Analysis Approach Research Articles

Dynamic Stakeholder Analysis Through Process Mapping

ABSTRACTIdentification of stakeholders and their importance is critical to the design of accountability and performance management systems. Conventional stakeholder analysis approaches provide a static view of stakeholders and overlook that accountability is a dynamic process encompassing multiple temporally separated (or distinct) stages. We approach stakeholder analysis from a process perspective to ensure a more complete identification of stakeholders and to capture the dynamic nature of stakeholder emergence, retirement, and changes in relative importance. We used a participatory action research methodology to investigate contracting services in a community health setting and employed process mapping to reveal contracting activities undertaken in sequential stages of Deming's Plan–Do–Check–Act (PDCA) cycle. Stakeholders engage at different stages with different activities of a process so that in multi‐stage processes, stakeholder analysis needs to be repeated at each stage and is specific to each stage. Our use of the PDCA is broader than traditional applications and provides a suitable framework for a more complete identification of stakeholders across the entire process while aligning well with accountability and management control notions. The contribution is an approach that not only better identifies stakeholders but also recognizes the dynamics of multi‐stage processes for stakeholder interest and influence. The recurring nature of many processes (such as contracting) implies that roles remain the same even if an organization is restructured so that process mapping will still identify roles and stakeholders. This approach can be used by other organizations to better identify stakeholders and their dynamics in the planning and delivery processes.

Analyzing the Influence of Geometrical Deformation on Photon Sphere and Shadow Radius: A New Analytical Approach -Stationary, and Axisymmetric Spacetime

Analyzing the Influence of Geometrical Deformation on Photon Sphere and Shadow Radius: A New Analytical Approach -Stationary, and Axisymmetric Spacetime

Unveiling the Context for Implementing Evidence-Based Practice in Spanish Nursing.

This study explores contextual factors affecting evidence-based practice (EBP) adoption among Spanish nurses, examining their interaction with sociodemographic and practice variables to enhance implementation strategies. A national multicenter study employing a cross-sectional online survey design was conducted with an intentional sample of 934 voluntary Spanish practicing nurses. Participants completed the 12-item Barriers/facilitators dimension of the HS-EBP instrument, along with sociodemographic, training and practice information relevant to EBP implementation. Psychometric networks have been utilised as a novel analytical approach. The HS-EBP scores confirm validity and reliability for assessing EBP barriers and facilitators among Spanish nurses. Primary barriers include inadequate EBP discussion spaces, lack of guidance, resistance to change, patient apathy, time constraints and support gaps. Key facilitators are higher academic qualifications, EBP training, professional development participation, educational institution employment and student supervision. Focus is needed on rural nurses and those with heavy clinical duties, facing major EBP barriers. Spanish nurses encounter organisational barriers to EBP implementation, including insufficient incentives and support. Prioritising hands-on training, professional development in teaching and research and robust programs can enhance nurses' ability to advance EBP implementation. The HS-EBP questionnaire is reliable in measuring organisational and contextual factors affecting EBP implementation. Successful implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) in the Spanish healthcare system depends on developing an appropriate organisational culture and securing support from formal leaders. Additionally, fostering an understanding of the importance of patients and their families among Spanish nurses is crucial for promoting EBP adoption.

Pupillary manifolds: uncovering the latent geometrical structures behind phasic changes in pupil size

The size of the pupils reflects directly the balance of different branches of the autonomic nervous system. This measure is inexpensive, non-invasive, and has provided invaluable insights on a wide range of mental processes, from attention to emotion and executive functions. Two outstanding limitations of current pupillometry research are the lack of consensus in the analytical approaches, which vary wildly across research groups and disciplines, and the fact that, unlike other neuroimaging techniques, pupillometry lacks the dimensionality to shed light on the different sources of the observed effects. In other words, pupillometry provides an integrated readout of several distinct networks, but it is unclear whether each has a specific fingerprint, stemming from its function or physiological substrate. Here we show that phasic changes in pupil size are inherently low-dimensional, with modes that are highly consistent across behavioral tasks of very different nature, suggesting that these changes occur along pupillary manifolds that are highly constrained by the underlying physiological structures rather than functions. These results provide not only a unified approach to analyze pupillary data, but also the opportunity for physiology and psychology to refer to the same processes by tracing the sources of the reported changes in pupil size in the underlying biology.

Exploring the variable thermal conductivity for bioconvection flow on Maxwell two-phase nanomaterial past a rotating disk; Analytical approach for irreversibility analysis

Exploring the variable thermal conductivity for bioconvection flow on Maxwell two-phase nanomaterial past a rotating disk; Analytical approach for irreversibility analysis

An Analysis of the Crucial Role of Religious Extremism Contributes to Afghanistan’s Political Instability

Purpose: Political stability in Afghanistan has been hindered by religious extremism. However, several parties have grown up within the country to oppose the government. These extremist groups employ suffering as a means of gaining political power rather than simply using religion Because Sunni, Shia, Hanafi, Wahhabi, and other religious individuals live and work to promote their religions, religious extremism has a significant effect on Afghanistan's political stability. This has led to numerous problems between the citizens and the government. Several explosions have happened in mosques targeting Shia. It is believed that non-Muslims are using this tactic to extend the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan distinctively. This paper aims to analyze the impact of religious extremism on political instability in Afghanistan. In this paper, the analysis is based on the fact that religious extremists have a great impact on the political stability of Afghanistan. Materials and Methods: The study emphasizes analytical and descriptive approaches to gathering and analyzing data, which is more consistent with qualitative studies. The primary approaches used to gather data for qualitative research encompass focus groups, observation, and interviews. Findings: The results of this study are as follows: (1) The analysis of religion is considered one of the important elements in Afghanistan, five categories of participants have different opinions about this response, 51% of respondents agree that religious extremes have an impact on Afghanistan political stability, 38% of participants strongly agree that religion has on impact on political stability in Afghanistan; (2) the supporting of militant groups has an impact on Afghan political instability, 5% of participants are neutral about this response, and 3% of the participants are strongly disagree about the above response. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: We recommend that the Afghan government strictly obey the rule of Islam and international partners should cooperate with Afghanistan in this field.

Evaluating the visual literacy of the Kuwaiti government’s Arabic infographics during the COVID-19 pandemic: an automated visual analysis and AI approach

PurposeWith infographics emerging as key communication tools on social media platforms, this study explores the visual literacy of governments in creating effective infographics, especially during crises. Using the Kuwaiti government during the COVID-19 pandemic as a case study, the investigation evaluates the government’s visual competency and strategy in its infographics on X.Design/methodology/approachFor competence, AI-based techniques were employed to analyze the proportion of text region size to total infographic size, word count per infographic and the most prominent colors used. Regarding strategy, the study utilized the crisis and emergency risk communication (CERC) model as a framework to examine how the Kuwaiti government integrated crisis communication response strategies into infographics.FindingsWhen communicating complex messages, the government resorted to text-heavy infographics instead of creative visualizations, casting doubt on its visual competence. The inconsistent use of colors further undermined a recognizable visual identity. Regarding strategy, infographics on crisis updates were most frequent, supporting CERC’s emphasis on reducing uncertainty. Yet, prioritizing bolstering strategies above empathy and action steps goes against the advice of existing literature.Originality/valueWhile crisis communication research is widely based on textual analysis, this study extends the literature by examining visuals, specifically infographics. Additionally, focusing on Arabic infographics from Kuwait, the study expands the crisis communication literature, which has mainly concentrated on Western countries and the English language. Given the lack of consensus on the best methods to measure visual literacy, this study’s AI approaches contribute to the literature.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-03-2024-0172

Manipulation of Phototactic Responses by Two-Spotted Spider Mites to Improve Performance of Miticides

Insight into phototactic responses by herbivorous crop pests may be used to manipulate their vertical distribution in crop canopies. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the deployment of specific light sources elicits positive or negative phototactic responses and can be used to enhance performance of miticide applications. We characterized movement responses by two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) (spider mites) to seven light sources [ambient (control), UV-C, UV-B, blue, red, white, and near-infrared (NIR)] under experimental conditions. Separate experiments were conducted with/without the presence of a shelter. An analytical approach based on linear regression coefficients (intercept and slope) from observations in ascending order was used. Linear regression coefficients from UV-B indicated significantly negative phototactic bio-response. We examined settlement of spider mites when exposed to 11 light source configurations and with adaxial leaf sides facing either upwards or downwards. This experiment revealed strong positive and negative phototactic bio-responses to blue light and UV-B light, respectively. As a validation experiment, soybean plants were experimentally infested with spider mites and subjected to one of the following three treatments: (1) no treatment (control), (2) miticide [pyrethrins and Beauveria bassiana (BotaniGard Maxx)] only, and (3) a combination of blue and UV-B for 10 min immediately prior to miticide application. Integration of miticide application with prior deployment of blue and UV-B lights significantly increased the performance of miticide application. Results from this study supported the hypothesis. As a pest management approach, the integration of blue light (to elicit positive phototactic response) and UV-B (to elicit negative phototactic response) is believed to be of particular relevance to organic crop producers and/or to producers of crops for which limited numbers of miticides are registered.

A meta-analytical approach for estimating methane suppression from dietary additives in ruminants

IntroductionMethane production inhibitors included in feed additives are increasingly used to suppress methane production in the rumen. Most products interact with the rumen microbiome and/or component biochemical pathways that scavenge free hydrogen ions (H+) to make methane (CH4 ). The capacity of these agents to inhibit rumen methane production is determined by the ability of the chemical to block methane production pathways, the amount of agent delivered to the rumen (i.e. the dose) and the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (i.e. the pharmacokinetic) characteristics of the chemical that contribute to removal from the site of action (the rumen). The intrinsic inhibitory capacity of an agent determines the maximum rate of methane suppression. This maximal rate may reduce according to pharmacokinetic effects arising from dose rate and frequency. Most studies of additive methane reduction efficacy use total mixed ration (TMR; with the additive included into the ration) feeding systems and estimate methane reduction (absolute or relative) across a 24-hour period. Few studies report critical pharmacokinetic parameters, making it difficult to extrapolate findings into non-TMR systems (such as grazing) where differing doses and dose frequencies apply.MethodsWe consider the likely behaviour of a rumen-acting oral additive to reduce methane production applying basic pharmacokinetic principles to propose an analytical approach to data from multiple field studies employing different dose rates and dose frequencies to estimate methane suppression responses. This is based upon a logistic transformation of relative efficacy (percentage reduction in methane comparing treatment with control groups) as the dependent variable and includes total dose, dose frequency, quadratic and interaction terms between total dose and dose frequency as independent variables that potentially capture any pharmacokinetic effects on performance. The model was tested using simulation and verified against real data (cattle 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP) methane-reduction studies).ResultsGood fit between predicted and observed methane suppression was obtained.DiscussionWe propose use of the general form of this logistic model with dose and dose frequency components included that address basic pharmacological impacts on methane suppression as the standard approach to meta-analysis.

“Going under the radar”: barriers to continuity in the rehabilitation trajectories of adults with acquired brain injury in North Norway

Purpose Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is a major cause of disability, but rehabilitation services for adults with ABI discharged home remains deficient. This study explores barriers to continuity in the rehabilitation trajectories of this population in North Norway. Materials and methods Data were generated from focus groups consisting of individuals with ABI and family caregivers (n = 5) and healthcare professionals (n = 14). Purposeful sampling of participants (total n = 19) ensured diverse perspectives. A reflexive thematic analytical approach was applied to identify recurring themes. Results This study reveals significant misalignment between the support needs of home-dwelling adults with ABI and the existing healthcare system in North Norway. Four themes were identified: (1) A lack of awareness of patient rehabilitation needs in hospitals, (2) individuals with ABI slipping through the cracks during transitions, (3) constraints in municipal healthcare services’ capacity, and (4) unclear rehabilitation pathways for individuals with ABI. Conclusions Individuals with ABI need assistance navigating complex healthcare systems, gaining insight into their functional problems, and expressing needs and goals. The findings support calls for a paradigm shift in ABI rehabilitation, advocating for a transition from impairment-focused to reengagement-oriented practices as individuals with ABI transition from inpatient to home settings with increasingly stable residual impairments.

Integrated spatial prioritization of urban nature-based solutions for climate adaptation, mitigation, and justice

ABSTRACT In densely populated cities, people confront multiple impacts of climate change, including stormwater runoff, flooding, heat waves, and health issues. To address these impacts, nature-based solutions (NbS) have gained significant attention in recent years due to their potential to contribute to sustainability, resilience, and ecosystem services. Nevertheless, more research is required to understand the wider potential of NbS and to identify priority areas for their deployment. This study developed an analytical approach and implemented it in the Tehran Metropolitan Area (TMA) by considering factors related to NbS co-benefits. The approach included spatial prioritization, spatial correlation analysis, and suitability analysis. It combines a Geographic Information System, Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs (InVEST) model, Zonation, Best-Worst Method, Bivariate Local Indicator of Spatial Autocorrelation analysis (BiLISA), a Fuzzy Inference System, and Boolean overlay analysis. The results include maps showing priority areas for different types of NbS and spatial co-benefits and mismatches. High-priority areas are located in disadvantaged areas. In total, 105.73 km2 (17% of the TMA) was designated as highly prioritized. We show that various NbS interventions are applicable, with green roofs and rainwater harvesting being the most feasible. This study can assist decision-makers in optimizing NbS to deliver maximum co-benefits.

Reading and writing methods: A challenge in the educational process

The objective of this research was to analyze several reading and writing methods used in educational settings, evaluating their pedagogical approaches and their effectiveness in the process of learning to read and write in school-age children. A systematic review was carried out in the open databases Dialnet and ScieELO, using different inclusion and exclusion criteria, which resulted in 164 documents, applying the PRISMA protocol, 20 were selected. A narrative synthesis analysis was carried out on the following dimensions: reading and writing methods, applied strategies, similarities with other methods and impact on the development of literacy. It is concluded that the combined application of the methods of synthetic and analytical approaches to reading and writing paves the way to attend to the diversity of learning styles, facilitates the strengthening of specific linguistic skills, and strengthens reading comprehension and writing competence.

Collaboration and consent in decisions to initiate emergency dispatches for suicide risk: A national qualitative study.

This study sought to better understand discussions of emergency dispatches (i.e., activation of local crisis services to conduct a welfare check) and the circumstances under which Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) callers and responders feel they are able contribute to (collaboration) and agree upon (consent) the decision to initiate an emergency dispatch. Semi-structured interviews gathered data on veterans' (n = 40) experiences receiving an emergency dispatch and VCL responders' (n = 35) perspectives on initiating dispatches. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Veterans calling the VCL were often seeking emotional support and were surprised to receive a suicide risk assessment and emergency dispatch. Responders reported they strive for collaboration and consent prior to sending a dispatch, but the crisis setting challenged this ideal. Overall, veterans and responders described similar features of the ideal, collaborative conversation about dispatches yet noted threats to achieving collaboration: complex standard operating procedures, responder training quality, and responder lack of comfort with de-escalation. Increasing veteran awareness of VCL services, altering the timing and type of suicide risk assessment, enhancing de-escalation skill, increasing consistency of VCL responder proficiencies, and revising guidelines for dispatch disclosure were identified as ways to improve collaboration and consent around emergency dispatches.

Identifying gene-level mechanisms of successful dispersal of Vibrio parahaemolyticus during El Niño events.

El Niño events, the warm phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation, facilitate the movement of warm surface waters eastwards across the Pacific Ocean. Marine organisms transported by these waters can act as biological corridors for water-borne bacteria with attachment abilities. El Niño events have been hypothesized as driving the recent emergence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vp) variants, marine bacterium causing gastroenteritis, in South America, but the lack of a robust methodological framework limited any further exploration. Here, we introduce two new analysis approaches to explore Vp dynamics in South America, which will be central to uncovering Vp dynamics in the future. Distributed non-linear lag models found that strong El Niño events increase the relative probability of Vp detection in Peru, with a 3-4-month lag time. Machine learning found that the presence of a specific gene (vopZ) involved in attachment to plankton in a pandemic Vp clone in South America was temporally associated with strong El Niño events, offering a possible strategy for survival over long-range dispersal, such as that offered by El Niño events. Robust surveillance of marine pathogens and methodological development are necessary to produce resolute conclusions on the effect of El Niño events on water-borne diseases.

Analysis of Phenomenon of Tianshui Malatang's Soaring Popularity from a Multimodal Perspective

Abstract: Contemporary communication studies show that short videos, as the most important form of information dissemination today, have a more multidimensional and immersive communication effect compared to traditional print media and other channels. Since this information medium inherently contains numerous social symbols with expressive characteristics, this paper will analyze the short videos that led to the viral phenomenon of "Tianshui malatang" based on Kress and Leeuwen's visual grammar and Halliday's theories of language as a social semiotic. This paper analyzes the phenomenon of the "Tianshui malatang" a fusion of regional tourism and local specially food that has gone virtual on Chinese short video platforms, using a multimodal discourse analysis approach. The analysis shows that the "Tianshui malatang" video enhances the sensory interaction between the viewer and the screen in terms of visual effects, and in terms of narrative expression, it leads the viewer to generate positive feedback on the video through the presentation of various elements.

An improved circuit model for the estimation of the electromagnetic energy coupling throughout aperture into metallic enclosure

The development and exploration of approximate phenomenological models used to calculate the electromagnetic energy coupling throughout apertures into metallic enclosures is presented in this paper. An analytical approach has been established for the calculation of the electric and magnetic shielding effectiveness (SE, SM) a rectangular metallic enclosure with an aperture and conductor in it by means of Robinson's model. With the existence of inductive and capacitive obstacles, the modal technique is to complete the first one to estimate SE and SM exactly taking into consideration the maximum of propagating modes. The results of the SE and SM obtained by the analytical model are validated by the software CST/EMC and the Finite-Difference Time Domain method (FDTD). Very similar results are obtained between these methods.

Resource supply and demand model of military settlements in the cold weapon era: case of Zhenbao Town, Ming Great Wall

As an important military defense project in Chinese history, the Ming Dynasty Great Wall and its associated military settlements played a crucial role in maintaining border security. A systematic analysis of how military settlements allocated resources based on external threats and geo-strategic needs is essential to understanding their settlements defense systems. However, this aspect has been relatively under-explored in existing research. Therefore, a resource allocation assessment model for Great Wall military settlements during the Cold Weapon era is established to facilitate a more scientific analysis and quantitative assessment of Military Defense Capabilities(MDC) and Military Requirements(MR). This study employs a combined Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) approach to determine the weight of each indicator for both military defense capability and military requirement. Spatial clustering using K-means is conducted to visualize the distribution of these strengths and weaknesses. An Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression model links military requirements with defense capabilities, assessing the relationship between settlement locations and historical battle sites. Residual analysis is utilized to identify areas of resource over-allocation or under-allocation. The study reveals that the regional differences in military defense capabilities and requirements within the Zhenbao Town area during the Ming Dynasty correspond closely with the locations of frequent conflicts. This finding suggests that the distribution of defensive capabilities were strengthened in areas with challenging terrain, while the effectiveness and allocation of defense capabilities were determined by logistical support and transportation conditions. This study enhances our understanding of historical military strategies from a historical geography perspective and offers innovative insights for analyzing Great Wall settlement, moving beyond mere sensory intuition and historical experience.

Association between relative fat mass and kidney stones in American adults

Our study aimed to investigate the association between RFM and kidney stones, focusing specifically on the mediating role of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). We performed a cross-sectional analysis using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) covering the years 2007 to 2018. Our analytical approach included multivariate logistic regression modeling, subgroup analysis, generalized additive modeling (GAM), smoothed curve fitting, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, as well as mediation analysis to assess the association between RFM and kidney stones. Finally, we categorized RFM into normal and elevated groups to conduct a sensitivity analysis. This study involved 29,712 participants, with a kidney stone prevalence of 9.88%. We discovered a positive association between RFM and kidney stones (OR = 1.41 per SD increment, 95% CI: 1.24, 1.60). Subgroup analysis revealed a consistent positive association across all subgroups, with a notably higher likelihood of developing kidney stones in young adulthood (P for interaction < 0.05). The smooth curve fitting shows that RFM is nonlinearly and positively correlated with the prevalence of kidney stones. Additionally, HDL-C was found to be negatively associated with kidney stones. Importantly, HDL-C demonstrated a significant mediating effect, with a mediation ratio of 13.52%. ROC analysis indicated that RFM (AUC = 0.616) provided better diagnostic accuracy than traditional measures such as BMI (AUC = 0.565) and WC (AUC = 0.599). Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis further supports the robustness of our findings. RFM is nonlinearly and positively correlated with the prevalence of kidney stones, with HDL cholesterol playing a significant mediating role in this relationship. However, further studies are needed to confirm these associations and explore potential mechanisms.

Prodigiosin Demonstrates Promising Antiviral Activity Against Dengue Virus and Zika Virus in In‐silico Study

ABSTRACTDengue (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV), transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, pose significant public health challenges. Effective treatments for these viruses remain elusive, highlighting the urgent need for new efficient antiviral therapies. This study explores prodigiosin, a microbial tripyrrole pigment, as an antiviral agent against both DENV and ZIKV employing advanced analytical approaches which integrate molecular docking, CASTp 3.0 validation and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations providing insights into molecular interactions at an atomic level. Prodigiosin exhibited favourable drug‐likeness properties, meeting Lipinski's rule of five and demonstrating optimal physicochemical and pharmacokinetic characteristics according to Ghose's, Veber's, Egan's and Muegge's filters, essential for oral bioavailability. Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity profiling indicated high intestinal absorption, minimal risk for drug‐drug interactions and a low toxicity profile, with no AMES toxicity, hepatotoxicity, or skin sensitization. Molecular docking revealed prodigiosin's strong binding affinities to NS5 methyltransferases of both DENV (−7.6 kcal/mol) and ZIKV (−7.7 kcal/mol) viruses, suggesting potential disruption of viral replication. Notably, prodigiosin's binding affinities were comparable to ribavirin‐5'‐triphosphate and chloroquine, known inhibitors of DENV and ZIKV, respectively. MD simulations confirmed stable and specific interactions with prodigiosin with low root‐mean‐square deviation values. Additional analyses, including root‐mean‐square fluctuation, radius of gyration and solvent‐accessible surface area, indicated compact and stable complexes. These multi‐parametric in‐silico analytical strategies provide a novel perspective of prodigiosin as an antiviral agent, demonstrating its drug interactions at the molecular level. These promising results suggest that prodigiosin could serve as a broad‐spectrum antiviral agent against both DENV and ZIKV, warranting further experimental validation for therapeutic development against flaviviral infections.

A Comparative Analysis of Legislative Protections for Online Safety in the Global South: A Case Study of the Caribbean

This paper presents a comparative legislative analysis that critically examines the precursors and implementation of online safety legislation on societies in the Global South, using the Caribbean as a focal case study. The online communities that we engage with foster greater human connections, serve as platforms to promote business services, and have become central in public discourse worldwide. Consequently, governance has emerged as a vital approach to maintain healthy digital environments and address the rise of socio-technical harms flowing from online communities. This study employs a two-tiered analytical approach to scrutinize the legislative frameworks established in the Caribbean and to surface variations in policy priorities, approaches to regulation, levels of enforcement, and identify power dynamics that impact the execution of said regulation. The findings of this work shed light on the need for additional work in social computing that delves into the societal ramifications of existing governance structures, rather than solely focusing on efforts to inform and develop new legislation. Through the lens of the Caribbean's case study, this paper provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in the region seeking to optimize the impact of online safety laws on their societies while highlighting contextually appropriate governance solutions that acknowledge the unique cultural, political, and socioeconomic contexts of the Global South.