Core Of Theory Research Articles

Exploring young consumer's understanding of local food through proximity and social representations

The ever-changing nature of consumers' understanding of local food highlights the need for in-depth research. This study explores how Gen-Z consumers define, perceive and experience local food. Through the analysis, we extend the existing conceptualization of local food by differentiating three aspects of proximity: geographical, value, and relational proximity. We contribute novel insights into the differentiation of proximity to the established understanding for this specific consumer group. Methodologically, we use a free association game played with Gen-Z consumers in Hungary. Theoretical frameworks, including social representation, central core and proximity theories, are used to uncover implicit knowledge about local food. The results reveal a consumer understanding that associates health, freshness, taste, quality and trustworthiness as the central core of the local food concept. Surprisingly, value and relational proximity gain importance, while geographical proximity takes a peripheral role. This study facilitates a re-evaluation of the local food concept in light of evolving consumer understanding, while also establishing a link between proximity theories and social representation theory. The findings provide practical implications that distinguish different aspects of proximity that are relevant to farmers and policy makers in light of evolving consumer understandings.

Kinetic modelling of carbothermal reduction of nickel oxide (NiO): Design of Experiments (DOE) approach

ABSTRACT This study presents a mathematical model to evaluate the kinetics of the carbothermal reduction of NiO using graphite. Based on the shrinking core theory, the model was validated against experimental data obtained under both isothermal and non-isothermal conditions. The shrinking core model for isothermal and non-isothermal conditions was created using MATLAB software for the kinetic modelling of the reduction process to determine the extent of reduction and the reaction rate. The kinetics were mathematically modelled from independently measured physical and thermodynamic properties of the reaction system and experimentally measured properties. The carbothermal reduction method was effective in producing Ni metal from NiO and was considered an established basis for evaluating the modelling aspect of the solid–gas system. The experimental investigation of carbothermal reduction was conducted using a statistical design of experiments (DOE), employing a two-level factorial design (23). The experiments were performed for a range of different factors, namely reduction temperature (800-1000°C), reduction time (1-2 h), and the molar ratio of graphite to NiO (0.5-1.5) on the extent of reduction. The extent of reduction increases with increasing reduction temperature, reduction time, and molar ratio of C to NiO. The highest extent of reduction (77.9%) was achieved at a reduction temperature of 1000°C, 2 h of reduction time, and the molar ratio of C to NiO as 1.5. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies confirmed the formation of Ni at a lower reduction time, but the intensity of the Ni phase was higher for a longer duration of reduction. SEM-EDS analysis of the reduced products confirmed the formation of Ni in the form of elongated and larger grains, along with traces of residual or unreacted carbon. The predicted extent of reduction is then compared with the experimentally measured results. The kinetic modelling results proved that both isothermal and non-isothermal shrinking core models showed similarity and significant closeness to the experimental data. The deviation between the experimental and model results could be due to the varying geometry and porosity of the reactants and intermediate products.

Behavioral Economics and Stock Market Decision-Making: Investor Biases and Investment Strategies

This study examines the application of behavioral economics to stock market decision-making, focusing on common cognitive biases of investors and their impact on investment decisions. Unlike the complete rationality assumed in traditional economics, behavioral economics reveals the irrational behaviors that investors exhibit when facing risks and uncertainties, such as overconfidence, loss aversion, and herd effect. By examining classical theories such as prospect theory, loss aversion, and the anchoring effect, as well as specific case studies such as the 2008 global financial crisis, this study aims to reveal how these psychological biases affect investors’ decision-making process. Further, this study examines how behavioral economics theories can be used to improve investment strategies by recommending methods such as low volatility investment strategies to help investors make more rational and effective investment choices in a complex market environment. Through in-depth analysis of the core theories and cases of behavioral economics, investors are better able to identify biases in the decision-making process, thereby optimizing their investment decisions and improving long-term investment returns.

Financial Technology Service Companies' Innovation Change Management and Leadership-Driven Organizational Adaptability

In the context of rapid development in financial technology, financial technology service companies face unprecedented changes and challenges. This paper explores how these companies can drive organizational adaptability through innovative change management and leadership to enhance their market competitiveness. First, the paper defines financial technology and its development trends, provides an overview of core theories of change management, and analyzes the impact of change management on organizational performance. Next, it discusses the implementation framework for organizational adaptability, highlights challenges encountered during the adaptation process, and proposes corresponding solution strategies, along with methods to optimize adaptive strategies. Finally, the paper examines the organizational capabilities required for sustained change and innovation, particularly focusing on management models for continuous change and the enhancement of organizational capabilities driven by innovation. Through systematic analysis and strategic recommendations, this paper aims to provide effective frameworks for change management and leadership-driven adaptability strategies for financial technology service companies to navigate an ever-changing market environment.

Research on the Application and Innovation of Environmental Design in Ideological and Political Work in Universities

As higher education continues to evolve, the effective integration of environmental design and ideological and political work has become a key issue for enhancing educational outcomes. This paper delves into the theoretical foundations, current status, and applications of environmental design in conjunction with ideological and political work, proposing innovative models and strategies. First, the article analyzes the core theories of environmental design, including environmental psychology, spatial cognition, and environmental behavior theory, and explores their intersection with ideological and political education theory, educational psychology, and socio-cultural theory. Second, the paper evaluates the current state of environmental design in universities, identifying the effectiveness and challenges, such as insufficient alignment with objectives, technical and financial limitations, and imperfect evaluation mechanisms. Lastly, the article introduces innovative models like thematic design, functional zoning, and immersive experience design, suggesting interdisciplinary integration, intelligent design, and community feedback mechanisms as strategies for innovation. Practical guidance and policy recommendations are provided to promote the deeper application of environmental design in ideological and political education.

Fast convergence of trust-regions for non-isolated minima via analysis of CG on indefinite matrices

AbstractTrust-region methods (TR) can converge quadratically to minima where the Hessian is positive definite. However, if the minima are not isolated, then the Hessian there cannot be positive definite. The weaker Polyak–Łojasiewicz (PŁ) condition is compatible with non-isolated minima, and it is enough for many algorithms to preserve good local behavior. Yet, TR with an exact subproblem solver lacks even basic features such as a capture theorem under PŁ. In practice, a popular inexact subproblem solver is the truncated conjugate gradient method (tCG). Empirically, TR-tCG exhibits superlinear convergence under PŁ. We confirm this theoretically. The main mathematical obstacle is that, under PŁ, at points arbitrarily close to minima, the Hessian has vanishingly small, possibly negative eigenvalues. Thus, tCG is applied to ill-conditioned, indefinite systems. Yet, the core theory underlying tCG is that of CG, which assumes a positive definite operator. Accordingly, we develop new tools to analyze the dynamics of CG in the presence of small eigenvalues of any sign, for the regime of interest to TR-tCG.

Cognition, horizon and practice: formation of the nonsynchronism in theoretical research of information science

Purpose The nonsynchronism in theoretical research of information science (IS) is an interesting phenomenon that has not been sufficiently examined. This study is to reveal the mechanism of its formation from a microscopic perspective.Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research approach was adopted and 22 professors from different IS fields were interviewed. The data were analyzed with a six-step thematic analysis method.Findings The nonsynchronism in IS theoretical research is reflected in three dimensions. Theory cognition and theory practice shape each other under the constraint of theory horizon. Researchers with similar theory cognition and practice form a theoretical generation. The inter-generational gap may exist among IS researchers in different research areas, at different ages, or located in different countries or regions.Research limitations/implications This study reveals the formation mechanism of the nonsynchronism in IS theoretical research from a microscopic perspective of individual researcher’s theory using practice and offers new insights into the dynamics of the structural evolution of IS theoretical knowledge.Practical implicationsThe results of this study can help to promote internal or external communication in IS and enhance theoretical education for doctoral students.Originality/valueThis study identifies and theoretically defines a few core themes, theory horizon, theory cognition, theory practice and theoretical generation, and reveals their relationships. On this basis, a conceptual model of nonsynchronism in theoretical research is developed.

Thinking (too?) fast and slow: An example of professional judgement and decision making processes in athletics

Recently there has been interest in using examining coaching practice through a lens of Professional Judgement and Decision Making. One core theory of decision making, Recognition Primed Decision Making, examines how people make decisions in limited time scales. Alternatively, when time allows, there is an opportunity for people to engage in slower thoughtful and Type 2 judgement and decision making (DM). In both cases it is hypothesised that professional practitioners (coaches) should draw on formalistic scientific rather than substantive heuristics or rules to maintain a professional standard. However, despite these ideas relatively little is known about the actual decision-making behaviour of coaches in practice. Against this premise 12 long jump coaches were asked to identify the strengths and weaknesses of a long jump athlete and offer a view on how they would work to improve his performance. All coaches were asked to identify what they would do if their first approach didn't work. Findings suggest that coaches have an initial tendency to engage in RPD type behaviour but drawing mainly on substantive rules. Notably, uncertainty pushed coaches to become more considered, and formalistic. In conclusion, coaches have the capacity to be ‘professional’ in their DM behaviour but may not use this capacity as the first resort.

Venture Capital Syndication under Social Network Theory: Literature Review and Prospect

As an important channel for start-ups to obtain R&D funds and external knowledge and information resources, and as one of the key methods for investment institutions to leverage scale and synergy effects to enhance investment returns, venture capital syndication holds significant research value in the field of venture capital. This paper reviews the literature, summarizing the motivations behind the formation of joint investment networks, the conceptual characteristics of the three core theories of social network theory, and the empirical research on venture capital syndication within the framework of social network theory. It also highlights the existing research results, identifies gaps, and anticipates future research directions.

Application and Exploration of Pragmatics Theory in College English Teaching

With the acceleration of globalization, the importance of English as an international lingua franca is increasingly prominent. This paper first provides an overview of pragmatics theory, including its definition, core theories, and its relationship with English teaching. It then focuses on the application of pragmatics theory in college English classroom teaching, teaching material design, and teacher training, and evaluates its effectiveness. Additionally, this paper explores the challenges faced in the application of pragmatics theory, such as the integration of theory and practice, insufficient understanding and mastery by teachers, and students' acceptance and adaptation issues. Corresponding improvement suggestions are also proposed. Through this study, the aim is to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for improving the effectiveness of college English teaching.

Research on the construction and mapping model of knowledge organization system driven by standards

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence and enterprise digital transformation, the standardization organization, storage and management of semantic knowledge in computers have become the current research focus. As the core theory of knowledge system construction, knowledge organization (KO) provides theoretical support for the study of semantic knowledge organization and representation, among which knowledge organization system (KOS) is the important tool of semantic organization. At present, many scholars have carried out research from different perspectives of KOS based on theory, which provides the direction for the sustainable development of KOS. However, most of these studies focus on some aspects of KOS, which are in a "scattered" state, lacking systematic analysis of the basic principles of KOS construction and semantic organization based on theories and international standards. Therefore, this paper firstly constructs KOS theoretical models in the conceptual world and computer world respectively through a comprehensive study of multi-disciplinary basic theories such as semantics, logic, system theory, and international standards such as ISO 1087:2019, ISO 25964:2013, and ISO 11179:2023, and traces the iterative construction, organization and mapping process from "concept" in the conceptual world to "metadata" knowledge and semantics in the computer world. The semantic organization based on metadata is realized in computer. Secondly, on this basis, in order to realize ontology representation of domain knowledge, the ontology construction method based on MDR metadata is proposed. Finally, taking the semantic organization and ontology construction of Epicentre model in petroleum field as an example, the feasibility of the ideas and methods proposed in this paper is verified. The model and method proposed in this paper is independent of the specific type of KOS, so it is innovative and universal. The methodology is also applicable to other fields of conceptual system modeling, metadata standard construction, and data model modeling.

One-stop multi-sensor fusion and multimodal precise quantified traditional Chinese medicine imaging health examination technology

Except for single-mode traditional Chinese medicine imaging techniques such as infrared thermal imaging, the one-stop multimodal whole-body imaging health examination technology and device is still blank. We focus on infrared thermal imaging as the main modality, integrated various modalities of medical imaging intelligent sensing agents such as terahertz imaging. The upper and lower computer and virtual instrument architecture are used, and the imaging data are collected by the lower computers that each is an intelligent sensing agent. The upper computer is used for image reconstruction with intelligent algorithms. Based on the core theory of traditional Chinese medicine, intelligent fusion imaging is achieved through various modalities to achieve the ‘observation, hearing, questioning, and palpation’ four diagnostic integration. We use fractional Fourier transform to filter imaging data, Laplacian pyramid for image fusion. We have proposed an implementation method and process for combining traditional Chinese medicine imaging large language model with knowledge graph, and based on deep learning, we have studied the image and report generation algorithm that combines traditional Chinese medicine pathology and four diagnostic methods with knowledge graph fusion, as well as the traditional Chinese medicine human physiological and pathological interpretation and evaluation system. We have achieved some results, and through further research and development, we can achieve commercial applications.

A survey of reinforcement learning theories in autonomous vehicles

This survey explores the core theories, techniques, and core applications of reinforcement learning (RL) in the domain of autonomous vehicles. RL has emerged as a significant contributor to decision-making techniques in this field, enabling agents to make informed decisions based on actions and rewards derived from the environment. The ultimate objective of RL in autonomous driving is to maximize cumulative rewards over time. However, RL faces challenges related to interpretability and sample efficiency, particularly in complex driving scenarios. This survey extensively investigates the utilization of RL in decision-making and control, encompassing various scenarios and addressing the challenges encountered within RL-based autonomous vehicles. By emphasizing the design of effective reward functions, enhancing sample efficiency, and improving model interpretability, future advancements in reinforcement learning for autonomous vehicles can foster the development of more robust, efficient, and trustworthy autonomous systems. Moreover, this survey provides valuable insights into the limitations of RL techniques in autonomous driving decision-making, highlighting areas that require further research and development.

More is better? Family leisure involvement and individual leisure satisfaction among Chinese adult workers

ABSTRACT Family leisure activities have been gaining increasing attention in recent years. This study aims to identify the characteristics of family leisure involvement among adult workers in urban China, explore the relationship between family leisure and leisure satisfaction, and further analyse the possible interrelationship between core and balance family leisure activities. Paper-and-pencil questionnaire surveys of activity diaries were collected from 519 residents of Zhongshan, a prefecture-level city in China. Linear regression analysis suggested that balance family leisure activities were not associated with individual leisure satisfaction, while core family leisure had a negative impact. Core family leisure also moderated the relationship between balance family leisure and personal leisure satisfaction. A moderate amount of core family leisure combined with balance family leisure increased leisure satisfaction. This study contributes to the core and balance theory of family leisure functioning by exploring the interrelationship between the two types of family leisure activities in a non-Western context.

Art Design of Non-Heritage Cultural and Creative Products Based on the Concept of Sustainability

With the continuous development of social economy and the gradual improvement of intangible culture protection system, the express train that integrates intangible culture into cultural and creative products to drive economic development has been on the highway. The integration of the two has become an important direction of traditional art protection and development in the industry and business of intangible cultural protection. From the perspective of sustainable development theory, this paper points out that the designers and developers of cultural and creative products need to take sustainable design as the core theory, organically combine the narrative of consumers with the intangible culture, and give full play to the social, cultural and commercial value of the current sustainable design theory in the visual design of intangible cultural and creative products. Taking the sustainability of ecological design and the sustainability of people-oriented design as the innovative ideas of visual design.

Design of Metal Sulfide Electrode for Hydrogen Production by Electrolysis

Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is the cathodic hydrogen evolution reaction in electrolytic cell, but the hydrogen evolution catalytic properties of electrode materials best remains is the precious metal catalyst, therefore, in order to study the catalytic performance is good, and cheap hydrogen evolution electrode materials has become the research hot spot, metal sulfide can be mixed and with good electrical conductivity is it can be used as a necessary condition for hydrogen evolution electrode, The core theory of this paper is the first principle. By taking metal sulfide as the matrix and doping it with 10 metal group elements, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn, we obtained the configuration of 20 metal sulfide by doping it at two different sites of S atom, and inlaid H atom into metal atom. Then, through the use of software to study its catalytic performance, through the free energy analysis, rate analysis, bond length analysis, density of states analysis, charge analysis method, compared and found the most suitable doping metal element V, thus also determined that metal sulfide can be used as hydrogen evolution electrode through metal doping.

:Evolutionary Biology: Contemporary and Historical Reflections Upon Core Theory. Evolutionary Biology—New Perspectives on Its Development, Volume 6

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A Grounded Theory Exploration of Addictions Treatment Within a Commercial Airline Setting.

INTRODUCTION: An Australasian Airline's Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Program demonstrates abstinence rates that exceed those of general AOD programs. The reasons for this are unclear. The purpose of this research was to develop a theory as to why this program is successful.METHODS: A qualitative examination following grounded theory methodology was undertaken. AOD program patients and healthcare professionals were interviewed until content saturation was reached. Data analysis followed grounded theory to identify the key concepts associated with the program's success.RESULTS: The core theory that emerged highlighted the pivotal roles of a strong employee-company relationship, shared values, and a safety-focused culture in explicating the program's success. This moves beyond the "carrot and stick" model of motivation, where belonging to this organization and safety consciousness serve as powerful drivers for abstinence. Challenges and barriers highlighted some unique challenges to the program in managing the coronavirus pandemic and the difference in approach to substance use in community spaces versus safety-critical employment.DISCUSSION: This research expands the understanding of this AOD program's success in a safety-critical industry, emphasizing the elements of a working relationship that are beyond positive or negative reinforcement. Future research should work to quantify and test the generalizability of these findings.Nairn J, Bell E, Myers J, Higgins M, Johnston B, Newton-Howes G. A grounded theory exploration of addictions treatment within a commercial airline setting. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2024; 95(6):313-320.

THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL COMPARISON ON NEGATIVE PSYCHOLOGY AND IMPULSIVE BUYING BEHAVIOR OF CUSTOMERS IN VIETNAM

Purpose: This study consolidates core theories pertaining to social comparison, particularly upward comparison, impulsive buying behavior and notions associated with social characteristics such as envy, self-esteem, negative mood, depression and self-efficacy. At the same time, provide hypotheses and study models connected to the impact of social comparison on negative psychology and impulsive purchase behavior of customers in Vietnam. Method: Furthermore, this subject employed qualitative research methods such as group discussions and in-depth interviews with experts to reach a consensus on the definition of components, as well as to refine and enhance the measuring scales used to assess these factors. Subsequently, establish a foundation for carrying out initial quantitative investigation in order to finalize the official questionnaire, and subsequently proceed with the official quantitative study. A representative survey was conducted with a sample size of 647 customers who utilize social networks and engage in online shopping on e-commerce platforms. The study was conducted in major cities in Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, Da Nang, Hue, Can Tho and Bien Hoa. Result: Experimental research results have indicated that upward social comparison has a negative influence on self-esteem but a favorable impact on envy and negative mood. Simultaneously, increased self-esteem decreases depression and impulsive buying tendencies, whereas feelings of envy and negative mood have a beneficial effect. Conclusion: Additionally, the research findings demonstrate the influence of self-efficacy as a moderator and dedepression as a mediator. These findings provide a foundation for the researcher to suggest managerial recommendations for organizations to enhance client purchasing behavior.

A Feature Selection Method Based on Graph Theory for Cancer Classification.

Gene expression profile data is a good data source for people to study tumors, but gene expression data has the characteristics of high dimension and redundancy. Therefore, gene selection is a very important step in microarray data classification. In this paper, a feature selection method based on the maximum mutual information coefficient and graph theory is proposed. Each feature of gene expression data is treated as a vertex of the graph, and the maximum mutual information coefficient between genes is used to measure the relationship between the vertices to construct an undirected graph, and then the core and coritivity theory is used to determine the feature subset of gene data. In this work, we used three different classification models and three different evaluation metrics such as accuracy, F1-Score, and AUC to evaluate the classification performance to avoid reliance on any one classifier or evaluation metric. The experimental results on six different types of genetic data show that our proposed algorithm has high accuracy and robustness compared to other advanced feature selection methods. In this method, the importance and correlation of features are considered at the same time, and the problem of gene selection in microarray data classification is solved.