is a selected bibliography covering the subject of leadership.
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Richard Pringle and Erik Denison
This chapter critically examines the unprecedented 2020 decision by World Rugby's (WR) primarily male leadership (92% of board members) to ban transgender (trans) women from…
Abstract
This chapter critically examines the unprecedented 2020 decision by World Rugby's (WR) primarily male leadership (92% of board members) to ban transgender (trans) women from playing women's rugby union. We examined the process that was followed and found a lack of consultation with those directly impacted: women. To address this critical gap in the policy development process we conducted interviews and focus groups with cisgender female rugby players (junior to elite) of mixed ethnic backgrounds living in England, Canada and Australia. This was done with the support of rugby governing bodies and professional rugby teams. We found no support for WR's blanket ban. Rugby players felt the policy was a contradiction of rugby's claims it is a ‘game for all’. The minority of players with safety concerns supported exclusion on a case-by-case basis, with exclusion justified in a small number of narrowly defined circumstances (e.g. elite male players who transitioned recently). Importantly, the women and girls questioned why rugby's leaders had chosen to focus their energy on ‘protecting’ them from trans athletes but had ignored serious problems which cause them direct harm, such as a lack of funding, pervasive sexist and homophobic behaviour, sexual harassment, and substandard coaching and training facilities (relative to men). Our findings are consistent with and they support the position of women's sports organizations which have called on WR's male leaders to discard their blanket ban and undertake a rigorous, science-driven, collaborative policy development process.
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Maoyuan Li, Yun Zhang, Shi Zhang, Binkui Hou and Huamin Zhou
The orientation behavior of fiber is of great significance in improving the performance of fiber-reinforced polymer products. Generally, the Folgar–Tucker equation can accurately…
Abstract
Purpose
The orientation behavior of fiber is of great significance in improving the performance of fiber-reinforced polymer products. Generally, the Folgar–Tucker equation can accurately describe the variation of orientation vector of fiber, whereas the stability of numerical algorithms was the major challenge. This paper aims to propose an accurate, stable algorithm to solve the Folgar–Tucker equation for the fiber orientation behavior.
Design/methodology/approach
First, the mismatch problem between the strain rate and the pressure field was solved by using the integral transformation method. Then, an accurate, stable algorithm to solve the Folgar–Tucker equation based on the invariant-based optimal fitting method was proposed. The equation was discretized by finite element/finite difference method, and the Lagrange multiplier method was applied to ensure stability.
Findings
The proposed algorithm is proven to accurately and steadily coincide with the experimental results for different cases, including the fiber orientation behaviors under combined flow field, rectangular sheet, three-dimensional computed tomography imaging of tensile specimen and box cases.
Originality/value
The fiber orientation behavior during the injection molding can be accurately predicted, which plays a significant role in determining the mechanical properties of products.
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This chapter reviews factors responsible for climate change, impacts of the change on animal health, zoonotic diseases, and their linkage with One-Health program.
Abstract
Purpose
This chapter reviews factors responsible for climate change, impacts of the change on animal health, zoonotic diseases, and their linkage with One-Health program.
Design/methodology/approach
This chapter is based on the available literature related to climate change and its effect on animal health and production from different points. The causes and change forcers of climate change, direct and indirect effects of the change on animal health management, host–pathogen–vector interaction, and zoonotic diseases are included. Inter-linkage between climate change and One-Health program are also assessed.
Findings
Beside natural causes of climatic change, greenhouse gases are increasing due to human activities, causing global climate changes which have direct and indirect animal health and production performance impacts. The direct impacts are increased ambient temperature, floods, and droughts, while the indirect are reduced availability of water and food. The change and effect also promote diseases spread, increase survival and availability of the pathogen and its intermediate vector host, responsible for distribution and prevalence of tremendous zoonotic, infectious, and vector-borne diseases. The adverse effect on the biodiversity, distribution of animals and micro flora, genetic makeup of microbials which may lead to emerging and re-emerging disease and their outbreaks make the strong linkage between climate change and One-Health.
Practical implications
Global climate change is receiving increasing international attention where international organizations are increasing their focus on tackling the health impacts. Thus, there is a need for parallel mitigation of climate change and animal diseases in a global form.
Originality/value
Most research on climate change is limited to environmental protection, however this chapter provides a nexus between climate change, animal health, livestock production, and the One-Health program for better livelihood.
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Amira Aydi, Mohamed Djemel and Mohamed Chtourou
The purpose of this paper is to use the internal model control to deal with nonlinear stable systems affected by parametric uncertainties.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to use the internal model control to deal with nonlinear stable systems affected by parametric uncertainties.
Design/methodology/approach
The dynamics of a considered system are approximated by a Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy model. The parameters of the fuzzy rules premises are determined manually. However, the parameters of the fuzzy rules conclusions are updated using the descent gradient method under inequality constraints in order to ensure the stability of each local model. In fact, without making these constraints the training algorithm can procure one or several unstable local models even if the desired accuracy in the training step is achieved. The considered robust control approach is the internal model. It is synthesized based on the Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy model. Two control strategies are considered. The first one is based on the parallel distribution compensation principle. It consists in associating an internal model control for each local model. However, for the second strategy, the control law is computed based on the global Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy model.
Findings
According to the simulation results, the stability of all local models is obtained and the proposed fuzzy internal model control approaches ensure robustness against parametric uncertainties.
Originality/value
This paper introduces a method for the identification of fuzzy model parameters ensuring the stability of all local models. Using the resulting fuzzy model, two fuzzy internal model control designs are presented.
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This paper expands on the application of non‐linear programming to cover the equilibrium of a firm operating according to Islamic laws (Sharia). Islamic teachings impose certain…
Abstract
This paper expands on the application of non‐linear programming to cover the equilibrium of a firm operating according to Islamic laws (Sharia). Islamic teachings impose certain constraints that have serious economic applications. Kuhn‐Tucker conditions reveal that the equilibrium of an Islamic firm is quite different from that of a traditional (non‐Islamic) firm. In particular, optimality of an Islamic firm will result in greater output and higher prices relative to those of its non‐Islamic counterpart.
The CW’s long-running horror-drama series Supernatural (2005–) has been accused of undoing progressive advances for women made by Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1996–2003). While it’s…
Abstract
The CW’s long-running horror-drama series Supernatural (2005–) has been accused of undoing progressive advances for women made by Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1996–2003). While it’s hard to deny the truth in that claim, Supernatural also problematizes conventional gender roles from a very different approach, one that plays with perceptions of masculinity and social class.
Buffy Summers may initially seem to have more in common with Supernatural’s Sam Winchester, a chosen one with special powers who wants a normal life away from the supernatural. However, Buffy shares more in common with Dean Winchester. Embodying popular gendered stereotypes in their introductions, it’s gradually revealed that there is more complexity to each. Both form alliances with Others; both recognize elements of the Other in themselves. Both transgress conventional gender boundaries, complicating the notion of a binary gender system. Both series introduce the seemingly familiar only to alter it into the uncanny. See the little cute blonde virginal cheerleader? She can kick your ass. See the stupid cocky womanizing jock? All he wants is family and a home. This chapter explores the increasingly gender-blended, social-class-crossing behaviours of Supernatural’s Dean Winchester as an heir to Buffy the Vampire Slayer.