Conceptual Representation Research Articles

Linking Health Terminologies: A Unified Approach to the WHO Family of International Classifications.

This paper presents an effort by the World Health Organization (WHO) to integrate the reference classifications of the Family of International Classifications (ICD, ICF, and ICHI) into a unified digital framework. The integration was accomplished via an expanded Content Model and a single Foundation that hosts all entities from these classifications, allowing the traditional use cases of individual classifications to be retained while enhancing their combined use. The harmonized WHO-FIC Content Model and the unified Foundation has streamlined the content management, enhanced the web-based tool functionalities, and provided opportunities for linkage with external terminologies and ontologies. This integration promises reduced maintenance cost, seamless joint application, complete representation of health-related concepts while enabling better interoperability with other informatics infrastructures.

Jupyter widgets and extensions for education and research in computational physics and chemistry

Interactive notebooks are a precious tool for creating graphical user interfaces and teaching materials. Python and Jupyter are becoming increasingly popular in this context, with Jupyter widgets at the core of the interactive functionalities. However, while packages and libraries which offer a broad range of general-purpose widgets exist, there is limited development of specialized widgets for computational physics, chemistry and materials science. This deficiency implies significant time investments for the development of effective Jupyter notebooks for research and education in these domains. Here, we present custom Jupyter widgets that we have developed to target the needs of these communities. These widgets constitute high-quality interactive graphical components and can be employed, for example, to visualize and manipulate data, or to explore different visual representations of concepts, clarifying the relationships existing between them. In addition, we discuss with one example how similar functionality can be exposed in the form of JupyterLab extensions, modifying the JupyterLab interface for an enhanced user experience when working with applications within the targeted scientific domains.

Mental representation of words and concepts in late multilingualism

Abstract Speakers of multiple languages must store the respective lexical items efficiently to enable correct access. Importantly, all items must be linked to semantic information and world knowledge. One prominent model of the mental lexicon of late bilinguals is the Revised Hierarchical Model (Kroll & Stewart, 1994), which postulates bidirectional but asymmetrical connections between separate stores for L1 (native language) and L2 (second/foreign language), and a shared conceptual store. Using German native speakers with advanced English proficiency, Experiment 1 largely confirmed model predictions regarding different preferred mental routes and processing times depending on translation direction. Moreover, the original design was extended by including abstract stimuli and picture naming in L2. A series of additional measures, such as proficiency and age of acquisition, served to specify the language experience of the participants and made it possible to compare the results with a group of non-native speakers of German (Experiment 2). Interestingly, the results suggest that the model also applies to two or more non-native languages, potentially influenced by the experimental and environmental language context.

Thoughts on Narrative and Meaning

ABSTRACT In this paper, I explore Lichtenberg’s conceptualization of “narrative as a central organizer of experience.” The idea that narrative integrates immediate happenings as well as past happenings is a natural extension of Lichtenberg’s other observations drawn from the new research on infancy – namely that the infant is primarily a “doer-doing” in a world constituted by the sharing of minds. Narrative replaces the older concept of representation in that it better describes the dynamics of meaningful action.

Mathematical Concept Representations in the Early Years of School: Analyzing Student’s Errors

In this paper we analyze students’ mathematics errors in the early years of Brazilian school. To achieve this goal, we developed a questionnaire with eight math problems that included basic operations. This instrument was distributed to 76 third-grade students in three different classes from three different schools. To comprehend what caused the errors, we analyzed each question. To perform these analyzes we used the following categories: Errors due to language difficulties; Errors due to difficulties in obtaining spatial information; Errors due to incorrect associations or rigidity of thinking; Errors due to the application of irrelevant rules or strategies; Errors due to deficient mastery of prerequisite skills, facts, and concepts; Incorrect reproduction of the task; Error of counting; Errors in the assemblage of the arithmetic operations; Errors in the summing up with values bigger than ten; and Specific errors of subtraction. We believe that using errors as motivation could improve students' understanding of mathematics. We seek to help teachers (and researchers) identify most of the mistakes made by students in order to recognize them in their classrooms. The results indicated that some of the students' most common errors are in line with what the literature points out, that is, difficulty in translating the problem into mathematical language; difficulties in using the operations algorithms and difficulties in understanding what the problem is asking.

Empowering justice: female police officers’ perspectives on advocating for female victims in South Korea

ABSTRACT We conducted qualitative research in South Korea by interviewing female police officers to gain insight into the processes of female representation. The findings show that female officers generally accept representative roles for female victims. Still, such determination can manifest through various behaviours, which may not always translate into tangible law enforcement outcomes. Additionally, the male-dominant culture in police organizations may not directly affect female officers’ advocacy but may reduce their work morale, indirectly impacting their advocacy behaviour. We emphasize that the concept of active representation is not fixed, and various contextual factors can influence it.

Elements of digital identity

The article reveals the process of identifying an individual as a participant in civil legal affairs in the current digital world. It is agreed that the rapid development of modern digital technologies will require rethinking and updating of legal terminology. The concept of digital identity is relevant and complex for current legal systems in the world. Analysis and adaptation of existing legislation to digital progress is inevitable. Digital identity can be seen in many aspects, focusing on stable forms, such as social and legal. Digital identity is a version of a person’s social identity. Continuous collection of information obtained as a result of an individual’s online activity, which can be manifested in the appearance of a name, publication, comments, etc. It is stated that the legal forms of an individual’s identity in a civil-legal sense in the light of digital law will require expansion. The emphasis is on the classic forms of digital identity, which is persistent identity, constructed identity and captured identity. Stable identity is immutable information. Like a butt, this name is given to the people. The formation of identity, as the development of a specific feature of a digital individual, which is seen as a persistent reality at the beginning stage of digital life, in addition to which person positions himself in the digital world. This process defines individuals to others and to themselves. Fragments of factual identity represent the unique characteristics of an individual and his affiliation to a particular social group. The formation of identity clearly flows into a particular identity, in addition to which the individual presents himself as a discrete unit in the digital world. It is possible through individualization, in addition to some non-differentiation, that the individual does not become unique, but goes through stages, through some differentiated aspects of people’s lives, and thus achieves more inseparable goals. Following the constructed identity makes it possible to understand that it is also possible to change information in this form of identity, such as changing a name when laying a sluice. On the Internet, as a rule, only the constructed identity of an individual is indicated. The remaining form of traceable identity, which is captured identity. There is a need for information that a person needlessly does not disclose to other participants in the digital space. For example, passport data, identification code, etc. These nutritional data will require further analysis and investigation. The historical analysis reveals the multiple stages of the emergence of digital identity, and the value of the new concept of the online representation of an individual for his or her existence in the cyberspace.

Gap Analysis of Glaucoma Examination Concept Representations within Standard Systemized Nomenclature of Medicine – Clinical Terms

PurposeStandardization of eye care data is important for clinical interoperability and research . We aimed to address gaps in the representations of glaucoma examination concepts within Systemized Nomenclature of Medicine – Clinical Terms (SNOMED-CT), the preferred terminology of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. DesignStudy of data elements. MethodsStructured eye exam data fields from two electronic health records (EHR) systems (Epic Systems and Medisoft) were compared against existing SNOMED-CT codes for concepts representing glaucoma examination findings3. Glaucoma specialists from multiple institutions were surveyed to identify high-priority gaps in representation, which were discussed among the SNOMED International Eye Care Clinical Reference Group. Proposals for new codes to address the gaps were formulated and submitted for inclusion in SNOMED-CT. Main Outcome MeasuresGaps in SNOMED-CT glaucoma examination concept representations ResultsWe identified several gaps in SNOMED-CT regarding glaucoma examination concepts. A survey of glaucoma specialists identified high-priority data elements within the categories of tonometry and gonioscopy. For tonometry, there was consensus that we need to define new codes related to maximum intraocular pressure (IOP) and target IOP, and to delineate all methods of measuring IOP. These new codes were proposed and successfully added to SNOMED-CT for future use. Regarding gonioscopy, the current terminology did not include the ability to denote the gonioscopic grading system used (e.g., Shaffer or Spaeth), degree of angle pigmentation, iris configuration (except for plateau iris), and iris approach. There was also no ability to specify eye laterality or angle quadrant for gonioscopic findings. We proposed a framework for representing gonioscopic findings as observable entities in SNOMED-CT. DiscussionThere are existing gaps in the standardized representation of findings related to tonometry and gonioscopy within SNOMED-CT. These are important areas for evaluating clinical outcomes and enabling secondary use of EHR data for glaucoma research. This international, multi-institutional collaborative process enabled identification of gaps, prioritization, and development of data standards to address these gaps. ConclusionAddressing these gaps and augmenting SNOMED-CT coverage of glaucoma examination findings could enhance clinical documentation and future research efforts related to glaucoma.

Virus

A fascinating contradiction is suggested by the title "Virus Abstract": a meeting point between the intellectual domain of abstraction and the invisible world of microscopic organisms. It typifies a biological paradox in which minute creatures have a disproportionate impact and have the power to significantly affect living things and complex species. As a condensed summary of a virus's traits, behaviors, and evolutionary dynamics that emphasize both its biology and duality, a "Virus Summary" is used in scientific discourse. However, the term can also refer to more abstract representations of viral concepts found in literature, art, and even the digital world of cyber threats research. It also encourages the study of metaphorical, symbolic, and philosophical aspects of viral existence.

Imagining abstractness: The role of embodied simulations and language in memory for abstract concepts

ABSTRACT Can you visualize a dog? How about grief? The latter may be more difficult, as grief has no easily identifiable physical referent in the external world. Such an abstract concept is often seen as “disembodied” and represented linguistically. However, for embodied views, abstract concepts can be grounded in perceptual, motor, and introspective experiences. In two studies, participants memorized abstract words using linguistic (sentence-making) or imagery (visualizing situations) strategies. Imagery improved recall at medium (30 min) and long-term (24 h) intervals, but not immediately (30 s). Manipulation checks using interferences confirmed that imagery relied more on sensorimotor experiences. This suggests that the memory representation of abstract concepts is deeply rooted in experiences. Aligned with embodied accounts of conceptual processing, this means that orienting learning towards experiential aspects of concepts is more important than orienting towards the related linguistic information for long-term memory.

Students as co-researchers: participatory methods for decolonising research in teaching and learning in higher education

ABSTRACT This paper focuses on the potential, challenges, and limits of participatory, narrative and multimodal research methods as contributions to decolonising research on understanding student experiences of teaching and learning in higher education. Drawing on Fraser’s social justice concepts of participatory parity, redistribution, recognition, and representation, we argue that methodologies and methods for researching students’ experiences need to redress power imbalances implicit in many existing approaches. We suggest how participatory methodologies can be combined with narrative inquiry and multimodal methods where students research their own lives and contexts. We critically reflect on an international study based in South Africa with South African and UK partners involving 65 undergraduate students from rural backgrounds who participated as co-researchers over 12 months. We highlight decolonial debates in relation to participatory research, before outlining our methodological approach and interrogating the potential, limitations, and future possibilities of co-researcher methodologies for decolonising student-focused research in higher education

Comparing comparison: Smith and Davidson

Comparison, as a method in the study of religion, has received considerable criticism in recent years. Much of the discussion addresses what we call the dilemma of religious comparison: either similarities between the cases compared are real and the differences accidental, or the differences are real and the similarities merely apparent. The first path is held to artificially impose similarity by wrongly privileging one of the things being compared, which imposes an essentialist view, taking its characteristic as the measure of all comparable cases. The other path exaggerates differences between comparands, undermining the very premise of comparison. We argue that this apparent dilemma presupposes a representational conception of meaning, namely that the task of comparison is to discover what kind of thing is represented by the cases being compared. However, there are other conceptions of meaning that might can potentially avoid or resolve the dilemma, by reorientating the basic conception of comparison, as opposed to entering into details of recent critical debates. This article argues that interpretationism, an approach to meaning associated with philosopher Donald Davidson does just this. JZ Smith did not explicitly adopt any semantic theory. But we demonstrate that he implicitly endorsed all of its main elements in his work on comparison. Smith’s writings represent a rich and detailed model of how comparison can be carried out under an interpretationist semantics. This article has two important implications for the study of religion. First, it dissolves the dilemma of religious comparison, suggesting a firmer theoretical and methodological basis for comparative studies. Second, it underlines that Smith’s work serves as a powerful and practical model of comparative method, as constructed on this basis. As a corollary, an interdisciplinary side-benefit, reading Smith in light of Davidson also makes important contributions to philosophy of language.

Distributed Data Analysis in Cloud Services for Insurance Companies

This article embarks on an insightful journey through the realm of advanced data analysis techniques which can be used in the insurance area, with a keen focus on the applications and capabilities of Graph Neural Networks (GNN) in the following sector. The article is structured into several chapters, which include the overview of existing and commonly used approaches of the data representation, the possible ways of data analysis of the data in such a representation, deep dive into the concept of GNN for the graph data analysis and the applicability of each approach in the insurance industry. The initial chapter introduces the two main concepts of the data representation, which are the commonly used relational database and the more modern approach of dimensional data design. Then the focus is moved to the graph data representation, which also can be used for data analysis in the cloud environment. To achieve the best applicability in the insurance industry, particularly in underwriting and claims management, the article analyzes the advantages of each approach to the data representation as well as its drawbacks. To conclude the chapter, the comparison table of the three approaches is presented. Based on the comparison table, the decision to use the graph representation is made as it enables the industry to unravel complex relationships and dependencies amid various data points—such as policyholder history, incident particulars, and third-party information—resulting in more accurate risk assessments and efficient claim resolutions. Then the article presents the concept of Graph Neural Networks, a rather new concept which can be used to analyze the data, represented in a graph form using machine learning algorithms. The potential of using this approach for the data analysis in the insurance area and some possible use cases are described. The advantages of using this approach include ability to effectively capture and leverage the complex relationships inherent in graph- structured data and a powerful framework for analyzing and processing graph-structured data. However, the potential drawbacks of the approach such as complexity to design and difficulties in scaling are also considered. Further along, the article probes the strategic integration of Graph Neural Networks with real-time and dynamic data environments, examining their adaptability to evolving network patterns and temporal dependencies. We discuss how this adaptability is paramount in contexts like real-time decision-making and predictive analysis, which are crucial for staying agile in a rapidly changing market landscape. Then the exact use cases of the GNN applicability in the insurance area are provided, including the claim assignment and underwriting process are described in detail. Furthermore, the simplified mathematical formulation of the underwriting process is provided, which elaborates the role GNNs play in propelling actuarial science with their capability to incorporate node attributes, edge information, and graph structure into a composite risk assessment algorithm. The article concludes by describing that with the new technologies, the graph representation may become the new standard for the data analysis in the cloud environment, especially for the insurance area, stressing the pivotal role of GNNs in navigating the complexities of interconnected, dynamic data and advocating for their continued research and development to unlock even greater potentials across various sectors.

Comprehension of English for-adverbials: The Nature of Lexical Meanings and the Neurocognitive Architecture of Language.

What is the nature of lexical meanings such that they can both compose with others and also appear boundless? We investigate this question by examining the compositional properties of for-time adverbial as in "Ana jumped for an hour." At issue is the source of the associated iterative reading which lacks overt morphophonological support, yet, the iteration is not disconnected from the lexical meanings in the sentence. This suggests an analysis whereby the iterative reading is the result of the interaction between lexical meanings under a specific compositional configuration. We test the predictions of two competing accounts: Mismatch-and-Repair and Partition-Measure. They differ in their assumptions about lexical meanings: assumptions that have implications for the possible compositional mechanisms that each can invoke. Mismatch-and-Repair assumes that lexical meaning representations are discrete, separate from the conceptual system from which they originally emerged and brought into sentence meaning through syntactic composition. Partition-Measure assumes that lexical meanings are contextually salient conceptual structures substantially indistinguishable from the conceptual system that they inhabit. During comprehension, lexical meanings construe a conceptual representation, in parallel, morphosyntactic and morphophonological composition as determined by the lexical items involved in the sentence. Whereas both hypotheses capture the observed cost in the punctual predicate plus for-time adverbial composition (e.g., jump (vs. swim) for an hour), their predictions differ regarding iteration with durative predicates; for example, swim for a year (vs. for an hour). Mismatch-and-Repair predicts contrasting processing profiles and nonoverlapping activation patterns along punctuality differences. Partition-Measure predicts overlapping processing and cortical distribution profiles, along the presence of iterativity. Results from a self-paced reading and an functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) studies bear out the predictions of the Partition-Measure account, supporting a view of linguistic meaning composition in line with an architecture of language whereby combinatoriality and generativity are distributed, carried out in parallel across linguistic and nonlinguisticsubsystems.

Establishing data elements and exchange standards to support long COVID healthcare and research.

The Multiple Chronic Conditions (MCCs) Electronic Care (e-Care) Plan project aims to establish care planning data standards for individuals living with MCCs. This article reports on the portion of the project focused on long COVID and presents the process of identifying and modeling data elements using the HL7 Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) standard. Critical data elements for managing long COVID were defined through a consensus-driven approach involving a Technical Expert Panel (TEP). This involved 2 stages: identifying data concepts and establishing electronic exchange standards. The TEP-identified and -approved long COVID data elements were mapped to the HL7 US Core FHIR profiles for syntactic representation, and value sets from standard code systems were developed for semantic representation of the long COVID concepts. Establishing common long COVID data standards through this process, and representing them with the HL7 FHIR standard, facilitates interoperable data collection, benefiting care delivery and patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR) for long COVID. These standards may support initiatives including clinical and pragmatic trials, quality improvement, epidemiologic research, and clinical and social interventions.By building standards-based data collection, this effort accelerates the development of evidence to better understand and deliver effective long COVID interventions and patient and caregiver priorities within the context of MCCs and to advance the delivery of coordinated, person-centered care. The open, collaborative, and consensus-based approach used in this project will enable the sharing of long COVID-related health concerns, interventions, and outcomes for patient-centered care coordination across diverse clinical settings and will facilitate the use of real-world data for long COVID research.

Del ruido a la seña. Notas para la formación de una representación del sordo desde los enfoques histórico y cultural

The purpose of this study is to provide a perspective on the representation of the Deaf, considering historical and cultural aspects. This will contribute to a better understanding of the experience of deaf people and promote a more inclusive and respectful representation of this community. Theoretical elements are presented from the social representations that allow understanding the constitution of the concepts of deaf and deafness. We start from a qualitative and hermeneutic methodology, through a critical reflection on the representation of deaf people in contemporary society and its impact on inclusion and participation. We analyze stereotypes and prejudices that persist and identify progress and challenges in promoting an inclusive culture that is committed to respect for deaf people and diversity, which is reflected in the construction of two sections that analyze the evolution of the concept of collective representation to social representation and social representations of the deaf and deafness. We conclude that the study of Deaf culture and its history can provide insight into the experiences and perspectives of Deaf people and their communities, and promotes greater understanding and acceptance of Deafness as a cultural identity.

Formation of conceptual representations of reality on the basis of reflective practice (research experience)

Introduction. The transition from ordinary perceptions of reality to conceptualized ones is a significant problem of philosophical education. The aim of this article is to identify the ways of this transition in the course of doctoral students' work with modern philosophical literature, to substantiate ontological and epistemological principles of understanding reality, and to summarize modern approaches to solving this problem. Materials and Methods. On the basis of teaching practice, which goes back to Socrates' Maieutic method, the principle of “pro et contra”, and substantially determined by the discussions of realists and anti-realists about the nature of reality, the ways of strengthening the discipline of judgment, improving the reflexive culture, clarifying the bases of one's own ideas about the world and formalizing them in a thoughtful system of judgments are revealed. The method of research into the formation of conceptual representations of reality involves analyzing the ways of transition from unconsidered opinions through the recognition of their insufficiency and unsatisfactoriness to such knowledge, which Plato called ‘theory’ (θεωρία), i.e. rationally constructed principles of analytics. In this methodological approach (communicative-competence - in the modern formulation), the very sequence of cognitive acts is important: from ordinary ‘naïve’ perceptions - to a clear understanding of the complexity of the problem - then to the formation of questions in the audience that lead beyond a surface view of reality - and to the possible conceptual coherence and validity of perceptions of reality. Results. In the course of History and Philosophy of Science for doctoral students, the author proposed and justified the use of a three-level construct of moving from everyday representations of reality to conceptually meaningful ones. At the first level it was proposed to give an intuitive definition of the concept of ‘reality’; at the second level to analyze it, relying on sources from among those recommended by the lecturer or chosen independently, then briefly formulate the essence of realistic and anti-realistic approaches and identify the logic of one of them, and at the third level to move to the opposite position and present the relevant arguments. The author summarized the results of this procedure, which includes critical overcoming of ordinary statements about the nature of reality and dialogue between opposite conceptual solutions to the problem, and substantiated that such practice gives the effect of “awakened consciousness” and becomes the basis for readiness to conduct an internal dialogue on complex philosophical problems. Conclusions. The skills of reality analysis presented in the article develop and improve the reflexive practice of young researchers, clarify the basis of their own perceptions of the world, formalize them in a reasoned and critically elaborated system of judgments, and form their readiness to solve complex problems in science and philosophy.

TDG-Diff: Advancing customized text-to-image synthesis with two-stage diffusion guidance

Recently, there has been widespread attention and significant progress in customized text-to-image synthesis based on diffusion models. However, reconstructing multiple concepts in the same scene remains highly challenging. Therefore, we propose a novel framework called TDG-Diff, which employs a two-stage diffusion guidance to achieve customized image synthesis with multiple concepts. TDG-Diff focuses on improving the sampling process of the diffusion model. Specifically, TDG-Diff subdivides the sampling process into two key stages: attribute separation and appearance refinement, introducing spatial constraints and concept representations for sampling guidance. In the attribute separation stage, TDG-Diff introduces a novel attention modulation method. This method effectively separates the attributes of different concepts based on spatial constraint information, reducing the risk of entanglement between attributes of different concepts. In the appearance refinement stage, TDG-Diff proposes a fusion sampling approach, which combines global text descriptions and concept representations to optimize and enhance the model’s ability to capture and represent fine-grained details of concepts. Extensive qualitative and quantitative results demonstrate the effectiveness of TDG-Diff in customized text-to-image synthesis.

The Effect of Using Edugame Wordwall on Students' Mathematical Representation Ability

The difficulty students face in comprehending problems presented through diagrams and mathematical models, coupled with the monotony experienced during mathematics lessons, has resulted in low mathematical representation skills among students. While studies indicate that Wordwall can enhance student engagement, the specific factors influencing this engagement when utilizing Wordwall remain under-explored. This study aims to assess the impact of Wordwall media on students' mathematical representation abilities and determine the extent of this influence. Adopting a quantitative research approach with experimental methods, the researchers employed a post-test-only design using cluster random sampling. Class VII-A was designated as the experimental group, while Class VII-B was the control group. Data were gathered through a post-test essay examination. Analytical techniques involved prerequisite tests (normality and homogeneity) and hypothesis testing (t-test and effect size). Results indicated a significance level of 0.008 in the t-test and an effect size of 0.685, suggesting that using Wordwall media has a moderate yet significant positive effect on students' mathematical concept representation skills. The findings reveal that incorporating Wordwall edugames in classroom instruction can enhance students' mathematical representation capabilities, foster an interactive learning environment, and improve students' self-expression. Consequently, Wordwall has been proven to elevate student engagement in learning and can effectively supplement traditional classroom instruction.

Are we there yet? Saturation analysis as a foundation for confidence in system dynamics modeling, applied to a conceptualization process using qualitative data

AbstractSaturation is a useful concept for system dynamics, yet it has not been widely explored or integrated into the modeling process. In this article, we describe saturation as a metaphor describing the point at which a conceptual representation of a system meets the study purpose and no longer requires modification. When saturation is reached, additional data about the problem would not offer added information, thus indicating that additional data gathering and analysis would likely be redundant. We discuss two visualization techniques, “saturation curves” and “shared understanding diagrams,” for assessing saturation when conceptualizing with causal loop diagrams and show their application in a case example. Using saturation analysis during a system dynamics research process has many advantages, including: (i) identifying model structures potentially needing revisions, (ii) observing the extent to which evidence supports the current conceptualization, (iii) reflecting extensively, (iv) documenting important modeling decisions, and (v) potentially improving the problem statement. © 2024 The Author(s). System Dynamics Review published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of System Dynamics Society.