Analytical Elements Research Articles

UNDERSTANDING LIVED EXPERIENCES THROUGH AN INCLUSIVE LENS OF INTERPRETATIVE PHENOMENOLOGICAL ANALYSIS (IPA) AND INTERPRETATIVE POETICS (IP)

The paper describes the inclusivity of two methodological approaches, applied in PhD study, completed in 2021. The study combined Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and elements of Interpretive Poetics (IP). The focus of the study was understanding the live experiences of educated professionals from selected. African countries, living in Finland. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews with ten participants, five females and five males from Kenya, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Zambia and Ghana. At the time of the study, they were employed by Finnish companies. The data was analyzed by adopting phenomenological analytical tools and elements of interpretative poetics (IP). By incorporating elements of IP into IPA, the study created an additional analytical perspective within IPA, thus enriching it as a methodology. Adopting this additional narrative tool (IP) within IPA demonstrated that IPA can be successfully utilized by researchers from outside such fields as psychology, health psychology and medicine, where IPA is adopted. It further showed that experiences other than those connected to illness and health can be successfully investigated. It proved of value in this cross-cultural study, where a close analysis of the spoken words at the textual level, reinforced and confirmed the findings of the phenomenological (IPA) analysis, thus providing additional validity to the findings. The findings of IPA correlated and were supported by the findings of IP analysis. The identified personal experiential statements (PETs), were clearly expressed through the form of address, as divided. The story threads added a deeper layer to the meaning of the PETs. The sensemaking of lived experiences in the host culture was deeply rooted in and influenced by the values of the native cultures of the participants.

Los modelos científicos como herramientas epistémicasabstractas para aprender a razonar

The variety of scientific methodologies aimed at obtaining knowledge, generating beliefs,and promoting action is very wide. Both philosophy of science and science education havebeen concerned with critically assessing the virtues of the various scientific methods, especiallythe inductive and deductive ones. However, the emergence of new procedures specific to nonacademicsciences has encouraged the development of new reflective perspectives that can analyzethose virtues. From randomized controlled trials to epidemiological or clinical procedures, thePhilosophy of Science has been concerned with examining the virtues and also the defects of theirpractical set-up. The article assumes that modeling based on empirical evidence is a practice of high interest in linguistics. In order to substantiate this assumption, two philosophical approaches to scientific modeling distinguished by their respective research lines on the notion of representationare compared: the Representational and the Pragmatic. These accounts are then illustrated with abrief case taken from linguistics called language parsing, aimed at examining several particularsamples collected as evidence in early stages of experimental modeling. By way of conclusion, it isemphasized that both philosophical accounts provide analytical elements that are relevant for thekind of scientific reasoning around models and whose scope in science education may be of greatpractical interest.

Structuralism, Neostructuralism and Developmental Macroeconomics: evolution of ECLAC’s thought in the light of Latin American problems

The objective of this article is to make a bibliographical review of the theoretical evolution of ECLAC to understand the contribution of classical structuralists on economic development and to deepen the discussion about the emergence of the neostructuralism and the incorporation of new analytical elements in the so-called developmental macroeconomics to respond to the structural problems of Latin American countries. This new orientation is divided into two dimensions, the Keynesian Efficiency and the Schumpeterian Efficiency, that together aim to promote the change necessary for economic development.

Assessment of Non-Linear Modeling of Ladle Furnace Transformer Using Finite Element Analysis

This paper assesses a non-linear model of a three-phase Ladle Furnace Transformer, on slow front transients under no-load conditions. The model is designed to maintain accuracy and reduce complexity in estimating equivalent circuit parameters using three methods: analytical calculations, finite element analysis, and test measurement. The results reveal that analytical and finite element methods show discrepancies lower than 1%. Tests measurement, on the other hand, shows discrepancies higher than 5%, when compared to ones obtained from analytical and finite elements methods. Such discrepancy is particularly high in the estimation of leakage inductances and capacitances, and it is attributed mainly to differences between the transformer design and its actual assembly. Additionally, there are inherent inaccuracies in test procedures and instrumentation errors. The proposed model does not require difficult-to-obtain parameters and incorporates the non-linearity of magnetizing inductance, contributing to more accurate simulations. This simplified model is suitable for analyzing slow front transients and can be integrated into future studies addressing vacuum circuit breaker switching in electric arc furnace power systems, contributing to performance improvements in industrial applications. Additionally, the methodology for parameter determination can be applied to conventional power transformers, highlighting its versatility.

Sacred signs, divine marks

The main purpose of this research is to provide analytical elements regarding the meaning of the geometric symbols that are identified during the Viking Era (especially the swastika and triquetra). Inspired by John Robb’s theory on symbols and the visual methodology of Jill Bradley, this paper approaches some of the main visual sources that occurs in Norse material culture (in particular, the runestone DR 248 and Thor's hammer pendants) and then draws a comparative line between them. Our main conclusions are that the symbols display a variety in their meaning, in accordance to the material and social context in which they were inserted and their religious relevance allowed their permanence in Scandinavia visual tradition.

Determination of trace analytes in nuclear grade Calcium Metal Samples by Axially Viewed Inductively Coupled Plasma – Atomic Emission Spectrometric technique

An Inductively Coupled Plasma – Atomic Emission Spectrometric (ICP-AES) method has been developed for the direct determination of 19 analytes namely, Al, B, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mg, Mo, Mn, Ni, Pb, Pd, Si, Ta, V and W at trace concentration levels in calcium matrix. In nuclear industry, quality control and assurance of nuclear fuels and associated materials for trace metallic impurity contents form an integral part of the system for the smooth functioning of the reactor for the stipulated time span. In this context, it was required to determine trace analytes in nuclear grade Calcium which is used as a reducing agent for the production of U, Th, Pu, etc. in nuclear industry. Using axial ICP-AES, initially calibration curve for Ca with 396.847nm analytical line was obtained. Systematic studies were carried out to identify various analytical wavelengths of the analyte elements which are almost free from Ca, being the main matrix and calibration curves were obtained. For all analytes and Ca, detection limits and sensitivity values were calculated. To validate the method, three synthetic samples with analyte contents in the range of 0.1 - 5 g/mL and Ca at 1 mg/mL were analyzed, the % recovery being in the range of 80-120% with precision better than 5% RSD. The method was found to be useful for the direct determination of the elements of interest in calcium matrix and was applied for the analysis of two nuclear grade real life calcium metal samples.

Global value chain approach and micro-level analysis: a innovative framework of analytical elements and future research opportunities

Global value chain approach and micro-level analysis: a innovative framework of analytical elements and future research opportunities

Toward Analytical Performance Specifications for Immunosuppressive Drug Quantification in Transplantation: An Opinion Article.

Analytical methods require performance that meets the clinical needs. Different approaches for setting up permissible analytical imprecision goals (pCVA%) for drug analyses have been reported. The aim of this study was to calculate the pCVA% for cyclosporine, tacrolimus, everolimus, sirolimus, and mycophenolic acid using 4 alternative approaches, to compare the results and to critically discuss advantages and disadvantages of each model. The approaches to evaluate pCVA% were (A) based on biological variation observed in routine measurement results between 2022 and 2023 in the authors' laboratory, (B) derived from the terminal elimination half-life and dosing interval of the drugs, and (C and D) explored from the width of the therapeutic ranges (TR) by the 2 methods. For approach A, routine measurement data for cyclosporine and tacrolimus, obtained through liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and electrochemiluminescence immunoassays, were evaluated separately. The 4 alternative approaches for deriving pCVA% yielded similar results, for cyclosporine and tacrolimus in an analytical method dependent manner. The average pCVA% was 5.2%, 5.6%, 5.1%, 4.8%, and 7.7% for cyclosporine, tacrolimus, everolimus, sirolimus, and mycophenolic acid, respectively. The most challenging goals were those using TR-related approaches, while those using the biological variation approach were most easily achievable. Approach B resulted in more stringent goals for drugs with longer elimination half-lives (eg, everolimus and sirolimus). There is no single ideal approach for setting goals of drug analysis. However, the pCVA% values derived from the various approaches are similar and confirm that a <6% target proposed by the International Association of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Clinical Toxicology is adequate and realistic in combination with state-of-the-art measurement technologies. In the authors' opinion, approaches based on the width of the TR are preferable, as they represent a common basis for clinical decisions and reflect elements of biological variation and analytics used to establish the TR.

Identification process of time-related bias in pharmacoepidemiologic research based on a scoping review

Objective: To summarize the characteristics of pharmacoepidemiologic research involving diabetes patients, which were published in recent years, in terms of study design and analysis, and develop an identification process for time-related biases in pharmacoepidemiologic research. Methods: PubMed, Embase, CNKI and Wanfang were used for a systematical literature retrieval of relevant study papers published between January 1,2012 and September 26, 2022. Literature screening and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers. Based on the mechanisms of different time-related biases and the characteristics of included study papers in terms of study design and analysis methods, an identification process for all types of time-related biases was developed. Results: A total of 281 study papers were included, of which 58 (20.64%) specifically mentioned certain time-related biases considered in the study. Based on the scoping review results, key points to identify time-related biases were summarized, involving data source, study design, control selection, comparator drugs, matching the duration of diabetes, identification of the washout period, identification of the induction/latency period, identification of the initiation of follow-up, identification of time window, statistical analysis methods, sensitivity analysis, and other design and analytical elements, in the identification process for time-related biases in pharmacoepidemiologic research. Conclusions: Time-related biases are common in pharmacoepidemiologic research and might significantly impact the study results. Based on scoping review results, this study further developed an identification process for time-related biases in pharmacoepidemiologic research, which will help researchers identify and avoid time-related biases and improve the reliability of related evidence in pharmacoepidemiologic research.

As Reformas religiosas e o nascimento da escolarização ocidental

The religious reforms of the 16th century served as the midwives of early modernity. At a time when the Iberian expansion was globalizing the continents, these reforms sparked religious wars and deeply fragmented the European landscape. This confessionalization of society led to the emergence of a more rationalized form of Christianity, represented by various Protestant churches and Tridentine Catholicism, particularly exemplified by the Society of Jesus. Diverging from medieval Christianity, Lutherans, Calvinists, and Anglicans invested in creating their own networks of educational institutions, sparking an unprecedented wave of schooling that aimed to solidify the religious practices of their followers. In response, the Catholic Church also equipped itself, establishing parish schools and, notably, a network of Jesuit colleges that spread throughout the Catholic regions of Europe, Asia, and the New World. In 1599, the Society of Jesus unified its educational establishments with the institution of the Ratio Studiorum — a comprehensive set of Jesuit educational rules that became the foundational curriculum for Catholic schooling in the early modern period. This study argues that the religious reforms were instrumental in the birth of Western schooling, emerging from different Christian matrices — both Protestant and Catholic. This represents a historical shift — in the Foucauldian sense — that led to the rise of schooling in the Western world, characterized by modern discipline, manifested through mechanisms such as time control, spatial organization, the arrangement of forces, a climate of competition and student reward, and an emphasis on moral punishments. This issue is examined through three recent historical-sociological works published in Europe and Latin America: Produção da escola/produção da sociedade: Análise sócio-histórica de alguns momentos decisivos da evolução escolar no Ocidente by sociologist André Petitat; Arqueología de la escuela by sociologists Julia Varela and Fernando Álvarez-Uría; and A invenção da sala de aula: Uma genealogia das formas de ensinar by historians Inés Dussel and Marcelo Caruso. This historiographical reflection examines the emergence of Western schooling, aiming to identify common analytical elements across these three books, while also noting differences, particularly those related to theoretical foundations and socio-spatial contexts.

Explicitly Correlated Gaussians with Tensor Pre-factors: Analytic Matrix Elements

We consider a specific form of explicitly correlated Gaussians—with tensor pre-factors—which appear naturally when dealing with certain few-body systems in nuclear and particle physics. We derive analytic matrix elements with these Gaussians—overlap, kinetic energy, and Coulomb potential—to be used in variational calculations of those systems. We also perform a quick test of the derived formulae by applying them to p- and d-waves of the hydrogen atom.

Regularized relativistic corrections for polyelectronic and polyatomic systems with explicitly correlated Gaussians.

Drachmann's regularization approach is implemented for floating explicitly correlated Gaussians (fECGs) and molecular systems. Earlier applications of drachmannized relativistic corrections for molecular systems were hindered due to the unknown analytic matrix elements of 1/rix1/rjy-type operators with fECGs. In the present work, one of the 1/r factors is approximated by a linear combination of Gaussians, which results in calculable integrals. The numerical approach is found to be precise and robust over a range of molecular systems and nuclear configurations, and thus, it opens the route toward an automated evaluation of high-precision relativistic corrections over potential energy surfaces of polyatomic systems. Furthermore, the newly developed integration approach makes it possible to construct the matrix representation of the square of the electronic Hamiltonian relevant for energy lower-bound as well as time-dependent computations of molecular systems with a flexible and high-precision fECG basis representation.

An Analytic Element Model for Seepage Forces in Fractured Media

There are many situations where groundwater flow has high flow rates, causing large seepage forces. Examples are flows around highly conductive fractures and tunnels. We present a new analytic element for a tunnel in an elastic medium. We combined the analytic element method for groundwater flow with that for linear elasticity, and include the seepage force as a body force in the linearly elastic model. We represent tunnels and fractures as analytic elements. The solution for the case considered is limited to steady state flow and fluid-to-solid coupling. We present examples of the computed seepage forces around a tunnel and a fracture as well as a comparison with another numerical model.

Quantifying myocardial active strain energy density: A comparative analysis of analytic and finite element methods for estimating left ventricular wall stress and strain

AimsThis study compared commonly used methods for calculating left ventricular wall stress with the finite element analysis and evaluated different approaches to strain estimation. We sought to improve the accuracy of contractance estimation by developing a novel stress equation. BackgroundMultiple methods for calculating LV contractile stress and strain exist. Contractance is derived from stress and strain information and is a measure of myocardial work per unit volume of muscle. Precise stress and strain information are essential for its accurate evaluation. Methods and resultsWe compared widely used methods for stress and strain calculations across diverse clinical scenarios representing distinct types of left ventricular myocardial disease. Our analysis revealed significant discrepancies in both the stress and strain values obtained with different methods. However, a newly developed modified version of the Mirsky equation demonstrated close agreement with the finite element analysis results for circumferential stress, while the Lamé method produced results close to those of finite element analysis for longitudinal stress and improved contractance accuracy. ConclusionThis study highlights significant inconsistencies in stress and strain values calculated using different methods, emphasising the potential impact on contractance calculations and subsequent clinical interpretation. We recommend adopting the Lamé method for longitudinal stress assessment and the modified Mirsky equation for circumferential stress analysis. These methods offer a balance between accuracy and feasibility, making them advantageous for clinical practice. By adopting these recommendations, we can improve the accuracy of LV wall stress and strain estimates, leading to more dependable contractance calculations, better prognostication and improved clinical decisions. Clinical and translational impact statementAccurately estimating myocardial stress and strain is of paramount significance in clinical practice because the calculation of the contractance, defined and quantified by myocardial active strain energy density, necessitates correct stress and strain data. Contractance, which assesses myocardial work per unit muscle volume, has emerged as a promising indicator of contractile function and a predictor of future risk. The new recommendations for calculating myocardial stress improve the reliability of calculating contractance and enhance the understanding of myocardial diseases.

Tech mining: a revisit and navigation.

This mini-review arrays the pertinent tools and purposes of "Tech Mining" - shorthand for empirical analyses of Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&I) data. The intent is to introduce the range of tools, and show how they can complement each other. Tech Mining aims to generate powerful intelligence to help manage R&D and innovation processes. We offer a 5-part array to help relate the analytical elements. An overview of a case study of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles illustrates the complexities involved and the potential to generate valuable "intel."

Analytic representative element rate decline models for naturally fractured reservoir depletion

Representative single anisotropic matrix block 2D Green’s function models for depletion through fully-penetrating, vertical fractures through different numbers of fracture faces are constructed that analytically capture both fracture and block depletion with fracture-matrix mass transfer. The 1D Green’s function for a fracture system is likewise solved in terms of the time evolution of average fracture pressure. While transient average pressure values are not inherently measurable, they are transformed into cumulative production or instantaneous flowrate values, thus producing new rate decline model functional forms. Primary variables in assembling the interacting systems model are the volume ratio, Vf /Vm, permeability ratio, kf /kx, and geometry, (a/b)(ky/kx), with the last term accounting for both block shape and permeability anisotropy. We construct interacting systems models in terms of various ratios of Vf /Vm, and kf /kx for three fracture architecture prototypes: representative matrix blocks depleted by 4, 2, or 1 contacting fractures. The single matrix block models can be migrated to ones for heterogeneous systems using superposition and matrix block distributions, as demonstrated with a binary distribution of block sizes with variable fractions. Analytic solutions for rate decline problems can be used to understand the production signatures of naturally fractured reservoirs and interpretation of fracture volume fraction, permeability ratio, average matrix block size, and measures of heterogeneity.

Health assessment of TBM diversion tunnel structure based on AHP and AMV models

Health assessment is one of the important theoretical bases for deciding whether the diversion tunnel can operate safely and stably. A project of the TBM diversion tunnel is taken as the research object to ensure the normal operation of the diversion tunnel. Based on measured data and considering multiple safety aspects such as structural response, durability, and external factors of the diversion tunnel, a TBM diversion tunnel structural health evaluation index system is established. A new method for the TBM diversion tunnel structural health comprehensive evaluation based on Analytic Hierarchy Process-Matter Element Extension-Variable Weight Theory (AMV) is proposed to explore the impact of AMV fluctuation with the measured results of the indicators on the weight, closeness, and health grade of each evaluation index. The high sensitivity and high-risk evaluation indicators for the structural health of the diversion tunnels are identified. It is found that the variable weight varies with the changes in various indicator values, which can accurately evaluate the health status of tunnels in real-time. The characteristic values of the tunnel grade calculated by the AHP and the AMV are 1.589 and 1.695, respectively. The results of the corresponding interval diversion tunnel are the basic safety state of grade B. Except for the two evaluation indicators of concrete strength and slurry properties, the variable weight values and grade characteristic values of other evaluation indicators increase with the increase of indicator values. The four indicators of segment settlement, segment opening, segment misalignment, and segment cracks are more sensitive to the health of the TBM diversion tunnel. This AMV can accurately evaluate the health status of the diversion tunnel structure. The research results can provide references for later maintenance work and similar projects.

When social enterprise ecosystem shapes national public policy: examining Brazil’s national impact economy strategy

PurposeSocial enterprises are embedded in ecosystems with multiple actors interested in the field’s growth. One way to enhance social enterprises is through public policies and developing countries like Brazil included this in the public agenda. After an important mobilization of private organizations and public managers, the Brazilian federal government implemented in 2017 the National Impact Investment and Business Strategy (ENIMPACTO) renamed in 2023 to National Impact Economy Strategy with the same abbreviation. Since its creation, ENIMPACTO saw significant modifications leading to a decree in 2023 extending its mandate, amplifying membership and changing its name to the National Impact Economy Strategy while maintaining the same acronym. This experience leads us to the following question: How was ENIMPACTO created and developed?Design/methodology/approachWe used institutional arrangements and advocacy coalition theory to analyze the key elements that contributed to ENIMPACTO’s creation and its evolution through time. A qualitative, single-case study on the Brazilian experience implementing ENIMPACTO was conducted through semi-structured interviews with national strategy members, participant observation, document and data analysis.FindingsWe argue that advocacy coalition and institutional arrangements frameworks combined are needed to understand Enimpacto’s complexity. The strategy presented an extensive multiple-actor articulation involving shared beliefs that were also important to gather support on recreating and expanding Enimpacto when external events threatened its continuity. Yet, it presented important challenges on how to achieve consensus and alignment regarding important concepts and regulation strategy among the actors and manage the public policy governance and activities implementation.Originality/valueWe combine institutional arrangements and advocacy coalition frameworks and apply them to analyze a public policy composed of actors of multiple sectors that play an active advocacy coalition role. We also present empirical evidence that elements of the advocacy coalition framework add analytical elements to institutional arrangements literature and how they affect each other. We point to two important elements of the institutional arrangements framework (territoriality and subsidiarity) that were not initially considered by ENIMPACTO and were later incorporated because of tensions in the field. We provide empirical evidence of the incipient role that public administration can play in promoting social enterprises' agenda that might base similar strategies to boost social enterprises in other locations.

Comparison between processing time for groundwater flow of fractured porous media via analytic element method

The aim of our work is to study two-dimensional fractured flow simulations for groundwater by using non-identical aperture of fractures via Analytic Element Method, and make a comparison between processing time of both techniques i.e. iterative and matrix method. Numerical solutions for the considered problems are totally based on series expansions, whereas the effects of every fracture are expressed as a series which obey Laplace's equation. In all examined cases, it is evident that the iterative method is not able to converge, while by introducing the matrix method, the expected results are obtained with minimum computational cost (processing time).

Three-dimensional elastic properties of open-cell porous structures: Analytic and finite element modelling

The current paper introduces a three-dimensional micromechanical model of open-cell cellular solid materials and presents the homogenization of the model to an orthotropic continuum. An orthotropic microstructural beam model was created and tested under pure stretch and pure angular distortion to identify the dominant deformation modes by mapping the contributions of normal-, bending- and torsional stiffness to the total strain energy. In the case of unidirectional tension, the deformation mode was dependent primarily on the proportion of normal- and bending stiffnesses, except for the cases with similarly small bending- and torsional stiffness values, where the contribution of torsion was significant. In the case of the pure angular distortion, the key deformation mode was defined by the ratio of bending- and torsional stiffness values, except for the case of large normal- and torsional stiffness values, which resulted in normal-deformation-driven behaviour.The homogenization of the micromodel was conducted by creating an equivalent spring model, by means of which the equivalent elastic modulus values for the main directions of orthotropy have been derived as functions of the geometric and elastic properties of the beams. With the aid of the equivalent spring models, the relative density dependence of Young’s modulus and shear modulus have been examined. The typical second-degree relationship was found to become inaccurate in the range of lower porosity. In the case of increasing relative density values, the exponent of the elastic modulus function decreased while the exponent of the shear modulus increased.