Theoretical Perspectives Research Articles

Integrating Global Norms for Gender Equity in Kazakhstan: Aligning Workplace and Social Security Legislation with Sustainable Development Goals

Objective: This study investigates the impact of international standards on shaping national approaches to gender equality, focusing on Kazakhstan’s legal and social frameworks. Theoretical Framework: This research is based on theoretical perspectives regarding implementing international law, offering a foundation for understanding how global norms influence national policies. Method: A multidisciplinary methodology is applied, including comparative legal analysis, normative-legal methods, systems analysis, and legal modeling. Forecasting techniques are also used to anticipate future trends in the alignment of national policies with international gender equality standards. Results and Discussion: This study identifies several critical challenges that Kazakhstan faces in reforming its social and labor policies to align with international standards. Significant institutional and legal barriers hinder progress in promoting gender equality and eliminating discrimination. The discussion focuses on these obstacles and examines their implications for policy development and implementation. Research Implications: The findings of this study contribute to academic research and policy development by enriching the scientific discourse on gender equality and offering recommendations for integrating international standards into national legislation. This study not only provides a theoretical basis but also offers practical ideas for improving policies and legal frameworks. Originality/Value: This study sheds new light on the relationship between international legal standards and national legislation. It offers practical recommendations for advancing gender equality and supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) by promoting the empowerment of women.

The Role of Ethical Leadership in Sustainable Performance: An Analytical Research from the Perspective of Al-Muqdadiya Hospital Employees.

Purpose: This research seeks to identify ethical leadership and sustainable performance from a theoretical perspective. Theoretical Framework: Based on what researchers (Kyalo, 2019) reported, these organizations must adopt one of the leadership styles that helps them enhance their reputation from an ethical standpoint in the society within which they operate. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study analyses hospital data (2023-2024), using the ethical leadership model with its three components (justice, power sharing, and role clarification) in enhancing sustainable performance with its three components (social performance, economic performance, and environmental performance). Findings: The results confirmed the existence of a vital role for ethical leadership in enhancing the sustainable performance of Al-Muqdadiya Hospital, and therefore the hypotheses of this research (main and subsidiary) were accepted. Research Implications: The results confirm the need for Al-Muqdadiya Hospital to form a work team of leaders who are distinguished by ethical principles and adhere to them when carrying out the tasks and duties assigned to them, in a way that enhances their role in investing the resources available to the hospital when meeting the standards and indicators of sustainable performance that it seeks. Originality/Value: This study confirms that modern business organizations of all types, as well as the sector in which they operate, need to strengthen their relationship with the environment in which they operate, due to the wide wave of environmental transformations, as well as the rapid changes that the world is witnessing, specifically in the ethical and social aspects. JEL Classification: M10, M12, M15, M19. Authors’ individual contribution: Conceptualization — A.H.A.I..; Methodology — A.H.A.I..; Formal Analysis — A.H.A.I..; Investigation — A.H.A.I.; Data Curation — A.H.A.I..; Writing —Original Draft — A.H.A.I..; Writing — Review & Editing — A.H.A.I.; Visualization — A.H.A.I.; Supervision — A.H.A.I.; Project Administration —A.H.A.I. Declaration of conflicting interests: The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

The Introduction of a BaTiO3 Polarized Coating as an Interface Modification Strategy for Zinc-Ion Batteries: A Theoretical Study.

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have become a promising and cost-effective alternative to lithium-ion batteries due to their low cost, high energy, and high safety. However, dendrite growth, hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs), and corrosion significantly restrict the performance and scalability of AZIBs. We propose the introduction of a BaTiO3 (BTO) piezoelectric polarized coating as an interface modification strategy for ZIBs. The low surface energy of the BTO (110) crystal plane ensures its thermodynamic preference during crystal growth in experimental processes and exhibits very low reactivity toward oxidation and corrosion. Calculations of interlayer coupling mechanisms reveal a stable junction between BTO (110) and Zn (002), ensuring system stability. Furthermore, the BTO (110) coating also effectively inhibits HERs. Diffusion kinetics studies of Zn ions demonstrate that BTO effectively suppresses the dendrite growth of Zn due to its piezoelectric effect, ensuring uniform zinc deposition. Our work proposes the introduction of a piezoelectric material coating into AZIBs for interface modification, which provides an important theoretical perspective for the mechanism of inhibiting dendrite growth and side reactions in AZIBs.

A cultural exposition model for interpreting architectural heritage: A study on Pingyao historical city

Architectural heritage, encompassing both its material and immaterial aspects, serves as a vital lens for understanding the historical, social, and esthetic values embedded in a society. As a reflection of cultural evolution, it offers insight into the architectural technologies, social structures, and collective memories of specific historical periods. This article investigates the architectural history of Pingyao historical city by employing theoretical perspectives that integrate material, social, and spiritual dimensions. The study demonstrates how the philosophy and cultural values of ancient Chinese society are reflected in the spatial and architectural forms of Pingyao. The material dimension considers how principles such as Feng Shui, numerology, and color symbolism shaped the city’s general layout and building designs. The social attribute addresses the influence of Confucianism on spatial organization, the use of culturally significant architectural elements, and the function of key structures in fostering social unity among the population. The spiritual aspect explores concepts of Eastern origin, such as Yin and Yang, the Five Elements theory, and the “Unity of Heaven and Humanity,” as these are incorporated into the city’s external architecture. Furthermore, it examines the influence of Buddhism and Daoism on Pyingyao’s architectural features. This comprehensive analysis reveals that Pingyao is far more than a collection of historic buildings; it is an intricate cultural artifact, offering a unique perspective on earlier stages of Chinese thought and society. Therefore, the preservation and study of Pingyao’s architecture offer a valuable opportunity to deepen our understanding of China’s architectural history.

Towards designing a comprehensive composite index for social vulnerability to natural hazards in the big data era: potential challenges and partial solutions

AbstractThis study provides a practical definition and framework to measure social vulnerability to natural hazards, addressing gaps in the literature after three decades of Susan Cutter's Place-Based Model. The current social vulnerability index, designed based on available data such as census data, is limited in capturing all aspects of social vulnerability and spatial inequalities. This research explored and proposed a new theoretical perspective and methodological framework for designing a comprehensive index for social vulnerability to natural disasters using emerging big data, which is practical and feasible and can be applied to social vulnerability studies in general and social vulnerability to natural hazards in particular. This research first defines constructs of social vulnerability to natural hazards, including (1) socioeconomic status or conditions, (2) physical infrastructure or accessibility to facilities and services, (3) ecological-environmental conditions, (4) access to security facilities and crime rate, (5) technological inequalities, (6) health conditions of the citizens, and (7) susceptibility. Then, it proposes potential solutions for developing a comprehensive composite index under ideal conditions without (big) data limitations, using the US and the UK as case examples. These solutions are not just theoretical but also practical and feasible, instilling confidence in their implementation. This research offers valuable insights for researchers and policymakers in diverse sectors, supporting the design of effective disaster risk reduction strategies and intervention programs.

A theoretical perspective on professional identity

A theoretical perspective on professional identity

Exploration of initiation and stabilization properties of oblique detonation in a combustor with hydrogen fuel pre-injection

This study delves into the innovative aspects of hydrogen fuel injection and mixing within the duct of an oblique detonation engine (ODE) from both theoretical and numerical perspectives. By solving the multi-species reactive Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations alongside a hydrogen combustion model, the fluid dynamics and combustion processes in the combustor are thoroughly examined. The analysis shows that employing ramp-cantilever injectors for fuel delivery leads to fuel accumulation in the gas stream core, leaving a deficiency near the wall area. By supplementing ramp-cantilever injectors with wall injectors, fuel distribution adjacent to the wall is significantly enhanced, enabling the successful establishment of a detonation mode. However, the confined space and geometric constraints generate complex flow patterns, particularly due to boundary layer separation. The combustor operates in a stable configuration featuring an oblique shock-oblique detonation-separation shock (OSW-ODW-SSW) structure. Conversely, an oblique shock-oblique detonation-normal detonation-separation shock (OSW-ODW-NDW-SSW) arrangement is found to be unstable. Adjusting the position of the expansion corner on the upper wall forward stabilizes the unstable configuration, maintaining the ODW. Spatial flow inhomogeneities, especially equivalence ratio variations, are identified as crucial factors that can hinder ODW initiation and stability. These findings emphasize the pivotal role of optimizing fuel distribution, refining geometrical design, and ensuring flow uniformity in guaranteeing the efficiency and stability of oblique detonation engines. The outcomes provide valuable insights for future improvements in ODE design and operation.

Exploring the dynamics of firm growth: the interplay of decision-making logic

Purpose This paper investigates how various emergent theoretical perspectives in entrepreneurship research, representing diverse decision-making logics, influence firm growth and evolution. It explores the interaction among decision-making logics, including experimentation, affordable loss, flexibility and pre-commitment as components of effectuation, alongside causation and bricolage and their synergistic effects on firm growth. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a multi-phase, discovery-oriented approach. Initially, insights from existing literature on decision-making logic were combined with in-depth interviews with 10 Iranian entrepreneurs within the food sector. This phase used alternative template research to evaluate the principles of effectuation, causation and bricolage within case study data depicting firm growth. Subsequently, a self-administered survey was developed based on these insights and distributed to 205 entrepreneurs in Iran. The survey data was analysed using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to identify key factors and pathways influencing firm growth. Findings Using a discovery-oriented approach, this study formulates a comprehensive framework detailing decision-making logics that influence firm growth. Through fsQCA, 12 distinct paths are identified, highlighting the complex interplay of causation, effectuation and bricolage in high-growth firms within the food sector. Research limitations/implications This study has limitations. FsQCA identifies only logically sufficient combinations, suggesting potential for exploring alternative pathways in future research. Given COVID-19’s impact on the food sector, examining decision-making logic across diverse contexts and industries is advisable. Additionally, exploring how bricolage, causation and effectuation affect outcomes like new product development and innovation is essential in a growth-focused context. It is also important to consider environmental and organizational factors influencing growth. Originality/value This paper pioneers the examination of emerging theoretical paradigms in entrepreneurship and their impact on firm growth. It identifies critical configurations of causation, effectuation and bricolage, providing actionable insights for navigating dynamic business environments.

Metamodernism as a Tester of New Creative Stimuli

The purpose of the research is to analyse metamodernism as a tester of new creative stimuli. The methodology of the research is based on general scientific research principles; terminological and systemic. The purpose and tasks of the publication determined the use of such research methods as analysis, synthesis, generalisation, which made it possible to clarify the meaning of a number of concepts and terms. Scientific novelty lies in the study of a new cultural phenomenon, namely metamodernism. Since a significant part of domestic cultural experts as well as art critics such as film critics, musicologists and specialists dealing with various genres of fine art ignored those works that appeared in the corresponding spheres of metamodernism. The first assessments of this cultural phenomenon start publishing only from 2015–2017. Their authors were mostly philosophers and estheticians, not representatives of cultural knowledge. Conclusions. In the field of Ukrainian humanities, cultural studies are developing quite actively and dynamically, constantly expanding the research area. We consider it necessary to develop the practice of adding the prefix "post" to stable concepts or categories, namely: postmodernity, postculture, postart, postmodernism. The problem of conceptual and categorical provision of cultural studies, meaning the practice of arguing new concepts, the introduction of which is connected with a specific author's surname, is attributed to their personal development, the ideas of which are supported by other specialists. Work in this direction is one of the most important theoretical perspectives of Ukrainian cultural studies.

New Insight into Quantity-Dependent Self-Assembly Pattern of Light Levitating Droplet Clusters.

It has been reported that the self-assembly pattern of light levitating droplet clusters above the hot gas-liquid interface is dependent on the quantity of droplets. However, the already-reported theoretical explanation of the quantity-dependent self-assembly pattern cannot work well when the quantity of the light levitating droplet exceeds 15. Herein, we propose a new theoretical perspective to understand the self-assembly of a light levitating droplet cluster by referring to the classical densest packing problem of identical rigid circles in a larger circle with the introduction of the minimum total potential energy principle. Amazingly, the theoretical results obtained by this new approach agree well with experimental results, even though the quantity of the light levitating droplet is up to 142. This study deepens our understanding of the quantity-dependent self-assembly pattern of the light levitating droplet clusters and provides significant inspiration for other analogous self-assembly phenomena.

Drag Artists in Shanghai: Balancing Local and Global Influences in Queer Cultural Production

This article discusses a case study of a group of local and expat drag artists based in Shanghai, China. Theoretical perspectives of “global gay” discourse, queer temporality and Chinese-centric queer theories were employed to question how Shanghai’s drag artists navigate drag’s growing popularity, Chinese state restrictions and Western dominance. Through analysing semi-structured interviews and performance video samples of seven drag artists and one LGBTQ+ venue owner, queer cultural productions in China were explored to ask how they offer new possibilities for queer knowledge production, and propose futurities that are simultaneously transnational and rooted in China. While the influence of Euro-American LGBTQ+ discourse was documented and acknowledged, other perspectives revealed more nuanced conceptualisations of the binary between copy/original, the frictions inherent in cultural exchange, and diverse forms of resistance. Shanghai’s drag scene is evolving in distinct ways, incorporating both global and local influences and cultural traditions. With queer knowledge still largely attributed to the West, and non-Western experiences vastly underrepresented, it is important to recognise what underground cultural productions such as those in Shanghai offer global queer cultural exchange.

Confronting decisions related to the termination or continuation of doctoral supervision: a supervisor perspective

Purpose This paper explores theoretical perspectives on supervisors' pedagogical dilemmas when deciding whether to terminate or continue problematic supervision relationships. This paper aims to unravel the complexities and challenges inherent in such decision-making processes while also discussing potential support mechanisms for supervisors. Design/methodology/approach Adopting a reflective narrative approach, this paper presents a fictional narrative to illustrate the intricacies of doctoral supervision. The narrative is divided into three parts, each followed by an analysis rooted in theoretical perspectives. Findings This article offers guidelines across individual, departmental and organisational levels to address critical moments in doctoral supervision. By incorporating various strategies and perspectives, it helps to understand the dilemmas that supervisors may encounter. A decision-making support guide is also provided to suggest ways of handling these challenging situations. Practical implications Drawing from theoretical perspectives, this paper offers practical solutions. A supervision support guide is developed to help establish support mechanisms at different levels, assisting supervisors in managing critical moments in doctoral supervision. Originality/value Addressing a rarely discussed issue, this paper highlights the complexity of supervisors' decisions regarding the termination of PhD students. It not only sheds light on these difficult choices but also offers practical guidelines for supervisors navigating such scenarios.

Exploring the Interplay of Literature and Psychology: A Historical and Theoretical Perspective

This study aims to describe the connection of literature and literary psychology, the role of psychology in literature. The authors may use styles and methods to grab attention of the readers and literary psychology plays crucial role in it. The critics and literarians definitions to literature and literary psychology are given in this work. The history of literary psychology and writers who has contributed to this field are listed. Both literature and psychology studies human and his feelings and inner world, moreover when the authors use literary psychology elements, they may create eternal piece of art.

How e-commerce development affects urban carbon emissions: Evidence from China

Under the dual constraints of ensuring economic growth and achieving the "dual carbon" goals, the impact of e-commerce development on urban carbon emissions has become a new frontier in this era. This study utilizes urban panel data from 2008 to 2021 to systematically investigate the specific effects and mechanisms of e-commerce on carbon emissions from both theoretical and empirical perspectives. The research reveals that pilot policies such as the construction of national e-commerce demonstration cities significantly reduce carbon emissions, a conclusion that holds true even after a series of robustness tests. Further exploration indicates that promoting green innovation and enhancing energy efficiency are vital mechanisms through which pilot policies of national e-commerce demonstration city construction drive carbon emission reductions. Regions in the eastern and southern parts of the country, along the Yangtze River Economic Belt, non-resource-based cities, and peripheral cities are better positioned to leverage the digital economy dividend to advance carbon emissions reduction. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of carbon reduction and the social impacts of e-commerce development.

The Study about the Impact of Douyin on Youth Culture and Consumption Behavior

This paper explores the significant influence of Douyin on youth culture and consumption behavior. Through a detailed case discussion and analysis of theoretical perspectives, it highlights the tension between content homogenization and multicultural expression. This tension is driven by personalized content tailored specifically for individual users, with core processes revolving around big data analytics and algorithmic recommendation systems. These systems raise ethical considerations in influencer marketing. The study reveals that the platform’s phenomenally popular cultural content amplifies the influencer economy and intensifies societal phenomena, such as the spectacle of society, which impact the cultural identity and consumption preferences of young people. The paper offers a series of recommendations based on these insights. Firstly, it suggests strategies for content diversification to combat the homogenization trend and promote a richer tapestry of cultural expression. Secondly, it emphasizes the need to reinforce ethics in influencer marketing to ensure that young audiences are not exploited or misled. Lastly, it advocates for measures to mitigate the negative impacts of the Society of the Spectacle on youth culture and consumer behavior. These recommendations aim to cultivate a more balanced digital ecosystem and facilitate a healthier and more democratic communicative environment. By implementing these strategies, Douyin can foster a platform that supports diverse cultural expressions while protecting and empowering its young users.

Foucauldian perspectives on migration and society: The epistemological-political grids of “people” and “population”

Drawing on Foucault's approach to knowledge and power, this paper aims to strengthen theoretical perspectives on migration and to revise social theories by reflecting on the constitutive role of migration in the formation of society. Differing from studies that use a methodological approach based on Foucault, I draw on his work to develop a constructivist theory of society by examining and problematizing two dominant lenses through which migration is commonly problematized: the epistemological-political grids of the “people,” associated with sovereign power and nationalism, and the “population,” associated with biopower and capitalism. Both grids are crucial for understanding how migration is constructed as a specific object of knowledge and incorporated into mechanisms of power. Taken together, they allow us to reconnect the often separated debates on sovereign power and biopower—or nationalism and capitalism—and to reflect on the central tensions of contemporary migration societies. By highlighting the relevance of border and migration processes that Foucault barely addressed, I open up an alternative perspective on people and populations through an analysis of the marginal figures of “vagabondage” and “bad circulation” that are currently most associated with migration.

Mindfulness in Higher Education: Conceptual Perspectives for Self-Leadership and Optimism

Mindfulness can be regarded as a significant factor in transforming the educational landscape in higher education institutions (HEIs) because its integration into educational settings can offer several benefits such as promoting emotion regulation, reducing stress and anxiety, and developing self-control, well-being, and resilience among students and faculty in HEIs. It can foster a more positive learning and work environment in HEIs by enhancing self-leadership and optimism in individuals. Therefore, this study aims to investigate mindfulness in HEIs concerning self-leadership and optimism in the existing literature. Designed as a conceptual exploration of the literature across multiple theoretical perspectives in mindfulness, self-leadership, and optimism in the context of HEIs, this study theoretically examined these concepts in the literature in terms of their definitions and relationships in the existing eligible sources. According to the synthesized results, mindfulness is a transformative factor in HEIs that addresses cognitive, emotional, and social aspects, which promotes comprehensive growth and well-being among students and faculty. Its integration enhances self-leadership skills by improving self-regulation, stress management, and emotional satisfaction among both students and faculty. Furthermore, mindfulness fosters optimism in individuals and contributes to a positive academic environment characterized by resilience and enhanced performance. Despite its benefits, the careful consideration of ethical, cultural, and developmental factors is essential in implementing mindfulness practices to ensure their effectiveness. With the support of policymakers and educational leaders, mindfulness can significantly enhance the quality of HEIs and create a thriving academic community.

The Impact of Education Level on Real Estate Asset Allocation

As an important asset class, the allocation decision of real estate is of great significance to the wealth accumulation of individuals and families. This paper builds a theoretical framework based on the theoretical perspective of human capital, takes the CHFS database in 2015,2017 and 2019 as the benchmark, and constructs the Probit model, two-way fixed effect model and intermediary effect model to carry out empirical testing, revealing the causal relationship and mechanism between education level and real estate asset allocation. The results show that the education level significantly increases the individual real estate asset allocation, and this causality is still significantly established under multiple robustness tests. Financial information attention and financial knowledge play an important intermediary role in this process. In addition, the impact of educational level on real estate asset allocation was more obvious in the urban sample than in the rural groups. This study not only enriches the theoretical basis of relevant fields, but also provides a scientific basis for policy makers, which helps to optimize the allocation of resources in the real estate market and promote the sustainable economic development.

A Javanese Dance is A Representation of Rasa in Javanese Culture

This paper presents the concept of rasa in Javanese culture embodied in Javanese dance. The ethnographic approach in the Ethnochoreology discipline used as a step in data collection was in-depth interviews with actors (dancers, choreographers) in a society with a Javanese cultural scope. The observation step in the data collection effort was carried out using the involved observation model or participant observer, completed by data collection through literature and relevant documents. The theoretical perspective and concept used as the basis for thinking in discussing the case study of the Ela-ela dance in this paper is the concept of rasa, as put forward by Paul Stange. Namely, that rasa is a "tool" or "means" of perception, or a "function" of "whisper of heart or intuition", and rasa in Javanese dance as expressed by Katarina Indah Sulastuti, that rasa in Javanese dance is an element that is integrated with the senses in the body in a comprehensive manner which involves: the sensibility of heart vibrations, sharpness of intuition, imagination, bodily intelligence, and understanding of Javanese culture. Javanese dance, in the example of the case study, the Bedhaya Ela-ela dance is a representation of the rasa in Javanese culture, namely that the Bedhaya Ela-ela dance is a form of dance that substantially depicts the life of the Javanese people and the culture of rasa which involves issues of ethics, aesthetics, and religion in Javanese culture.

EcolRxC: Ecological inference estimation of R × C tables using latent structure approaches

Abstract Ecological inference is a statistical technique used to infer individual behavior from aggregate data. A particularly relevant instance of ecological inference involves the estimation of the inner cells of a set of R × C related contingency tables when only their aggregate margins are known. This problem spans multiple disciplines, including quantitative history, epidemiology, political science, marketing, and sociology. This paper proposes new models for solving the problem using the latent structure theory, and presents the ecolRxC package, an R implementation of this methodology. This article exemplifies, explains, and statistically documents the new extensions and, using real inner cell election data, shows how the new models in ecolRxC lead to significantly more accurate solutions than ecol and VTR, two Stata routines suggested within this framework. ecolRxC also holds its own against ei.MD.bayes and nslphom, the two algorithms currently identified in the literature as the most accurate to solve this problem. ecolRxC records accuracies as good as those reported for ei.MD.bayes and nslphom. Besides, from a theoretical perspective, ecolRxC stands up for modeling a causal theory of political behavior to build its algorithm. This distinguishes it from other procedures proposed from different frameworks (such as ei.MD.bayes and nslphom) which model expected behaviors, instead of modeling how voters make choices based on their underlying preferences as ecolRxC does.