Theory Methodology Research Articles

Study of low manganese solution loss HAMO@ZrO2 via experimental and theory methodology

Lithium, being the lightest element in nature, has garnered attention for its potential to recover Li+ from brine. One of the promising materials in this context is spinel-structured lithium manganese oxide. Herein, a novel ZrO2 shell/Al3+ doped H1.6Mn1.6O4 core lithium ion sieve, namely, HAMO@ZrO2, was successfully prepared. XRD, SEM, HR-TEM, and XPS were used to characterize the morphological properties and crystal structure of HAMO@ZrO2. The equilibrium adsorption capacity (Qe) of HAMO@ZrO2 was found to be 36.89 mg·g−1. Furthermore, desorption equilibrium was achieved within 40 min when LAMO@ZrO2 was immersed in a 0.05 mol·L−1H+ solution, resulting in reduced manganese dissolution from 2.38 % to 1.4 %. The structural stability of HAMO@ZrO2 was explained using density functional theory (DFT), where the total structure energy was carefully estimated. Even after ten adsorption-desorption cycles, the Li+ adsorption capacity of HAMO@ZrO2 was sustained at 29.69 mg·g−1. The dissolution loss of Mn2+ (RMn2+) was less than 2 %, demonstrating the effective regeneration property of HAMO@ZrO2. In addition to its impressive properties, HAMO@ZrO2 exhibited high selectivity for Li+ over hetero-atoms in artificial brine. These findings make HAMO@ZrO2 a promising candidate for Li+ recovery applications.

The effect of π-spacer on D-A'-π-a system organic dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) technology: a computational approach”

Abstract The globe is consuming more energy as a result of population growth and economic development. One of the most important forms of renewable energy for human usage is solar energy. By modifying the π-spacers, four D-A'-π-A of novel organic dye molecules (D1–D4) have been created in this study. To evaluate the optoelectronic capabilities and photovoltaic qualities of four D-A'-π-A new organic dyes created molecules, density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) theory methodologies through the B3LYP and 6-311G basis set have been employed. To ascertain the effect of developed π-spacer on enhancing intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) and enhancing light-absorbing capacities, a number of crucial factors, including molecular geometry, energy bandgap and light-harvesting efficiency (LHE), have been studied. Based on the available data, D4 outperforms the other four developed organic dye molecules, with energy bandgap of 1.4896 and 1.4253 eV for gas and solvent phase, respectively, regeneration driving forces (ΔGreg) of 0.0469 and 0.0300 eV for the gas phase and solvent phase, respectively, and open-circuit voltages (Voc) of 0.6427 and 0.5953 eV for the gas phase and solvent phase, respectively. Additionally, the maximum absorption wavelengths (λmax) for the gas phase and solvent phase are 932.03 and 1013.81 nm, respectively. Consequently, it was found that the D4 dye molecule was a more promising option for the use of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) technology hence advised for more practical research to provide efficient advancements in the D-A'-π-A system organic dye for the production of sustainable energy.

Methodology in theory, and practice, in economics textbooks

Methodology in theory, and practice, in economics textbooks

Methodology in theory, and Practice, in Economics Textbooks

Methodology in theory, and Practice, in Economics Textbooks

“Glossed over and missing”: Preservice teachers learn about slavery in Canada

ABSTRACT The more than 200 years of chattel slavery in Canada is an example of the country’s occluded history predicated on structural racism. This study of preservice elementary teachers in a social studies methods course helps to reveal how the history of Black enslavement in Canada has been effectively erased from the national consciousness. Using a symbolic interactionism/grounded theory methodology, I seek to make meaning from more than 70 preservice teachers’ written responses to a reading on slavery and abolition in Canada. This study’s findings help reveal some of the challenges to, and possibilities for, interrogating historical consciousness and national identity narratives as a process of learning within the contexts of methods courses.

Application of Random Matrix Theory With Maximum Local Overlapping Semicircles for Comorbidity Analysis

In December 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic began, which has claimed the lives of millions of people around the world. This article presents a regional analysis of COVID-19 in Mexico. Due to comorbidities in Mexican society, this new pandemic implies a higher risk for the population. The study period runs from 12 April to 5 October 2020 761,665. This article proposes a unique methodology of random matrix theory in the moments of a probability measure that appears as the limit of the empirical spectral distribution by Wigner's semicircle law. The graphical presentation of the results is done with Machine Learning methods in the SuperHeat maps. With this, it was possible to analyze the behavior of patients who tested positive for COVID-19 and their comorbidities, with the conclusion that the most sensitive comorbidities in hospitalized patients are the following three: COPD, Other Diseases, and Renal Diseases.

Research on University Information Management Based on Nonlinear Matrix Organizational Structure

The construction of data and automation in the field of teaching materials management in colleges and universities is an important part of teaching management in colleges and universities, and it is also a specific and heavy task. Therefore, improving the function of the college textbook management system and giving full play to the informatization service role of the college information management system are of great significance to improve the management efficiency of college textbooks and the quality of college teaching management. The research done still needs to be further deepened and still needs to be gradually improved in many aspects. For example, in order to make the application of the decision-making method proposed in this paper more convenient, it is necessary to further develop the supporting decision-making analysis software, which are practical problems that need to be improved and solved in the future. Aiming at the problems of traditional college textbook management mode, such as large manual workload, low work efficiency, unsound query and statistical functions, and postreview perimeter, this paper studies and designs a set of college information management system based on nonlinear matrix organizational structure. Based on the comprehensive integration methodology of nonlinear complex system theory, reductionism, and holism, this paper innovatively proposes a new analysis structure for complex problem evaluation and a value system for solution evaluation. The non-linear ANP decision-making method (collectively referred to as the new method) is proposed in this study. The new method judges the system state layer by layer from bottom to top based on the hierarchical overall judgment thinking, effectively revealing the behavior characteristics such as the emergence and mutation of complex systems. Compared with the traditional ANP decision-making method, the new method is more scientific and reliable than the traditional ANP decision-making method. This paper designs and develops a college information management system based on nonlinear matrix. Through the implementation test, it can be found that the system is helpful to improve the management level of college textbooks, reduce the irrelevant workload in the management of textbooks, and use data management for the decision-making of college textbooks.

A mixed methods approach to exploring grammar learning strategies in self-regulation task phases: Evidence from grounded theory and regression analysis

While research into various dimensions of language learning strategies has been thriving over the recent years, grammar learning strategies (GLS) have largely remained under-explored. The present mixed methods research aimed to explore GLS in the three stages of classroom grammar tasks, while striving to determine the sequence of GLS and their contribution to grammar proficiency. In the qualitative phase, 13 participants partook in stimulated recall and semi-structured interviews after completing consciousness-raising (CR) tasks. Then, the grounded theory (GT) methodology was applied to conceptualize a theoretical model. For the quantitative phase, a modified version of Pawlak’s Grammar Learning Strategy Inventory and a grammar proficiency test were administered to 249 participants. The theoretical model of GT indicated that learners set goals and expected an outcome in the ‘forethought’ phase. Then, they employed strategies to pay attention to the form or meaning of the grammatical feature. Learners also attempted self-instruction by using facilitators in the ‘performance’ phase. Furthermore, their self-evaluation played an essential role in the ‘self-reflection’ phase. The results also indicated an interplay between the forethought and self-reflection phases, whereas the interaction between the performance phase and the other two phases appeared to be unidirectional. Additionally, it was revealed that GLS in the forethought and self-reflection phases as well as ‘total grammar strategy use’ significantly predicted grammar proficiency. The findings will serve classroom pedagogy via contributing to the body of knowledge about strategy instruction in general and GLS in particular.

Exploring Mindfulness and Leadership Development: Lessons Learnt Using Grounded Theory Through the Study of the Performing Arts

The article investigates mindfulness mechanisms and leadership attributes as reflected by performing artists. This qualitative study analyses major categories to develop a theoretical framework of mindful leadership development employing performing arts. The present study uses interpretivism to explore respondents’ experiences and unique phenomena. The grounded theory (GT) methodology aided in exploring grounded data and theory construction. Abstract core category ‘immense concentration and self-control’ captured the abstract and inclusive meaning as understood by the participants in this study. The qualitative coding analysis helped explore the data-driven abstract phenomena. Results of the present study exhibited that all performing artists require high concentration and self-control to exemplify mesmerizing Koodiyattam performing arts. Theoretical reflections on the relationships between the relevant categories are provided in depth. The connections of five major categories between mindfulness mechanisms, leadership attributes, motivation components, values and beliefs, and personality dispositions are particularly intriguing.

Structural analysis of mixed α- and β-amyrin samples.

Little is known about the structure and molecular arrangement of α- and β-amyrin, a class of triterpenoids found within the cuticle of higher plants. Blends of both amyrin isomers with different ratios have been studied taking into consideration a combined methodology of density functional theory (DFT) calculations with experimental data from scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and Raman vibrational spectroscopy. Results indicate that trigonal trimeric aggregations of isomer mixtures are more stable, especially in the 1 : 2 (α : β) ratio. A combination of Raman spectroscopy and DFT calculations has allowed to develop an equation to determine the amount of β-amyrin in a mixed sample.

Integrated store service quality measurement scale in omni-channel retailing

PurposeBrick-and-mortar store is an essential channel to deliver a seamless shopping experience and meet customer's dynamic needs in omni-channel retailing. This paper aims to understand customers' expectations of the integrated stores and develop a measurement scale to assess in-store service quality in omni-channel retailing.Design/methodology/approachGrounded theory methodology (GTM) is employed to obtain a clear picture of consumer expectations and preferences regarding the omni-channel brick-and-mortar integrated stores. Then, an integrated store service quality scale is proposed, refined and validated using a questionnaire survey and structural equation model (SEM).FindingsThe measurement scale is set to include seven dimensions: in-store environment, in-store technology, product information consistency, employee assistance, personalization, channel availability and instant gratification and return. The relationships among these seven dimensions and customer satisfaction and loyalty are also verified. According to SEM, product information consistency is more important for customer satisfaction while personalization contributes more to customer loyalty. The results demonstrate that by analysing the seven dimensions, retailers can better understand customers and further improve service quality.Originality/valueThis paper proposes a sufficient measurement scale for in-store service quality and fills the gap in omni-channel retailing by capturing its integration attribute.

Empowering Current and Future Educators: Using a Scalable Action Research Module as a Mechanism to Promote High-Quality Teaching and Learning in STEM

Professional development in action research methods can increase educators’ dispositions toward the adoption of evidence-based practices and data-based decision making. However, an in-depth review of the literature revealed that extant forms of action research professional development (ARPD) may not be accessible to all educators as they are often relegated to full-semester undergraduate and/or graduate courses, internships, and teacher education programs. To address this issue, we designed, implemented, and assessed a scalable active-learning module on action research to strengthen the cognitive and affective outcomes of prospective and in-service STEM teachers (N = 26) enrolled in a cross-listed Scientific Teaching course, all of whom had not previously conducted action research. This three-session module integrated case studies, collaborative practice, group discussions, and instruction on action research theory and data collection methodologies. Analysis of pre-/post-intervention survey responses revealed that participants expressed greater self-efficacy related to their ability to design and conduct action research, strengthened knowledge of the process of action research, and greater awareness of the utility of data to inform research and teaching. When asked about the benefits of engaging in action research, participants suggested it could enhance their pedagogical content knowledge and reflectivity. However, participants identified logistical issues such as time constraints and resource availability, lack of institutional support, and possible student resistance to data collection as potential barriers to future action research practice. Overall, our module provides a scaffold to enculturate in-service educators to inquiry dispositions while offering a scalable approach to help prospective teachers in their transition to in-service practice.

Orientation of medical trainees to a new clinical environment (the ready-steady-go model): a constructivist grounded theory study

BackgroundHigh-quality orientation of trainees entering a new clinical workplace is essential to support education and patient safety. However, few consultants receive extensive formal training to support new trainees and must create their own ways of integrating newcomers into their clinical team and work environment. We aim to conceptualise the strategies consultants use in the early stages of working with new trainees that will be useful for future faculty development in this area.MethodsWe used constructivist grounded theory (CGT) methodology by interviewing fifteen consultants in three medical specialties, to explore how trainees are integrated into a new clinical environment. We used CGT principles and procedures (iteration, constant comparison, and theoretical sampling) to analyse and construct a conceptual interpretation of the empirical data.ResultsConsultants’ central concern when introduced to a new cohort of trainees was that they had the required knowledge and skills (ready), were adapted and integrated into the new workplace and clinical team (steady), and safely participating in practice (go). Consultants used two broad strategies: formal orientation and informal orientation. Both these approaches had the common goal of intensifying interaction between consultants and trainees to get trainees to a position where they were ready, adapted, integrated, and participating safely and efficiently in practice. Several disruptors were identified by participants that delayed and sometimes completely inhibited the orientation process.ConclusionsThe model of orientation constructed through this research could be a valuable tool to support faculty development initiatives, the reflective learning practice of clinical supervisors, and curriculum design. The disruptors were identified as valid priorities for improving trainee orientation in postgraduate medical education. Future research should involve a longitudinal approach to explore trainee engagement with orientation upon entering a new clinical workplace.

Developing Grounded Theory Systematic Approach for Public Policy Researches

This paper seeks to facilitate the use of grounded theory (GT) methodology by novice researchers and PhD students of public policy discipline. The GT is widely used in social sciences research. This methodology has different variations, while Strauss and Corbin’s systematic approach is more pragmatic than others due to the introduction of a staged process known as axial coding. Regarding the fact that applying this method is largely dependent on the context of the research area, the main question is, what would be the elements of a systematic approach specifically customized for the public policy research domain? This paper is an analytical review of the research literature in 3 areas: variants of grounded theory approaches, soft systems models in social science, and public policy subsystem elements. This research suggests the use of 6 categories of context and discourse, content and ideas, participants, structure, policy process, and outputs and effects as a substitute for the three categories of Strauss and Corbin’s axial coding paradigm of GT.

Knowledge Innovation Mechanism Based on Linkages between Core Knowledge and Periphery Knowledge: The Case of R&D Cooperation between Latecomers and Forerunners

With rapid changes in technology, knowledge innovation has become more and more complex. Complex partners facilitate knowledge creation and innovation in complex problem‐solving. Relying on R&D cooperation with forerunners, latecomers can acquire new knowledge factors and new ideas and use them to create new knowledge. This study demonstrated the knowledge innovation mechanism based on linkages between periphery knowledge and core knowledge with knowledge map theory and set methodology. A case of R&D cooperation between latecomers and forerunners was introduced to verify this mechanism. The results show that latecomers could share forerunners’ periphery knowledge in R&D cooperation through formal and informal interaction and acquire the core knowledge factors in periphery knowledge based on the linkages between them. With these core knowledge factors, latecomers integrate them into their internal knowledge system and create new knowledge. By analyzing the linkages between periphery and core knowledge factors, this study creatively demonstrates the knowledge innovation mechanism in knowledge linkage perspective. It deepens the understanding of R&D cooperation between latecomers and forerunners and expands the focus of knowledge innovation theory. This study provides a new insight into latecomers effectively activating internal and external knowledge resources through R&D cooperation.

Militarized masculinities in the home: ‘I’m not your army buddy - I’m your wife'

ABSTRACT There is a scarcity of scholarly attention to women’s perspectives of militarized masculinities in the home. As a result, we used semi-structured interviews to examine the perspectives of 16 women partnered with members in combat arms occupations in the Canadian Armed Forces on militarized masculinities in the home. We used poststructural feminist theory and feminist methodologies to inform our approach. Through a critical discourse analysis of the interviews, we identified that displays of militarized masculinities are discursively positioned as problematic in the home and around family. Our findings suggest that the home is a space where militarized masculinities are contested.

The role of reciprocity and reputation in service relationships with arts organisations

PurposeIn an arts organisation context, this paper aims to further the understanding of service relationships by developing a framework explaining how sponsored arts organisations could better manage their relationships with sponsors to facilitate mutual benefit and relationship persistence.Design/methodology/approachGrounded theory methodology was applied to sponsorship of arts organisations through interviews with the managers of arts organisations worldwide who had been involved in seeking and managing sponsorship relationships.FindingsReciprocity was found to be the key factor in successful sponsorship relationships, but emotional reference to reputation was also important. Together they link uncertainty in the complex sponsorship environment with an arts organisation’s artistic ambitions.Practical implicationsThis study extends the understanding of service relationships by shedding light on the sponsorship relationship from the sponsored organisation’s point of view and in particular highlighting the role of reciprocity in managing the relationship with their sponsor.Originality/valueUnderstanding the moderating roles of reciprocity and reputation in sponsorship relationships helps to explain key facets of such relationships which can partially negate sponsor benefits and threaten a sponsorship’s continuation.

On the Influence of Metamodernity on Institutional Economic Theory

The article analyses the influence of the philosophy of metamodernism on the institutional economic theory. The author considered the philosophy of metamodernism as a complex of ideas that form the “spirit of the times” – ​the “era of metamodernity”, which is an external environment in relation to institutional economic theory. Having analyzed the key characteristics of modernity and postmodernity, the author proved that metamodernity is not only a synthesis of the philosophical ideas of modernity and postmodernity, but also a new worldview that embraces the entire socio-economic reality. The author formulated the features of the era of metamodernity in the context of economics-society-institutions. The author found that under the influence of the ideas of metamodernity, there have been changes in the motivation of economic agents: from the satisfaction of subjective preferences to the search for new emotional reactions. This, in turn, led to changes in collective (social) economic behavior: rejection of traditional values in favor of values of self-expression, rejection of long-term relationships in favor of long-term ones. According to the author, changes in individual and collective economic behavior occur in parallel with institutional changes at the micro, meso and macro levels: hierarchical institutional structures are being replaced by socio-economic and business ecosystems. Exploring the evolution of economic science in the context of evolution from modern philosophy to postmodern and metamodern philosophy, the author revealed the influence of the ideas of metamodernity on modern economic theory in general and institutional economic theory in particular. The author found that under the influence of the ideas of metamodernity, changes occur in the object and subject of economic research, which requires the improvement of the methodology of institutional economic theory based on an interdisciplinary approach.

Assessment and Clinical Decision-Making During Imminent Death in Hospice Music Therapy

Assessment is a critical aspect of treatment planning, and while there exist standards for facilitating music therapy assessments in a variety of clinical settings, no such standards exist for music therapists in hospice and palliative care. This gap in knowledge, which limits music therapists' ability to provide patients and caregivers best practices promoting supported movement through the dying process, becomes particularly problematic when assessing patients who are imminently dying with a 24-72 hour prognosis. To further develop and define assessment and clinical decision-making processes used by music therapists in hospice and palliative care, the authors used a constructivist grounded theory and situational analysis methodology to analyze interviews of 15 hospice music therapists. The resulting theoretical model describes an ongoing process of assessment and clinical decision-making shaped by participants' individual epistemologies. Epistemologies were comprised of 5 ways of knowing, which were termed experiential, personal, musical, ethical, and integral, and provided participants critical foundations for their practice. The results support a development of a model for reflective practice as well as continued research on epistemological foundations of clinical practice.

JUSTIFICATION OF BANK FINANCIAL SECURITY MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

Abstract. Inconsistency of modern conditions of commercial banks operation pose a threat to their activities and existence. Therefore, the problem of ensuring the financial security of banks is relevant. Ensuring the financial security of the bank should be based on a scientifically sound strategy that involves action on certain functional components of security. It is proposed to use a functional approach to the integrated assessment of the level of financial security of a banking institution, which takes into account four groups of indicators - capital and resource, credit and investment, currency security, as well as the security of bank income and expenses. This approach makes it possible to quantify the impact of each group of indicators on the level of financial security of a banking institution. An integrated assessment of the key components of the bank’s integrated financial security indicator revealed that the four surveyed banks are characterized by a sufficient level of financial security. The results of the integrated indicator of financial security of the bank should be used in developing a strategy for ensuring the financial security of the bank. The article proposes and substantiates the theoretical and methodological foundations of the strategy for ensuring the financial security of the bank. It is substantiated that to achieve a certain level of financial security of the bank it is advisable to use the GAP-method. It is proved that the application of this method will allow to single out only those components that have the greatest impact on the level of bank security and which need to be influenced. It is established that the strategy of ensuring the financial security of a banking institution should be aimed at bridging the gaps in key indicators. The methodology of game theory was used to establish the expediency of overcoming strategic gaps. It is proved that the application of the chosen methods of strategic planning will allow to quickly identify the causes of deviations from the safe level of the bank and justify the feasibility of influencing certain factors. Keywords: financial security of the bank, financial security strategy, GAP-method, integrated indicator of financial security of the bank. JEL Classification G 21, O 16 Formulas: 4; fig.: 0; tabl.: 5; bibl.: 17.