Power Theory Research Articles

Transboundary Water Governance through the Lens of International Relations

This article discusses power and institutional theory with a (neo-) realist and institutionalist lenses regarding water governance. The main question is: how do power and institutions interact in the regulation of transboundary waters across many geographic scales? The sub-questions provide insights into the differing roles of realist and institutionalist perspectives in international relations (IR) and transboundary water governance, as well as the combined effects of power and institutions. This article discusses key approaches in IR (realism, neo-realism, institutionalism and neo-institutionalism). It then discusses concepts of hydro-hegemony, water governance and institutions. Lastly, institutions and power are demonstrated using a mixed methodology. By moulding relevant features of both perspectives into a middle ground, followed by a conclusion.

Landauer Bound in the Context of Minimal Physical Principles: Meaning, Experimental Verification, Controversies and Perspectives

The physical roots, interpretation, controversies, and precise meaning of the Landauer principle are surveyed. The Landauer principle is a physical principle defining the lower theoretical limit of energy consumption necessary for computation. It states that an irreversible change in information stored in a computer, such as merging two computational paths, dissipates a minimum amount of heat kBTln2 per a bit of information to its surroundings. The Landauer principle is discussed in the context of fundamental physical limiting principles, such as the Abbe diffraction limit, the Margolus–Levitin limit, and the Bekenstein limit. Synthesis of the Landauer bound with the Abbe, Margolus–Levitin, and Bekenstein limits yields the minimal time of computation, which scales as τmin~hkBT. Decreasing the temperature of a thermal bath will decrease the energy consumption of a single computation, but in parallel, it will slow the computation. The Landauer principle bridges John Archibald Wheeler’s “it from bit” paradigm and thermodynamics. Experimental verifications of the Landauer principle are surveyed. The interrelation between thermodynamic and logical irreversibility is addressed. Generalization of the Landauer principle to quantum and non-equilibrium systems is addressed. The Landauer principle represents the powerful heuristic principle bridging physics, information theory, and computer engineering.

Events-within-events and the online reproduction of their emotional dimensions: a case study of the Dubai 2020 expo

ABSTRACT Large-scale events are typically described as single, monolithic entities. In this paper, we argue that large-scale events actually comprise multiple sub-events or events-within-events and their online representations. We explore the theoretical implications of this shift in perspective for the study of audiences and event engagement through the lens of communication power theory. We also discuss the practical implications for event management. The paper uses the Expo 2020 Dubai as its case study to illustrate the richness of sub-events within large-scale events and to consider the role of digital communications. The discussion highlights the ways in which physical events' digital twins aim to solicit similar emotional responses by audiences as their physical counterparts. By adding complexity to our understanding of these sorts of events, we argue that large-scale events comprise multiple sub-events, taking place both face-to-face and online, that make large-scale events richer and more multifaceted than they are typically seen to be. Our research shows that event organisers will need to go beyond the creation of virtual event replicas if they want to take full advantage of the affordances of digital communication. The paper concludes by calling for more critical and interdisciplinary research on large-scale events and their online representations.

Supervisor incivility and service employee creativity: a moderated mediation model of negative affect state and core self-evaluation

Supervisor incivility and service employee creativity: a moderated mediation model of negative affect state and core self-evaluation

Systematic Comparative Analysis of Doctor of Education (EdD) Programs

Systematic Comparative Analysis of Doctor of Education (EdD) Programs

Sensitive surface plasmon resonance biosensor by optimized carboxylate functionalized carbon nanotubes/chitosan for amlodipine detecting

The adoption of biophotonic sensing technologies holds significant promise for application in health care and biomedical industries in all aspects of human life. Then, this piece of writing employs the powerful effective medium theory and FDTD simulation to anticipate the most favorable state and plasmonic attributes of a magnificent nanocomposite, comprising carboxylate functionalized carbon nanotubes and chitosan (CS). Furthermore, it thoroughly explores the exhibited surface plasmon resonance behaviors of this composite versus the quantity of CS variation. Subsequently, enlightening simulations are conducted on the nanocomposite with a delicate layer and a modified golden structure integrating as a composite. The intricate simulations eventually unveil an optimal combination to pave the way for crafting an exceptional specific biosensor that far surpasses its counterpart as a mere Au thin layer in terms of excellence. The proposed biosensor demonstrated linear behavior across a wide range from 0.01 μM to 150 μM and achieved a detection limit of 10 nM, with a sensitivity of 134◦RIU−1.

Compensation of Budeanu’s Reactive and Complemented Reactive Currents in Extended Budeanu Theory in 3-Phase 4-Wire Systems Powered by Symmetrical Nonsinusoidal Voltage Source

The result of continuous efforts in the development of power theory, Budeanu’s power theory was successfully extended. The mathematical description that has been proposed is based on another concept, namely the Currents’ Physical Components (CPC) theory. With CPC theory, it was possible to describe, in the original Budeanu theory, the components of the load current, including the Budeanu distortion current. The Budeanu distortion current can have a maximum of five components associated with different physical phenomena and related to the equivalent parameters of the load. This article discusses passive compensation, which provides compensation for the Budeanu reactive current and the Budeanu complemented reactive current due to the known equivalent load parameters associated with the reactance elements. In addition, the article refers to a very important aspect when determining the parameters of a passive compensator, i.e., choosing parameters in such a way that the compensator simultaneously compensates for the reactive current and the unbalanced current. The article presents five methods relating to the determination of compensator parameters. Two methods are related to the reactive current compensation only for the first harmonic without affecting the unbalanced current. The next three methods relate to the compensation of the Budeanu reactive current and the consideration of the unbalanced current. Calculations and simulations were performed for all five methods, the results of which are presented and analyzed in this publication. The Matlab/Simulink R2023a environment was used as the calculation and simulation software.

A Formula to Save Us (From Ourselves): Continuity and Change in the Spanish Legal Domination System (1959–2024)

AbstractThis paper analyzes how a structure of Weberian rational domination has been built and consolidated in Spain since 1959, the year when the so‐called Economic Stabilization Plan was approved. This sort of economic constitution represents one of the most important foundations of a technocratic regime that survived the death of a dictator (General Francisco Franco), not only transcending the traditional differentiations between autocratic and democratic regimes but also offering a different perspective to the debate about the degree of continuity and rupture attained by the Spanish political transition in the 1970s. We analyze the institutions, leadership, most influential networks, political discourse, and historical myths through a theory of power and elites to examine the Spanish case. With this remarkable example of structural transformation and institutional resilience over decades, we also propose a more complex and multidimensional approach that could be fruitful to understanding some of the problems of political representation that current democracies are undergoing.

The impact of Pakistan-Turkey maritime cooperation on regional peace

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is not solely to shed light on the maritime cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey but also to analyse whether it has any impact on regional peace. Ergo, this research deals with a crucial question, what effect does Pakistan-Turkey maritime cooperation have on regional peace? In order to answer this question, this study uses the balance of power theory. Pakistan ought to balance its naval power with that of its rival India in order to accomplish peace and prosperity in the region. At present, the two countries are asymmetrical in terms of military power. Since 1947, they have fought four wars, which have seriously affected the peace of the entire region. To acquire regional peace and prosperity, Islamabad and Ankara have gone beyond religious, political, and cultural relations and turned to maritime cooperation. Turkey has become Pakistan's second-largest arms export partner, exporting modern submarines, frigates, destroyers, and other equipment over the past 20 years. Since 9/11, they have held numerous bilateral and multilateral naval exercises to deal with any form of maritime security threat.

Instantaneous power theory based an improved LVRT strategy for PV-PEMFC based hybrid micro-grid system

Instantaneous power theory based an improved LVRT strategy for PV-PEMFC based hybrid micro-grid system

Adapting Traditional Media to the Social Media Culture: A Case Study of Greece

This study is situated within the ongoing scholarly discourse surrounding the role of social media in the evolving communication landscape. The main aim of this research is to examine the extent to which the Greek traditional media and journalists have adapted to the ethos of social media. In particular, this study conducts a comparative analysis to assess whether the Greek media and journalists have effectively embraced the communication challenges arising from advancements in social media, particularly during election cycles. The theoretical foundation rests on the network theory of power, a concept pioneered by the Spanish sociologist Manuel Castells. The empirical component presents the findings obtained through an examination of journalists’ participation in political discourse on Twitter (now named X) throughout seven distinct election periods encompassing all electoral levels in Greece (presidential, national, European and regional/municipal elections, plus a referendum). The findings reveal low levels of adaptation, in contrast with western countries, where journalists and the media have embraced the online culture to a greater extent and appear to take on more prominent roles in debates. The findings provide valuable insights for journalists, politicians and the media in understanding the role of social media in political communication.

"It doesn't matter if you are in charge of the trees, you always miss the trees for the forest": Power and the illusion of explanatory depth.

Power can increase overconfidence and illusory thinking. We investigated whether power is also related to the illusion of explanatory depth (IOED), people's tendency to think they understand the world in more detail, coherence, and depth than they actually do. Abstract thinking was reported as a reason for the IOED, and according to the social distance theory of power, power increases abstract thinking. We linked these literatures and tested construal style as a mediator. Further, predispositions can moderate effects of power and we considered narcissism as a candidate because narcissism leads to overconfidence and may thus increase the IOED especially in combination with high power. In three preregistered studies (total N = 607), we manipulated power or measured feelings of power. We found evidence for the IOED (regarding explanatory knowledge about devices). Power led to general overconfidence but had only a small impact on the IOED. Power and narcissism had a small interactive effect on the IOED. Meta-analytical techniques suggest that previous findings on the construal-style-IOED link show only weak evidential value. Implications refer to research on management, power, and overconfidence.

Epistemic stitching of race, power, and modernity in recent work on white supremacy

This essay examines the recent anthropological literature on white supremacy. We argue that this ethnographic literature presents innovative approaches for a theory of race, power, and capitalist modernity applicable to anthropology as a whole. To highlight this literature's analytical contributions, we pursue a close but not exhaustive review of recent studies of white supremacy, showing how ethnographers have expanded an influential theoretical foundation by braiding together or “epistemically stitching” their work on white supremacy to a variety of other theoretical conversations in anthropology. We suggest this epistemic stitching—an important form of theory-building in anthropology that creatively ties together theoretical conversations and leaves evidence of that labor—provides important insights into the workings of white supremacy by drawing together critical theories of race with several different theoretical influences, from new materialism and critical anthrohistory to studies of empire.

Monumental Walls, Sovereign Power and Value(s) in Pharaonic Egypt

Large walling projects are among the most visible features in the archaeological record. However, enclosure walls remain relatively under-theorized relative to other monumental buildings. In an attempt to move beyond simple explanations that analyse walls solely as defensive features or symbols, I link monumental walls to notions of sovereign power and action-oriented theories of value(s). Using examples from Pharaonic Egypt, I argue that monumental enclosure walls were attempts to define and realize particular social totalities, whether these were a temple complex, a royal tomb or an urban centre. If all efforts at border-making are also an exercise in power, walls have the potential to illuminate some of the goals and values of those ordering their construction. By analysing changes and continuities related to which structures required the protection of a monumental enclosure wall over time, it is possible to shed light on the fluid priorities of the most important political actors in Pharaonic society. Yet the very presence of a wall implies potential dissent and alternative practices—otherwise a wall's construction would not have been necessary.

‘You certainly don’t get promoted for just teaching’: experiences of education-focused academics in research-intensive universities

ABSTRACT Changes in drivers of academic roles within higher education institutions globally have resulted in increased proportions of academics in education focused (EF) posts. International and UK research suggests that EF academics can experience dissatisfaction with career progression and the perceived value of their work, including those in research-intensive universities. Previous UK research was conducted prior to the introduction of the TEF which has altered the landscape. Therefore, it was timely to examine the current experience of EF academics in research-intensive universities through a theoretical lens to understand barriers and facilitators to career progression. This interview-based study used two theoretical frameworks, Feldman and Ng’s Framework for Career Mobility, Embeddedness, and Success and Kanter’s theory of Power within organisations to explore the experiences of 43 EF academics across 12 research-intensive UK universities. Four contract types were identified, some of which allowed promotion. Three broad themes were derived from the data, including (1) Lack of agreement on the definition of education-focused academic roles, (2) Level of value and appreciation of educational expertise and the impact on education-focused academics, (3) Career development opportunities for education-focused academics. Recommendations to further enhance the experience and career progression for EF academics in research-intensive universities further include; ensuring transparency in recruitment into EF posts as to whether career development is possible within that post, the need to continue the sector-wide discussion on the definition of EF roles that recognises the complexity and diversity of activity and continued work to value and recognise appropriately educational expertise.

Godfatherism and Nigeria's 2023 General Elections: The Case of Delta State

This paper focuses on the issue of godfatherism and its impact on the 2023 general elections, with a particular emphasis on Delta State, Nigeria. It raises questions about certain facets of Nigeria's democratic governance that have not been adequately examined, raising questions about the nation's unique problems. The February 2023 general elections in Nigeria were not without flaws as usual, and many issues militating against the consolidation of democratic rule in Delta state since 1999 are ubiquitous. The study considers the role of the godfather in facilitating or stunting democratic growth in Nigeria in general and Delta State in particular. Usurping the place of the masses through their manipulative tendencies of selecting candidates instead of free, fair, and credible elections or the abuse of the rule of law are common in the polity. The historical method of description and analysis was adopted, underpinned by Marx Weber's theory of power, to interpret the work further. The study interrogated both primary and secondary sources related to it. Primary sources, such as oral interviews and newspapers, and secondary sources, such as books, news magazines, and online publications, were consulted. The study revealed that godfathers are gatekeepers in the polity, and their functions are overbearing to the masses. The study also identified that because the masses are not allowed to vote or their votes no longer count, Godfathers select leaders who are not representative of the people and are not accountable to them. The findings further indicate that forcing the godfather out of politics may be dangerous, considering their power and position in the government. It, therefore, concludes making laws that will accommodate them might be a better alternative. Keywords: Godfatherism, Impact, 2023 elections, Delta State, Nigeria.

Towards an Inclusive Development Framework for Governing Freshwater Resources

There is considerable literature on governing freshwater resources, where one group of water scholars employs power theory to improve freshwater governance while another group focuses on an institutional approach to enhance the governance of freshwater resources. Among these scholars, few take an explicit inclusive development approach to consider the importance of ecosystem services for effective freshwater governance and human wellbeing. Hence, the purpose of this research is to investigate how inclusive development techniques might enhance freshwater resource governance. Building on a literature review of the concept of inclusive development, this conceptual paper builds a framework for assessing freshwater governance by investigating the socio-ecological roots of inclusive development in the post-2015 sustainable development goals. The paper concludes by identifying different instruments of inclusive development in order to enhance the governance of freshwater resources.

The determinants of corporate social responsibility (CSR) committee: executive compensation, CSR-based incentives and ESG performance

Purpose This paper aims to investigate whether executive compensation, corporate social responsibility (CSR)-based incentives, environmental social and governance (ESG) performance and firm performance are the significant predictors of CSR committees, in addition to CEO, firm and corporate governance characteristics, from the tenet of stakeholder and managerial power theories. Design/methodology/approach Switzerland is an exemplary country from the perspective of corporate governance and executive compensation. This empirical study includes a panel data set of listed Swiss companies, so fixed-effect logistic regression has been used. Findings It has been found that the companies that offer CSR-based incentives and higher compensation to their CEOs and have better ESG performance are more likely to have CSR committees. Practical implications This empirical paper fills the gap in the literature, guides practitioners about the factors that influence the creation and efficiency of CSR committees, and inspires regulatory bodies to ponder on a mandatory CSR committee to form resilient and sustainable organizations worldwide. Social implications COVID-19 has re-emphasized the prominence of sustainability and the stakeholder approach. Thus, this paper indicates that CSR committees require the adaption and implementation of a holistic sustainability policy that integrates both external and internal factors and thereby provides a whole process for sustainability issues. Originality/value The impact of CSR committees on corporate social performance (CSP) has already been investigated. However, the predictors of CSR committees have been less scrutinized in the literature.

The myth of lesbian generation loss: Finding intergenerational solidarities in digital sexual selfhood projects

The contemporary preoccupation with lesbian’s potential obsolescence relies on implicit assumptions about the (ir)relevance of lesbian feminism to younger generations. In this article, we use the metaphor of “generation loss” to conceptualize the Gordian knot of affective and ideological ties that lie beneath this preoccupation. Contrary to the narrative of generation loss, we show how young people have begun to take up and share lesbian feminist concepts on social media platforms like TikTok. They do so in the name of resituating lesbian as a political project rather than an exclusionary demographic category. Instead of painting over lesbian feminism with the broad brushes of whiteness and trans-exclusivity, some young lesbians seek out other voices in the archive to debate whether and how this history might be recuperated as a challenge to white, cisnormative heteropatriarchy. Far from finding irrelevance, many revisiting lesbian feminism are excited to discover theories of gender, sexuality, and power that can be adapted to relocate lesbian to more durable and less essentializing territory than its current, narrowly biopolitical home. This presents a crucial opportunity to build bridges across generations and collectively resist the cooptation of lesbians as agents of white supremacist and transphobic political agendas.

Politics of Non-Traditional Security: The Weakness of the Maritime Security and Its impact on the Recurrence of Illegal Fishing in the Waters of Aceh

This article examines non-traditional security politics with an emphasis on illegal fishing that can harm international relations, the environment, and human security. This article investigates why illicit fishing by foreign and Indonesian fishing vessels is prevalent in Aceh Province. Illegal fishing cases in Aceh were investigated utilizing Mahan's Sea Power Theory. The research approach employed is qualitative, with data gathered through in-depth interviews and a literature review. The study's findings include incidents of illicit fishing caused by regional, community, and government variables. Aceh's distance from the central government, location on the border, and abundance of marine resources are also regional factors. Aspects of the community include the tiny number of fishermen, the custom of preventing going to sea, and the continued use of prohibited fishing gear. Finally, the government aspects which include a lack of control and legislation encourage illicit fishing in Aceh.