Dual Entropy Regime in Channel Flow Subjected to Temperature Dependent Convection Mechanism

The central stimuli of this brief note is to underscore the effect of the temperature dependent convection coefficient that give rise to a dual temperature regime facilitating dual entropy distribution. In order to avoid unwarranted complexities, a simple geometry of shear flow in a channel is considered. The energy equation amenable to an analytic solution is simulated to extract the desired numerical findings in as much as for what parameters’ values, the temperature has dual distribution /does not yield temperature distribution at all. In fact, a range of parameter values have been worked out for which dual temperature regime exists or not. The plots of entropy generation number Ns also show the dual regime. The findings reveal a qualitative and quantitative difference in dual systems of temperature and entropy. It further underlines that the thermal systems with the idealized uniform heat transfer coefficient may be far distinct from actual behaviour and even weak temperature dependence of convection coefficient need due attention while designing a system.

Optimal pricing strategy in uncertain dual distribution channel with retail services

Purpose The aim of this paper is to study the optimal pricing decision in a supply chain with a dual distribution channel in a centralized and decentralized decision-making systems and investigate the economic impact of retail services on pricing behaviors with respect to the power structures. Design/methodology/approach To reach the equilibrium behavior of decision-makers, two-stage optimization, the Stackelberg game and the Bertrand–Nash game have been used. Also, to explore the effect of environmental uncertainty on the behavior of decision-maker, demand functions are characterized as an uncertain price dependent, service dependent and channel dependent. Decision parameters are based on experts’ belief degree, in the sense of uncertainty theory initiated by Liu (2007). Findings Obtained results reveal that the retail services have a strategic role in the centralized supply chain and the decentralized supply chain with dominant manufacturer, while both the supply chain and the consumer suffer from higher environmental indeterminacy. Research limitations/implications This study is based on possible scenarios of dual distribution system only. Further research is recommended to investigate the applicability of the authors framework in different distribution systems. Practical implications The study findings are believed to be valuable for supply chains and organizations about to make a strategic decision on price of their good/service. Originality/value The paper contributes to the scarce literature on Uncertainty Theory initiated by Liu (2007), and combination of it with Game Theory for pricing in distribution system of supply chains. The study also contributes by investigating impact of non-price competitive factor (level of service) on pricing strategy.