4,438 research outputs found
Probing the Effects of Lorentz-Symmetry Violating Chern-Simons and Ricci-Cotton Terms in Higher Derivative Gravity
The combined effects of the Lorentz-symmetry violating Chern-Simons and
Ricci-Cotton actions are investigated for the Einstein-Hilbert gravity in the
second order formalism modified by higher derivative terms, and their
consequences on the spectrum of excitations are analyzed. We follow the lines
of previous works and build up an orthonormal basis of operators that splits
the fundamental fields according to their individual degrees of freedom. With
this new basis, the attainment of the propagators is remarkably simplified and
the identification of the physical and unphysical modes gets a new insight. Our
conclusion is that the only tachyon- and ghost-free model is the
Einstein-Hilbert action added up by the Chern-Simons term with a time-like
vector of the type . Spectral consistency imposes taht
the Ricci-Cotton term must be switched off. We then infer that gravity with
Lorentz-symmetry violation imposes a drastically different constraint on the
background if compared to usual gauge theories whenever conditions for
suppression of tachyons and ghosts are required.Comment: 15 pages. It coincides with the version published in Phys. Rev.
The role of entrepreneurship on the foundations of dynamic capabilities
This work investigates the antecedents and consequences of dynamic capabilities using data from Portuguese and Brazilian firms. Specifically the influence of entrepreneurship as an opportunity sensing base, the effect on human resources (HR) capability to reach those opportunities, and finally
knowledge management (KM) consequences on firm performance. Using a two-country questionnaire, four organisational capabilities are examined, and the link to value creation is established: entrepreneurship capabilities, knowledge management, human resources management capabilities and strategic decision flexibility. The main objective of this research is the operationalisation of a stream of thought on dynamic capabilities. To analyse our model, we have chosen to apply a path analytic technique. This multivariate analysis methodology is regularly used for empirically examining sets of relationships represented in the form of linear causal models, and allows the direct, indirect and total effects. We present the operationalisation of an aggregate construct in this field thus contributing to develop empirical research of dynamic capabilities. Measures were adapted to reflect dynamic decision making. The results show that dynamic capabilities are a complex set of capacities conjugated in sensing, seizing, and reconfiguring processes. Managerial implications for these two countries are discussed.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio
Dynamic properties of clay brick at different strain rates
Investigation of the dynamic properties of construction materials is critical for structural
engineering. The strain rate effect influences the properties on most constructions materials. This
effect on materials such as concrete or steel has been intensively investigated. However, such
studies on masonry materials such as clay bricks cannot be found in the open literature easily.
Understanding the strain rate effect on masonry materials is important for proper modelling and
design of masonry structures under high velocity impacts or blast loads. This work aims to study
the behaviour of clay brick in compression at different strain rates. A Drop Weight Impact
Machine will be used on clay brick specimens at different heights and weights introducing
different levels of strain rate, ranging from 4 s-1 to 199 s-1. The strain rate effect on the ultimate
strength, young’s modulus and strain at ultimate strength will be determined from the
experimental results. Empirical relations of dynamic increase factors (DIF) for these material
properties will be presented
Influence of temperature and light on total phenolic compounds during natural orange juice storage
Abstract in proceedings of the Fourth International Congress of CiiEM: Health, Well-Being and Ageing in the 21st Century, held at Egas Moniz’ University Campus in Monte de Caparica, Almada, from 3–5 June 2019.This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
A MCDA model for olive oil supplier selection using Macbeth
This work proposes a multi-criteria decision-making approach to select suppliers in the olive oil sector. Besides several performance criteria required to the supplier, olive oil characteristics such as colour, smell, and density, as well as organoleptic tests are used. Hence, the assessment and selection of suppliers assumes a major importance and needs to be done yearly. The process of finding a set of suppliers to choose from involves two sequential stages, namely identification and elimination. The identification stage consists of finding a set of potential suppliers. Then, in the elimination stage, suppliers that are not able to meet the thresholds associated with some technical indicators are disregarded. Thus, only a small set of very promising suppliers need to be assessed. The assessment was performed by resorting to the Macbeth approach, resulting in a ranking. The results obtained were validated through sensitivity and robustness analyses.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Transformational leadership contributions for employee autonomy
The performance of a company is affected by several variables and understanding them and knowing how they work is decisive for management. Therefore, this research aims to address and measure how transformational leadership impacts the employees work. To test the conceptual model, we used survey data from 174 active workers. Data was analyzed using PLS-SEM. Our results reveal that leaders who adopt a Transformational approach allow workers to be more autonomous in their work, the autonomy leverage the existence of efficiency in tasks and processes. Efficiency is also reached through cost savings, which translates into a reduction of unproductive work time. Furthermore, results indicate the mediating effect of efficiency and employee autonomy on the relation between transformational leadership and cost savings and between transformational leadership and unproductive work time.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Infill masonry: simple analytical methods for seismic design
The latest earthquake codes in Europe require the safety assessment of no-structural elements (parapets, masonry wall’s veneer, infill walls, etc.), as their collapse entails risks for people or for the main structure stability. This work made possible th e development of a design method, supported by previous experimental researches by applying cyclic out-of-plane loads to damaged masonry infill in RC frames. Panels tested reproduce Portuguese traditional RC structure construction system and two reinforced solutions were created as innovative solutions. The experimental campaign was carried out in order to determine: masonry properties; out-of-plane panel behaviour with previous in-plane damage; building behaviour subjected to dynamic tests
performed in shaking table. Using finite element method to reproduce experimental tests and to broaden the range of samples it was possible to figure out equations according to parametric analysis which was able to reproduce in-plane and out-plane behaviour leading to an estimated load bearing capacity of each model and to determine frame strength and its stiffness. Those equations permit to design or verify the masonry infill panels in RC frames subjected to seismic loads
Behavior of masonry infill panels in RC frames subjected to in plane and out of plane loads
The building envelope in Europe is usually made of masonry walls, with enclosure and infill
functions. Masonry walls have a major economical importance and contribute significantly to
the building performance. Even if infill walls have no load-bearing function, they contribute
significantly to the seismic behavior of buildings. Therefore, their adequate structural
performance is needed, avoiding the occurrence of severe in-plane damage, with very large
economical losses, and the out-of-plane expulsion, which additionally represents a large risk
for human life.
Recent earthquake codes in Europe require the safety assessment of non-structural elements
(parapets, veneer masonry walls, infill walls, etc.), when their collapse entails risks for people
or for the main structure. The Eurocode standards, entering the mandatory stage now,
incorporate new requirements to be fulfilled by buildings or their parts. Such is the case of
masonry infilled RC frames whose panels, according to Eurocode 8, are explicitly required to
withstand the out-of-plane movement induced by earthquakes. Appropriate measures should
be taken to avoid brittle failure and premature disintegration of the infill walls, as well as the
partial or total out-of-plane collapse of slender masonry panels.
This paper presents the experimental work and results achieved by applying cyclic out-ofplane
loads to damaged masonry infilled RC frames. The masonry panels were previously
damaged by applying an in-plane cyclic load after which the cyclic out-of- plane loads were
applied. The frames and panels tested follow the traditional Portuguese RC structure
construction system to which different types of reinforcement have been introduced in the
panels
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