Process-based Approach Research Articles

Uncovering Latent Profiles of ICT Users and Its Relation to Technostress and Mental Health in an Adult Sample: Contributions of a Transdiagnostic Approach

Technostress comprehends the adverse psychophysical effects due to the inability to cope with Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). The use of ICT has been associated with diverse psychopathological conditions. This exploratory and cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of 470 adults aims to understand the ICT user profiles considering technostress dimensions and examine how these are associated with mental health and transdiagnostic processes. A latent profile analysis revealed three distinct ICT user profiles: (a) The techno-functional; (b) The techno-strained; and (c) The techno-addicted. The last present clinical levels of anxiety and depression, suggesting they belong to a potentially vulnerable group, with higher levels of rumination, worry, and suppressed emotions, and supporting a transdiagnostic process-based approach to dysfunctional ICT interaction. This research enables a better understanding of how adults interact with ICT and highlights dysfunctional processes that may be relevant for technostress assessment and mental health interventions.

Two-phase reactive transport modeling of heterogeneous gas production in a low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste repository

Deep geological disposal is a widely proposed approach for safe storage of low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste (L/ILW) for tens to hundreds of thousands of years. Although the use of cement materials will maintain a high pH environment that is favorable for radionuclide retention, slows down metal corrosion, and suppresses microbial activity, different gases may still be produced by chemical reactions, such as pH-dependent anoxic corrosion of metals, and the degradation of organic matter as well. Both reactions consume water and may lead to the formation of a free gas phase within and around the repository.In order to investigate the controlling factors of this gas production processes, a coupled reactive transport model of component-based two-phase flow in the OpenGeoSys framework is adopted here. Building on the previous work by Huang et al. (2021), this work extends the geometric configuration of the model from a single drum to the scale of a waste container (12 drums) in order to more realistically model the water and gas fluxes. The geochemical evolution of a container filled with cemented steel drums and surrounded by mortar and host rock is simulated in a two-dimensional setup over 500 years. The relative humidity in the pore space as measure of water availability determines the chemical reactivity.We have conducted a sensitivity study for the influence of mortar capillarity and permeability on gas production over time in the waste drums. As expected, the amount of gas produced within the first several years depends primarily on the initial water content within the waste drum and the amount of fast degradable waste stored in a drum. Later, this feedback system is forced into a new equilibrium, where the water transport has to match the water consumption rate at the waste package. Both, the mortar capillarity and permeability control the point in time when the equilibrium is reached and the subsequent rate of gas production.This study shows how reactive transport models are capable to help with the understanding of couplings between chemical and transport processes that control gas generation in L/ILW waste repositories, especially in barrier systems with different material properties. Future studies could benefit from more accurate parameterization of the chemical reactions, depending on the availability of new experimental data and/or more realistic process-based model approaches.

Time Dilation in Motivational Congruence Theory's Paradigm.

Time dilation is an important issue in the field of physics. Introduced by the special relativity theory, it means that the time duration spent by an entity to reach a certain destination depends on the movement and speed of the entity. Time dilation has been widely addressed in other disciplines, including philosophy, psychology, and motivation. However, it has produced practical and theoretical controversies in the literature. The new version of relativity theory resolves these issues by extending time dilation to conceptual and mental factors and taking a process-based approach to the development of universe. The purpose of this paper is to discuss time dilation in different scientific arenas and explicate it in motivation from the perspective of motivational congruence theory (MCT). The theory provides a new explanation for the underlying mechanisms of time dilation as a mental phenomenon in motivation. According to MCT, a congruence between the context and extrinsic and intrinsic motivations escalates overall motivation. This, in turn, results in high levels of effort and engagement towards the task and leads to mental time dilation. That is, the individual becomes so engaged with the task that their subjective estimation of time duration becomes shorter, compared to an objective measurement of the elapsed time. The study provides hypotheses for further empirical research. MCT's view to time dilation aligns with advances in the fields of physics and philosophy. It contributes to the literature by presenting a new explanation for mental time dilation and elaborating the motivational mechanisms that underlie this phenomenon.

Quality Management System Implementation at Construction Projects

ISO 9001:2015 certification sets the criteria for Quality Management System implementation in all types of organizations, small or large, regardless of its activity in the field. This standard is designed on a number of principles leading to customer focus, top management participation, process-based approach & continual improvement in product & services, which in turn brings business benefits. Construction industry in India is expected to grow steadily over the next few years after going through the recession in FY’2020-21 due to the “Covid lockdowns”. Indian Government is pushing the projects for mining, infra, railways & commercial buildings leading to continuous flow of contracts & emergence of new players in the construction market. Construction Companies in India are in an emerging trend for implementation of Quality Management System through ISO 9001:2015 certifications. This requires a proper framework for a realistic approach towards the implementation of the Quality Management System to get the desired output consistently. For ensuring consistently high product quality, credibility & recognition, ISO 9001:2015 certification in construction industry is also getting popular. The current research project focus in the implementation of Quality Management System in the construction industries to ensure the benefits of ISO 9001:2015. For easy understanding of the QMS framework suitable for the Construction Industry and to successfully implement Quality Management System Principles in line with ISO 9001 across all the functions in an organization the project study will be useful.

Ayat-Ayat Al-Qur'an Terkait Manajemen Hubungan Masyarakat dalam Konteks Pendidikan Islam

This article's goal is to investigate the Qur'anic verses related to the quality management of Islamic education. This study employs a literature research method, which involves reviewing various journals and relevant reference books. The findings of his research indicate that quality education is an essential aspect in Islam. Such quality education functions it is not just for the transmission of knowledge, but also for the advancement of positive character and morals. Quality management in Islamic education is very important, especially in building a generation of noble and quality character. The Qur'an, which is the main guide for Muslims, contains quality management principles such as focus on customer satisfaction, leadership based on the example of the Prophet, Process-based approaches, integrated managerial systems, thoughtful decision-making and mutually beneficial relationships, can all be applied in Islamic education to ensure the quality of continuous and ethical learning. With the implementation of this quality management, Islamic education is expected to create a conducive environment for learning, improve the quality of educational outcomes and produce a generation that is prepared to contribute positively to society. Keywords: ,

Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of the Use of Coconut Biodiesel Blends and Neat Diesel in Public Utility Jeepneys in Metro Manila, The Philippines

This study aims to compare the CO2 emissions from conventional diesel and coconut biodiesel blends from raw material extraction up to use as fuel for public utility jeepneys (PUJs) in the Philippines. This work used the process-based LCA approach with 1 kilometer distance travelled by PUJs as the functional unit. The kg CO2 emissions from coconut farming and harvesting until the use phase of the coconut biodiesel blends in Metro Manila jeepneys were estimated in this work. The calculated emission factor of Coconut Methyl Ester (CME) from its fatty acid composition is 2.5539 kg CO2 per 1 kg CME. The total CO2 emissions in the life cycle of 2% CME blend (B2) and 5% CME blend (B5) were lower by 0.767% and 5.37%, respectively, compared to those from life cycle of neat diesel. In the life cycle of neat diesel, B2 blend, and B5 blend, the use phase contributed 75-78% of the CO2 emissions. The kg CO2 emissions from Metro Manila public utility jeepneys decreased from 0.400kg/ km using neat diesel to 0. 381 kg/km and 0.363 kg/km using B2 blend and B5 blend, respectively. In the life cycle of coconut biodiesel from raw material extraction to CME production, 52-58% of CO2 emissions come from the production of material inputs to the trans-esterification process. Three main recommendations are proposed by this work: (1) Extend the LCA to higher blend percentage. This entails measurement of specific fuel consumption of jeepneys using this fuel. (2) Increase engine efficiencies of Public Utility Jeepneys to reduce fuel consumption and realize higher CO2 emission reductions. (3) Further studies on optimization of mole ratio of methanol to coconut oil in trans-esterification process must be done. Explore use of methanol from sources-other than natural gas- with less CO2 emissions.

Process, rationality and human wellbeing

Abstract This special issue explores foundational questions in behavioral economics and behavioral public policy, drawing on the work of Mario Rizzo, a critical voice in the debate on behavioral paternalism. Behavioral economics has offered significant insights into decision-making, often challenging traditional economic models. However, it has also introduced normative frameworks into policy analysis, such as preference purification, that critics argue oversimplify human decision-making and risk imposing external values. Contributions to this issue examine themes including the tension between standard rationality and inclusive rationality, the epistemological limitations of paternalistic interventions, and the role of tacit knowledge and dynamic learning in policymaking. By engaging perspectives from economics, psychology, philosophy, and law, the issue discusses process-based approaches to policy analysis that respect individual agency and accommodate uncertainty. It also highlights the political economy dimensions of behavioral public policy, emphasizing the need for institutional reforms that enable learning and systematic change rather than narrowly focusing on individual cognitive biases. This issue serves as both a tribute to Mario Rizzo’s intellectual contributions and a call for a deeper reflection on the methodological and normative foundations of behavioral public policy.

Implementing a Three-Stage Approach to Teach Writing Skills Using the Corpus of Contemporary American English in a Foundation Program Context

This study investigates the effectiveness of the Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA) as a teaching tool for enhancing writing skills in English as a Second Language (ESL) learners within a Foundation Program context. The primary research question is: How does COCA influence the writing abilities of ESL students? The aim is to explore COCA’s potential to facilitate a process-based approach to writing, addressing common challenges ESL educators face. This study is significant as it contributes to integrating technology into second language learning through the application of a comprehensive linguistic corpus; COCA features over one billion words and offers various search functionalities, such as List, Chart, Collocates, Compare, Word, and Keyword in Context (KWIC). The research uses qualitative analysis to evaluate COCA’s impact on learners’ writing processes and outcomes. Findings indicate that COCA significantly enhances students’ writing skills across three structured stages: the brainstorming stage for gathering information, the while-writing stage to minimize incorrect vocabulary usage, and the post-writing stage focusing on feedback and assessment. The results demonstrate that employing COCA within a student-centered framework promotes engagement and skill development in writing. The study concludes with recommendations for further research to validate COCA’s effectiveness in teaching other language skills, including grammar, reading, and vocabulary, thereby maximizing its utility in comprehensive English language learning and ensuring that it becomes a vital resource for ESL educators.

BUFFER FRINGE PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL:CREATING AND CURATING BEYOND THE LIMINAL FRAGILITYOF BUFFER ZONES IN CYPRUS

The Buffer Fringe Performing Arts Festival was born out of the contested and fragile space in between border lines, the buffer zone in Nicosia, Cyprus. This paper will address the Festival’s enactment of a new understanding of affective space that can enable resistance and co-creation beyond the liminality of a post-conflict buffer zone (in Nicosia and beyond) through the pandemic in 2020–2021, and 2022. As we will explore the Festival’s role in creating dialogue between the space and narrative layers of melancholia and nostalgia beyond the rupture that the division has produced through collaborative and process-based approaches, we will unpack the role art and co-creation can play at a moment and a space of transition to produce alternative affective agency. Within an already contested geography, 2020 brought along the pandemic and the closure of crossing points in Cyprus which paused all planned activity and demonstrated the fragility of contact between communities and artists, whilst simultaneously producing new possibilities. Buffer Fringe 2020 was one of the few artistic platforms in Cyprus and globally to have adapted and materialized a hybrid festival, while also developing interdisciplinary and innovative methodologies. Encouraging a decolonizing agenda and embedding creativity into a social process, the paper also looks into the public space intervention in the recently opened part of Famagusta in 2021, consequently touching upon the collective curatorial approach of the Festival in 2022 as embodiments of a new understanding of space that can enable resistance and co-creation beyond liminal fragility.

Use of process-based coupled ecological-hydrodynamic models to support lake water ecosystem service protection planning at the regional scale

Protection plans of lake waters are based on ecological and/or chemical targets, often simplified in terms of total phosphorus (TP) concentrations, customarily the depth-averaged ones at spring mixing for temperate environments. These target lake TP concentrations are then commonly employed to determine target external loading through reverse use of Vollenweider-OECD-type steady-state empirical models. Such models are also adopted in their direct form to estimate lake TP concentrations following hypothetical external load reductions. However, such approaches suffer from extreme parameterisation and often give inaccurate results. Process-based coupled ecological-hydrodynamic models offer a much wider flexibility and produce an extensive set of information, solving many of the issues of Vollenweider-OECD-type models. However, their application has been up to now restricted to single lakes due to calibration effort and data availability burdens. To overcome these obstacles, in this study we developed a simplified application of the process-based coupled model QWET over 9 lakes in Northern Italy, making use of the ParSAC automatic calibration tool and feeding the models only with general data available from public monitoring. QWET models were calibrated over past observations, simulating nutrient reduction scenarios for the near-future decades. The advantages over traditionally employed models for lake water protection planning at the regional scale were hence identified through a practical application, determining the strengths and limits of the herein-adopted simplified process-based approach over lakes with different features. Obtained results were also analysed considering the specific case study.

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists' National Ophthalmology Database study of cataract surgery: report 19, a comparative study of the cost and carbon footprint of local anaesthesia techniques for cataract surgery.

Understanding the financial and environmental impact of clinical pathways is important for designing sustainable services. This study aimed to compare the cost and carbon footprint of sub-Tenon's and topical anaesthesia for cataract surgery, benchmark minimum topical anaesthesia utilisation rates, and quantify the benefits of increased topical anaesthesia usage in the United Kingdom National Health Service (NHS). The cost and carbon footprint of products and staffing for topical and sub-Tenon's anaesthesia for cataract surgery were calculated and applied to National Ophthalmology Database audit data. A mainly process-based approach was used to estimate the carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) of product production, usage, and waste disposal. The typical CO2e per case was 0.71 kg for topical anaesthesia and 1.19 kg for sub-Tenon's anaesthesia. Around a third of CO2e was generated by usage of unneccesary equiptment and wasteful practices. The typical cost per case was £14.60-£17.14 for topical anaesthesia, £27.74 for sub-Tenon's anaesthesia performed by an operating department practitioner and £56.15 for sub-Tenon's anaesthesia performed by a consultant anaesthetist. It is estimated that around 25,000 NHS cataract cases could annually be converted from sub-Tenon's to topical anaesthesia, which would reduce the CO2e emissions of services by 12,000 kg while saving £265,000 on product usage and between £63,500 and £773,750 on staffing. Topical anaesthesia is a cheaper and more environmentally sustainable alternative to sub-Tenon's anaesthesia for cataract surgery. Increased topical anaesthesia usage in cataract services could contribute towards the NHS aspiration of becoming "net zero" by 2040.

An Extensive Review of Leaching Models for the Forecasting and Integrated Management of Surface and Groundwater Quality

The present study reviews leachate models useful for proactive and rehab actions to safeguard surface and subsurface soft water, which have become even more scarce. Integrated management plans of water basins are of crucial importance since intensively cultivated areas are adding huge quantities of fertilizers to the soil, affecting surface water basins and groundwater. Aquifers are progressively being nitrified on account of the nitrogen-based fertilizer surplus, rendering water for human consumption not potable. Well-tested solute leaching models, standalone or part of a model package, provide rapid site-specific estimates of the leaching potential of chemical agents, mostly nitrates, below the root zone of crops and the impact of leaching toward groundwater. Most of the models examined were process-based or conceptual approaches. Nonetheless, empirical prediction models, though rather simplistic and therefore not preferrable, demonstrate certain advantages, such as less demanding extensive calibration database information requirements, which in many cases are unavailable, not to mention a stochastic approach and the involvement of artificial intelligence (AI). Models were categorized according to the porous medium and agents to be monitored. Integrated packages of nutrient models are irreplaceable elements for extensive catchments to monitor the terrestrial nitrogen-balanced cycle and to contribute to policy making as regards soft water management.

Natural processes and natureculture – A relational understanding of nature amongst local stakeholders in Swiss parks

ABSTRACT Various scholars have criticized that formal Western thinking was dichotomous and substantialist, leading to an alienation from nature and to its exploitation in industrialized societies. Critics argue that a relational turn towards a more holistic, process-based and relational approach to address the world would be an important step to overcome these problems. Such a relational turn involves a shift towards more flexible and inclusive concepts. We analyse ‘nature’ concepts of local stakeholders in Swiss nature parks to examine whether they contain any relational elements. Indeed, we found that all stakeholders interviewed see themselves as part of nature. Many reported how they experience nature in active processes and see nature as a collaborator and partner. Moreover, they do not strictly separate between natural and cultural elements in their environment. We conclude that a relational turn in environmental policy in Western countries could build on these relational elements in nature concepts of the local population.

Ayat-Ayat Al-Qur’an Tentang Manajemen Mutu Pendidikan Islam

The purpose of writing this article is to find out the verses of the Qur'an about the quality management of Islamic education. This study uses a type of literature research. Literature research is a research that is carried out by reviewing various journals and related reference books. The results of his research show that quality education is an essential aspect in Islam. Such quality education functions not only for the transfer of knowledge, but also for the formation of good character and morals. Quality management in Islamic education is very important, especially in building a generation of noble and quality character. The Qur'an, which is the main guide for Muslims, contains quality management principles such as focus on customer satisfaction, leadership based on the example of the Prophet, Process-based approaches, integrated managerial systems, thoughtful decision-making and mutually beneficial relationships, can all be applied in Islamic education to ensure the quality of continuous and ethical learning. With the implementation of this quality management, Islamic education is expected to create a conducive environment for learning, improve the quality of educational outcomes and produce a generation that is ready to make a positive contribution to society.

Working Capital Management and Financial Sustainability of Small and Medium Enterprises

The study examined the nexus between working capital management and sustainability of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Bayelsa State. A quantitative design was adopted and the population of the study was 1256 SMEs and a sample of 303 SMEs was selected through a stratified sampling procedure. The data were collected through a structured questionnaire while content validity and Cronbach alpha was applied to determine the internal consistency of the measurement of the instruments. The data was analysed through structural equation modelling using a process-based approach of Smart PLS. The study found that account receivable management had a significant positive effect on financial sustainability of SMEs while cash management and inventory management had a positive but non-significant effect on the financial sustainability of SMEs in Bayelsa State. It was recommended that there should be a robust policy framework to promote effective receivable collection process and minimize bad debts. Further, managers should improve access to financing options for SMEs and facilitate cash inflows and inventory management. There should also be an integrative working capital management process to ensure financial sustainability of SMEs.

Bearing remaining life prediction method based on ARAD -ELN and multi-stage wiener process

Abstract Stochastic process-based models are extensively utilized in health assessments and Remaining Useful Life (RUL) predictions of bearings. Nevertheless, bearings in actual operation undergo multiple degradation stages, each characterized by its unique trend of degradation. The application of a singular stochastic process for RUL prediction falls short of achieving optimal performance. Consequently, this paper introduces a multi-stage Wiener process-based approach for the prediction of bearings' RUL. Initially, to tackle the challenge of imbalanced sample sizes across different degradation stages of bearings, an ensemble learning-based neural network (ELN) enhanced by ARIMA Residual Anomaly Detection (ARAD) for the identification of bearing degradation stages is proposed. Subsequently, taking into account the temporal, unit-to-unit, and nonlinear variabilities of the degradation process at each stage, a Wiener process-based multi-stage degradation model for bearings is developed. A method for parameter estimation and updating, utilizing Kalman filtering and Maximum Likelihood Estimation (K-M) is introduced. Finally, the proposed model undergoes validation using both simulated data and the XJTU-SY bearing dataset. Experimental results of three RUL predictions show that the proposed method leads the benchmark model with RMSE values of 3.61, 2.92 and 7.24 respectively, affirming that the proposed model can precisely classify equipment degradation stages and predict RUL with high accuracy and stability.

Role of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investment and natural capital stocks in achieving net-zero carbon emission

This study investigates the role of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investment and natural capital stocks in achieving net-zero carbon emissions, focusing on the Chinese economy. This study uses the data from 2013 to 2022 and applies correlation analysis, quantile process estimation, quantile-factor augmented vector autoregressive, quantile dimension regression, and robustness analysis techniques. The results confirmed that ESG investment has a significant role in net-zero carbon emission and fosters natural capital stocks in the Chinese ecosystem. The results further established that natural capital stocks significantly benefit the Chinese ecosystem and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, CO2 emission – gaseous fuel, CO2 emission – solid fuel, and carbon intensity. Moreover, natural capital stocks have a significant role in achieving net-zero carbon emissions and it accelerates gross tree cover and green agricultural yield. The study is of great interest to corporations, Chinese banks, and the government in planning and achieving net-zero carbon emissions as per Prudential Financial regulation and accounting reporting systems. Achieving net-zero carbon emission is a process-based approach; therefore, the study recommends that policymakers customize investment mechanisms and natural capital accounting standards as per the territorial requirements and execute an ecological control system to make it sustainable.

Global language geography and language history: challenges and opportunities.

As the several thousand languages spoken by people all around the world became more and more systematically assessed and catalogued in the 20th century, it became clear that linguistic diversity is unevently distributed across the globe. Up to the present day, the reasons for that are poorly understood. Linguists are thus in the embarassing situation that they do not understand significant regularities in the way the objects of their study -languages- pattern; human sciences at large are faced with the fact that the way humans produce that key cultural product which is often seen as defining the essence of what makes them humans -language-remains in the dark. In this essay, I explore three interrelated strands of thought associated with the problem of explaining patterns in global language diversity to create a perspective that is different from those explored so far. First, I suggest that instead of looking at present-day levels of diversity and find parameters of variation between the regions in which they are spoken, we should take a process-based approach that looks into how these distributions were generated. Related to this point and in contradistinction to extant work, second, I advocate an inductive approach that departs from qualitative case studies which inform theory-building. Third, I ponder that, in contrast to the traditional focus of historical linguistics on language diversification and expansion, understanding how the ranges of languages are reduced might be the key missing piece of evidence in a global theory of language diversity and its genesis.

Effects of initial soil moisture on rill erodibility and critical shear stress factors in the WEPP model across diverse soil types

Rill erosion, a significant issue in agricultural regions, is intricately linked to initial soil moisture conditions, affecting the development of concentrated flow erosion processes. However, understanding its dynamics amidst varying soil moisture conditions remain challenging. This study aimed to assess the impact of different soil moisture levels on rill erodibility parameters in the Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) model and to evaluate soil cohesion across a spectrum of soils. Through laboratory experiments employing a small V-shaped rill channel, we investigated rill erodibility (Kr) and critical hydraulic shear stress (τcr), under three soil moisture scenarios: initially dry, saturated, and drainage, with incremental surface inflow rates. Additionally, we examined the efficiency of soil cohesion obtained from an Automated Soil Cohesion Measurement Apparatus in predicting Kr and τcr across various soil textures. Our analysis encompassed twenty soils representing nine texture classes, revealing significant correlations between basic soil properties, cohesion parameters, and WEPP model rill erodibility. Notably, initial soil moisture conditions exerted substantial influence on erodibility potentials. Soils with higher silt contents demonstrated better fits in terms of Nash-Sutcliffe model efficiency, particularly under initially dry and saturated conditions. However, predictions for initially drained soils yielded poor fits, emphasizing the intricate interplay between soil properties and hydrological conditions. In conclusion, our findings emphasize the critical role of topsoil water dynamics in rill erodibility. We propose that soil cohesion serves as a valuable predictor, complementing friction forces within the soil and enhancing simulations of rill erodibility under shallow flow conditions in rills, particularly in next-generation process-based modeling approaches.

Applying vroom expectancy theory to analyse employee motivation: A study of commercial banks in Vietnam

In researching motivation, the process approach is better and has more potential than the content approach. This research aims to apply Vroom expectancy theory, a process-based approach to motivation to gain a greater understanding of employee motivation within the commercial banking sector in Vietnam. Additionally, this study seeks to validate the applicability of the expectancy theory by surveying 901 employees from 16 commercial banks with different total assets and numbers of employees. The data analysis involved the utilization of Cronbach's alpha, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation model (SEM). This study reveals that there is a positive relationship between expectancy (E), intrinsic instrument (I-IN), intrinsic valence (I-V) and employee motivation (EM). Employee motivation has an impact on job performance. Nevertheless, it has been observed that the presence of extrinsic valence (E-V) and extrinsic instruments (E-IN) do not significantly impact employee motivation despite the high employees’ level of need for extrinsic valence. This finding deviates considerably from previous studies that applied Vroom's theory. These findings further emphasize the notion that motivation is a dynamic process. Using a process approach in investigating motivation has significant efficacy and employee motivation has a substantial impact on employee performance especially in the context of commercial banks in Vietnam.