Complex Ideas Research Articles

Philosophy of Complexity and Its Critics

Philosophy of complexity is considered by the authors as a set of subject-specific philosophical projects aimed at transforming the modern scientific worldview. The paper analyses ways of understanding complexity developed in such projects. The authors also present critical provisions existing in domestic and foreign research literature that call into question the validity and meaningfulness of projects of the «philosophy of complexity». It is shown that despite the fact that many of the critical statements are completely justified, this does not negate the possibility of considering complexity as an object of philosophical reflection, but raises the question of its justified forms and possibilities. Based on the review, the authors make the assumption that the eclecticism and speculative character of the “philosophy of complexity” projects constitute their intrinsic features. Overcoming them will determine the prospects for the development of the idea of complexity from a philosophical perspective.

Enhancing engineering education: Investigating the impact of mobile devices on learning in a thermal-fluids course

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected learning at all levels; particularly, in higher education, where levels of independence and self-motivation are required during distance learning. In engineering, distance learning adds another degree of difficulty to an already complex field. Comprehension in engineering requires the repeated use of diagrams, high-level charts, and practice problems. Mobile devices, combined with a technology-enhanced curriculum, provide an excellent platform for learning in engineering as it allows for clear illustration and the transfer of complex ideas at any time and place. In alignment with the social-constructivist framework, these facets of mobile technology provide additional avenues for student engagement and the extension of learning goals. This study utilized the Triple E Framework and a mixed methods approach to investigate the impact of mobile devices on engineering students’ learning in a thermal-fluids course. The overall aim was to understand how mobile technology, combined with a technology-enhanced curriculum, impacts engineering students’ engagement, enhancement, and extension of learning. Findings reveal that students perceived increased levels of engagement when utilizing mobile devices in their learning practices. However, instructional methods were identified to be the key factor leading to engagement. A small effect size of 0.37 was noticed, and a post hoc power analysis resulted in a test power of 0.55. Though a significant difference between students who did and did not utilize mobile devices was not apparent, students with university loaned tablets (iPads) had a larger increase in learning than students without. This paper is based on the author's master's thesis titled “Affordances of Mobile Technology to Facilitate Learning in Undergraduate Thermal-Fluid Sciences,” the represented data reflects content from the same.

Empowering children as active and responsible citizens: A dramatic journey towards global citizenship

AbstractThis article investigates three key moments from a sequence of learning facilitated within a Singapore preschool. Delivered as part of a wider study aimed at identifying the value of dramatic pedagogies for developing young children's global competence, the learning sequence was facilitated by the researcher—an experienced early childhood drama educator. The learning experiences were designed to be responsive to the children's interests and ideas, with an emphasis on ensuring their active participation and agency. Analysis of the data was supported using the 2018 Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development Global Competence Framework and the Elements of Drama model. Despite limitations such as the small sample size, the findings suggest that for these children, dramatic pedagogies were effective in providing opportunities for engagement with the complex ideas associated with global competence and sustainable development. However, analysis also reveals that in order to be effective, careful management of the elements of drama is required. The article concludes by outlining implications for educators and public policy‐makers interested in identifying pedagogies suitable for developing young children's global competence and supporting their awareness of the importance of sustainable development.

Role of Symbolism in Reader Understanding and Interpretation in Nigeria

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the role of symbolism in reader understanding and interpretation in Nigeria. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The role of symbolism in reader understanding and interpretation is profound, as symbols serve as powerful tools for conveying deeper meanings and themes within literary works. Through symbolism, authors imbue objects, characters, and events with additional layers of significance, allowing readers to engage with the text on multiple levels. Symbolism facilitates the exploration of complex ideas, emotions, and societal issues, often transcending language barriers and resonating with diverse audiences. Moreover, it encourages readers to actively participate in the interpretation process, fostering personal connections and insights that enrich their reading experiences. Consequently, the study of symbolism underscores its crucial role in shaping reader comprehension and interpretation, highlighting its capacity to evoke profound reflections on the human condition and the world around us. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Reader-response theory, semiotic theory and cognitive theory of metaphor may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the role of symbolism in reader understanding and interpretation in Nigeria. Educators should implement evidence-based instructional strategies for teaching symbolism in educational settings, including guided discussion, close reading, and scaffolded instruction. Educational policymakers should consider integrating symbolism into curriculum standards and assessments to ensure that students develop symbolic literacy skills alongside other critical reading competencies.

Keynan Somali Equation Theory: An Empirical Attempt to Explain What Led to the Collapse of the Somali State

With the introduction of the contemporary state structure in Somalia, there have been and still are ways to explain what led to the collapse of the state. There have been many attempts from scholars who viewed the Somali case from different perspectives to explain what led to the state crumbling. The Somali state collapse has rejected conventional wisdom and evaded almost all attempts to impose a particular structure, explanation, or conclusion upon it. Much has been written and said about the country, particularly since 1991. One serious attempt which may help explain the Somali case is the Keynan Theory of Somali Equation (KSET). KSET is a philosophical attempt to explain the Somali state's collapse by theorising the country's political and social context, the factors that contributed to its demise, and the steps necessary for the Somali people to reconstruct their state. This paper will attempt to analyse and examine the theoretical framework of the phenomenon of social order fragmentation, which is the foundation of KSET. Applying the theory will further attempt to shed light on the factors that led to the establishment and continuation of Somali society. It will also examine "the complex of ideas, values, beliefs and institutions that define and underpin the Somali society" by looking at the methodology applied in KSET.

Cavaleiros do Zodíaco: um mangá teopoético

It is an excerpt from a doctoral research that focuses on the manga Knights of the Zodiac (1985-1990), created by Masami Kurumada. Originally titled Saint Seiya, this Japanese comic book integrates Greek mythology as a structuring element of its narrative. The Greek mythology within the work is intersected by the combination of other themes - religion, astronomy, and astrology. Based on this amalgamation, Kurumada formulated a fundamental concept for the story: the cosmos, also known as the seventh sense. This is a complex and original idea that imparts a mystical and spiritual atmosphere to the manga. With that in mind, the objective of this article is to briefly explore the nature of the cosmos, conducting a theopoetic analysis of the work based on this concept. Therefore, the theoretical framework that underpins the study is primarily grounded in theopoetics (Kuschel, 1999; Ferraz, 2011; Bingemer; Villas Boas, 2020), which proposes comparative studies, initially between religion and literature, soon incorporating other artistic expressions - including comic books - into its research interests.

Enhancing Communication with ChatGPT: A Guide for Academic Writers, Teachers, and Professionals

ChatGPT has the potential to improve communication. ChatGPT can help with the 7Cs of effective communication: clarity, coherence, conciseness, concreteness, correctness, completeness, and courtesy. ChatGPT can make complex ideas simple for clarity. It can suggest transitions for coherence and provide concise responses. It offers concrete details and examples, making information relatable. ChatGPT generates grammatically correct and thorough information, contributing to correctness and completeness. It also maintains a courteous tone and suggests polite language choices. However, ChatGPT has limitations. It can sometimes lack accuracy, struggle with understanding context, or miss empathy. It may also give incomplete or generic answers. Academic writers, teachers, and professionals should use ChatGPT carefully. They need to verify information independently and evaluate suggestions critically. By combining ChatGPT with human judgment and editing, they can improve their communication. Responsible use of ChatGPT as a support tool can enhance communication in professional settings.

On Prime Counting Functions Using Odd $K$-Almost Primes

This work takes an interesting diversion, revealing the extraordinary capacity to determine the precise number of primes in a space tripled over another. Exploring the domain of K-almost prime numbers, this paper provides a clear explanation of the complex idea. In addition to outlining the conditions under which odd K-almost prime numbers must exist, it presents a novel method for figuring out how often odd numbers are as 2-almost prime, 3-almost prime, 4-almost prime, and so on, up to a specified limit n. The work goes one step further and offers useful advice on how to use these approaches to precisely calculate the prime counting function, π(n). Essentially, it offers a comprehensive exploration of the mathematical fabric, where primes reveal their mysteries in both large and small spaces.

SYMBOLISM AND ITS ARTISTIC AND SEMANTIC DIMENSIONSIN THE NOBLE QURAN: A CASE STUDY OF STORY OF PROPHET YUSUF

Among the literary devices that aid works of art to convey specific meanings and hook the attention of reader is symbolism. This is when a word or an image or character represents a complex idea, feeling and thought that is beyond the literal meaning; either in poetry, novel, story, picture and sculpture. Al-Quran being masterpiece of Arabic language and literature, contains stories that are characterized of various techniques, including symbolism. It is, therefore, the interest of this paper to examine the use of this technique and its dimensional meaning in the story of Prophet Yusuf. The paper employs a qualitative research approach which is descriptive and interpretive to respond to the emerging questions such as; what is symbolism? What is the features and factors behind its usage? To what extent does the story of Yusuf contain symbolism and meanings. Findings reveal among other things, that featuring of symbolism in the story of the Prophet Yusuf would enable one to appreciate the unique literary form of the al-Qur’an. The paper concludes that knowledge of literary tools enhances deep understanding of the Quranic text that leads to the proper understand Islam.

Pressure and Its Impact on Job Satisfaction and Organizational Performance

This paper explores the complex idea of work pressure among Chinese hospital administrators and how it affects job happiness and overall effectiveness of the organization. Hospital directors confront a wide range of intricate issues within the framework of China's distinct healthcare system because of their twin responsibilities as administrative and medical leaders. The dimensions of role pressure are examined in this study, which include role gap, role overload, where the workload is excessive, role ambiguity, and the role of conflict. Understanding these aspects is essential to appreciating the effectiveness and well-being of hospital administration. Given that job happiness is a major factor in both employee performance and retention, these pressures have a significant effect on job satisfaction. The study also looks at the wider effects of pressure on organizational performance, which is crucial for the long-term viability and efficiency of healthcare facilities. Through an examination of these facets, the paper illuminates the noteworthy, albeit frequently disregarded, psychological and operational obstacles encountered by hospital administrators in China. This, in turn, offers valuable perspectives on the possibility of policy and administrative changes targeted at augmenting job contentment and organizational results

Give us ideas! Creating innovativeness through strategic direction of reverse technology transfers

AbstractThis paper addresses the research gap in understanding the role of intra-firm reverse technology transfers for building output versus innovation capabilities. While we understand that some firms use external sources to create new technology before they are able to build internal innovation capability, the role of bridging lack of innovation capability through internal reverse technology transfers has not been explored in this context. We analyze the technology transfer strategy in the case of Huawei Technologies through a mixed methods design combining quantitative survival analysis of patents and qualitative interviews to understand and contextualize its mechanisms. The results show that the company strategically transferred ideas for new and complex technologies from centers of state-of-the-art technology towards its domestic Chinese locations. Tapping into offshore innovation capability is done by hiring experienced personnel that transfers innovative ideas to China instead of developing new products abroad. We find that this systematic transfer of complex ideas enabled Huawei to build output capability by bridging its lack of domestic innovation capability. This might be a way for growing firms to become competitive on the world market before having to build innovation capability at home first.

Manipulative Potential of Humor in Business Media Discourse: Drawing up a “Starter Pack” for LSP Teaching

The article investigates the manipulative potential of humor in business media discourse and its application in Language for Specific Purposes (LSP) teaching. Recognizing humor as a tool for simplifying complex ideas and engaging a broad audience, the study aims to identify the functional-stylistic means through which humor is conveyed in business media, focusing on its capacity to influence audience perceptions and attitudes. Employing continuous sampling along with descriptive, comparative, and discursive methods, the research analyzes utterances from Russian- and English-language business media to explore humor’s various functions – such as persuasion, focus-setting, and entertainment – and how these can be harnessed to facilitate linguistic manipulation. The findings reveal that humor, through rhetorical devices like metaphors, idioms, understatement, allusion, sarcasm, and oxymoron, plays a key role in making business concepts accessible and engaging. A “starter pack” of tools is identified for LSP education, equipping students to recognize and utilize humor’s manipulative power in professional contexts. This toolkit aims to prepare future business communicators to craft and recognize humorous statements. Implications for LSP educators, students, and business communication professionals are significant, advocating for an integrated approach in curricula that balances the creative and manipulative implementation of humor. This prepares students for global business communication, emphasizing humor’s strategic importance in effective leadership.

Of power, knowledge and method: The influence of Michel Foucault in accounting history

Michel Foucault's work had a strong influence not only in philosophy but also in a wide range of humanistic and social disciplines, including accounting. Notably, the first studies which brought Foucault's thought to the attention of interdisciplinary accounting scholars were historical. This article documents how Foucault's ideas have directly inspired accounting history scholars, how the latter have interpreted and brought Foucault's work into their field as well as what future research paths may lie ahead. The article offers a systematisation of how the complex ideas of Foucault have been translated into eight key themes that have provided a crucial interpretive prism to many studies in accounting history. In doing so, it assists scholars wishing to familiarise themselves with Foucault's work and employ it in their research.

Complexity: A Rationale for the University

Complexity provides a unifying theme that responds to fundamental questions about the emergent structure of the universe as well as human nature. It offers an intellectual framework for disciplines throughout universities. It structures a universe of knowledge across natural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities – from quarks to global societies and human fascination with inter-galactic relations. Ideas of complexity begin with its unidirectional emergence from the big bang to us now. The idea is developed by its multidirectional emergence that includes narratives from the big bang to planets, galaxies, and life forms other than our own. Furthermore, complexity often entails stasis, with levels of complexity remaining as they are, reversing to simpler levels, or all or parts of nature ending altogether. Speculations about multiple universes lead to an idea of infinite complexity.

Transformative pedagogy and visual Literacy: reframing art and design student perspectives on sustainability with illustrated infographics

This study explores the integration of key Transformative Learning Theory (TLT) principles into design education to foster Visual Literacy (VL) and promote awareness of environmental issues among undergraduate students. Through thematic analysis of 22 illustrated infographics, ideation sketches and supporting textual data created by art and design students, the study examines patterns and insights related to perspective transformation, critical reflection, and visual writing skills. Findings reveal pedagogical efficacy when prompting students to explore counter-narratives to the prevailing negative zeitgeist, resulting in perspective transformation and critical reflection of the design process. In turn, this perspective shift and critical reflection fostered the development of students’ abilities to convey complex ideas visually, thus broadening their visual vocabulary to advocate for positive change. Three main categories were considered: Critical Reflection, Perspective Transformation, and Visual Writing Skills, and six sub-categories were identified: Implicit Reflection, Paradigm Shift, Alternative Narratives, Rhetorical Concepts, Intentional Visual-Verbal Communication, and Emotional Visual Language. Implications for scholars include insights into curriculum development and the promotion of ethical and sustainable design practices, while pragmatic applications for faculty offer actionable recommendations for enhancing teaching practices. The study underscores the importance of ethical considerations, diverse perspectives, and real-world applications in nurturing students’ growth as innovative, ethical and sustainable designers.

NOT

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) utilizes strict censorship to enhance its legitimacy and justify its actions. In the digital age, the internet is a vital platform for disseminating propaganda to domestic and global audiences. Political cartoons transpire as a potent tool, employing parody to transmit political messages. Their effectiveness lies in their faculty to simplify complex ideas, provide humor, and reinforce biases. China’s diplomatic approach has shifted to wolf warrior diplomacy, a use of authoritative language to safeguard its interests. Chinese diplomats increasingly use X (formerly Twitter) to convey political messages, and growingly, anti-US sentiments through negative portrayals. This paper reviews the thematic relationship between tweets by the Chinese government and anti-US propaganda political cartoons, exploring how tweets from government officials influence the creation of negative portrayals of the US. Employing a content analysis methodology, the study explores tweets and political cartoons, revealing insights into China’s soft power and propaganda efforts. It was found that there is a significant correlation between anti-US sentiment expressed through tweets and political cartoons, with variations depending on specific categories of political subject matter and presidential administrations.

ROBOTIC EQUIPMENT OF THEATER STAGES

Background. The topic of the article is timely. Many interesting and technically quite feasible ideas in equipping the stage were not implemented in the theater due to the lack of direct groundwork and limited time resources. Problem statement. Generalization of the latest experience in the field of theatrical machinery requires raising the issue to the level of an interdisciplinary scientific direction based on mechanics, mechatronics and robotics. Purpose. The need to implement the increasingly complex ideas of performance directors in a modern theater requires the improvement of demonstration equipment, primarily theatrical machinery based on new scientific achievements and modern technical means of mechanization and automation. Research methods. Special stage robots can have a very different appearance, for example, they can be zoomorphic or anthropomorphic, but while maintaining the style of constructivism, they can have a man-made appearance. Such robots can perform complex movements, while they usually have numerous moving parts with independent drives. To provide flexible motion control capabilities with a focus on spectator perception, it is required to use microprocessor control with coordination from central control computers. Results. When setting requirements for such a technique, the orientation towards visual perception is specific, which is also used in demonstration robotics. Based on the scientific generalization of previous and new experience in creating technical equipment for theatrical productions of large theaters, the paper describes and characterizes typical tasks of creating and working out a scientific base for creating modern and promising equipment for theatrical productions based on general principles and practical methods of mechanics, mechatronics and robotics.

Synecdoche and Metonymy in E. M. Forster’s A Passage to India

Edward Morgan Forster in his masterpiece novel A Passage to India creatively uses synecdoche and metonymy to help him tell his story and develop its themes and characters. In this article, analyzing specific instances of synecdoche and metonymy in the text helps the reader to understand their profound impact and great effect. The article briefly introduces synecdoche and metonymy as literary methods, highlighting their characteristics and use in narratives. Specifically, it examines synecdoche and metonymy in A Passage to India, as devices to analyze many passages and places. The article examines how synecdoche and metonymy convey complex ideas, create vivid imagery, and explain many themes via textual analysis. The article also explores how Forster’s synecdoche and metonymy reflect colonial tensions and power relations in the novel’s sociocultural and historical context. The effects of synecdoche and metonymy on the reader in depth are studied. Forster’s narrative techniques enhance “A Passage to India’s Tale as a research subject. The novel shows various tactics and strategies to demonstrate Forster’s literary competence and complexity.

A comprehensive review of the effects of social resources on the development of qualified instructors and children's learning performance

The academic accomplishment of students is influenced by teachers' professional development (TDP), which is greatly influenced by social capital (SC). The networks, connections, and resources that educators can access inside their educational communities are included in this complex idea. This analysis looks at the impact of SC on students' academic success and teachers' professional development. The Mixed-methods technique and the (PRISMA) Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement serve as guides as the study carefully evaluates the caliber and applicability of the gathered research. A total of 10 empirical factors were incorporated in the final review after strict qualifying requirements were satisfied. The results show that three different categories of outcomes are linked to teachers' SC: 1) consequence of changes, 2) growth of professional teachers, and 3) enhanced academic performance. Notably, the cumulative effects of these outcomes contribute to the unspecified objective of promoting equity in education. The research should concentrate on gaining a better knowledge of the complex relationship among these dimensions as well as the organizational arrangement of schools in the future. It should be done to achieve the goals connected with teacher SC.

Faces of Evil: A Philosophical Inquiry into the Igbo-African Understanding

The concept of evil is a complex and multifaceted idea that has been debated and studied by philosophers, theologians, and anthropologists for centuries. In the Igbo-African worldview, evil is understood through a tripartite framework consisting of the metaphysical, ethical, and moral dimensions. This paper provides a philosophical examination of these three dimensions of evil in the Igbo-African worldview. The metaphysical dimension explores the origins and nature of evil as a force in the world. The ethical dimension examines the moral responsibility of individuals for their actions and the consequences that arise from those actions. Finally, the moral dimension explores the role of society and community in shaping our understanding of good and evil. Through a careful examination of these three dimensions, this paper offers a comprehensive philosophical perspective on evil in the Igbo-African worldview.