Theoretical Perspectives Research Articles

Osmoregulation and reproduction: evolutionary trends in prolactin functions from fish to mammals

The study of prolactin function evolution provides key insights into the diverse effects of this hormone in mammals, both in health and disease, which is relevant from both theoretical and practical perspectives. This article reviews both original and literature data concerning the role of prolactin and its receptors in regulating the sexual dimorphism of freshwater adaptation in the three-spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus L. It is demonstrated that mRNA expression of prolactin gene 1 (one of two prolactin paralogs) and its receptor PRLRA increases in the brains of female sticklebacks only upon transitioning to freshwater. The brain and kidneys of sticklebacks, as androgen-dependent organs, exhibit sex-dependent expression of Prlra in seawater. It is suggested that sex-dependent osmoregulatory effects of prolactin are mediated through the PRLRA receptor in these organs. The PRLRB receptor, expressed in the kidneys and brains of sticklebacks regardless of sex in seawater, shows increased sensitivity to reduced salinity, suggesting a more active role in implementing sex-independent osmoregulatory functions of prolactin. Gills and intestines, as osmoregulatory organs, express the PRLRA and PRLRB receptors independent of sex in both seawater and freshwater. With freshwater adaptation, there is a concurrent increase in the expression of Prl1 in the brains of females and the expression of Atp1a1 (α1a subunit of Na+/K+-ATPase), Nhe3 (NHE3 sodium-proton antiport gene), and Ecac (epithelial calcium channel gene) in their gills. It is presumed that these gill genes are under positive control by prolactin. Exploring the potential for prolactin’s osmoregulatory function in mammals revealed that it may manifest in conditions such as pathologies accompanied by increased expression of prolactin receptor isoforms in osmoregulatory organs. One of such pathologies is cholestasis in female rats, which was associated with an increase in Prlr isoform expression and changes in activity and ratio of Na+/K+-ATPase subunits in the kidney. Thus, it is concluded that in fish, the osmoregulatory function of prolactin is sex-dependent, while in mammals, it may manifest under conditions of disrupted water-salt exchange.

Towards the sociology of pets—Social functions of animals in contemporary societies observed from systems theoretical perspective

AbstractThis paper advocates for introducing sociology of pets as a particular field of research as the response of ever growing social relevance of pets in contemporary societies. Though other theoretical approaches are suitable for tackling these complex issues, the article offers viewpoint from Luhmann's social systems theory. Based on Luhmann's writings on ecological communication, the article departs from the system/environment distinction and conceives pets as being part of a society's environment that attained resonance of a social system. Further, entry of pets into a social system is interpreted through differentiation theorem arguing that pets perform highly relevant social functions for all functional subsystems of a society by contributing to their autopoietic reproduction. This is primarily accomplished through communication about pets, emerging specific semantics, usage of binary codes specific for different subsystems, correspondence to their mediums, programs and functions. The major part of work is presenting relations of pets to 10 functional subsystems of a society, as this delineates scope of empirical phenomena of potential interest for sociology of pets. These processes might be observed at systemic, organizational and interaction levels. Despite possessing multiple merits, also, certain limits of Luhmann's account of pets are unfolded, such as incapability to hear authentic voices of animals, but rather distorted semantic codes emerging from consciousness of human psychic systems, afterwards structurally coupled with communication as a medium of social systems. At this point, social systems theory might be complemented by theory of interspecies communication, as taking into consideration other theoretical approaches anchored at ontologies pertinent to include non‐human agents is invocated. The tentative outcome of this introductory discussion is that apparent process of anthro‐morphosization of animals is taking place while the question of relation between humans–humans in the context of building just societies of the 21st century still remains open.

Optimizing $c$-sum BKW and Faster Quantum Variant for LWE

The Learning with Errors (LWE) problem has become one of the most prominent candidates of post-quantum cryptography, offering promising potential to meet the challenge of quantum computing. From a theoretical perspective, optimizing algorithms to solve LWE is a vital task for the analysis of this cryptographic primitive. In this paper, we propose a fine-grained time/memory trade-off method to analyze c-sum BKW variants for LWE in both classical and quantum models, then offer new complexity bounds for multiple BKW variants determined by modulus q, dimension k, error rate alpha, and stripe size b. Through our analysis, optimal parameters can be efficiently found for different settings, and the minimized complexities are lower than existing results. Furthermore, we enhance the performance of c-sum BKW in the quantum computing model by adopting the quantum Meet-in-the-Middle technique as c-sum solver instead of the naive c-sum technique. Our complexity trade-off formula also applies to the quantum version of BKW, and optimizes the theoretical quantum time and memory costs, which are exponentially lower than existing quantum c-sum BKW variants.

The Role of Soft Power in Great Power Rivalries: Challenges, Solutions, and Strategies, Focus on International Relations Theories

The rebirth of major power competition has led to a significant transformation in the global order. This study digs into the complex nature of this occurrence, examining its underlying reasons, displays, and possible outcomes in deferent angle. By utilizing a comparative analysis of realist, liberal, constructivist, and critical theoretical perspectives, the paper aims to shed light on the theoretical foundations of the current geopolitical dynamics. By critically assessing these theories, this paper highlights major obstacles to global stability, such as the escalation of arms races, the decline of multilateral institutions, and the increased threat of interstate conflicts and misunderstanding. Furthermore, this paper explores potential ways for collaboration and conflict resolution, drawing on insights from a variety of theoretical frameworks together with existing and current example from different conflicting countries. Marxism and Feminism are also highly shown in this paper which mostly focus on discussing their views toward GPC. In essence, this paper tries to develop our comprehension of major power competition and guide the formulation of efficient strategies to mitigate its destabilizing impacts.

How Augmented Reality (AR)is Revolutionizing Retail Marketing

As technology evolves, Augmented Reality (AR) stands out as a transformative force in retail marketing. This paper aims to explore the innovative ways AR enhances customer experience, strengthens brand loyalty, and facilitates personalization. Through a thorough literature review and systematic literature review and systematic analysis, the study reveals key factors influencing AR’s application in retail, discusses its implications for omnichannel strategies, and anticipates future trends. Ultimately, this research contributes new theoretical perspectives and practical insights for the academic community and retail practitioners.

POWER OF EDUCATION IN SHAPING DEMOCRATIC CITIZENSHIP AND GOOD GOVERNANCE

Education is a fundamental pillar in the establishment and sustenance of democratic societies. This study explores the intricate relationship between education, democratic citizenship, and good governance. By examining various educational frameworks and their impact on civic engagement, political awareness, and governance quality, the research underscores the transformative power of education in fostering democratic principles. The analysis is grounded in theoretical perspectives and empirical evidence drawn from diverse contexts. It highlights how education promotes critical thinking, informed decision-making, and active participation in democratic processes. Moreover, the study delves into the role of education in cultivating a sense of civic responsibility and ethical governance among citizens. Key findings reveal that comprehensive educational systems that emphasize civic education, human rights, and democratic values significantly contribute to the development of informed and engaged citizens. Such citizens are more likely to demand accountability, transparency, and ethical behavior from their leaders, thereby enhancing governance quality. The study also addresses challenges such as educational inequality and access disparities that hinder the full realization of education’s potential in democratic consolidation. Policy recommendations are offered to strengthen educational strategies that support democratic citizenship and good governance.

Adaptive control with lower-order dynamics for nonlinear systems with unknown control coefficients

While adaptive control has been extensively studied for a variety of uncertain nonlinear systems, overparametrization still exists in many works. By overparametrization, it means that the order of the adaptive controller is (much) higher than the number of unknown parameters of the system, which is a defect from a theoretical perspective and indicates high cost in controller's implementation. This paper investigates adaptive control with lower-order dynamics for nonlinear systems with unknown control coefficients, managing to significantly reduce or eliminate overparametrization and showing the differences in controllers' dynamic orders of different control strategies. The uncertain nonlinear system in question has n unknown control coefficients and a p-dimension unknown vector in the system nonlinearities. We consider two cases of unknown control coefficients: case (a): their signs are known; case (b): their signs are unknown, i.e. unknown control directions. For case (a), first by compensating for unknown control coefficients and their reciprocals, as well as the unknown vector, we design an adaptive controller with ( 2 n + p − 1 ) -order dynamics, where no inequality estimate is used to avoid conservatism of the controller. Second, for case (a), via bounding the system uncertainties by a single unknown constant, we design an adaptive controller with only 1-order dynamics, where inequality estimates are used and hence the controller suffers conservatism. For case (b), by adopting multiple Nussbaum functions, we design a ( 2 n + p − 1 ) -order adaptive controller, where n-order dynamic compensation is employed to overcome n non-identical unknown control directions. As in case (a), because no inequality estimate is used, conservatism of the controller is avoided. Regardless of conservatism, for case (b), by bounding the uncertainties in the destabilizing terms, we design n-order adaptive controller, where, of course, inequality estimates have to be used.

Customers on the Move: Predicting Customer Satisfaction among Mobile Banking Users in Malaysia

In recent decades, the financial industry has seen rapid modernization of information technology and increased competition. Nevertheless, numerous past studies have shown that technological adoption in mobile banking is relatively low in certain Southeast Asian countries. Customers' opposition to mobile banking services is mostly attributed to a lack of knowledge, security worries, and technological difficulties. Therefore, financial service providers need to comprehend and meet customer expectations to enhance the mobile banking experience. This, the present research seeks to examine the determinants of customer satisfaction with mobile banking among Malaysian consumers. The findings demonstrate that perceived ease of use, efficiency, and responsiveness were significant in influencing customer satisfaction. However, interoperability, privacy and security, and reliability were not significant in affecting mobile banking satisfaction. The findings have implications for both theoretical and practical perspectives, highlighting the need for efficient mobile banking services, enhancing financial inclusion, and empowering individuals.

Remodeling Classroom Management Through Technology Driven Curriculum In Nigeria: A Sociological Analysis

Remodeling the classroom management through technology driven curriculum will assist teachers to the global requirement to replace traditional teaching methods with a technology-based teaching and learning tools and facilities. In Nigeria, Remodeling the classroom management through technology driven curriculum is considered as one of the main elements in transforming the country to the future development. The conceptual clarification utilizes the remodeling of the classroom management, technology, and education as the tools affecting remodeling classroom management through technology driven curriculum in Nigeria. The theoretical perspectives that is used for the paper is Humanist choice theory by William Glasser in the year 1998. The concept of remodeling classroom management and relevance of technology driven curriculum in Nigeria is the basic or fundamental impact to the success of this paper. The Ministry of Education, through the latest Education Blue print (2013-2025), insights the importance of technology-based teaching and learning into the schools’ national curriculum. This study of the paper aims to analyze teachers’ perceptions on effectiveness of upgrading the classroom management through technology driven curriculum to support teaching and learning process in classroom. The results indicate that remodeling the classroom through technology driven curriculum has a great effectiveness for both teachers and the students. Findings indicate that teachers’ well-equipped preparation with technology driven curriculum tools and facilities is one the main factors in success of technology-based in remodeling the classroom management for sound teaching and learning. It was also found that professional development training programs for teachers also played a key role in enhancing students’ quality learning. For the future studies, there is a need for consideration of other aspects of remodeling classroom especially from management point of view in regard to strategic planning and policy making through technology driven curriculum.

Supporting refugees: An entrepreneurial resourcefulness approach

This rapid research paper seeks to aid Lighthouse Charities (LC), a Las Vegas-based refugee-sponsoring organization. Rather than channeling all refugees toward entrepreneurship, LC utilizes a two-pronged entrepreneurial resourcefulness approach. LC creates refugee-focused work integration social enterprises (WISEs) and also supports refugee clients as entrepreneurs. While LC helps many refugees with this approach, LC seeks a more systematic lens (versus a trial-and-error approach) to understand and adjust to the limits of using an ER approach. Experts from three theoretical perspectives (trauma exposure, identity adjustment, and entrepreneurial failure) provide theoretically informed insights into how LC can systematically adjust the ER approach to help refugees by matching resources to opportunities, modifying existing resources to potential opportunities, and transitioning away from resourcefulness.

Levels and Performance Indicators of Business Under an Integral Theoretical Perspective Oriented Toward SDG

Objective: The sustainable development goals require companies to rethink the way in which economic and social value is created. This article aims to propose an alternative approach to studying business performance from an inclusive and sustainable perspective. Theoretical Framework: The contributions of organizational development theory are employed, and based on its principles, business performance, its levels, and indicators are characterized. Method: Documentary research was conducted, taking as a starting point the units of analysis proposed by organizational development theory. Results and Discussion: Variables associated with the organizational levels declared by organizational development theory were identified, and the benefits they bring to comprehensive business performance are supported. Research Implications: Business performance is characterized and classified based on the three levels of an organizational system: the individual level (personnel performance), the group and environment level (group performance), and the organizational level (organizational performance). Originality/Value: The literature is ambiguous when it comes to defining and measuring business performance. In many cases, the sole focus is financial performance. This paper highlights the need to broaden the framework for studying business performance and decent work by revaluing the role of individuals in achieving business organizational goals through work.

Gender Stereotyping and Social Norms: Exploring Theoretical Perspectives and Educational Implications

This review is a theoretical paper which examined gender stereotyping and social norms. The review was supported by feminist theory, critical theory and social psychology theory. The review utilizes a comprehensive strategy to investigate the theoretical lenses and consequences of gender stereotyping and social norms. The approach comprised of a few key stages. A survey incorporating gender stereotyping, social norms, feminist theory, critical theory and social psychology to assemble an all encompassing comprehension of the review was done. The review of gender stereotyping and social norms through critical assessment of key idea and viewpoints from feminist theory, critical theory and social psychology. The structure for revealing perplexing social peculiarities is given by the integration of feminist theory, critical theory and social psychology theory. This enlightened the basic component of inequality and injustice by considering the joint impact of gender, power and social setting. The review revealed the pervasive nature of gender stereotyping and social norms, their effect on causing inequality and injustice and the significance of promoting gender equality and social equity. In this way, the significance of interdisciplinary collaborative effort and combined actions in addressing the issue of gender stereotyping and social norms within educational setting and more extensive cultural setting. It emphasized the need for holistic approaches that will consider the broad intersection of power, ideology, and social issue in order to create gender equality and social justice both in the social and educational domain.

A phenomenon-based approach to handling multiple paradigms: Investigating power in international knowledge transfer through active categorization

In this article, we propose a phenomenon-based approach as a suitable way of handling multiple paradigms in practice. We implement the phenomenon-based approach by means of active categorization to be differentiated into three steps – differentiation, integration, and patterning – and apply this approach to international knowledge transfer (IKT) in multinational enterprises (MNE). Via differentiation, we classify the IKT literature into six theoretical perspectives. Via integration, we identify power as the common element underlying knowledge transfer in MNEs. This leads us to conceptualize power as an influence on IKT through the paradigms and power assumptions of the Burrell-Morgan matrix and the characteristics of power proposed by Clegg. Via patterning, we draw implications for phenomenon-based multi-paradigm research, such as the dominance of regulative and functionalist power-assumptions over interpretive and critical ones and structural power lenses over rules of practice. We deduce recommendations and propose research questions for multi-paradigm research. With our conceptual frame, we enable researchers and practitioners to conceptualize power in more sophisticated ways. We contribute to multi-paradigm studies in Cross Cultural Management by exemplifying the benefits and implications of a phenomenon-based approach as a way to handle multiple paradigms in practice and propose further fields of application.

The importance of belonging: Interactions between individual and structural risk factors for youth‐disengagement

AbstractAre disengagement risks lower when youths are surrounded by others with similar risk traits? Applying theoretical perspectives of belonging and residential context, this study examines interactional effects between individual and structural risk factors for youth‐disengagement. From registry data of 590,085 Norwegians aged 16–24, the study finds less disengagement among youths in municipalities where an above‐average rate of individuals shared individual risk‐traits of immigrant background, young parenthood, and not completing high school. Youths with parents on social welfare had an increased risk of disengagement in municipalities with above average rates of people on social welfare. Sex‐stratified analysis reveals that men and women benefit from belonging to different risk‐groups. In challenging the prevailing segmented approach to individual and structural risk factors for youth‐disengagement, the findings demonstrate the need for continued examination of gender, belonging and residential context as theoretical perspectives.

Morality through the lens of Confucian heritage countries: collective self variations and moral worldviews.

The issue of Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD) samples dominating research has been ongoing for decades, and now the emerging trend is to turn to theoretical perspectives from the Majority World. Adopting Western-centric methods based on reductionism can overlook important details and differences between similar cultures, particularly in East Asian cultures, where the Confucian values of relational harmony take many forms. We discuss a novel theoretical perspective on moral constitutions in Confucian heritage cultures. Our central tenet is that divergent moral concepts and ideals are present in Confucian cultures because each culture emphasizes a specific pillar and the self is situated differently in the social relationships that define the scope of interpersonal moral obligations. We consider three Confucian countries: China, Japan, and South Korea as examples. Despite geographical proximity and conventional categorization in cultural psychology, each Confucian country manifests distinct patterns of the self, moral ideals, and behavior in socio-moral contexts. To understand how and why moral worldviews vary within a region, we need to examine how the self in socio-cultural contexts differs and guides interpersonal norms and behaviors across sociocultural contexts. We conclude this paper by offering methodological recommendations for including indigenous moral concepts outside the WEIRD context.

Social Contexts in Social Work: a View from Teachers in the Centro East and Colombian Caribbean Region

Objective: To reveal, from the point of view of the teachers dedicated to the training of social workers, the meanings they attribute to the social contexts in order to establish relationships with the training emphases proposed by the social work programs in the Caribbean and central-eastern regions of the Colombian territory. Theoretical Framework: oriented from the study group methodology, where the exchange of knowledge was the basis for analyzing and deciding the basic theoretical course for the configuration of historical and theoretical perspectives of the developed process, based on local sociologies to understand life contexts of subjects and communities, which paraphrasing Wiebke Keim (2010) work the dynamics of the local, recovering the voices of actors against the classical social theory that marked even the powers of the so-called North Atlantic. Method: the study was developed from the hermeneutic paradigm, qualitative approach, non-probabilistic designs, focus group technique and discourse analysis, aimed at teachers of Social Work Programs. Results and Discussion: the relationship of the context as a scenario where interactions are developed is reaffirmed, product of an economic structure that determines certain social representations, built in the groups permeated by social dynamics and intervention processes influenced by diagnoses that give reading to social, economic and political determinants that allow their development. Research Implications: It contributes to the epistemological, theoretical and methodological developments of Social Work from the reading of context. Originality/value: It provides views of context related to the emphasis of training that give sense to areas of professional performance.

On the Consistency and Large-Scale Extension of Multiple Kernel Clustering.

Existing multiple kernel clustering (MKC) algorithms have two ubiquitous problems. From the theoretical perspective, most MKC algorithms lack sufficient theoretical analysis, especially the consistency of learned parameters, such as the kernel weights. From the practical perspective, the high complexity makes MKC unable to handle large-scale datasets. This paper tries to address the above two issues. We first make a consistency analysis of an influential MKC method named Simple Multiple Kernel k-Means (SimpleMKKM). Specifically, suppose that ∧γn are the kernel weights learned by SimpleMKKM from the training samples. We also define the expected version of SimpleMKKM and denote its solution as γ*. We establish an upper bound of ||∧γn-γ*||∞ in the order of ~O(1/√n), where n is the sample number. Based on this result, we also derive its excess clustering risk calculated by a standard clustering loss function. For the large-scale extension, we replace the eigen decomposition of SimpleMKKM with singular value decomposition (SVD). Consequently, the complexity can be decreased to O(n) such that SimpleMKKM can be implemented on large-scale datasets. We then deduce several theoretical results to verify the approximation ability of the proposed SVD-based method. The results of comprehensive experiments demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method.

Exploration of crystal structure, supramolecular organization, and computational studies of a novel pyrazole derivative: A structural and theoretical perspectives

An eminent challenge in contemporary medicine and pharmacy is the identification of powerful, biologically active, and benign anti-COVID drugs. The objective of this work is to synthesize 3-chloro-1-(3-chloropyridin-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxylic acid to investigate its properties using different spectroscopic methods. The crystal structure of the compound is determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction methodology. Hirshfeld surface analysis was employed to evaluate the impact of intermolecular interactions on crystal packing. The interactions were visually depicted using 2D fingerprint plots, which highlighted the specific surface area associated with each interactant. Indications suggest that the crystal packing is mostly governed by C-H...O and N-H...O interactions, resulting in the formation of S(7) self-motif and R44(24) synthon, which greatly improve crystal stability. Density functional theory (DFT) was employed to better examine the structural and electrical characteristics. Computations were conducted at the 6–311+G(d,p) level to determine the optimal geometry, total energy, HOMO-LUMO gap, and vibrational spectra. The results showed a HOMO-LUMO gap of 3.092 eV, suggesting a moderate amount of stability. Bader et al. employed reduced density gradient (RDG) techniques and topological analysis, taking into account the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM), to examine noncovalent interactions. Additionally, the molecule satisfies Lipinski's rule of five and exhibits encouraging pharmacokinetic activities. Additional in-silico investigations, including molecular docking, were conducted on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein variation to assist in the advancement of enhanced vaccines and therapeutics.

The role of active galactic nucleus feedback on the evolution of dwarf galaxies from cosmological simulations

Aims. Recent observational studies suggest that feedback from active galactic nuclei (AGNs) may play an important role in the formation and evolution of dwarf galaxies, an issue that has received little attention from a theoretical perspective. Methods. We investigated this using two sets of 12 cosmological magnetohydrodynamic simulations of the formation of dwarf galaxies (108.3M⊙ ≤ M* ≤ 109.8M⊙): one set using a version of the AURIGA galaxy formation physics model including AGN feedback and a parallel set with AGN feedback turned off. Results. We show that the full-physics AGN runs satisfactorily reproduce several scaling relations, including the black-hole-to-stellar mass (MBH-M⋆), the black-hole-to-sigma (MBH-σ⋆), and the baryonic Tully-Fisher relation. We find that the global star formation (SF) of galaxies run with an AGN is reduced compared to the one in which the AGN has been turned off, suggesting that AGN feedback is a viable way of suppressing SF in dwarf galaxies, even though none of our galaxies is completely quenched by z = 0. Furthermore, we find a tight correlation between the median SF rates and the MBH/M⋆ ratio in our simulated dwarfs. Star formation is suppressed due to gas heating in the vicinity of the AGN: less HI gas is available in AGN runs, though the total amount of gas is preserved across the two settings within each galaxy. This indicates that the main effect of AGN feedback in our dwarfs is to heat up and push the gas away from the galaxy’s centre rather than expelling it completely. Finally, we show that the two galaxies harbouring the largest supermassive black holes have suffered a considerable (up to ∼65%) reduction in their central dark matter density, pinpointing the role of AGNs in determining the final dark matter mass distribution within dwarf galaxies. This pilot paper highlights the importance of modelling AGN feedback at the lowest mass scales and the impact this can have on dwarf galaxy evolution.

The Application of Deep Learning in Sports Data Analysis

In order to ensure that students have a deeper and more thorough understanding of knowledge and skills, the author takes deep learning as the direction and integrates it into the real-time evaluation of basketball classrooms, organically combining the two. Deep learning provides a new theoretical perspective and driving force for the optimization of real-time evaluation, and points out the direction for promoting evaluation effectiveness; The optimization of real-time evaluation provides a feasible path for achieving deep learning for students. After the implementation of the real-time evaluation plan between the experimental group and the control group, the comparison results of basketball skills tests were obtained: before and after the experiment, the experimental group’s 60 second self throwing and self grabbing, vigorous dribbling, comprehensive dribbling, teaching competitions, and teaching lectures all showed significant differences in test indicators; Before and after the experiment, the control group showed significant differences in the four test indicators of 60 second self throwing and self grabbing, vigorous dribbling, comprehensive dribbling, and teaching lectures. The teaching competition indicators also showed significant differences, all of which were improved. Comparison results of deep learning abilities: Before and after the experiment, there were significant differences in the dimensions of experimental combination ability and learning perseverance, while there were significant differences in the dimensions of communication ability, self-learning ability, and total score of deep learning ability; Before and after the experiment, there was a significant difference in the dimensions of control group work ability, while there was no significant difference in the dimensions of self-directed learning ability, learning perseverance, and communication ability. Overall, there was a very significant difference in deep learning ability. Overall, the experimental group showed a more significant improvement in deep learning ability compared to the control group. The real-time evaluation plan for sports education professional basketball classrooms based on deep learning is more effective in improving students’ basketball skills and deep learning abilities than the conventional real-time evaluation plan for sports education professional basketball classrooms. The design of the plan has certain effectiveness and feasibility.