Current Theories Research Articles

Dielectrophoresis: Measurement technologies and auxiliary sensing applications.

Dielectrophoresis (DEP), which arises from the interaction between dielectric particles and an aqueous solution in a nonuniform electric field, contributes to the manipulation of nano and microparticles in many fields, including colloid physics, analytical chemistry, molecular biology, clinical medicine, and pharmaceutics. The measurement of the DEP force could provide a more complete solution for verifying current classical DEP theories. This review reports various imaging, fluidic, optical, and mechanical approaches for measuring the DEP forces at different amplitudes and frequencies. The integration of DEP technology into sensors enables fast response, high sensitivity, precise discrimination, and label-free detection of proteins, bacteria, colloidal particles, and cells. Therefore, this review provides an in-depth overview of DEP-based fabrication and measurements. Depending on the measurement requirements, DEP manipulation can be classified into assistance and integration approaches to improve sensor performance. To this end, an overview is dedicated to developing the concept of trapping-on-sensing, improving its structure and performance, and realizing fully DEP-assisted lab-on-a-chip systems.

Rock fines breakage by flow-induced stresses against drag: geo-energy applications

The paper presents a strength-failure mechanism for colloidal detachment by breakage and permeability decline in reservoir rocks. The current theory for permeability decline due to colloidal detachment, including microscale mobilisation mechanisms, mathematical and laboratory modelling, and upscaling to natural reservoirs, is developed only for detrital particles with detachment that occurs against electrostatic attraction. We establish a theory for detachment of widely spread authigenic particles due to breakage of the particle-rock bonds, by integrating beam theory of particle deformation, failure criteria, and creeping flow. Explicit expressions for stress maxima in the beam yield a graphical technique to determine the failure regime. The core-scale model for fines detachment by breakage has a form of maximum retention concentration of the fines, expressing rock capacity to produce breakable fines. This closes the governing system for authigenic fines transport in rocks. Matching of the lab coreflood data by the analytical model for 1D flow exhibits two-population particle behaviour, attributed to simultaneous detachment and migration of authigenic and detrital fines. High agreement between the laboratory and modelling data for 16 corefloods validates the theory. The work is concluded by geo-energy applications to (i) clay breakage in geological faults, (ii) typical reservoir conditions for kaolinite breakage, (iii) well productivity damage due to authigenic fines migration, and (iv) feasibility of fines breakage in various geo-energy extraction technologies.

Learning to Choose: Behavioral Dynamics Underlying the Initial Acquisition of Decision Making

Current theories of decision making propose that decisions arise through competition between choice options. Computational models of the decision process estimate how quickly information about choice options is integrated and how much information is needed to trigger a choice. Experiments using this approach typically report data from well-trained participants. As such, we do not know how the decision process evolves as a decision-making task is learned for the first time. To address this gap, we used a behavioral design separating learning the value of choice options from learning to make choices. We trained male rats to respond to single visual stimuli with different reward values. Then, we trained them to make choices between pairs of stimuli. Initially, the rats responded more slowly when presented with choices. However, as they gained experience in making choices, this slowing reduced. Response slowing on choice trials persisted throughout the testing period. We found that it was specifically associated with increased exponential variability when the rats chose the higher value stimulus. Additionally, our analysis using drift diffusion modeling revealed that the rats required less information to make choices over time. These reductions in the decision threshold occurred after just a single session of choice learning. These findings provide new insights into the learning process of decision-making tasks. They suggest that the value of choice options and the ability to make choices are learned separately, and that experience plays a crucial role in improving decision-making performance.Significance StatementWe investigated the dynamics of decision-making as rats initially learned to choose between visual stimuli associated with different rewards. Unlike prior research focusing on well-trained participants, we explored the initial stages of learning to make decisions. We used a behavioral design that separated value learning from choice learning. Initially, rats exhibited slower responses when making choices, but this slowing diminished with experience. Response slowing persisted throughout the period of early choice learning. Drift diffusion modeling found reduced evidence of reduced information requirements for making choices over the period of early learning, with decision thresholds decreasing after just one choice-learning session. These studies revealed that experience significantly enhances decision-making, and shed light on the learning mechanisms that underlie decision-making tasks.

Utilization of theories in talent development: mapping the field of HRD

Purpose The process of talent development (TD) is one of the current trends in HRM and human resource development (HRD). Although scientific literature addressing the topic emphasizes that through development of talents, organizations can increase their productivity, performance and competitiveness, little is known so far concerning the development of this research field as a whole and particularly concerning theories prevailing in the area. While research into the field has been ongoing for two decades, the area has not yet been systematized based on key theories used as starting points for the research. The purpose of this paper is to focus on which theories in HRD are used in TD. Design/methodology/approach Concerning the topicality of TD, the present article provides a systematic review of literature summarizing current theories in TD based on the currently used typology of theories in HRD, adding the fourth pillar to the existing three, i.e. theories concerning adult learning and education, to increase the stability of the typology. Findings The paper argues that the area of TD prevalently uses sociological, psychological and ethical theories, which may be attributed to trends in HRD. The insufficient representation of theories of learning in TD, particularly in view of the fact that adult learning and development is the essence of TD, is an important finding. This finding is particularly important for science concerning adult learning and education. Originality/value The benefit of the presented analysis lies in a systematization of the individual theories and a comprehensive overview of the current theoretical framework of TD, as well as suggestions for future research making use of adult learning and education theories.

Current density functional framework for spin-orbit coupling: Extension to periodic systems.

Spin-orbit coupling induces a current density in the ground state, which consequently requires a generalization for meta-generalized gradient approximations. That is, the exchange-correlation energy has to be constructed as an explicit functional of the current density, and a generalized kinetic energy density has to be formed to satisfy theoretical constraints. Herein, we generalize our previously presented formalism of spin-orbit current density functional theory [Holzer et al., J. Chem. Phys. 157, 204102 (2022)] to non-magnetic and magnetic periodic systems of arbitrary dimension. In addition to the ground-state exchange-correlation potential, analytical derivatives such as geometry gradients and stress tensors are implemented. The importance of the current density is assessed for band gaps, lattice constants, magnetic transitions, and Rashba splittings. In the latter, the impact of the current density may be larger than the deviation between different density functional approximations.

Study on biomimetic superhydrophobic mechanisms and existing issues

The realm of biomimetic superhydrophobic surfaces encompasses a diverse range of applications, yet the specific biomimetic mechanisms, theories, models, and preparation methods remain shrouded in ambiguity. To address this gap, a meticulous examination of the current theories and preparation methods is imperative for guiding further biomimetic superhydrophobic research. This study, adopting a dual perspective from superhydrophobic theory and the intricate interplay between droplets and surfaces, intricately synthesizes the relevant theories and models pertaining to biomimetic superhydrophobic microstructures. Delving into the existing challenges in theoretical research and preparation methods within the field of biomimetic superhydrophobics, the research not only identifies current limitations but also lays the groundwork for future explorations. This systematic inquiry contributes not only to a nuanced understanding of existing biomimetic superhydrophobic surfaces but also provides a robust foundation for future studies and technological innovations. As the research unfolds, it propels the scientific community towards a more comprehensive grasp of biomimetic superhydrophobic phenomena, promising advancements, and applications across various scientific and technological domains.

A geometric framework for interstellar discourse on fundamental physical structures

This paper considers the possibility that abstract thinking and advanced synthesis skills might encourage extraterrestrial civilizations to accept communication with mankind on Earth. For this purpose, a notation not relying upon the use of alphabet and numbers is proposed, in order to denote just some basic geometric structures of current physical theories: vector fields, [Formula: see text]-form fields, and tensor fields of arbitrary order. An advanced civilization might appreciate the way here proposed to achieve a concise description of electromagnetism and general relativity, and hence it might accept the challenge of responding to our signals. The abstract symbols introduced in this paper to describe the basic structures of physical theories are encoded into black and white bitmap images that can be easily converted into short bit sequences and modulated on a carrier wave for radio transmission.

Is adaptation involved in bilingual language production? A fresh look at the assumptions motivating potential bilingual-monolingual differences in adaptive control.

One of the hottest debates in psychology-whether bilingual-monolingual differences exist in cognitive control-is at a stalemate. Here we propose that the stalemate could be broken by shifting the research focus from whether those differences emerge to why they should. We offer an example of this approach by testing the assumption of current theories of language-control associations that adaptive control is involved in bilingualism, specifically language production. Unbalanced Italian-English bilinguals living in the Milan area completed a Stroop task in their L1 and a picture-naming task in their L2. Both tasks involved a manipulation of the proportion of the type of stimuli that are assumed to require control, i.e., incongruent stimuli in the Stroop task (e.g., the word RED written in blue) and pictures with noncognate names in the picture-naming task (e.g., the picture of a horse, whose Italian name, "cavallo," has a very different pronunciation). Both confirmatory and exploratory analyses showed a clear dissociation between the two tasks, with the Stroop task producing an interactive pattern indicative of adaptive-control involvement and the picture-naming task failing to produce a similar one. These results suggest that adaptive control may not be involved in bilingual language production and, therefore, may not produce bilingual-monolingual differences in cognitive control. It is hoped that this research will inspire a change in the study of language-control associations, pushing future research efforts towards grounding the assumptions for those associations in empirical evidence.

Influence of Sweep Angle on the Surface Pressure of Delta Wing Along Pivot Positions at Hypersonic Mach Numbers

Influence of Sweep Angle on the Surface Pressure of Delta Wing Along Pivot Positions at Hypersonic Mach Numbers

Medical diagnosis based on lattice ordered q-rung linear diophantine fuzzy hypersoft matrices

The Hypersoft set (HSS) theory was created by extending the soft set (SS) theory. The q-Rung linear diophantine fuzzy set (q-RLDFS) is a major development in fuzzy set theory (FS). By fusing q-RLDFS with HSS, the concept of q-rung linear diophantine fuzzy hypersoft set (q-RLDFHSS) is presented in this study. This study also discusses the concepts of lattice ordered q-RLDFHSS (LOq-RLDFHSS) and LOq-RLDFHS Matrix (LOq-RLDFHSM) as well as some standard operations of LOq-RLDFHSM. A medical diagnosis methodology based on LOq-RLDFHSM is proposed to evaluate multi-sub-attributed medical diagnosis difficulties incredibly well along with a diagnosis problem based on patients with comorbidities. Further, between the proposed and current theories, comparison analysis and discussion have been given in this study.

The benefits of item-method-directed forgetting

ABSTRACT The present experiments examined the encoding and retrieval conditions in an item-method-directed forget (IMDF) study that included a novel control condition. In the IMDF condition, half of the items were followed by a remember cue whereas the other half were followed by a forget cue. In a remember-both control condition, half of the items were followed by an item identifier called Set A; whereas the other half of the items were followed by a Set B identifier. At the test, items were recalled as a function of the instruction cue or the set identifier. Across two experiments, directed-forgetting effects and associated benefits were found. Further, results from both studies revealed a new way to demonstrate the benefit of IMDF – directed-forgetting participants made more correct source attributions compared to remember-both participants. These benefits were obtained using a within-subjects IMDF paradigm (Experiment 1) as well as a between-subjects IMDF paradigm (Experiment 2). These patterns of results are consistent with several current theories of item-method-directed forgetting.

A joint model based on graph and deep learning for hyperspectral anomaly detection

Through the years, graph theory has gradually been applied in hyperspectral image (HSI) processing. The graph theory method does not need to consider the structural characteristics of the dataset and has achieved satisfactory application results. However, the current graph theory methods applied in HSI processing mainly focus on spectral characteristics. This paper proposes a joint model based on graph and deep learning (JGD) for hyperspectral anomaly detection (AD). The proposed JGD consists of a spectral sub-model using graph and a spatial sub-model using deep learning. In the spectral sub-model, graph Fourier transform (GFT) is used, and the reconstruction errors between the original HSI and the HSI after GFT are mapped to fractional Fourier domain (FrFD) for AD results, which mainly makes use of the global spectral information. In the spatial sub-model, stacked autoencoders (SAEs) and an adaptive algorithm are combined to obtain AD results, which mainly use local spatial information and spectral information. These two sub-models are combined through the differential fusion method to form the JGD, which fully utilizes spectral and spatial information of hyperspectral images (HSIs). Compared with seven other algorithms on four real HSIs, the proposed JGD shows superior AD performance.

Solving the global STEM educational crisis using Cognitive Load Optimization and Artificial Intelligence–A preliminary comparative analysis

There is a persistent STEM educational crisis exemplified by low student enrolments, and both high failure and attrition rates. ChatGPT is easy to use, however pedagogical quality is not necessarily assured. In one experiment the output had a high cognitive load exacerbated by cognitive gaps making the material hard to teach and learn. ChatGPT is a useful pedagogical technology but not a learning theory. Science, technology and engineering all start by quantitatively modelling systems in order to make accurate and quantitative predictions prior to construction or system modification. By contrast, the current learning theories in use today are based on qualitative soft-science principles, with subjective guidelines that are open to interpretation, which can lead to wide variations in the quality of instructional materials and learning outcomes. Cognitive Load Optimization (CLO) is a new Science of Learning (SoL) theory that quantitatively models relational knowledge as coherent, contiguous, pedagogically scalable schemas optimized for the lowest cognitive load. CLO schemas represent the easiest, fastest and most efficient learning paths and are the fundamental basis of instructional design and teaching. Because CLO schemas are pedagogically scalable it is possible to create CLO schemas that are contiguous across different educational levels (school, college and university) thereby uniquely meeting the goals of the American National Science Foundation SoL (‘optimized learning for all’) and the Australian Grattan Institute (‘optimized learning from pre-school to university’). Using CLO results in significant improvements in STEM learning outcomes but is a detailed methodology that can be time consuming to use. The relative advantages and disadvantages of ChatGPT and CLO are highlighted.

Topology of Born–Infeld-AdS black hole phase transitions: Bulk and CFT sides

The thermodynamic criticality of the AdS black holes serves as an important structure during the thermal phase transition. This paper discusses about the critical points and their topology during thermal phase transitions of the Born–Infeld AdS black holes. We make such investigations using two different topological approaches, namely, using Duan’s topological current ϕ-mapping theory, and the off-shell free energy. Within Duan’s formalism, we observe that for a given value of the Born–Infeld parameter b, there exists an associated electric charge parameter Q, which is highly sensitive to the topological phase transitions. This way we examine the connections of the first-order phase transition and the topological nature of the critical points. We find that the topological nature has a possible breakdown in certain parametric ranges. In effect, we determine the unconventional and the conventional phase critical points as the creation (topologically vortex) and annihilation (topologically anti-vortex) points (pairs). As the second approach, we call the off-shell free energy to determine the topological classes: of which one corresponds to the AdS-Schwarzschild black hole phases, while the other provides a possible topological phase transition. Here we also reveal a novel phase transition between two unstable phases, namely, the unstable small black hole and the intermediate black holes. For certain parametric values of the Born–Infeld parameter and the pressure, we also study the different topological descriptions that inevitably correspond to the AdS-Reissner-Nordström black hole phases. As a consistency check of the critical points during the topological phase transitions, we study the vortex/anti-vortex annihilation thermodynamics from local as well as global thermodynamic viewpoints. At the end, a special emphasis has been put on phase transition from the conformal field theory perspective revealing that the Born–Infeld-AdS black hole and its dual CFT share identical topology. Consequently, any topological transition that occurs in the bulk corresponds to a parallel transition in the dual CFT.

Integrated agile facility management model for improving performance in construction projects

Facilities management (FM) has many challenges related to facilities requirements, unique services, and a need for actions to achieve customer/end-user/clients’ expectations. There is poor communication among stakeholders, weaknesses, inflexibility in business realities, and difficulty engaging decision-makers and other key partners. Adopting an agile philosophy in facilities management can improve the value and achieve quality and stakeholder satisfaction. The main objective of this article is to explore a guideline on applying agile philosophy in facilities management to achieve flexibility in management and improve performance. The papers published between 2000 and 2022 had been selected. Content analysis was used.to complement the qualitative findings. This article focuses on academic articles including subject areas: engineering, decision-making, and operations. The conceptual model is supported by current theories, literature and previous empirical studies from facilities management, agile philosophy, service quality, and stakeholder satisfaction. The major finding is the disclosure of a framework for evaluating agile philosophy in organizations by linking the agile mindset to facilities management practices. The results also revealed a conceptual framework for using agile philosophy in facilities management to achieve value and stakeholder satisfaction. This study is a review of theories and empirical studies. However, the previous studies were very limited and affected access to information widely. Therefore, it is preferable to conduct research and experimental studies on the application of agile philosophy in facilities management. Ultimately, using an agile philosophy in facilities management helps to achieve value and stakeholder satisfaction.

Oppressed Become the Oppressor: Psychoanalytical Intersections of Trauma in Toni Morrison’s the Bluest Eye

This paper explores the intricate interplay of racism, trauma, and identity in Toni Morrison's novel The Bluest Eye. It delves into the challenges faced by African Americans within a predominantly white society by utilizing current trauma theory and Black feminist concepts. The theoretical framework includes cultural trauma theories, including the contributions from scholar Evelyn J. Schreiber, and insights from feminist thinkers like Bell Hooks and Patricia Hill Collins. Moreover, through an intersectional analysis, the study scrutinizes how gender, racial, class, and generational trauma intertwine to mold individuals’ experiences and self-perception. Therefore, by amalgamating trauma theories with feminist perspectives, the research provides valuable insights into the struggles of the characters and the societal dynamics portrayed in Morrison's novel, The Bluest Eye.

Implications of climate change for strategic management theory

PurposeThe purpose is to stimulate scholarship in the strategic management field that accounts for conditions implied by projected impacts of climate change.Design/methodology/approachFollowing conceptual logic, the article analyses how changes in the strategic environment brought about by climate change may challenge current strategic management theory. It develops avenues for theory development based on expanding the field’s scope and extending its limits of applicability.FindingsThe article highlights the extent to which the strategy field has evolved in a stable empirical context, despite its attention to dynamism and hence is less well aligned with potentially pervasive new pressures and impacts. It sets out a rationale for moving beyond symbolic environmentalism, possibilities to harness cognitive and behavioural insights, dilemmas in strategic innovation and the empirical potential of non-mainstream contexts.Practical implicationsFirms and organisations can expect widespread systemic effects from climate change that challenge established ways of operating. The article explores how strategic management could better support strategists in navigating these shifts such that firms can continue to thrive.Originality/valueThe article approaches the issue of climate change specifically from the perspective of strategic management of firms rather than as policy or social advocacy. It focuses on pressures and characteristics that distinguish climate change from other environmental and social impacts on firms.

The emergence of the new globalization: the approach of the evolutionary structural triptych

Purpose This study aims to analyze the emergence of a new structural configuration of globalization, with the 2008 global financial crisis serving as the first symptom of this change. By introducing the “Evolutionary Structural Triptych” (EST), this research seeks to understand the basic components of the new evolutionary trajectory of global capitalism post-2008. The study places emphasis on its interdependent and coevolving economic, political and technological dynamic facets. Design/methodology/approach This research introduces the EST framework, critically contrasting it with conventional understandings in international political economy (IPE) to provide a comprehensive and structured analysis of global developments after 2008. It traces the phases of global capitalism since Second World War, examines the central dynamic dimensions during each evolutionary phase, identifies the basic patterns and delves into the foundational elements of the emerging era of globalization. Findings The analysis reveals three key findings. First, the emerging restructured globalization indicates a need for a new balance in the contemporary world system; however, this balance cannot be achieved within the architecture of the old system. Second, the new era of globalization necessitates a re-equilibrated approach across different dimensions of geopolitical stability, economic development and innovation. This approach should emphasize sustainability, adaptability, resilience and inclusivity and lean toward responsible, open and organic innovation models for a revamped global structure. Third, while many current IPE theories tend to compartmentalize aspects of the new globalization, the EST advocates for a holistic perspective that integrates politics, economics and technology within the framework of global trends. This perspective bridges existing gaps and offers actionable insights for a dynamic and inclusive global future. Originality/value The paper presents the EST as a novel analytical instrument in the realm of the modern IPE. This tool uniquely places technology and innovation at the forefront, parallel to economic and political spheres, to comprehend the progression of globalization. In doing so, it highlights the intertwined relationship of these structural dimensions in shaping the future of the subject of the IPE.

Finite Groups with Certain Weakly S-permutable Subgroups

 Let G be a finite group. A subgroup H of G is said to be weakly S-permutable in G if G has a subnormal subgroup T such that G = HT and T ∩ H ≤ HsG, where HsG is the subgroup of H generated by all those subgroups of H which are S-permutable in G. In this paper, we prove the following: For a Sylow p-subgroup P of G (p > 2), suppose that P has a subgroup D such that 1 < |D| < |P| holds and all subgroups H of P with |H| = |D| are weakly S-permutable in G. Then, the commutator subgroup G ′ is p-nilpotent. We certainly belive that this result will improve and extend a current and classical theories in the literature.

Logicality in natural language

AbstractIs there a relation of logical consequence in natural language? Logicality, in the philosophical literature, has been conceived of as a restrictive phenomenon that is at odds with the unbridled richness and complexity of natural language. This article claims that there is a relation of logical consequence in natural language, and moreover, that it is the subject matter of the bulk of current theories of formal semantics. I employ the framework of semantic constraints (Sagi in Log Anal 57(227):259–276, 2014), which generalizes the Tarskian definition of logical consequence. I apply the widely accepted criterion of invariance under isomorphisms (Sher in J. Symb Log 61(2):653–686, 1996) generalized to the framework of semantic constraints (Sagi in Bull Symb Log 28(1):104–132, 2022b), combined with a theory of Glanzberg (in Metasemantics: new essays on the foundations of meaning, 2014) to delineate the relation of logical consequence in natural language.