The orbit problem is in the GapL hierarchy

The Orbit problem is defined as follows: Given a matrix A∈ℚ ^n×n and vectors x,y∈ℚ ⁿ , does there exist a non-negative integer i such that A ⁱ x=y. This problem was shown to be in deterministic polynomial time by Kannan and Lipton (J. ACM 33(4):808–821, 1986). In this paper we place the problem in the logspace counting hierarchy GapLH. We also show that the problem is hard for C₌L with respect to logspace many-one reductions.     

Integrating sustainable supply chain practices with operational performance: an exploratory study of Chinese SMEs

Abstract

With growing regulatory and market pressure to implement green practices, SMEs are facing enormous challenges to simultaneously improve operational and green performances of their supply chains. The paper aims to understand the green practices adopted by Chinese SMEs in the packaging sector in order to assess the impact of these practices in improving the operational performance. Case study-based research methodology is adopted and semi-structured interviews are conducted to collect data from seven SMEs in this study. Both in-case and cross-case analyses are performed to understand the green practices being adopted with the focus on improving the operational performance. The findings of this study indicate that although most SMEs understand the importance of green practices, they have limited knowledge to integrate these practices to improve operational performance. Integration and alignment of green activities with the operational improvement measures are identified as critical factors to develop an efficient green supply chain.     

Environmental improvement initiatives in the coal mining industry: maximisation of the triple bottom line

Abstract

Mining is an economically important industry, which faces several environmental and social challenges. Other than operational improvement activities, mining companies are increasingly paying attention to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) and maximise social welfare to satisfy multiple stakeholders and the rise of corporate social responsible initiatives. Based on a case study analysis of coal mining companies we develop a triple bottom line (TBL) initiatives framework that provides a starting point for mining companies to develop a strategic approach to environmental improvement initiatives that can positively impact all elements of the TBL. We highlight four types of process and offset-based initiatives that are available to mining companies to reduce their GHGs, each having differential effects on elements of the TBL. Our findings suggest the importance of company-wide strategies of looking at initiatives through all rather than individual elements of the TBL. Such a strategy would provide an appropriate estimate of the costs and benefits of the initiatives and results in a balanced approach that takes care of operational improvement, reduces GHGs and improves the social welfare of people engaged in mining operations and wider society.     

Shared frailty models with baseline generalized Pareto distribution

Abstract

In this article, we have considered three different shared frailty models under the assumption of generalized Pareto Distribution as baseline distribution. Frailty models have been used in the survival analysis to account for the unobserved heterogeneity in an individual risks to disease and death. These three frailty models are with gamma frailty, inverse Gaussian frailty and positive stable frailty. Then we introduce the Bayesian estimation procedure using Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) technique to estimate the parameters. We applied these three models to a kidney infection data and find the best fitted model for kidney infection data. We present a simulation study to compare true value of the parameters with the estimated values. Model comparison is made using Bayesian model selection criterion and a well-fitted model is suggested for the kidney infection data.     

Competing and Cooperating Similarity in Global Strategic Alliances: An Exploratory Examination

We used two variables, competing similarity and cooperating similarity, in developing a comprehensive model that forces a simultaneous treatment of partner characteristics and partner capabilities in global strategic alliances. An empirical test of this model on a sample of 70 global strategic alliances indicated mixed support for our hypotheses, and suggested that competing similarity has a negative effect and cooperating similarity has a positive effect on alliance outcomes. Findings also show that deliberate 'relational efforts' mitigate the frictional effects of differences in partner characteristics.     

Bayesian analysis of a linear model involving structural changes in either regression parameters or disturbances precision

ABSTRACT

The present paper considers the Bayesian analysis of a linear regression model involving structural change, which may occur either due to shift in disturbances precision or due to shift in regression parameters. The posterior density for the regression parameter has been derived and posterior odds ratio for testing the hypothesis that structural change is due to shift in disturbances precision against the alternative that the change is due to shift in regression parameters has been obtained. The findings of a numerical simulation have been presented. The proposed model has been applied to RBI data set on corporate sector.     

Analysis of binary data in the randomized complete block design

The technique proposed by Shah and Claypool (1984) is extended here for the randomized complete block design with one binary observation per cell. In addition, it provides an al- ternative derivation of the distribution of Cochran's Q sta- tistic which is straightforward.     

The unbearable proximity of the Orient: Political religion,multiculturalism and the retrieval of South Asian identities

The phenomenon of religion -- specifically its recent return as 'political religion', and its seeming incompatibility with the demands of multiculturalism -- continues to be a vexed issue in attempts to rethink retrievals of South Asian identity beyond a neo-colonial imaginary. This move 'beyond' has routinely followed a deconstruction of the 'religious effects' of Orientalism whose conceptual matrix, some argue, can be located in Hegel's writings on history and religion. Taking its cue from Derrida's enigmatic remark -- 'what if religio remained untranslatable?' -- this paper re-examines Hegel's writings on India, revealing the workings of an ontotheological matrix which underpins not only the recent resurgences of religious nationalism or political religion in South Asia and the South Asian diaspora, but also, paradoxically, the secular frameworks of contemporary multiculturalism and anti-imperialist critique. Despite sharing the same onto-theological matrix, these bastions of secular modernity still refuse to recognise that retrievals of religious identity might constitute a significant reorientation of the political, instead continuing to put into play a series of well rehearsed distancing techniques which serve merely to sanitize the 'religious effects' of the Orient.