Common Understanding Research Articles

Decreasing exciton dissociation rates for reduced voltage losses in organic solar cells

Enhancing the device electroluminescence quantum efficiency (EQEEL) is a critical factor in mitigating non-radiative voltage losses (VNR) and further improving the performance of organic solar cells (OSCs). While the common understanding attributes EQEEL in OSCs to the dynamics of charge transfer (CT) states, persistent efforts to manipulate these decay dynamics have yielded limited results, with the EQEEL of high-efficiency OSCs typically remaining below 10−2%. This value is considerably lower than that observed in high efficiency inorganic photovoltaic devices. Here, we report that EQEEL is also influenced by the dissociation rate constant of singlet states (kDS). Importantly, in contrast to the traditional belief that advocates maximizing kDS for superior photovoltaic quantum efficiency (EQEPV), a controlled reduction in kDS is shown to enhance EQEEL without compromising EQEPV. Consequently, a promising experimental approach to address the VNR challenge is proposed, resulting in a significant improvement in the performance of OSCs.

Early Validation and Verification of System Behaviour in Model-based Systems Engineering: A Systematic Literature Review

In the Systems Engineering (SE) domain there has been a paradigm shift from document-based to model-based system development artefacts; in fact, new methodologies are emerging to meet the increasing complexity of current systems and the corresponding growing need of digital workflows. In this regard, Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is considered as a key enabler by many central players of the SE community. MBSE has reached an adequate level of maturity, and there exist documented success stories in its adoption in industry. In particular, one significant benefit of utilising MBSE when compared to the traditional manual and document-centric workflows is that models are available from early phases of systems development; these enable a multitude of analyses prior any implementation effort together with other relevant capabilities, like the automation of development tasks. Nonetheless, it is noticeable there is a lack of a common understanding for how formal analyses for the verification and validation (V&V) of systems behaviour, specifically in the early phases of development, could be placed in an MBSE setting. In this article, we report on the planning, execution, and results of a systematic literature review regarding the early V&V of systems behaviour in the context of model-based systems engineering. The review aims to provide a structured representation of the state of the art with respect to motivations, proposed solutions, and limitations. From an initial set of potentially relevant 701 peer-reviewed publications we selected 149 primary studies, which we analysed according to a rigorous data extraction, analysis, and synthesis process. Based on our results, early V&V has usually the goal of checking the quality of a system design to avoid discovering flaws when parts are being concretely realised; SysML is a de facto standard for describing the system under study, while the solutions for the analyses tend to be varied; also V&V analyses tend to target varied properties with a slight predominance of functional concerns, and following the variation mentioned so far the proposed solutions are largely context specific; the proposed approaches are usually presented without explicit limitations, while when limitations are discussed, readiness of the solutions, handling of analyses simplifications/assumptions, and languages/tools integration are among the most frequently mentioned issues. Based on the survey results and the standard SE practices, we discuss how the current state-of-the-art MBSE supports early V&V of systems behaviour with a special focus on industrial adoption and identify relevant challenges to be researched further.

Combining Cyber Security Intelligence to Refine Automotive Cyber Threats

Modern vehicles increasingly rely on electronics, software, and communication technologies (cyber space) to perform their driving task. Over-The-Air (OTA) connectivity further extends the cyber space by creating remote access entry points. Accordingly, the vehicle is exposed to security attacks that are able to impact road safety. A profound understanding of security attacks, vulnerabilities, and mitigations is necessary to protect vehicles against cyber threats. While automotive threat descriptions, such as in UN R155, are still abstract, this creates a risk that potential vulnerabilities are overlooked and the vehicle is not secured against them. So far, there is no common understanding of the relationship of automotive attacks, the concrete vulnerabilities they exploit, and security mechanisms that would protect the system against these attacks. In this article, we aim at closing this gap by creating a mapping between UN R155, Microsoft STRIDE classification, Common Attack Pattern Enumeration and Classification (CAPEC), and Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE). In this way, already existing detailed knowledge of attacks, vulnerabilities, and mitigations is combined and linked to the automotive domain. In practice, this refines the list of UN R155 threats and therefore supports vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, and approval authorities to meet and assess the requirements for vehicle development in terms of cybersecurity. Overall, 204 mappings between UN threats, STRIDE, CAPEC attack patterns, and CWE weaknesses were created. We validated these mappings by applying our Automotive Attack Database (AAD) that consists of 361 real-world attacks on vehicles. Furthermore, 25 additional attack patterns were defined based on automotive-related attacks.

Dental Students' Satisfaction With Web-Based Learning During the Initial Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Mixed Methods Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic has precipitated an accelerated shift in education, moving from traditional learning to web-based learning. This transition introduced a notable transactional distance (TD) between the instructors and learners. Although disease control and staff and students' safety are the top priorities during a pandemic, the successful delivery of education is equally crucial. However, the ramifications of this swift transition are particularly critical in the context of dental education. Dental education is inherently practice oriented, necessitating hands-on training and manual skills development, which poses unique challenges to distance learning approaches. This study aims to examine dental students' web-based learning satisfaction and experience of TD, investigate the predictors of web-based learning satisfaction, and explore the perceptions of students about the advantages and disadvantages of web-based learning. This study explored the factors associated with web-based learning satisfaction using TD theory during the transition to web-based education. Psychological factors that could influence satisfaction were adapted from the health belief model. We conducted a cross-sectional web-based survey of 345 dental students from 2 institutions in South Korea who were enrolled in the spring semester of 2020. Data were collected between July 8 and September 14, 2020. Qualitative analysis was used to examine responses to open-ended questions concerning perceptions of web-based learning. A multivariate hierarchical linear regression model was used to analyze the effects of student characteristics, TD, and psychological factors (ie, perceived risk of infection and efficacy belief of web-based learning) on web-based learning satisfaction. The average score for web-based learning satisfaction was 3.62 (SD 0.84), just above the midpoint of the possible range (1-5). Self-regulated learning (β=0.08; P=.046), learner-instructor interaction (β=0.08; P=.03), and learner-content interaction (β=0.64; P<.001) were associated with higher levels of satisfaction. Moreover, a significant association was revealed between high efficacy beliefs in web-based learning (β=0.20; P<.001) and satisfaction. Although the learning structure (synchronous vs asynchronous) did not exhibit a significant association with satisfaction, the qualitative analysis results revealed that each structure possesses distinct strengths and weaknesses. The students in synchronous learning (79/345, 22.9%) recognized heightened autonomy in the "learning environment" (19/79, 24%); however, technical issues (28/79, 35%) and reduced concentration (15/79, 19%) were identified as downsides. Conversely, the students in asynchronous settings (266/345, 77.1%) emphasized unlimited access to learning content (74/266, 27.8%) and the flexibility of "learning in preferred time" (69/266, 25.9%). Nevertheless, challenges, such as self-management difficulties (66/266, 24.8%) and limited interactions (55/266, 20.7%), were evident. The findings suggest that efforts to minimize TD, facilitating self-regulated learning and interaction among students and instructors, are critical for achieving web-based learning satisfaction. Moreover, establishing a common understanding among students regarding the necessity and efficacy of web-based learning during epidemics could enhance their satisfaction.

What does my technology facilitate`? A toolbox to help researchers understand the societal impact of a technology in the context of disasters

Disaster risk is increasing globally. Emerging technologies – Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, and remote sensing – are becoming more important in supporting disaster risk reduction and enhancing safety culture. Despite their presumed benefits, most research focuses on their technological potential, whereas societal aspects are rarely reflected. Taking a societal perspective is vital to ensure that these technologies are developed and operated in ways that benefit societies’ resilience, comply with ethical standards, are inclusive, and address potential risks and challenges. Therefore, we were particularly interested in understanding how societal impacts can be considered and leveraged throughout the development process. Based on an explorative literature review, we developed a toolbox for professionals working on emerging technologies in disaster risk reduction. By applying a Delphi study with experts on AI in seismology, we iteratively adapted and tested the toolbox. The results show that there is a need for guided reflection in order to foster discussion on the societal impacts. They further indicate a gap in the common understanding that is crucial for developing inclusive technologies or defining regulations. Our toolbox was found to be useful for professionals in reflecting on their developments and making technologies societally relevant, thereby enhancing societies’ resilience.

When I say inclusion

There is no unified understanding of the concept of inclusion in the literature. Since inclusion is a hot topic in the current debates on equity diversity and inclusion, it is important to move towards creating a common understanding of this term. In this article I explore the concept of inclusion based on the current literature. When I say inclusion, it is not just a sense of belonging, but also the opportunity to participate and contribute meaningfully.

Practices and Perceptions of Teacher Educators on Learner Autonomy

This study explores practices and perception of English language teacher educator on learner autonomy. It aimed to identify the ways through which teacher educators practice autonomy in students learning and encourage them be autonomous. Using qualitative narrative inquiry research design, the data were collected through interviews with the five English language teacher educators teaching at undergraduate level, of Far Western University, Nepal. The findings of the study highlight a shared understanding of learner autonomy, emphasizing independent learning, self-direction, and responsibility. Teacher educators stress the pivotal role of instructors in promoting autonomy, advocating for a shift from traditional to student-centered methods. Despite a common understanding, challenges persist, including psychological factors, institutional constraints, and socio-cultural beliefs. The study also suggests the need to address these challenges through targeted strategies for successful promotion of learner autonomy in English language classrooms. Moreover, the study shows that even though it is challenging, teacher educators are making efforts to encourage students be autonomous in providing choices, goal-setting, encouraging self-evaluation, finding out the resources, preparing assignments, having class presentations into classroom practice using different strategies.

The Study of Jadidism in Soviet and Russian Historiography

The article provides an overview of the history of the study of Muslim reformism, known in the scientific literature as Jadidism, in the works of Soviet and Russian researchers. At first, it included only the reform of Islamic education, and later it began to be understood as a broader movement of “Muslim enlightenment” aimed at reforming the entire Muslim society. The study of the history of Jadidism in Russia began in the 1920s. Soviet scientists through the prism of the Marxist theory of the development of socio- economic formations. In the post-war years, Soviet historians and social scientists wrote critically about Jadidism. During the years of Khrushchev’s “thaw”, scholars tried to reconsider the essence of Jadidism in the socialist context of historical research through the reinterpretation of Islam as a specific Tatar national cultural heritage, called “mirasism”. A new stage of Russian historiography in matters of Jadidism began in the post- Soviet period, when Jadidism began to be seen as a social movement of Russian Muslims aimed at forming a nation of the European type. In general, it can be said that studies in Russian and Soviet historiography on the history of Jadidism in the Crimea, the Volga-Ural region, Central Asia and the Caucasus are distinguished by different methodologies and conceptual approaches, while works on the history of the Jadid movement in the Volga-Ural region are more complete. Despite the fact that there is no common understanding of the phenomenon of Jadidism in the Volga-Ural region, nevertheless, scientists of different directions (historians, philologists, Islamic scholars) have done a lot of work in studying this issue. In this regard, the history of Muslim reformism in the North Caucasus, in particular in Dagestan, is practically not studied. As well as there is no special work on this region.

‘One bad apple won’t spoil the bunch’ – Representations of the “sharing economy”

This research examines the public’s common understanding of the sharing economy, specifically its dark sides. If the sharing economy is represented as problematic, managers should reconsider if they want to promote their businesses as part of it or set actions in case it is associated with it. Thus, we examine (i) the public’s representations of the sharing economy, (ii) which industries are associated with it, and (iii) the development of understanding the sharing economy via three different sources: Representative surveys in Germany (N = 604) and the UK (N = 614), 206 articles in German and British newspapers and 150 images posted on Instagram. Participants’ overall evaluation of the sharing economy in the survey and social media was mainly positive, whereas newspapers extensively discuss its downsides. Ecological, social, economic, financial, as well as legal and security issues are associated with the sharing economy with a strong focus on shared accommodation and shared mobility.

Introduction and scientific justification of data transportability for confined field testing for the ERA of GM plants.

The concept of Data Transportability (DT) of Confined Field Testing (CFT) to support the Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) of Genetically Modified (GM) plants was first introduced in the literature by Garcia-Alonso et al., in 2014. Since then, DT has been discussed in many countries and regions as a concept to prevent duplication of regulatory studies without compromising quality of the ERA. However, despite its usefulness and scientific justification, DT is not well adopted at this time and many regulatory agencies around the world require additional in-country CFT be conducted before approving GM plants. Based on the current circumstances, the authors organized a parallel session entitled "Introduction and Scientific Justification of DT for CFT for the ERA of GM plants" at 16th ISBR (the International Society for Biosafety Research). This session mainly consisted of the following three parts. The first two speakers, Andrew Roberts and Abigail Simmons provided an overview of DT and examples of conditions for the transportability of field data/conclusions advocated in the peer-reviewed scientific journals. Next, the current status of DT adoption in some countries/regions such as Japan and Africa, and a theoretical case study for Argentina were introduced by Kazuyuki Hiratsuka, Douglas Miano, and Facundo Vesprini, respectively. Lastly, a risk hypothesis-based approach for DT which was developed in advance by the five speakers of this parallel session, was introduced. During the discussion, there was a common understanding that transition to the risk hypothesis-based approach for DT was scientifically appropriate, considering the accumulated evidences that several countries have conducted confirmatory local CFT for more than 20years but they have not detected any differences related to the ERA assessment endpoints in GM crops. The risk hypothesis-based approach for DT introduced here is expected to play an important role in discussions on the implementation of DT in various parts of the world in the future.

Policies on child poverty eradication in Indonesia: The importance of a common understanding of children and poverty

AbstractThis paper reviews the policies on child poverty eradication in Indonesia. The review covers the definition of child poverty in Indonesian policy and regulation as well as government policies to eradicate child poverty. Based on the review, this paper argues that it is important to reconsider how children and child poverty are defined conceptually, as well as how that understanding influences the definition and measures of child poverty. Regulations and people's views define children and poverty in various ways. Furthermore, the effectiveness of poverty reduction strategies to eradicate child poverty should be contested because of mismatches between concept, regulations, strategies, interventions, and measures of child poverty.

When team members (dis)agree about social rules and norms: a shared relational models approach to explaining team viability

AbstractWhen people work together in teams, they ideally have a common understanding, a shared mental model regarding various aspects of teamwork. This common understanding refers not only to task-related aspects of teamwork but also to the elemental social rules and norms that underlie social interactions among team members. Relational models theory proposes that social rules and norms can be seen as the implementation and combination of four elemental relational models that people use to coordinate their social interactions. Since each of these relational models encompasses a distinct moral motive, which determines expectations of fairness and appropriate behaviors in social interactions, we propose that the degree of sharedness of individuals’ perceptions regarding the applicable relational models in teams (i.e., shared relational models) is positively related to various aspects of team viability, mediated by perceived justice and relationship conflict. In two field studies collecting data from N = 40 and N = 46 work teams in organizations, we found reproducible support for most of our hypotheses. Our studies’ findings emphasize the importance of shared relational models among team members for justice perceptions, conflict and team viability in organizational settings.

The Sydney Declaration – An unique opportunity for Africa

The Sydney Declaration (SD) has the inherent virtue of shifting the focus from the tools used in forensic science to the fundamental characteristics of appropriate forensic practice analysis of a situation and all related trace data for the purpose of resolving a case. Though several differences might be observed between countries regarding the technologies used, the fundamental principle of forensic logical reasoning are universally applicable to all contexts and environments and not only restricted to sophisticated, well-resourced, established forensic science laboratories based in countries that offer adequate resources, strong networks and legal frameworks. In Africa, several countries lack resources to train practitioners and to develop forensic science institutes, laboratories and other relevant institutions. The SD can serve as departure point to attain appropriate forensic science outcomes. Upholding its sound guidance can help forensic science practitioners remain faithful to their science, acknowledge their limits, give expert opinions based solely on facts and scientific analysis and interpretation, whilst also enhancing communication with their stakeholders. As forensic science develops in Africa, the SD presents a timely opportunity for us to proceed with a common understanding and a solid foundation through which our field can grow.

What is a High-Quality Moral Case Deliberation?-Facilitators' Perspectives in the Euro-MCD Project.

The evaluation of the European Moral Case Deliberation Outcomes project (Euro-MCD) has resulted in a revised evaluation instrument, knowledge about the content of MCD (moral case deliberation), and the perspectives of those involved. In this paper, we report on a perspective that has been overlooked, the facilitators'. We aim to describe facilitators' perceptions of high-quality moral case deliberation and their Euro-MCD sessions. The research took place in Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands using a survey combined with interviews with 41 facilitators. Facilitators' perceived that attaining a high-quality MCD implies fostering a safe and respectful atmosphere, creating a wondering mode, being an attentive authority, developing moral reflective skills, reaching a common understanding, and ensuring organisational prerequisites for the MCD sessions. Our central conclusion is that efforts at three levels are required to attain a high-quality MCD: trained and virtuous facilitator; committed, respectful participants; and organizational space. Furthermore, managers have a responsibility to prepare MCD participants for what it means to take part in MCD.

ETHIO-PATHOGENESIS OF POUND DESTROYMENT IN CHILDREN

Infectious diseases are one of the most serious problems because they are the most widespread and the leading cause of death. Although significant advances have been made over the past decades in addressing this problem, this statement is still true today. Sepsis is the leading cause of death in critical care patients. It develops in 750000 people each year and more than 210000 of them die. Progress in the study of the pathophysiology and genetic basis of the individual response to sepsis has changed the common understanding of this syndrome, and some therapeutic interventions used in recent years have demonstrated efficacy; however, the problem of intensive care is still quite acute and requires further research.

Romanticism: Manifestations and Motives in Alija Izetbegović’s Islam Between East and West for Ali Ezzat Begovic

Objectives: This study investigates romantic manifestations in Alija Izetbegović's "Islam Between East and West," aiming to comprehend the motives behind its notable presence. The book holds prominent value in intellectual and philosophical literature due to its precise analysis. This research is significant as the first to delve into this aspect.&#x0D; Methods: Employing an analytical approach, the study observes and interprets romantic manifestations in the book. Analyzing Izetbegović's sayings and using Western intellectual and philosophical sources, the research explores the intrinsic motives for the romantic elements.&#x0D; Results: The study, through the book, reveals prominent aesthetic principles and human values emerging as tools for world change and restoring personal worlds. Emphasizing Izetbegović's romantic manifestations, it highlights their role in igniting spiritual motives and enhancing a humanistic view.&#x0D; Conclusions: The research delves into the deep dimensions of romantic manifestations in "Islam Between East and West," moving beyond a common and superficial understanding. It recommends a reevaluation of romance in light of recent studies that reconsider its roots and humanistic principles, aligning with Izetbegović's values. Additionally, the study urges the use of various cognitive contexts for a comparative analytical study of artistic phenomena and their societal impact..

Implementation of remote home care: assessment guided by the RE-AIM framework

BackgroundWelfare technology interventions have become increasingly important in home-based palliative care for facilitating safe, time-efficient, and cost-effective methods to support patients living independently. However, studies evaluating the implementation of welfare technology innovations are scarce, and the empirical evidence for sustainable models using technology in home-based palliative care remains low. This study aimed to report on the use of the Reach Effectiveness Adoption Implementation Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework to assess the implementation of remote home care (RHC) a technology-mediated service for home-living patients in the palliative phase of cancer. Furthermore, it aimed to explore areas of particular importance determining the sustainability of technologies for remote palliative home-based care.MethodsA secondary analysis of data collected by semi-structured interviews with patients with cancer in the palliative phase, focus groups, and semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals (HCPs) experienced with RHC was performed. A deductive reflexive thematic analysis using RE-AIM dimensions was conducted.ResultsFive themes illustrating the five RE-AIM dimensions were identified: (1) Reach: protective actions in recruitment - gatekeeping, (2) Effectiveness: potential to offer person-centered care, (3) Adoption: balancing high touch with high tech, (4) Implementation: moving towards a common understanding, and (5) Maintenance: adjusting to what really matters. The RE-AIM framework highlighted that RHC implementation for patients in the palliative phase of cancer was influenced by HCP gatekeeping behavior, concerns regarding abandoning palliative care as a high-touch specialty, and a lack of competence in palliative care. Although RHC facilitated improved routines in patients’ daily lives, it was perceived as a static service unable to keep pace with disease progression.ConclusionsA person-centered approach that prioritizes individual needs and preferences is necessary for providing optimal care. Although technologies such as RHC are not a panacea, they can be integrated as support for increasingly strained health services.

Dental decision-making for persons with dementia: A systematic narrative review.

Dental decision-making represents the establishment of a common understanding between the dental professional and the recipient of the intervention, which determines oral healthcare and dental treatment policies. Dental decision-making for persons with dementia can be challenging, and there have been no systematic reviews on this topic. Therefore, this systematic narrative review aimed to identify the current state of dental decision-making in persons with dementia. Literature search was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and Google Scholar databases. Through the process of research selection, 7 articles with a high risk of bias were included in this study. This review clarified that there is limited information on the dental decision-making processes for persons with dementia. In conclusion, although this may be difficult due to different medical and socioeconomic conditions, the dilemma between the need to establish evidence for dental decision-making and medical ethics that prioritize a patient-centered position should be discussed globally in the future.

Tradition: where MacIntyre meets Hayek to Ground Ethical Governance

This article explores the concept of tradition as the broader ethical dimension in governance networks. We comprehensively address the notions of traditions from the work of the philosopher Alasdair MacIntyre and the economist Friedrich Hayek. Unlike the standard view, MacIntyre and Hayek offer some common understanding regarding the role of tradition in society. Both authors find support in the natural law tradition through different paths. Based on a review of their works, we point to preliminary directions for considering the dynamic of traditions in governance networks. Traditions involve spontaneous and organized means, the sharing of accumulated wisdom, and the ground to define the common good. Network governance represents a context where different traditions meet.

Quantitative analysis of the compliance of EU Sewage Sludge Directive by using the heavy metal concentrations from LUCAS topsoil database.

In the European Union (EU), a common understanding of the potential harmful effect of sewage sludge (SS) on the environment is regulated by the Sewage Sludge Directive 86/278/EEC (SSD). Limit values (LVs) for concentrations of heavy metals in soil are listed in Impact Assessment of this directive, and they were transposed by EU member states using different criteria. Member states adopted either single limit values or based on soil factors such as pH and texture to define the maximum limit values for concentrations of heavy metals in soils. Our work presents the first quantitative analysis of the SSD at the European level by using the Land Use and Coverage Area Frame Survey (LUCAS) 2009 topsoil database. The reference values at the European level were arranged taking into account the upper value (EU_UL) and the lower value (EU_LL) for each heavy metal (arsenic, cadmium, copper, chromium, mercury, nickel, lead, and zinc) as well as taking into account the pH of the soil (cadmium, copper, mercury, nickel, lead, and zinc) as introduced in the SSD Annex IA. Single and integrated contamination rate indices were developed to identify those agricultural soils that exceeded the reference values for each heavy metal. In total, 10%, 36%, and 19% of the LUCAS 2009 topsoil samples exceeded the limit values. Additionally, 12% and 16% of agricultural soils exceeded the concentration of at least one single heavy metal when European LVs were fixed following the soil pH in Strategy II compared to those national ones in Strategy I. Generally, all member states apply similar or stricter limit values than those laid down in the SSD. Our work indicates that choosing LVs quantitatively affects further actions such as monitoring and remediation of contaminated soils. The actual soil parameters, such as heavy metal concentrations and soil pH values from the LUCAS 2009 topsoil database, could be used by SSD-involved policy stakeholders not only to lay down the LVs for concentrations of heavy metal in soils but also for monitoring the SSD compliance grade by using the LUCAS surveys over time (past and upcoming LUCAS datasets).