Structural Dimensions Research Articles

Developmental features of multi-word expressions in spoken discourse by Chinese learners of English

Multi-word expressions (MWEs) serve as vital indicators of language development and have been a primary focus in second language acquisition research. The use of MWEs in spoken discourse, however, remains relatively under-explored. To address this gap, this study aims to investigate the current status and developmental features of MWE use in spoken English by Chinese learners of English across three proficiency levels based on Nattinger and DeCarricos’ classification framework of MWEs. A comparative analysis of MWE usage patterns across these groups yields two key findings: (1) The overall proficiency in using MWEs is relatively low, marked by an imbalance and inaccuracy in MWE types. Specifically, learners exhibit minimal use of “polywords” and “institutionalised expressions” within the structural dimension, and “discourse devices” and “social interactions” within the functional dimension. Moreover, learners demonstrate a high error rate across various MWE types. (2) Although the overall proficiency in using MWEs shows no significant improvement across the three levels, an upward trend is observed in the usage of overall tokens, types, and various categories of MWEs in both dimensions, culminating in a significant increase in the variation of MWEs at the highest proficiency level. Drawing upon these findings, this study proposes several pedagogical implications for enhancing the teaching and learning of MWEs in spoken discourse.

Gradient Luminescence Enhancement in Organic Metal Halide Perovskites via the Suppression of [SbCln]3-n Unit Distortion.

Intrinsic stereochemical activity of the 5s2 electron configuration in Sb3+ leads to structural distortion within [SbCln]3-n units, which, while stabilizing the material, paradoxically diminishes luminescence intensity due to induced asymmetry. To address this issue, a strategy, which encompasses increasing the structural dimensions and introducing In3+ doping, was developed to mitigate the geometrical distortion in the [SbCln]3-n units within the metal-organic perovskite (DABCO)2Sb2Cl10·H2O and (DABCO)2SbCdCl9·2H2O (DABCO = triethylenediamine). This dimensional augmentation confines lattice distortion effectively, and the In3+ doping modifies the 5s2 electron configuration of Sb3+, thereby reducing the distortion at its origin. The unique suitability of indium-based halides as a matrix for Sb3+ doping is underscored by our approach, which capitalizes on their ability to regulate the electron configuration of Sb3+. This strategy has been validated through crystallographic data from single-crystal X-ray diffraction. By effectively reducing the adverse effects of geometric distortion, several hundred-fold enhancements in the luminescent intensity of the material have been achieved by our methodology, leading to potential applications in white-light LEDs. This advancement not only highlights the pivotal role of structural symmetry in the optical properties of materials but also exemplifies the power of material engineering to optimize the optical performance.

The structure and content of the religious tourism destination image construct: an exploratory netnography of travelers’ reviews of Makkah and Medina

Purpose This paper aims to examine the structure and content of religious tourism destination image through the reviews of visitors to Makkah and Medina, two of the world’s most popular Muslim pilgrimage sites. Design/methodology/approach This is an exploratory netnographic study of the 913 reviews posted on TripAdvisor from 2018 to 2022. The structure (dimensions and attributes) and content (variables) comprising the construct of religious tourism destination image emerge through manual thematic analysis and confirmed through content analysis. Findings Religious tourism destination image is a three-dimensional – cognitive, affective and conative – construct comprising both religion-specific, generally sacred and secular variables in a single, indivisible crystallization of experience. Practical implications Destination marketing organizations and marketers of tourism enterprises should regularly analyze visitor reviews posted on social media and carefully manage all variables of the religious tourism destination image, specifically stressing the religious aspect. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first systematic analysis of the structure and content of religious tourism destination image based on detailed consumer evaluations and unprompted storytelling.

Determinants of higher education graduates’ employability: a scoping review

PurposeGraduates’ employability has been recognised as a complex and multidimensional phenomenon in the theoretical literature. However, some critics have emerged around the lack of relation between structural, contextual and individual dimensions that have been acknowledged as relevant for the understanding of graduates’ employability. This study aims to map empirical research, grounded on a scoping and integrative review of the research published to date on the determinants of graduates’ employability and offer a wider perspective of the knowledge produced across different disciplinary fields, and theoretical and methodological approaches.Design/methodology/approachFollowing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol for Scoping Reviews, a systematic and extensive search of the literature was carried out and 74 studies focusing on the determinants of graduates’ employability were selected through inclusion and exclusion criteria. Then, data were extracted, analysed and interpreted with quantitative and qualitative techniques.FindingsThe results evidence that multiple factors mainly related to higher education attributes, educational arrangement, personal and interpersonal attributes, and socioeconomic conditions predict the odds of obtaining a job after graduation. This review also demonstrates some fragmentation of knowledge produced in this field and identifies a lack of an integrative approach, calling for more multidisciplinary research that might favour a more comprehensive knowledge of graduates’ employability.Originality/valueBy considering the different factors together, from individual and contextual levels, the present review offers an original and clearer overall picture of what is currently known and what is still unresearched about the determinants of graduates’ employability.

Toward Precise Fabrication of Finite-Sized DNA Origami Superstructures.

DNA origami enables the precise construction of 2D and 3D nanostructures with customizable shapes and the high-resolution organization of functional materials. However, the size of a single DNA origami is constrained by the length of the scaffold strand, and since its inception, scaling up the size and complexity has been a persistent pursuit. Hierarchical self-assembly of DNA origami units offers a feasible approach to overcome the limitation. Unlike periodic arrays, finite-sized DNA origami superstructures feature well-defined structural boundaries and uniform dimensions. In recent years, increasing attention has been directed toward precise control over the hierarchical self-assembly of DNA origami structures and their applications in fields such as nanophotonics, biophysics, and material science. This review summarizes the strategies for fabricating finite-sized DNA origami superstructures, including heterogeneous self-assembly, self-limited self-assembly, and templated self-assembly, along with a comparative analysis of the advantages and limitations of each approach. Subsequently, recent advancements in the application of these structures are discussed from a structure design perspective. Finally, an outlook on the current challenges and potential future directions is provided, highlighting opportunities for further research and development in this rapidly evolving field.

Soft power resources of sub-regional actors. Moscow’s foreign policy practice

The paper analyzes the legal foundations, institutional structure and key dimensions of Moscow’s public diplomacy (cultural cooperation, scientific and educational ties, support for compatriots abroad, humanitarian aid, economic cooperation and technological partnership). Using Moscow as an example, the authors emphasize the importance of integrating «soft power» tools into the city’s international relations to strengthen Russia’s national brand and promote its national interests.

“It takes a village to raise a leader”

Women constitute most health workers, yet they hold proportionately fewer leadership positions. The literature is replete with normative advice to address gender specific barriers to women’s leadership; less attention is paid to the processes women undertake on their paths to leadership. We describe the leadership journeys of 23 women leaders in the health sector in Canada, guided by a multi-layered framework of barriers and enablers. A thematic analysis of 11 semi-structured interviews and 13 public presentations on leadership journeys was conducted, which applied a priori and emerging themes to segments of the transcripts using NVivo 12. Three key themes emerged: impetus for leadership journey, enablers to leadership development, and barriers to advancement. Women leaders reported a variety of reasons to embark on their leadership journey from their own desire to make a difference to being tapped on the shoulder by mentors and sponsors. Many of the barriers faced were specific to their intersectional identities where they often juggled the complex demands of gender role expectations, while maintaining personal and familial mental health and well-being. The multi-layered framework of important factors was validated and improved. Better understanding women’s leadership journeys needs to capture processual and structural dimensions. Keywords: Women Leaders, Leadership Journeys, Health Care, Health Sciences

Value relevance of intangibles: a comparative analysis between financial and non-financial sector firms listed on the Argentine capital market

The objective of this study is to analyse whether differences exist in the value relevance of intangible assets (IA) and intellectual capital (IC) between firms in the financial sector and other industries. A quantitative approach was adopted. Drawing on the work of Ohlson (1995), an original price model is constructed in the form of a specified panel data model with fixed effects. Data from to 2009-2018, directly collected from primary sources, were used. The sample comprises 52 firms listed on the Argentine capital market without interruption throughout the period. The results show that the value relevance of IA and IC differs between non-financial and financial firms. Among the former, only the human and structural dimensions of IC were of interest to investors. In contrast, both identifiable intangible assets and the three dimensions of IC influence bank valuation, thereby confirming the importance of intangibles in this industry. The study contributes to knowledge of the impact of industry on market valuations of intangibles, which is a somewhat unexplored line of research and, likewise, to knowledge of the banking industry, a sector that has been less well studied in previous research.

Evaluación del nivel de madurez en la gestión de proyectos públicos en la Alcaldía de Acevedo, Huila

This study aims to evaluate the level of project management maturity in public projects at the Mayor’s Office of Acevedo (Huila), using the Darci Prado Maturity Model, which assesses five levels and seven key dimensions. The methodology followed a mixed approach: the quantitative analysis was carried out using the 2021 version of the model’s questionnaire, while the qualitative analysis was complemented by the prospective tool, the Regnier Abacus.The results show that the entity is at level 2 of maturity, known as the “known” level. This level indicates that the organization has a basic understanding of project management, but practices are not fully standardized, and efforts remain isolated. The main weaknesses were found in the dimensions of computerization, organizational structure, methodology, and behavioral competencies. In conclusion, project management at the Mayor’s Office of Acevedo is classified as average, indicating a need for significant improvements to reach a higher maturity level.

Tunable Optical Filter Based on Thin Film Lithium Niobate Photonic Crystals

In this paper, we propose a tunable optical filter with a high Q factor based on photonic crystal technology, achieving a Q factor of 442.85 using thin film lithium niobate technology. By proportionally adjusting the dimensions of the unit structure, this filter enables coarse tuning across the 1520–1570 nm range (C band). Furthermore, by utilizing the thermo-optic effect of lithium niobate, we can achieve fine-tuning of the optical filter within a temperature range of 300 K to 600 K, allowing for a center wavelength tuning capability of up to 3.7 nm. This design not only enhances the filter’s performance but also broadens its potential applications in optical communication and optical signal processing.

Thermal and Mechanical Fields Analysis of Superconducting Magnet and Dewar System for Double-Stator Superconducting Brushless Machines

The double-stator superconducting brushless machine (DS-SCBM) combines high torque density and excellent static sealing characteristics, as well as advantages in reliability and cost-effectiveness. To ensure the long-term stability of the superconducting magnet and Dewar (SCMD) system, this study evaluates the pressure-bearing capacity and heat leakage from the support frame, selecting appropriate materials and dimensions. Furthermore, a model of the thermal and mechanical fields for the SCMD system is developed using finite element analysis which assesses the impact of various reinforcement structures on the mechanical and thermal properties of the superconducting (SC) magnet. Based on this analysis, the dimensions of the reinforcement structures, Dewars, and vacuum interlayer are optimized. Subsequently, efforts are made to manufacture the designed system and its performance is tested.

Fluorescence Behavior of Cyanine Fluorophore Cy3 Confined in Anodic Porous Alumina: Advanced Surface Analysis

In this study, an advanced analysis of the three-dimensional (3-D) surface microtexture of anodic porous alumina (APA) arrays was conducted to investigate their efficacy in confining cyanine fluorophore Cy3. The microstructural characterization of APA plays a pivotal role in enhancing the understanding of the material's surface properties, especially when applied to biological arrays and fluorescent dye confinement. To achieve this, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) was employed to obtain precise 3-D surface microtexture data. These measurements were complemented by stereometric analyses, adhering to ISO 25178-2: 2012 standards, ensuring a robust quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the surface micromorphology. The analysis revealed a clear correlation between surface roughness parameters and micromorphological changes as a function of varied processing conditions. Notably, the increase in certain fabrication parameters led to significant alterations in the superficial texture, with observable changes in the fractal dimension of the surface structure. The APA arrays, fabricated using a specialized anodization technique followed by a tailored annealing procedure, exhibited extraordinarily large pore sizes, ranging from 1 to 2 μm, which are well-suited for accommodating the Cy3 dye molecules. These pore dimensions offer an enhanced capacity for dye confinement, providing a stable environment for the cyanine fluorophore while promoting optimal fluorescence behavior.

Regulating the composition, structure, and nanoscale dimensions of Yb 2Si 2O 7 environmental barrier coating to achieve a biomimetic teakwood-like functional structure by waste gas recycling

Regulating the composition, structure, and nanoscale dimensions of Yb ₂Si ₂O ₇ environmental barrier coating to achieve a biomimetic teakwood-like functional structure by waste gas recycling

Cooper 등의 다차원 정책분석 모형을 활용한「고등·평생교육지원 특별회계」정책 분석

This study aims to comprehensively understand and systematically analyze the policy-making process of the 'Special Account for Supporting Higher and Lifelong Education' by taking a multi-dimensional approach. To achieve the research objectives, various materials such as national laws and regulations, government policy documents, press releases, research papers, and internet portal articles were collected. The multidimensional policy analysis model of Cooper et al. was utilized to analyze it in normative, structural, constituent, and technical dimensions. First, at the normative level, the Special Account was promoted with the goals of optimizing education finance and supporting university innovation. Second, structurally, the Special Account was influenced by institutional structures such as tuition freezes and the vulnerability of higher education financing. Third, in terms of its constituent dimension, the policy-making process of the Special Account revealed interactions among the central and local governments, higher education institutions, and elementary, secondary, and middle education institutions. Fourth, the technical dimension discussed the adoption of a temporary operation and funding method as a compromise, and it highlighted that the government's vision was being realized through the budget size and utilization process. Additionally, the urgency of policy evaluation for securing sustainable higher education funding was emphasized. Based on the findings, it is suggested that establishing a long-term financing measure, such as a Higher Education Finance Grant, is essential to enhance the stability and predictability of higher education funding.

What Drives Consumption in Online Games? Homo Socio Interneticus Approach

The current development of online gaming technology can facilitate social interaction, forming a virtual society. This social interaction is continued with economic interaction, namely the consumption of online games. This research uses a multidisciplinary approach to understand consumption behavior in online games. The research takes place in Jakarta, Indonesia, and interviews three key opinion leaders in online game communities. This is qualitative research using grounded theory. The results show that microtransactions in online games are driven by the influence of structural and cultural dimensions in a virtual society, in this case, online games. In the context of virtual society, structural dimensions of pressure are found in the form of exploitation by developers and communities. However, online players resist and reconfirm these structural and cultural pressures, such as stopping consumption. So, there is duality in the social structure of virtual society. This adds new perspectives to existing research more concerned with monetization strategy.

Familia sobre todo, emprendimiento ante todo: Secretaría Nacional de la Familia (SNF/MMFDH) y la articulación entre neoconservadurismo y neoliberalismo

The centrality of a certain notion of family in neoconservatism has a superstructural dimension as a reaction to the demands of the feminist and LGBTQIAP+ movements, and a structural dimension that reveals the way it is related to neoliberalism. From the process of confessionalization of public policies, they promote changes in the traditional patterns of the State-society binomial, in its structures, processes and actors that claim a “subsidiary” ideal of state action compared to other social spheres, especially the family (neoconservative) and the market (neoliberal). What I seek to examine here is the way in which neoliberalism in the National Secretariat for the Family (SNF/MMFDH) in Brazil aligns with neoconservative political and cultural strategies, where through the circulation of the family category, it capillarizes a specific social language with direct repercussions on the social protection system.

Quantitative Relationship Between Strength and Porosity of Nano-Silica-Modified Mortar Based on Fractal Theory

Nano-silica (NS) is an ideal modifier for mortar materials, and exploring the evolution of the fractal dimension of the pore structure in NS-modified mortar is crucial for elucidating the mechanism by which NS enhances mortar strength. In this study, NS reinforced mortar was prepared using an NS sol solution, which inhibited the aggregation of NS particles. The relationship between the strength and pore structure of NS-modified mortar was quantitatively analyzed based on fractal dimension theory and gray correlation degree. The experimental system evaluated the mortar strength, pore structure distribution, and micro-morphology. Based on this evaluation, the fractal dimension of the mortar pore volume was calculated in detail. Subsequently, models for mortar strength and NS content were further established using grey analysis. The results indicate that NS significantly enhances the strength of mortar while also increasing its porosity due to reduced fluidity. NS can improve the compressive strength of mortar by up to 35%. The curve fitting of volume fractal dimension and box dimension is effective and can accurately reflect the complexity of the pore structure. The calculation of the grey correlation analysis model shows that the impact of varying silica content on the mechanical properties of mortar specimens is not linear; the distribution and quantity of bubbles are the main factors affecting the strength of the specimen.

Influence of wood modification on parameter settings and treatment results in CO2 laser structuring of beech veneers

In this study, the possible influences of thermal modification of wood on the quality of laser texturing of beech veneers are investigated by comparing native and thermally modified samples. By varying the process parameters of a CO2 laser, the surfaces of both types of veneer were textured and the resulting surface roughness and aspect ratios were analyzed in order to evaluate the efficiency of the laser texturing and the quality of the textures produced. The main results show that the thermal modification of the wood influences the cutting widths, the removal depths, and the surface roughness, with thermally modified veneers generally having larger cutting widths and different removal depths compared to native veneers, indicating the influence of the wood modifications on the material physical and chemical properties and their interaction with the laser processing. Furthermore, the study shows how the laser processing parameters—feed rate and laser power—influence the surface quality and structural dimensions of the engraved lines, and establishes that the moisture content of the wood has a significant influence on its thermal conductivity and thus on the laser cutting process. The research work highlights the complexity of laser texturing of wood and emphasizes the need to take into account the change in the intrinsic properties of the material as a result of thermal modification.

Unit Cell Optimization of Groove Gap Waveguide for High Bandwidth Microwave Applications

Recently, groove gap waveguides (GGWs) have shown significant potential in power handling and bandwidth enhancement compared to conventional waveguides. In this research work, we designed and developed an innovative mushroom-unit-cell-based groove gap waveguide (MGGW) that has shown improved bandwidth compared to conventional GGW structures. The dispersion characteristics of the MGGW were analyzed through the eigenmode solver feature of Microwave Studio CST, which showed that the bandwidth was improved by 8% compared to conventional unit cells in the microwave spectrum. To validate our proposed method for the physical dimensions of unit cell structures, we developed an MGGW structure for the S band, which shows similar trends aligning with the simulation results. The measurement results are promising as a reflection coefficient of less than −20 dB was achieved over the entire band for the WR284 Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) standard waveguide adapter. The proposed MGGW structure with improved bandwidth will open new doors for researchers to develop ultra-wide bandwidth microwave applications, i.e., filters, transmission lines, resonators, attenuators, etc.

Media articulation and the stabilisation of teacher policies in Chile

ABSTRACT This article explores the ideological articulation and stabilisation of educational reforms aimed at shaping teachers’ work in Chile. Focusing on teacher policies as an articulation through which state political projects are advanced, the article contributes to enhancing the cultural and structural dimensions of neoliberalism. More specifically, it builds from the tools of Corpus Linguistics and Critical Discourse Analysis to trace ideational sediments through which hegemonic projects have been articulated in two major national media conglomerates between 1978 and 2020. The study shows how, in the context of Chilean teacher policy, two ideological sediments intimately connected have shaped structural developments over the last four decades, and it contends that analysing ideological and cultural articulations in media is crucial for comprehending policy settlements. The conclusion emphasises the need to carefully consider these influences when envisioning new directions in teacher policies and underscores the strength of the still ongoing neoliberal agenda.