Conceptual Methodology Research Articles

Protecting Anonymity in Rural Locales: The Use of Composite Narratives in Intimate Partner Violence Research.

A crucial consideration in the presentation of findings within intimate partner violence (IPV) research is the protection of participant identities. While it is necessary to center survivors' voices, it is equally important to provide layers of anonymity, especially in smaller rural settings where "everyone knows everyone," and where it is thus difficult to guarantee confidentiality for interlocutors. One such way to protect identity is the use of composite narratives: extracting data from several interviews and blending narrative details into one individual story that highlights cross-cutting themes. The purpose of this paper is to examine the affordances of using composite narratives in presenting research findings from rural survivors of IPV. In addition to providing necessary anonymity, this paper also illustrates how composite narratives can showcase ethnographic specificity and utilize the methodological concept of "narrative shock" to enhance empathy, awareness, intervention, and training around IPV for a wide audience.

Emerging trends in the evolution of neuropsychology and artificial intelligence: A comprehensive analysis

Neuropsychological evaluations are valuable in neurosurgery because they comprehensively evaluate cognitive, affective, and behavioral functioning to optimize patient outcomes. Incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into neuropsychology offers optimistic advances, with machine learning models assisting in classifying behavioral, cognitive, and functional impairments while minimizing the number of tests. AI-based approaches have demonstrated accurate classification outcomes, providing potential alternatives to time-consuming and non-ecological conventional evaluations. This research uses data from the Scopus database to examine the trends of neuropsychological-based AI in cognitive neuroscience, mental health, and neurodegenerative disorders. The study emphasized the potential of artificial intelligence in neuropsychology research and identified several research themes. The analysis of bibliometrics may efficiently assess the developments and impact of neuropsychology research, providing insights into academic output and predicting future trends. Future research should consider utilizing alternative databases, employing a multisource strategy, incorporating additional keywords, and building upon the foundational knowledge provided by this study. Despite its limitations, this study provides significant insights and paves the way for future neuropsychology-based artificial intelligence research. Furthermore, investigating significant topics and key issues in the neuropsychology and artificial intelligence debate adds new perspectives to the corpus of literature. This analysis can help identify gaps, controversies, and areas of future exploration within the field. The study also highlights the importance of learning and intelligent computation in neuropsychology, providing a conceptual methodology based on a comprehensive review of the most recent research.

Efficient crystallization: Paving the way to 100% electrification in crystallization

This paper addresses the urgent need to decarbonize the beet sugar industry, driven by environmental and climate crises. Focusing on the crystallization stage of sugar production, De Smet Engineers & Contractors introduces the CRISTA-TOP® concept as an innovative configuration incorporating a flash/cooling crystallizer and enhancing the batch crystallization by reducing the massecuite level above the calandria while using high DS content standard liquor. Compared to standard crystallization processes, the CRISTA-TOP® design reduces the total evaporation work by 43% and decreases waste heat by 53%. Additionally, the heating steam temperature for the evaporating crystallizers is reduced from 108 °C to 97 °C, further optimizing energy consumption. This concept not only lowers the environmental footprint but also maintains high sugar quality. By electrifying the crystallization stage, CRISTA-TOP® enables the use of renewable electricity, which is particularly beneficial during syrup campaigns. The development is based on a robust conceptual methodology to optimize and electrify a reference beet sugar factory, using advanced simulation models that can define multiple decarbonization pathways. De Smet Engineers & Contractors supports the industry’s energy transition and promotes sustainable practices globally.

River co-learning arenas: principles and practices for transdisciplinary knowledge co-creation and multi-scalar (inter)action

ABSTRACT This paper develops the methodological concept of river co-learning arenas (RCAs) and explores their potential to strengthen innovative grassroots river initiatives, enliven river commons, regenerate river ecologies, and foster greater socio-ecological justice. The integrity of river systems has been threatened in profound ways over the last century. Pollution, damming, canalisation, and water grabbing are some examples of pressures threatening the entwined lifeworlds of human and non-human communities that depend on riverine systems. Finding ways to reverse the trends of environmental degradation demands complex spatial–temporal, political, and institutional articulations across different levels of governance (from local to global) and among a plurality of actors who operate from diverse spheres of knowledge and systems of practice, and who have distinct capacities to affect decision-making. In this context, grassroots river initiatives worldwide use new multi-actor and multi-level dialogue arenas to develop proposals for river regeneration and promote social-ecological justice in opposition to dominant technocratic-hydraulic development strategies. This paper conceptualises these spaces of dialogue and action as RCAs and critically reflects on ways of organising and supporting RCAs while facilitating their cross-fertilisation in transdisciplinary practice. By integrating studies, debates, and theories from diverse disciplines, we generate multi-faceted insights and present cornerstones for the engagement with and/or enaction of RCAs. This encompasses five main themes central to RCAs: (1) River knowledge encounters and truth regimes, (2) transgressive co-learning, (3) confrontation and collaboration dynamics, (4) ongoing reflexivity, (5) transcultural knowledge assemblages and translocal bridging of rooted knowledge.

Psychology, the posts, and qualitative research

ABSTRACT In this article, we consider the debates in the field of psychology about the “posts” around two broad issues—that of “incommensurability” between qualitative research and post-qualitative inquiry, and tensions regarding method and methodology. We are largely in agreement that these systems of thought are so fundamentally different that they cannot be reconciled, as they arise from differing ontological and epistemological foundations of qualitative and post-qualitative inquiry, but we offer some clarifications regarding our views. In relation to methods and methodology, we provide some examples of different conceptions of methods and methodology, primarily by examining writers who are sympathetic to critical posthumanism. While in some cases, methods and methodology are eschewed, in other cases, methods but not methodology are eschewed, while yet in others, a focus on the research process is what produces the knowledge. The paper concludes by considering the contributions that psychology has offered posthumanism.

Methodological Concepts of Appling AI into Military and Economic Capabilities Data Analysis

Methodological Concepts of Appling AI into Military and Economic Capabilities Data Analysis

GOALS AND CONTENT OF LANGUAGE TRAINING OF SPECIALISTS IN RUSSIAN HIGHER EDUCATION

In this article, we will talk about the socio-economic importance of higher professional education, the scientific research carried out to increase its status and effective strategies for its improvement, the innovative paradigm of higher education, the role and necessity of higher professional education in the formation of the intellectual elite of society. will go. Also, the issue of the linguistic component of the block of humanities, which determines the content of the comprehensive training of specialists in this field, and the integrated scientific and methodological concept of teaching students to professional speech communication are discussed.

The Effect of Biochar Particle Size on the Leaching of Organic Molecules and Macro- and Microelements

Biochar is a carbon-rich material that has recently received attention due to its increasing agronomical potential. The agricultural utilization of biochar relates to its potential to act in the soil as a soil conditioner; nevertheless, complex information on the direct dependence of biochar’s physical properties (texture, particle size) and corresponding leaching and availability of organic molecules (e.g., the polycyclic and heterocyclic organic compounds) and inorganic mineral salts (based on micro- and macroelements) is still inconsistent. Multi-elemental analysis by using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) was used to assess the information on the contents and availability of macro- and microelements in studied commercial biochar samples. The results showed a statistically significant indirect relation between an increase in the size fraction of biochar and the content of aqueous-extractable K and Na and the direct relation with the aqueous-extractable Ca, Mg, and P. Compared to the macroelements, the detected contents of aqueous-extractable microelements were almost three orders lower, and the dependence on fraction size was not consistent or statistically significant. In addition, gas chromatography (GC) coupled with mass spectroscopy (MS) was further used to reveal the concentrations of available polycyclic aromatic and heterocyclic compounds in biochar samples. The detected concentrations of these types of organic compounds were far below the certified limits, and a statistically significant indirect correlation with particle size was also observed for all the studied biochar samples. The proposed methodological concept could provide the necessary insights into the description of biochar mineral content and its connection to biochar texture, the physicochemical properties, and the potential of biochar to release nutrients into the soil. These findings could help in the further assessment of biochar as a soil conditioner in modern agriculture.

Digital twins and biodiversity: a conceptual framework of opportunities and challenge

PurposeThe intersection of digital twins and ecological diversity offers a new and complex landscape that requires interdisciplinary investigation. Recognizing the urgent need for a nuanced approach to the ethical, technological and practical challenges in this area, this paper presents a conceptual framework that serves as a roadmap for future research and policymaking.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a conceptual methodology deeply rooted in interdisciplinary perspectives. A systematic literature review was conducted using the Scopus database to identify relevant articles. The selected articles were rigorously analyzed to derive key dimensions, which were then validated through expert panel reviews and a pilot study.FindingsOur framework identifies seven critical dimensions: Data Acquisition and Simulation, Impact Assessment, Ecological Protection and Management, Ethical and Legal Considerations, Social and Cultural Impacts, Technological Feasibility and Limitations and Policies and Regulations. These dimensions provide a comprehensive structure for understanding and addressing the intersection of digital twins and biodiversity conservation.Originality/valueThis study contributes a foundational guide for sustainable and ethical engagement between digital twins and biodiversity conservation. It offers a novel, interdisciplinary framework that integrates diverse perspectives and provides practical insights for scholars, policymakers and practitioners in this emerging field.

Saliva metabolomics: concepts and applications in oral disorders.

The purpose of this review was to present the basic concepts of metabolomics methodology and the use of saliva for diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive strategies. This review followed the focus in: "saliva metabolomics" and "oral diseases". The authors searched studies on PubMed database. The inclusion criteria were original studies and reviews that assessed metabolomics techniques. A descriptive analysis was performed considering the study design, approach system, clinical steps, and tools for the determination of profile or biomarkers metabolites, and the advantages and disadvantages. Metabolomic analyses use a combination of analytical instrumentation and informatic tools to provide information on metabolite characteristics. In this review we described different technologies applied and the advantages and limitations of each technique. Furthermore, in the literature search, we retrieved 25 studies that investigated saliva metabolites in oral diseases: 8 studies used targeted analysis and 17 untargeted metabolomics approaches. Most studies included patients with periodontal diseases, oral squamous cell carcinoma, and Sjögren Syndrome. The most frequently reported metabolites were glycine, leucine, phenylalanine, dipeptides, linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, tyrosine, choline, taurine, lactate, valine, and proline. Metabolomics analysis has emerged as a powerful tool for tumor diagnosis and to enhance tumor classification, including salivary gland tumors (SGTs). It also holds promise for developing personalized treatment plans and defining more precise prognostic categories. Metabolomics is the most functional and comprehensive technique for monitoring and understanding gene functions and identifying the biochemical state of an organism in response to genetic and environmental changes.

Pioneering new paths: the role of generative modelling in neurological disease research.

Recently, deep generative modelling has become an increasingly powerful tool with seminal work in a myriad of disciplines. This powerful modelling approach is supposed to not only have the potential to solve current problems in the medical field but also to enable personalised precision medicine and revolutionise healthcare through applications such as digital twins of patients. Here, the core concepts of generative modelling and popular modelling approaches are first introduced to consider the potential based on methodological concepts for the generation of synthetic data and the ability to learn a representation of observed data. These potentials will be reviewed using current applications in neuroimaging for data synthesis and disease decomposition in Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis. Finally, challenges for further research and applications will be discussed, including computational and data requirements, model evaluation, and potential privacy risks.

Developing a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Plan for Organization's Strategic Objectives Using the Design Thinking Approach

The objective of this study was to develop a theoretical framework tailored for managers of small and medium-sized businesses, as well as project managers. Design thinking is human centered approach that involves stakeholders at different levels of its application in the development of innovations. Originally as an engineering method, it has been applied in diverse fields, including entrepreneurship. This paper presents an extended version of the double diamond framework used in design thinking. The double diamond framework was developed in 2005 as a graphical approach for achieving project design process. The author’s in-depth analysis of the model indicates that it can be applied to formulating business strategic objectives, a use case not previously discussed in the literature. Therefore, this paper aims contribute to the scientific body of knowledge by extending the double diamond model for strategic objective formulation. A normative conceptual methodology was used to develop this framework. The development of a monitoring and evaluation plan for businesses or projects, based on a traditional literature review methodology, illustrates how design thinking can offer a new perspective on these processes, helping to address key challenges. This paper demonstrates how each of the five stages in the design thinking process can be employed during the development of a monitoring and evaluation plan. Although this development process can be tedious and complicated, applying the design thinking approach can simplify and streamline it, ensuring active involvement from all stakeholders through the introduced extended framework. Recommendations for future research include applying the proposed extended framework in empirical studies involving large organizations. For practical implications, managers of small and medium businesses are encouraged to apply this model when developing strategies or incorporate it into project management to enhance the development of a project's monitoring and evaluation plan.

‘A Realist Conceptual Methodology for Qualitative Educational Research: A Modest Proposal’

AbstractThis article explains and illustrates an approach to the design of qualitative inquiry in education using a conceptual methodology informed by a realist ontology. It is written with research novices in mind, based on two observations we have made while supervising postgraduate students. The first is that the methodology literature education students often engage with tends to focus on interpretivist-constructivist approaches. The second observation is that it can be challenging for students to find appealing and accessible material which employs realist informed methodology. To counter this we offer a general introduction to undertaking educational research informed by a realist ontology drawing on a simplified account of critical realism (CR). We illustrate the key concepts of this approach using examples from postgraduate studies in education. It is our hope that this article may stimulate wider discussion about the possibilities, development, and use of realist approaches.

The modern methodological conceptions and the development of anglo-american economics in the 20th century

Purpose: The aim of this article is to reconstruct the basic methodological assumptions that are relevant to contemporary conceptions of the science of economics developing in English and American literature during the 20th century. Methodology/approach: The paper aims to outline the logical structure of scientific theories in economics, which determines the objectivity of this science. Theoretical testing of hypotheses is performed by referring to more general and higher theoretical knowledge. Findings: The prevalence of utilitarian attitudes described in the article, which limit economic cognition to cost and profit calculations and economic processes to activities around profit maximisation, promotes the instrumentalisation of the norms and principles of this science, and indirectly indicates the absence of other autonomous values besides profit. Practical implications: Making the starting point in this article expressed in the work of British and American classics writing in the twentieth century demonstrates that they were moderate and flexible thinkers, as the structure of their theories reflects the changes that occurred in the leading methodological currents of the time. Originality/value: In every epoch of the development of the science of economics, there are concepts that consciously need to be guarded against variability (e.g. the concept of truth) and to strive to ensure that methodological concepts form as coherent a scientific belief system as possible.

Fluid-Infiltrated Metalens-Driven Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces for Optical Wireless Communications.

A reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS), a leading-edge technology, represents a new paradigm for adaptive control of electromagnetic waves between a source and a user. While RIS technology has proven effective in manipulating radio frequency waves using passive elements such as diodes and MEMS, its application in the optical domain is challenging. The main difficulty lies in meeting key performance indicators, with the most critical being accurate and self-adjusting positioning. This work presents an alternative RIS design methodology driven by an all-silicon structure and fluid infiltration, to achieve real-time control of focal length toward a designated user, thereby enabling secure data transmission. To validate the concept, both numerical simulations and experimental investigations of the RIS design methodology are conducted to demonstrate the performance of fluid-infiltrated metalens-driven RIS for this application. When combined with different fluids, the resulting ultra-compact RIS exhibits exceptional varifocal abilities, ranging from 0.4 to 0.5 mm, thereby confirming the adaptive tuning capabilities of the design. This may significantly enhance the modulation of optical waves and promote the development of RIS-based applications in wireless communications and secure data-transmission integrated photonic devices.

Methodological concept and applied principles of adaptogenic construction organization considering modern innovative and investment trends

The article explores the concept of adaptogenic construction organization, which ensures the ability of construction enterprises and projects to effectively adapt to changes in the external environment under the influence of modern innovative and investment trends. The key characteristics of such organizations are outlined, including digital transformation, the implementation of advanced technologies, ecological sustainability, and innovative management methods with a particular emphasis on modular construction and other types of post-war reconstruction. The development of modular technologies is examined, covering various aspects of this approach, from its economic benefits to ecological and architectural opportunities, which experienced a breakthrough after World War II for the rapid and cost-effective restoration of housing stock. Examples of failures in modular construction technologies are provided, serving as practical lessons for the industry. Special attention is paid to flexible management mechanisms and risk minimization, which enhance the competitiveness of construction companies in conditions of market instability and uncertainty. Other innovative methods, such as skyscraper construction, rehabilitation of existing buildings, and the introduction of green technologies, are also explored, as they have become crucial for urban recovery after destruction. The article reviews modern construction standards and ecological management practices, which help Ukraine move toward sustainable development and improve the environmental situation in the construction sector. An analysis of international standards (LEED, BREEAM, ISO 14001, ISO 50001, EDGE, WELL, and others) is conducted, which contribute to increasing sustainability and energy efficiency in modern construction development projects. Examples of the implementation of innovative approaches in the construction of residential and commercial buildings are presented, as well as projects that apply sustainable development principles. The article also emphasizes the need for legislative adaptation and the introduction of new technologies in the construction industry. Successful examples of the rehabilitation of existing buildings, innovative approaches to the creation of public spaces, and the integration of ecological practices into urban environments are highlighted.

O surrealizmie etnograficznym, fabulacji i potędze nieprawdy w filmie Apichatponga Weerasethakula

The subject of the analysis is the feature-length debut of Apichatpong Weerasethakul, a Thai film director and video artist, allowing us to understand how the process of creating art can be combined with research work – in this case ethnography – making the camera a tool of cognition. Mysterious Object at Noon (2000) is a kind of epistemological and aesthetic experiment whose aim is to develop a new way of talking about reality by combining different voices and involving many people involved in the project in the creative process. The starting point of the article are methodological concepts proposed by representatives of research-creation (Erin Manning, Brian Massumi) and the idea of ethnographic surrealism as presented by James Clifford. Using a selected film example, I would like to show what the fabulation is all about as a narrative strategy and a tool for creating a collective artistic statement, which is also a research practice.

Identifying skills required of new epidemiologists: a content analysis of Canadian job postings and master's programs.

The rise of emerging public health threats has increased the need for qualified epidemiologists in Canada. Our study aimed to identify the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) required of epidemiologists entering the workforce and determine whether these align with those taught in graduate epidemiology programs. An inductive content analysis of Canadian job postings from May to December 2023 containing the keyword "epidemiology" and requiring master's degrees in epidemiology or related fields was conducted to identify the KSAs required in the workforce. Inductive content analysis of Master of Science (MSc) program descriptions and core course descriptions was completed to discern skills gained through Canadian graduate epidemiology and public health programs. Based on the 295 job postings analyzed, five KSA categories were identified: communication skills (n = 268, 90.8%), analytical skills (n = 267, 90.5%), soft skills (n = 254, 86.1%), research methodology (n = 217, 73.6%), and knowledge of epidemiological concepts (n = 170, 57.6%). Analysis of 18 MSc programs found that that all of them described analytical skills, research methodology, and epidemiological concepts within their curriculum. Communication skills were described in 94.4% (n = 17) of programs, while soft skills were mentioned in 50.0% (n = 9). However, only 66.7% (n = 12) of programs outlined learning objectives or specified the skills acquired from their programs in their descriptions. There was alignment between the needs of the Canadian epidemiology job market and MSc programs, particularly in analytical skills and research methodology. However, development of soft skills should be emphasized within graduate epidemiology programs to better prepare graduates for the job market. Future research should aim to develop competency statements for epidemiologists in training to ensure consistency across graduate programs and promote career readiness.

Pishu Tebe Digital Archive

The paper examines the contribution of the Pishu Tebe project to the digitization of historical postcards. Pishu Tebe contains 45000 marked-up postcards and is thus one of the largest projects involved in postcard digitization. The principal innovation proposed and successfully implemented by Pishu Tebe is a multidimensional approach to digital preservation of postcards as cultural entities. In contrast to other initiatives, Pishu Tebe builds a digital archive opening the way for analyzing all kinds of postcard-related data: visual, textual, chronological, geographical and personal (sender/recipient’s names). The paper starts with a discussion of the place of Pishu Tebe in contemporary postcards studies, its conceptual methodology and IT background. It describes then the key phases of the digitization process and identifies major challenges faced by a voluntary digitization project. In the end, the paper presents quantitative and qualitative results of Pishu Tebe and outlines further plans.

Colombian Oil Energy Security through a Framework of Risks and Vulnerabilities

The dynamics of oil markets are influenced by both international and local contexts, which determine their potential for success and sustainability. This article uses a conceptual methodology to analyze the characteristics that are present in successful energy markets. These characteristics can help identify inhibitors and barriers that may hinder the growth and development of the market. The analytical-propositive methodological design consists of three phases: firstly, a diagnosis is conducted to describe the costs associated with oil production, which will allow for the identification of economic characteristics. Secondly, attributes of the Colombian oil market are identified through a documentary and regulatory analysis. Finally, strategic guidelines are inferred, which can be used as inputs for the formulation of energy policies. The results highlight that sustainable development policies must involve both public and private actors to strengthen decision-making and the quality of processes, thereby providing greater scope.