Theoretical Perspectives Research Articles

Theoretical perspectives and interventions grounded in the cultural histories and experiences of Latine/x communities: The time is now [Introduction to Special Issue

Theoretical perspectives and interventions grounded in the cultural histories and experiences of Latine/x communities: The time is now [Introduction to Special Issue

From the Ashes of the Bronze Age

This paper surveys the published evidence for thermally altered human remains on Cyprus from mortuary contexts dating to the Iron Age (Cypro-Geometric and Cypro-Archaic periods), while outlining new theoretical perspectives and scientific approaches resulting from the development of analytical methods that have expanded the potential for specialists to study such remains on the island through the lens of funerary taphonomy. Most of our current knowledge of ancient fire-related bodily transformations such as cremation comes from regions where thermally altered human remains are frequently found in archaeological contexts. For some geographical regions, however, the use of fire in mortuary contexts remains underexplored, and this is the case with Cyprus, where thermally altered human remains are rarely recovered. I survey previous research on the subject, although the true extent of fire-related mortuary practices on the island is currently unknown. I address current challenges and suggest potential directions for future research.

Influence of the turbulent magnetic pressure on isothermal jet emitting disks

The theory of jet emitting disks (JEDs) provides a mathematical framework for a self-consistent treatment of steady-state accretion and ejection. A large-scale vertical magnetic field threads the accretion disk where magnetic turbulence occurs in a strongly magnetized plasma. A fraction of mass leaves the disk and feeds the two laminar super-Alfv\'enic jets. In previous treatments of JEDs, the disk turbulence has been considered to provide only anomalous transport coefficients, namely magnetic diffusivities and viscosity. However, 3D numerical experiments show that turbulent magnetic pressure also sets in. We analyze how this turbulent magnetic pressure modifies the classical picture of JEDs and their parameter space. We included this additional pressure term using a prescription that is consistent with the latest 3D global (and local) simulations. We then solved the complete system of self-similar magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations, accounting for all dynamical terms. The magnetic surfaces are assumed to be isothermal, limiting the validity of our results to cold outflows. We explored the effects of the disk thickness and the level of magnetic diffusivities on the JED response to turbulent magnetic pressure. The disk becomes puffier and less electrically conductive, causing radial and toroidal electric currents to flow at the disk surface. Field lines within the disk become straighter, with their bending and shearing occurring mainly at the surface. Accretion remains supersonic, but becomes faster at the disk surface. Large values of both turbulent pressure and magnetic diffusivities allow powerful jets to be driven, and their combined effects have a constructive influence. Nevertheless, cold outflows do not seem to be able to reproduce mass-loss rates as large as those observed in numerical simulations. Our results are a major upgrade of the JED theory, allowing a direct comparison with full 3D global numerical simulations. We argue that JEDs provide a state-of-the-art mathematical description of the disk configurations observed in numerical simulations, commonly referred to as magnetically arrested disks (MADs). However, further efforts from both theoretical and numerical perspectives are needed to firmly establish this point.

Voluntary musical imagery in music practice: contextual meaning, neuroscientific mechanisms and practical applications

Practice is acknowledged as a crucial facilitator for musicians to achieve performance excellence. Despite the rich literature on incorporating musical imagery intentionally to improve one’s practice efficacy, limitations remain in the understanding of voluntary musical imagery (VMI) in the context of musical practice. Therefore, our aims in this review are threefold. First, we enriched the interpretation of VMI in the context of music practice through the lens of embodied cognition. Second, we integrated neuroscientific findings to elucidate how the deliberate use of musical imagery parallels physical practice in effectiveness. Third, we synthesize work on the application of VMI in enhancing musical learning from both theoretical and practical perspectives. By providing an integrated overview of voluntary musical imagery, we highlight gaps in the literature and encourage further research on (1) the impact of embodied experiences on VMI formation, (2) optimal imagery content and ratio combination to establish a personalized intervention protocol for more effective musical pedagogy, and (3) on physiological measures to access VMI effectiveness. Additionally, we highlight the crucial implications of VMI for researchers, performers, and music educators.

The impact of R&D factors flow and regional absorptive capacity on China's economic growth: Theory and evidence.

Innovation is the source of economic growth. Innovation in a region comes from its own knowledge creation and knowledge spillovers from other regions. Previous studies showed that R&D factors flow benefits knowledge spillover, thereby promoting economic growth. But these studies ignored the impact of a region's knowledge-absorptive capacity on knowledge spillovers. Ignoring the impact of regional absorptive capacity means that the knowledge spillover from the same R&D factors flow is the same, clearly inconsistent with reality. This thesis analyzes the impact of R&D factors flow on economic growth and explores the moderating effect of regional absorptive capacity on the relationship between R&D factors flow and economic growth from theoretical and empirical perspectives. First, we construct a knowledge creation and diffusion model of the new economic geography, including regional absorptive capacity, and analyze the theoretical logic of the flow of R&D factors and regional absorptive capacity influencing economic growth. Second, we employ spatial econometric models to examine the impact of R&D factors flow and regional absorptive capacity on economic growth, utilizing panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2008 to 2021. The results demonstrated a spatial positive correlation between regional economic growth in China. The R&D factors flow could have significantly promoted not just a region's direct economic growth, but also the economic growth of surrounding regions via spatial spillover effects. Furthermore, the stronger the regional absorptive capacity, the greater the direct effects and spatial spillover effects of the R&D factors flow on economic growth. The novelty of this article is to introduce regional absorptive capacity into the theoretical model, refine the methodology for assessing regional absorptive capacity in empirical research, and examine its moderating effect between the inflow of R&D factors and regional economic growth. This article reveals that the positive impact of the inflow of R&D factors on spatial spillovers and economic growth varies depending on regional absorptive capacity. According to the conclusions above, enhancing regional absorptive capacity is equally important as facilitating the flow of R&D factors. Therefore, it is vital for a region to strengthen its absorptive capacity for new knowledge while promoting R&D factors flow. The study provides valuable policy insights for accelerating the flow of innovation factors, enhancing regional absorptive capacity, and consequently promoting long-term sustainable economic development in the region.

The Relationship between Democracy and Foreign Direct Investment in East Asia

Has progress toward democracy affected the level of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows to East Asia? Existing research presents conflicting theoretical perspectives on the effect of democratic institutions on FDI. One thread suggests that democratization will lead to more FDI inflows; a second argues for less; and a third argues there may be no effect. We explore whether political institutions impact FDI flows to East Asia by empirically assessing the relationship between the two phenomena. Using three-stage least-squares estimation to account for endogeneity and pooled annual time-series data from 1975 to 2018 for 13 East Asian countries, we find that democratic institutions are associated with higher levels of inward FDI. The results are robust across alternative measures of FDI and democracy. We conclude with a discussion of policy implications.

#IndonesiaRepresent: Investigating Nation Branding at International Fashion Events through the Presence of Social Media Influencers

Abstract This study presents the complex tapestry of Indonesia’s nation branding, by investigating the activities of its influencers at international fashion events. The research questions focus on the influencers, the use of national symbols, and online textual expression, in which visual and internet lexicons converge. By simultaneously assessing the resonance for local and international spectators, we identify the dominant themes and narratives promoted by these influencers at international fashion events. We adopt a theoretical perspective focused on the employment of young influencers in nation branding, and our results reveal a striking dichotomy. Although these charismatic personalities can increase the resonance of nation branding, they frequently veer off course and are occasionally diverted by the potential for achieving fame. This divergence reveals a problematic issue: the use of influencers might unintentionally damage the national story that their employers want them to present.

Web-Series Ads as a New Marketing Media: Toward a Commercial-Independent Digital Integration Model

This study presents a new type of advertisement—web-series ads. This undiscussed form of advertising is unique, as it presents an independent digital cultural field. By examining the main structural and narrative features of web-series ads and consumers’ responses, this research presents an integration model which explains how advertisements, as a commercial system, integrate into an independent new media system. Using thematic, narrative–structural, and textual analysis methods, this research shows how marketers convey messaging by introducing a free-from-constraints new online advertising media type. The use of polysystem theory offers a new theoretical perspective to media research and explains the findings.

Subjective Truth and The Leap of Faith: A Textual Analysis of Updike’s Terrorist

Kierkegaard’s existential theory that an individual with faith truly exists correspond to his idea of subjective truth that prompts the individual to take leap of faith. The current paper explores the treatment of truth in Updike’s Terrorist from theoretical perspective of Kierkegaard’s concept of subjective truth. After conducting textual analysis of the novel, we have come to understand that the higher truth is subjective and functions in an individual in such a way that he is ready to live or die for it. We also found out that passionate inwardness and commitment with the truth is necessary and truth develops with the passage of time according to the turn of events in the life of an individual, the way it happened in the life of Ahmad. Updike’s treatment of truth and its reshaping with the realization and understanding of Ahmad is tantamount in understanding how Kierkegaard is still relevant today.

Enhancing resource recovery in Indonesian upcycled food supply chains: collaborative innovation networks and their drivers

ABSTRACT This study provides theoretical and practical perspectives on resource recovery (RR) in upcycled food (UF) supply chains. The goal of RR in UF supply chains is to minimize food waste and maximize the value derived from food byproducts and surplus. However, since these supply chains are fragmented and recovering and utilizing food waste involve inherent uncertainties, implementation is challenging. This study employs the fuzzy Delphi method and a fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory. The analysis validates 29 attributes of RR in UF supply chains, examines their causal relationships, and assesses hierarchical interdependencies. The findings reveal that financial resources, managerial strategies, and digital infrastructure causally drive collaborative innovation networks. This study provides managerial implications for the UF industry, highlighting the importance of engaging business stakeholders, supporting collaborative problem solving, allocating budgets strategically, developing lifecycle value strategies, and focusing on value creation. These insights can inform strategies and sustainable practices in the food sector.

Characterization of Disinfection By-Products Originating from Residual Chlorine-Based Disinfectants in Drinking Water Sources

In this study, samples from the Yangtze River, Han River, and Liangzi Lake in Wuhan City were utilized to characterize the formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs) from chlorine-based disinfection residues in drinking water sources. The results indicated that the main DBPs in drinking water sources were trichloromethane (TCM) and trichloroacetic acid (TCAA). The generation of DBPs was significantly positively correlated with oxidative substances, aromatic compounds, pH, and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) content in the water. The concentration of TCAA increased from 0 to 2.45 ± 0.31 mg/L when the reaction time increased to 72 h. As the NaClO concentration increased from 5 mg/L to 15 mg/L, the concentrations of TCAA, TBM, and DCAN increased from 2.03 ± 0.04 mg/L, 0 mg/L, and 0 mg/L to 2.49 ± 0.34 mg/L, 0.21 ± 0.07 mg/L, and 0.10 ± 0.04 mg/L before decreasing to 1.75 ± 0.19 mg/L, 0.17 ± 0.07 mg/L, and 0.04 ± 0.05 mg/L, respectively. The orthogonal experimental results showed that Br−, NH3-N, and pH all had significant influences on the TCM generation, whereas temperature affected the formation of TCAA in the Han River. This work reveals the factors influencing the generation of DBPs from chlorine-based disinfection residues, offering a prevention and control method for DBPs in drinking water sources from a theoretical perspective.

Theoretical perspectives on digital globalization: A critical review

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), or Industry 4.0, is transforming the world through rapid technological advancements, integrating cutting-edge digital technologies into daily life. This revolution builds upon previous industrial stages, driving significant engineering, business, manufacturing, and technological innovations. While Industry 4.0 offers numerous benefits, including enhanced efficiency, economic growth, improved quality of life, informed decision-making, and sustainability, it also poses substantial challenges. These include exacerbating inequality, job displacement by artificial intelligence, increased cybercrime, privacy concerns, and technological dependency. This study examines the dualities of Industry 4.0, emphasizing the need for balance to ensure technological progress serves humanity. The research advocates for harnessing technological advancements to promote equitable economic growth, social well-being, and human flourishing.

Childhood Unpredictability is Associated With Religious Coping Through Attachment to God and Divine Forgiveness.

Because a majority of the world's population is religious and believes in some higher power, it is important to understand what may facilitate or hinder religious psychological processes that give rise to well-being. The current work therefore threads together behavioral ecological, attachment, and forgiveness theoretical perspectives to assess candidate correlates of divine forgiveness and religious coping. Study 1 (N = 441) showed, via a single path model, that childhood unpredictability was positively associated with avoidant attachment to God, which was in turn negatively associated with divine forgiveness, such that avoidant attachment to God fully mediated the association between childhood unpredictability and divine forgiveness. Study 2 (N = 417) extended the investigation to religious coping, again analyzing data via a single path model. Childhood unpredictability was associated with positive (but not negative) coping through a mediation sequence of insecure attachment (avoidant and anxious) and, in turn, divine forgiveness. For avoidance, unpredictability was positively associated with avoidant attachment, which was negatively associated with divine forgiveness, which was positively associated with positive religious coping. For anxious attachment, unpredictability was positively associated with anxious attachment, which was positively associated with divine forgiveness, which was positively associated with positive religious coping. Notably, avoidant attachment was also curvilinearly associated with anxious attachment and coping, such that people high and low (vs. average) in avoidance are high in anxious attachment as well as positive and negative religious coping. Thus, the work provides insights important to both the study of early childhood environments and the study of religious psychological processes.

Tensions, coherence, and/or progress in early childhood teacher education (ECTE) in the Nordic countries

This special issue provides some needed insight into the tensions, coherence, and/or progress in early childhood teacher education (ECTE) in the Nordic countries. These topics warrant exploration due to complex, and at times contradictory educational landscapes, which must deal with the question of how to generate comprehensive, coherent, and interdisciplinary education programs. Drawing on studies utilizing different theoretical perspectives on tensions, coherence, and progress in higher education, and with the use of a variety of research methodologies, the Nordic authors in this special issue expand our knowledge on current issues and tendencies in ECTE in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland. In light of the great importance of and real challenges in the field of early childhood education and care, the question of how to educate early childhood education teachers is highly relevant, and requires more research in, and reflection on, how these teachers are educated. This special issue draws specific attention to opportunities and challenges in ECTE, which has so far received limited research attention.

The Social Representations of Pornography Consumers Among Individuals in Romantic Relationships: Exploring the Roles of Gender, Relationship Satisfaction, and Sexual Satisfaction in a Romanian Sample.

Understanding the psychological conflicts associated with pornography consumption can help professionals tailor their interventions to address the mental health risks faced by individuals struggling with issues related to their pornography use. The main objective of this research was to investigate how pornography consumers are perceived from a social representation theoretical perspective and to examine variations in these perceptions-or social representations-according to gender, relationship satisfaction, and sexual satisfaction. All participants (N = 875 Romanians) were in a romantic relationship at the time of participation. Our results indicated that the social representation of pornography consumers varied significantly depending on gender, sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction. Also, our findings showed a potential psychological conflict in the long run, which can put individuals at risk for self-stigma, guilt, and subsequent mental health consequences. We discuss conclusions from both a theoretical and practical perspective, with a focus on the utility of our conclusions in the clinical practice context of psychologists, psychotherapists, and mental health workers when dealing with issues related to pornography use.

Experiences of women artisans in Ghana’s informal construction sector: the COVID-19 aftermath and its implications

ABSTRACT Research on women’s progress in assuming roles and acquiring technical skills in men-dominated areas such as the informal construction sector is critical, particularly as the world strives to achieve gender equality and empower women in the post-COVID-19 era. This study assesses this in the context of young women who have entered the construction sector through the improved apprentice project in Ghana’s Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis. Employing a qualitative methodology, we conducted in-depth interviews with 18 participants and utilised a theoretical perspective from feminist theory to examine the impacts of the pandemic on their advancement in this domain and its consequences for attaining Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality. The paper analyses the findings and proposes policy suggestions, such as enhancing post-pandemic assistance for young women in this sector.

Various shapes of whiteness: A new look at racism and its institutional operation in Israeli academia

This article explores theoretical concepts that reveal the power structures within Israeli academia. Rather than employing the conventional framework that emphasizes practices of discrimination and underrepresentation to explain the ongoing preference for the dominant Western, white Jewish group and its cultural capital over Jewish and Arab Palestinian minorities, we propose a new theoretical perspective. By integrating whiteness theory, critical race theory, intersectionality and settler colonial paradigms, the article illustrates how this framework can effectively analyse academic epistemology and social dynamics. We then introduce the subsequent articles in this issue as examples of the successful application of these concepts, highlighting how they expose the concealed and sophisticated exercise of organizational power that aligns with the norms of the dominant culture, to the detriment of minority students and faculty.

Research on the Application Framework of Generative AI in Emergency Response Decision Support Systems for Emergencies

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence technology, generative AI has shown broad application prospects and potential in various fields. Frequent emergencies have put forward higher requirements for traditional Emergency Response Decision Support Systems (ERDSS). This paper proposes a theoretical framework of ERDSS based on generative AI (ERDSS-GAI), which deeply integrates generative AI with three stages of emergency response decision-making. The framework aims to leverage the advantages of generative AI in massive data processing, knowledge mining, strategy optimization, and other aspects, thereby enhancing the intelligence level and emergency response capability of ERDSS. The key components and implementation path of ERDSS-GAI are systematically explained from a theoretical perspective, and its application value is analyzed through the case of rainstorm and flood disaster in Shenzhen. This research demonstrates that generative AI can improve the scientific and refined level of emergency response decision-making, providing a theoretical framework and practical insights for its widespread adoption in emergency management.

TM and P dual sites on polymeric carbon nitride enable highly selective CO reduction to C2 products with low potentials: A theoretical perspective.

The CO reduction reaction (CORR) for the production of high-value-added multi-carbon (C2+) products is currently being actively investigated, where searching for high-efficiency catalysts with moderate CO intermediate binding strength and low kinetic barrier for C-C coupling poses a significant challenge. In this study, we employed density functional theory computations to design four synergistic coupling dual sites catalysts for CORR to C2 products, namely, TM-P@melon, by co-doping transition metals (TM = Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni) and phosphorus (P) into the polymeric carbon nitride (i.e., melon-CN). Mn-P@melon and Ni-P@melon exhibit higher selectivity toward C2H5OH and C2H6, respectively, with limiting potentials (C-C coupling kinetic energy barriers) of -0.43V (0.52eV) and -0.17V (0.26eV), respectively. The introduction of TM and P atoms not only narrows the band gap of melon-CN but also favors the coupling of CO and *CHO, providing an active site for C-C coupling, thus facilitating the catalytic reaction. Our work provides rational insights for the design of stable, low-cost, and efficient CORR dual sites catalysts that facilitate the sustainable production of high-value C2 chemicals and fuels.

Understanding society: a reflexive foresight matrix for navigating complexity and shaping the future

Purpose This paper introduces the foresight matrix, a conceptual framework for foresight analysis rooted in critical realism (CR) and complexity theory. It aims to address the need for a comprehensive theoretical perspective that embraces emergence and recognizes the interplay between different layers of reality. Informed by critical theory within futures studies, the study seeks to provide additional foresight theoretical perspectives in addressing contemporary societal challenges and collectively shaping desirable futures. Design/methodology/approach The proposed reflexive foresight matrix incorporates elements of CR, complexity theory and morphogenesis theory, providing an alternative conceptual framework for analyzing complex social challenges. It integrates the vertical layers – empirical, actual and real – and horizontal dimensions – structure, agency and culture. This matrix guides researchers through a systematic analysis of structural barriers, cultural influences and individual agency, offering a comprehensive tool for understanding the underlying mechanisms driving social change. Findings The reflexive foresight matrix dissects complex situations into structure, agency and culture dimensions, enabling a thorough understanding of societal dynamics by examining the interplay between these dimensions and their influence on individual and collective behaviors. This conceptual framework guides researchers through a systematic analysis of structural barriers, cultural influences and individual agency, uncovering the mechanisms driving social change. Through reflexive monitoring and temporal action analysis, it explores historical and contextual factors, informing future tendencies. Practical implications The reflexive foresight matrix provides a multidimensional lens for understanding social issues, prompting researchers to consider the interplay between structure, agency and culture across different layers of reality. By exploring historical and contextual factors, this framework enables an insight into diverse perspectives and their impact on future outlooks. Furthermore, the matrix facilitates critical inquiry into prevailing power dynamics and narratives, offering insights into societal injustices and inequalities. This critical examination empowers stakeholders to challenge dominant narratives and work toward more equitable and desirable futures. Social implications The proposed reflexive foresight matrix offers a comprehensive approach to analyzing complex social challenges, potentially impacting futures thinking and foresight practices. By integrating CR, complexity theory and morphogenesis theory, the framework fosters a deep understanding of the interplay between various factors influencing future tendencies. This comprehensive view of problems allows analysts to consider structural barriers, cultural influences and agency, thereby enhancing foresight efforts in addressing contemporary challenges. Originality/value The proposed reflexive foresight matrix contributes to futures thinking and foresight practices by offering a comprehensive approach to analyzing complex social challenges. By combining CR, complexity theory and morphogenesis theory, the framework fosters an insightful understanding of the interplay between various factors influencing future trajectories. Moreover, the integration of critical perspectives and reflexive methodologies into foresight practices underscores the importance of challenging dominant narratives, fostering inclusive decision-making processes and empowering individuals and communities to shape their futures.