Empirical Data Research Articles

Governmentality at the urban grassroots: governing from below in an informal settlement

ABSTRACT In urban informal settlements, the state’s material presence is often thought to be marginal or even absent. However, the state can be very much present in different forms even when its material presence might be seemingly absent. Examining the ways governing rationalities of the state may circulate and get reproduced in spaces of informality can thus offer a nuanced understanding of how the informal is governed in the everyday at the urban grassroots. Using Foucauldian notions of governmentality as an analytical lens, this paper examines the governing rationalities and subjectivities of urban citizenship that residents of an informal settlement reproduce in their everyday expressions and spatial practices of self and neighbourhood management. Drawing on empirical data from ethnographic fieldwork in Dhaka, the paper reveals how by reproducing the logics of the state at the urban grassroots, the settlement residents in effect reproduce state control within conditions of informality.

What happens to the “social” in psychosocial? Exploring epistemic practices and therapeutic culture in teacher education

This paper examines the role of the psychosocial as an influential epistemic category in the context of a globalised therapeutic culture. Drawing on empirical data from fieldwork conducted at a teacher education institution in Norway, we conceptualise the psychosocial as epistemic practice and analyse three interrelated social levels: the individual level, concerned with teachers’ performance as social caretakers; the community level, characterised by a diagnosing gaze on individual pupils; and the societal level, understood as structural threats to well-being. Our study suggests that these epistemic practices favour psychological diagnosis and individual protection over shared knowledge and broader social awareness.

Eco-innovation minimizes the carbon footprint of wine production

Wine industry faces significant sustainability challenges in the wake of climate change. Life cycle assessments for carbon footprint in wineries suggest that the conventional farming exhibits higher values of 0.06–3.0 kg CO2-eq bottle–1 of 750 mL wine as compared to mixed and organic farming. Life cycle assessment findings highlight that most studies often overlooked the resources in farming practices, biogenic emissions, and wastewaters in the overall reduction of winery carbon footprint. We demonstrate that the adoption of eco-innovations such as constructed wetlands and Phycosol utilize the overlooked resource loop and significantly reduce the winery carbon footprint. Empirical data analysis suggests that the use of these eco-innovative models results in 25‒30% reduction of CO2 emissions bottle–1 of 750 mL wine besides embracing Sustainable Development Goal 9, and effectively synergizing with Sustainable Development Goals 6 and 12, thus emphasizing their critical role in ensuring the sustainability of wine production.

Navigating workplace conflicts and fostering innovative behaviors: the role of job commitment and socio-instrumental ESM utilization

This study explores the dynamics of intersection between workplace conflicts, job commitment, and socio-instrumental enterprise social media (ESM) utilization for improving innovation. This study proposes job commitment as a pivotal mediator that influences employees' attitudinal responses to the array of conflicts encountered in the workplace. Additionally, it introduce socio-instrumental ESM use as a potent moderator, influencing employees' appraisals of workplace conflicts. To illuminate the intricate tapestry of these interactions, we present a moderated mediation model that delineates the complex nomological network governing the interplay among workplace conflicts, job commitment, and the cultivation of innovative behaviors. Based on empirical data encompassing 447 employees, our findings illuminate the distinctive moderating roles played by these socio-instrumental ESM usage. These patterns differentially moderate the connections between workplace conflicts and job commitment, as well as the indirect connections between workplace conflicts and the stimulation of employee innovation through job commitment. This research significantly advances our theoretical understanding of the multifaceted interplay among workplace conflicts, job commitment, socio-instrumental ESM utilization, and employee innovation. Moreover, it offers implications that can faciliate organizational strategies aimed at fostering innovation. By recognizing the pivotal roles of job commitment and socio-instrumental ESM, organizations can strategically harness these factors to cultivate a culture of innovation, positioning themselves for success in an increasingly competitive and dynamic business environment.

Calcification in sea urchin larvae is associated with low metabolic costs.

The energetic costs to generate calcium carbonate skeletons and shells in marine organisms remain largely speculative due to the scarcity of empirical data. However, this information is critical to estimate energetic limitations of marine calcifiers that can explain their sensitivities to changes in sea water carbonate chemistry in past, present and future marine systems. The cost of calcification was evaluated using larval stages of the purple sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. We developed a skeleton re-mineralization assay, in which the skeleton was dissolved in live larvae followed by a re-mineralization over a few days. During skeleton re-mineralization, energetic costs were estimated through the measurement of key metabolic parameters including whole animal metabolic rates, citrate synthase (CS) enzyme activities and mRNA expression as well as mitochondrial densities in the calcifying primary mesenchyme cells (PMCs). Minor increases in a CS activity and a 10-15% increase in mitochondrial densities in PMCs were observed in re-mineralizing larvae as compared to control larvae. Re-mineralization under three different pH conditions (pH 8.1, pH 7.6 and pH 7.1) decreased with decreasing pH accompanied by pronounced increases in CS expression levels and increased mitochondrial densities in PMCs at pH 7.6. Despite a prominent increase in mitochondrial density of primary mesenchyme cells, particularly in the calcifying cohort of this cell type, this work demonstrated a low overall metabolic response to increased mineralization rates on the whole animal level under both, high and low pH conditions. We conclude that calcification in sea urchin larvae is compromised under low pH conditions, associated with low energetic efforts to fuel compensatory processes.

Inflated inequality or unequal inflation? A case for sustained ‘two-sided’ austerity in Greece

Empirical data are presented on expenditure inequality dynamics in Greece, how they evolved during a period of deep socio-economic crisis, and how they were sustained by inflation. A differentiated approach to expenditure inequalities is applied that reveals the size of contraction of total private expenditure and its sub-categories for different expenditure groups of the population. One of the most important aspects of expenditure inequality in Greece concerns the inability of the widely used measures of dispersion to capture the real adjustment magnitude that occurs during a period of overlapping crises. A close examination of private expenditure enables the distributional effects of contractionary measures in Greece, which are intensified by inflation, to be portrayed as inverted austerity. It is argued that the 2021–2022 inflationary pressures in Greece were a continuation of the policies used to advance the purposes of internal devaluation that had been in effect since at least 2010. The data show that the poor in Greece have suffered unprecedented hardship, and that inequality has risen sharply.

Empirical evidence and theoretical understanding of ecosystem carbon and nitrogen cycle interactions.

Interactions between carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycles in terrestrial ecosystems are simulated in advanced vegetation models, yet methodologies vary widely, leading to divergent simulations of past land C balance trends. This underscores the need to reassess our understanding of ecosystem processes, given recent theoretical advancements and empirical data. We review current knowledge, emphasising evidence from experiments and trait data compilations for vegetation responses to CO2 and N input, alongside theoretical and ecological principles for modelling. N fertilisation increases leaf N content but inconsistently enhances leaf-level photosynthetic capacity. Whole-plant responses include increased leaf area and biomass, with reduced root allocation and increased aboveground biomass. Elevated atmospheric CO2 also boosts leaf area and biomass but intensifies belowground allocation, depleting soil N and likely reducing N losses. Global leaf traits data confirm these findings, indicating that soil N availability influences leaf N content more than photosynthetic capacity. A demonstration model based on the functional balance hypothesis accurately predicts responses to N and CO2 fertilisation on tissue allocation, growth and biomass, offering a path to reduce uncertainty in global C cycle projections.

More than words: can free reports adequately measure the richness of perception?

The question of the richness (or sparseness) of conscious experience has evoked ongoing debate and discussion. Claims for both richness and sparseness are supported by empirical data, yet they are often indirect, and alternative explanations have been put forward. Recently, it has been suggested that current experimental methods limit participants' responses, thereby preventing researchers from assessing the actual richness of perception. Instead, free verbal reports were presented as a possible way to overcome this limitation. As part of this approach, a novel paradigm of freely reported words was developed using a new metric, intersubjective agreement (IA), with experimental results interpreted as capturing aspects of conscious perception. Here, we challenge the validity of freely reported words as a tool for studying the richness of conscious experience. We base our claims on two studies (each composed of three experiments), where we manipulated the richness of percepts and tested whether IA changed accordingly. Five additional control experiments were conducted to validate the experimental logic and examine alternative explanations. Our results suggest otherwise, presenting four challenges to the free verbal report paradigm: first, impoverished stimuli did not evoke lower IA scores. Second, the IA score was correlated with word frequency in English. Third, the original positive relationship between IA scores and rated confidence was not found in any of the six experiments. Fourth, a high rate of nonexisting words was found, some of which described items that matched the gist of the scene but did not appear in the image. We conclude that a metric based on freely reported words might be better explained by vocabulary conventions and gist-based reports than by capturing the richness of perception.

Purchase Intention and Attitude Toward Community Products in Sing Buri Province: The Role of Perceived Authenticity from Local Wisdom for Sustainable Economic Growth And Reduced Inequalities

Objective: This comprehensive research aims to study the factors contributing to constructing a structural equation model for marketing, providing a reliable foundation for promoting consumers’ purchase intention towards community products in Sa Chaeng Subdistrict, Bang Rachan District, Sing Buri Province: The Role of Perceived Authenticity from Local Wisdom for Sustainable Economic Growth and Reduced Inequalities. Method: The study synthesizes relevant factors from a literature review, identifying key components in the structural equation model, including perceived authenticity of the product, attitudes towards the product, and the level of purchase intention. The study employs the structural equation modeling process for analysis and hypothesis testing. The study population comprises potential consumers interested in local community products and general consumers. Data was collected using a questionnaire, with a total sample size of 400 participants. Results: The study results indicate that the structural equation model aligns with empirical data (CMIN/df = 3.448, GFI = 0.955, NFI = 0.961, RFI = 0.915, IFI = 0.972, TLI = 0.958, CFI = 0.972, RMSEA = 0.078). Conclusions: Hypothesis testing reveals that the variables of perceived authenticity of community products and attitudes toward community products have a direct positive influence on the purchase intention of community products in Sa Chaeng Subdistrict, Bang Rachan District, Sing Buri Province, at a statistically significant level of 0.01.

Clinical trials for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: Challenges and priorities.

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a severe, childhood-onset epilepsy that is typically refractory to treatment. We surveyed the current landscape of LGS treatment, aiming to identify challenges to the development of efficacious therapies, and to articulate corresponding priorities toward clinical trials that improve outcomes. The LGS Special Interest Group of the Pediatric Epilepsy Research Consortium integrated evidence from the literature and expert opinion, into a narrative review. We provide an overview of approved and emerging medical, dietary, surgical and neuromodulation approaches for LGS. We note that quality of care could be improved by standardizing LGS treatment based on expert consensus and empirical data. Whereas LGS natural history is incompletely understood, prospective studies and use of large retrospective datasets to understand LGS across the lifespan would enable clinical trials that address these dynamics. Recent discoveries related to LGS pathophysiology should enable development of disease-modifying therapies, which are currently lacking. Finally, clinical trials have focused chiefly on seizures involving "drops," but should incorporate additional patient-centered outcomes, using emerging measures adapted to people with LGS. Clinicians and researchers should enact these priorities, with the goal of patient-centered clinical trials that are tailored to LGS pathophysiology and natural history.

L2 anxiety, proficiency, and communication across the classroom, non-classroom, and digital settings: Insights from Ethiopian preparatory schools

Research into second or foreign language (L2) learning has demonstrated that L2 anxiety, perceived proficiency, and L2 willingness to communicate (L2WTC) profoundly impact language learning outcomes. However, the complex interplay between these variables has yet to be fully explored, as these factors are dynamic and context-specific and can vary across different learners and learning environments. The study, therefore, utilized a cross-sectional quantitative survey research design to scrutinize the causal relationships between L2 anxiety, English proficiency, and L2WTC of 609 Ethiopian preparatory school students. The model for the L2WTC, both inside and outside the classroom, has been expanded to include an additional sub-scale known as the L2WTC in a digital setting. Moreover, in contrast to the commonly recognized debilitative-focused L2 anxiety, the construct of L2 anxiety has been divided into facilitative and debilitative anxiety. This method allows us to measure not only the presence or absence of anxiety but also evaluate if anxiety helps or hinders the L2 learning experience. A self-assessment proficiency measure was also developed specifically for Ethiopian high school students. The study treated facilitative and debilitative anxiety as independent variables while considering English proficiency and L2WTC in the classroom, outside the classroom, and in digital settings as dependent variables. English proficiency was also used as an independent variable to predict L2WTC in these three settings. Our proposed model, including these variables, was tested using structural equation modelling (SEM). According to the descriptive analysis, the mean scores of L2WTC in the three settings were generally low, ranging from 2.30 to 2.84. Debilitative anxiety casts a shadow on the positive aspects of anxiety. The English proficiency was also too low. According to SEM, debilitative anxiety displayed a statistically significant negative impact on L2WTC inside and outside the classroom, in digital settings, and English proficiency. In contrast, facilitative anxiety was found to positively contribute to L2WTC outside the classroom, in digital settings, and in English proficiency. English proficiency made a statistically significant and positive contribution to L2WTC within and outside the classroom and in digital contexts. L2WTC inside the classroom positively contributed to L2WTC outside the classrooms and in digital contexts. We systematically compared the findings with existing studies in the discussion and elucidated the pedagogical implications, limitations, and potential future research avenues. The outcomes of our study have the potential to significantly contribute to the advancement of theoretical and empirical knowledge about improving English education, learning, and communication not only in Ethiopia but also in similar contexts of English as a foreign language (EFL).

Blockchain Technology and Corporate Performance: Empirical Evidence from Listed Companies in China

Blockchain technology is widely recognized and adopted by many organizations, as it serves as a fundamental technological infrastructure for the digital economy. This has led to a rapid acceleration of industrial transformation and digital innovation. This study employs empirical data from a substantial sample to investigate the potential applications, strategies, and advantages of blockchain technology. This paper examines A-share listed companies in China from 2015 to 2021, offering valuable empirical insights that demonstrate how the implementation of blockchain technology can markedly improve corporate performance in a major global economy. The research in this paper examines the differential effects of blockchain technology by innovatively integrating financial and environmental performance metrics into an empirical model, revealing that implementing blockchain technology significantly enhances environmental performance. Furthermore, it has been observed that blockchain technology adoption can contribute to corporate performance by improving information transparency. It is worth noting that blockchain technology’s influence on enterprises’ performance exhibits discernible variations based on the ownership structure, environmental sensitivity, and technical features of said enterprises. This paper can be used as a guide for enterprises looking to implement blockchain technology and for governments seeking to develop digitalization legislation.

Ocean alkalinity enhancement approaches and the predictability of runaway precipitation processes: results of an experimental study to determine critical alkalinity ranges for safe and sustainable application scenarios

Abstract. To ensure the safe and efficient application of ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE), it is crucial to investigate its impacts on the carbonate system. While modeling studies reported a sequestration potential of 3–30 Gt carbon dioxide (CO2) per year (Oschlies et al., 2023), there has been a lack of empirical data to support the applicability of this technology in natural environments. Recent studies have described the effect of runaway carbonate precipitation in the context of OAE, showing that calcium carbonate (CaCO3) formation was triggered if certain Ωaragonite saturation thresholds were exceeded. This effect could potentially lead to a net loss of the initially added alkalinity, counteracting the whole concept of OAE. The related precipitation can adversely affect the carbon storage capacity and may in some cases result in CO2 emissions. Experiments at the Espeland marine biological station (Bergen, Norway) were conducted to systematically study the chemical consequences of OAE deployment. The experiments lasted for 20–25 d to monitor the temporal development of carbonate chemistry parameters after alkalinity addition and the subsequent triggered carbonate precipitation process. Identified uniform patterns before and during the triggered runaway process can be described by empirical functional relationships. For approaches equilibrated to the CO2 concentration of the atmosphere, total alkalinity (TA) levels of up to 6500 µmol kg−1 remained stable without loss of total alkalinity (TA) for up to 20 d. Higher implemented TA levels, up to 11 200 µmol kg−1, triggered runaway carbonate formation. Once triggered, the loss of alkalinity continued until the Ωaragonite values leveled out at 5.8–6.0, still resulting in a net gain of 3600–4850 µmol kg−1 in TA. The non-CO2-equilibrated approaches, however, only remained stable for TA additions of up to 1000 µmol kg−1. The systematic behavior of treatments exceeding this level allows us to predict the duration of transient stability and the quantity of TA loss after this period. Once triggered, the TA loss continued in the non-CO2-equilibrated approaches until Ωaragonite values of 2.5–5.0 were reached, in this case resulting in a net loss of TA. To prevent a net loss of TA, treated water must be diluted below the time-dependent critical levels of TA and Ωaragonite within the identified transient stability duration. Identified stability and loss patterns of added TA depend on local environmental conditions impacting the carbonate system, such as salinity, temperature, biological activity, and particle abundance. Incorporating such stability and loss patterns into ocean biogeochemical models, which are capable of resolving dilution processes of treated and untreated water parcels, would, from a geochemical perspective, facilitate the prediction of safe local application levels of OAE. This approach would also allow an accurate determination of the fate of added alkalinity and a more realistic carbon storage potential estimation compared to the assessments that neglect carbonate system responses to OAE.

International Cooperation in Higher Education: Perspectives of Heads of International Cooperation from Cases of European Universities

Fostering international cooperation is essential for addressing global challenges. However, increasing uncertainties and polarisation necessitate a re-evaluation of the rationale and management of international cooperation among higher education institutions (HEIs). Recent research calls for greater attention to international cooperation beyond like-minded countries and emphasises the importance of understanding the perspectives of heads of international cooperation. This study addresses this theoretical gap by examining cooperation with Chinese universities from the perspectives of nine heads of international cooperation at six European universities.Utilising semi-structured interviews and reflexive thematic analysis, this study elucidates how these European universities establish and maintain cooperation with their Chinese counterparts. It clarifies the interactions among universities, governmental bodies, and policies, and identifies challenges encountered during cooperation. The findings contribute to the literature by offering practical insights and providing contextualised empirical data on future directions for international cooperation between European and Chinese HEIs. This study underscores the active and autonomous roles that universities should play in fostering international cooperation amid global uncertainties.

Developing theoretical models for effective debt service management in high-volatility industries: a focus on risk mitigation and financial stability in the oil and gas sector

Effective debt service management is crucial for maintaining financial stability and mitigating risks in high-volatility industries, particularly in the oil and gas sector. This abstract explores the development of theoretical models aimed at enhancing debt service management practices in such industries. The oil and gas sector is inherently exposed to price volatility, geopolitical uncertainties, and regulatory challenges, necessitating robust strategies for managing debt obligations. This review emphasizes the importance of integrating risk mitigation techniques into debt service management frameworks to safeguard against financial distress and optimize capital structure efficiency. Key theoretical models examined include proactive debt restructuring, dynamic financial modeling, and scenario analysis tailored to the cyclical nature of the industry. These models emphasize adaptive strategies that enable companies to adjust debt repayment schedules based on market conditions and cash flow projections. Additionally, financial stability metrics such as debt-to-equity ratios, liquidity ratios, and debt coverage ratios are utilized to gauge the sector's resilience to external shocks. Incorporating risk management principles into debt service management frameworks enhances decision-making processes, facilitates early detection of financial vulnerabilities, and ensures alignment with long-term strategic goals. Case studies and empirical data illustrate the practical application of theoretical models in optimizing capital allocation and maintaining investor confidence amid industry fluctuations. The theoretical insights presented contribute to a comprehensive understanding of effective debt service management in high-volatility industries, highlighting the role of financial prudence and strategic foresight in sustaining operational resilience. Recommendations are provided for industry practitioners and policymakers to enhance regulatory frameworks, promote transparency, and foster sustainable growth in the oil and gas sector.. Keywords: Debt Service Management, Risk Mitigation, Financial Stability, Oil and Gas Sector, High-Volatility Industries, Theoretical Models, Debt Restructuring, Financial Modeling, Scenario Analysis, Capital Structure

Exploring organisational culture: assessing readiness for lean production implementation – an empirical study

Purpose Studies emphasise the critical role of a suitable organisational culture (OC) in successfully implementing lean production (LP) and argue that failure to consider OC can hinder organisations from fully benefiting and sustaining the success of LP. It is also observed that consensus regarding the suitable OC required for implementing LP remains elusive, with existing research predominantly theoretical and in developed economies. Using a systematic approach, this study aims to evaluate organisational readiness for LP implementation from the OC point of view by identifying the suitable OC for LP implementation, examining the existing OC to determine the most dominant (primary OC) and evaluating the suitability of the current OC for LP implementation. The paper uses empirical data collected from Pakistan’s textile sector as a case study. Design/methodology/approach The study used the competing values framework of OC and a quantitative approach. The data was collected by surveying 162 textile professionals, including first-level supervisors, middle managers and top management. Data analysis included quantitative techniques such as testing of hypotheses and multiple regression analysis techniques. SPSS, Minitab and SmartPLS 4.0 were used for data analysis. Findings The study revealed that characteristics of developmental and rational culture profiles are the most suitable for implementing LP in Pakistan’s textile industry. However, the group and hierarchy culture profiles do not significantly impact the implementation of LP. Moreover, the group culture profile (GCP) is the most dominant (primary OC) within the selected sector and the hierarchy culture profile is the least dominant. As a result, the current prevailing OC profile i.e. GCP is unsuitable for lean deployment. Research limitations/implications Although this study provides valuable insights, it is important to acknowledge its limitations. Data could not be collected from the employees with low education. Its applicability to other countries or industries may be limited due to its specific context. However, the approach used to assess organisational readiness regarding OC is both innovative and practical. Additionally, this research fills a gap in the literature by including a case study from a developing economy. Despite these contributions, future research could further validate and refine the proposed framework through comparative studies across diverse contexts. Practical implications The study’s findings emphasise the significance of OC in driving lean transformation and offer valuable recommendations and approaches for management, consultants and academicians to enhance lean deployment. By realising the significance of OC, stakeholders can effectively tailor strategies and interventions to align OC with lean principles. Originality/value This research is novel in terms of the structured approach and the selected case for evaluating the preparedness of organisations concerning OC for implementing LP. This approach can be used for other sectors and contexts.

Closing the divide: Exploring higher education teachers’ perspectives on educational technology

Incorporating technology into education has become a crucial component of contemporary teaching practices. Technological advancements have led to the development of innovative teaching tools and methodologies that promote active learning and engagement among students. This study used a modified version of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to analyze the key factors that impact the integration of technology in the teaching practice of higher education instructors. Among the factors to be included in the modified model are technostress and teaching tradition. These factors have been rarely examined within the mandatory technology integration in higher education settings. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) is used to analyse the empirical data collected from 657 higher education teachers in Jordan. Findings reveal that teachers’ technological, pedagogical and content knowledge (TPACK) played a crucial role in facilitating the effective integration of technology into teaching practices. This boosted self-efficacy, personal innovativeness and perceptions of ease of use and usefulness. Additionally, teachers’ TPACK negatively influenced their technostress and teaching tradition. Indeed, technostress and teaching tradition were identified as significant obstacles to the effective integration of technology into teaching practices. Significant implications for theory and practice can be derived from the findings of this study to effectively incorporate technology in higher education.

Ethical acceptability of human challenge trials: Consultation with the US public and with research personnel.

Human challenge trials (HCTs) may accelerate the development of treatments and vaccines, and deliver novel insights into the course and consequences of infection. However, HCTs are contentious because they involve purposely exposing volunteers to infection. Consultation with the public and other stakeholders is essential for understanding how HCTs can be most ethically and acceptably pursued. Previous research has found public support for COVID-19 HCTs, but little research has considered public attitudes towards HCTs in principle and the various factors making a trial more or less acceptable. Empirical data on the attitudes of research personnel is also missing. We generated an online survey covering overarching support/opposition towards HCTs, as well as factors of importance for deciding whether or not an HCT is ethically acceptable. Our sample of the US public represents the responses of 1500 participants sampled via Prolific, poststratified to be representative of the general US adult population. We additionally collected a convenience sample of 33 research personnel engaged in phase III clinical trials for infectious diseases. Estimates for the US public suggest substantial support for using HCTs to develop new vaccines, new treatments, and knowledge about diseases, with similarly high support among research personnel. The most important factors in determining acceptability of an HCT were the risk to participants and their comprehension of this risk. The general public, in particular, appear relatively unconcerned about participants' motivations, and favor higher payment in accordance with risk. This study adds to a growing body of public consultation surrounding HCTs, demonstrating high levels of support for their use in principle-not just in relation to COVID-19. The importance attributed to various ethically-relevant factors can help in designing HCTs with high public acceptance.

Structuring and empirical validation of a creative activity chain model for innovation in sustainable infrastructure development

This study constructs and empirically validates a Creative Activity Chain (CCA) structure model tailored for innovation in sustainable infrastructure development. In today’s competitive environment, fostering innovation is crucial for maintaining the relevance and effectiveness of infrastructure projects. The research underscores that a significant portion of a project’s long-term value is established during its initial concept and planning stages, highlighting the critical role of creativity in infrastructure development. The CCA model is developed through theoretical frameworks and empirical data, encompassing three key dimensions: creative subject chain, creative action chain, and creative operation chain. The model’s validity is tested with data from five large infrastructure development firms in China, involving 768 R&D staff as respondents. Rigorous statistical methods, including exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), structural equation modeling (SEM), and regression analysis, confirm the model’s robustness. The findings reveal significant positive correlations between the creative activity chain’s dimensions and the successful development of sustainable infrastructure projects. Additionally, the study examines the mediating effect of link strength within the creative activity chain, demonstrating its substantial impact on project outcomes. Implications for management include promoting diverse creative teams, systematic process management, and leveraging varied operational tools to enhance creativity in infrastructure development. This research contributes to the literature by introducing an integrated model for managing creative activities in sustainable infrastructure development, offering practical insights for improving innovation processes.

Dyeing behaviour of iron(III)-gallic acid complexes on wool as function of pH-dependent iron(III)-complex stoichiometry

Iron complexes with polyphenolics e.g. gallotannins and flavonoids have been used since ancient times for coloration of textiles, painting and preparation of inks. The composition of iron gall inks on historical artefacts has been investigated with modern instrumental methods. However the dyeing behaviour of iron-complexes with polyphenols still bases on empirical knowledge. In this study Fe(III)-complexes with gallic acid were used as model system to elucidate their pH dependent sorption and dyeing behaviour on wool. At dyebath pH 3 high sorption of Fe(III)-gallic acid complexes was observed, however darker dyeings were obtained at dyebath pH 4. Model calculations for the complex species present in the dyebath indicated the presence of the binary complex [Fe(III)(GA2−)]+ as main species at pH 3, while at pH 4 the ternary species [Fe(III)(GA2−)2]- prevails. The dye sorption bases on Van-der-Waals forces, while ionic interactions between Fe(III)-complex and keratin are of minor relevance. The elaborated theoretical model also explains the influence of dyebath pH in dyeing with gallotannins, polyphenols and flavonoids in presence of iron salts and thus is of particular relevance for improved utilisation of these natural colorants.