Problem-solving Resources Research Articles

Artificial Intelligence and the Transdisciplinary Human Mediation of HPTD-M

This article studies the scope of Artificial Intelligence (AI) through the HPTD-M theory, i.e., the Holopraxis Transdisicplinary Management. It aims at collaborating to the debate on the limits of AI, including ChatGPT simulations, comparing the four types of intelligence in the HPTD-M Theory, namely empirical, emotional, rational, and intuitive, with the nine types of Gardner´s multiple intelligences theory (MI Theory). The types of intelligence are also compared with psychosomatics, the emotional shadow of the Western culture, the levels of the collective unconscious, and soft skills. The concept of mediating manager has an essential role in showing the limits of AI, which is an exceptional instrument for KNOWING but not UNDERSTANDING. An example of adequate use of AI through ChatGPT is demonstrated through a discussion on Plato's four virtues. A table considering the HPTD-M quaternary structure of intelligence shows how there cannot be consciousness awakening in AI, since it is limited to rationality. Besides, the HPTD-M’s three types of logic, i.e., Binary, Feedback, and Included Third, are another way to demonstrate that AI is based merely on the Binary logic. Management tools need to be used a priori with awareness of the limits of their applications. AI is no different, a disruptive technology that every professional will have to learn to deal with, like the personal computer in the late 1980s, an excellent rational tool, but not an empirical, emotional, or intuitive resource for problem solving. The AI binary logic does not apply to the complexity of human phenomena. Furthermore, AI can function as a consultant or assistant in terms of an efficient source of information, but not as an effective manager or decision maker. Roughly, through the managerial theory, effectiveness is to do the right thing, which is more than efficiency (to do things right). Then, in this author´s opinion constructed through simulations in the ChatGPT to obtain efficient results, the questions to AI need to be objective and precise in the concepts. There cannot be complex issues involving human phenomena: This is for the effective human decision maker, not for AI to answer since there can’t be consciousness awakening in AI.

An exploration of the proton NMR problem-solving approaches of undergraduate students

Abstract Problem-solving is an important component of chemistry teaching and learning. It often requires both conceptual knowledge and problem-solving skills. This study aims to examine how students solve tasks related to proton 1H NMR spectroscopy. This study included 24 voluntary participants enrolled in second-semester organic chemistry labs in two different instructional settings (online or in person). The data were collected through interviews conducted via Webex video conferencing software and used a think-aloud protocol. The data were analyzed using an inductive coding approach to identify students’ problem-solving approaches and resources they used when solving a given 1H NMR task that involved matching protons in a compound to specific peaks in the spectrum. The resources framework was used to capture students’ conceptual resources and problem-solving approaches. Results revealed that participants used more productive approaches than unproductive approaches while solving the problem; however, most students relied on one basic NMR concept to draw conclusions about the identity of a given peak. Also, when we observed the problem-solving resources that students utilized based on how they received NMR instruction (online or in-person), we did not observe major differences between the problem-solving resources that students used.

Perceptions of multiple chronic conditions and coping strategies among migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa living in France with diabetes mellitus and HIV: An interview-based qualitative study.

Although diabetes is common among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), few data exists on how migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) experience living with these two coexisting conditions in France. The objective of this study was to analyze perception of polypathology among PLWHA from SSA with type 2 diabetes and identify barriers and facilitators to their self-management. A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews from November 2019 to April 2020 with participants selected from a cohort of PLWHA and diabetes at Avicenne University Hospital. A total of 12 semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed using thematic analysis with inductive approach. Stigma remained a major issue in self-managing HIV, and some participants did not consider themselves as having a polypathology, as HIV has always been considered as a distinct condition. In general, emotion-based resources (e.g spirituality, trust in the medical discourse) and social support were mobilized more than problem-solving resources (e.g perception of medication as life-saving). Participants used the same main resource in self-management of HIV and diabetes, and resources used differed from participant to participant. This study highlighted challenges in self-management of diabetes and HIV in this population and complexity related to the socioeconomic and cultural specificities. Self-management could be more successful if patients and carers move in the same direction, having identified the individual coping resources to reach objectives.

Digital coping strategies of young people living with cognitive disabilities: using emotion-focused and problem-focused coping in digital relationships

Studies indicate that people living with cognitive disabilities face digital social challenges, i.e. challenges in digital interactions. However, few studies have focused on their coping strategies. To bridge this knowledge gap and facilitate constructive digital experiences with others, this study explores how young people living with cognitive disabilities cope with digital social challenges. The study used interviews, video-diaries and workshops with 25 young individuals (aged 14–27) living with cognitive disabilities. The data analysis revealed three main digital social challenges experienced by the study participants: harassment, exclusion and disturbance. Participants manage digital social challenges using emotion-focused coping: acceptance, avoidance and caution, and problem-focused coping: confrontation, blocking, constructing digital relationships and cooperation. We argue that young people living with cognitive disabilities can cope with digital social challenges if they are able to access problem-solving resources, social resources and social support from peers.

Product Innovation Design Process Model Based on Functional Genes Extraction and Construction

The product innovation design is an innovation-intensive process that requires abundant knowledge and design experience, even across industries and disciplines, as a resource for problem solving. Therefore, designers need to have a good command of more design knowledge in this process. However, due to varied expressions of design knowledge (function, principle, structure) in different fields lead to the difficulty in representation of design knowledge, which makes designers unable to innovate by directly using design knowledge. Therefore, to solve the problem above, this paper, analogous to biological gene, proposes a product innovation process model based on functional gene extraction and construction. The proposed process model normalizes design knowledge through functional genes and help designers acquire design knowledge in different fields, which further promotes the product innovation design. The process model consists of four following steps. First, Obtain the overall function of product based on user needs and decompose it. Second, Build the functional gene model based on digital twin ones to expand the breadth of design knowledge and facilitate the retrieval. Third, Screen similar functional gene by the functional similarity algorithm. Finally, Obtain the design scheme through recombination, transcription, and translation of the functional gene. The feasibility of the research method is verified by using a shared bicycle parking device as an example.

Implementation of Problem Solving in School: From Intended to Experienced

Abstract The importance of mathematical problem solving has long been recognized, yet its implementation in classrooms remains a challenge. In this paper we put forth the notion of problem-solving implementation chain as a dynamic sequence of intended, planned, enacted and experienced activity, shaped by researchers, teachers and students, where the nature of the activity and its aims may change at the links of the chain. We propose this notion as an analytical framework for investigating implementation of problem-solving resources. We then illustrate this framework by a series of narratives from a project, in which the team of task-designers develops problem-solving resources aimed at reaching middle-school students via their teachers, who encounter these resources in professional development communities. We show how the problem-solving activity evolves along the implementation chain and then identify opportunities for mutual learning that emerge from tensions in perspectives on PS held by the different parties involved. The impact sheet to this article can be accessed at 10.6084/m9.figshare.19493903.

Prospective Elementary Teachers’ Pedagogical Knowledge for Mathematical Problem Solving

Research on mathematics teachers’ knowledge has generally focused more on mathematics concepts than mathematical processes. This paper addresses the latter with a focus on mathematical problem solving (PS). It reports on a study that investigated the pedagogical knowledge for PS of prospective elementary school teachers of mathematics (PTs). Participants were 149 PTs at a university in Spain. They were at the end of their teacher education program. Data sources consisted of a questionnaire on knowledge of learning PS and a questionnaire on knowledge of teaching PS. Findings indicated that the PTs held combination of different levels of knowledge of PS learning and teaching. Many of them demonstrated appropriate knowledge of many characteristics for (1) PS learning consisting of student as a problem-solver, PS as a worthwhile task, non-cognitive factor related to PS, and (2) PS teaching consisting of PS teaching approaches, discourse in PS, intervention during stuck state in PS, PS assessment, and PS resources. However, there were also contradictions and limitations to their knowledge with implications for teacher education. These combination of appropriate and inappropriate knowledge resulted in some conflicts that are related to teaching actions and would limit student’ learning of PS.

Optimization Software in Operational Research Analysis in a Public University

The objective of this research was to determine the influence of the Invessoft program in the use of Solver, POM-QM and Lingo as didactic resources for problem solving in operations research in students of a public university in Lima, Peru. This decision was made because the participants had difficulties in solving problems with the use of traditional strategies. The quantitative, applied research had 80 participants (40 in the experimental group and 40 in the control group). The research adopted a quasi-experimental design with measurement only after. The experimental group applied the program for 12 weeks, while the control group continued with traditional methodology. To measure the achievements, a performance test was used, which underwent a content validity by expert judgment that evidenced 0.94 in Aiken's V; while the reliability kr21=0.965. The results evidenced significant differences between both groups at a confidence level p<0.05, being that the students of the experimental group showed better performance than the control group. In conclusion, the use of digital tools facilitates the resolution of operational research problems.

Metacognitive Awareness Scale, Domain Specific (MCAS-DS): Assessing Metacognitive Awareness During Raven's Progressive Matrices.

Metacognition, the cognition about cognition, is closely linked to intelligence and therefore understanding the metacognitive processes underlying intelligence test performance, specifically on Raven’s Progressive Matrices, could help advance the knowledge about intelligence. The measurement of metacognition, is often done using domain-general offline questionnaires or domain-specific online think-aloud protocols. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between metacognitive awareness and intelligence via the design and use of a novel Meta-Cognitive Awareness Scale – Domain Specific (MCAS-DS) that encourages reflection of task strategy processes. This domain-specific scale was first constructed to measure participants’ awareness of their own metacognition linked to Raven’s Progressive Matrices (SPM). Following discriminatory index and Exploratory Factor Analysis, a 15-item scale was derived. Exploratory Factor Analysis showed five factors: Awareness of Engagement in Self-Monitoring, Awareness of Own Ability, Awareness of Responding Speed/Time, Awareness of Alternative Solutions and Awareness of Requisite Problem-Solving Resources. The intelligence level of ninety-eight adults was then estimated using Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices. Participants also completed the MCAS-DS, and further items that examined their test-taking behavior and Confidence level. Metacognitive awareness was positively correlated to standardized IQ scores derived from the SPM whilst Over-Confidence derived using the Confidence level measure was negatively correlated to SPM. Despite some limitations, this study shows promise for elucidating the relationship between metacognitive awareness and intelligence using the task-specific scale.

Systematic analysis and usage of harmful resources

The concept of resources in TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving) is to make the most use of existing resources to solve problems with zero or minimum cost. Even though resources are one of the most powerful concepts in the TRIZ tools, there have been few systematic methods to identify resources for problem solving. This research established a systematic process to analyze harmful resources and identify opportunities for converting the harmful resources to useful applications or using the useful part of the harmful resource while avoiding or being insensitive to its harmful aspects. The systematic process integrates inverse function oriented search, function attribute analysis, and effect/resource data base to identify and utilize the otherwise harmful resources.The contributions of this research include: (1) Establishing a systematic process to identify, analyze and use harmful resources converting the harmful situations into useful situations in new application scenarios. (2) Establishing a set of systematic process and structured forms with examples and usage instructions to facilitate practical applications of the tools.

Frameworks for Collective Intelligence

Over the last few years, Collective Intelligence (CI) platforms have become a vital resource for learning, problem solving, decision-making, and predictions. This rising interest in the topic has to led to the development of several models and frameworks available in published literature. Unfortunately, most of these models are built around domain-specific requirements, i.e., they are often based on the intuitions of their domain experts and developers. This has created a gap in our knowledge in the theoretical foundations of CI systems and models, in general. In this article, we attempt to fill this gap by conducting a systematic review of CI models and frameworks, identified from a collection of 9,418 scholarly articles published since 2000. Eventually, we contribute by aggregating the available knowledge from 12 CI models into one novel framework and present a generic model that describes CI systems irrespective of their domains. We add to the previously available CI models by providing a more granular view of how different components of CI systems interact. We evaluate the proposed model by examining it with respect to six popular, ongoing CI initiatives available on the Web.

Eighth Edition of Sedra and Smith [Society News

This book, in its eighth edition, has been known by generations of students as Sedra and Smith after its coauthors, Dr. Adel S. Sedra of the University of Waterloo and Dr. Kenneth C. Smith of the University of Toronto. The authors of this latest text have not only brought the content up to date to reflect current electronics practice; they’ve also developed an enhanced ebook that supports modern teaching practices with digital resources integrated into the text itself. The biggest innovation of the eighth edition is the creation of an enhanced ebook, which embeds additional video and problem-solving resources and gives students more control over how the content is displayed. Popups are available by hovering over references to figures and equations; answers to exercises can be hidden so that students can try them out on their own. The videos provide instructors with an added tool to aid in flexible course delivery. The videos are designed to provide students with the missing link between reading and problem solving. These videos take students step by step through an example problem from the text, so when they’re asked to do it on their own, they know exactly where to begin and how to proceed. Also, in the enhanced ebook, the authors have created 150 additional end-of-chapter problems for nine of the most frequently used chapters. These are designed to be a study aid for students and are presented with solutions in step-by-step detail. The examples, exercises, and homework problems in the text have also been thoroughly updated. According to Dr. Sedra, “The rapid reduction in device size has meant that the numbers that we use in examples, exercises, and problems have to be all revised.” Another innovation in the eighth edition is the designation of essential problems, which will be helpful for instructors looking for guidance when selecting sets of problems for students to solve. The end result is a package of print and media resources surpassing anything these authors have provided in the past. Moreover, at just US$60 (365- day access) for the enhanced ebook, this total package is far more affordable for students than print editions have ever been.

Cultural adaptation and validation of the nursing students' perceptions of instructor caring into spanish.

This paper aims to provide a Spanish version of the nursing students'' perceptions of instructor caring with content validity and reliability. A forward and backward translation procedure was conducted, and a panel of 15 experts assessed face validity. Content validity was established by calculating content validity indexes for each item and for the scale. The internal consistency was assessed in a sample of 120 students. Content validity indexes resulted in higher than 0.78 for all items except Does not reveal any of his or her personal sides and serves as a trusted resource for personal problem solving; content validity index for the scale was 0.9 and Cronbach α was 0.942. Results regarding reliability were similar to that of other studies in which the nursing students' perceptions of instructor caring has been used as a measuring tool. Item 12 deletion implies a considerable improvement in internal consistency. The Spanish nursing students' perceptions of instructor caring is a valid and reliable tool to be used in the Spanish context. Its use will enhance the understanding of clinical mentors' impact on nursing students.

Impacts of Lean Six Sigma on improving a higher education system: a case study

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the applicability and impact of Lean Six Sigma (LSS), a contemporary quality excellence methodology, for improving education system in a reputed University in Iran. Design/methodology/approach The paper follows a case study approach illustrating how theory has been put into practice, explaining how to implement the LSS define-measure-analyze-improve-control framework in a field-setting in a higher education institution (HEI), and to highlight the subsequent challenges occurred and lessons learned during the implementation. Findings The key finding from the study is the confirmation of LSS applicability in education systems. The goals of the LSS team were to baseline student satisfaction levels and improve the overall rating by 10 percent; to decrease student advising wait times by 15 percent; and increase enrollment by 5 percent. The application of the LSS methodology has delivered promising results to improve the education system of the University by achieving the set goals. Further, the implementation of LSS has demonstrated student-facing benefits of improved quality on the education system. Research limitations/implications LSS implementation in HEIs is relatively a new topic for research. Hence, this case study adds to the body of knowledge with directions to progress future research in this area. Practical implications The outputs of the case study have provided greater stimulus within the facilities for wider full-blown deployment of LSS as a strategic resource for problem solving. Additionally, this case study sets the foundation for many other future projects, and to trigger interest among the HEIs in their journeys for quality excellence. Social implications Higher education sector being a socially responsible field of service, LSS offers continuous improvement benefits, highlighted as part of this paper. Originality/value The applicability of LSS in HEIs is relatively an upcoming research area with immense potential and value. This paper would serve as a valuable means for both researchers and practitioners working in HEIs, in terms of understanding the systematic application of the LSS methodology, and implications in a real-world situation.

A psychometric study of the Family Resilience Assessment Scale among families of children with autism spectrum disorder

BackgroundThe family system represents a critical context within which children develop. Although raising a child with a disability may represent a challenge to this dynamic system, research demonstrates that families have the capacity to demonstrate both maladaptation and resilience in the face of related stressors. In the current study, we examined the psychometric properties of the Family Resilience Assessment Scale (FRAS) among families of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This tool is the only measure of family resilience that seeks to identify within-family protective factors, including the extent to which they rely on adaptive belief systems, organizational patterns, and communication processes. Identifying protective processes utilized by those who show resilience is critical within both clinical practice and research, as it aligns with a strength-based perspective that builds on what families are doing well.MethodsParticipants included 174 caregivers of individuals with ASD (84% mothers). Caregivers completed the FRAS, as well as the Beach Center Family Quality of Life Scale. The 54-item FRAS was submitted to an exploratory factor analysis, using the iterated principal factor method with a promax rotation.ResultsFifty-one items across 3 factors (Family Communication and Problem Solving, Utilizing Social and Economic Resources, Family Spirituality) were retained, explaining 52% of the total variance. The final scale demonstrated convergent validity with the Family Quality of Life assessment tool.ConclusionsIt is our hope that identifying the optimal scale structure will encourage other researchers to utilize this measure with families of children with ASD, thus continuing to advance the study of family resilience within this unique context.

Training preparatory mathematics students to be high ability self-regulators: Comparative and case-study analyses of impact on learning behavior and achievement

ABSTRACT The ability to self-regulate learning (SRL) is a skill theorized to transfer across learning environments. Students with this ability can consider a learning task, identify a goal, develop a plan to achieve it, execute that plan, and monitor and adapt learning until the goal is met. This paper examines the educational implications of developing the SRL expertise of high and typical-ability students, as operationalized by high school performance, who entered college and struggled with mathematics in their 1st year. Students who initially failed a 6-week intensive college math course completed a 3-h SRL training mid-semester and re-engaged in math learning with an adaptive problem-solving program and resources hosted on a course website. Students trained to evaluate tasks, plan, employ cognitive strategies, and monitor learning behaved distinctly from those who completed a math refresher course. Non-parametric, comparative analyses revealed that SRL-trained students more efficiently mastered math topics during digital problem-solving, demonstrating superior learning efficiency. Under a sequential explanatory mixed methods design, a follow-up multiple case study approach aligned to the Situated Model of SRL traced adaptive learning processes employed by multiple high-ability self-regulators and contrasted them with learning processes of exemplar learners from the untrained group.

Integrated reliability and maintainability analysis of Computerized Numerical Control Turning Center considering the effects of human and organizational factors

Purpose Reliability, maintainability and availability of modern complex engineered systems are significantly affected by four basic systems or elements: hardware, software, organizational and human. Computerized Numerical Control Turning Center (CNCTC) is one of the complex machine tools used in manufacturing industries. Several research studies have shown that the reliability and maintainability is greatly influenced by human and organizational factors (HOFs). The purpose of this paper is to identify critical HOFs and their effects on the reliability and maintainability of the CNCTC. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, 12 human performance influencing factors (PIFs) and 10 organizational factors (OFs) which affect the reliability and maintainability of the CNCTC are identified and prioritized according to their criticality. The opinions of experts in the fields are used for prioritizing, whereas the field failure and repair data are used for reliability and maintainability modeling. Findings Experience, training, and behavior are the three most critical human PIFs, and safety culture, problem solving resources, corrective action program and training program are the four most critical OFs which significantly affect the reliability and maintainability of the CNCTC. The reliability and maintainability analysis reveals that the Weibull is the best-fit distribution for time-between-failure data, whereas log-normal is the best-fit distribution for Time-To-Repair data. The failure rate of the CNCTC is nearly constant. Nearly 66 percent of the total failures and repairs are typically due to the hardware system. The percentage of failures and repairs influenced by HOFs is nearly only 16 percent; however, the failure and repair impact of HOFs is significant. The HOFs can increase the mean-time-to-repair and mean-time-between-failure of the CNCTC by nearly 65 and 33 percent, respectively. Originality/value The paper uses the field failure data and expert opinions for the analysis. The critical sub-systems of the CNCTC are identified using the judgment of the experts, and the trend of the results is verified with published results.

The work of sterile processing departments: An exploratory study using qualitative interviews and a quantitative process database

The sterile processing of surgical instruments and equipment is an essential part of surgical operations. Although clean instruments prevent infections, little is known about the departments that conduct this work. We sought to describe sterile processing departments (SPDs) and to identify factors impacting them. We analyzed data from 22 qualitative interviews of staff and managers and a quantitative benchmarking database. Qualitative results indicated 4 primary factors impacting sterile processing work: (1) role and visibility, (2) relationships and communication with other departments and vendors, (3) staffing and management, and (4) technical problems and solutions. Quantitative analysis revealed significant differences in SPD responsibilities and scope. Relationships with operating room staff were of paramount importance in the ability of the SPD to accomplish its job and in staff motivations and feelings. Differences in management practices, communication strategies, and problem-solving resources were also emphasized. Both quantitative and qualitative data showed concern for the role of the SPD in patient safety, particularly concerning practices such as the use of immediate-use steam sterilization. To more completely address adverse patient events and surgical patient safety, we must move toward examining the entire surgical process, including the vital role of SPDs.

The work is never ending: uncovering teamwork sustainability using realistic evaluation

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to uncover the mechanisms influencing the sustainability of behavior changes following the implementation of teamwork.Design/methodology/approachRealistic evaluation was combined with a framework (DCOM®) based on applied behavior analysis to study the sustainability of behavior changes two and a half years after the initial implementation of teamwork at an emergency department. The DCOM® framework was used to categorize the mechanisms of behavior change interventions (BCIs) into the four categories of direction, competence, opportunity, and motivation. Non-participant observation and interview data were used.FindingsThe teamwork behaviors were not sustained. A substantial fallback in managerial activities in combination with a complex context contributed to reduced direction, opportunity, and motivation. Reduced direction made staff members unclear about how and why they should work in teams. Deterioration of opportunity was evident from the lack of problem-solving resources resulting in accumulated barriers to teamwork. Motivation in terms of management support and feedback was reduced.Practical implicationsThe implementation of complex organizational changes in complex healthcare contexts requires continuous adaption and managerial activities well beyond the initial implementation period.Originality/valueBy integrating the DCOM® framework with realistic evaluation, this study responds to the call for theoretically based research on behavioral mechanisms that can explain how BCIs interact with context and how this interaction influences sustainability.

Crowdsourcing through Cognitive Opportunistic Networks

Until recently crowdsourcing has been primarily conceived as an online activity to harness resources for problem solving. However, the emergence of Opportunistic Networking (ON) has opened up crowdsourcing to the spatial domain. In this article, we bring the ON model for potential crowdsourcing in the smart city environment. We introduce cognitive features of the ON that allow users’ mobile devices to become aware of the surrounding physical environment. Specifically, we exploit cognitive psychology studies on dynamic memory structures and cognitive heuristics—mental models that describe how the human brain handles decision making among complex and real-time stimuli. Combined with ON, these cognitive features allow devices to act as proxies in their users’ cyberworlds and exchange knowledge to deliver awareness of places in an urban environment. This is done through tags associated with locations. They represent features that are perceived by humans about a place. We consider the extent to which this knowledge becomes available to participants using interactions with locations and other nodes. This is assessed taking into account a wide range of cognitive parameters. Outcomes are important because this functionality could support a new type of recommendation system that is independent of the traditional forms of networking.