Dimensions Of Integration Research Articles

Participatory conflict as an intrinsic dimension of participatory communication: An ethnographic study of women self-help groups from Uttarakhand, India

ABSTRACT This paper establishes participatory conflict invoked by intersectional standpoints as a critique of the conventional celebratory understanding of participatory communication for social change. The paper is based on an immersive ethnographic study in the state of Uttarakhand, India with women participants in three self-help groups. Our findings acknowledge the presence of inevitable participatory conflict in women groups’ participation due to intersectional standpoints where gender intersects with caste, economic position, and paid work exposure leading to unequal access to communication resources among members. Our study offers a nuanced framework for participatory communication for social change that can contribute to both theory and development communication practice by acknowledging participatory conflict as an integral dimension of collective and individual empowerment process.

The maxcut of the sunrise with different masses in the continuous Minkoskean dimensional regularisation

We evaluate the maxcut of the two loops sunrise amplitude with three different masses by direct use of the loop momenta in the Minkoskean (as opposed to the usual Euclidean) continuous dimension regularisation, obtaining in that way six related but different functions expressed in the form of one dimensional finite integrals. We then consider the 4th order homogeneous equation valid for the maxcut, and show that for arbitrary dimension d the six functions do satisfy the equation separately. We further discuss the d=2,3,4 cases, verifying that only four of them are linearly independent. The equal mass limit is also shortly considered.

Persian version of the McHale co‐parenting scale: The evaluation of the psychometric properties

AbstractValidation of the MacHale Co‐parenting Scale (1997) was examined in a sample of 192 Persian‐speaking parents who had children in primary school. Translation of this scale was performed using the forward–backward method. To assess reliability, internal consistency was used after translating the items into Persian. Face validity, content validity and structural validity were also applied to ensure tool validity. The results indicated that Ballit's sphericity test yielded a value of 1153.138 at a significance level of p < .05. Using varimax rotation, three factors (Family Integrity, Consistency and Conflict) were identified with eigenvalues greater than 1 and factor loadings higher than 0.5. The total factors explained 58.18 per cent of the variance in the data. Additionally, the Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the entire questionnaire was 0.84. The Persian version of the co‐parenting questionnaire has satisfactory psychometric properties with acceptable reliability and validity for measuring joint parenting among Iranian parents in terms of family integrity, consistency and conflict dimensions.

E-Business and supply chain integration is the ultimate online shopping

E-business has risen as a key empowering influence to drive supply chain integration. Organizations can use the internet to achieve worldwide visibility on their extended trading network. The influence of e-business on supply chain integration can be defined laterally the dimensions of information integration, synchronized planning, coordinated workflow, and new business models. An Important value can be added to e-business by enabling supply chain integration. In this report, the author has taken a popular rising e-commerce company from Bangladesh. The name of this company is AJKERDEAL. It is a Bangladeshi online retail company, that focuses on a low-cost-oriented supply chain to maintain cost efficiency. The company's success is attributed to its superior supply chain practices over local competitors. However, Western multinational retailers may struggle in Bangladesh due to their differing values, cultures, and beliefs, potentially jeopardizing their key market.

1D/2D Heterostructures: Synthesis and Application in Photodetectors and Sensors.

Two-dimensional (2D) semiconductor components have excellent physical attributes, such as excellent mechanical ductility, high mobility, low dielectric constant, and tunable bandgap, which have attracted much attention to the fields of flexible devices, optoelectronic conversion, and microelectronic devices. Additionally, one-dimensional (1D) semiconductor materials with unique physical attributes, such as high surface area and mechanical potency, show great potential in many applications. However, isolated 1D and 2D materials often do not meet the demand for multifunctionality. Therefore, more functionality is achieved by reconstructing new composite structures from 1D and 2D materials, and according to the current study, it has been demonstrated that hybrid dimensional integration yields a significant enhancement in performance and functionality, which is widely promising in the field of constructing novel electronic and optoelectronic nanodevices. In this review, we first briefly introduce the preparation methods of 1D materials, 2D materials, and 1D/2D heterostructures, as well as their advantages and limitations. The applications of 1D/2D heterostructures in photodetectors, gas sensors, pressure and strain sensors, as well as photoelectrical synapses and biosensors are then discussed, along with the opportunities and challenges of their current applications. Finally, the outlook of the emerging field of 1D/2D heterojunction structures is given.

Does Hospital–Physician Integration Improve Hospital Performance? Results from a USA Longitudinal Study

In a dynamic healthcare industry, aligning the goals and objectives of hospitals and physicians through integration has been suggested to influence performance. Physicians’ leadership and active involvement in governance can direct resource usage, Electronic Health Record (EHR) implementation, price negotiation, better coordination, and continuity of services for patients, thus affecting performance. This study aimed to examine the relationship between physician integration and hospital performance, investigating both financial and quality outcomes. We used a longitudinal study design. Our sample was hospital-level data from 2014 to 2019, which contained 6000 U.S. hospital-year observations. The dependent variables were quality outcomes (readmission rates) and financial outcomes (total and operating margins). The independent variable explored three dimensions of integration: high, low, and overall integration. Findings showed no impact of hospital–physician integration on quality outcomes and financial performance. High-integration hospitals did not show any significant relationships with quality outcomes and financial performance compared to hospitals that did not have high integration. Hospital–physician integration may have little potential to bring clinical integration even though vertical integration is present. A commitment to improving quality as a strategic priority may be vital in impacting quality outcomes, followed by financial performance.

Linking digital transformation with supply chain intelligence integration and carbon performance: does business model innovation matter?

PurposeCompanies are actively pursuing digital transformation to achieve sustainable development; however, how digital transformation can help manufacturing firms improve carbon performance remains unclear. Based on an integrated perspective of dynamic capability theory and practice-based view, this study examines the relationship between digital transformation and carbon performance by exploring the mediating effect of supply chain intelligence integration and the moderating role of business model innovation.Design/methodology/approachUsing data collected from 297 manufacturing firms in China, this study employs hierarchical regression analysis to test the research hypotheses.FindingsThe findings demonstrated a significant positive association between digital transformation and carbon performance, and this relationship is mediated by all three dimensions of supply chain intelligence integration. Furthermore, business model innovation negatively moderates the relationships between digital transformation and both supplier intelligence integration and competitor intelligence integration.Originality/valueThe study provides empirical evidence that manufacturing firms can achieve greater benefits from digital transformation by aligning it with business model innovation and systematically promoting supply chain intelligence integration.

Research on the Innovation of Traditional Music Cultural Inheritance

Traditional music is an important source of Chinese civilization and has a profound impact on the origin, enrichment, leap forward, and sublimation of Chinese culture. Starting from the three dimensions of history, people, and integration, it is important to inherit, carry forward, and spread the contemporary value of traditional music culture. We should focus on the inheritance of historical dimension, reposition the unique function of traditional music culture, strengthen the ecological protection of traditional music culture, and advocate excavation protection, purification protection, and promotion protection. Additionally, we focus on the development of the people dimension, adhere to the people-centered creative orientation, grasp the needs of the people, reflect their aspirations, and strive to enhance the timeliness and attraction of national music. We also focus on the communication of integration dimension, leverage the characteristic advantages of emerging media communication, promote the cross-border integration of the traditional music industry and related fields, respond to the focus and interaction of music audience services, and promote the construction of a modern three-dimensional communication system of traditional music.

Green finance and investment index for assessing scenario and performance in selected countries

Globally, countries are engaged in developing strategies and undertaking initiatives for green transitioning of the financial system and achieving net-zero targets by 2050. Green transitioning of the financial system includes boosting green finance (GF) and green investment (GI) in the country. Countries are making initiatives to develop infrastructure and a conducive ecosystem to attract green finance and investment. The present study attempts to develop a green finance and investment index to evaluate the green financing and investing scenario of 15 selected countries. The study attempts to evaluate countries on the basis of four integral dimensions viz., transparency, resilience, efficacy and efficiency. The dimensions include 29 variables, representing 11 parameters identified through a comprehensive literature review and experts' inputs. Multiple-factor analysis is applied to develop the index and rank the countries. The results show that the UK is ranked first, followed by Germany, the USA and Japan. These countries have taken initiatives to include environmental financing in the legal and regulatory framework. Among the developing countries, China is ranked seventh, followed by Mexico, Brazil and Indonesia. The results show that transparency and resilience dimensions are homogeneous to each other. Likewise, efficiency and efficacy are relatively more homogeneous to each other. Transparency plays the prominent role in developing GFI ecosystem. The study recommends that by improving transparency in regulations will positively impact the resilience of the country. Improving efficacy will result in increasing efficiency in the countries. The findings of the study contributes to the literature on quantitative analysis of green finance and investment. The results can contribute to the decision-making of the policymakers for devising an appropriate policy by strategically addressing the critical variables in each dimension. Lastly, the study can provide the foundation for analysing the green finance and investment ecosystem and the performance of the countries over the period of time.

Source/Drain Epitaxy for Nanosheet-Based CFET Devices

This work reports the progress in source/drain (S/D) epitaxy development for nanosheet-based monolithic complementary field effect transistors (mCFET). S/D processes which were set-up for bulk finFET devices can be easily transferred to mCFET devices. Owing to the complicated integration and small dimensions of the highly scaled structures however, more attention is required for the pre-epi cleaning of the exposed channel interfaces and for the additional defectivity that arises from the merging of individual epitaxial growth fronts. Low-temperature epi processes can be structurally integrated in mCFET devices, to further reduce the transistor access resistance components and comply with thermal budget limitations.

Research on Business Model Transformation of Traditional Retail Enterprises under the Background of Digital Economy

With the rapid development of Internet technology, the global economy is gradually entering the digital era, and traditional industries are facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities. The retail industry, as an important part of it, is experiencing the change from traditional business a model to digital transformation to adapt to the changing market environment and consumer demand. This paper discusses the path of business model transformation of traditional retail enterprises in the context of digital economy, emphasizes the necessity and urgency of business model transformation, and points out that the only way for enterprises to maintain competitiveness and achieve sustainable development in the fierce market competition is through digital transformation. The path of transformation practice includes the dimensions of online-offline integration, digital supply chain management, data-driven precision marketing, and innovative payment and settlement methods. By combining specific cases in the Philippine market, practical transformation strategies and theoretical guidance are provided for traditional retail enterprises to help them realize a new round of growth in the era of digital economy.

Supply chain agility in humanitarian organisations: examining the role of self-organisation, information integration and adaptability in South Sudan

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose and validate a theoretical model to investigate the relationship between self-organisation, information integration, adaptability and supply chain agility in humanitarian organisations.Design/methodology/approachA theoretical model was developed from extant studies and assessed through a structured questionnaire survey of 86 humanitarian organisations operating in South Sudan. The data were analysed using partial least square structural equation modelling.FindingsThe study found that self-organisation has a discernible positive influence on supply chain agility not only directly but also indirectly through adaptability. Further, information integration does not significantly influence supply chain agility directly but is fully mediated by adaptability. Together, the antecedent variables account for 53.9% variance in supply chain agility.Research limitations/implicationsThis study contributes to providing an empirical understanding of a humanitarian supply chain as a complex adaptive system and hence the need to incorporate self-organising and adaptive dimensions in supply chain management practice. Furthermore, it confirms the centrality of the complex adaptive system feature of adaptability when building supply chain agility through self-organisation and information integration.Practical implicationsThe findings provide a firm ground for managerial decisions on investment in self-organisation and information integration dimensions so as to enhance adaptability and improve supply chain agility in humanitarian organisations.Originality/valueThis study is distinctive in the sense that it uses the complex adaptive system variables to empirically validate the relationships between self-organisation, information integration, adaptability and supply chain agility in humanitarian organisations in the world’s youngest developing economy with a long history of conflict and humanitarian intervention. The mediating influence of adaptability examined in this study is also novel.

Diagnostic Study to Evaluate the Degree of Development of the Circular Economy in Chilean Companies through the Application of a 5D Model

Recently, concepts such as sustainable development, corporate social responsibility, and the circular economy have gained considerable prominence, transforming production models and business practices. However, there remains a degree of uncertainty regarding the actual level of adoption of these initiatives by companies. The objective of this study is to assess the level of implementation of the circular economy in Chilean companies using a 5D model, applied through an assessment tool called “5D Circular”. This model analyzes five key business dimensions: finance, customers, internal processes, learning and growth, and conscious integration. The study was carried out on a sample of 90 companies, using a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 represents a very low level of development and 5 a very high level. The results show that the companies in the sample have achieved a high level of implementation of the circular economy. However, the dimensions of internal processes and conscious integration show a comparatively lower level of development compared to the dimensions of learning and growth and finance, which show a high level of development. It is worth noting that all companies show advanced knowledge and significant application of the circular economy.

Towards characterization of cell culture conditions for reliable proteomic analysis: in vitro studies on A549, differentiated THP-1, and NR8383 cell lines

Proteomic investigations result in high dimensional datasets, but integration or comparison of different studies is hampered by high variances due to different experimental setups. In addition, cell culture conditions can have a huge impact on the outcome. This study systematically investigates the impact of experimental parameters on the proteomic profiles of commonly used cell lines—A549, differentiated THP-1 macrophage-like cells, and NR8383—for toxicity studies. The work focuses on analyzing the influence at the proteome level of cell culture setup involving different vessels, cell passage numbers, and post-differentiation harvesting time, aiming to improve the reliability of proteomic analyses for hazard assessment. Mass-spectrometry-based proteomics was utilized for accurate protein quantification by means of a label-free approach. Our results showed that significant proteome variations occur when cells are cultivated under different setups. Further analysis of these variations revealed their association to specific cellular pathways related to protein misfolding, oxidative stress, and proteasome activity. Conversely, the influence of cell passage numbers on the proteome is minor, suggesting a reliable range for conducting reproducible biological replicates. Notable, substantial proteome alterations occur over-time post-differentiation of dTHP-1 cells, particularly impacting pathways crucial for macrophage function. This finding is key for the interpretation of experimental results. These results highlight the need for standardized culture conditions in proteomic-based evaluations of treatment effects to ensure reliable results, a prerequisite for achieving regulatory acceptance of proteomics data.

The politics of integration in retrospect and the supranational mega‐politics of governance and design in prospect: A roadmap

AbstractThe article argues that the ever‐closer Union among peoples of Europe finds itself at a critical juncture: the unstated and implicit assumption of a community made up of liberal democracies is being challenged and pitted against the rival rebirth of the nationalistic narrative of uniqueness and self‐sufficiency. The readiness to live, or paddle together, is on the line as the once sacrosanct ‘ever closer union among the peoples of Europe’ seems to be the focal point of the principled disagreement that calls into question the very belonging to the community and its continued existence. Faced with these challenges, this article charts an interdisciplinary and holistic road map to grapple with the big supranational questions of the day. It argues that the traditional European discourse moves beyond the technical dichotomy of ‘market regulation versus deregulation’ and ‘Union competence versus Member State competence’ and instead zeroes in on the more fundamental questions pertaining to mega‐politics centred on the identity of the common legal order. While the analysis appreciates the critical interaction between the legal dimension of European supranational integration—the search for optimal tools to safeguard the integrity of the supranational order—it stresses the importance of the ethical face—the narrative and justification that would explain in the name of whom the supranational governance and design acts when it defines and then defends its narrative and First Principles of the common legal order today in flux more than ever.

The impact of family urban integration on migrant worker mental health in China.

As China has undergone the processes of urbanization and economic development, a large migrant population has emerged, creating new family migration trends. Family migration brings about changes in urban integration costs and benefits, affecting health investment. The primary objective of this research is to investigate the influence of urban integration of migrant workers' families on their mental wellbeing, with the aim of offering policy recommendations conducive to the realization of a comprehensive public health strategy in China. This paper uses multi-dimensional indexes to measure family urban integration, covering economic, social and psychological dimensions, which may consider the complexity of integration. Utilizing a machine learning clustering algorithm, the research endeavors to assess the level of urban integration experienced by migrant workers and their respective families. The analysis discerns three distinct clusters denoting varying degrees of urban integration within these familial units, namely high-level, medium-level, and low-level urban integration. We applied binary logit regression models to analyze the influence of family urban integration on the mental health among migrant workers. Then we conducted a series of robustness tests. The results show that family urban integration decreases the probability of depressive symptoms by 14.6 percentage points. Further mechanism tests show that family economic integration enhances the psychological wellbeing of migrant workers by elevating their income status. Family social integration decreases depressive symptoms by increasing social status. Family psychological integration increases the psychological health of migrant workers by making them more satisfied with their lives. The heterogeneity test shows that family urban integration and its different dimensions have a strong impact on the depressive symptoms of women, first-generation, and less-educated groups. This study finds that family urban integration and its economic, social, and psychological dimensions significantly reduced the depressive symptoms of migrant workers. The results of this study lead the authors to recommend formulating a family-centered policy for migrant workers to reside in urban areas, optimizing the allocation of medical resources and public services, and improving family urban integration among migrant workers in order to avoid mental health problems in the process of urban integration.

PROSPECTS OF ECONOMIC INTEGRATION OF UKRAINE WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE ASSOCIATION AGREEMENT WITH THE EU

The article examines the prospects of economic integration within the framework of the association agreement with the EU. It is noted that modern studies on the integration of Ukraine into the EU most often consider the problems of the Ukrainian dimension of European and Euro-Atlantic integration, Ukraine's acquisition of the status of a candidate for EU membership in the conditions of the war in Ukraine , the state European integration policy of Ukraine: theory, methodology, mechanisms, reengineering in international business. The main prospects for further economic integration of Ukraine into the EU are offered: strengthen responsibility for corruption schemes in the economy and in the field of intellectual property rights; implement the Tax Policy Strategy, which should take into account all sectoral aspects of the Association Agreement with the EU; strengthen control over public procurement; apply real tools to stimulate energy efficiency and innovative development (tax credit or tax discount), environmentally safe production (emission limits, correction factors, etc.), establish a tax-free minimum income of citizens and apply real control over persons receiving tax benefits. It is justified that the level of innovative activity should be stimulated primarily by tax benefits. It is shown that in foreign countries, the emphasis is primarily on the financing of innovative research by private companies, which allows them to obtain an innovative product, which can then be sold both inside the country and outside its borders. In Ukraine, for the most part, the state is not interested in such processes and does not create certain preferences for persons developing innovative products. It is proposed to introduce an innovative tax credit, which will allow subjects of innovative activity to reduce the tax burden from corporate income tax or postpone its payment. Thanks to this approach, Ukraine can obtain innovative products that will be in demand on the world market.

Nurses' perspectives on privacy and ethical concerns regarding artificial intelligence adoption in healthcare

BackgroundWith the increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into healthcare systems, there is a growing emphasis on privacy and ethical considerations. Nurses, as frontline healthcare professionals, are pivotal in-patient care and offer valuable insights into the ethical implications of AI adoption. ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore nurses' perspectives on privacy and ethical concerns associated with the implementation of AI in healthcare settings. MethodsWe employed Van Manen's hermeneutic phenomenology as the qualitative research approach. Data were collected through purposive sampling from the December 7, 2023 to the January 15, 2024, with interviews conducted in Bengali. Thematic analysis was utilized following member checking and an audit trail. ResultsSix themes emerged from the research findings: Ethical dimensions of AI integration, highlighting complexities in incorporating AI ethically; Privacy challenges in healthcare AI, revealing concerns about data security and confidentiality; Balancing innovation and ethical practice, indicating a need to reconcile technological advancements with ethical considerations; Human touch vs. technological progress, underscoring tensions between automation and personalized care; Patient-centered care in the AI era, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus on patients amidst technological advancements; and Ethical preparedness and education, suggesting a need for enhanced training and education on ethical AI use in healthcare. ConclusionsThe findings underscore the importance of addressing privacy and ethical concerns in AI healthcare development. Nurses advocate for patient-centered approaches and collaborate with policymakers and tech developers to ensure responsible AI adoption. Further research is imperative for mitigating ethical challenges and promoting ethical AI in healthcare practice.

Opportunities for self-preferencing in international online marketplaces

PurposeLarge digital platforms face intense scrutiny over self-preferencing, which involves a platform provider favoring its own offers over those of competitors. In online marketplaces, also called retail or e-commerce platforms, much of the academic and regulatory debate focuses on determining whether the marketplace provider gives preference to its own private labels, such as “Amazon Basics” or Walmart’s “Great Value” products. However, we outline, both conceptually and empirically, that self-preferencing can also occur through other dimensions of vertical integration – namely, retailing and fulfillment.Design/methodology/approachThis article contributes by conceptualizing three dimensions of vertical integration in online marketplaces – private labels, retailing and fulfillment. Then, two studies empirically assess (1) which of the 20 most-visited global online marketplaces vertically integrates which dimension and (2) which share of 600 m available offers is vertically integrated to which degree in eleven international Amazon marketplaces.FindingsThe majority of the leading marketplaces vertically integrate all three dimensions, implying ample opportunities for self-preferencing. Across international Amazon marketplaces, only 0.02% of available offers consist of an Amazon private-label product. However, Amazon is a retailer for around 31% and fulfills around 38% of all available offers in its marketplaces. Hence, self-preferencing on Amazon can occur most frequently through retailing and fulfillment but comparatively infrequently through private-label offers. Still, these shares differ substantially by country – every second offer is vertically integrated in the USA, but only one in ten in India.Originality/valueMost of the self-preferencing debate often focuses on private-label products. Instead, we present large-scale empirical results showing that self-preferencing on Amazon could occur most often through retailing and fulfillment because these channels affect much larger shares of offers. We also measure the variation of these shares across countries and relate them to regulatory environments.

Influence of nozzle temperatures on the microstructures and physical properties of 316L stainless steel parts additively manufactured by material extrusion

PurposeMaterial extrusion (ME) is a low-cost additive manufacturing (AM) technique that is capable of producing metallic components using desktop 3D printers through a three-step printing, debinding and sintering process to obtain fully dense metallic parts. However, research on ME AM, specifically fused filament fabrication (FFF) of 316L SS, has mainly focused on improving densification and mechanical properties during the post-printing stage; sintering parameters. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of varying processing parameters during the initial printing stage, specifically nozzle temperatures, Tn (190°C–300°C) on the relative density, porosity, microstructures and microhardness of FFF 3D printed 316L SS.Design/methodology/approachCube samples (25 x 25 x 25 mm) are printed via a low-cost Artillery Sidewinder X1 3D printer using a 316L SS filament comprising of metal-polymer binder mix by varying nozzle temperatures from 190 to 300°C. All samples are subjected to thermal debinding and sintering processes. The relative density of the sintered parts is determined based on the Archimedes Principle. Microscopy and analytical methods are conducted to evaluate the microstructures and phase compositions. Vickers microhardness (HV) measurements are used to assess the mechanical property. Finally, the correlation between relative density, microstructures and hardness is also reported.FindingsThe results from this study suggest a suitable temperature range of 195°C–205°C for the successful printing of 316L SS green parts with high dimensional accuracy. On the other hand, Tn = 200°C yields the highest relative density (97.6%) and highest hardness (292HV) in the sintered part, owing to the lowest porosity content (<3%) and the combination of the finest average grain size (∼47 µm) and the presence of Cr23C6 precipitates. However, increasing Tn = 205°C results in increased porosity percentage and grain coarsening, thereby reducing the HV values. Overall, these outcomes suggest that the microstructures and properties of sintered 316L SS parts fabricated by FFF AM could be significantly influenced even by adjusting the processing parameters during the initial printing stage only.Originality/valueThis paper addresses the gap by investigating the impact of initial FFF 3D printing parameters, particularly nozzle temperature, on the microstructures and physical characteristics of sintered FFF 316L SS parts. This study provides an understanding of the correlation between nozzle temperature and various factors such as dimensional integrity, densification level, microstructure and hardness of the fabricated parts.