Graddiv-conforming spectral element method for fourth-order div problems

This paper introduces a novel numerical method to solve fourth-order div problems using graddiv-conforming spectral elements on cuboidal meshes. We start by determining the continuity requirements for graddiv-conforming spectral elements, followed by constructing these elements using generalized Jacobi polynomials and the Piola transformation. The resulting basis functions exhibit a hierarchical structure, making them easily extendable to higher orders. We apply these graddiv-conforming spectral elements to solve the fourth-order div problem and present numerical examples to verify both the efficiency and effectiveness of the method.</p

Performance comparison of phase change material/liquid cooling hybrid battery thermal management system under different cyclic charging-discharging mode designs

Hybrid battery thermal management systems coupling phase change material with liquid cooling are considered promising in thermal safety guarantee of lithium ion battery packs during long operating cycles. However, long-term performance comparisons of the reported hybrid battery thermal management systems in the literature are difficult. The main reason is that they have employed different cyclic charging-discharging mode designs, but the influential mechanisms of the mode designs on the heat dissipation performances of the hybrid battery thermal management systems are still unclear. In this work, thermal behaviors of the lithium ion battery pack during different cyclic charging-discharging processes are simulated to elucidate the influential mechanisms of cyclic charging-discharging mode designs on the cooling performances of the hybrid battery thermal management systems. High C-rates are employed for both charging and discharging processes considering the more significant cooling demand under harsh conditions. The results demonstrate that in the charging-discharging mode designs, rest interval before the discharging process is vital to control temperature rise during the cyclic processes, while effects of rest interval after the discharging process are weak. Consequently, compared with the rest interval number, position of the rest interval in the cyclic charging-discharging processes is more important in the improvement of system thermal performance. Further, universality of the conclusions under different material properties and working conditions is also examined. This work could provide useful guidance for not only the performance comparison of the hybrid battery thermal management systems reported in different studies, but also the future designs of the cyclic charging-discharging tests.</p

Unidentified:Simulation-Based Education in Forensic Odontology

We report on a prototype computer-simulated training programme in dental autopsy entitled Unidentified. This was developed to offer a simulated real-world experience of conducting dental identification procedures as a forensic odontologist. Unidentified is a tool developed as a proof of concept for a single case from an air crash disaster with a running time of 40 min to an hour. Standards of a disaster victim identification (DVI) guide and forms were followed. The game development platform ‘Unreal Engine’ was used by collaborators from a gaming enterprise and academic contributors from a leading institution in game development. Accessibility, practicality, and affordability are advantages of the training. Further developments will make ante-mortem and reconciliation phases available and expand the exercise to mass casualty incidents.</p

Make an environmental impact beyond organizational boundaries through green leisure crafting of employees

This study explores the impact of green human resource management (HRM) practices on employees' pro-environmental behaviors beyond the workplace. To explore this cross-domain resource transfer process, we draw on self-determination theory and propose that workplace environmental training can inspire employees to engage in green leisure crafting outside of work, thereby enhancing spontaneous personal green behaviors. In addition, building on person–environment fit theory, we further identify employees' environmental values as a positive contingency of the proposed cross-domain resource transfer. Our empirical analysis, based on two-wave data from 404 employees, reveals that green leisure crafting mediates the relationship between workplace environmental training and employees' green behaviors in their personal lives. These findings offer valuable insights into how modern organizations can meet the growing demand for environmental management and create social value by empowering their employees to contribute to environmental sustainability beyond organizational boundaries

Does the cost of borrowing increase for firms that are socially and environmentally irresponsible?

The research problemThis study aims to determine the financial repercussions for firms that engage in Irresponsible Environmental, Social, and Governance (IESG) practices. Specifically, it examines whether these practices influence the cost of debt through increased borrowing costs imposed by lending institutions.MotivationAmid growing scrutiny over corporate behaviour and its broader impacts, understanding how irresponsible practices affect corporate finance is crucial for stakeholders, including investors, policymakers, and regulators. This research is driven by the need to explore beyond the often-studied beneficial impacts of positive ESG practices, focusing on the consequences of their negative counterparts.HypothesesThe current study makes three hypotheses as follows: First: ceteris paribus, there is a positive association between firms’ IESG practices and their cost of debt. Second, ceteris paribus, the anticipated positive impact of IESG practices on the cost of debt is more pronounced in countries with low levels of corruption. Finally, ceteris paribus, the anticipated positive impact of IESG practices on the cost of debt is more pronounced among firms in sinful industries.SampleThe analysis covers a broad international sample of 50,281 firm-year observations from non-financial listed firms across 44 countries, covering the years 2002 to 2022. This comprehensive dataset allows for generalised insights across various geographic and industrial contexts.Adopted methodologyMultivariate analysis is employed, based on pooled regression with standard errors clustered at the firm level to account for intra-firm correlations and potential heteroskedasticity. A two-stage instrumental variable approach is also employed to address potential endogeneity issues, providing a robust framework for examining the causal impact of IESG practices on the cost of debt.AnalysesThe analyses focus on evaluating the direct impact of IESG practices on borrowing costs, alongside assessing the moderating effects of the corruption perception index (CPI) and differentiating between industry types (sinful vs. non-sinful). Sensitivity tests are conducted to ensure the robustness of the findings against various model specifications and potential biases.Findings and ImplicationsThe findings indicate a universally significant positive relationship between IESG practices and the cost of debt, confirming that firms engaged in irresponsible practices face higher borrowing costs. This effect is particularly pronounced in countries with lower levels of corruption, emphasising the critical role of national governance in influencing corporate behaviour. Moreover, the analysis reveals no significant differences between sinful and non-sinful industries, suggesting uniform financial penalties for irresponsible practices across sectors. These results are robust across a range of sensitivity analyses, affirming the reliability of the conclusions. The study offers valuable insights for lending institutions, firms, and credit rating agencies about the financial implications of irresponsible corporate practices. It highlights the importance for policymakers and regulators to enforce comprehensive ESG guidelines that encourage substantive disclosures and responsible behaviours

Artificial Intelligence Transformations in Geotechnics:Progress, Challenges and Future Enablers

Our reliance on the underground space to deliver critical civil engineering infrastructure is growing: to accommodate utility and transport infrastructure in urban environments, to provide innovative housing and commercial solutions, and to support proliferating renewable energy infrastructure, particularly offshore. Artificial intelligence (AI) is arguably the most promising enabler to transform geotechnical engineering by extracting knowledge from data to achieve step-change increases in efficiency, sustainability, reliability and safety. This paper seeks to develop a shared understanding of the state of the art of AI in geotechnics and to explore future developments. By way of example, specific popular use cases in geotechnics are considered to highlight current progress in AI applications including intelligent site investigation, predictive modelling for soil behaviour, and optimisation of design and construction processes. The paper then addresses key research challenges, such as data scarcity and interpretability, and discusses the opportunities that lie ahead in the integration of AI with geotechnical engineering. Finally, priority technological enablers are identified for future transformations

Advancing Circular Industrial Practices:A Comparison of Logics in Scotland and the Netherlands

Despite urgent environmental challenges, the transition toward a circular economy (CE) remains fragmented; hindered by entrenched linear production paradigms. This study examines the institutional dynamics influencing CE implementation by investigating the interplay between policy aspirations and industrial practices. Drawing on institutional logics theory, we analyze how market, state, and community logics shape organizational responses to CE initiatives in two European contexts with ambitious sustainability agendas: the Netherlands and Scotland. Although both countries demonstrate strong policy commitments to CE transitions, actual implementation reveals significant gaps between stated ambitions and industrial practices. Our findings suggest that while both countries face similar challenges, the Netherlands demonstrates more effective integration of different institutional logics, particularly in coordinating market and state interests. Scotland, by contrast, shows higher ambition but also greater fragmentation between policy rhetoric and industrial adoption currently. This research contributes to understanding the institutional complexities underlying sustainable industrial transitions and offers practical recommendations for reducing policy-practice decoupling in CE implementation. These insights are valuable for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers working toward more coherent and effective circular and eco-efficient industrial practices

ICT-Enabled Inclusive Practices:Exploring the Role of Managers’ Initiating Structure and Considerations in Enhancing Knowledge Management Capability

This study examines the role of information and communication technologies (ICT) in promoting organizational inclusion, especially in globally dispersed firms addressing discrimination. Drawing on the resource-based view and contingency theory, it explores ICT-enabled practices in job access, orientation, and enculturation, their impact on knowledge management capability (KMC) and firm performance, and the moderating effects of managers’ initiating structure and considerations. Survey data from 329 managers and employees across diverse industries were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results reveal that ICT-enabled inclusion practices enhance KMC, which in turn improves firm performance. KMC is found to mediate this relationship. However, the study uncovers that managers’ inclusive initiating structure unexpectedly weakens the link between ICT practices and KMC. These findings offer new insights into how ICT supports workplace inclusion and highlight the critical role of managerial leadership—particularly initiating structure and consideration—in shaping the effectiveness of ICT-enabled inclusive initiatives.</p