Four-step Approach Research Articles

Exploring Novel Benzopyran Derivatives as Antitubercular Agents

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health concern, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic agents. Reported antitubercular activities of previously synthesized benzopyran and other oxygen-containing heterocycles motivate us to synthesize and evaluate the antitubercular potential of benzopyran derivatives. Objective: The aim of this study was to combine two scaffolds; one is coumarin (benzopyran-2-one), and another one is piperazine, as both are found in anti-tubercular derivatives. Methods: Through a four-step synthetic approach, compounds SM1-SM10 were synthesized. These derivatives were subsequently evaluated for their in vitro anti-tubercular potential using the resazurin microtiter assay (REMA), with isoniazid as the standard (MIC 0.25 to 0.5μg/mL). Results: Among the synthesized compounds, SM2 and SM8 demonstrated remarkable antitubercular activity, with MICs of 4 and 6μg/mL, respectively. Notably, these MIC values are considerable for the further development of benzopyran derivatives as potent antitubercular agents. Conclusion: Outcomes underscore the potential of benzopyran derivati ves as valuable assets in TB drug discovery, warranting further exploration and development.

Exploring the Power of Artificial Intelligence in Supply Chain Management: A Literature Review on the Artificial Intelligence Applications and Tools Used in Supply Chains and Their Distribution According to the SCOR Method

Since the beginning of the 21st century, supply chains have witnessed rapid and significant changes along with considerable developments due to the convergence between technology and globalization. The present study aims primarily to provide insight into the artificial intelligence (AI) tools used in Supply Chain Management Processes using the Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) approach. It also seeks to examine the way AI tools can be applied to the outputs of each process and each application. The study follows a four-step systematic review approach that mainly involves literature collection between the years 2000 and 2022, descriptive analysis, category selection, and material evaluation. The main purpose of this work is to improve the capacity of making the most appropriate decisions through the use of the most suitable AI tools for each function and each process within supply chains in order to ensure the best management of these chains.

Comparative Analysis of Impact of Different Skill-training Methods among Medical Students: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: The development of practical skills is crucial in medical education, with various teaching-learning (T/L) methods such as Demonstration-Observation-Assistance-Performance (DOAP), Peyton’s four-step approach, and See One Do One Teach One (SO-DO-TO) being employed to enhance students’ competencies in handling medical devices. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of DOAP, Peyton’s approach and SO-DO-TO methods on skill performance of 1st-year MBBS students in using a sphygmomanometer, audiometer, and electrocardiogram (ECG). Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 126 1st-year MBBS students, who were randomly divided into three groups (n = 42). Each group was trained using one of the three T/L methods on specified competencies. Skill acquisition was assessed through an Objective Structured Practical Examination (OSPE), and perceptions were gauged through a Likert Scale questionnaire. Results: Students trained using Peyton’s method scored the highest in OSPE with a mean score of 7.35 (standard deviation [SD] = 2.19), compared to 5.72 (SD = 1.62) for DOAP and 5.83 (SD = 1.37) for SO-DO-TO. The differences in scores were statistically significant (P < 0.01) between the groups. Perception data indicated that both students and faculty rated Peyton’s method highest in overall satisfaction, effectiveness, and comfort, despite its slightly higher time consumption. Conclusion: Peyton’s four-step approach significantly enhances medical students’ skill acquisition and satisfaction compared to DOAP and SO-DO-TO methods. Integrating multiple teaching strategies, as seen in Peyton’s method, can offer a more comprehensive and effective learning experience. Future studies should investigate the long-term impacts and applicability of these methods across various medical disciplines.

Investigating spatial-temporal trend of snow cover over the three provinces of Northeast China based on a cloud-free MODIS snow cover product

Snow serves as a pivotal water resource in the three provinces of Northeast China (TPNC), the investigation of spatial and temporal distribution changes of snow cover is essential for the region’s efficient water resource management. The Moderate Resolution Spectroradiometer (MODIS) snow cover product has proven effective in providing detailed spatial–temporal distribution and identification of snow cover. However, its accuracy and reliability are significantly hampered by cloud obscuration. To address this issue, we have developed a novel four-step cloud removal approach, which includes Terra and Aqua combination, 5-day temporal combination, snowline method (IMS) as well as 8-pixel and 24-pixel adjacent pixel method. Results indicate that the proposed approach successfully eliminates all cloud cover, yielding a highly accurate cloud-free snow cover product with validation accuracies of 92% and 97% when using in situ snow depth measurements and cloud masking method, respectively. We investigated the spatial and temporal variations of snow cover for the TPNC during 2003–2018 with snow coverage and snow cover days (SCD) and analyzed the correlation between snow cover and climate factors. The results showed that the annual basin-averaged snow coverage increased at a rate of 1.27% yr−1 before 2009 and decreased at a rate of 1.80% yr−1 after 2009. The Mann-Kendall tests indicated that about 72% of the total area showed an increasing trend of annual SCD during 2003–2018. Conversely, 94% of the total area exhibited a decreasing trend of annual SCD for the period of 2009–2018 due to the increasing trend of temperature and decreasing trend of precipitation. Our approach shows a promising application of generating accurate cloud-free products and its potential to examine spatial–temporal variations of snow cover under climate change for other snow-covered regions globally.

Agroforestry and the Climate Crisis: Prioritizing Biodiversity Restoration for Resilient and Productive Mediterranean Landscapes

This study deals with the future of the traditional agroforestry systems (TAFSs) in the northern Mediterranean Basin. Important productive systems, such as ancient non-irrigated olive groves and extensive silvopastoral systems, from subalpine grasslands to coastal landscapes, are being irreversibly degraded, threatening the bio-cultural heritage of the Mediterranean region, an area recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot. In the midst of the global biodiversity and climate crisis, immediate actions are proposed for the protection and conservation management of TAFSs, within a new EU policy framework. Having the TAFSs of Greece in the spotlight of this analysis, a four-step approach was used in order to review the value of agroforestry in terms of (a) biodiversity (birds, mammals, invertebrates and soil biota), (b) agroforestry landscapes, such as traditional olive groves on terraces and valonia silvopastoral systems, (c) ecosystem services, especially concerning cultural values, and (d) the modern threats to traditional agroforestry. Through this research, problems are highlighted and European policy priorities are defined. Our conclusion is that there is an immediate need to revise the European Union rural, forestry, and environmental policies in the Mediterranean region, following the provisions of the new EU Nature Restoration Law, in order to revive agroforestry landscapes and make them productive and sustainable again for the benefit of rural economies, local communities, and biodiversity, especially in marginal Mediterranean mountainous and island areas, where depopulation and susceptibility to wildfires are major threats.

The pulse of buying: mapping the conceptual structure and decoding impulse purchase patterns

Purpose This study aims to conduct a rigorous bibliometric analysis of impulse buying research trends and patterns, map the conceptual landscape of the field, identify significant themes and propose a roadmap for future studies in this domain. Design/methodology/approach This study used Snyder’s (2019) four-step systematic review approach. By using a specific search string, articles from the past 21 years (2003–2023) were retrieved from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. Performance analysis and science mapping were conducted using Biblioshiny to analyze the field’s knowledge base. Findings The volume and influence of impulse buying research have surged over the past two decades. The factorial analysis identified three main sub-themes within the impulse buying literature. In addition, Bradford’s law confirmed that the top five journals account for a significant portion of the relevant research. Despite the increased publications, author productivity diverges from Lotka’s law, indicating a few influential authors. This study provides a detailed conceptual map of the research landscape and proposes targeted future research questions by highlighting untapped opportunities. Research limitations/implications This study offers insights for refining marketing strategies and highlights the importance of ethical considerations in marketing, especially during crises. It also strengthens the theoretical foundation of impulse buying by mapping core themes and identifying unexplored areas. Originality/value This study introduces an innovative approach by using factorial analysis with the multiple correspondence analysis technique to develop a detailed conceptual structure map of impulse buying research. It applies bibliometric laws such as Bradford’s law and Lotka’s law to explain the dispersion of research articles. By identifying core themes, this study charts a roadmap for future inquiry, addressing significant gaps and uncovering new research directions.

R-C-D-F machine learning method to measure for geological structures in 3D point cloud of rock tunnel face

This study introduces an innovative Roughness-CANUPO-Dip-Facet (R-C-D-F) methodology for the measurement of dip angle and direction in geological rock facets. The R-C-D-F method is distinguished by its comprehensive four-step approach, encompassing filtration through roughness analysis, CANUPO analysis, and dip angle filtration, followed by facet segmentation as the measurement step. To achieve precise and efficient results, the method specifically focuses on isolating joint embedment, achieved by systematically filtering out joint bands. This selective filtration process ensures that measurements are conducted exclusively on relevant joint embedment points. The novelty of this methodology lies in its capability to automatically eliminate joint bands while retaining the joint embedment points, facilitating precise measurements without manual intervention. Three site models were evaluated using the R-C-D-F method, alongside four different techniques for measuring dip angle and direction: plane fitting, normal vector conversion, facet segmentation, and compass measurements. The results demonstrated that all methods accurately calculated the dip angle, with an accuracy ranging from 97 % to 99.4 %. The facet segmentation method was selected as the optimal measurement tool due to its automatic nature and capacity to provide accurate results without manual intervention. Furthermore, the optimal local neighbour radius (LNR) for calculating normal vectors was determined, with findings indicating that a larger LNR value enhances accuracy but also increases computational time. A verification was conducted to estimate the dip angle used for filtering and discarding additional points representing joint rock bands, with the optimal value being 45, 30, and 45 degrees for the respective sites.The R-C-D-F method effectively detected and eliminated 100 % of joint band points while retaining 81 % of joint embedment points, and the facet segmentation method provided accurate dip angle and direction measurements for each joint embedment segment. These outcomes underscore the robustness and precision of the R-C-D-F method in geological engineering and rock stability studies.

Promoting Physical Activity in Huntington's Disease: Co-Design of a Care Partner Resource.

Clinical guidelines recommend that people with Huntington's disease (HD) should exercise to maintain/improve fitness and motor function, yet physical activity levels remain low in this group. Promotion of physical activity is often via care partners with little evidence that they are supported in this role. The aim was to co-design a resource for care partners of people with HD to support promotion of physical activity. A four-step co-design approach was used to develop a care partner resource. Five care partners took part in an online workshop exploring experiences and the knowledge, support and skills needed by care partners to promote physical activity. A co-design team (n = 7) developed a prototype that was user tested by three people who had attended the workshop. Findings from user testing were used to develop the final resource. An easy to read, image-based prototype was developed that contained tips on planning activity, safety and activity examples. User testing identified the need for grouping of activities suitable for 10, 20, and 30 minutes of available time, information on maintaining and improving activity and re-organization of information to support engagement of activity. A resource for care partners that has been translated into seven languages was developed to promote physical activity. User testing indicated confidence in using the resource and appreciation of the autonomy provided to the person with HD to plan activities. Further work is needed to evaluate the impact of the resource in promotion of physical activity and the impact on care partner burden.

Causal analyses in longitudinal observational studies in oral health: A scoping review.

Causal analysis including causal inference and causal mediation is pivotal to inform effective interventions. In modern epidemilogy, causal analysis involves four key steps: formulating causal questions, employing directed acyclic graphs (DAGs), conducting data management and selecting statistical strategies. Our objective was to conduct a scoping review to assess how longitudinal observational studies (LOSs) in dental field have integrated these four steps to contribute leverage evidence that inform oral public health interventions. LOSs focusing on determinants of dental caries published from 2012 to 2024 were systematically retrieved from five major databases. The Joanna Briggs Institute-scoping review guidance and the Covidence application were employed to identify eligible LOSs for being reviewed. Out of the 85 eligible LOSs, none formulated causal hypothesis by applying 'what if' question or investigated mediation across three levels of the determinants of oral health. A minority (18 studies, ~21.2%) employed DAGs to visualise relationships among study variables, while only one third (33 studies, ~39%) clearly defined confounders. The majority (64 studies, ~75%) incorporated a time-varying feature of their data, yet only a few (11 studies) fully leveraged this advanced aspect. Among these studies that fully utilised time-varying data, more than half encountered challenges in employing robust statistics to address confounders arising from such data dynamics. Dental LOSs have, to date, mostly focused on investigating associations over causality, often neglecting the four-step causal analysis and not fully utilising time-varying data. Researchers necessitate to shift their focus to causal inference and prioritise building capacity in causal analysis with a consistent four-step approach to advance the field. Studies exploring mechanisms linking determinants of dental caries across levels and leveraging time-varying data are strongly encouraged.

Development workflow based on in situ synchrotron investigations to optimize laser processing of copper pins

To design future laser manufacturing processes for welding of copper materials, more and more high-end analysis methods are required. A fundamental process understanding by analyzing cause-and-effect relations of process dynamics using inline in situ diagnostics allows for an improved description of laser material interaction. Strategies for a reliable and robust welding process are derived from the findings. In this study, a four-step advanced methodical approach is presented and discussed. In the first step, a fundamental process description of the geometry of the vapor capillary and the formation of weld defects is developed. Therefore, welds on electrolytic tough pitch copper (Cu-ETP) and CuSn6 are carried out to analyze the temporal and spatial vapor capillary dynamics depending on laser power, welding speed, and focal diameter. This fundamental process understanding is transferred to the welding of copper pins in the form of I-pins. For this purpose, impurities and imperfections were applied to the pin surface to investigate the effects on the process result. As a third step, strategies by means of laser intensity distributions were adapted to compensate for imperfections in the welding process. Finally, a sensor vision system is adapted for ideal welding results. Investigations are based on in situ synchrotron analysis at Petra III, DESY in Hamburg. For the experiments, a TRUMPF TruDisk laser (100/400 μm fiber diameter), a TRUMPF TruFiber 6000P (50/100 μm fiber diameter), and a single-mode fiber laser (14 μm fiber diameter) were used. The focal diameter was adjusted with the optical system depending on the investigation.

It Starts With a Story: A Four-Step Narrative-Based Framework for Serious Illness Conversations.

Background: As a key component of advance care planning, serious illness conversations form a core intervention in palliative care. To achieve effective serious illness conversations, acknowledgment and inclusion of patient sense of self and identity are critical. However, no framework exists to describe how goals, values, and choices relate to patient identity. This conceptual gap hinders the advancement of palliative care education and practice. Objective: This philosophical investigation aimed to explicate two items: first, a novel conceptual framework for serious illness conversations; second, a structured approach to optimize these conversations within the palliative care clinical context. Methods: A philosophical and theoretical analysis was performed within an interdisciplinary context, by scholars in palliative care, medical humanities, philosophy, and bioethics. Key literature in psychology, qualitative research on the experience of serious illness, medical ethics, and choice architecture in medical decision-making were reviewed, and a structured conceptual and narrative analysis was performed. Results: An original and innovative identity-centered conceptual framework for serious illness conversations was developed. The framework consists of a four-step, reproducible approach: (1) attend to patient narrative identity, (2) identify values, (3) cocreate goals, and (4) actively promote choices. In short: attend, identify, create, and promote (AICP). Discussion: By using this conceptual framework and four-step approach, clinicians can accomplish goal-concordant serious illness care and build rich clinical relationships that foster trust and goodwill.

Platform politics in Latin America: Equalizers, normalizers, laggards, and marginals

How has the adoption of internet-based platform politics impacted Latin American party systems? This paper fills an important gap by creating novel categories and tracing patterns for understanding how political parties of 18 Central and South American countries practice politics online. Our work is informed by the equalization versus normalization debate between that sees the Internet as either consolidating institutional parties’ strength or giving strategic advantage to new and smaller parties. Our analysis takes a four-step approach to address the initial question. First, we conceptualize platform politics in a Latin American context and generate hypotheses. Second, we create a dataset to map online and offline national party systems across Latin America. Third, we introduce four categories (equalizers, normalizers, laggards, marginals) to capture different parties’ online positioning. Last, we explore platform politics by comparing four parties belonging to the different categories – FMLN in El Salvador, Novo in Brazil, PPC in Peru, and MORENA in Mexico – and showing how they use social media to overcome their structural limits. Overall, this work finds great regional variation to extend the validity of the cyclical nature of equalization and normalization to the Latin American context.

Experimental Photography Study by Kurnia Ngayuga Wibowo “Memory Lane”

The work Experimental Photo Memory Lane by Kurnia Ngayuga Wibowo is a notable piece that has been featured in various prestigious exhibitions, such as "Permata Youth Photostory" organized by Permata Photojournalist Grant and Pannafoto Institute, Bandung Photography Triennale, Bandung Photography Month, and SEA Reading Photobookdummies in Taiwan. This work is considered a masterpiece by Kurnia Ngayuga Wibowo and serves as a compelling example of experimental photography. The appreciation of such a work is often conducted through art criticism, which plays a crucial role in interpreting and appreciating the underlying content of a photographic work. Understanding and interpreting each photograph can vary significantly, depending on the perspective of the critic or the photographer. The purpose of this research is to explore and analyze the artistic elements and intentions behind the Memory Lane series through the lens of art criticism, specifically using Feldman’s art criticism theory. This qualitative study utilizes Feldman’s four-step approach to art criticism-description, formal analysis, interpretation, and evaluation—to gain a deeper understanding of the photography series. The findings of this research reveal that Memory Lane represents a form of experimental photography, which navigates various challenges inherent to the medium, particularly in terms of storytelling through images. The study demonstrates how art criticism can provide diverse perspectives on a single work of art and how these perspectives can be integrated with other art forms to enrich the overall interpretation. The implications of this research extend to the broader field of art criticism and photography, highlighting the importance of critical analysis in understanding the multifaceted nature of photographic art and its capacity to convey complex narratives.

Enhancing Diabetic Elderly Health Diet Education Through Mobile Application: An Interdisciplinary Conceptual Framework

The increasing incidence of diabetes among the elderly has heightened the demand for effective healthcare solutions, with mobile applications emerging as promising options for managing healthy diet education. However, age-related declines in cognitive, physical, and sensory functions may reduce elderly's willingness to learn new technologies. This study aims to examine the dietary needs of diabetic elderly, identify factors influencing their learning habits, and explore key elements in designing and accepting mobile applications. Using a four-step approach—identifying target users, reviewing literature, pinpointing key variables, and developing a conceptual framework—the study found that exercise, BMI, and a healthy diet attitude significantly shape dietary habits. It also identified appearance, functionality, and interface design as critical factors for mobile applications. Additionally, perceived ease of use, usefulness, safety, and enjoyment were found to be important for acceptance. These elements should guide future research in designing mobile applications for diabetic elderly healthy diet education.

Closing the loop: Strengthening course quality of Pharm.D. program via applying a comprehensive four-step review approach

This study explores the course review process implemented by the College of Pharmacy at King Saud University for its Pharm.D. program. Through a qualitative research design, a dedicated course review committee was established to oversee the evaluation process. The committee gathered and analyzed data from various sources, including course reports, student evaluations, and exam center reports, to achieve a holistic understanding of each course’s effectiveness. The evaluation process was structured into a Four-Step Course Evaluation Approach: data collection, data review and recommendations, taking appropriate action, and communicating the outcomes. The “closing the loop” stage ensured that recommendations were effectively implemented, and course evaluation data were systematically archived for future reference. The results of this study, based on the evaluation of 25 courses, revealed significant improvements in course quality, alignment with program learning outcomes, and adherence to accreditation standards. Key findings included the identification of gaps and discrepancies, leading to targeted interventions and enhanced course content. Overall, this study highlights the effectiveness of a structured course review process in enhancing the quality of education and ensuring continuous improvement within the college. The committee focuses on refining evaluation criteria, conducting workshops, and providing training to stay current with emerging accreditation standards and best practices. This systematic course review process demonstrates the College’s commitment to providing high-quality education and preparing students for successful careers in pharmacy, with significant implications for the improvement of pharmacy education and the overall student learning experience.

PHARMA'S NITROSAMINE CHALLENGE: A REVIEW OF A CALL FOR VIGILANCE

Nitrosamines are potential carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) that can form in medications under specific conditions. The British Pharmacopoeia (BP) and the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) both set strict guidelines to minimize their presence. Nitrosamines form when nitrites and amines react in acidic environments, potentially occurring in the stomach or during drug production. They are classified as probable human carcinogens, meaning long-term exposure at high levels may increase cancer risk. Fortunately, nitrosamine levels in most medications are very low and unlikely to pose significant health risks. Both BP and USP have implemented a new general chapter: Nitrosamine Impurities (BP: 5.20 and USP: <1469>).These chapters outline acceptable intake limits for six specific nitrosamines and a four-step risk assessment and control strategy. They also detail testing procedures and analytical methods for detecting and measuring nitrosamines in medications. There are similarities between BP and USP as both set comparable acceptable intake limits for the same six nitrosamines. Also, both employ a similar four-step risk management approach. Moreover, both provide information on testing procedures and analytical methods. Nevertheless, there are few differences between both references. There may be slight variations in the specifics of analytical procedures (e.g., detection limits, chromatographic conditions).Regulatory agencies are actively monitoring and controlling nitrosamine levels in medications, ensuring patient safety. Both BP and USP play crucial roles in setting stringent standards and ensuring their consistent implementation across the pharmaceutical industry. Peer Review History: Received 28 March 2024; Revised 2 May 2024; Accepted 25 June; Available online 15 July 2024 Academic Editor: Dr. Nuray Arı, Ankara University, Turkiye, ari@ankara.edu.tr Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Dr. Maya Shaaban Eissa Hussein, Egyptian Russian University, Egypt, maya-shaaban@hotmail.com Dr. Michael Otakhor Erhunmwunse, St. Philomena Catholic Hospital, Nigeria,dedoctor4life@yahoo.com

Determining the extent and frequency of on-site monitoring: a bayesian risk-based approach

BackgroundOn-site monitoring is a crucial component of quality control in clinical trials. However, many cast doubt on its cost-effectiveness due to various issues, such as a lack of monitoring focus that could assist in prioritizing limited resources during a site visit. Consequently, an increasing number of trial sponsors are implementing a hybrid monitoring strategy that combines on-site monitoring with centralised monitoring. One of the primary objectives of centralised monitoring, as stated in the clinical trial guidelines, is to guide and adjust the extent and frequency of on-site monitoring. Quality tolerance limits (QTLs) introduced in ICH E6(R2) and thresholds proposed by TransCelerate Biopharma are two existing approaches for achieving this objective at the trial- and site-levels, respectively. The funnel plot, as another threshold-based site-level method, overcomes the limitation of TransCelerate’s method by adjusting thresholds flexibly based on site sizes. Nonetheless, both methods do not transparently explain the reason for choosing the thresholds that they used or whether their choices are optimal in any certain sense. Additionally, related Bayesian monitoring methods are also lacking.MethodsWe propose a simple, transparent, and user-friendly Bayesian-based risk boundary for determining the extent and frequency of on-site monitoring both at the trial- and site-levels. We developed a four-step approach, including: 1) establishing risk levels for key risk indicators (KRIs) along with their corresponding monitoring actions and estimates; 2) calculating the optimal risk boundaries; 3) comparing the outcomes of KRIs against the optimal risk boundaries; and 4) providing recommendations based on the comparison results. Our method can be used to identify the optimal risk boundaries within an established risk level range and is applicable to continuous, discrete, and time-to-event endpoints.ResultsWe evaluate the performance of the proposed risk boundaries via simulations that mimic various realistic clinical trial scenarios. The performance of the proposed risk boundaries is compared against the funnel plot using real clinical trial data. The results demonstrate the applicability and flexibility of the proposed method for clinical trial monitoring. Moreover, we identify key factors that affect the optimality and performance of the proposed risk boundaries, respectively.ConclusionGiven the aforementioned advantages of the proposed risk boundaries, we expect that they will benefit the clinical trial community at large, in particular in the realm of risk-based monitoring.

Assessing the economic effects of investment in smart tourism platform

This study assesses the economic impact of Smart Tourism Platform (STP) projects in Seoul. We begin by outlining the architecture of STP, which comprises seven distinct layers, to deepen our understanding. Next, we analyze their economic effects using a four-step approach that includes Delphi surveys and the updating of Seoul’s 2015 national input-output table to a 2021 regional version through RAS and location quotient (LQ) techniques. Our findings indicate that a 2.9 billion KRW investment in STP projects creates about 3.8 billion KRW in production effects across Seoul’s industries, which is expected to generate income effects of 1.7 billion KRW, value-added effects of 2.4 billion KRW, and jobs for around 55 individuals. The insights gained from this research aim to further the understanding of STPs, providing valuable guidance for policymakers and industry stakeholders.

How to apply the four-step model for 150,000 travel zones: The HIPAT model

Current European transport demand models following the classical four-step approach are less suitable for analysing the traffic volumes on inter-regional road infrastructure with relevant demand of regional trips, as they consider only about 10% of the trip demand with passenger cars. Mainly due to runtime problems, these models are limited to operation at the NUTS-3 level. This level comprises around 1500 regions for Europe with an average diameter of about 50km. However, more than 90% of the trips are shorter than 50km and are, therefore, not adequately considered in the trip distribution model and the trip matrix. Computing this matrix at a higher spatial resolution, such as the LAU-2 level, is not possible as the runtime of the overall model and the size of the trip matrix increase quadratically with the number of travel zones. In the HIPAT model, this obstacle is overcome by an innovative concept operating at different hierarchical levels. This reduces the complexity of the trip matrix, such that the HIPAT model can be applied at large scale for 150,000 travel zones without any runtime problems. This is demonstrated by a prototype implementation for a case study that handles 33,000 travel zones in two minutes. In addition, the limitations of applying NUTS-3-based travel zones for transport modelling are shown: 94.6% of the trips are shorter than the average diameter of the travel zones (50km) and are therefore not correctly represented by the model. Smaller travel zones decrease this number and provide a better basis for analysing infrastructure policies and, ultimately, for decision-making.

Evaluation of community engagement for resilience outcomes: A pre-engagement approach

Recent disasters have placed enormous pressure on communities to be more resilient. Community resilience encompasses a range of structural, economic, and social dimensions that affect a community's ability to withstand change and disruption from disaster events. In recognition of the social processes that contribute to resilience, governments have increased investment in community engagement programs based on the assumption these programs of activity contribute to community resilience. While several studies identify the indicators of community resilience, few operationalize these indicators for community engagement in a way that can be used to establish baselines and evaluate change overtime. This paper addresses this gap. In-depth interviews with 16 community engagement practitioners in Australia investigated how community resilience in flood prone communities was conceptualized and how the outcomes from engaging communities for resilience building were identified. Findings from the study and the extant literature on resilience empirically informed the development of a four-step pre-engagement approach that extends current community engagement models and supports the measurement of engagement activities and aligned resilient outcomes. The pre-engagement approach can be adapted to diverse community contexts beyond flood emergencies and beyond Australian borders.