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Book part
Publication date: 7 October 2019

György Lengyel and Laura Szabó

Around 2006, dissensus became predominant in the Hungarian elite concerning internal affairs. Regarding evaluations of the European integration, however, there were no…

Abstract

Around 2006, dissensus became predominant in the Hungarian elite concerning internal affairs. Regarding evaluations of the European integration, however, there were no considerable differences between elite groups at that time. The Hungarian political elite supported the integration process and trusted in EU institutions. The present chapter addresses the issue to what extent the elite attitudes regarding European integration prevailed following the economic crisis of 2008. After a brief overview of the Hungarian context, the authors discuss political elites’ (national MPs’) trust in supranational institutions in 2007 and 2014 in the European countries. Our analyses find that the Hungarian political elite became one of the most sceptical elites towards the EU.

Next, the supranational trust of political elite and other (economic, administrative and media) elite groups within Hungary is compared. Results reveal that among Hungarian elite segments there is a hidden tension: political elites are critical towards the EU, while economic and media elites are not.

Finally, turning to the international stage again, the elite–population opinion gap is investigated. It is usually the case that elites are more pro-European than the public. Recently, however, in some respects the Hungarian political elite has shown less trust in EU institutions than the population.

Details

Elites and People: Challenges to Democracy
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83867-915-6

Keywords

Content available
Book part
Publication date: 7 October 2019

Abstract

Details

Elites and People: Challenges to Democracy
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83867-915-6

Article
Publication date: 10 May 2019

Yuyang Tan, Lei Deng, Longxiao Li and Fang Yuan

With the increasing awareness of global warming and the important role of last mile distribution in logistics activities, the purpose of this paper is to build an environmental…

Abstract

Purpose

With the increasing awareness of global warming and the important role of last mile distribution in logistics activities, the purpose of this paper is to build an environmental and effective last mile distribution model considering fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emission, vehicle capacity and two practical delivery service options: home delivery (HD) and pickup site service (PS). This paper calls the problem as the capacitated pollution-routing problem with pickup and delivery (CPRPPD). The goal is to find an optimal route to minimize operational and environmental costs, as well as a set of optimal speeds over each arc, while respecting capacity constraints of vehicles and pickup sites.

Design/methodology/approach

To solve this problem, this research proposes a two-phase heuristic algorithm by combining a hybrid ant colony optimization (HACO) in the first stage and a multiple population genetic algorithm in the second stage. First, the HACO is presented to find the minimal route solution and reduce distribution cost based on optimizing the speed over each arc.

Findings

To verify the proposed CPRPPD model and algorithm, a real-world instance is conducted. Comparing with the scenario including HD service only, the scenario including both HD and PS option is more economical, which indicates that the CPRPPD model is more efficient. Besides, the results of speed optimization are significantly better than before.

Practical implications

The developed CPRPPD model not only minimizes delivery time and reduces the total emission cost, but also helps logistics enterprises to establish a more complete distribution system and increases customer satisfaction. The model and algorithm of this paper provide optimal support for the actual distribution activities of logistics enterprises in low-carbon environment, and also provide reference for the government to formulate energy-saving and emission reduction policies.

Originality/value

This paper provides a great space for the improvement of carbon emissions in the last mile distribution. The results show that the distribution arrangement including HD and PS services in the last mile adopting speed optimization can significantly reduce the carbon emission. Additionally, an integrated real-world instance is applied in this paper to illustrate the validity of the model and the effectiveness of this method.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. 31 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-5855

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 November 1997

Trevor Haywood

Poses the question: in envisaging a digitally networked future, what kind of graffiti can we discern on the emerging cyberwall to help us predict its likely impact on large…

546

Abstract

Poses the question: in envisaging a digitally networked future, what kind of graffiti can we discern on the emerging cyberwall to help us predict its likely impact on large populations? All evaluation of infant technologies is a complex business. Technology gives and it takes away. Science transforms human behaviour but we want it to be subject to the scrutiny of independent moral principles, which themselves shift. Argues that the long‐term advantages or disadvantages that will spin off from the electronic flow and rush of information will grow out of the wider, messier social, political and economic imperatives of the future world within which networking will reside. Electronic communication along networks operates on many levels: it is heavily diffused throughout the rest of the technical pantheon. Its exacerbation of the already discernible drift towards social isolation and alienation and its role in facilitating the economic and social rejuvenation of large, as opposed to élite, populations seem more questionable.

Details

Library Review, vol. 46 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0024-2535

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 August 2021

Yi Liu, Meng Joo Er and Chen Guo

The purpose of this paper is to propose an efficient path and trajectory planning method to solve online robotic multipoint assembly.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an efficient path and trajectory planning method to solve online robotic multipoint assembly.

Design/methodology/approach

A path planning algorithm called policy memorized adaptive dynamic programming (PM-ADP) combines with a trajectory planning algorithm called adaptive elite genetic algorithm (AEGA) for online time-optimal path and trajectory planning.

Findings

Experimental results and comparative study show that the PM-ADP is more efficient and accurate than traditional algorithms in a smaller assembly task. Under the shortest assembly path, AEGA is used to plan the time-optimal trajectories of the robot and be more efficient than GA.

Practical implications

The proposed method builds a new online and efficient path planning arithmetic to cope with the uncertain and dynamic nature of the multipoint assembly path in the Cartesian space. Moreover, the optimized trajectories of the joints can make the movement of the robot continuously and efficiently.

Originality/value

The proposed method is a combination of time-optimal path planning with trajectory planning. The traveling salesman problem model of assembly path is established to transfer the assembly process into a Markov decision process (MDP). A new dynamic programming (DP) algorithm, termed PM-ADP, which combines the memorized policy and adaptivity, is developed to optimize the shortest assembly path. GA is improved, termed AEGA, which is used for online time-optimal trajectory planning in joints space.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 41 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 June 2023

Binghai Zhou and Yufan Huang

The purpose of this paper is to cut down energy consumption and eliminate production waste on mixed-model assembly lines. Therefore, a supermarket integrated dynamic cyclic…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to cut down energy consumption and eliminate production waste on mixed-model assembly lines. Therefore, a supermarket integrated dynamic cyclic kitting system with the application of electric vehicles (EVs) is introduced. The system resorts to just-in-time (JIT) and segmented sub-line assignment strategies, with the objectives of minimizing line-side inventory and energy consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

Hybrid opposition-based learning and variable neighborhood search (HOVMQPSO), a multi-objective meta-heuristics algorithm based on quantum particle swarm optimization is proposed, which hybridizes opposition-based learning methodology as well as a variable neighborhood search mechanism. Such algorithm extends the search space and is capable of obtaining more high-quality solutions.

Findings

Computational experiments demonstrated the outstanding performance of HOVQMPSO in solving the proposed part-feeding problem over the two benchmark algorithms non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II and quantum-behaved multi-objective particle swarm optimization. Additionally, using modified real-life assembly data, case studies are carried out, which imply HOVQMPSO of having good stability and great competitiveness in scheduling problems.

Research limitations/implications

The feeding problem is based on static settings in a stable manufacturing system with determined material requirements, without considering the occurrence of uncertain incidents. Current study contributes to assembly line feeding with EV assignment and could be modified to allow cooperation between EVs.

Originality/value

The dynamic cyclic kitting problem with sub-line assignment applying EVs and supermarkets is solved by an innovative HOVMQPSO, providing both novel part-feeding strategy and effective intelligent algorithm for industrial engineering.

Book part
Publication date: 17 September 2014

Laura I. Spears and Marcia A. Mardis

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which academic researchers consider the relationship between broadband access and children’s information seeking in the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which academic researchers consider the relationship between broadband access and children’s information seeking in the United States. Because broadband has been cited as an essential element of contemporary learning, this study sought to identify gaps in the attention given to the role of broadband in the information seeking environment of youth.

Approach

The researchers conducted a mixed method synthesis of academic research published in peer-reviewed journals between 1991 and 2011 that reported the information seeking of children aged 5–18 years. Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered from leading databases, analyzed separately, and conclusions drawn from integrated results.

Results

The results of this study indicated that broadband is rarely considered in the design of children’s information seeking published in peer-reviewed research journals. Only 15 studies showed any presence of broadband in study design or conclusions. Due to the small number of qualifying studies, the researchers could not conduct the synthesis; instead, the researchers conducted a quantitative relationship analysis and qualitative content analysis.

Practical implications

Given the focus of policymaking and public discussion on broadband, its absence as a study consideration suggests a crucial gap for scholarly researchers to address.

Research limitations

The data set included only studies of children in the United States, therefore, findings may not be universally applicable.

Originality/value

Despite national imperatives for ubiquitous broadband and a tradition of information seeking research in library and information science (LIS) and other disciplines, a lack of academic research about how broadband affects children’s information seeking persists.

Details

New Directions in Children’s and Adolescents’ Information Behavior Research
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78350-814-3

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 April 2020

Wided Batat

So far, most studies in cultural tourism have looked at visitors in relation to the experience itself. This study aims to bring a broader view on what constitutes the daily…

1875

Abstract

Purpose

So far, most studies in cultural tourism have looked at visitors in relation to the experience itself. This study aims to bring a broader view on what constitutes the daily environment of younger visitors and how museums could use this knowledge to develop a service delivery that is more adapted to their needs without sacrificing the museums’ integrity and authenticity. As such, this research brings a unique and deeper analysis of young visitor behavior, in relation to arts and cultural practices that could be expanded to other areas of tourism experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study examines the main art and cultural tourism activities among adolescents. Using 32 in-depth interviews with adolescents between 13 and 18 years of age, this research takes a closer look at their experience and perceptions of art museums and exhibitions.

Findings

The findings show that adolescents’ perception of arts and exhibitions do not correspond to museum art criteria held by cultural tourism professionals. Based on the key theoretical themes emerging from the empirical investigation, a conceptual framework of adolescents’ attitudes toward arts and exhibitions is now presented to provide insights into the dimensions of adolescents’ art consumption in today’s western consumer society. Figure 1 provides a graphic model that visualizes adolescents’ art consumption experiences and summarizes the main findings and marketing implications in the arts field.

Originality/value

Based on these findings, new ways of engaging with adolescents in the field of arts are suggested to create new business opportunities for the museum. The findings lean toward the necessity to develop a more youth-centric approach, which differentiates between how adults define art and what adolescents believe art is supposed to be. Thus, the findings demonstrate that adolescents’ art consumption experiences are deeply anchored within the context of their social environment and the value judgments of their peers. The adolescent-centric logic within the arts experiential context is taken into account to underline the gap existing in many current arts marketing strategies that are targeting young visitors – and especially adolescents.

Book part
Publication date: 7 September 2008

Nora Libertun de Duren

Why are some of the municipalities located on the most dynamic, populous and productive region of a nation, also the poorest of the nation? Why after decades of being at the…

Abstract

Why are some of the municipalities located on the most dynamic, populous and productive region of a nation, also the poorest of the nation? Why after decades of being at the center of national development policies, the municipalities of Greater Buenos Aires are still suffering some of the worst development indicators of the Argentina?

Details

Political Power and Social Theory
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-0-76231-418-8

Article
Publication date: 25 July 2020

Galia Chimiak

The aim of this paper is to discuss the rise of internationalized civil society elites in Poland engaged in the fields of development cooperation, democratization assistance…

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to discuss the rise of internationalized civil society elites in Poland engaged in the fields of development cooperation, democratization assistance, humanitarian relief and global education in the framework of private international governance theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative sociological approach and the methodology of cross-case analysis are employed in this study of Polish internationalized civil society elites.

Findings

Evidence would be provided that whereas in some donor countries the gap between civil society elites engaged abroad and their locally active colleagues obstructs the travel of ideas, in Poland aid professionals freely move between sectors, which has allowed for better exchange of know-how and also enhanced their influence on policy-making. At the same time, the existing divides within internationalized civil society elites in Poland – between “democratizing” or “developmental”, between secular and religious and between progressive and conservative as of late – are indicative of the ongoing formation of these elites and of the heterogeneity of the community of aid professionals.

Social implications

In view of the worldwide fueling of populism by anti-elitist strategists, it is important to highlight the contribution of civil society elites to mainstreaming progressive humanitarian principles.

Originality/value

Whereas existing studies on elite formation in postsocialist countries like Poland examine political elites or the role of the intelligentsia for the fledgling middle class and local civil society, this paper focuses on the emergence of a stratum of Polish elites, which are both internationalized and engaged in the nonprofit sector.

Details

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 41 no. 5/6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

Keywords

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