Theory Of Transitions Research Articles

Understanding the Status Quo between Taiwan and China: International Law, the Power Transition Theory and Case Studies

Based on international law, the power transition theory as well as case studies, this research note aims to illustrate the reasons Taiwan’s situation represents a fundamental matter for the international order and to approach the island not only as a major stake for dominant nations but also as a central actor in the stability of the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. This paper demonstrates the essential role that the Taiwanese status quo plays in the power competition between Washington and Beijing and how Taiwan’s geographic location and its military, economic, and technological value can redistribute power both at the regional and international levels. Moreover, this research highlights how the notion of power must not only be understood in terms of military and economic factors but also in legal terms. Analyzing Taiwan’s situation under this framework shows how the power transition occurs equally in the legal sphere and how legal factors could contribute to reinforce Taiwan in the face of growing threats in the Strait.

Isekai as a Reflection of College Student Transition Theory

AbstractIn the isekai genre, characters are transported to another world where they must learn new cultural norms, create new relationships, and work through the changes that come with who they are in this new world. The transition of characters in isekai from their world to a new one mirrors the transition college students experience as they move from high school to college, albeit one with less magic. As anime continues to gain high school and college‐aged fans, the narrative of how isekai characters move through their transition could be highly impactful to fans who are experiencing their own transition into the new world of higher education. By incorporating case studies and using the theoretical frameworks of Schlossberg's transition theory (1981) and marginality and mattering (1989), readers of this article can understand and explain how isekai characters can be powerful examples of role modeling positive transitional approaches and act as a guide through transitional stages for fans experiencing their transition from the world of high school to the world of higher education.

Theory of nematic-isotropic phase transitions in solutions of rodlike aggregates

ABSTRACT A mean-field theory is introduced to describe phase behaviours for solutions of rodlike aggregates. By combining the Onsager model for rodlike aggregates and the Flory-Huggins model for polydisperse polymer solutions, we derive the free energy for the solutions of the rodlike aggregates. We calculate the mean aggregation number and orientational order parameter of rodlike aggregates. The mean aggregation number jumps at the first-order nematic–isotropic transition (NIT). We also derive the Landau-de Gennes expansion of the free energy and calculate the isotropic-nematic coexistence curves on the temperature-concentration plane. The NIT curves are qualitatively consistent with the experimental results of rodlike aggregates.

A computational study on the detection properties of pristine, Al-, and Ga- doped Zn12O12 nanoclusters toward Deferiprone in gas and solvent phases

Electrochemical sensors have great potential in point-of-care diagnostic devices, benefiting from advancements in nanomaterials that enhance sensitivity and selectivity and reduce costs. This study theoretically investigates Deferiprone (DEF) sensing using pristine and aluminum – and gallium-doped Zn12O12 nanoclusters (AlZn11O12 and GaZn11O12) through a density functional theory (DFT) approach at the B3LYP-D level with a 6-311G (d, p) basis set. The results indicate DEF adsorption energies of −29.53 kcal mol−1 for Zn12O12, −42.19 kcal mol−1 for AlZn11O12, and −27.12 kcal mol−1 for GaZn11O12 in their most stable orientations. The adsorption of DEF significantly alters the energy gap (Eg) in the doped nanoclusters, highlighting the superior sensitivity of AlZn11O12 and GaZn11O12 for DEF detection. Transition theory calculations reveal a practical recovery time of 72.64 s for GaZn11O12, indicating favourable adsorption characteristics. Solvent effect studies show that the DEF/GaZn11O12 complex is stable in water, with a higher dipole moment reflecting increased water polarisation. UV-Vis analysis demonstrates that DEF adsorption on GaZn11O12 shifts the spectrum to higher wavelengths, indicating enhanced adsorption. Thus, GaZn11O12 is proposed as a promising candidate for DEF detection in both gas and solvent phases.

Analisis Transitivitas pada Penokohan dalam Cerpen Bas les masques dan Délivrance: Kajian Linguistik Sistemik Fungsional

This study aims to describe the characterizations in the “Bas les masques” and “Délivrance” short stories based on the transitivity process and describe the characterization techniques used in the “Bas les masques” and “Délivrance” short stories. This research uses a descriptive approach with a qualitative method. The data are the clauses explaining characterizations in the short stories “Bas les masques” by Benoît Broyart and “Délivrance” by Jean-Paul Nozière. The data collection of this research is carried out by scrutinizing and note-taking techniques. The data are analyzed using the transitivity theory in Halliday’s Systemic Functional Linguistics and Nurgiyantoro’s character depiction theory. The results of this study indicate that the characterization in these two stories are dominantly described by material process, i.e. 8 clauses (35%) in the “Bas les masques” short story and 9 clauses (39%) in the “Délivrance” short story. The processes that are not found are behavioral process because the characters’ behavior cannot be explained from their own perspective. Regarding the character depiction techniques, the two short stories both use conversation techniques and other character’s reaction techniques. Apart from that, there is also the stream of consciousness technique which is only used in “Bas les masques” short story and the character reaction technique which is only used in “Délivrance” short story. From the results of this research, it can be concluded that transitivity analysis can support the study of characterization in literary works because the character's personality can be represented through their experiences in the story.

Public Energy R&D Spending and Green Energy for Sustainable Development: COP28 Perspective of G7 Economies

Achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) is one of the top priorities for countries worldwide, and the recent COP28 has focused mainly on achieving sustainable development via clean energy investment financing. However, countries and regions still struggle to find various policy-level indicators to achieve sustainability engagement. In this context, finding the right combination of policy indicators becomes crucial. Therefore, the current study seeks to identify the key drivers of sustainability for the G7 economies by utilizing data from 1990–2019. This study employed the cross-sectional autoregressive distributed lag (CS-ARDL) panel time series method of estimating primary results and a novel sustainable development index as the dependent variable. The study revealed that public energy R&D budgets, increasing income levels, improving the political risk index, and promoting clean energy are important for achieving sustainable development in the G7 countries and that the depletion of natural resources has an adverse influence on sustainability. These empirical results are supported by various economic and environmental theories, i.e., the environmental Kuznets curve, the innovation theory of sustainability, the Dutch disease hypothesis, and the political economy of development and energy transition theory. Based on these findings, energy investment is recommended, especially for clean energy projects, and increasing income levels via sustainable economic activities to achieve sustainability in the G7 economies.

Creep stress analysis of functionally graded transversely isotropic piezoelectric disc with variable thickness under rotation

Materials exhibiting different piezoelectric properties throughout their volume are referred to as functionally graded piezoelectric materials (FGPM). Due to their graded composition, the characteristics of these materials can be customized to fit particular needs in a variety of applications. Functionally graded piezoelectric materials are beneficial in many technical applications because of their versatility that enables increased performance, efficiency, and adaptability in a variety of disciplines. The objective of the current study is to analyse creep stresses in an annular disc composed of transversely isotropic, functionally graded piezoelectric material with varying thickness parameters. Creep stresses are evaluated analytically using the approach of Seth's transition theory. By using the stress-strain relations, the equations for mechanical stresses and electrical displacement are determined. Substituting these relations into the equilibrium equation a nonlinear differential equation is obtained. The findings are presented both numerically and graphically, demonstrating how the thickness parameter affects the circumferential stresses in the intermediate surface of the rotating disc. The disc made of transversely isotropic piezoelectric material PZT-4 exhibits higher creep stresses than other materials under consideration according to all of the numerical discussions and calculations. This work may provide an effective methodology for the analysis of functionally graded piezoelectric rotating discs and contribute to theoretical research and engineering applications.

Transversely isotropic elastoplastic behaviour in a mechanically loaded rotating disk

This article deals with the study of transversely isotropic elastoplastic behaviour in a mechanical loaded rotating disk by using transition theory and generalised strain measure. Magnesium material disk requires higher value of angular speed to yield at the inner surface as compared to the disk made of beryl material. With the effect of mechanical loading, angular speed also increases at the inner surface of the disk made of magnesium/beryl. Upon the introduction of mechanical loading, the rotating disk made of beryl material requires maximum radial stress at the inner surface as compared to disk made of magnesium material. The beryl material disk is more convenient than that of magnesium material.

Evaluation of thermal stresses in transversely isotropic piezoelectric disc with rotation and internal pressure

The paper deals with the analytical solution of transitional stresses in thin rotating disc composed of piezoelectric material under temperature and internal pressure. The stresses are evaluated in the rotating disc by using transition theory of Seth. The electric displacement relations and stresses are computed by using stress strain relations. The non-homogeneous differential equation is derived by substituting the obtained relations into the equilibrium equation. The formulated differential equation is solved with specified boundary conditions, applied pressure, electric displacement and stresses. Obtained results are exhibited graphically, analysed numerically and it is then concluded that transversely isotropic beryl is better than transversely isotropic magnesium material and transversely isotropic piezoelectric materials BaTiO4 and PZT-4.

Paradigm changes in research: Kuhn meets socio-ecological transition theory

Recent research indicates that disruptiveness in science has decreased, triggering discussions about the reason for this. Earlier Thomas Kuhn discussed why revolutions in science are slow but inevitable processes. To better understand transition processes within a scientific discipline, this article draws on a novel transition concept. The concept combines ideas about the structure of scientific revolutions with the concept of adaptive cycles. Combining these two approaches facilitates theorization of the reasons for the reduced disruptiveness at the scientific discipline (system) level. To elucidate the interplay between individuals and the scientific discipline, and thus their role in processes of scientific paradigm shifts, the new model further integrates resilience theory. Factors determining the resilience of an adaptive system explain resistance to change at individual and system levels, as well as the interplay between these two levels. The discourse between environmental and ecological economics is used to illustrate the theoretical discussion and apply the novel transition concept to a specific case. The analysis shows that institutionalization, providing better answers to anomalies, and uncovering maladaptation are key in the transition process.

Effectiveness of Mother Tongue Instruction on Literacy Rates in Primary Education in Kenya, Examining the Transition from Indigenous Languages to English in Urban and Rural Settings

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the effectiveness of mother tongue instruction on literacy rates in primary education in Kenya, examining the transition from indigenous languages to English in urban and rural settings 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: Studies on the effectiveness of mother tongue instruction in Kenya's primary education reveal that using indigenous languages in early education significantly improves literacy rates, particularly in rural areas. In these settings, children who learn in their native languages during the early grades develop stronger foundational literacy skills compared to those taught in English from the start. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Sociocultural theory, cummins’ linguistic interdependence theory & transitional bilingual education theory may be used to anchor future studies on the effectiveness of mother tongue instruction on literacy rates in primary education in Kenya, examining the transition from indigenous languages to English in urban and rural settings. Schools, particularly in rural areas, need more resources like textbooks and teaching aids in indigenous languages to support early literacy development. Policymakers should implement flexible language policies that consider the different linguistic needs of urban and rural populations.

Investigation on the Machinability of Polycrystalline ZnS by Micro-Laser-Assisted Diamond Cutting.

Polycrystalline ZnS is a typical infrared optical material. It is widely used in advanced optical systems due to its excellent optical properties. The machining accuracy of polycrystalline ZnS optical elements must satisfy the requirements of high-performance system development. However, the soft and brittle nature of the material poses a challenge for high-quality and efficient machining. In recent years, in situ laser-assisted diamond cutting has been proven to be an effective method for ultra-precision cutting of brittle materials. In this study, the mechanism of in situ laser-assisted cutting on ultra-precision cutting machinability enhancement of ZnS was investigated. Firstly, the physical properties of ZnS were characterized by high-temperature nanoindentation experiments. The result revealed an increase in ductile machinability of ZnS due to plastic deformation and a decrease in microhardness and Young's modulus at high temperatures. It provided a fundamental theory for the ductile-brittle transition of ZnS. Subsequently, a series of diamond-cutting experiments were carried out to study the removal mechanism of ZnS during in situ laser-assisted cutting. It was found that the mass damage initiation depth groove generated by in situ laser-assisted cutting increased by 57.99% compared to the groove generated by ordinary cutting. It was found that micron-sized pits were suppressed under in situ laser-assisted cutting. The main damage form of HIP-ZnS was changed from flake spalling and pits to radial cleavage cracks. Additionally, the laser can suppress the removal mode difference of different grain crystallographic and ensure the ductile region processing. Finally, planning cutting experiments were carried out to verify that a smooth and uniform surface with Sa of 3.607 nm was achieved at a laser power of 20 W, which was 73.58% better than normal cutting. The main components of roughness were grain boundary steps and submicron pit. This study provides a promising method for ultra-precision cutting of ZnS.

The Impact of Holistic Justice on the Long‐Term Experiences and Wellbeing of Mass Human Rights Violation Survivors: Ethnographic and Interview Evidence From Kosova, Northern Ireland and Albania

ABSTRACTResearch highlights the long‐term collective effects of mass human rights violations (MHRVs) on survivors’ wellbeing. This multi‐method, multi‐context paper combines the social identity approach (SIA), transitional and social justice theories and human rights‐conceptualised wellbeing to propose a human rights understanding of trauma responses and experiences in the context of MHRVs. In Study 1, ethnographic research in four locations in Kosova, 5 years post war indicates that lack of perceived conflict‐related and social justice is experienced as a key contributor to survivors’ individual and collective wellbeing. In Study 2, 61 semi‐structured interviews with MHRVs survivors from post‐war Kosova, post‐conflict Northern Ireland and post‐dictatorship Albania two to three decades post conflict also show that such justice experiences inform wellbeing. These studies illustrate the importance of expanding the SIA to health and trauma theories by taking account of a human rights‐conceptualised wellbeing as well as adopting a holistic analysis of justice perception.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative and its Implications on the Global Power Dynamics

This work explores the multifaceted impact of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) initiated by China on global power dynamics, economic landscapes, and diplomatic alliances. Beginning with an overview of the BRI's historical context and objectives, the essay delves into its theoretical framework, employing Organski's power transition theory to analyze economic, geopolitical, strategic, and cultural dimensions. The literature review integrates insights from scholars such as Layne, Modelski, Thompson, Huntington, and Nye, providing a nuanced understanding of the BRI's placement within broader historical patterns. The essay then examines the economic impact of the BRI on participating countries, emphasizing infrastructure development, trade facilitation, and technology transfer. A shift in the global economic center of gravity towards Asia is explored, challenging traditional economic power structures. Geopolitical implications and evolving power dynamics are analyzed, highlighting the strategic positioning of China and the formation of new alliances. Global responses to the BRI, particularly from major powers like the United States, Russia, and the European Union, are discussed, reflecting varying perspectives on China's growing influence. The work also addresses challenges and criticisms related to debt sustainability, environmental concerns, transparency, and governance. In conclusion, the paper reflects on the transformative effects of the BRI, emphasizing its role in shaping a multipolar world and challenging existing norms of hegemony.

Concept Analysis: The Occupational Experiences of Long-Term Care Nurses-Navigating Fragmented Transitions.

Transitions are broadly defined as movements from one place, stage, or subject to another. However, transitions which are broken and incomplete are referred to fragmented transitions. The aims of this concept analysis were to analyze the navigation of fragmented occupational transitions among long-term care nurses and to develop a working conceptual definition of fragmented occupational transitions to inform diverse stakeholders. Concept analysis. Google Scholar, PubMed, and the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature databases were accessed. Identified sources were interprofessional scholarly literature published between January 1, 2018, and January 1, 2024, and seminal references. Walker and Avant's eight-stage concept analysis method. Occupational transitions in long-term care are fragmented leading to grievous challenges across multiple aspects of nurses' lives. An analysis of the literature using a Transitions Theory lens reveals that their thoughts, feelings and ethical decisions are influenced over time by these transitions. Cardinal attributes include: (1) Fragmentation, (2) Ill-timing, (3) Disruption, (4) Liminality, (5) Ambiguity, (6) Ambivalence and (7) Facilitators/Inhibitors. Antecedents stem from external sources and facility-led initiatives. Consequences encompass product and process outcomes. Product outcomes include physical and psychological conditions, and process outcomes encompass resilience, flexibility, connection, coping, creativity, and communication. This concept analysis advances the science for understanding nurses' occupational transitional experiences in long-term care. It will assist in risk assessment and instrument development ultimately improving the quality of long-term care. Fragmented occupational transitions in long-term care are multifaceted and complex phenomena that require distinct responses from government, healthcare leaders, and scholars to improve the plight of long-term care nurses and stakeholders. Dr. A. I. Meleis contributed to this article by sharing her vast insight into transitions.

The role of geographic distances in green industrial pilot policies evaluation: A sustainability transition perspective.

Green industrial policies (GIPs) aim to promote the adoption ofgreen technology within a sustainability framework. While previous evaluations of GIP have focused more on the policy itself and the impacts within the policy boundaries, this paper further introduces the geographical factor to analyze the impact of different spatial geographic distances on implementing GIP. By integrating geographic distances into a spatial difference-in-differences analysis to assess the effects of municipal green industry policies (referred to as green industry pilot policies in this paper) enacted in 11 cities in China from 2006 to 2010, we find that these policies not only improve environmental and economic outcomes in targeted regions but also have spillover effects that may affect neighboring areas negatively, highlighting the importance of geographic considerations. The effectiveness of green industrial policies varies across cities, influenced by local socio-technical systems and regional characteristics such as infrastructure and information technology. These findings suggest that policy impacts are complex and multifaceted, requiring a comprehensive understanding of geographic interdependencies. By incorporating geographic factors, this research contributes to sustainability transition theory by offering insights into the spatial and temporal dynamics of socio-technical systems. The results underscore the need for policymakers to consider spatial-temporal aspects and potential secondary effects on adjacent regions when designing and implementing green industrial policies.

Navigating transitions: a qualitative study of nursing teams' experiences of educational and cultural transitions in Germany.

The global migration of health professionals in general and nurses in particular, has led to nursing shortages and socioeconomic impacts on health systems in both source and destination countries. Adding to the complexity of the situation is the fact that the nursing profession itself is evolving from a vocational to an academic one. Although nursing migration and academization have been studied from either an institutional or an individual perspective, there is a gap in the literature regarding how nursing teams experience these transitions. This study aims to explore how nursing teams navigate through the transitions of academization and internationalization of the current dynamic nursing landscape in Germany. Based on social constructivism epistemology this qualitative study involved face-to-face focus group discussions conducted at several hospital sites in Germany from September 2021 to May 2023. The focus group discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using content analysis; the four dimensions of transition theory according to Schlossberg's Four S (4S) framework (self, situation, support, and strategy) were used as a priori items to construct the coding framework. Nine focus group discussions were conducted with a total of 40 nurses from different educational and migrant backgrounds. The analysis showed that the transition experiences of the nursing teams were heterogeneous, with educational and national backgrounds playing an important role in how realistic their expectations of their professional roles and identities were. The dynamic situation characterized by a shortage of qualified nursing staff, increases the pressure on nursing teams and underscores the importance of employer-provided and peer support. Onboarding and communication are key strategies used depending on the duration of the employee turnover. This study provides insights into the challenges and coping strategies of nursing teams in the current dynamic scene of migration, academicization and professional socialisation in Germany. Extending the Schlossberg 4S framework from the individual to the team perspective provides a comprehensive view of the transitional experiences of nursing teams. Within each domain of the framework, the experiences of nursing teams are remarkably diverse. Educational background (vocational or academic) and origin (German or foreign trained) play an important role in shaping the transitional experiences of nursing teams.

Controlling Matter Phases beyond Markov.

Controlling phase transitions in quantum systems via coupling to reservoirs has been mostly studied for idealized memory-less environments under the so-called Markov approximation. Yet, most quantum materials and experiments in the solid state, atomic, molecular and optical physics are coupled to reservoirs with finite memory times. Here, using the spectral theory of non-Markovian dissipative phase transitions developed in the companion paper [Debecker, Martin, and Damanet (to be published)], we show that memory effects can be leveraged to reshape matter phase boundaries, but also reveal the existence of dissipative phase transitions genuinely triggered by non-Markovian effects.

Spectral theory of non-Markovian dissipative phase transitions

Spectral theory of non-Markovian dissipative phase transitions

Effect of online infant care training and postpartum counseling based on Meleis' transition theory on mothers' readiness for care and breastfeeding: a randomized controlled trial.

Mothers must acquire the knowledge and skills needed to fulfill their responsibilities and take care of themselves and their babies. This study aimed to examine the effects of online baby care education and postpartum counseling based on Meleis' transition theory on mothers' readiness for baby care and breastfeeding. This randomized controlled trial was conducted between May 2022 and May 2023 at the pregnancy follow-up outpatient clinic of a state hospital. The study sample consisted of 102 pregnant women (52 in the intervention group, 50 in the control group). The mean scores of the intervention group compared to the control group were significantly higher immediately after birth and at 1, 2, and 3 months postpartum. Change over time was significantly higher in repeated measurements of National Institute of Child Health and Human Development scale scores of the intervention and control groups (P=0.001). In the first 24 hours, mothers in the intervention group breastfed more successfully than those in the control group (P<0.001). Mothers in the intervention group exclusively breast fed at a significantly higher rate immediately and at 1, 2, and 3 months postpartum compared to the control group (P<0.001). A statistically significant difference was noted in mean infant height and weight in the intervention group compared to the control group (P<0.05). Theory-based online education initiated during pregnancy and counseling continued up to 3 months postpartum positively affected the mothers' abilities to care for their infants. Mothers who received education and counseling breastfed their babies more successfully on the first day and breast fed exclusively at a higher rate in the first 3 months.