Theoretical Perspectives Research Articles

Theoretical Framing of Public Administration Research

ABSTRACT This article presents and discusses a heuristic meta-theoretical framework for PA research. There are often theories implicit in research, but what is described as theory is too often merely a set of hypotheses derived from previous research that also lacked proper theoretical grounding. We argue that more explicit attention to theory will make public administration research more cumulative and link it more directly to other disciplines. Our heuristic theoretical framework enables researchers to select and combine key theoretical building blocks and make informed choice of the theoretical perspective, thus assembling a purpose-built theoretical framework capable of guiding empirical research.

Pentafluoroorthotellurate Uncovered: Theoretical Perspectives on an Extremely Electronegative Group.

The pentafluoroorthotellurate group (-OTeF5, teflate) exhibits high electron-withdrawing properties. Indeed, it is often used as a bulky substitute for fluoride due to its high chemical stability and larger size, which reduces its tendency to act as a bridging ligand. These characteristics make it a valuable ligand in synthetic chemistry, facilitating the preparation of molecular structures analogous to polymeric fluoride-based compounds. In this study, we explore the electronic structure of the teflate group by using advanced Quantum Chemical Topology (QCT) methods to better understand its bonding nature and compare its group electronegativity with that of the halogens. For that, we examine XOTeF5 systems (X = F, Cl, Br, I) and decompose X-OTeF5 interactions into classical (ionic) and exchange-correlation (covalent) contributions by using interacting quantum atoms (IQA) energy decomposition scheme. We also conduct a detailed analysis of electron distribution by utilizing the statistical framework of electron distribution functions (EDFs) and examine the electron localization function (ELF), electron density, and reduced density gradient scalar functions, as well as delocalization indices and QTAIM charges. The results show that the electron-withdrawing properties of the teflate group are comparable to those of fluorine, albeit slightly lower. Moreover, its internal bonding is primarily ionic. Additionally, we compare -OTeF5 with other O-donor groups, demonstrating that the electron-withdrawing properties within OEF5 (E = S, Se, Te) systems are nearly identical, and these groups show a higher group electronegativity than OCF3, OC(CF3)3, and OC6F5.

Introduction: time and temporality in the datafied governance of education

ABSTRACT This special issue offers an exploration of the interaction of datafication and temporality in educational governance and demonstrates the many ways in which this interaction can be framed, theorized, conceptualized, and studied, adopting poststructuralist, sociomaterial, and new materialist frameworks. The special issue defines temporality as manifestations of time in human existance (Hoy in Kitchin, 2023: 4), and touches upon questions of temporality encompassing aspects like time frames, timing, tempo, duration, sequence, and past, presence, and future. In this introduction to the special issue, we first propose various theoretical perspectives on time that we find fruitful for the study of datafication and temporality, emphasizing poststructuralist, sociomaterial, and new materialist theorizations. Next, we outline three overall research questions relating to the interaction between datafication and temporality, and discuss their critical potential, exemplified through the articles included in the special issue as well as other research. Finally, we present a number of methodological considerations relating to time, exemplified by the final paper of the special issue and other research.

Electrochemical Ammonia Synthesis at p-Block Active Sites Using Various Nitrogen Sources: Theoretical Insights.

Electrochemical nitrogen conversion for ammonia (NH3) synthesis, driven by renewable electricity, offers a sustainable alternative to the traditional Haber-Bosch process. However, this conversion process remains limited by a low Faradaic efficiency (FE) and NH3 yield. Although transition metals have been widely studied as catalysts for NH3 synthesis through effective electron donation/back-donation mechanisms, there are challenges in electrochemical environments, including competitive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and catalyst stability issues. In contrast, p-block elements show unique advantages in light of higher selectivity for nitrogen activation and chemical stability. The present article explores the potential of p-block element-based catalysts as active sites for NH3 synthesis, discussing their activation mechanisms, performance modulation strategies, and future research directions from a theoretical perspective.

Development and validation of the online agentic and communal behaviour scale: implications for emotional well-being

ABSTRACT Agentic behaviours are often characterised as actions that revolve around being assertive and achievement-oriented, whereas communal behaviours are centered on cooperation, empathy, and promoting social harmony. While extensive studies have demonstrated how these behaviours can be reproduced in online environments from offline, there is a lack of a suitable scale to measure them. The current study focuses on developing and validating an online agentic and communal behavioural survey scale. Through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, two correlated factors emerged and corresponded with the definitions of the agentic and communal dimensions. Through linear regression modelling, it was found that although each dimension was negatively associated with Internet users’ emotional well-being, the positive impact of online communal behaviour on emotional well-being is more pronounced at higher levels of online agentic behaviour. This reflects a theoretical perspective that both dimensions are complementary and should be ‘balanced’ to achieve optimal well-being. In a three-way interaction, it was found that gender moderates the above positive interaction effect in both gender groups. Specifically, gender differences play a part in determining the impact of high vs. low online AC behaviours on emotional well-being. This finding aligns with the theoretical framework explaining gender roles in societies.

A Study on the Assessment of Tour–Art–Learning Quality in Urban Parks from a Child-Friendly Perspective: A Case Study of Shaheyuan Park in Chengdu

Children are the future of society, and their well-being is vital for sustainable urban development. Chengdu, as the birthplace of the “Park City” concept, has actively integrated child-friendly principles into its urban model. In 2022, the “Implementation Plan for Building a Child-Friendly City in Chengdu” was launched, aiming to establish Chengdu as a leading national model. Since 2023, the city has leveraged its ecological strengths to promote “child-friendly happiness spaces”, providing children with ample recreational and developmental opportunities within its “Park City” framework. Analyzing urban park construction in Chengdu from a child-friendly perspective is significant not only for promoting children’s growth and urban development but also for providing valuable references for the development of child-friendly urban parks. Guided by the concept of “Tour–Art–Learning”, which focuses on creating outdoor recreational spaces suitable for children, this study establishes a quality assessment framework for urban parks from a child-friendly perspective. Based on survey data collected from Chengdu’s Shaheyuan Park using the Photo Elicitation Interview (PEI) method and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, the analytic hierarchy process–fuzzy comprehensive assessment (AHP-FCE) model is applied to evaluate the park’s Tour–Art–Learning quality. The results show that while the park demonstrates high overall quality, there are deficiencies in cultural aesthetics and learning activity carrying capacity and significant room for improvement in site accessibility. This study systematically evaluates the child friendliness of Shaheyuan Park and proposes strategies for improving its Tour–Art–Learning quality, offering new theoretical perspectives and practical pathways for urban park construction and the development of child-friendly cities.

Indian Millennials’ continued usage intentions toward online dating apps: the interplay between trust and perceived autonomy

Purpose This study aims to empirically examine the role of privacy, security, trust and autonomy in Millennials’ continued use of online dating applications. Emerging markets have been famous for their rapid modernization, growth and cultural shifts. Yet, consumer worries about online dating consumption need to be addressed in the literature through a better understanding of their behavioural intentions. This study examines the interplay of the underlying variables by testing a conceptual framework grounded on the theory of reasoned action (TRA), the self-determination theory (SDT) and the information systems continuance theory (ISCT) with regard to an emerging market. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional and quantitative research design is adopted. Using a well-designed structured questionnaire adapted from established scales, data was collected through a survey featuring 332 substantive responses from actively involved Millennial users of online dating apps in India. The data was analysed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM) through IBM SPSS AMOS (Analysis of Moment Structures) 24.0 to provide evidence of the reliability and validity of constructs alongside testing the hypothesis in the proposed model. Furthermore, Preacher and Hayes’ (2004) approach is used to explore mediation effects. Findings The results show that autonomy and trust positively affect the continued use of online dating apps. The study further reveals that autonomous behaviour motivates Millennials to use online dating apps, overriding their concerns for privacy and security. Furthermore, the results indicate that trust fully mediates the relationship between concern for privacy, perceived security and continued usage intention. Therefore, trust affects users’ intentions to continue using online dating apps as it bridges the effect of users’ concern for privacy and the perceived security in the online dating platform, making these dimensions relevant as a whole. Research limitations/implications This study provides critical insights into the theory and practice. The findings demonstrate that autonomy is more significant in motivating Millennials to use online dating apps than concerns about privacy and perceptions of security. In addition, trust plays a crucial role in mediating the relationship between these variables. Therefore, app developers, app marketers and app stores can use the findings to motivate Millennials to continue using their platforms by encouraging a sense of freedom and a better inner self, fostering engagement and conveying user trust. Originality/value Several studies have investigated the pre-adoption behaviour of users of online dating apps, and little attention has been paid to continuance usage. This study provides a unique theoretical research model and perspective for online dating apps that uncovers the role of concern for privacy, perceived security and trust that affect post-adoption behaviour by integrating the TRA, SDT and ISCT. This integration offers a more futuristic and refined perspective on human behaviour by considering both cognitive and motivational aspects. The study establishes that autonomy outweighs concern for privacy and perceived security.

A model theoretic perspective on matrix rings

In this paper natural necessary and sufficient conditions for quantifier elimination of matrix rings Mn(K) in the language of rings expanded by two unary functions, naming the trace and transposition, are identified. This is used together with invariant theory to prove quantifier elimination when K is an intersection of real closed fields. On the other hand, it is shown that finding a natural definable expansion with quantifier elimination of the theory of Mn(C) is closely related to the infamous simultaneous conjugacy problem in matrix theory. Finally, for various natural structures describing dimension-free matrices it is shown that no such elimination results can hold by establishing undecidability results.

Uncertainty experienced by the critical patient upon discharge to the general ward: Care proposals from the perspective of Mishel's theory.

The process of discharging the critical patient to the ward (discharge from critical care to the general ward-DCCW) is often described as an experience involving uncertainty which may affect the patient's quality of life and ability to cope. Coping with uncertainty is an individual response not related to the course of the illness that is dependent on external and internal resources and the ability to utilize them. Mishel's theory of uncertainty identifies aspects of care that can shape the experience of uncertainty associated with the illness. To understand the experiences of uncertainty of critical patients associated with discharge from the intensive care unit (ICU) to glean person-centred care strategies under such circumstances. Qualitative study with a phenomenological approach. Between March 2017 and May 2018, 20 in-depth interviews were conducted on patients recently discharged from an ICU. The patients have been organized according to the following pre-established categories of Mishel's theory: stimulus framework, structure providers and uncertainty assessment. Based on these results, suggestions for the care of the critical patient upon discharge from the ICU are made in each of these categories. Applying Mishel's theoretical perspective to care for the critical patient during the process of discharge to the ward can help identify areas for intervention and improvement. To succeed, there is a need to promote a cultural change in ICUs, empower nurses and provide the necessary resources. These findings are relevant and timely given the impact of the experience of critical patients discharge to the ward. Uncertainty management has been identified as an important element in the discharge experience of critically ill patients to the ward because, according to the informants' stories, it can make this transition a healthier process with less emotional impact.

Gender diversity and disclosure: a meta-analysis

Abstract The significance of Gender diversity in enhancing quality of reporting has been a focal point of the theoretical and empirical research in recent decades. However, discrepancies persist between empirical findings and theoretical perspectives regarding the role of female representation in improving disclosure quality. This study aims to elucidate the relationship between female representation and disclosure. This study employs a series of meta-analyses techniques on 189 empirical studies spanning over 39 countries to investigate the relationship between female representation and disclosure. It further examines how gender parity, shareholder protection, types of disclosure, and publication quality moderate this relationship. The meta-analysis results indicate that female representation is significantly positively associated with disclosure. This positive association is more pronounced in countries with high gender parity and low shareholder protection, underscoring the crucial monitoring role female representation can play in safeguarding shareholders’ interests, particularly when women have greater influence in boardroom decision-making (i.e., gender parity). Additionally, the findings reveal that female representation is more significantly associated with social and environmental disclosure than with financial and governance disclosure. The study provides valuable insights for regulators, directors, and shareholders by advocating for the empowering of female representation and increasing the representation of women in senior positions within firms.

The Role of Internal Risk Governance in Improving Bank Performance: A Theoretical Perspective

Internal risk governance is a critical determinant of bank performance, influencing stability and profitability within a complex and dynamic financial environment. This study examines the mechanisms by which internal risk governance affects the performance of Chinese city commercial banks (CCBs) through the lenses of Principal-Agent Theory and Risk Management Theory. Specifically, the research explores the interplay among internal governance, capital regulation pressures, ownership concentration, income diversification, and risk-taking behavior. The findings reveal that enhanced internal risk governance mitigates risk-taking behaviors, thereby improving bank performance. Conversely, increased capital regulation pressures and higher ownership concentration are linked to elevated risk-taking and reduced performance. Additionally, income diversification is shown to decrease risk-taking while positively impacting bank performance. This study provides new insights into the theoretical and practical dimensions of risk management, offering implications for strategic decision-making, regulatory oversight, and policy formulation aimed at strengthening the resilience of city commercial banks.

How social integration affects the income of relocated households: evidence from China

Ensuring the income of relocated households is of great theoretical and practical significance for improving their livelihoods and sustainable development. This article is based on micro survey data of relocated farmers in Sichuan Province, China, and analyzes the impact of social integration on the income level and structure of relocated farmers from both theoretical and empirical perspectives. The results show that: social integration has a significant positive effect on the household income level of relocated farmers, and the effect of social integration on household income decreases with the increase of income level. From the perspective of income structure, social integration improves the operating income, wage income and property income of relocated households, but the impact of social integration on transfer income is not obvious. Non-agricultural employment ability, information acquisition and life satisfaction are the mechanisms through which social integration affects household income. There are differences in the effect of social integration on household income among different groups of relocated farmers. Finally, according to the conclusion, the paper puts forward relevant countermeasures and suggestions to improve the level of social integration, improve the non-agricultural employment ability of relocated farmers, improve the quality of information acquisition and life satisfaction, and provide differentiated support for different groups.

This paper presents the initial findings of a qualitative study investigating the relationship between ethics and education in Italian preschool settings. The research employs the methodology of Constructivist Grounded Theory (CGT) to emphasise the indispensable role of promoting ethical awareness in early childhood education. The preliminary results from the interpretation of intensive interviews with preschool teachers indicate that the structuring

This paper presents the initial findings of a qualitative study investigating the relationship between ethics and education in Italian preschool settings. The research employs the methodology of Constructivist Grounded Theory (CGT) to emphasise the indispensable role of promoting ethical awareness in early childhood education. The preliminary results from the interpretation of intensive interviews with preschool teachers indicate that the structuring of ethically significant educational experiences can be a factor in the growth of ethical awareness. From a theoretical and practical perspective, the study posits that stimulating ethical awareness from early childhood can prevent the rise of an increasingly widespread phenomenon: ethical illiteracy.

Accumulation of water rights in the energy-mining sector in Mexico: An analysis of water justice

This article analyzes the accumulation of water rights in the energy-mining sector in Mexico, from the theoretical perspective of water justice. This essay highlights the provisions derived from the 2013 energy constitutional reform and its connection with community water use. It is explained that the oligopolistic concentration of water rights is associated with selective appropriation and water dispossession on socially owned lands. It is discussed that the legal order has historically been oriented to favor the transfer of water concessions towards economically profitable uses. It is concluded that extractivism, as a hegemonic paradigm, has resulted in the emergence of socio-environmental conflicts and the establishment of water injustices.

Hurricane Otis in Acapulco: A view from the theory of crisis management

Global warming is a problem that affects humanity; hence, crisis management in the face of natural events is necessary. The aim of the research was to analyze the passage of Hurricane Otis through Acapulco from the theoretical perspective of crisis management, to understand the socio-environmental, economic, and decision-making challenges. For data collection, content analysis and hemerographic review proved useful, complemented by theoretical contrastation. Findings revealed failures in communication by various government actors; the unprecedented growth of Hurricane Otis led to a flawed crisis management. Among the physical, economic, environmental, and social impacts, the latter stands out due to the humanitarian crisis overflow. It is the first time that Acapulco, despite having a tradition in risk management against hydrometeorological events, faces a hurricane of magnitude five on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Ultimately, the city was unprepared to face a category five hydrometeorological event; institutional responses were overwhelmed by the complexity of the crisis, and the community came together to improve its environment and make it habitable again.

Giving a little to many or a lot to a few? Examining the role of firms’ strategy and capital in industrial era 4.0

Purpose This study aims to advance and analyze the influence that firms’ diversification approach brings to the businesses’ performance via competitive advantage (CA) and access to capital in a developing economy. Design/methodology/approach Using primary mode, the present study uses the sample of 104 diversified manufacturing firms to analyze the conditional indirect effect of firms’ diversification approach on efficient resource allocation using SAS process macros. Findings This study corroborates that in the era of uncertainty (when businesses are struggling to survive), a diversification approach can help the firms to build resilience against uncertainties to achieve resource allocation efficiency. Furthermore, findings also reveal that for successful strategic implementation firm’s access to capital (tangible and intellectual capital) play a critical role. Research limitations/implications Theoretically, this study has made a sizeable contribution to the resource-based theory of a firm’s literature with a new compositional-based theoretical perspective and also by providing an insight into the relationship between strategic approaches, access to capital and resource allocation efficiency. However, the current study’s ability to provide a deep understanding of the phenomenon was restricted by the lack of data availability and a self-reporting questionnaire approach. Practical implications Potential applications of the current research exist for manufacturing industry managers and policymakers to achieve efficiency and CA. This study provides evidence of the obstacles to diversification discounts while allocating resources. At the same time, it provides a crucial connotation for maintaining distinctive tangible and intangible capital for value addition. Originality/value The current study fills out by investigating the conditional indirect effect of access to capital in industrial era 4.0. Moreover, according to researchers’ knowledge, this study is the first to establish and empirically investigate a comprehensive model that involves a strategic approach, access to tangible and intellectual capital and performance outcome obtained through the integration of all these crucial factors.

Particle Trajectory Simulation Facilitates the Development of an Efficient Sample Introduction System for Single-Particle ICP-MS Analysis.

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has demonstrated significant capabilities in the analysis of single events, such as single cells and particles. Researchers have been actively pursuing innovations in ICP-MS sample introduction systems to enhance their transport efficiency, as this is critical for ensuring the accuracy of single-event analysis. However, the majority of prior studies have relied heavily on empirical approaches, with limited attention given to the individual characteristics of particles from a theoretical perspective and a lack of efficient manufacturing tools for optimizing related components. Herein, we developed a high-efficiency sample introduction system for single-event ICP-MS analysis by integrating the computational simulation-aided design, precise 3D printing manufacturing, and rapid experimental testing process. For the first time, we simulated the transport trajectories of individual particles passing through the spray chamber, providing theoretical guidance for the design and optimization process. The statistical analysis of particle trajectories revealed that under the absorption boundary condition, particles between 20 and 100 nm achieved transport efficiencies exceeding 18.8%. In comparison, particles larger than 100 nm exhibited 0% transport efficiency due to increased deposition within the spray chamber. The spray chamber was fabricated in-house using a range of 3D printing technologies and materials, streamlining the process and reducing the cost for both manufacturing and validation. Further optimization of the operating parameters, including an increase in temperature, resulted in a notable transport efficiency of 61.1%. The workflow introduced in this study has the potential to transform the research and development of critical mass spectrometry components moving forward.

Revolutionizing faculty's intrinsic work motivation in China: A novel serial mediation model integrating value-based leadership, growth mindset, and teaching self-efficacy.

This study presents a revolutionary understanding of how value-based leadership enhances the intrinsic work motivation of Chinese university faculty. A novel serial mediation model is introduced, highlighting the interplay between growth mindset and teaching self-efficacy in transmitting the impact of leadership to increased intrinsic motivation. Utilizing a comprehensive sample of 394 faculty members from across China, advanced SmartPLS 3.0 analytics were employed to validate the model. The results demonstrate a significant positive effect of value-based leadership on faculty intrinsic motivation, partially mediated by the sequential influence of nurturing a growth mindset and strong teaching self-efficacy. The findings provide fresh theoretical perspectives and practical strategies for researchers, university leaders, administrators, and policymakers seeking to elevate the intrinsic work motivation of China's academic faculty to new levels.

Superior single-atom and single-cluster catalysts towards electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reactions: a theoretical perspective

The traditional Haber-Bosch process for ammonia synthesis is both energy-intensive and capital-demanding. Electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) has emerged as a promising, sustainable alternative, with recent advantages highlighting its potential. Single-atom catalysts (SACs) and single-cluster catalysts (SCCs) are promising catalysts for NRR due to their atomically dispersed active sites, maximized atom utilization, and distinctive coordination and electronic structures, all of which facilitate mechanism insights at the atomic level. Benefiting from efficient atom utilization, for example, the ammonia yield rate on Au1/C3N4 is roughly 22.5 times as high as that of supported Au nanoparticles, fully demonstrating the significant advantages of SACs over nanoparticles. In this review, we focus on the theoretical progress in SACs and SCCs for electrocatalyzing NRR, including nitrogenase-like bio-inspired catalysts and other metal-based catalysts. We further examine key adsorption energy and electronic descriptors that enhance our understanding of catalytic performance. Finally, we discuss the remaining challenges and future directions for advancing SACs and SCCs in electrocatalytic NRR applications.

New venture risk management: Theoretical framework and research perspectives

ABSTRACT Managing risk is crucial for start-ups, which often struggle due to their small size, newness, and fast-paced growth. This study highlights strategies to address these issues, focusing on practical solutions. Building early financial reserves, like emergency funds or access to credit lines, can reduce the impact of unexpected setbacks. Start-ups should implement clear risk management protocols, including market research, to validate product–market fit before launching. Rigorous product testing ensures customer needs are met and regulatory compliance is achieved, minimizing costly mistakes. Flexible organizational structures, such as agile teams and adaptable processes, enable start-ups to respond quickly to market changes and growth demands. Long-term planning, such as scenario planning or creating contingency strategies, is essential to sustain growth. This research offers actionable guidance for founders, emphasizing lean, targeted risk management to optimize resources. Policy makers can use these insights to support start-ups through programs that reduce barriers, provide mentorship, and offer financial safety nets, boosting overall success rates and resilience in dynamic market conditions.