Autonomous Research Articles

Interactive impact of transformational leadership and organizational innovation on online knowledge sharing: a knowledge management perspective

Purpose As knowledge management increasingly becomes critical for the success of professional service firms, this paper uses social exchange theory to investigate the interactive impact of transformational leadership and organizational innovation on online knowledge sharing by employees in professional service firms. This study aims to investigate the mediating roles of job autonomy and job engagement in this process. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from a survey of 350 frontline employees in professional service providers, including banking, telecommunication and insurance. Structural equation modeling was used for data analysis. Findings The results show that transformational leadership positively affects job autonomy, which in turn has a positive impact on online knowledge sharing through job engagement. Thus, job autonomy and job engagement mediate the relationship between transformational leadership and online knowledge sharing. Finally, organizational innovation moderates the relationship between transformational leadership and job autonomy. Originality/value This paper extends the knowledge management literature by studying the impact of transformational leadership on the online knowledge-sharing behavior and exploring the focal roles of job autonomy and job engagement in online-sharing behavior in professional service firms. The findings also provide useful implications for practitioners to help them engage employees in the adoption of digital technologies to optimize outcomes.

Adaptive and Dissipative Hierarchical Population Crowding of Synthetic Protocells through Click-PISA under Gradient Energy Inputs.

The ability of living objects to respond rapidly en masse to various stimuli or stress is an important function in response to externally applied changes in the local environment. This occurs across many length scales, for instance, bacteria swarming in response to different stimuli or stress and macromolecular crowding within cells. Currently there are few mechanisms to induce similar autonomous behaviors within populations of synthetic protocells. Herein, we report a system in which populations of individual objects behave in a coordinated manner in response to changes in the energetic environment by the emergent self-organization of large object swarms. These swarms contain protocell populations of approximately 60 000 individuals. We demonstrate the dissipative nature of the hierarchical constructs, which persist under appropriate UV stimulation. Finally, we identify the ability of the object populations to change behaviors in an adaptive population-wide response to the local energetic environment.

Broad-spectrum ROS autonomous scavenging polysaccharide-based vehicle to improve the bioactivity of blueberry anthocyanidins through intestinal synergistic mucoadhesion

The harsh physiological environment of the gastrointestinal tract can significantly affect the stability, antioxidant activity, and bioactivity of blueberry anthocyanidins (An), which is usually addressed by intestinal targeting co-delivery of An and other antioxidant substances. However, the modification, synthesis of vehicle and subsequent co-encapsulation procedure involved in this tactic are not conducive to practical application. Herein, we propose an easy method of constructing a biocompatible vehicle with broad-spectrum ROS scavenging performance to enhance the bioactivity of An through synergistic intestinal targeted mucoadhesion, that is, a nanogel (Mgel) was prepared by using thiol-contained sodium alginate, selenized konjac glucomannan and crosslinking with calcium lactate for the intestinal targeted delivery of An (Mgel@An). We evaluated the loading behavior of Mgel on An, as well as the enhancement of Mgel on the stability and bioactivity of An. Mgel@An maintained spherical structure in the stomach but disintegrated and exposed functional groups for synergistic mucoadhesion after treatment with simulated intestinal fluids. Mgel@An exhibited broad-spectrum free radical scavenging activity for •OH, •ABTS+ and •DPPH, and also showed a mucin absorbed amount of 162.03 ± 1.53 μg and 85.63 ± 1.40% bioaccessibility of An. Furthermore, the biosafe Mgel@An extended the maximum lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans by enhancing the activity of antioxidases, inhibiting the expression of aging key genes (daf-2, age-1), and promoting the expression of anti-aging genes (daf-16, sod-3), as well as anti-oxidative stress genes (sod-5, skn-1). This work highlights the great potential of the vehicle with ROS autonomous scavenging behavior for improving the bioactivity of An.

Leveraging Technology for Government Service Delivery: Suggestions for Securing the e-Citizen Service in Kenya

Governments across the world have increasingly embraced e-governance in the provision of public services. This development has significantly reduced bureaucracy, enhanced efficiency, reduced corruption and fundamentally transformed public service delivery. However, the adoption of these copyright technology solutions, owned by international corporations and non-state actors, mostly multinational corporations (MNCs), have equally exposed user governments, such as Kenya, to significant cyberspace security threats, service disruptions and exposed national security leading to interferences in national autonomy and at times threatened national sovereignty. The threats arise from the activities of offensive states, malicious non-state actors and individuals taking advantage of the integrated and dependent internet connectivity networks. This paper is an extract from a study conducted on Information Security Threats to e-Citizen services in Kenya. The research presents findings on the effectiveness of information security measures initiated to secure the e-Citizen services in Kenya. The case study adopted a mixed method design combining cross-sectional and descriptive research design that targeted 12,000 respondents (users) from 51 Huduma Centres countrywide. Purposive sampling was applied to select 10 Huduma centres and 10% of respondents from each of the selected centres. About 1,200 questionnaires were issued with a return rate of 80% which translates to 966 responses. The study applied both quantitative and qualitative techniques in analysis. The study identified 10 categories of security measures which are discussed in this paper categorized under legislation and policy; infrastructure and capacity development; protective action; monitoring and oversight. From the findings, Kenya has implemented the measures of information security to a satisfactory level even though more is needed in terms of engaging the populace to enhance safe data use, handling and storage. In order to bolster a safe service delivery e-Citizen system, the study recommends locally modelled technological solutions, mutually beneficial cyber security collaborations, frequent infrastructure security audits, user capacity training and restructuring national security organs to create cyberspace manning capabilities. These sectoral changes will enhance preventive, defensive and offensive capabilities against arising cyberspace threats from geopolitical, technological, economic and security competition and rivalries among global nations, non-state actors and malicious individuals

Human–machine Teaming with Small Unmanned Aerial Systems in a MAPE-K Environment

The Human Machine Teaming (HMT) paradigm focuses on supporting partnerships between humans and autonomous machines. HMT describes requirements for transparency, augmented cognition, and coordination that enable far richer partnerships than those found in typical human-on-the-loop and human-in-the-loop systems. Autonomous, self-adaptive systems in domains such as autonomous driving, robotics, and Cyber-Physical Systems, are often implemented using the MAPE-K feedback loop as the primary reference model. However, while MAPE-K enables fully autonomous behavior, it does not explicitly address the interactions that occur between humans and autonomous machines as intended by HMT. In this article, we, therefore, present the MAPE-K HMT framework, which utilizes runtime models to augment the monitoring, analysis, planning, and execution phases of the MAPE-K loop to support HMT despite the different operational cadences of humans and machines. We draw on examples from our own emergency response system of interactive, autonomous, small unmanned aerial systems to illustrate the application of MAPE-K HMT in both a simulated and physical environment, and we discuss how the various HMT models are connected and can be integrated into a MAPE-K solution.

Mastering minds: Unleashing the power of Neuro-Linguistic Programming in workplaces and schools

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) intricately examines the visual, auditory, and kinesthetic representation systems, traversing the transformative trajectory from superficial to profound linguistic structures. This comprehensive paradigm elucidates the sophisticated cognitive processes through which the brain interprets events, molding emotions and behaviors through filters such as values, beliefs, memories, decisions, and meta-programs. As a potent catalyst for excellence and success, NLP empowers individuals and organizations to realize their aspirational objectives, nurturing flexibility, creativity, and autonomous behaviors. In educational contexts, practitioners adeptly employ NLP techniques to navigate conflicts, enhance leadership acumen, and inspire personnel toward organizational goals. NLP assumes a crucial role as a foundational element for ongoing learning, development, and the cultivation of dynamic capabilities within professional environments. Its applications extend beyond conventional business domains, seamlessly integrating with behavior modification models employed in psychotherapeutic settings. In the realm of child psychiatry, NLP addresses neurodevelopmental disorders, such as oppositional defiant disorder, with the potential to mitigate triggers in educational milieus. The Behavior Modification Model, anchored in the ABC (antecedents, behavior, and consequences) framework, meticulously shapes behaviors through positive and negative reinforcement and punishment. NLP is a versatile professional instrument applicable across personal development, therapeutic interventions, and diverse organizational landscapes. It is pivotal in elevating communication effectiveness, facilitating conflict resolution, and propelling individual and collective success to new heights. Applying NLP in schools proves invaluable by elevating teaching methodologies, cultivating effective communication, and nurturing essential skills for conflict resolution and leadership. Integrating NLP in educational settings can offer a holistic approach to learning, providing support for educators and students alike in navigating intricate situations and fostering an environment of continuous improvement. Implementing NLP should be approached with a balanced understanding of both its potential benefits and the need for empirical validation and ethical considerations.

Parking Lot Pricing Optimization Strategy Considering Autonomous Vehicle User Choice Behavior

Parking Lot Pricing Optimization Strategy Considering Autonomous Vehicle User Choice Behavior

Predicting Autonomous Driving Behavior through Human Factor Considerations in Safety-Critical Events

This paper investigates the ability of autonomous driving systems to predict outcomes by considering human factors like gender, age, and driving experience, particularly in the context of safety-critical events. The primary objective is to equip autonomous vehicles with the capacity to make plausible deductions, handle conflicting data, and adjust their responses in real-time during safety-critical situations. A foundational dataset, which encompasses various driving scenarios such as lane changes, merging, and navigating complex intersections, is employed to enable vehicles to exhibit appropriate behavior and make sound decisions in critical safety events. The deep learning model incorporates personalized cognitive agents for each driver, considering their distinct preferences, characteristics, and requirements. This personalized approach aims to enhance the safety and efficiency of autonomous driving, contributing to the ongoing development of intelligent transportation systems. The efforts made contribute to advancements in safety, efficiency, and overall performance within autonomous driving systems. To describe the causal relationship between external factors like weather conditions and human factors, and safety-critical driver behaviors, various data mining techniques can be applied. One commonly used method is regression analysis. Additionally, correlation analysis is employed to reveal relationships between different factors, helping to identify the strength and direction of their impact on safety-critical driver behavior.

Religious and Ethical Conception of Xiao-Filiality in Pre-Imperial China

Xiao-filiality is the most fundamental concept in the Chinese intellectual-cultural tradition. It represents not only family values but also religious, political and ethical ideologies. The conception of xiao, which originally denoted the meanings of presenting offerings to deceased ancestors and inheriting their legacy in the Shang dynasty, went through two stages of evolution from the early Zhou dynasty to the Warring States period. In the first stage, xiao was extended to ethical domain with the humanistic turn from human-spirit relationship to human-human relationship. Xiao was not only expanded to the empirical exercise of serving living parents but also established as a ritual-ethical norm that defined people’s familial, social, and hierarchical role duties and regulated their conducts of dealing with interpersonal relationships. As a result, the religious authority of paranormal ancestral spirits was transferred to the social-political authority who enforced the implement of the ritual-ethical norm of xiao. In the second stage, Confucius and his followers on the one hand recognized the importance of compliance with this prescribed ritual-ethical norm, and on the other internalized it to become the individual agent’s moral emotion and free choice. Consequently, the social-political authority was further transferred to the internal authority of moral autonomy.

Service learning and the just community: Complementary pragmatist forms of civic character education

This article investigates the theoretical link between two approaches to civic character education: Service Learning and the Just Community, given that the two share a strong democratic ethical component. Based on historical research and bibliographical review, we show that John Dewey’s pragmatism forms a theoretical foundation of both approaches. Our revision combines the search for a normative foundation of democratic life with the need for contextual agreements: universal principles of justice with conversation and action in specific situations, moral autonomy with social commitment in real circumstances. By merging the two educational approaches to civic character education, we conclude that social and democratic progress does not mean renouncing ethical principles, but drawing them in a different way: revisably, creatively, dialectically, practically, and intersubjectively.

An edge architecture for enabling autonomous aerial navigation with embedded collision avoidance through remote nonlinear model predictive control

In this article, we present an edge-based architecture for enhancing the autonomous capabilities of resource-constrained aerial robots by enabling a remote nonlinear model predictive control scheme, which can be computationally heavy to run on the aerial robots' onboard processors. The nonlinear model predictive control is used to control the trajectory of an unmanned aerial vehicle while detecting, and preventing potential collisions. The proposed edge architecture enables trajectory recalculation for resource-constrained unmanned aerial vehicles in relatively real-time, which will allow them to have fully autonomous behaviors. The architecture is implemented with a remote Kubernetes cluster on the edge side, and it is evaluated on an unmanned aerial vehicle as our controllable robot, while the robotic operating system is used for managing the source codes, and overall communication. With the utilization of edge computing and the architecture presented in this work, we can overcome computational limitations, that resource-constrained robots have, and provide or improve features that are essential for autonomous missions. At the same time, we can minimize the relative travel time delays for time-critical missions over the edge, in comparison to the cloud. We investigate the validity of this hypothesis by evaluating the system's behavior through a series of experiments by utilizing either the unmanned aerial vehicle or the edge resources for the collision avoidance mission.

Considerations for End-User Development in the Caregiving Domain

As service robots become more capable of autonomous behaviors, it becomes increasingly important to consider how people will be able to communicate with a robot about what task it should perform and how to do the task. There has been a rise in attention to end-user development (EUD), where researchers create interfaces that enable non-roboticist end users to script tasks for autonomous robots to perform. Currently, state-of-the-art interfaces are largely constrained, often through simplified domains or restrictive end-user interaction. Motivated by our past qualitative design work exploring how to integrate a care robot in an assisted living community, we discuss challenges of EUD in this complex domain. One set of challenges stems from different user-facing representations, e.g., certain tasks may lend themselves better to a rule-based trigger-action representations, whereas other tasks may be easier to specify via a sequence of actions. The other stems from considering the needs of multiple stakeholders, e.g., caregivers and residents of the facility may all create tasks for the robot, but the robot may not be able to share information about all tasks with all residents due to privacy concerns. We present scenarios that illustrate these challenges and also discuss possible solutions.

Prisoners' perceived oral and general health and their experience with accessing, understanding and assessing health information: A qualitative study.

Prisoners' oral health and general health are closely connected and generally poorer than that of the wider population. Moreover, knowledge of prisoners' health literacy is scarce. This study aimed to explore prisoners' perceived oral and general health and how they accessed, understood and assessed health information to gain insight into their health literacy. Twelve prisoners in a high-security prison and a halfway house participated in individual semi-structured interviews. Data was analysed through thematic analysis, which identified five themes: inconsistent self-reporting of general and oral health; autonomous health behaviour through utilizing personal resources; preference for personalized adapted health information; psychological and physical proximity; and barriers. The prisoners perceived their oral and general health as good despite several health problems. They expressed scepticism towards health information from public authorities and made their own health-related choices based on previous experiences, their own 'common sense' and the experiences of people they trusted. Health information was considered useful when adjusted to their needs. Obtaining health-related information through physical encounters was considered more accessible than through online platforms. Adapting the communication to prisoners' expressed needs and their health literacy can enhance the accessibility to improve their oral and general health. In-person encounters would be preferable.

Using coupons to encourage healthier child snack purchases in corner stores: results from the CHOMPS study.

To examine youths' (ages 6-15 years) autonomous snack purchases in corner stores and pilot use of coupons to encourage more healthful snack purchases. This pilot study involved four corner stores proximal to K-8 schools in Massachusetts. Kids-only coupons of varying discounts were provided in store and paired with simple visual and verbal economic and health messages. Observational data about youths' autonomous snack purchases was recorded pre- and post-intervention. Outcomes of interest were snack item, price, and nutrient content. Comparisons of purchase characteristics and nutritional content across intervention conditions were made using Chi-squared and t-tests. Across all stores, 2,973 purchase observations were recorded totaling approximately $6,000. Researchers estimated that about 55% of shoppers were 10-12 years old. Modest coupon usage (2.2% of purchases) was noted. However, candy purchases decreased, and the percentage of purchase events that included at least one healthier food item more than doubled, regardless of coupon use. Improvements in the nutritional content of snacks were also observed. Kids-only coupons have the potential to assist with shifting autonomous snack purchase behavior in outside of school settings.

National Autonomy and the Phenomena of Neo-Colonialist Activities

The economic penetration of the developing states has become a competitive replacement for colonialism. Thus, National autonomy– the capacity of a nation–state to make and apply decisions shaping its political and economic future, has significantly been subjugated by neocolonialism- the determinations of the former colonial and new powers to maintain control over independent developing states. The peripheral states have become satellites of the center nations as their economies have been structured to serve international capitalism. The aim of this work is to place the relationship between the neo-colonialist activities and the national autonomies of the developing states. The paper adopted the survey research design. The instrument for data collection was structured questionnaire while the simple linear regression analysis was used to examine the extent of the relationship that exist between the variables. The two hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that there exists a significant relationship between national autonomy and the phenomena of neo-colonialist activities, and that though colonialism may virtually be dead, but neo-colonialism continues as the 3rd world states have become victims of a subtle form of domination. The work recommends that autonomy should include choosing to orient economic and political decisions of the nation-state instead of the continues political hegemony and economic exploitation by the advanced states. Therefore, the developing states must be constructive in their relations with the advanced nations and ensure the respect and enhancement of local autonomy. African states; as Timamy postulated, should promote self-esteem, institutionalize human dignity and entrench the values of integrity. The leaders must realize that the present world order is part of the problem and not; in any way, the solution to Africa’s unending nightmare.

Covid-19 vaccination intentions and uptake pre- and post-vaccine availability: a cross-sectional comparison of theory of planned behavior, anticipated regret, and optimistic bias

Abstract Aim Vaccination hesitancy threatens herd immunity and reduces the chances of overcoming pandemics such as the recent Covid-19 pandemic. The present investigation looked at psychological predictors of Covid-19 vaccination intention and vaccination uptake. Subject and methods Two representative Norwegian samples (collected in 2020, N = 1003, and 2022, N = 1000) filled in online questionnaires assessing variables of the theory of planned behavior (attitudes, social norms, and perceived behavioral control) as well as optimistic bias and anticipated regret. Results Results showed that these variables could explain 69% of the variance in vaccination intentions and 41% of the variance in vaccination uptake. Significant predictors in both samples include attitudes, social norms within the family, perceived behavioral capability, and higher anticipated regret for not getting vaccinated. Intentions were also predicted by lower anticipated regret for getting vaccinated, and vaccination uptake was additionally predicted by older age and lower perceived behavioral autonomy. Optimistic bias did not predict intentions to get vaccinated or vaccination uptake. Conclusion Interventions designed to increase vaccination uptake should focus on attitudes, norms, perceived behavioral control, anticipated regret, and possibly altruistic motivations.

Small states and the dilemma of geopolitics: role change in Finland and Sweden

Abstract This article focuses on foreign policy role change in small liberal states caused by a weakening rules-based order illustrated by the decisions of Finland and Sweden to apply for membership of NATO, thereby abandoning longstanding policies of military non-alignment. Although both countries sought alignment with NATO in the context of intense security threats in northern Europe, the domestic processes of foreign policy role change proceeded along different trajectories. In Finland, the domestic process of role change was characterized by strong elite and public consensus on membership of NATO, whereas in Sweden there was more hesitation regarding giving up military non-alignment and losing freedom of action. In this article, we address a gap in the literature on role theory and domestic role change by conceptualizing the dilemma of small liberal states being compelled to reassess national role conceptions in their domestic settings in the face of external challenges outside their control, without jeopardizing national autonomy and deep-seated social identities. To this end, we construct a model for national action strategies based on scope conditions of domestic role change, varying according to the level of congruence in national identity and the degree of domestic elite consensus concerning national foreign policy.

Important Drivers of European Monetary Integration The Game Between the German Central Government and the Bundesbank as an Example

An independent central bank constitutes a veto actor in the political process itself and has the potential to limit the autonomy of the State (Government). In cases where the preferences of the state and the central bank diverge, the resulting authoritative actions will be influenced by the political structure of the respective country. Where changes in the domestic political system are difficult to achieve, the state can change the existing equilibrium between the central bank and the government by engaging in international regimes and international negotiations and evolving this equilibrium in the direction of greater state autonomy. This paper adopts a case study approach to propose a domestic political logic for international monetary policy choices by analyzing the relationship between international monetary co-operation, central bank independence and national autonomy, and uses the political game between the central central bank and the central government within Germany and the outcome to verify this view, thus providing a political science explanation for the relationship between German monetary politics and European monetary integration. The European Central Bank after the formation of the Union inherited the independence of the German central bank, and while assuming its responsibility for monetary stabilization and economic development, it gradually transcended the scope of its monetary functions and transformed itself from a purely technical institution to an important political player in the regional political and economic arena in the process of the already existing institutional constraints and changes in the economic situation.

How Do Molecular Systems Engineering Scientists Frame the Ethics of Their Research?

Background There are intense discussions about the ethical and societal implications of biomedical engineering, but little data to suggest how scientists think about the ethics of their work. The aim of this study is to describe how scientists frame the ethics of their research, with a focus on the field of molecular systems engineering. Methods Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted during 2021–2022, as part of a larger study. This analysis includes a broad question about how participants view ethics as related to their work, with follow up probes about the topics they consider most important. Interviews were transcribed, inductively coded by two researchers to consensus, and analyzed thematically. Results Twenty-four scientists participated in the study. Interviewees hold positions as professors, principal investigators, and senior staff researchers in universities or research institutes in the United States and Europe. Among those scientists who reported reflecting on ethical considerations in their work, many equated ethics with research ethics topics (e.g., safety, replicability), or with regulation and guidelines. Participants expressed the view that ethical issues are primarily relevant for clinical trials of bioengineered products, or for those working with animal or human subjects. Scientists described their research as “too early” or “not examining anything living” with regard to ethical reflection. Finally, many felt that ethics is seen as territory for experts and therefore beyond scientists’ competencies. Conclusions Molecular systems engineering scientists currently focus on regulatory aspects as the framework for their ethical analyses. They describe using a framework to define when life arises, as a means to determine when further ethical engagement is warranted. Further research is needed to investigate how scientists relate to the ethics of their scientific work, and build consensus around concepts of life, autonomous behavior, and physiological relevance of bioengineered systems.

Chinese Data Governance and Trade Policy: From Cyber Sovereignty to the Quest for Digital Hegemony?

ABSTRACT The article builds on an up-to-date overview of the data governance framework developed by the People’s Republic of China to gauge its influence over digital trade policy at the global stage. China has developed a peculiar data governance architecture, predicated upon domestic security. The party-state has been open to discuss only trade-related aspects of information flows while shielding national autonomy from international harmonization. This strategy is coupled with the effort to project China’s data governance approach externally both through China’s role in international standard setting and via new digital infrastructure, through the Digital Silk Road initiative. In this respect, China’s attempts to facilitate penetration by its own companies in foreign digital infrastructure needs to be assessed against the large data access power enjoyed by the state-party vis-à-vis domestic big tech companies. The article argues that such a strategy appears in contrast with the explicit commitment to protect national self-determination, especially when host countries lack adequate legal and administrative safeguards to tackle the economic and data protection challenges brought by digitalization.