Systems Theory Research Articles

Cortical and Subcortical Mechanisms of Orthographic Word-form Learning.

We examined the initial stages of orthographic learning in real time as literate adults learned spellings for spoken pseudowords during fMRI scanning. Participants were required to learn and store orthographic word forms because the pseudoword spellings were not uniquely predictable from sound to letter mappings. With eight learning trials per word form, we observed changes in the brain's response as learning was taking place. Accuracy was evaluated during learning, immediately after scanning, and 1 week later. We found evidence of two distinct learning systems-hippocampal and neocortical-operating during orthographic learning, consistent with the predictions of dual systems theories of learning/memory such as the complementary learning systems framework [McClelland, J. L., McNaughton, B. L., & O'Reilly, R. C. Why there are complementary learning systems in the hippocampus and neocortex: Insights from the successes and failures of connectionist models of learning and memory. Psychological Review, 102, 419-457, 1995]. The bilateral hippocampus and the visual word form area (VWFA) showed significant BOLD response changes over learning, with the former exhibiting a rising pattern and the latter exhibiting a falling pattern. Moreover, greater BOLD signal increase in the hippocampus was associated with better postscan recall. In addition, we identified two distinct bilateral brain networks that mirrored the rising and falling patterns of the hippocampus and VWFA. Functional connectivity analysis revealed that regions within each network were internally synchronized. These novel findings highlight, for the first time, the relevance of multiple learning systems in orthographic learning and provide a paradigm that can be used to address critical gaps in our understanding of the neural bases of orthographic learning in general and orthographic word-form learning specifically.

Long-Term Impacts of Glacier Retreat on Downstream Water Availability in Ethiopia

Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine Long-Term Impacts of Glacier Retreat on Downstream Water Availability in Ethiopia. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study revealed that as glaciers continue to shrink due to climate change, the hydrological systems in mountainous regions of Ethiopia, such as the Simien Mountains and Bale Mountains, face disruptions in water supply, affecting both local communities and downstream users. The reduction in glacial meltwater contributes to decreased streamflow, altered river regimes, and increased variability in water availability, exacerbating water stress in a country already prone to droughts and water scarcity. Moreover, glacier retreat affects ecosystems, biodiversity, and livelihoods dependent on freshwater resources, further amplifying socio-economic vulnerabilities in the region. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Climate Change Theory, Hydrological Cycle Theory & Systems Theory may be used to anchor future studies on Long-Term Impacts of Glacier Retreat on Downstream Water Availability in Ethiopia. Implement cutting-edge technologies for real-time monitoring of glacier melt and downstream water flow. Use satellite imagery, remote sensing, and IoT sensors to gather data that can inform water management practices in real time. Develop and enforce policies that ensure sustainable water use and prioritize the maintenance of water quality and ecosystem health. This includes setting limits on water withdrawals based on sustainability criteria and enhancing the legal frameworks protecting water rights.

Exact solutions and bifurcations for the (3+1)-dimensional generalized KdV-ZK equation

In this paper, a class of (3+1)-dimensional generalized Korteweg–de Vries-Zakharov-Kuznetsov (KdV-ZK) equation is studied by utilizing the bifurcation theory of the planar dynamical systems and the Fan sub-function method. This model can be used to explain the effects of magnetic fields on weakly nonlinear ion-acoustic waves investigated in plasma fields composed of cold and hot electrons. Under the different parameter conditions, the phase portraits and bifurcations are derived, and new exact solutions including soliton, periodic, kink and breaking wave solutions for the model are constructed. Moreover, some exact solutions, which contain soliton, kink, trigonometric function, hyperbolic function, Jacobi elliptic function solutions, are derived via the improved Fan sub-function method. The types of solutions obtained completely correspond to the types of the orbits acquired above, which verifies the validity of the method. Finally, the physical structures of some exact solutions are analyzed in graphical forms.

Residual Echo State Networks: Residual recurrent neural networks with stable dynamics and fast learning

Residual connections have been established as a staple for modern deep learning architectures. Most of their applications are cast towards feedforward computing. In this paper, we study the architectural bias of residual connections in the context of recurrent neural networks (RNNs), specifically in the temporal dimension. We frame our discussion from the perspective of Reservoir Computing and dynamical system theory, focusing on important aspects of neural computation like memory capacity, long-term information processing, stability, and nonlinear computation capability. Experiments corroborate the striking advantage brought by temporal residual connections for a plethora of different time series processing tasks, comprehending memory-based, forecasting, and classification problems.

Impact of Parenting Styles on Adolescent Well-Being in China

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the impact of parenting styles on adolescent well-being in China. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: In China, authoritative parenting fosters adolescents' self-esteem and academic achievement, while authoritarian parenting is linked to lower self-esteem and increased anxiety. Permissive parenting correlates with lower academic achievement and greater risk-taking behavior. These findings emphasize the critical role of parenting styles in adolescent well-being, advocating for authoritative practices for positive outcomes. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Attachment theory, social learning theory & ecological systems theory may be used to anchor future studies on the impact of parenting styles on adolescent well-being in China. Parenting interventions should prioritize promoting authoritative parenting practices, characterized by warmth, support, clear communication, and appropriate levels of control and autonomy. Policymakers should prioritize investing in programs and initiatives that support positive parenting practices and enhance parental support networks.

Examining Ethical and Social Implications of Digital Mental Health Technologies Through Expert Interviews and Sociotechnical Systems Theory

This paper aims to understand how science and technology experts working in the digital mental health field interpret the ethical and social implications of its technologies, combining an ‘expert interview’ methodology with insights from sociotechnical systems theory. Following recruitment of experts in science and technology fields who had experience of supporting the development of DMH interventions, 11 semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed in accordance with the Framework Method. A single theme of ‘complexity of implications’ is presented here and divided into the categories of ‘implications for users’, ‘implications for healthcare professionals and systems’, and ‘implications for society’. Participants identified a range of ethical and social implications of digital mental health technologies at the three different levels, which this discussion relates to three key aspects of complex sociotechnical systems identified in existing theoretical work. These are ‘heterogeneity’, ‘interdependence’ and ‘distribution’, each of which raises important questions for future research about how complex values, relationships and responsibilities should be negotiated in digital mental health. The paper concludes that this study’s approach provides a model for understanding the implications of digital health more broadly, with participants’ combined experience and knowledge shedding light on key interventions at the forefront of digitalization in healthcare.

Human-land relationship in the construction of historical settlements based on Complex Adaptive System (CAS) theory: evidence from Shawan in Guangfu region, China

The relationship between humans and land environment within historical settlements reflects the intricate interplay between human societies, their construction activities, and the specific geographical contexts. Inadequate research into this relationship hinders a comprehensive understanding of the social spatial intricacies inherent in historical settlements. This paper adopts the theoretical framework of complex adaptive system and takes Shawan Ancient Town in Guangfu area of China as an example. Under the geographical background of sustainable land growth in the coastal zone, this study analyzed the subtle changes in the relationship between people and land during the historical construction, and the key findings of the investigation are threefold: (1) Land resources play a central role in the construction of human-land relationships in historical settlements. The geographical environment and social institutions serve as configuring factors in the formation and evolution of human-land relationships. These factors collectively determine the formation and evolution of human-land relationships. (2) Social space emerges as a pivotal manifestation of the human–environment relationship in historical settlements, transcending mere physical dimensions. Consequently, a holistic study of this relationship necessitates a comprehensive exploration not only of spatial configurations but also of the intricate interconnections among social bonds, structural formations, societal order, and settlement spatiality. (3) Drawing on the framework of complex adaptive systems theory, the study disentangles intricate elements within the human-land relationship of historical settlements. It distills and examines the manifestations of four intricate adaptive capacities—namely aggregation, non-linearity, flow, and diversity—alongside the mechanisms of tags, internal models, and fundamental building blocks. It is believed that the study of historical settlements in coastal areas needs to grasp the invariable social-spatial objects such as geographical environment, land form, local beliefs. Take it as a clue to sort out how other elements of change have iterated and transformed in the process of historical evolution, such as the rise and fall of families, land ownership changes and social class evolution. This paper explores the value connotation of historical settlements from the perspective of dialectic thinking of change and invariance with CAS theory, which has theoretical significance for protection of settlement's human-land relationship from the perspective of "social-spatial".

Primary Drivers of the Recent Changes Observed in Global Ocean Circulation Patterns in Mozambique

Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine the primary drivers of the recent changes observed in global ocean circulation patterns in Mozambique Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study revealed that primary drivers of the recent changes observed in global ocean circulation patterns are involving a combination of natural variability and anthropogenic influences. Key factors identified include global warming, alterations in wind patterns, sea surface temperature anomalies, and increased freshwater input from melting ice caps and glaciers. These elements interact in intricate ways to influence the dynamics of ocean currents, which are critical for regulating Earth's climate and supporting marine ecosystems. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory & Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs may be used to anchor future studies on primary drivers of the recent changes observed in global ocean circulation patterns in Mozambique. Increase investment in global ocean monitoring systems, such as Argo floats, satellite missions, and autonomous underwater vehicles, to collect high-resolution data on temperature, salinity, and currents. This data is crucial for validating models and understanding the current state and trends of ocean circulation. Strengthen international cooperation to address global warming, a primary driver of changes in ocean circulation. This includes adhering to and expanding commitments under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

What Motivates Consumers’ Purchase Intentions in E-Commerce Live Streaming: A Socio-Technical Perspective

The surge in popularity of e-commerce live streaming is evident among sellers and consumers. However, a holistic examination of the influencing factors of consumers’ purchase intention from the perspective of social and technical systems is still limited. Utilizing the socio-technical systems theory, we investigate the effects of social and technical system factors on consumers’ flow experience and how flow affects consumer purchase intention in the live streaming setting. Furthermore, we identify how optimal stimulation level moderates the relationship between socio-technical system factors and flow. Empirical results (N = 355) indicate that flow can be strengthened through social system factors (financial bonds, social bonds) and technical system factors (visibility, guidance shopping), consequently affecting consumer purchase intention. In terms of the moderating effects, the optimal stimulation level positively moderates the relationships between social bonds, visibility, guidance shopping, and flow.

Inclusivity and sustainability in language practitioner researcher development: A sociocultural ecological framework

Transformative practitioner research enables teachers to create or contribute to their own knowledge base. Recently, this research field has flourished, with numerous studies exploring how practitioner researchers develop knowledge, agency and identities, particularly through action research (AR) and exploratory practice (EP). Despite important work on the content or outcomes of language practitioner researcher development (LPRD), there is less conceptualization of how LPRD is manifested in relation to environments where language practitioners work. In this contribution to the special issue on inclusive practitioner research, we draw on sociocultural and ecological systems theories to present a framework for understanding what enables LPRD to flourish in terms of sustainability and inclusivity. Our framework considers how sustainability through inclusion can be achieved within micro, meso and macro ecological systems, and how these systems interrelate. We exemplify our framework using illustrations of individual teachers and their interactions with a specific AR program and their institutions. While we focus on AR, this framework may apply to EP and other forms of practitioner research which strive for inclusive LPRD. We conclude with practical implications for teacher educators and professional development coordinators about fostering inclusive LPRD within institutional environments.

Bowen family systems theory and practice: Illustration and critique revisited

AbstractThis paper overviews Bowen family systems theory and its approach to family therapy. It aims to introduce this influential approach and a sample of developments in theory and practice since Bowen's first publications of his research and theory. This paper is the second edition of a 1999 article with the same title (Brown, Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 20, 94 and 1999) and, 25 years later, offers new insights from the original author's ongoing research into the theory. This new edition is in collaboration with a second author and Bowen theory scholar, bringing fresh perspectives on the theory's applicability to family therapy practice. The core concepts are presented briefly, and a case example with a parent and symptomatic adolescent demonstrates how theory informs the role of the therapist and the therapeutic work. Examples of criticisms of Bowen theory are also discussed, including the misinterpretation around the idea of emotion in Bowen theory that is communicated in Gottman's training. Differentiation of self is clarified as the integration of emotion and intellect rather than privileging one over another, which affords the opportunity for individuals to avoid being governed by the invisible strings of sensitivities in relationships and instead be themselves in good emotional contact with the other person.

Technological Factors and Performance of Roads Construction Projects in Nairobi County, Kenya

The successful construction of roads plays a pivotal role in driving Kenya’s economic development, aligning with the objectives outlined in Kenya’s Vision 2030. However, the suboptimal performance of road construction projects in Nairobi County can be attributed to the continually evolving environmental factors. Consequently, this study aimed to explore the relationship between technological factors and performance of roads construction projects in Nairobi County. The theoretical foundations guiding this study encompassed open system theory. Utilizing a positive research philosophy, the study adopted a descriptive and explanatory research design. This research focused on a target population comprising 176 concluded roads construction projects within the Nairobi Metropolitan Area, executed by the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERRA). The unit of analysis focused on the completed roads construction projects in Nairobi County. The unit of observation included road engineers, project planners, and directors associated with KERRA, along with road supervisors, inspectors, surveyors, contractors, and members of project implementation teams. Proportional stratified sampling was employed to determine a sample size of 253 respondents. Data collection involved the use of a structured questionnaire. The study embraced descriptive and inferential statistics. The results were presented through tables, and inferential statistics were carried out using linear regression. The study unveiled a positive and significant relationship between technological factors (t=2.270, p<0.05) with project performance. In conclusion, the study establishes a discernible relationship between technological and project performance. The research recommends that managers are urged to embrace digitization and automation, leveraging on technology to address complex technicalities before and during construction

Tourism Competitiveness and Mobile Data: A Grey Relational Analysis for European Entrepreneurship Pre & During Pandemic

Abstract The tourism country’s competitiveness is important especially when countries strive for bigger market shares as European countries are. The COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating effects on tourism and the entire tourism industry must be rethinking and reshaping given some opportunities and challenges to the entrepreneurs, local communities, local administrations, governments of competitiveness destinations. In this paper we measured if the Google and Apple mobility indices cand predict (or not) the movement of TTCI during pandemic compared with pre-pandemic TTCI ranks by using grey system theory and statistical methods. The aim of the paper is to validate the Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) as identifier of the good predictor (statistically significant for p-value< 0.05) for European tourism competitiveness (measured by TTCI) in particular conditions, especially before and during COVID-19 pandemic time by take into consideration the Google Mobility and Apple Mobility data and their relationship with overnight stays for 11 European countries. To validate the GRA as method for good and accurate predictor for tourism competitiveness for TTCI 2021 (during COVID-19 pandemic time) a GLM – General Linear Model ANOVA with interaction effects and Tukey HSD Post Hoc Multiple Comparisons was applied. Our results validated the powerful of GRA for tourism competitiveness, statistically significant according to GLM with interaction effects, and emphasis (especially for entrepreneurs) that the overnight stays will give the right rank on top of tourism competitiveness, prior to other ITC support as Google and Apple Mobility indices proved by reflection of overnights on TTCI 2021 – during pandemic.

Profound integration of elementary number theory in composite encryption systems: A mathematical security exploration

Number Theory, the investigation of natural numbers, is a time-honored discipline within Mathematics that has captivated mathematicians over numerous centuries due to its inherent purity. In today's world, a thorough understanding of Number Theory is essential for the advancement of cutting-edge technology, as it is extensively applied in domains such as software engineering and cryptography. The objective of this study is to elucidate the understanding of Number Theory that underlies several composite encryption systems and analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each encryption system through a comprehensive examination of existing literature. The discipline of Number Theory has extensive practical implications in cryptography and holds the promise of being increasingly employed in various domains in the future. By elucidating the role of Number Theory in various encryption systems, the fundamental nature of encryption can be enhanced, hence fostering the emergence of novel methodologies or approaches in information security.

Social strife at work: unravelling the link between workplace relationship conflict and employee ostracism behavior

Purpose The importance of workplace inclusion continues to gain scholarly acclaim. However, in reality, many employees choose to ostracize their colleagues post workplace relationship strife. With this notion the present study aims to delve into the intricate linkages between workplace relationship conflict (WRC) and employee ostracism behavior (EOB), exploring the serial mediating roles of relational identification (RI) and emotional energy (EE). Additionally, the study examines the potential moderating effect of perceived forgiveness climate (PFC) to understand how forgiveness climate may serve as a boundary condition in shaping these crucial relationships. Design/methodology/approach The analysis utilized five-wave time-tagged data collected from 228 employees through scenario and survey methods. The Hayes PROCESS Macro was employed to examine the proposed hypotheses. Findings The results indicate a positive influence of WRC on EOB. Additionally, RI and EE sequentially mediate the relationship between WRC and EOB. Furthermore, PFC moderates the serial mediation process (RI and EE) between WRC and EOB as well as the adverse effects of WRC on RI. Originality/value Grounded in the theoretical framework of conservation of resource (COR) theory and cognitive-affective personality system (CAPS) theory, the present study offers new insights. By establishing the complicated interplay of RI and EE between WRC and EOB along with the moderating role of PFC, the study extends the understanding of the mechanisms involved, providing a more comprehensive perspective. By shedding light on these complicated interconnected links, the study paved the way for positive social dynamics at work.

Conceptualizing ephemerality in online marketing communication for consumers and firms

Purpose Consumers send billions of messages with high ephemerality each day, yet the effects of this type of communication are relatively unknown. Online ephemeral communication refers to sending and receiving information with a predetermined, finite lifespan in computer-mediated environments. The purpose of this paper is to conceptually understand online marketing communications with high ephemerality relative to messages with low ephemerality within a consumer’s goal system. Design/methodology/approach This paper is an attempt to conceptually understand how high ephemerality differs from low ephemerality, particularly as online ephemeral communication has emerged and is widely used by consumers and firms. Goal systems theory is applied to understand how ephemerality is a means for consumers to reach their communication goals. Findings Consumers are more likely to use messages with high ephemerality to impress with narrowly relevant content, regulate emotions, build social relationships, persuade others through peripheral cues and protect privacy, but messages with high ephemerality are less likely to help consumers manage their impression, acquire or share useful information or present strong arguments. It is also proposed that messages with high ephemerality can help marketers increase interest through frequent peripheral cues, including fun and friendly content, drive sales by creating a sense of urgency and increase loyalty, but are less likely to increase awareness, build interest through flattering or informative content or drive sales through transactional messages. Research limitations/implications This study primarily advances the goal systems literature by introducing ephemerality. The defining feature of ephemerality, lifespan, also has research implications for studies of word-of-mouth marketing. The propositions in this study are ready for empirical investigation as to when consumers and firms choose to send messages with low or high ephemerality. Practical implications Firms need to understand how consumers are using messages sent with low and high ephemerality in order for firms to best move consumers through the sales funnel. Originality/value To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first paper to differentiate messages with low and high ephemerality, identify the presence and effects of ephemerality in offline and online communication and explain how and why sending messages with low or high ephemerality can help consumers and firms reach their communication goals. There is only one other paper in marketing on ephemerality in online marketing communications and no other conceptual work.

The place of managers in the corporate governance architecture

ABSTRACT This article discusses deficiencies in existing models of the company. It outlines three immutable layers of corporate ontology and argues for a mental model of the company based on general systems theory. The model reveals that each company has at its heart a managerial hierarchy which controls corporate actions through direct and indirect means. The most important participants in the everyday life of the company are its senior and middle managers. Consequently, greater emphasis needs to be placed upon managers’ corporate governance/compliance responsibilities. The legislature should provide for an obligation on companies to engage in risk-mapping and an obligation on managers to ensure, within their areas of responsibility, compliance with the law.

Moving around the system: a way of working clinically using Bowen family systems theory

AbstractDr Murray Bowen, developer of Bowen family systems theory (BFST), had this to say to clients about working in family systems: if you get bogged down in one area, move into another (Bowen & Kerr, 1985). This statement, along with the knowledge of BFST, offered an inspiration for thinking about a method of therapy. This article highlights a method of working with an individual through a systemic lens. Two ideas are integral to this focus. One is that a client can move more easily into observing self within the system when they are not just observing self in one context or relationship but rather looking at how they function in different contexts or relationships. And second, by moving into different contexts of the system, the therapist is better able to manage the tendency towards symptom focus and stay centred on the work of differentiation. A therapist can truly have a stadium view of the system when speaking with the client about how they function in different areas of life. This method defined happens in three phases: in phase 1, the client observes themselves in their system in different contexts and looks for patterns in their functioning; in phase 2, the client takes this new self‐recognition and experiments with different ways of being in one context; and in phase 3, the insights gained from experiments in one context are applied in other contexts. Both client and clinician will benefit from less symptom focus and increased ability to observe patterns in relationships, both of which are core tenets of the work of differentiation in BFST.

A personal reflection on Bowen family systems theory by Dr Michael Kerr

AbstractThis interview with Dr Michael Kerr highlights his ongoing interest in science, biology and neuroscience. Guided by Bowen family systems theory, Dr Kerr's observations examine how research is showing links between physical health, the immune response and psychological motivation and wellbeing. Wellbeing is compromised in less adaptive families, which succumb more easily to any anxiety generated outside the family, as well as the chronic anxiety generated within the family. Amid times of societal regression, the capacity to adapt in a way that promotes survival and wellbeing depends on the level of differentiation of self. Differentiation of self is the sum of the capacity to maintain emotional objectivity, emotional neutrality and to take action. Psychiatrist, Dr Michael (Mike) Kerr, who more recently published Bowen Theory's Secrets: Revealing the hidden lives of families (2019), co‐authored the seminal work on Bowen family systems theory, Family Evaluation, in 1988 with Dr Murray Bowen. From 1990 to 2011, after Dr Bowen's death, Mike was the Director of the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family in Washington, DC. He is passionate about the relationship between differentiation of self, illness and the family emotional process and how this relates to the biological and evolutionary processes that operate in non‐human species. Mike developed the unidisease concept and is well known for his work interviewing Dr Murray Bowen on Bowen family systems theory between 1979 and 1986 for the Bowen‐Kerr Interview Series. A special issue on Bowen theory would not be complete without a commentary from Mike. So, in this interview with Bowen family systems therapist, Dr Linda MacKay, Mike discusses his life effort to research and apply Bowen theory.

The grey decision model and its application based on generalized greyness of interval grey number

PurposeIn order to solve the decision-making problem that the attributive weight and attributive value are both interval grey numbers, this paper tries to construct a multi-attribute grey decision-making model based on generalized greyness of interval grey number.Design/methodology/approachFirstly, according to the nature of the generalized gresness of interval grey number, the generalized weighted greyness distance between interval grey numbers is given, and the transformation relationship between greyness distance and real number distance is analyzed. Then according to the objective function that the square sum of generalized weighted greyness distances from the decision scheme to the best scheme and the worst scheme is the minimum, a multi-attribute grey decision-making model is constructed, and the simplified form of the model is given. Finally, the grey decision-making model proposed in this paper is applied to the evaluation of technological innovation capability of 6 provinces in China to verify the effectiveness of the model.FindingsThe results show that the grey decision-making model proposed in this paper has a strict mathematical foundation, clear physical meaning, simple calculation and easy programming. The application example shows that the grey decision model in this paper is feasible and effective. The research results not only enrich the grey system theory, but also provide a new way for the decision-making problem that the attributive weights and attributive values are interval grey numbers.Practical implicationsThe decision-making model proposed in this paper does not need to seek the optimal solution of the attributive weight and the attributive value, and can save the decision-making labor and capital investment. The model in this paper is also suitable for the decision-making problem that deals with the coexistence of interval grey numbers and real numbers.Originality/valueThe paper succeeds in realizing the multi-attribute grey decision-making model based on generalized gresness and its simplified forms, which provide a new method for grey decision analysis.