Integral Theory Research Articles

Exploring Type 2 Diabetes Self-Management Practices Among African Americans in Rural Counties: A Qualitative Study.

The purpose of the study was to understand diabetes self-management practices among African American individuals living with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in rural communities. This qualitative descriptive study, undergirded by the theory of integration, purposively sampled African Americans (N = 34) diagnosed with T2D living in rural communities. Thematic analysis employed both a priori and inductive coding to identify salient themes. Participants' mean age was 65.9 (SD 12.3) years, with an average T2D diagnosis duration of 14 (SE 11.2) years. Two major themes emerged: deciphering the cues and body sensing, which the participants used to monitor their glucose level using a personalized feedback loop. Those with longer diabetes duration demonstrated an ability to recognize hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic symptoms (deciphering the cues), informing their decision-making and self-management strategies (body sensing). The decision-making involved in glycemic level management emerges as a complex developmental process influenced by disease trajectory and cultural and environmental factors. These findings may inform a conceptual framework to guide future inquiries and provide insights for primary care clinicians and diabetes educators to better understand the complexities of T2D management among African American individuals in rural settings.

Comparison of integral equation theories of the liquid state

Comparison of integral equation theories of the liquid state

The Journey Starts Now: Infusing Peace Education into LO Teaching in South African Secondary Schools

Peace education as part of the school curriculum can transform school functioning by equipping learners with conflict resolution skills. Currently peace education is not part of the existing curriculum in South Africa. Literature indicates that peace education can be appropriately integrated into the compulsory subject, Life Orientation (LO), in South African secondary schools. Informed by Danesh’s integrative peace theory and the extant literature on peace education, a qualitative study explored the possible integration of peace education into LO to assist learners develop conflict resolution skills. Six teachers who teach LO in two secondary schools in the Western Cape, South Africa, which have implemented an extramural peace education programme through the agency of a non-governmental organisation, were purposefully selected. Data were gathered in focus group interviews with the teachers and thematic analysis carried out. Findings of the study highlight the significance of integrating peace education in LO in order to foster a more peaceful schooling environment. Furthermore, aspects of peace education already overlap or complement topics taught in LO, such as respect and tolerance for diversity. Barriers to effective integration of peace education in the LO curriculum are lack of targeted teacher training, rigid curriculum design, teachers’ workload and poor resource allocation. It was recommended that the integration of peace education in LO be prioritised and that the LO curriculum should be expanded to accommodate more explicit themes of peace education. Implementation should be supported through targeted teacher training, attention to teachers’ work schedules, additional teaching time and allocation of appropriate resources.

Supply Chain Integration Capability, Intra-Cluster Co-Opetition Strategy, and Breakthrough Innovation: The Moderating Effect of Environmental Turbulence

Under the frequent occurrence of external environmental risks and in the context of breakthrough innovations driving new quality productivity, this study explores the intrinsic mechanisms by which supply chain integration affects enterprise breakthrough innovation. Grounded in supply chain integration and breakthrough innovation theories, we used statistical methods to analyze data from a sample of 209 valid enterprises. The study systematically interprets these mechanisms from the perspective of competition and examines the moderating effect of external environmental turbulence on competitive strategy. The results demonstrate that supply chain integration capability significantly and positively influences breakthrough innovation, with vertical and horizontal competing strategies acting as mediators. Additionally, environmental turbulence positively moderates the relationship between supply chain integration capability and horizontal competing strategies. The results of the study are of great theoretical and practical significance in promoting the integration of enterprises’ supply chains and enhancing their sustainable innovation capabilities.

Inferences about event outcomes influence text-based memory of event outcomes

Abstract Memory of event outcomes is a topic increasingly discussed in the field of event language and cognition. This study approaches how language influences memory of event outcomes from the under-explored perspective of the verb’s “fulfilment type”, a property formulated in Talmy’s event integration theory. This property indicates the extent to which verbs depict fulfilment of intentions. Through two experiments, we explored how verbs’ fulfilment type properties shape the text-based memory of event outcomes according to their perceived likelihood of intention fulfilment. There are two major findings. First, people tend to have “fulfilment preferences” and infer that intention fulfilment is more likely than intention non-fulfilment. Second, intention-unfulfilled event outcomes tend to be remembered better for event descriptions that trigger no fulfilment perferences. This study contributes to event language and memory research by demonstrating how language-generated inferences can influence established memory of event outcomes.

Predictive power of psychosocial factors on learning practices among older Japanese adults based on organismic integration theory

ABSTRACT Despite the importance of learning activities for older adults, the proportion of those engaging in such activities remains low. To devise interventions that would increase participation in learning, it is essential to analyze the psychosocial predictors of learning. This study employed a cross-sectional design, with data collected through a self-administrated questionnaire, and proposed two hypotheses: 1) Self-efficacy in learning, interest in learning, recognition of the effectiveness of learning, and social support from family and friends significantly predict the will to engage in learning practices by the older adults (H1); 2) Social support from family and friends predicts the willingness of older adults to engage in learning practices through mediating the significant factors identified in H1 (H2). The research group comprised 516 participants aged 60 years and above from Machida City, Tokyo. The statistical analysis was performed using Mplus version 8. Results supported most aspects of H1. Self-efficacy in learning, interest in learning, and support from family and friends were found to significantly predict learning practices (self-efficacy in learning: β = .242, p < .001; interest in learning: β = .187, p < .01; and support from family and friends: β = .159, p < .05). H2 was also supported as social support from family and friends significantly predicted learning practices via two psychological variables identified in H1. Each indirect prediction was significant as when older adults are supported by their family and friends, their learning practices are predicted through self-efficacy in learning (β = .087, 95% confidence intervals: .042, .145) and interest in learning (β = .082, 95% confidence intervals: .033, .150). These findings provide valuable directions for policymakers, practitioners, and teachers to improve older adults’ engagement in learning.

Progresses on Some Open Problems Related to Infinitely Many Symmetries

The quest to reveal the physical essence of the infinitely many symmetries and/or conservation laws that are intrinsic to integrable systems has historically posed a significant challenge at the confluence of physics and mathematics. This scholarly investigation delves into five open problems related to these boundless symmetries within integrable systems by scrutinizing their multi-wave solutions, employing a fresh analytical methodology. For a specified integrable system, there exist various categories of n-wave solutions, such as the n-soliton solutions, multiple breathers, complexitons, and the n-periodic wave solutions (the algebro-geometric solutions with genus n), wherein n denotes an arbitrary integer that can potentially approach infinity. Each subwave comprising the n-wave solution may possess free parameters, including center parameters ci, width parameters (wave number) ki, and periodic parameters (the Riemann parameters) mi. It is evident that these solutions are translation invariant with respect to all these free parameters. We postulate that the entirety of the recognized infinitely many symmetries merely constitute linear combinations of these finite wave parameter translation symmetries. This conjecture appears to hold true for all integrable systems with n-wave solutions. The conjecture intimates that the currently known infinitely many symmetries is not exhaustive, and an indeterminate number of symmetries remain to be discovered. This conjecture further indicates that by imposing an infinite array of symmetry constraints, it becomes feasible to derive exact multi-wave solutions. By considering the renowned Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) equation and the Burgers equation as simple examples, the conjecture is substantiated for the n-soliton solutions. It is unequivocal that any linear combination of the wave parameter translation symmetries retains its status as a symmetry associated with the particular solution. This observation suggests that by introducing a ren-variable and a ren-symmetric derivative, which serve as generalizations of the Grassmann variable and the super derivative, it may be feasible to unify classical integrable systems, supersymmetric integrable systems, and ren-symmetric integrable systems within a cohesive hierarchical framework. Notably, a ren-symmetric integrable Burgers hierarchy is explicitly derived. Both the supersymmetric and the classical integrable hierarchies are encompassed within the ren-symmetric integrable hierarchy. The results of this paper will make further progresses in nonlinear science: to find more infinitely many symmetries, to establish novel methods to solve nonlinear systems via symmetries, to find more novel exact solutions and new physics, and to open novel integrable theories such as the ren-symmetric integrable systems and the possible relations to fractional integrable systems.

AI and Blockchain Integration in Business Aviation: Securing Supply Chain and Enhancing Traceability

Purpose: The research looks at how AI converges with the blockchain technology in business aviation to better the domains considered most important: maintenance, operations, flight optimization, and observation of regulatory standards. This is aimed at understanding how these technologies bring solutions that will mitigate the specific challenges to aviation related to the security of supply chains, fraud detection, and customer experience improvement. Methodology: The research adopts a qualitative and quantitative approach, reviewing case studies from leading aviation companies such as Airbus and Boeing, alongside real-world data analysis. The integration of AI for predictive maintenance, flight optimization, and in-flight entertainment (IFE) was examined, while blockchain’s role in securing data management, regulatory compliance, and fraud prevention was assessed through documented applications and industry reports. Findings: The identification of predictive maintenance, as ensured through AI, optimizes aircraft performance, having reduced downtime. Moreover, blockchain increases supply chain transparency and security, reduces fraud, and ensures immutable records. On top of that, AI-powered flight planning and in-flight operations significantly help in operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Moreover, blockchain helps in compliance with regulations because of its secured and traceable data; hence, it serves as a very viable tool in aviation operations. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy, and Practice: This research contributes to the theory of AI and blockchain integration by presenting a comprehensive framework for their application in aviation. It provides new insights into how AI and blockchain can not only enhance operational efficiency but also address fraud and compliance issues, which are pivotal for policy development. Practically, it offers aviation companies a roadmap for leveraging these technologies to secure their supply chains, optimize operations, and enhance customer experiences, ultimately advancing the entire industry.

An approach for urban agglomerations integration evaluation based on multivariate big data: case of the Central Plains Urban Agglomeration

ABSTRACT The Central Plains Urban Agglomeration (CPUA) is a link of economic development to connect the eastern part and western part in China. Current research on urban agglomeration integration mainly uses urban properties’ data. This paper conducts an evaluation method for urban agglomeration integration based on multivariate big data. This method mainly applies eigenvector centrality to assess the integrated situation of the CPUA from four dimensions (internet connection, industrial economy, public service and coordinated governance). The data of this research mainly includes cell phone signaling data, Baidu index, industrial investment data and statistical data for planning. The main innovations and contributions of this research is that (i) on the theoretical aspect, this research proposed an index indicator evaluation system for integration of urban agglomerations based on Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and expert rating. It contributes for the further development of regional integration and other related theories; (ii) on the practical aspect, this study, taking the CPUA as example, presents an assessment approach that uses multivariate big data to measure the current integrated situation of urban agglomeration. This method provides decision-making support for the development of urban agglomeration integration.

Attitudes of French laypeople toward children’s medically-assisted dying

The issue of medically-assisted dying in pediatric care, including euthanasia and deep sedation, is ethically complex. Despite its relevance, no research has applied Information Integration Theory to evaluate the acceptability of these practices in pediatric care, which is what we did in the present study. A sample of 166 French laypeople read 54 scenarios involving end-of-life situations involving children and assessed the acceptability of a physician’s decision in each one. Scenarios included four factors: child’s discernment capacity, child’s request to die, parental consent, and physician’s action. Parental consent and the child’s request were the most influential factors in respondents’ judgments, followed by the child’s discernment and physician’s action. Cluster analysis revealed four groups: “Situation-dependent,” “Always acceptable,” “Not acceptable except in rare circumstances,” and “Parental consent.” Most people were sensitive to situational factors influencing the acceptability of children’s medically assisted dying.

The theory of democratic integration

The outcome of the 2024 European Parliament elections highlights the need for the EU to underpin its functioning as a European democracy with a proper political theory. This article introduces the theory of democratic integration as a political philosophy of the EU. It aims to provide the EU with a philosophical foundation by analysing its evolution as a deviation from the Westphalian system of international relations and its doctrine of absolute sovereignty. The article finds that the EU is succeeding in creating a new democratic home for its citizens and its member states. In times of increasing support for parties which promote national sovereignty as the recipe for the future and which consequently call for the dismantling of the European Parliament and the deconstruction of EU democracy, the theory will empower the Union to defend its constitutional achievements and prevent it from backsliding into an undemocratic organisation of illiberal states.

Solvent‐Controlled Separation of Integratively Self‐Sorted Pd2LA2LB2 Coordination Cages

The integrative implementation of multiple different components into metallosupramolecular self‐assemblies requires sophisticated strategies to avoid the formation of statistical mixtures. Previously, the key focus was set on thermodynamically driven reactions of simple homoleptic into complex heteroleptic structures. Using Pd2LA2LB2‐type coordination cages, we herein show that integrative self‐sorting can be reversed by a change of solvent (from DMSO to MeCN) to favor narcissistic re‐segregation into coexisting homoleptic species Pd2LA4 and Pd3LB6. Full separation (“unsorting”) back to a mixture of the homoleptic precursors was finally achieved by selective precipitation of Pd3LB6with anionic guest G1 from MeCN, keeping pure Pd2LA4 in solution. When a mixture of homoleptic Pd3LB6 and heteroleptic Pd2LA2LB2 is exposed to a combination of two different di‐anions (G1 and G2) in DMSO, selective guest uptake gives rise to two defined coexisting host‐guest complexes. A joint experimental and deep theoretical investigation via liquid‐state integral equation theory of the reaction thermodynamics on a molecular level accompanied by solvent distribution analysis hints at solvent expulsion from Pd2LA4 to favor the formation of Pd2LA2LB2 in DMSO as the key entropic factor for determining the solvent‐specific modulation of the cage conversion equilibrium.

Solvent-Controlled Separation of Integratively Self-Sorted Pd2LA2LB2 Coordination Cages.

The integrative implementation of multiple different components into metallosupramolecular self-assemblies requires sophisticated strategies to avoid the formation of statistical mixtures. Previously, the key focus was set on thermodynamically driven reactions of simple homoleptic into complex heteroleptic structures. Using Pd2LA2LB2-type coordination cages, we herein show that integrative self-sorting can be reversed by a change of solvent (from DMSO to MeCN) to favor narcissistic re-segregation into coexisting homoleptic species Pd2LA4and Pd3LB6. Full separation ("unsorting") back to a mixture of the homoleptic precursors was finally achieved by selective precipitation of Pd3LB6with anionic guestG1from MeCN, keeping pure Pd2LA4in solution. When a mixture of homoleptic Pd3LB6and heteroleptic Pd2LA2LB2is exposed to a combination of two different di-anions (G1andG2) in DMSO, selective guest uptake gives rise to two defined coexisting host-guest complexes.A joint experimental and deep theoretical investigation via liquid-state integral equation theory of the reaction thermodynamics on a molecular level accompanied by solvent distribution analysis hints at solvent expulsion from Pd2LA4to favor the formation of Pd2LA2LB2in DMSO as the key entropic factor for determining the solvent-specific modulation of the cage conversion equilibrium.

Toward an Integrative Theory of Goals-Based Wealth Management

Toward an Integrative Theory of Goals-Based Wealth Management

Integrating second home owners into conservative rural communities in a developing country

The integration of second home owners into rural communities poses a complex challenge that remains little addressed in conservative developing countries’ context. Guided by integration theory, this qualitative study explores the integration of second home owners in Iran. The findings demonstrate that second home owners’ integration processes are manifested in three distinct forms: environmental-physical, socio-cultural, and mental-psychological. These types of integration significantly influence the dynamics of tourism development and community cohesion in the studied rural communities. Overall, this research contributes to integration theory by exploring second home owner adaption to rural environmental, sociocultural norms and deepens understanding of the social implications of second home ownership within conservative rural communities. The study also expands knowledge of place attachment and identity formation by investigating how the presence of second home owners influences the identity and sense of place for both tourists and local residents. By recognizing the complex nature of integration, the findings offer practical implications for improving the integrating second home owners into rural destinations.

Effect of nonpolar solute on the local structure of aqueous solution: Orientation-dependent integral equation study of nonpolar solute in rose water model

The presence of solute in water, even in small quantities, changes the properties of water. The ability of water molecules to form hydrogen-bonds is decisive for the structural and thermodynamic properties. When the solute is added to water, the network of hydrogen bonds is disrupted, changing the structure and properties of the water. In this work, we have used a simple two-dimensional rose water model together with orientation-dependent integral equation theory (ODIET) to gain insight into the effects of nonpolar solutes on the local structure of aqueous solutions. The theory shows good agreement with the radial distribution functions and enthalpies of solvation obtained with simulations, while improving the results of the orientation-averaged version of the theory. The advantage of the two-dimensional water model together with ODIET is that angle-dependent properties can be calculated relatively quickly and easily visualised. Using the potential of the mean force derivatives, the effect of added nonpolar solute on the local structure of the solution was investigated. Depending on the size of the solute, two different regimes of the effect of the solute on the structure of the solution were identified. Small solutes increase the tendency of water to form hydrogen-bonds and at the same time decrease solvation and association of the solute. On the other hand, large solutes have the opposite effect - they decrease the HB tendency of water and increase solvation and association of the solute.

Integration Theory in Measuring Cultural Diversity in the Western Urban Context: The Case of Islamic Religious Buildings in the Western Urban Context

Integration Theory in Measuring Cultural Diversity in the Western Urban Context: The Case of Islamic Religious Buildings in the Western Urban Context

The Integral Theory, Pelvic Floor Biomechanics, and Binary Innervation.

The pelvic floor biomechanics and sphincter functioning are essential for understanding pelvic floor dysfunction and the pathophysiology of the pelvic organs. The pelvic floor consists of muscles, fascial connections and ligaments. The Integral Theory Paradigm (ITP) explains the musculoskeletal entity of the sphincter mechanism and the pathophysiology of pelvic organ function. The ITP explains the pelvic floor function determined by 3 directional muscle forces: forward, backwards and downward-acting muscle vector forces that form an anterior and posterior resultant. The resultant equilibrium is essential for urinary continence, voiding and defecation. Loose ligaments disturb the equilibrium of the pelvic floor's muscular function with consequences for the organ function's continence, evacuation, and sensory perception.

THE ROLE OF TRANSPORT CORRIDORS IN STRENGTHENING IRANIAN REGIONAL COOPERATION IN CENTRAL ASIA

The role of transport corridors in strengthening regional cooperation in Centra l Asia is critical, especially in the context of Iran's evolving foreign policy. Amidst the backdrop of the Russian-Ukrainian confrontation and the expansion of major infrastructure projects like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), Iran's strategic initiatives in Central Asia have gained prominence. This article aims to explore how transport corridors can enhance Iran's regional influence and cooperation with Central Asian countries. The main question addressed is: how do these transport corridors contribute to regiona l stability and economic integration? The hypothesis is that Iran's active participation in developing these corridors, particularly through key projects like the Chabahar Port, not only boosts trade and connectivity but also counters geopolitica l isolation and fosters long-term regional cooperation. The research utilizes the theory of regional integration and interdependence, supported by qualitative content analysis of documents, texts, and expert interviews related to regional transport strategies.The findings indicate that efficient transport infrastructure is fundamental for economic development and political stability in Central Asia. Iran's collaboration with Russia and China further amplifies the benefits of these corridors, providing a strategic counterbalance to Western influence. Ultimately, the study highlights that Iran's role in Central Asia is pivotal for broader regional integration and sustainable development.

An optimization-based equilibrium measure describes fixed points of non-equilibrium dynamics: application to edge of chaos

Abstract Understanding neural dynamics is a central topic in machine learning, non-linear physics and neuroscience. However, the dynamics is non-linear, stochastic and particularly non-gradient, i.e., the driving force can not be written as gradient of a potential. These features make analytic studies very challenging. The common tool is the path integral approach or dynamical mean-field theory, but the drawback is that one has to solve the integro-differential or dynamical mean-field equations, which is computationally expensive and has no closed form solutions in general. From the aspect of associated Fokker-Planck equation, the steady state solution is generally unknown. Here, we treat searching for the steady states as an optimization problem, and construct an approximate potential related to the speed of the dynamics, and find that searching for the ground state of this potential is equivalent to running an approximate stochastic gradient dynamics or Langevin dynamics. Only in the zero temperature limit, the distribution of the original steady states can be achieved. The resultant stationary state of the dynamics follows exactly the canonical Boltzmann measure. Within this framework, the quenched disorder intrinsic in the neural networks can be averaged out by applying the replica method, which leads naturally to order parameters for the non-equilibrium steady states. Our theory reproduces the well-known result of edge-of-chaos, and further the order parameters characterizing the continuous transition are derived, and the order parameters are explained as fluctuations and responses of the steady states. Our method thus opens the door to analytically study the steady state landscape of the deterministic or stochastic high dimensional dynamics.