Actor-network Research Articles

Deep reinforcement learning approach with hybrid action space for mobile charging in wireless rechargeable sensor networks

Mobile charging is feasible to deal with the energy-constrained problem in wireless rechargeable sensor networks (WRSNs). The mobile chargers (MCs) are usually employed to charge the sensors sequentially according to the charging schemes. Existing studies assume that each sensor should be charged to its maximum energy capacity or to a fixed upper threshold before the next one can be charged. However, they neglect to control the charging time adaptively of each sensor according to the charging demand. Hence, in this paper, we assume that the charging time of each sensor can be controlled, and we study the joint optimization of charging sequence and charging time problem (JCSCT). Correspondingly, we propose a novel deep reinforcement learning with hybrid action space approach for JCSCT (DRLH-JCSCT), which utilizes deep q-network (DQN) to generate the charging sequence, and adopts deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) to determine the charging time. An attention-based encoder–decoder model is integrated in the actor network of DDPG, and a modified bi-directional gate recurrent unit network (MBGRU) is utilized as the decoder. We also design a novel reward function to evaluate the quality of the charging actions. Simulations demonstrate the improved charging performance of the proposed approach, with a longer network lifetime and fewer failed sensors compared with the existing mobile charging scheduling approaches.

Technology has Agency too! Disentangling Technology's Causal and Structural Agency in a Service System

This study explores how technology attains agency in a service system. By applying a systems view through the lenses of service-dominant logic and actor-network theory (ANT), we clarify and conceptualize resource and agency forms for a technology as it connects with other actors in a network as part of the value cocreation process. We conduct a qualitative study to explore a technology's role (i.e., VR-tours) in the residential real estate market. We find that VR-tour technology gains causal agency through others’ connection to and reliance on the technology. As value is determined, there is potential for structural agency, where it cocreates and transforms valuations, influencing actors to renegotiate their roles and practices and enabling value destabilization in the marketing system. Theoretical and macromarketing implications are discussed.

Assemblage thinking and actor–network theory: Reconciling the perspectives of environmental security and political ecology for improving the understanding of farmer–herder conflicts in Africa

The two main theoretical approaches to study the farmer–herder conflicts (FHCs) in Africa, namely, environmental security (ES) and political ecology (PE), demonstrate theoretical disagreement. This review proposes that the disagreement between the two approaches needs to be resolved, to account for the complexity of the conflicts. Notably, the resolution can benefit analysts and help them understand the conflicts comprehensively. This review contributes to the literature on FHCs, by integrating the aspects of ES and PE for analyzing the FHCs in a single framework. Particularly, this review reveals some of the factors that shape the conflicts. It uses assemblage thinking and actor–network theory, to incorporate the issues related to the PE and ES of conflicts, which are often ignored in either of these two perspectives previously, and develops a detailed FHC assemblage framework. This method allows us to provide a comprehensive analysis that does not downplay the essential details of the conflicts, which may have been ignored in previous studies.

Understanding digital consumer culture in Indonesia: a case study on youth community in Jakarta using an actor-network theory approach

Purpose This study aims to examine digital consumer culture and behavior in the community, namely, 180° Movement Digital Training Center (DTC), in Jakarta, Indonesia. It aims to describe the dynamics of digital consumer culture in contemporary society, particularly as experienced by the youth community in Jakarta in the context of socio-technology relations and incorporates it into the diagram of digital consumer culture network. Design/methodology/approach This research uses a constructivist qualitative approach and socio-technical relation analysis through actor-network theory and digital consumer culture. Findings The study finds that the individual model of digital consumption is constructed through the process of problematization, interessement, enrollment and mobilization of individuals. It generates a culture in which consumers are constantly up to date with high-intensity information, but within increasingly shorter timeframes, while also considering principles of affordability, needs, desires and satisfaction. The network of digital consumer culture construction among informants is peculiar and unstable. Research limitations/implications The study of digital consumer culture within the 180° Movement DTC community highlights how consumer behaviors of its members are facilitated and interconnected within a digital cultural network. However, this research is constrained by the dialectical interplay between Christian principles and the emerging values of consumer culture, a result of the scarcity of theoretical resources and information. This study also provides a specific contribution as a foundation for mapping the volatile digital consumer culture for researchers. Practical implications Understanding the socio-technological relationships and consumption behavior of the youth community could help digital platforms tailor their services more effectively. It could also guide the 180° Movement DTC in developing programs that resonate with the youth, bridging the gap between the physical and virtual realms. Ultimately, this could lead to a more engaged and digitally literate society. Social implications This study contributes to a broader societal understanding of how digital technology is shaping consumer behavior and identity within youth communities, which can influence social dynamics and interactions. It provides insights into the potential social impacts of digital technology, such as changes in relationships, communication patterns and self-perception, informing societal discourse on digital culture. Originality/value In addition to presenting socio-technological analysis on Indonesian consumer culture using actor-network theory, some also show that studies on digital connectivity ambivalence that concern the relationship between humans as actors and non-humans as actors have become one of the popular sociology studies at present.

HP3O algorithm-based all electric ship energy management strategy integrating demand-side adjustment

To tackle the energy management challenge that integrates power generation scheduling and demand-side adjustment for all-electric ship in uncertain marine environment, a hybrid penalized proximal policy optimization algorithm (HP3O)-based energy management strategy is proposed. First, demand-side adjustment, which involves adjusting the power of the ship's electric propulsion motors and flexible service loads, is integrated into the energy management problem. Second, HP3O algorithm is employed to obtain both continuous and discrete variables simultaneously. It utilizes a continuous actor network to obtain continuous variables, such as the generator's power and ship cruising speed, while employing a discrete actor network to determine discrete variables, i.e., the on/off status of the generators. Third, to handle complex constraints reasonably, the energy management problem is formulated as a constrained Markov decision process (CMDP), and an action mask mechanism is also integrated into the energy management framework to make agent's actions more reliable. The simulation results of an all-electric cruise ship validate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed strategy in achieving near-optimal scheduling while satisfying operation constraints. Furthermore, a case study on a hybrid diesel-electric ferry confirms its generalization performance.

Pursuing Partners: Traveling for Marital Partners in the Hebrew Bible

Pursuing marital partners far from home can be a complicated endeavor, and the motives to travel for a companion can be a combination of pushes from one’s locality and pulls toward something new. In the Hebrew Bible, several narratives concern pursuing a partner far from home, but the motives of the person traveling have not seen much scholarly attention. In this contribution, the entangled motives are traced in three select narratives (Judg 14; Gen 24; Tob) that each represents a specific category of pursuing a partner. Samson pursues a known partner, Isaac and his family pursue an unknown partner, and Tobias unknowingly pursues a partner. These three narrative categories are explored utilizing the framework of actor-network theory to tease out the entangled human and non-human actants that affect the motives and the pursuit itself. This contribution reveals that motives are always entangled in more extensive networks, agency is distributed among various actants, and no pursuit of a companion in the Hebrew Bible is exactly like another.

Toward a Social Phliosophy of Science: Integrating Virtue Epistemology and STS

This article looks at the sources of micro-tensions between the science and technology studies (STS) approach and a human perspective in virtue epistemology (VE), opening it to societal influence. It calls for a holistic approach that respects both the societal pull and the individual's moral compass in scientific activities. It ends up by pointing out the necessity of such a cross-cutting approach for a more ethically motivated and socially aware science, but it suggests an option of research to be carried out in the future about the incorporation of virtues in scientific practices and adapting science to society's needs. The review section of the literature is designed to develop concepts within the STS and VE, grounding them on seminal works from scholars like Bruno Latour, Thomas Kuhn and Donna Haraway. It sticks to things like paradigm shifts, Actor-Network Theory and "Cyborg Manifesto," among others, to stress the points of how science is linked to sociocultural systems. The paper provides the grounds for the link between ethics and scientific inquiry, arguing for a reflection of the intellectual virtues in scientific practice and suggesting a more diverse and inclusive scientific practice that is respectful of different values and standpoints.

“¡Abajo los médanos!”: Orígenes del conflicto entre dunas costeras y humanos en la ciudad de Veracruz (siglos XVI-XIX)

The aim of this article is to analyze, from the perspective of environmental history and of history of science, the relationship between médanos (coastal dunes) and humans in the city and port of Veracruz based on the sand removal project of 1880 and through following the conflict between both actors from the 16th to 19th centuries. This conflict had its origin in the construction of a negative vision of thecoastal dunes of Veracruz by colonizers, physicians and naturalists, which implied that this coastal ecosystem had to be destroyed due to being infertile, unhealthy (mainly associated with yellow fever) and hindering modernity. Thus, the configuration of the colonialist, Eurocentric and anthropocentric project of modernity is on the basis of the said negative vision. Through a methodology that combines following and the Actor-Network Theory, besides the use of various sources (press, correspondence, historical maps, a relación geográfica, medical treatises and studies and urbanistic and naturalist works), the collective of human and non-human actors involved in the mentioned conflict is recreated.

Study on the Relationship Between Actor-Network and Sustainable Manufacturing: The Case of IKEA

This thesis explores the application of Actor-Network Theory (ANT) in the realm of sustainable manufacturing, employing IKEA as a case study. The study systematically investigates the multifaceted interactions among diverse actors within the sustainable manufacturing network. The research is structured around key themes such as government bodies, suppliers, consumers, and technology providers, offering a detailed analysis of stakeholder interests, needs, and the alignment thereof. Problematization within the study involves a deep exploration of the intricate dynamics arising at the intersection of ANT and Sustainable Manufacturing. The analysis unveils the central role of stakeholder alignment in shaping the sustainable manufacturing landscape. The thesis reveals that when stakeholder interests converge, translation processes facilitate collaboration, enabling the network to harness collective agency in advancing sustainability goals. However, it also recognizes the complexities arising from misaligned interests and power dynamics, acknowledging conflicts inherent in sustainable manufacturing networks. The Mobilization and Activation phase delves into the strategies employed to summon various actors, including IKEA, government bodies, suppliers, consumers, and technology providers, into action. This multifaceted endeavor highlights the importance of understanding the mechanisms that harness the potential of each actor within the network. The study emphasizes the pivotal roles of government policies, industrial practices, societal influences, and smart technologies in the success of sustainable manufacturing at IKEA. The stakeholder analysis uncovers the complex web of rights, demands, and challenges faced by each group, ranging from IKEA's balancing act between economic sustainability and ethical production.

Erecting monuments and making meanings: Analysis of the Statue of Peace using actor‐network theory

AbstractObjectiveThis article analyzes the monument‐building and meaning‐making processes in the construction of the Statues of Peace erected to commemorate the Korean “Comfort Women.” The tensions surrounding the erection of the Statues of Peace did not stop with their installation, as people then started to place different objects on the statues. This article uses actor‐network theory (ANT) to shed light on the formation that this has involved of a new representational and cultural politics.MethodsFirst, archival research was conducted to understand current issues involving both ANT and the Statues of Peace. Participant observations and semistructured interviews with NGOs were conducted.ResultsI look at the afterlife of the Statues of Peace in cases involving not only destruction or restoration but also smaller acts of support or subversion. New material quality and meanings were formed by these actions.ConclusionI show that ANT is a useful framework for understanding the representational complexity surrounding public monuments and their reception.

Illustrating Tomorrow: The Role of Comics in Engaging Research Participants in Disruptive Futures Research

This study examines the application of comics in futures research to involve stakeholders in infrastructure strategy discussions for disruptive futures. It employs a graphic novel called “Vanishing Point! Our Built World,” which augments generative AI art with human storytelling to transport participants into a speculative 2150 with a solarpunk theme. The narrative applies the concept of future-self continuity and a temporal discontinuity framework to promote visions of sustainability for both humanity and the environment. The research emphasises the ability of comics to foster meaningful discussions on future infrastructure coordination by incorporating Social Construction Theory, Social Construction of Technology Theory, and Actor Network Theory. Comics being adapted into videos and used in workshops highlight their effectiveness in promoting engagement and facilitating semi-structured discussions. This demonstrates comics as a dynamic tool in futures research and participatory methodologies. Relevant themes: Anthropocene, Ecocene and Climate Change/Post-capitalism/Utopias, Eutopias and Dystopias/Solar Punk and its relations/Artificial Intelligence and Automation/Wicked Problems/Futures and Metaphor/Reimagining Futures Tools and Methodologies. Statement acknowledging use of Generative AI Art and copyright ownership: “Vanishing Point! Our Built World” graphic novel artwork was created with Midjourney generative AI. These images were created using the author’s prompts and ideas. The author owns these AI-generated photos and their derivatives. Synthesia was used to create animated films and AI-generated avatars from comic artwork. Statement on the use of Generative AI in the production of this manuscript: Referring to Author Guidelines on Using Generative AI and Large Language Models| Sage Learning Resources (sagepub.com ), this manuscript employed various AI tools to assist with research and writing. ChatGPT4 and its plugin, Scholar AI, helped identify relevant literature in addition to traditional research. Litmaps revealed article linkages, clarifying the research landscape. ChatGPT4 critiqued the manuscript. Quillbot improved the manuscript's clarity and consistency by improving its language.

ADP-Based Event-Triggered Constrained Optimal Control on Spatiotemporal Process: Application to Temperature Field in Roller Kiln.

The precise control of the spatiotemporal process in a roller kiln is crucial in the production of Ni-Co-Mn layered cathode material of lithium-ion batteries. Since the product is extremely sensitive to temperature distribution, temperature field control is of great significance. In this article, an event-triggered optimal control (ETOC) method with input constraints for the temperature field is proposed, which takes up an important position in reducing the communication and computation costs. A nonquadratic cost function is adopted to describe the system performance with input constraints. First, we present the problem description of the temperature field event-triggered control, where this field is described by a partial differential equation (PDE). Then, the event-triggered condition is designed according to the information of system states and control inputs. On this basis, a framework of the event-triggered adaptive dynamic programming (ETADP) method that is based on the model reduction technology is proposed for the PDE system. A critic network is used to approach the optimal performance index by a neural network (NN) together with that an actor network is used to optimize the control strategy. Furthermore, an upper bound of the performance index and a lower bound of interexecution times, as well as the stabilities of the impulsive dynamic system and the closed-loop PDE system, are also proved. Simulation verification demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Counterweight, Carrot, Crucible: Theorizing “Community” in Community Treatment Orders

The idea of community in community mental health has recently been criticized as problematic in that it has been ill defined, under-investigated and under-theorized. In this article we introduce actor-network theory as a useful framework for the analysis of everyday psychiatric and legal interventions and their effects. We focus on the community treatment order (CTO) in Alberta as one such intervention, showing how community positions people diagnosed with mental illness as risky subjects. In examining the CTO as an important actor in the construction of mental illness, we argue that the idea of community acts as a counterweight to balance rights, a carrot in a mechanism of consent, and as a crucible where interpretive work on a subject must be done in chains of examinations. Further, we propose a procedural and relational definition of community to inform scholarly work as well as professional practice.

Actor-network interpretation of phenomena and current issues of education: The historicist grounds and specificity

Introduction. The research analyzes the changes of ontological and methodological grounds of the philosophy of education in the modern world. The aim of the research is to identify the historicist grounds and specificity of the actor-network interpretation of phenomena and current problems in education. Materials and Methods. The study employs complex and interdisciplinary approaches. The data sources for this problematic research include the latest scholarly publications, tending to apply actor-network theory in the field of pedagogy and philosophy of education and published in academic journals between 2000 and 2023. The typologisation and comparative methods, along with contextual and textual analysis are used in order to analyze contemporary discussions in this field. Results. Based on the most recent studies, this work reveals the grounds and identifies the specificity of actor-network interpretation of some educational phenomena and problems. During the research the basis of actor-network pedagogy is revealed as historicist ontology, which overcomes the opposition between classical historicism and relativism. The article demonstrates how the reconsideration of ontological and methodological foundations influences the building of terminological glossary of the philosophy of education. The concept of ‘educational spatiality’ is contextualized, which in its turn, makes it possible to analyze a network of educational practices as a complex. Apart from that, the potential of using the tools of the actor-network theory is characterized in a context of research of different educational models from a historical perspective, in materially and contextually heterogeneous networks. It is also claimed that due to its multidisciplinary nature, the actor-network theory can be successfully used to problematize educational phenomena and develop specific teaching strategies. Conclusions. It is demonstrated that actor-network theory, due to its reliance on a new model of historicism, can provide a multidisciplinary orientation of pedagogy and its lability in relation to the modern situation.

Mapping the Memories of “Living on Light”

In this article a case study of the phenomenon of “living on light” is presented. The interlocutor “Eva” shares her memories from the period when she did not eat material food. Actor-network theory (ANT) is adopted to analyse the interview. This methodological framework sheds light on the connections between interacting human and non-human entities and thus reveals their agency. The phase of living on light appears to Eva as part of her personal spiritual progress. At the same time, relations with the family become ambivalent since Eva does not want to share her true spiritual devotion. Eva’s experiences are demonstrated and re-imagined by mapping them with ANT concepts such as “intermediary” and “centre of calculation”. Eva’s period of living on light is discussed in three different forms of processuality. Characteristic of both the phenomenon of living on light and of ANT reading is the renovative quality of the ongoing processuality.

Sexual Violence and Personality Rights in Virtual Spaces

Recently, unwanted sexual contact between avatars in virtual spaces has emerged as a serious societal issue. The urgency to regulate such behavior is underscored by the fact that a significant portion of virtual space users are minors, and the emotional harm resulting from avatar-initiated sexual contact is deemed equally severe as tangible harm. However, existing laws lack the basis to penalize these actions. To address the issue of penalizing unwanted sexual contact between avatars, the question of whether sexual violence between avatars can be equated to violence against humans must be addressed. Previous discussions aimed to resolve this through concepts like cyber personality rights or sexual personality rights. However, these discussions tended to separate completely virtual spaces from the real world, attributing independent personality rights to avatars or, conversely, considering them unique to humans in the physical realm. Such attitudes present challenges in categorizing the type of infringement against avatars. This paper argues for recognizing personality rights in virtual spaces based on the spatiality of virtual environments and the fluidity of personality rights. Furthermore, it advocates recognizing the hybrid nature of personality rights within the virtual space through the actor-network theory. The objective is to establish a theoretical foundation that secures the punitive nature of unwanted sexual contact between avatars in virtual spaces and provides a basis for delineating the various types of such behavior.

An Ethical Study of Generative AI from the Actor-Network Theory Perspective

The widespread use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in the innovation and generation of communication content is mainly due to its exceptional creative ability, operational efficiency, and compatibility with diverse industries. Nevertheless, this has also sparked ethical problems, such as unauthorized access to data, biased decision-making by algorithms, and criminal use of generated content. In order to tackle the security vulnerabilities linked to Generative Artificial Intelligence, we analyze ChatGPT as a case study within the framework of Actor-Network Theory. We have discovered a total of nine actors, including both human and non-human creatures. We examine the actors and processes of translation involved in the ethical issues related to ChatGPT and analyze the key players involved in the emergence of moral issues. The objective is to explore the origins of the ethical issues that arise with Generative Artificial Intelligence and provide a particular perspective on the governance of Generative Artificial Intelligence.

Exploring the Educational Implications of Actor-Network Theory

The purpose of this study is to examine what ANT is and to explore the educational implications of it. The characteristic of ANT is that it defines non-humans as ‘actors’ who constitute society on an equal basis with humans. A ‘black box’ refers to when actors build stable relationships and appear as if they are one object. A ‘network’ is a set of unfixed relationships between actors. ‘Translation’ refers to the process of forming a network of relationships. Translation consists of four steps: raising the issue, attracting attention, registering, and mobilizing.The educational implications of ANT are, first, to break away from the limitations of existing teaching and learning theories such as behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism, and to develop new teaching and learning theories necessary in the age of science and technology. Second, to move away from me-centeredness and emphasize community-centeredness. Third, ANT stresses the importance of ecological conversion education.

Contribution of innovation studies to the intellectual structure of the hospitality and tourism literature

PurposeThis study aims to identify the role of innovation research in formulating the intellectual structure of the hospitality and tourism literature by performing a bibliometric analysis.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 6,255 journal articles on innovation were gathered from Scopus and analyzed using co-citation, bibliographic coupling and thematic content analyses. The most influential articles were also carefully read to reveal a nomological network of innovation research in hospitality and tourism scholarship.FindingsCo-citation analysis reveals that there are six significant clusters in the field of innovation research. Various philosophical underpinnings might be used in different circumstances, with actor-network and Schumpeterian theory playing significant roles. A review of current works using bibliographic coupling reveals five interesting emerging research areas and makes numerous recommendations for when to conduct more studies. A review of influential articles displayed differences between the co-citation and bibliographic coupling analysis findings and produced a framework for further investigation of the knowledge field.Originality/valueThis paper is among the first integrative reviews on innovation research in hospitality and tourism by quantitatively reviewing published articles and qualitatively reviewing the content of the most influential studies.

Coexistence in the Anthropocene: Tigers and Humans of the Dibang Valley

In the Anthropocene and on the brink of the Sixth Mass Extinction, we are called upon to reflect on how humans can, do, and should live with other species on Earth. This article uses an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on Bruno Latour’s actor-network theory, to unveil the multifaceted ways that tigers and humans have an impact on each other. The result is an interspecies ethnography of the reality of coexistence between two species recognized as dangerous to the other. The indigenous Mishmi people of the Dibang Valley provide us with a complex example, revealing that humans and tigers have equal roles to play, and the article highlights the flexibility of were-tigers and shamanism as one way to navigate this complex relationship.