Local curvature and stability of two-dimensional systems

We propose a fast method to determine the local curvature in two-dimensional (2D) systems with arbitrary shape. The curvature information, combined with elastic constants obtained for a planar system, provides an accurate estimate of the local stability in the framework of continuum elasticity theory. Relative stabilities of graphitic structures including fullerenes, nanotubes and schwarzites, as well as phosphorene nanotubes, calculated using this approach, agree closely with ab initio density functional calculations. The continuum elasticity approach can be applied to all 2D structures and is particularly attractive in complex systems with known structure, where the quality of parameterized force fields has not been established

Factors influencing technology and knowledge transfer: configurational recipes for Sub-Saharan Africa

General studies on technology and knowledge (T&K) transfer to developing countries have often adopted methods that yield inconsistent results. Traditional quantitative methods, alone, have limitations in their ability to account for complex interaction between variables. This article adopts configurational recipes, using fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) to supplement the analysis. This research carefully and systematically selects responses from experts and practitioners in the construction industry in Ghana. The results reveal two configurational recipes for high quality of T&K transfer: effective industry institutions, education effectiveness, and less congestion of firms; and joint presence of high government policy incentives, effective industry institutions, and education effectiveness. This study extends significantly the existing literature regarding T&K transfer in developing countries in general and in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) in particular

Exploring the institutional perspective on international business expansion: towards a more detailed conceptual framework

While the general principles of the Institutional Perspective have been widely accepted, there has been only limited consideration to the present of their in-depth application to the strategies of individual firms engaged in international business. The paper argues that companies engaged in such activities will find that there is a significant gap in precisely what aspects of the formal and informal institutional perspectives need to be identified and assessed for international expansion. The purpose of this paper is to develop a theoretical paradigm that allows organizations to compare different countries with regard to their potential for international business expansion from the perspective of Institutional Theory but also drawing on theories of International Business Strategy where relevant. The theoretical framework assumes that such organizations are engaged in analyzing the institutional arrangements and resources of their home and possible host countries. The paper then develops a conceptual framework that identifies five major components, namely people, power, performance, pathways to international expansion, and productivity, the latter being defined in terms of knowledge and innovation. It explores each of these areas in more depth with the aim of adding a more detailed structure to elements of Institutional Theory relevant to international business expansion

Customers' need for uniqueness theory versus brand congruence theory: the impact on satisfaction with social network sites

Social media brands may experience a lack of competitiveness and attraction due to the silent negative increase of customers' need for uniqueness (NFU). This is the result of a tension between the theory of brand congruence, that most brands endeavor to establish with their customers, and the theory of consumers' NFU, that many consumers aim to fulfill, that has not been previously examined. Whilst the theory of brand congruence states that consumers have a favorable attitude towards brands that greatly match their self-concept (brand similarity), the theory of uniqueness, when brand similarity is shared with others, generates avoidance of similarities with others, leading to a reduction in engagement and satisfaction. Social media platforms including Facebook are at risk from customers' NFU which significantly reduces users' satisfaction, hence reducing the attractiveness and usage of Facebook. To examine this, the paper identifies the paradox of similarity in relation to both theories and examines the relationship between consumers' socialization within Social Network Sites (SNSs), brand similarity, consumers' need for uniqueness, and consumers' satisfaction with the SNS. The conceptual model was tested using data from 341 consumers in the US. The findings show that whilst satisfaction with the SNS is enhanced by brand similarity and friend liking, it is undermined by customers' need for uniqueness. Implications for online brand communities and SNSs (Facebook) are discussed and guidance for future research is provided

An enhanced fall detection system for elderly person monitoring using consumer home networks

Various fall-detection solutions have been previously proposed to create a reliable surveillance system for elderly people with high requirements on accuracy, sensitivity and specificity. In this paper, an enhanced fall detection system is proposed for elderly person monitoring that is based on smart sensors worn on the body and operating through consumer home networks. With treble thresholds, accidental falls can be detected in the home healthcare environment. By utilizing information gathered from an accelerometer, cardiotachometer and smart sensors, the impacts of falls can be logged and distinguished from normal daily activities. The proposed system has been deployed in a prototype system as detailed in this paper. From a test group of 30 healthy participants, it was found that the proposed fall detection system can achieve a high detection accuracy of 97.5%, while the sensitivity and specificity are 96.8% and 98.1% respectively. Therefore, this system can reliably be developed and deployed into a consumer product for use as an elderly person monitoring device with high accuracy and a low false positive rate