Search

Transition state theory (TST) provides a framework to estimate the rate of chemical reactions. Despite its great success with many reaction systems, the underlying assumptions such as local equilibrium and nonrecrossing do not necessarily hold in all cases. Although dynamical systems theory can provide the mathematical foundation of reaction tubes existing in phase space that enables us to predict the fate of reactions free from the assumptions of TST, numerical demonstrations for large systems have been yet one of the challenges. Here, we propose a dimensionality reduction algorithm to demonstrate structures in phase space (called reactive islands) that predict reactivity in systems with many degrees of freedom. The core of this method is the application of supervised principal component analysis, where a coordinate transformation is performed to preserve the dynamical information on reactivity (i.e., to which potential basin the system moves from a region of interest) as much as possible. The reactive island structures are expected to be reflected in the transformed, low-dimensional phase space. As an illustrative example, the algorithm is scrutinized using a modified Hénon–Heiles Hamiltonian system extended to many degrees of freedom, which has three channels leading to three different products from one stable potential basin. It is shown that our algorithm can predict the reactivity in the transformed, low-dimensional coordinate system better than a naïve coordinate system and that the reactivity distribution in the transformed low-dimensional space is considered to reflect the underlying reactive islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis article develops a new application of the concept of Impostor Phenomenon (IP) to entire organizations, as opposed to individuals, and outlines the ways in which library environments may be particularly susceptible to experiencing IP. Considering organizational challenges through the lens of IP may help libraries to overcome perceived obstacles and better celebrate collective successes. The authors use the mechanism of Organizational Anthropomorphism (OA) alongside sensemaking and systems thinking to develop the concept of Organizational Impostor Phenomenon (OIP), and then provide a practical guide for identifying possible signs of OIP and introduce strategies to address OIP in the library setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigation and implementation of Active Willis Metamaterials (AWM) have been done exclusively, in all the available literature, by approaches that do not rely on any solid control theory basis. When coupled with piezoelectric control elements, the available approaches have not included, from the first principles, the exact form of the constitutive relationship of the piezoelectric materials. Furthermore, in all these approaches, stability analysis, robustness, ability to accommodate uncertainty or parameter changes, or consideration of disturbance rejection has not been addressed at all. More importantly, the available formulations have always mixed the flow and effort variables of the AWM, resulting in a form that is totally incompatible for the use in generating, investigating, or even designing any appropriate sensing or control applications of the material. In this paper, the piezoelectric-based AWM is modeled, from the first principles, to develop a constitutive coupling form that enables its use in actuation, sensing, and as an integrated controller that can be analyzed, designed, and optimized using the classical, optimal, and robust control system theories. Lagrange dynamics formulation is used to generate the equations governing the Willis coupling, the piezoelectric coupling, as well as the active robust controller. With this developed controlled-based structure of the AWM, the inherent and powerful capabilities of the AWM that lie in its ability to robustly control the material properties themselves such as the compliance (or stiffness) and specific volume (or density) are demonstrated in great detail via several numerical examples. Controlling these properties enables the AWM to be used in numerous important and imaginative applications such as cloaking, beam shifting, beam focusing, as well as many other applications that are limited only by our imagination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report high-level calculations of the excited states of [2,2]-paracyclophane (PCP), which was recently investigated experimentally by ultrafast pump–probe experiments on oriented single crystals [Haggag et al., ChemPhotoChem 6 e202200181 (2022)]. PCP, in which the orientation of the two benzene rings and their range of motion are constrained, serves as a model for studying benzene excimer formation. The character of the excimer state and the state responsible for the brightest transition are similar to those of the benzene dimer. The constrained structure of PCP allows one to focus on the most important degree of freedom, the inter-ring distance. The calculations explain the main features of the transient absorption spectral evolution. This brightest transition of the excimer is polarized along the inter-fragment axis. The absorption of the light polarized in the plane of the rings reveals the presence of other absorbing states of Rydberg character, with much weaker intensities. We also report new transient absorption data obtained by a broadband 8 fs pump, which time-resolve strong modulations of the excimer absorption. The combination of theory and experiment provides a detailed picture of the evolution of the electronic structure of the PCP excimer in the course of a single molecular vibration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supply chain decarbonisation has become a strategic requirement in the era of a net-zero economy. Despite the significant role of Big Data Analytics (BDA) in decarbonising the supply chain (SC), no prior study has evaluated it systematically. The present study aims to provide a systematic literature review on the applications and outcomes of big data analytics in SC decarbonisation. A total of 69 papers on applying BDA technology for supply chain decarbonisation published between 2016 and 2021 have been selected following the PRISMA protocol. The findings show that the topic is evolving. Studies employed methods such as surveys (30), case studies (11), and conceptual research designs (8). Thematic analysis reveals that 65% of the studies are grounded in resource-advantage theories, organisational theories, and system theories. Studies from India and China (35%) dominate the topic, while most studies have been conducted on the food and manufacturing industries. Further, this study applied the Antecedent-Decision-Outcomes (ADO) framework in BDA-based SC decarbonisation. Antecedents include BDA resources and capabilities, workforce skills, and supplier capabilities. Decisions refer to improving decision-making across the supply chain. Outcomes refer to improving decarbonisation, sustainable growth, and sustainable innovativeness. Future research directions and questions are provided using the Theory-Context-Methodology (TCM) framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Employees play a central role in organizational functioning and representation. HR managers thus strive to create an attractive employer image that stimulates employees' attachment and ambassadorship. However, presently, there is limited research about how employees perceive and react toward their organization's employer brand. More importantly, the studies available have focused on content attributes only (i.e., instrumental and symbolic image dimensions). This has resulted in limited (content‐based) understanding of the construct and failure to incorporate its branding‐related aspects (process attributes) which represent the crux of employer branding theory. Thus, using the HRM system strength theory and employer branding literature, this article examines three process characteristics (i.e., employer brand distinctiveness, consistency, and consensus) vis‐à‐vis instrumental and symbolic content attributes to understand employee reactions (i.e., employer attractiveness, organizational identification, and employee ambassadorship). Data were collected at two times through Prolific Academic with 254 UK and US employees. Results suggest that employer brand process attributes are valuable sources to enhance employees' identification with their organization. Moreover, distinctiveness and consistency seem especially instrumental in enhancing employees' attractiveness perceptions and display of positive ambassadorship. In addition, the process attributes explain significant incremental and unique variance beyond content attributes in employee reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Instanton-based rate theory is a powerful tool that is used to explore tunneling in many-dimensional systems. Yet, it diverges at the so-called "crossover temperature." Using the uniform semiclassical transmission probability of Kemble [Phys. Rev. 48, 549 (1935)], we showed recently that in one dimension, one might derive a uniform semiclassical instanton rate theory, which has no divergence. In this paper, we generalize this uniform theory to many-dimensional systems. The resulting theory uses the same input as in the previous instanton theory, yet does not suffer from the divergence. The application of the uniform theory to dissipative systems is considered and used to revise Wolynes' well-known analytical expression for the rate [P. G. Wolynes, Phys. Rev. Lett. 47, 968 (1981)] so that it does not diverge at the "crossover temperature." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International collaborations are important for developing science systems. Using a dataset of South African university scientists, we ask whether social capital relevant to international collaboration held by one scientist spills over to local colleagues. Distinguishing between different ways of acquiring foreign ties, we find that 20% of our cases resemble the most-studied form of international collaborations, via the unique ties of an individual with specific characteristics, e.g., foreign research training. In all other cases, both personal and local peers' international social capital is relevant for foreign tie formation. Underlining the systemic functioning of science, international social capital is activated through scientific collaboration among local scientists. The mediating effect of local scientific collaboration is present across all scientific fields and holds for scientists trained locally or abroad. Our findings thus imply that local collaboration is a relevant mechanism to strengthen international collaboration and the formation of international social capital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article introduces a special issue of the transactions arising from a Royal Society Discussion Meeting on 'sustainable metals'. Recognizing that progress to date toward the goals of 'sustainability' has been limited, the meeting aimed to open up a new level of interdisciplinary dialogue, collaboration and discussion of disruptive approaches. In this paper, the major concerns of sustainability are enumerated, and climate change is identified as the most urgent. The constraints on deploying technical innovations at scale and speed are discussed, suggesting that much of the required change will require using existing technologies differently, and many opportunities of this type have been overlooked. These constraints also give useful direction for future research and suggest an expanded future role for scientists. Previously, scientists and technologists have aimed largely to 'solve' problems in sustainability through invention. This introductory paper argues that they have an equally important role as participants in the complex societal discussions required to identify pathways to change. Scientific expertise is as important for explaining what cannot be achieved in time or at scale, as it is for promoting the excitement of invention. This article is part of the discussion meeting issue 'Sustainable metals: science and systems'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Active learning comprises machine learning-based approaches that integrate surrogate model inference, exploitation and exploration strategies with active experimental feedback into a closed-loop framework. This approach aims at describing and predicting specific material properties, without requiring lengthy, expensive or repetitive experiments. Recently, active learning has shown potential as an approach for the design of sustainable materials, such as scrap-compatible alloys, and for enhancing the longevity of metallic materials. However, in-depth investigations into suited best-practice strategies of active learning for sustainable materials science are still scarce. This study aims to present and discuss active learning strategies for developing and improving sustainable alloys, addressing single-objective and multi-objective learning and modelling scenarios. As model cases, we discuss active learning strategies for optimizing Invar and magnetic alloys, representing single-objective scenarios, and more general steel design approaches, exemplifying multi-objective optimization. We discuss the significance of finding the right balance between exploitation and exploration strategies in active learning and suggest strategies to reduce the number of iterations across diverse scenarios. This kind of research aims to find metrics for a more effective application of active learning and is used here to advance the field of sustainable alloy design. This article is part of the discussion meeting issue 'Sustainable metals: science and systems'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research on deliberative-participatory democratic innovations conducted by state administration agencies exhibits empirical eclecticism and is dominated by a deliberative paradigm. However, this paradigm tends to conflate normative prescription with analytical description. In contrast, this article proposes a comprehensive re-conceptualization of such innovations, drawing from Niklas Luhmann's systems theory. It outlines the specific problem these innovations address (function), how they operate in tackling this problem (functioning) and the problems they inevitably raise (dysfunctions). In addition, my re-conceptualization retains the possibility to critically compare these (and other) experiments regarding their capability to address emerging challenges within the modern democratic political system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every scientific or intellectual movement rests on central premises and assumptions that shape its philosophy. The purpose of this study is to review a brief account of the main philosophical bases of grey systems theory (GST) and the paradigm governing its principles. So, the recent studies on the philosophical foundations of GST have been reviewed and tried to pay attention to some key ambiguities in the previous studies and give more and clearer explanations in this paper. Also, this paper tries to fill the gap among the previous studies and to provide a purposeful connection between them by expressing two key concepts: complete information and imbalance knowledge. Primarily, the study addresses the theoretical foundations of uncertainty and the concept of greyness. Next, it focuses on the notion of "complete information" and challenges to it. Then, it reviews such processes as perception, cognition, and understanding, as well as their dynamic nature. It explains how knowledge is produced through understanding and interpreting information/data and the dynamics governing the whole process. Also, the study describes any dataset, no matter how large it may be, will remain incomplete, imperfect, and grey, so humans only rely on incomplete datasets to interpret the world. As such, information and knowledge are always grey and uncertain because they are basically contingent on subjective understandings and interpretations and imperfect inputs and data. Finally, as a key development, this study also demonstrates that human grey knowledge remains imbalanced across different disciplines and spheres. In the end, a brief overview of the philosophical paradigm of GST is also provided. GST is depicted as an anti-realistic, anti-positivistic, and non-deterministic approach, which is inherently pluralistic and ideographic. According to GST principles, dynamicity and change are essential parts of human narratives of the world and systems, and human knowledge is constantly reproduced through collecting new information. As a result, knowledge, theories, narratives, and scientific laws dynamically change. Given this premise, one could argue that GST is considerably compatible with the postulates of post-modern thinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigation of linear periodic systems is a prominent subject of research within the domain of linear systems theory. In this context, the state‐space realization of such systems is of particular significance. In fact, after successfully treating the realization problem for time‐invariant systems, various researchers have directed their attention toward investigating the case of linear periodic systems. Meanwhile, in the late 1980s, Jan C. Willems proposed an approach that broadened the range of systems studied, now referred to as the behavioral approach. This approach views the behavior of a system as its fundamental element, including all signals that adhere to the system laws (also called system trajectories). More recently, the behavioral framework has also been extended separately to periodic and quaternionic behavioral systems. Our work consists of considering linear periodic input/output quaternionic behavioral systems and using recent developments in order to obtain quasi‐minimal and uniform state‐space realizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay uses attachment and dynamic systems theory to argue that qualities of confusion, despair, and failure in Rebecca Harding Davis's work are aspects of the process of change. Looking at Margret Howth and her short fiction, especially "John Lamar," it shows how Davis's bleak attentions to motion and interaction contain aspects of the implicit relational knowing central to attachment relationships and how they shape her approach to race. In an ideological and aesthetic terrain that does not fall in line with liberal or sentimental approaches to progress, Davis pursues an aesthetic and ethic of attending to compromise, loss, and despair as the grounds of compassion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We prove an operator-valued Laplace multiplier theorem for causal translation-invariant linear operators which provides a characterization of continuity from H α (R , U) to H β (R , U) (fractional U-valued Sobolev spaces, U a complex Hilbert space) in terms of a certain boundedness property of the transfer function (or symbol), an operator-valued holomorphic function on the right-half of the complex plane. We identify sufficient conditions under which this boundedness property is equivalent to a similar property of the boundary function of the transfer function. Under the assumption that U is separable, the Laplace multiplier theorem is used to derive a Fourier multiplier theorem. We provide an application to mathematical control theory, by developing a novel input-output stability framework for a large class of causal translation-invariant linear operators which refines existing input-output stability theories. Furthermore, we show how our work is linked to the theory of well-posed linear systems and to results on polynomial stability of operator semigroups. Several examples are discussed in some detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on cognitive-affective system theory and using tour guides, hotel and attraction staff as subjects, three experimental studies investigated the effect of using service robots on career identity. The results were that: (1) the use of service robots significantly affected career identity; (2) emotional exhaustion mediated the relationship between service robot use and career identity; and (3) years of work experience and staff age positively moderated the main effect. The findings provide meaningful implications for managers to more effectively deploy service robots and enhance staff career identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking Big Data research as a case study, this article intends to investigate the cognitive relatedness of research topics across the global science landscape to a focal topic. Several levels of cognitive relatedness are established depending on the citation distance between the citing publications and a core set of publications. The concept of citation generation is adopted for identifying and classifying other publications with different levels of relatedness to the core set. The micro publication-level classification system of Centre for Science and Technology Studies (CWTS) is applied for determining clusters of publication sets at the topic level. The overall cognitive relatedness of micro clusters to Big Data core publications are measured based on the mean citation generation of all the publications in corresponding clusters. In addition to the given clusters, this study also explores the 'topics' relatedness from a semantic point of view, by extracting high-frequency title terms of publications in each generation. Results show that data analysis methods and technologies are the topics with the strongest cognitive relatedness to Big Data research, while topics on physics and astronomy studies present the weakest relatedness. This approach allows assessment of relatedness between research topics by considering the citations distribution across multiple citation generations, and can provide useful insights to study and characterise topics with fuzzy boundaries or are difficult to delineate, thus representing a novel toolset relevant in the context of studying interdisciplinary research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the continuum version of the random field Ising model in one dimension: this model arises naturally as weak disorder scaling limit of the original Ising model. Like for the Ising model, a spin configuration is conveniently described as a sequence of spin domains with alternating signs (domain-wall structure). We show that for fixed centered external field and as spin-spin couplings become large, the domain-wall structure scales to a disorder dependent limit that coincides with the infinite disorder fixed point process introduced by D. S. Fisher in the context of zero temperature quantum Ising chains. In particular, our results establish a number of predictions that one can find in Fisher et al. (Phys Rev E 64:41, 2001). The infinite disorder fixed point process for centered external field is equivalently described in terms of the process of suitably selected extrema of a Brownian trajectory introduced and studied by Neveu and Pitman (in: Séminaire de probabilités XXIII. Lecture notes in mathematics, vol 1372, pp 239–247, 1989). This characterization of the infinite disorder fixed point is one of the important ingredients of our analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

5G, the current generation of communication networks is based on the standards defined by 3GPP and other organizations (ETSI, ENISA, NGMN). These standards define virtual networks supported by three basic technologies, SDN, NFV, and Network Slicing. Virtual networks are primarily built using software and have clear advantages that appear to be reduced because of the corresponding loss in security due to the larger attack surface of this type of network. On the other hand, virtual networks can be made even more secure than hardware-based networks by leveraging the flexibility and adaptability of virtual functions and numerous articles have studied different aspects of their security. Current work goes from proposals for specific mechanisms to general studies of threats and defenses. Some of these are systematic literature reviews considering everything published on a specific theme. We prefer to analyze carefully selected papers considered significant and produce from them an overview of the status of the security of the network technologies used by 5G. After this analysis, we have found that although there are many studies of threats, they are not systematic and have confusions about concepts that may mislead implementers; we also found that the large variety of defenses can be confusing to designers. We have therefore conducted a critical analysis of threats and defenses to provide a clear perspective of how to secure these networks. Based on this perspective, we propose directions for research to improve or extend current defenses. We note that although virtual networks have special characteristics, they are examples of systems and much of the theory of systems security applies to them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article argues that understanding currently dominant technological change models in low-and-middle income countries is important to addressing challenges to sustainable development with enhanced knowledge and effective policies. Combining such understanding with using systems thinking, as a theoretical framework, helps in illuminating techno-social systems and their overlaps with economic and human development systems, therefore highlighting possible leverage points for interventions to usher technological change towards sustainable development objectives. The proposed conceptual synthesis between technological change models and systems thinking is then critically applied to case studies related to digitalisation in Africa, where challenges to sustainability are amplified by continuous pressure for technological advancement, making local capabilities a central issue. The case studies examine how continental digitalisation indicators are ahead of industrialisation and human development indicators, with similar issues in digitalising agri-food ecosystems. We show that, while Africa is currently increasing in digitalisation, correlations between digitalisation and sustainable development are not as direct, or necessarily positive, as initially assumed. Similar trends are seen in digitalisation and agri-food ecosystems, where farm-raised data is monetised off-farm, thus removing opportunities for farmers to realise return on their knowledge investment. Examining the cases, using the proposed synthesis approach, reveals that digitalisation can contribute to development indicators when coupled with enhancing employment in productive sectors and that the prevailing order of 'technology-push, demand-pull' models suggests more investment in technological improvement. The article contributes to theory by illuminating overlaps between two theoretical/conceptual areas and to praxis by informing alternative policy directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the topic of social support has received significant attention from communication scholars, the role of support seekers and seeking warrants greater consideration. We synthesize research examining cultural differences in support seeking, support seeking message properties, dilemmas of support seeking, and connections between support seeking and provision. An agenda for future scholarship rooted in dynamic systems theory is then proposed. Support seeking is conceptualized as a phenomenon that is co-constructed during conversation with support providers. Opportunities for connecting existing domains of support seeking research as part of conversations and relationships are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through a literature review, this study investigates the responsibility, application, and impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in organizational training based on the theoretical frameworks of Psychological, Economic, and Systems Theories in Human Resource Development (HRD). It emphasizes the importance of responsible AI training systems that adhere to non-discrimination, privacy, interpretability, professional responsibility, and accountability to ensure AI's beneficial and equitable contribution to training. The application scenarios of AI in areas such as knowledge management, training needs analysis, training delivery, and feedback to provide personalized and efficient training solutions are analyzed. Moreover, it highlights the differing impacts of AI-supported training on organizations, trainers, and trainees and the significance of stakeholder engagement. Finally, it proposes recommendations for future research to broaden our understanding of AI's application in training and assess its effects on policies and practices, guiding organizations to adopt AI technologies per HRD principles and ethical standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This structured literature review explores the alignment and potential synergies between human resource development (HRD) and social entrepreneurship within the United States. The study's guiding questions investigated how social entrepreneurship is characterized in scholarly articles and where HRD research and practice intersect with social entrepreneurship. Based on literature from 2006 to 2021, this study found that social entrepreneurship lacks cognitive legitimacy and is framed as (a) pragmatically legitimate, (b) at both individual and organizational levels, and (c) as a virtuous practice. Building on system theory, the study suggests that social entrepreneurship organizations are adaptive systems, and HRD professionals can support organizational strategies by practicing various processes, including skill development, ethical training, and ensuring personnel alignment with the organization's social mission. However, research on social entrepreneurship in HRD is rare. The central contribution of this paper is to conceptualize how HRD can contribute to the advancement of social entrepreneurship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Communication of information in complex systems can be considered as major driver of systems evolution. What matters is not the communicated information by itself but rather the meaning that is supplied to the information. However informational exchange in a system of heterogeneous agents, i.e. agents which code and decode information with different meaning processing structures, or, in other words, which entertain different sets of communication codes, is more complex than simple input–output model. The structural differences of coding and decoding algorithms in a system of three or more groups of agents, entertaining different sets of communication codes, provide a source of additional options which has an impact on system's dynamics. The mechanisms of meaning and information processing can be evaluated analytically in a framework of the model, based on the use of a non-linear evolutionary equation. The results suggest that model predictions significantly correlate with empirically observed data in systems of different origins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rabies is often described as the quintessential One Health problem, linking especially animal health to human health. I examined how rabies is managed in the circumpolar North through semi-structured interviews of key informants in three cases: Alaska, Northwest Territories, and Svalbard. While rabies is controlled at the territorial or state level in the Northwest Territories and Alaska, respectively, the perception of where authority lies in rabies management is less evident in Norway concerning Svalbard than in the other two cases. Respondents generally characterised the working relationship between sectors and scales of governments as positive. However, coordination remains one of the main challenges to rabies management, with harsh environmental conditions and small remote communities adding additional challenges in all three cases. Rabies managers in Svalbard also face unique conditions, such as risks associated with hunting and the particular administrative structure of Svalbard. Due to limited veterinary services in dispersed small and remote communities, dogs present challenges to rabies management in Alaska and the Northwest Territories. Personal relationships are important in disease management across agencies, and the unique challenges in the far North will likely pose challenges in adopting approaches to disease management from temperate climates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to rationally characterize the nondeterministic phenomena in queueing systems, there exist two mathematical systems, one is probability theory concerned with the analysis of random phenomena and the other is uncertainty theory concerned with the analysis of uncertain phenomena. Before using the above two mathematical systems to model the real queueing systems, we often need to face such a question, are the real queueing systems random or uncertain? In order to answer this question, we collect the arriving times of passengers from online car-hailing platform in Beijing, and then analyze the collected data based on stochastic renewal process and uncertain renewal process. Finally, by comparing samples and confidence intervals of the total numbers of passengers arriving on the online car-hailing platform under two mathematical systems, we come to the conclusion that the queueing systems in the real world are uncertain rather than random. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the term 'social field' has surfaced sporadically in various disciplines throughout the twentieth Century, it has largely lain dormant as a conceptual framework. In this article, we re-introduce the social field as a foundational concept both for understanding collective lived experience and for developing methodologies to effect systems change. We explore and expand on three inter-related properties that we consider to be phenomena common to all social fields: intercorporeality, autonomy, and affordance. Drawing on recent and emerging intervention methodologies focusing on these properties, we illustrate the potential of taking a social field perspective for both diagnosis and intervention in the change process. We make the case that the social field is a distinct entity and a powerful leverage point for effecting systems change, and that the re-invigoration of social field theory and practice can make a significant contribution to the field of organizational and systems change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: There is a pressing need for the hospitals to improve their quality and become more patient-centered. Over the last decade, several approaches were implemented to meet this demand, such as hospital accreditation or patient surveys. Many studies have addressed the patient involvement systems from the viewpoint of the factors that drive them or the achieved performance. In this study, we examined the patient involvement from the viewpoint of its function and operation rather than its performance. Following Luhmann, we reconsidered quality to be related to the absorption of uncertainty rather than improvement or innovation. The adaptation of an organization to involve patient participation can be regarded as contributing to the immune function of the organizational system. Methods: Three case studies addressing patient and family advisory councils in general hospitals were conducted in Belgium. Qualitative empirical material is retrieved from observation, documentation, and interviews. Results: Our findings suggest that the immune function of the hospital organization operates in four main phases. First, we assess how the communicative process indicates the relevant difference that needs to be addressed. Role differentiation occurs through the depoliticization and depersonalization of criticism. Second, given the impossible realization of first-order observation of the environment, our material shows how second-order observation is organized through a dual representation. Third, we unveil how the environmental representation requires a specific organizational socialization to overcome the representation paradox. Finally, we analyze how the whole described process must fulfil the preparation of a repertoire of responses to the irritations of its environment. Discussion: The analysis revealed that patient and family advisory councils complete a crucial immune function for organizations, far beyond the simple discussion of the "nuts and bolts" of organizational structure. These findings permit to discuss implications of the notions of participation and quality regarding to identity work of stakeholders, open organization, and change management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the dynamics near the origin of a family of autonomous Hamiltonian systems associated with the polynomial function $$\begin{align*} H& =\dfrac{1}{2}(x^2+X^2)+ \dfrac{1}{2}(y^2+Y^2)+ \delta(z^2+Z^2)\\ & \quad + \left[\alpha(x^4+y^4+z^4)+ \beta(x^2y^2+x^2z^2+y^2z^2)\right] +H^*, \end{align*}$$H=12(x2+X2)+12(y2+Y2)+δ(z2+Z2)+[α(x4+y4+z4)+β(x2y2+x2z2+y2z2)]+H∗, where $ \delta =\pm 1 $ δ=±1, that is, in 1:1:2 or 1:1: $ -2 $ −2 resonance and depending on α, β real parameters, and $ H^* $ H∗ is any polynomial function of degree greater than four. The flow of the Hamiltonian vector field is reconstructed using normal forms and applying singular reduction theory, obtaining the reduced Hamiltonian defined on the orbit space. From critical points of the reduced Hamiltonian, we prove the existence of periodic solutions together with their linear stability using the averaging theory for Hamiltonian systems. In fact, in the case of resonance 1:1:2 there are at most seven families of periodic solutions for every energy level h>0, while in the case 1:1: $ -2 $ −2 there are at most six families of periodic solutions for every energy level h>0 and one family for every h<0. Moreover, the bifurcations of periodic solutions are characterized in terms of the parameters. Also, we determine KAM 3-tori encasing the linearly stable periodic solutions. For the integrable case ( $ \beta =0 $ β=0), we can apply our analysis. In fact, we get three periodic solutions for $ \delta =1 $ δ=1, two periodic solutions for $ \delta =-1 $ δ=−1 and KAM tori. During the work, we highlight the important differences intrinsic to the resonances 1:1:δ and 1:1: $ 2\delta $ 2δ on the reduced space with the appropriated symplectic coordinates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractDrawing on the dual system theory, a configuration model for cyberchondria was proposed to explore the complex interplay between the individual characteristics, socioemotional system, and cognitive control system in causing cyberchondria. A questionnaire was distributed to users who have searched for health information on social media platforms. A total of 320 valid responses were collected. The fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method was employed to analyse the data. Four equifinal configurations leading to cyberchondria were identified, with fear of missing out, perceived information overload, and perceived communication overload as core conditions. Additionally, one configuration leading to the absence of cyberchondria was identified. We further explored the configurations for the four sub-dimensions of cyberchondria. The results revealed four configurations for excessiveness, two for distress, one for compulsion, and three for reassurance. Four theoretical propositions leading to cyberchondria and its sub-dimensions are proposed. This provides a dual system perspective into how fear of missing out can evolve into cyberchondria and explains the complexities of cyberchondria between different individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Full coverage of childhood vaccines is a persistent challenge in low- and middle-income countries, suggesting the presence of specific contextual barriers. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic further worsened the situation. The complementary use of community-based participatory research (CBPR) and human-centered design (HCD) approaches has the potential to effectively create tailored interventions for improving public health outcomes. This protocol provides examples of methods to evaluate the use of these novel approaches in low- and middle-income countries. The 'Let's talk about vaccines' project is a multisite community-based participatory project by VillageReach that uses the CBPR and HCD approaches to identify the barriers and co-create interventions/solutions to address under two routine immunization access and uptake in Malawi and Mozambique. Methods: Guided by the Reach Effectiveness Adoption Implementation Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework, this evaluation prospectively evaluates the effectiveness (on under-two immunization coverage and related outcomes) of VillageReach's co-created interventions and processes of implementation (reach, adoption, implementation and maintenance) in two districts in Mozambique and two in Malawi. This paper will also describe the theory of change for VillageReach's project. Thematic analysis will be used to analyze the qualitative data, and interrupted time series analysis used to analyze the co-created interventions' effectiveness on specific under two immunization outcomes. The analysis will integrate complex systems thinking and constructs inherent in health systems strengthening. Discussion: This evaluation is an opportunity to share the use of novel and best practices, opportunities and challenges for improved community-responsive programming in routine immunization. It will be fundamental in providing evidence on the impact of interventions, evidence on mechanisms behind improvements in under- two immunization outcomes due to codesigned community-driven solutions and informing their scalability in similar contexts. Findings will inform the development of a comprehensive framework to guide the scalability of community-based approaches on childhood immunization uptake and access into similar contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the controllability and optimal control results for a structure with quasi-linear evolution in abstract spaces. First, the analytic semigroup theory was used to prove the existence and uniqueness of the quasilinear system. Additionally, the same system's controllability outcome was examined. The latter uses fixed-point theorems to determine the best control for the quasi-linear system. Two specific examples are then provided to demonstrate the usefulness of our primary findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe science of reading consists of a large, evolving, and impressive body of evidence about how humans learn to read and how reading should be taught. This body of evidence has accumulated via diverse epistemological perspectives and methods, yet points to undeniable consensus on many issues (e.g., the importance of explicit phonics instruction, the influence of prior knowledge on reading comprehension). Scholars in educational psychology have robust research programs in the area of reading and are well-positioned to contribute to expanding the science of reading beyond narrow conceptualizations that have been popularized in the media or certain policy efforts. In this paper, we introduce a set of contributions to the special issue that is designed to achieve such expansion by focusing on both the descriptive and explanatory aspects of theory, integrating minoritized perspectives, and contextualizing reading processes and outcomes. Additionally, we illustrate how such an expansion can be done specifically with regard to the role of prior knowledge and a conceptual integrative framework of reading that draws on dynamic systems theory. We conclude by highlighting the theoretical advances the special issue offers collectively and discussing directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systems consolidation theories propose two mechanisms that enable the behavioral integration of related memories: coordinated reactivation between hippocampus and cortex, and the emergence of cortical traces that reflect overlap across memories. However, there is limited empirical evidence that links these mechanisms to the emergence of behavioral integration over time. In two experiments, participants implicitly encoded sequences of objects with overlapping structure. Assessment of behavioral integration showed that response times during a recognition task reflected behavioral priming between objects that never occurred together in time but belonged to overlapping sequences. This priming was consolidation-dependent and only emerged for sequences learned 24 hr prior to the test. Critically, behavioral integration was related to changes in neural pattern similarity in the medial prefrontal cortex and increases in post-learning rest connectivity between the posterior hippocampus and lateral occipital cortex. These findings suggest that memories with a shared predictive structure become behaviorally integrated through a consolidation- related restructuring of the learned sequences, providing insight into the relationship between different consolidation mechanisms that support behavioral integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Can AI systems such as ChatGPT think? We present an argument from rationality for the negative answer to this question. The argument is founded on two central ideas. The first is that if ChatGPT thinks, it is not rational, in the sense that it does not respond correctly to its evidence. The second idea, which appears in several different forms in philosophical literature, is that thinkers are by their nature rational. Putting the two ideas together yields the result that ChatGPT is not a thinker. The paper sets out the argument in detail and shows how it can withstand numerous objections. We end the paper by contrasting the argument from rationality with a more well-known argument often taken to show that ChatGPT doesn’t think, due to Bender and Koller. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of postpartum depression (PPD) among Chinese women surpasses the global average, and this disparity is closely associated with the level of social support they receive. Using Sensitive Interaction Systems Theory and Family Communication Patterns Theory as guiding frameworks, we conducted a content analysis of 705 posts gathered from the hashtag #PPD (chanhou yiyu) on Zhihu, a popular Chinese social media platform. Our findings reveal that postpartum women primarily seek social support from their husbands and mothers-in-law through indirect nonverbal and direct verbal communication strategies. They tend to receive more problem-focused support than emotion-focused solace. Moreover, the use of direct verbal communication strategies promotes potential support providers' problem-solving behaviors, while the use of indirect nonverbal strategies elicits their avoidance behaviors. In addition, the conversation-oriented family communication pattern strengthens the positive association between direct verbal communication and support-providing behaviors, whereas the conformity-oriented family communication pattern weakens this relationship. This study contributes to the applicability of the abovementioned theories in the Chinese context and provides insights for future interventions aimed at addressing PPD among women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with existence, non-existence and uniqueness of positive (coexistence) steady states to a predator-prey system with prey-dependent dispersal. To overcome the analytical obstacle caused by the cross-diffusion structure embedded in the prey-dependent dispersal, we use a variable transformation to convert the problem into an elliptic system without cross-diffusion structure. The transformed system and pre-transformed system are equivalent in terms of the existence or non-existence of positive solutions. Then we employ the index theory alongside the method of the principle eigenvalue to give a nearly complete classification for the existence and non-existence of positive solutions. Furthermore we show the uniqueness of positive solutions and characterize the asymptotic profile of solutions for small or large diffusion rates of species. Our results pinpoint the positive role of prey-dependent dispersal on the population dynamics for the first time by showing that the prey-dependent dispersal in the predator-prey system is a beneficial strategy increasing the chance of predator's survival and hence promoting the coexistence of species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The following considerations adopt a critical conservation approach to understanding scientific heritage, particularly its intangible aspects. This heritage includes the intellectual and research legacy, encompassing various forms of communication, with a focus on digital technologies. Conservation methods now play a crucial role in transmitting this intangible heritage, shifting from traditional substance-based care to communication systems and enhancement facilitated by digital humanities. These advancements enable novel experiences and foster new academic and social practices. Interestingly, sociology features prominently in this context. It appears twice: first as a discipline that produces intangible heritage worthy of preservation and communication, and second as a theory for communicating this heritage. Our exploration begins by recognizing the university's role as a cultural agent engaged in producing and transmitting knowledge. We then delve into the concept of scientific heritage, particularly how the Humanities and Social Sciences preserve their heritage compared to the so-called hard sciences. While we acknowledge the importance of the real impact of these disciplines, our focus is on the formal recognition of their scientific production as cultural heritage. Ultimately, we focus on specific heritage worth preserving and reflect on ways to enhance it in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the postulates of systems theory is the tendency of any system to seek a stable state and avoid chaos. Stability is associated with overcoming crises, which are considered obstacles to development. Crises can serve various functions: destructive, threatening the viability of the system; destructive, leading to further development; and crises that are merely disr uptions of equilibrium. In the context of transitioning from repelling armed aggression to ensuring military security in the post-war period, it is appropriate to describe the crisis phenomena and situations of the recovery period, which encompass the real crises of the recovery period. Special attention should be paid to the classification of crises, modeling their development, establishing crisis communications and decisionmaking in crisis conditions, developing state policy and crisis response strategies, as well as devising methods for crisis prevention. Situation centers play a key role in forecasting the security situation, preparing stabilization operations, and coordinating the actions of various security and defense structures. Their tasks include conveying decisions to personnel and the local population, organizing management and interaction, informing about the development of events, and controlling the execution of decisions. The centers also collect and analyze operational information for timely response to crisis situations. In legal science, the concept of a "crisis of the recovery period" is not widespread, but it may be useful for describing emergencies in the post-war period. The definition of such crises should consider the specific impacts of hazardous factors on national interests. The modern concept of national security of Ukraine envisages the integration of various security sectors, including economic, political, social, and legal aspects. According to legislation, the national security system in the recovery period should be an organized set of entities united by common goals and tasks regarding the protection of national interests. These entities participate in military-civil relations, coordinate their actions, and develop crisis response strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our interconnected world, Systems Thinking (ST) is increasingly being recognized as a key learning goal for science education to help students make sense of complex phenomena. To support students in mastering ST, educators are advocating for using computational modeling programs. However, studies suggest that students often have challenges with using ST in the context of computational modeling. While previous studies have suggested that students have challenges modeling change over time through collector and flow structures and representing iterative processes through feedback loops, most of these studies investigated student ST through pre and post tests or through interviews. As such there is a gap in the literature regarding how student ST approaches develop and change throughout a computational modeling unit. In this case study, we aimed to determine which aspects of ST students found challenging during a computational modeling unit, how their approaches to ST changed over time, and how the learning environment was supporting students with ST. Building on prior frameworks, we developed a seven-category analysis tool that enabled us to use a mixture of student discourse, writing, and screen actions to categorize seven ST behaviors in real time. Through using this semi-quantitative tool and subsequent narrative analysis, we found evidence for all seven behavior categories, but not all categories were equally represented. Meanwhile our results suggest that opportunities for students to engage in discourse with both their peers and their teacher supported them with ST. Overall, this study demonstrates how student discourse and student writing can be important evidence of ST and serve as a potential factor to evaluate ST application as part of students' learning progression. The case study also provides evidence for the positive impact that the implementation of a social constructivist approach has in the context of constructing computational system models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractDisparities in adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes in rural areas of the USA persist as a concern in achieving health equity for youth. A growing body of literature recognises that improving adolescents’ health necessitates systems thinking to address the culture and environment in which adolescents live. This paper uses systems thinking to identify leverage points to improve adolescent SRH in rural Latino communities in California. We conducted focus group discussions with 22 young people and interviewed 10 adult stakeholders to centre the perspectives of youth and youth-serving professionals. Transcripts were coded and analysed using systems thinking. Five themes were developed: (1) community and cultural norms can be a source of both support and stigma for youth; (2) families are key to supporting health education and services; (3) rural schools provide a central hub for programme delivery; (4) community-based organisations can work to serve rural youth, but limited resources and transport are challenges; and (5) youth face considerable barriers accessing SRH services in their communities. Using systems thinking to identify leverage points and gaps in interactions between system components influencing youth can aid in the development of more holistic and culturally responsive approaches for rural youth SRH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Garden color plays a key role in creating a spatial atmosphere, artistic conception and regional landscape characteristics. The Chinese classical garden has a profound traditional Chinese culture at its core, and its color collocation is a microcosm of Chinese culture. An in‐depth exploration of the color matching of classical gardens is helpful for promoting the organic combination of modern urban construction needs and traditional culture. Therefore, this paper takes Tang‐style gardens in Xi'an as an example and selects five typical classical gardens to study the color characteristics of garden elements, uses natural color system (NCS) to record color data from classical garden elements, establishes a color map, and quantitatively evaluates the color harmony of classical garden elements on the basis of Moon Spencer (M‐S) color harmony theory. Research has revealed that the color system of Tang‐style gardens in Xi'an is unique and includes 244 NCS standard colors with a wide distribution of hues. The study distinguishes between humanistic environment colors and natural environment colors that vary greatly with season, and provides a wide color range that reflects the beauty of nature. The color range of the humanistic environment appears calm and solemn, with colors having low blackness and low chromaticness in general. There is a certain difference in color harmony between natural and cultural environment colors, but the overall color harmony is good. This paper not only enriches the color theory system of Tang‐style gardens but also provides a reference for promoting the scientific application of traditional urban colors in modern urban landscape construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Healthcare provider leadership programs represent an intervention opportunity to support advancement of the national system of care and an evaluation of their program impacts is needed. Between 2016 and 2023, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) funded Clinical Scholars (CS), a three-year equity-centered leadership training program for US healthcare providers. CS recruited participants (referred to as Fellows) in cohorts and engaged them as members of interprofessional teams to transform their careers and the health of their communities. The aim of this study was to evaluate Fellows' perspectives on the success of CS, specifically the program elements and their importance for community well-being and sustainability. Methods: We used the mixed methods group concept mapping (GCM) approach to evaluate Fellows' perspectives on program success. First, we conducted the qualitative phases of brainstorming, sorting, and rating with Fellows. Secondly, we conducted the quantitative phases using multi-dimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis and integrated the sorting and rating information from each Fellow to develop a series of concept maps. Finally, we conducted the interpretation phase to synthesize findings. Fellows (N = 177) across five cohorts were invited to participate in the study. Results: Fifty-seven Fellows (32%) completed one or more GCM phases. A conceptual map emerged, consisting of seven thematic clusters, which showed that program value could be attributed to the following elements: "Resources", "Wicked Problem Impact Project (WPIP) Support", "Curriculum", "Thinking Bigger", "Leadership Training", "Networking", and "Teamwork." The pattern match showed that all seven clusters were highly rated by Fellows across the Community Well-being Impact and Sustainability domains. Conclusion: Study findings support the value of the RWJF-CS program strategy of long-term investment in the development of healthcare leaders with applied skills in interprofessional collaboration who will be prepared to continue addressing complex, multi-faceted challenges in the system of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global climate crisis demands that cosmetic science formulators evolve their toolbox and expand their expertise beyond traditional fields. While formulators already possess extensive knowledge in chemistry, biology, physics, and engineering, there is an urgent need to incorporate ecology, environmental science, and systems thinking. This paper presents the "12 Principles of Green Formulation," an adaptation of the influential "12 Principles of Green Chemistry" by John Warner and Paul Anastas, tailored specifically for cosmetic science formulation. These principles provide a practical guide for formulators to create inherently greener and more sustainable products. By applying these principles, formulators can select superior raw materials, streamline formulas, enhance product safety and efficacy, reduce production issues and waste, and promote a circular economy. This article details each principle and provides a condensed poster or sticker version suitable for quick reference, empowering formulators to contribute meaningfully to a more sustainable future in their daily work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Human and artificial intelligence has often been examined through competitive and oppositional lenses, which may no longer suffice in modern digital and knowledge-based societies. This paper advocates for a holistic perspective by integrating human and artificial intelligence within the conceptual framework of intellectual capital (IC). Design/methodology/approach: Employing a deductive approach rooted in systems theory, this study reinterprets established dimensions of IC for the era of artificial intelligence. Findings: Drawing inspiration from the Information Variety Model and the 4C Curve Model, both developed within the research framework of the Viable Systems Approach, a conceptual framework is proposed to transcend fragmented perspectives. It aims to provide researchers and practitioners with a comprehensive understanding of human–artificial intelligence relations within the realm of IC. Originality/value: This paper contributes to the ongoing discourse on the potential evolution of IC in the era of artificial intelligence by presenting a multidisciplinary framework that challenges reductionist perspectives. It underscores the importance of systems thinking in reframing, analyzing and discussing key dimensions of IC in the context of the artificial intelligence era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept and social media hashtag, #BlackGirlMagic, is used to demonstrate the ability of Black women and girls to create paths and to succeed despite intersectional racism, sexism, and classism. Conversely, the concept of Black Girl Magic and Strong Black Woman schemas have been used to glorify struggle, undermine support, and victim-blame. Therefore, resiliency for Black women and girls requires clarification on how and why it is used and understood by researchers and practitioners. This article examines the experiences of Black women and girls by (a) evaluating the use of resiliency research and theoretical frameworks (Luthar et al., 2000; Spencer, 2005); (b) exploring unrecognized strengths and vulnerabilities across the lifespan; and (c) providing recommendations for researchers, interventionists, and practitioners to rethink resilience for Black women and girls. Black feminist thought and womanism frameworks are integrated to promote sustained healthy development for Black women and girls. Resiliency can only be promoted in Black women and girls if (a) immediate psychosocial and physical needs are addressed while (b) concurrently eliminating systemic barriers and social norms that allow Black women and girls to experience outsized adversity. Public Significance Statement: Using research and theoretical frameworks, this article clarifies and redefines how resiliency is understood for Black women and girls. Rather than pressuring Black women and girls to be resilient, radical shifts in societal norms and the elimination of systemic barriers are necessary for enduring health. The article explores unrecognized vulnerabilities and strengths across the lifespan as opportunities to create avenues for healthy functioning for Black women and girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]