Transformation Theory Research Articles

Construction and Practice of Education and Teaching Quality Assurance Systems in Applied Colleges and Universities under the Background of Digital Intelligence

This paper discusses the optimization strategy of education and teaching quality assurance systems in applied colleges and universities under the background of digital intelligence. It first summarizes the relevant theories of digital intelligence transformation and analyzes the impact of digital intelligence transformation on higher education. Secondly, this paper puts forward the principles of constructing the quality assurance system of applied colleges, including strengthening the quality assurance consciousness, improving teachers’ digital literacy, and implementing digital intelligence governance. From the practical perspective, this paper expounds on strategies such as optimizing educational teaching resource allocation, constructing a diversified evaluation system of teaching quality, strengthening the construction and training of teaching staff, and innovating teaching management methods. Specific optimization measures are put forward, such as improving policies, regulations, and system guarantees, strengthening cooperation between schools and enterprises, integrating industry, school, and research, building an educational information platform, and improving the monitoring and feedback mechanism of educational quality.

Précis: The Mind-Body Politic

The Mind-Body Politic is a study in the new discipline of political philosophy of mind, that aims to develop an embodied and enactive theory of social institutions, building on our 2009 study of the mind-body relation and mental causation, Embodied Minds in Action. In this sequel, we distinguish between (i) destructive, deforming social institutions–characteristic of contemporary neoliberal nation-states, and (ii) constructive, enabling social institutions, and defend what we call the mindshaping thesis and the enactive-transformative principle. The upshot is an activist, transformative philosophical theory.

Exploring Factors Related to the Process of Desistance from Crime: A Qualitative Study of Females in the UK

ABSTRACT Less is known about the process of desistance from crime for females within the criminal justice system. The current study explored the views and experiences in a sample of adult female offenders in the UK. Ten women took part in semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The following themes were identified: Skills and Attributes; Support; Purpose in Life; Risk Factors; and Consequences. The findings provide support for existing theories of desistance including cognitive transformation theory, social control and identity theory of desistance. The findings add to the growing evidence in the field of desistance from crime in female offenders.

My Theory, my Tool, my Tribe: Unpacking Scholars’ Perspectives on the Evolution of Transformative Learning

Tracking the evolution of transformative learning theory (TLT) has primarily been conducted through literature review while overlooking potential insights from empirical meta-studies. We examined evolving perspectives on TLT through a meta-analysis of scholars’ engagements within the field. We incorporated narrative interviews with twelve scholars, using thematic analysis to draw insights from their experiences and contributions. Employing the Community of Practice (CoP) framework, we explored the collective shaping of TLT by its academic community, exploring themes such as critical and appreciative views on Mezirow and TLT foundational concepts, the theory’s application in research and teaching, its theoretical connections, its geographical expansion, publication contributions, and community building. The findings highlighted the dynamic and socially constructed nature of transformative learning field and its adaptability to diverse contexts and contemporary challenges. The study underscored the importance of collaboration and community building among scholars, which not only sustains the theory but also propels its evolution, ensuring its continued relevance. Moving forward, we advocated for continued innovation in theory and practice within the transformative learning community.

Research on the Design Method of Camellia oleifera Fruit Picking Machine

Camellia oleifera fruit pickers are essential for improving picking efficiency and promoting the Camellia oleifera industry. However, it is challenging to develop pickers that meet user needs. Current design tools and methods have limitations, such as a single model, poor synergy between integrated models, and subjective bias when analysing user requirements and translating them into product attributes. To solve these problems, this study proposes a new design decision model based on the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP), Function Analysis System Technique (FAST), Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ Theory), and extension transformation theory. The model was developed and applied to design an Camellia oleifera fruit picker. In this paper, an empirical investigation of an Camellia oleifera base in Wuhan was carried out, and multi-level demand analysis was used to identify the design demands in the behavioural process; FAHP was used to calculate the demand weights to clarify the design focus; expert knowledge was used to convert the demands into specific product functional features, and FAST was used to decompose these features to find the contradictory conflicts; TRIZ theory was used to determine the principles of resolving the contradictions, and the extension transformation theory were used to generate the creative design solutions for the products. By integrating FAHP, FAST, TRIZ theory and the extension transformation theory, the subjective bias in product design is eliminated, the design decision-making process is improved, and new methods and ideas are provided for the design of oleaginous tea fruit pickers and similar products. Finally, the conceptual design of an Camellia oleifera fruit picking machine was produced. However, the conceptual design has yet to be subjected to exhaustive simulation experiments and prototype testing. Future research will focus on conducting the necessary simulations, prototypes, and field tests to fully assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the design and make the required iterative improvements accordingly to commercialize the product eventually.

Challenges and Opportunities of Rebuilding Physical Education Programs in Post-Conflict Iraqi Schools in Iraq

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the challenges and opportunities of rebuilding physical education programs in post-conflict Iraqi schools in Iraq. 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: Rebuilding physical education programs in post-conflict Iraqi schools faces challenges such as infrastructure damage, limited resources, and cultural attitudes that prioritize academics. Safety concerns also create anxiety for families regarding participation. However, there are significant opportunities for development, including promoting holistic growth, engaging communities in program development, and collaborating with NGOs for funding and resources. Integrating physical education with other subjects can enhance student engagement. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Ecological systems theory, resilience theory & conflict transformation theory may be used to anchor future studies on the challenges and opportunities of rebuilding physical education programs in post-conflict Iraqi schools in Iraq. Develop and implement strategies for rebuilding and repurposing damaged physical education facilities using available resources. Advocate for the inclusion of physical education as a critical component of educational and post-conflict reconstruction policies.

THE THEORY OF TRANSFORMATION OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LEGAL REGIMES USING BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGIES: INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT

This article is dedicated to the study of the theory of transformation of intellectual property legal regimes through blockchain technologies on an international scale. It focuses on three thematic blocks: firstly, defining the essence of blockchain technologies; secondly, analysing international blockchain technology standards; and thirdly, exploring variations in the use of blockchain technologies for the registration of intellectual property objects. The subject of the study is the social relations in the field of intellectual property and the mechanisms for their regulation. Methodology. The article employs scientific methods of cognition and doctrinal resolution of issues related to the use of digital tools in the regulation of social relations. This encompasses formal-logical and dialectical methodologies. A variety of empirical techniques, including synthesis, deduction, and statistical analysis, were employed. Results. The study reveals the absence of a direct indication of the use or intent to use distributed ledger technology, otherwise known as blockchain technology. The study demonstrates the significance of utilising blockchain technology in maintaining the customs register to account for intellectual property objects protected by law. This ensures the impossibility of unauthorised alteration or deletion of information about intellectual property objects, as provided by distributed ledger technology. These legal relations emerge in the course of entering information into the aforementioned registers, making modifications (updates), and providing information to interested parties. The use of blockchain technologies in the formation of the register of issued certificates of state registration of copyright for a work is justified.

The lived experience of parents of children with disabilities as service users: A transformative learning theory perspective.

The study sought to examine the content and processes that characterize the lived experiences of parents of children with disabilities as service users. The study employed a qualitative approach, utilizing the photovoice methodology to explore formative experiences derived from participants' lived experiences. A total of 24 participants were interviewed; 19 were parents of children with autism and five were parents of children with other disabilities. The database was analyzed by content analysis. Four central themes were identified: (1) interactions with services and their representatives; (2) challenges embodied in the parents' lived experiences as service users; (3) translation into action: expanding the parental role; and (4) policy changing. Research findings emphasize the fact that as the child's primary caregiver, parents of children with disabilities should be treated as primary service users themselves. Services providing care and support for children with disabilities should consider parents' lived experience-based knowledge when designing and planning services. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

In situ study of microstructure evolution and α → ω phase transition in annealed and pre-deformed Zr under hydrostatic loading

The detailed study of the effect of the initial microstructure on its evolution under hydrostatic compression before, during, and after the irreversible α→ω phase transformation and during pressure release in Zr using in situ x-ray diffraction is presented. Two samples were studied: one is plastically pre-deformed Zr with saturated hardness and the other is annealed. Phase transformation α→ω initiates at lower pressure for a pre-deformed sample but for a volume fraction of ω Zr, c>0.7, a larger volume fraction is observed for the annealed sample. This implies that the proportionality between the athermal resistance to the transformation and the yield strength in the continuum phase transformation theory is invalid; an advanced version of the theory is outlined. Phenomenological plasticity theory under hydrostatic loading is outlined in terms of microstructural parameters, and plastic strain is estimated. During transformation, the first rule is suggested, i.e., the average domain size, microstrain, and dislocation density in ω Zr for c<0.8 are functions of the volume fraction, c of ω Zr only, which are independent of the plastic strain tensor prior to transformation and pressure. The microstructure is not inherited during phase transformation. Surprisingly, for the annealed sample, the final dislocation density and the average microstrain after pressure release in the ω phase are larger than for the severely pre-deformed sample. The results suggest that an extended experimental basis is required for the predictive models for the combined pressure-induced phase transformations and microstructure evolutions.

Reimagining faculty development: A paradigm shift from content to transformative learning processes

Background Faculty development programs in health professional education traditionally emphasise theories, principles, and effective teaching practices. However, the efficacy of these strategies in instigating meaningful changes in instructional practices has come under scrutiny. Methods This qualitative research aims to enhance our understanding and support of educators’ ongoing learning and growth. Employing a transformative learning lens, the study explored the experiences, professional development practices, and responsibilities of clinical educators who participated in a faculty development course. Utilising Mezirow’s transformative learning theory as a framework, this research investigated the transformative journey of educators, analysing reflective pieces from 144 participants. Results The study findings revealed shifts in pedagogical approaches, ranging from the recognition of a haphazard teaching style to the intentional integration of evidence-based methods and pedagogical philosophies. The thematic analysis identified key stages in the transformative process, illuminating educators’ commitment to structured teaching, self-directed learning, and continuous improvement. Conclusion This research has contributed valuable insights into how faculty development programs can stimulate reflective practices and transformative learning in health professional education. The article argues for the centrality of transformative learning processes in faculty development, presenting an intriguing perspective on sustainable and impactful professional growth. Trends across learning experiences are presented, accompanied by practical recommendations. The implications of the research for clinical educators, administrators, and developers of formal faculty professional development programs are also discussed.

Determinants of the Root Causes and Success Factors for the East African Community Regional Force Intervention in Managing Intractable Intrastate Conflicts in the DRC

Globally, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has had one of the most intractable conflicts. Several attempts, ranging from global, continental, and regional levels, have been made to address these conflicts with little success. The deployment of the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) in 2022, a period characterized by the emergence and intensification of the March 23 Movement (M23) — a rebel group that seeks to advance the interests of the Congolese Tutsi ethnic group within the DRC military and political system — was envisaged to change the fortunes regarding the conflicts in the DRC. This was because it would be the first localized attempt at intervention. However, since the intervention of the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) in the DRC, there seems to have been little progress regarding the management of intractable conflicts. This paper sought to investigate the determinants of the success of the EACRF intervention in the management of the DRC’s intractable intra-state conflict. The study is underpinned by the interpretivism research philosophy, and the paper was anchored on Conflict Transformation Theory to sustain the study variables. The researcher adopted two research designs — descriptive survey and historical longitudinal research designs — to ensure valid research results. The target population was 297, from which a sample of 177 was derived, including EACRF ground personnel, military attachés, members of the local community, leaders of rebel groups, and refugees, who were sampled using census, simple random, snowballing, and purposive sampling techniques. The study findings established that EACRF's success was inhibited by a number of factors: 91 (60.66%) respondents acknowledged that institutional weaknesses in East African Community (EAC) states contribute to prolonged conflicts in the DRC. Additionally, 43 (28.66%) respondents stated that regional security competition, namely power rivalry, affects the management of the DRC conflict. Furthermore, 8 (5.33%) respondents cited the informal economy, and 8 (5.33%) respondents mentioned trans-border social networks as additional factors contributing to the complexity of internal conflict in the DRC. The paper concludes that the EACRF has had limited success due to several factors, thereby inhibiting its management of intractable intra-state conflicts in the DRC. The paper recommended that the EAC strategically focus on region-centric intervention in New Warfare in eastern DRC, especially in the Republics of Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda, given that rebel groups originating from these nations frequently operate in the Eastern Region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Strengthening good governance in these states, including the DRC, is necessary to quell ethnic unrest that fuels internal and regional conflicts within the EAC.

Stability analysis of random fractional-order nonlinear systems and its application

The research on stability analysis and control design for random nonlinear systems have been greatly popularized in recent ten years, but almost no literature focuses on the fractional-order case. This paper explores the stability problem for a class of random Caputo fractional-order nonlinear systems. As a prerequisite, under the globally and the locally Lipschitz conditions, it is shown that such systems have a global unique solution with the aid of the generalized Gronwall inequality and a Picard iterative technique. By resorting to Laplace transformation and Lyapunov stability theory, some feasible conditions are established such that the considered fractional-order nonlinear systems are respectively Mittag-Leffler noise-to-state stable, Mittag-Leffler globally asymptotically stable. Then, a tracking control strategy is established for a class of random Caputo fractional-order strict-feedback systems. The feasibility analysis is addressed according to the established stability criteria. Finally, a power system and a mass–spring-damper system modeled by the random fractional-order method are employed to demonstrate the efficiency of the established analysis approach. More critically, the deficiency in the existing literatures is covered up by the current work and a set of new theories and methods in studying random Caputo fractional-order nonlinear systems is built up.

Pre-disaster allocation and post-disaster dispatch strategies of power emergency resources for resilience enhancement of distribution networks

With the frequent occurrence of large-scale power outages caused by extreme disasters, coordinated dispatch of power emergency resources (PERs) and repair crews (RCs) has gradually become an essential method to enhance the resilience of distribution networks (DNs). Previous works solve this coordinated dispatch problem in a risk-neutral approach with the assumption that the supply of power repair materials (PRMs) is still fully available after the disaster. However, growing evidence indicates that certain extreme disasters may lead to limited availability of PERs in the DN, rendering risk-neutral decision making impractical. To fill this gap, this paper proposes a resilience-oriented PERs pre-disaster allocation and post-disaster dispatch strategy in a risk-averse manner. In the pre-disaster prevention process, a two-stage distributionally robust optimization (DRO) model based on mean-CVaR is developed, considering the uncertainties of both system damage and PERs demands, along with the decision maker's preference for risk. In the post-disaster restoration process, a collaborative spatio-temporal dispatching model for PERs and RCs with the goal of minimizing outage losses is established. To tackle the computational challenges associated with PRMs allocation based on DRO, robust counterpart transformation and dual theory are utilized. Case studies are conducted using a real world modified 118-bus distribution network. In comparative analysis, five control groups are established to validate the necessity to consider the limited supply of PRMs and the risk-averse attitude of decision makers in enhancing DNs resilience.

A Transformative Orientation Model for Encouraging Responsible Marketing Actions

This set of studies tackles a timely, important, yet often overlooked component of marketing—encouraging marketing actors to engage in a socially just and responsible orientation to improve decision-making. We build on ethical, sustainable, social justice, and social marketing pedagogy by combining transformative learning theories with stakeholder recognition to provide a model that explains how marketers can develop a transformative orientation. With five studies, including three semester-long field experiments, one natural experiment/event study on Black Lives Matter Google searches, and a lab experiment, we present captivating empirical evidence that market actors can change their orientation to be more responsible and just. The model recognizes the importance of using a balanced frame of reference for marketing, and how this is mediated by metacognition activation and perspective gathering. This paper provides initial empirical evidence demonstrating how the way marketing materials are presented can improve the degree of transformation.

Understanding Transformative Learning and Transformative Tourism

This study focuses on two major areas of transformative learning and transformative tourism. The study aims to understand how transformative learning theory developed by Jack Mezirow was first introduced to the academia and then adopted in the field of tourism. Transformative travel and tourism is an emerging paradigm in the travel industry, characterized by travel experiences that lead to profound personal growth, self-discovery, and societal benefits. This paper explores the intersections of transformative learning theory and transformational tourism experiences through a qualitative research approach. By synthesizing secondary data from diverse contexts and empirical studies, the study examines how transformative learning processes manifest in the context of travel and tourism. The theoretical framework draws on Mezirow’s transformative learning theory, emphasizing critical reflection and perspective learning. This study is based on a general review through thematic analysis of narratives. The research identifies mechanisms that facilitate transformative experiences during travel. The literatures highlight on novelty seeking, escapism, freedom, self-efficacy, the transformation of consciousness, self-development and personal growth, and subjective wellbeing which is an outcome of transformative travel. This study explores the concepts of transformation, transformative learning, transformational tourism, tourism motivation, tourism destination image, marketing, authenticity, satisfaction, and transformative experiences.

Dynamics of Public Participation on Sustainable Resource Management in County Government of Kericho, Kenya

Sustainable resource management involve managing resources in a way that their sources are not depleted; so that the future generations can also benefit from it. Africa is endowed with diverse and abundant natural resources and stands at a critical juncture where responsible and sustainable management of these resources is paramount for the continent's development. The Kenyan governments (national-level and county-level) recognize the need for sustainable resource management for the good of the citizens. In devolved government units in Kenya, sustainable resource management is a critical. This study sought to assess the dynamics of public participation on sustainable resource management in county government of Kericho, Kenya. The study was guided by Resource-based view theory, administrative theory, transformational leadership theory and the theory of Planned Behaviour. This study adopted a pragmatism approach that took a practical and flexible approach, focusing on the usefulness and applicability of research findings, rather than an all-or-nothing, mutually exclusive philosophical position. A descriptive research design with a mixed method of quantitative and qualitative data collections was adopted. The target population of the study comprised a total of 213 senior, middle and lower level management staff of the county government of Kericho. The Stratified random sampling was used to develop a sample from different management groups. A sample of 139 management staff was selected using Slovin’s formula. Reliability of the study was ensured by conducting a pilot study in the neighbouring County Government of Nakuru while context, content and criterion validity were ascertained by the researcher in the field of study. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics which described the nature of ethical leadership and sustainable resource management. Inferential statistics (Pearson’s correlation and regression analysis) were used to determine the nature of influence between the variables. This was done with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Qualitative data was analysed by themes and content analysis. The study findings revealed that, public participation had a statistically significant influence on sustainable resource management. The study concluded that there exists a strong and significant relationship between public participation (r=0.832 and p=0.000) and sustainable resource management in Kericho County, Kenya. The study recommends that in order to enhance public participation members of the public should be empowered by giving the information and documents containing information on development activities and legislations that require their input in advance so that they know and understand what they are coming to do in public forums.

Book Review: Expanding Transformation Theory: Affinities between Jack Mezirow and Emancipatory Educationalists

Book Review: Expanding Transformation Theory: Affinities between Jack Mezirow and Emancipatory Educationalists

Relationship between Leadership Cultural Characteristics and Job Performance in Military Units

Leadership has always been a topic of discussion, and for the Volunteer Soldiers, the way of doing things vary from unit to unit due to the different styles of leadership. Scholars began to study leadership theories in the 1930s, starting with "trait theory", followed by "behavioral theory", "contingency theory", and more recently, a new type of leadership theory in the late 1970s (Bryman, 1993). The transformational leadership theory of the new leadership theory covers the characteristics, behaviors, and contexts of the previous theories, and provides leaders with concepts and measurement tools that they can follow. Domestic and international academic research has confirmed the strong correlation between transformational leadership and job satisfaction, motivation, and performance (Bass, 1985; Yukl, 1989). Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate what leadership styles volunteer noncommissioned officers use to lead their teams to achieve their performance goals and the correlation with job performance.

Touching the Shield of Achilles: Ekphrasis and/as Re-Mediation

Abstract Homer’s treatment of the Matter of Troy illuminates the foundational impossibility of representation in ways that sponsor examination of the semiotic choices, the costs and benefits and tradeoffs, of different practices. Homer’s ekphrastic description of the shield of Achilles highlights a variety of available semiotic systems focused on different media of representation. This article explores Homeric ekphrasis in relation to later theories of media intersection, interaction, and transformation. Not only word, image, music, and dance, but also human perception as such, are subject to mediation.

Methodological notes on gauge invariance in the treatment of waves and oscillations in plasmas via the Einstein-Vlasov-Maxwell system: Fundamental equations.

The theory of gauge transformations in linearized gravitation is investigated. After a brief discussion of the fundamentals of the kinetic theory in curved spacetime, the Einstein-Vlasov-Maxwell (EVM) system of equationsin terms of gauge-invariant quantities is established without neglecting the equationsof motion associated with the dynamics of the nonradiative components of the metric tensor. The established theory is applied to a noncollisional electron-positron plasma, leading to a dispersion relation for gravitational waves in this model system. The problem of Landau damping is addressed and some attention is given to the issue of the energy exchanges between the plasma and the gravitational wave. In a future paper, a more complete set of approximate dispersion relations for waves and oscillations in plasmas will be presented, including the dynamics of nonradiative components of the metric tensor, with special attention to the problems of the Landau damping and of the energy exchanges between matter, the electromagnetic field and the gravitational field.