Conceptual Scale Research Articles

Disruption and emergence: How to think about human rights futures

This article suggests that humanity may be approaching a critical juncture, since a confluence of macro-historical changes might—individually or collectively—fundamentally transform the field of human rights, and usher in a second human rights era. In particular, it suggests that the confluence of tectonic geopolitical changes, system-wide shifts in climate and energy, and fundamentally new developments in science and technology might lead to a rupture of the same scale as the cluster of events that heralded the onset of the current rights regime. This argument builds on a number of literatures, especially those focused on norms cycles, rights generations, and what is being called the “ontological turn.” Yet the implications extend beyond these conversations in terms of both conceptual scale (the emphasis here is on critical junctures between eras, rather than cycles or generations within eras) as well as temporal scale (the emphasis is on the medium-to-long-range future, rather than the near future). An effort to ground this speculation takes the form of testable hypotheses and practical recommendations.

A COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF USER SATISFACTION THROUGH COMFORT CONDITIONS IN EDUCATION BUILDINGS

Aim: The study aimed to measure user satisfaction in the education buildings on comfort conditions, to determine and evaluate the significant criteria for the users of education buildings. Method: A conceptual scale is developed. Two architectural education buildings of Adana Science and Technology University are evaluated comparatively through the developed scale and the scale is tested. The data required during the analysis and evaluation process are obtained from the survey studies that are carried out with the architecture students. Results: After the analyzes; visual comfort, auditory comfort, thermal comfort, spatial comfort and air quality were determined as the dimensions of the scale. The scale was tested and it is confirmed that the scale is at the level that can distinguish the conditions of user satisfaction thanks to the analysis as well as the case studies. Conclusion: The literature review shows that there is a need for a more holistic and collective user satisfaction understanding within the context of comfort conditions. The scale, developed to meet this need, can be used for not only post-use evaluation and development in the use/operational process of education buildings, but also has the potential to be used in the planning and design stages.

Analysis on Students Problem-Solving Skill and Scientific Literacy Based on Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Viewed from Gender

Each student has differences in problem-solving, scientific literacy, and higher-order thinking skills. Gender differences partially influence student mindset. The purpose of this study was to analyze the problem-solving skill and scientific literation of students on different genders. The study adopted and modified the one-shot case study design. The subjects of this study were 76 students who took the Animal Ecology course. Both experimental classes were given treatment using practical activities. Data on students' problem-solving skill were collected by using a test consisting of 25 questions. Whereas scientific literacy was collected by using essay questions. Students’ scientific literacy were categorized into 5 scales that were analyzed by using percentages. Statistical analysis uses descriptive and t-tests to determine differences in problem solving skill on different genders. The results showed that (1) 37.66% of students’ scientific literacy are on a multidimensional and conceptual scale, while the remaining 62.34% were on a functional, nominal and literacy scale, (2) students' problem-solving skill are in the medium category, and there is no difference in problem-solving skill in males and females (p>.05).

Examining Learning Outcomes of Inquiry-Oriented Instruction in Introductory Linear Algebra Classes

This study evaluates the effectiveness of inquiry-oriented instruction in introductory linear algebra classes by comparing the performance of students who learned introductory linear algebra concepts in inquiry-oriented settings (TIMES students) with the students who attended other linear algebra classes (Non-TIMES students). We used the assessment data from 461 students (271 TIMES and 190 Non-TIMES students) which were collected from 19 linear algebra classes at 15 institutes across the country. The linear algebra assessment was given as a post-test to all students, and TIMES students performed significantly better than Non-TIMES students. Overall, the difference in the performance of both groups was statistically significant in the entire assessment, procedural subscale, and conceptual scale of the assessment. In a pair-wise comparison of TIMES and Non-TIMES classes, only those TIMES classes performed significantly better than the Non-TIMES classes on the linear algebra assessment where instructors have more experience with inquiry-oriented teaching.

Eco-design and Life Cycle Management: Consequential Life Cycle Assessment, Artificial Intelligence and Green IT

This article deals with two life cycle assessment methods; Attributional (LCA-A) and Consequential (LCA-C). The objective is to bring new perspectives in the field of Eco-design for different types of product applications, particularly in IT, on a macroscopic, conceptual scale, and through different operational tools. In another context, a first work of simplification of the LCAs has been done to be able to handle and test the relevance of the different applicable tools. This work is summered at the part 2.5 and 2.6. By linking the field of Eco-design to Artificial Intelligence (AI), more precisely to Deep Learning and Machine Learning, while using also mathematical algorithms, we have new perspectives to gives to the domain of LCA. The study is currently in its infancy and the algorithms still non-existent and to be developed.

Extended methodology for deriving formal concepts

Two methodologies for formal concepts derivation are considered: the classical one, which focuses on the posterior analysis of the object’s properties of the studied knowledge domain, and non-classical, the cornerstone of which is the a priori formation of the set of measured object’s properties and the determination of existential relations on this set. In the article, firstly, a position is fixed in the technological chain of the target transformation of the source data, where the difference between considered methodologies shows itself. Secondly, the commonality of these two approaches is established in the aspect of the unity of their hypothetical-deductive basis. In this case, the cognitive activity of the subject is expressed first in a priori and then in a posteriori conceptual scaling of the measured properties. The work demonstrates the need for the joint use of the considered methodologies at processing incomplete and inconsistent empirical data about studied knowledge domain. The intermediate consolidation of these methodologies is possible only on the basis of multi-valued logic.

Running event quality: conceptualization and measurement scale

This paper aims to develop event quality measurement scale in running event context. This particular type of track event became more popular in many countries in recent years. The Big Five destinations of running events: Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, and New York are among those final destinations of runners around the world. To attract these runners, quality of the event would be the key success factor. For this paper, the measurement scale has been divided into three dimensions: physical environment, staff attitude and experience of runner after participating in the running event. Samples has been selected using, first, cluster sampling method according to the running event organized in Bangkok during March 2019. The Ultra Park Run Thailand 100 was selected due to the number of participants, approximately 5,000 runners, and it was the only big running event during that time. Second, 109 runners who participated in running events has been selected using simple random sampling method. There are 18 items for this measurement scale. The result of exploratory factor analysis illustrated that all items have factor loading more than 0.4 exempt one item, st-att5 has factor loading close to 0.4 with communalities is 0.268, thus it is deleted during this stage. Furthermore, result of reliability coefficient test shows that all dimensions have Cronbach’s a higher than 0.7. The alpha coefficient for physical environment dimension was 0.868, staff attitude was 0.821, and experience was 0.771. Therefore, all items are correlate to each other and it is sufficient to explain the running event quality construct.

Measuring urban form: Overcoming terminological inconsistencies for a quantitative and comprehensive morphologic analysis of cities

Unprecedented urbanisation processes characterise the Great Acceleration, urging urban researchers to make sense of data analysis in support of evidence-based and large-scale decision-making. Urban morphologists are no exception since the impact of urban form on fundamental natural and social patterns (equity, prosperity and resource consumption’s efficiency) is now fully acknowledged. However, urban morphology is still far from offering a comprehensive and reliable framework for quantitative analysis. Despite remarkable progress since its emergence in the late 1950s, the discipline still exhibits significant terminological inconsistencies with regards to the definition of the fundamental components of urban form, which prevents the establishment of objective models for measuring it. In this article, we present a study of existing methods for measuring urban form, with a focus on terminological inconsistencies, and propose a systematic and comprehensive framework to classify urban form characters, where ‘urban form character’ stands for a characteristic (or feature) of one kind of urban form that distinguishes it from another kind. In particular, we introduce the Index of Elements that allows for a univocal and non-interpretive description of urban form characters. Based on such Index of Elements, we develop a systematic classification of urban form according to six categories (dimension, shape, spatial distribution, intensity, connectivity and diversity) and three conceptual scales (small, medium, large) based on two definitions of scale (extent and grain). This framework is then applied to identify and organise the urban form characters adopted in available literature to date. The resulting classification of urban form characters reveals clear gaps in existing research, in particular, in relation to the spatial distribution and diversity characters. The proposed framework reduces the current inconsistencies of urban morphology research, paving the way to enhanced methods of urban form systematic and quantitative analysis at a global scale.

Quantum Aspects of High Dimensional Conceptual Space: a Model for Achieving Consciousness

Cognitive frameworks best represent cognitive information and knowledge. Several classical probability theory (CPT)-based cognitive frameworks were proposed in the literature. Recently, CPT has failed in explaining certain cognitive processes while quantum theories were successful in explaining the same. In this work, we integrate two cognitive frameworks namely conceptual spaces and 3-way formal concept analysis (3WFCA) to propose a high dimensional conceptual space (HDCS). Our new insights into the analysis of this proposal reveal its quantum characteristics. Among different cognitive processes that can be modelled, our interest is on phenomenal consciousness. Accordingly, we have proposed a formal method to achieve consciousness. We have also proposed an algorithm for the conceptual scaling of a cognitive scenario. HDCS represents a cognitive state using quality dimensions, attributes and their relations. Subsequently, the proposed model makes novel use of agent-environment interaction paradigm for guiding the interaction of HDCS with conceptually scaled cognitive scenario. Cognitive-state representation in HDCS is analogous to quantum state representation in a N-qubit system. Cognitive states are learnt through the parallel accumulation of evidences against all the attributes of multiple dimensions. The interaction between the HDCS and the scenario facilitates the identification and removal of uncertainties. The identified uncertainty coupled with its resolution time resembles Heisenberg-like uncertainty. The analogous of quantum two-slit self-interference would be comparison of evidence accumulation in HDCS with the preceding version of itself. Consequently, this research reveals that modelling consciousness requires a high dimensional space rather than set theoretic structures and support from quantum theories.

Data meaning and knowledge discovery: Semantical aspects of information systems

Data tables provide the standard means of representation of qualitative or quantitative information about objects of interest. They also form a starting point for the task of information processing: an operation of passing from raw data or information to semantically processed knowledge. The fundamental issue here is the question about the meaning of data: What do entries in the data table actually tell us about objects? It entails another question: How should the meaning be further processed? The primary aim of the article is an attempt to answer these two questions. To this end we are going to employ conceptual scales from formal concept analysis, an important theory of data processing introduced by Rudolf Wille, and apply them to data tables so as to obtain multivalued information systems, which were introduced and developed within the conceptual framework of rough set theory by Zdzisław Pawlak and Ewa Orłowska. Our main idea is to regard multivalued information systems as the semantics or meaning of the original tables. This idea allows us to describe and combine classical rough set theory, dominance-based rough set approach, and formal concept analysis within the single framework of multivalued information systems, which is rich enough to cope with a number of semantical nuances that may occur during the process of data analysis.

The Politics of Pity versus Piety

This article analyzes two books that utilize the construct of “The Muslim Woman” as a symbol for public consumption across a global and conceptual scale: Saba Mahmood’s book, 'Politics of Piety', and Malala Yousafzai’s and Christina Lamb’s 'I am Malala'. The motivation behind the analysis is to situate the texts within debates on essentialism within accounts of Muslim women. While essentialism and the critique of it in such discussions are not a novelty, the books demonstrate a physical manifestation of essentialism and a reductionist reaction toward this brand of essentialism. Through analysis of the content, poetics, and response toward the books, I argue that scholarship surround Muslim women are still mired in essentialism albeit efforts to avoid it due to a lack in direction as to how to resolve the issue. I suggest using a combination of power convolution and intersectionality of identities to capture the representation of Muslim women.

Are conceptual knowledge and procedural knowledge empirically separable? The case of fractions.

Concerning students' difficulties with fractions, many explanatory approaches are based on the distinction between conceptual knowledge and procedural knowledge. For further research in this field, it is thus crucial to make these constructs accessible to valid measurement. In this study, we aim at developing a test instrument that affords valid measurement of students' conceptual and procedural fraction knowledge, including in particular empirical validation of this distinction. The data used in this study were from 8th- and 9th-grade students (N=235) in Germany. Facilitated by expert discussions, items from previous studies were developed further and assigned to either a conceptual scale or procedural scale. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to investigate the underlying structure of the data including model comparisons (1-dimensional; conceptual-procedural, verbal-non-verbal). Further analyses in terms of validation focused on reliability and on correlations of the knowledge types with general cognitive abilities. It was found that the theoretically assumed 2-dimensional model fitted the data best. Correlations of the two knowledge types with general cognitive abilities differed significantly. Furthermore, the latent constructs could be reliably estimated from its indicators. Our findings indicate that the empirical separation of conceptual and procedural fraction knowledge is possible: A theoretically grounded test instrument was developed that allows measuring the knowledge types with a sufficient degree of validity. These findings address a research gap that was pointed out repeatedly and gives rise to further research into reasons and remedies for students' difficulties in dealing with fractions.

Distributed manufacturing

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a preliminary conceptual scale for the measurement of distributed manufacturing (DM) capacity of manufacturing companies operating in rubber and plastic sectors.Design/methodology/approachA two-step research methodology is employed. In first step, the dimensions of DM and different levels of each dimension have been defined. In second step, an empirical analysis (cluster analysis) of database firms is performed by collecting the data of 38 firms operating in Italian mould manufacturing sector. Application case studies are then analyzed to show the use of the proposed DM conceptual scale.FindingsA hyperspace, composed of five dimensions of DM, i.e. manufacturing localization; manufacturing technologies; customization and personalization; digitalization; and democratization of design, is developed and a hierarchy is defined by listing the levels of each dimension in an ascending order. Based on this hyperspace, a conceptual scale is proposed to measure the positioning of a generic company in the DM continuum.Research limitations/implicationsThe empirical data are collected from Italian mould manufacturing companies operating in rubber and plastic sectors. It cannot be assumed that the industrial sectors in different parts of the world are operating under similar operational, regulatory and economic conditions. The results, therefore, might not be generalized to manufacturing companies operating in different countries (particularly developing countries) under different circumstances.Originality/valueThis is first preliminary scale of its kind to evaluate the positioning of companies with respect to their DM capacity. This scale is helpful for companies to compare their capacity with standard profiles and for decision making to convert the existing manufacturing operations into distributed operations.

Scale Trotter: Illustrative Visual Travels Across Negative Scales.

We present ScaleTrotter, a conceptual framework for an interactive, multi-scale visualization of biological mesoscale data and, specifically, genome data. ScaleTrotter allows viewers to smoothly transition from the nucleus of a cell to the atomistic composition of the DNA, while bridging several orders of magnitude in scale. The challenges in creating an interactive visualization of genome data are fundamentally different in several ways from those in other domains like astronomy that require a multi-scale representation as well. First, genome data has intertwined scale levels-the DNA is an extremely long, connected molecule that manifests itself at all scale levels. Second, elements of the DNA do not disappear as one zooms out-instead the scale levels at which they are observed group these elements differently. Third, we have detailed information and thus geometry for the entire dataset and for all scale levels, posing a challenge for interactive visual exploration. Finally, the conceptual scale levels for genome data are close in scale space, requiring us to find ways to visually embed a smaller scale into a coarser one. We address these challenges by creating a new multi-scale visualization concept. We use a scale-dependent camera model that controls the visual embedding of the scales into their respective parents, the rendering of a subset of the scale hierarchy, and the location, size, and scope of the view. In traversing the scales, ScaleTrotter is roaming between 2D and 3D visual representations that are depicted in integrated visuals. We discuss, specifically, how this form of multi-scale visualization follows from the specific characteristics of the genome data and describe its implementation. Finally, we discuss the implications of our work to the general illustrative depiction of multi-scale data.

ORGANIZATIONAL READINESS FOR CHANGE: TOWARD UNDERSTANDING ITS NATURE AND DIMENSIONS

Strategic management researchers claimed that organizational readiness for change is one of the key factor to successful change implementation. This article embrace review of key factors of successful organizational change, review of conceptual definitions and available scale to measure organizational readiness for change.Finally, the proposed measurement scale need to be adressed to generate knowledge useful for practice, identified and discussed

A conceptual scale model of mobile drilling robot

PurposeThis paper aims to propose a conceptual scale model of mobile drilling robot according to the actual drilling rig and working conditions to improve the safety and automation of drilling in tunnel construction and coal mining applications.Design/methodology/approachA couple of pinion and rack serves as the support mechanism driven by a motor with low rotation speed at high power, and these components are assembled in the center of the robot to tightly fasten the whole body together. The drilling rod and the sleeve are connected through a hole with screw thread so that the rod feeds and rotates simultaneously along with the sleeve. The robot model is automatically controlled by a single-chip microcomputer, and the anti-disturbance circuit is designed as well. A five-step rule obstacle avoidance method is proposed to ensure safe and reliable movement.FindingsThe results of simulation experiments on drilling operation do indicate that the mechanism and control method are feasible and effective.Research limitations/implicationsThe robot is nearly complete but indeed remains only an experimental machine.Originality/valueThe design of the mechanism structure for the conceptual robot is novelty. The method of five-step rule obstacle avoidance can improve reliability of obstacle avoidance according to the experimental results, which can meet the requirements of complex working conditions underground coal mine.

Definition of a conceptual scale of servitization: Proposal and preliminary results

The servitization process, i.e. the gradual shift from product-centred value propositions to complex product-service systems offerings, has led many manufacturing companies to modify their business models and internal organization. It is clear that this is a rather short-sighted definition not taking into account how much a company is product or service-oriented, i.e. its servitization level. The idea herein discussed is to formalize the concept of a servitization scale, trying to operationalize the concept of servitization level shared by researchers and practitioners. The goal is to provide a conventional tool to measure or compare the servitization level of different manufacturing companies. To provide a preliminary evidence the possible use of the proposed scale, the paper presents: (i) an in-depth analysis of the servitization level of medium-large size Italian companies in the manufacturing sector; (ii) some examples of possible applications of the scale to support the strategic decision-making process and planning of the servitization process.

The Influence of Learning by Smartphone to the Conceptual Science Knowledge and the Independence of Students’ Learning at Junior High School

This study aims to determine the effect of using smart phone learning on science knowledge conceptual and independence of students’ learning in junior high school. The design of quadratic control groups is used on this research with all seventh grade students at Serang-Banten City Junior High School as the population. The random technique samples are VII A grade as an experimental class and VII B grade as the control class, so it can be measured the conceptual science knowledge and scaling the independence of students’ learning by questionnaire. Independent sample T Test survey result shows using the smart phone has an impact to science knowledge with a significance value of 0.002 and an independence of student’s learning with a significance value of 0.003.

A Study on the Conceptual Composition Scale Development for the Prevention of Child Abuse and PR Communication Strategy

A Study on the Conceptual Composition Scale Development for the Prevention of Child Abuse and PR Communication Strategy

Towards systematic, data-driven validation of a collaborative, multi-scale model of Caenorhabditis elegans.

The OpenWorm Project is an international open-source collaboration to create a multi-scale model of the organism Caenorhabditis elegans At each scale, including subcellular, cellular, network and behaviour, this project employs one or more computational models that aim to recapitulate the corresponding biological system at that scale. This requires that the simulated behaviour of each model be compared with experimental data both as the model is continuously refined and as new experimental data become available. Here we report the use of SciUnit, a software framework for model validation, to attempt to achieve these goals. During project development, each model is continuously subjected to data-driven 'unit tests' that quantitatively summarize model-data agreement, identifying modelling progress and highlighting particular aspects of each model that fail to adequately reproduce known features of the biological organism and its components. This workflow is publicly visible via both GitHub and a web application and accepts community contributions to ensure that modelling goals are transparent and well-informed.This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Connectome to behaviour: modelling C. elegans at cellular resolution'.