Process Definition Research Articles

A Hierarchical Spatiotemporal Data Model Based on Knowledge Graphs for Representation and Modeling of Dynamic Landslide Scenes

Represention and modeling the dynamic landslide scenes is essential for gaining a comprehensive understanding and managing them effectively. Existing models, which focus on a single scale make it difficult to fully express the complex, multi-scale spatiotemporal process within landslide scenes. To address these issues, we proposed a hierarchical spatiotemporal data model, named as HSDM, to enhance the representation for geographic scenes. Specifically, we introduced a spatiotemporal object model that integrates both their structural and process information of objects. Furthermore, we extended the process definition to capture complex spatiotemporal processes. We sorted out the relationships used in HSDM and defined four types of spatiotemporal correlation relations to represent the connections between spatiotemporal objects. Meanwhile, we constructed a three-level graph model of geographic scenes based on these concepts and relationships. Finally, we achieved representation and modeling of a dynamic landslide scene in Heifangtai using HSDM and implemented complex querying and reasoning with Neo4j’s Cypher language. The experimental results demonstrate our model’s capabilities in modeling and reasoning about complex multi-scale information and spatio-temporal processes with landslide scenes. Our work contributes to landslide knowledge representation, inventory and dynamic simulation.

NEW PROCEDURE BASED ON OBTAINING THE AVERAGE DECELERATION FOR IMPROVING THE SPANISH NATIONAL INSPECTION OF TRACTOR SERVICE BRAKES

This study addresses the status and proposes key aspects relevant to refining of the procedure for the Spanish National Inspection of Vehicles relative to tractor service brakes, specifically focusing on obtaining the average deceleration. The current inspection method lacks a clear definition of the calculation process for average deceleration in the Spanish Official Manual of Procedures of Inspection of Vehicles. This lack of clarity results in varying outcomes and potential acceptance or rejection of the inspection based on the selected equipment and procedure. To address this issue, a comprehensive series of tests were conducted on different vehicles, using various equipment and calculation methods. The objective was to derive meaningful conclusions regarding the calculation method, measuring equipment, and other relevant factors. This study reveals the inadequacy of the current average deceleration calculation method as outlined in the official inspection manual. The findings highlight the crucial role of accurate equipment selection, appropriate calculation methods, and skilled personnel experience in ensuring reliable and consistent results. To address this, a new standardized procedure is proposed to streamline the process of obtaining the average deceleration in the inspection of tractor service brakes. The recommended procedure encompasses the use of a secure, well-defined track, clearly marked acceleration and braking points, a GPS decelerometer, a portable or on-track speedometer, and data processing that excludes the initial and final sections of the deceleration curve. Furthermore, this study highlights the need to update the acceptance thresholds for the inspection, as the current thresholds may no longer align with the proposed procedure. A revision of these thresholds is suggested to establish new criteria that are more appropriate and in line with the proposed method and for tractors manufactured after 01/01/2016. Keywords: Tractors, brake testing, vehicle inspection, road safety.

From Endangerment to (Re)Emergence: Child Language, Acquisition, and Reclamation

What does it mean to acquire an endangered language as a child? How does acquisition manifest across different endangered language scenarios? We propose a view of language acquisition and transmission that encompasses a broad range of language endangerment contexts beyond monolingual settings and thus reframes language endangerment through insights from children's speech, across learning contexts, and in relation to community ideologies. We consider how children's language practices affect and are affected by two interrelated projects: (a) institutional definitions of language endangerment and (b) community processes of self-determination. We conclude that attention to child language teases apart the socially constructed dimensions of languages and linguistic boundaries and highlights the vitalities that emerge through children's participation in acts of language reclamation.

The Relationship Between Strategic Types and Strategic Management Processes

This study explores the definition of strategic management processes, their stages, and how different strategy types are integrated within these processes. It examines how strategies align with organizational objectives, environments, and performance. The aim is to enhance knowledge and understanding to improve strategic decision-making and ensure effective strategic planning and implementation. Using a compilation and analysis method, this study synthesizes previous research to help businesses gain competitive advantage, adapt to changing conditions, and assess performance. The study focuses on the relationships between strategy types and strategic management processes, as well as the potential future impacts of these interactions.

A Judicialização da Saúde na era do Big Data

The judicialization of health in Brazil, through legal actions to guarantee access to medicines and health services, complicates health policies and serves different interests. Accurately accounting for these actions is challenging, highlighting divergences between data sources. Analysis of data from Minas Gerais reveals significant numbers, but highlights challenges in classifying and standardizing information. Research showed that, with data mining techniques and standardization of the definition of health processes, it is possible to move in this direction. Tools like JUDJe promise to improve understanding of the judicialization of health, facing technological, privacy and security challenges. It is concluded that there is a need to widely incorporate these tools and standardize matters, to benefit the management of the health sector throughout Brazil. Submission: 04/24/24| Review: 05/15/24| Approval: 05/18/24

Multifaceted formal methods and their interdisciplinary role — From the cathedral of ‘components as coalgebras’ to the HCI context and the open source software bazaar

In this article we revisit the history of formal methods with a focus on important aspects that contribute to their interdisciplinary role. We consider: the variability of mathematical representation techniques on which the theoretical foundations of formal methods are based; formal methods multidisciplinarity; their capability to serve at a meta-level in providing the semantics of programming languages, specification and modelling languages as well as higher-level and domain-specific formal notations; and, finally, how some of these higher-level and domain-specific notations may be lifted at an interdisciplinary level.Within this historical review, we are inspired by Luís Barbosa's “components as coalgebras” approach in seeing that the duality data-process is underlying all those aspects of formal methods. We also see that such a duality may not only be expressed in universal terms within category theory, but may also be characterised in practical terms and focused applications by two distinct logic paradigms, equational logic for the data and rewriting logic for the process, by two modelling directions, forward process definitions and backward data-driven process transformations, and by the distinction between syntax, defined by the data structures, and semantics, provided by rewrite rules. We use the Maude modelling language to illustrate the application of the data-process duality. In fact, Maude use equational logic to define data types and rewriting logic to express system evolution. Illustrative examples are from the areas of cognitive science and human-computer interaction (HCI).We then define a data-driven model transformation, which we call elaborative mining, which adopts a backward perspective to recover a behaviour that was observed in real life but was not predicted forward by the original model. Finally, we see how the “open source software bazaar”, which is a metaphor for the apparently chaotic open source development process, offers us a big data context to lift the driving process for model transformation from deterministic to statistical.

Critical infrastructure monitoring in CBRNe scenarios: a reliable and robust communication network for distributed multimodal sensors

The malicious misuse of CBRNe agents can inflict extensive damage to critical infrastructure and terrorize public society. The effects of such attacks can range from financial or structural drawbacks to significant casualties. Recent terror attacks in Cucuta (2021) or Kabul (2021) demonstrate the need to protect infrastructures such as airports, power plants, and transportation infrastructure. In the face of these modern-day threats, the need for a reliable and effective monitoring system for critical infrastructure has become increasingly important. In a first contribution to the long-term development, we present an initial version of a concept that requires the implementation paradigm of diverse redundancy and secure communication using MQTTS relying on the included cipher suite. An initial set of node types is defined and assigned requirements for implementation. The software tools architecture we propose based on these requirements is designed to support network operators and developers by providing standard features for network management and sensor node implementation. This includes the definition of a secure semi-automatic onboarding process for new sensor nodes, which is presented in detail. We strive for independency from specific hardware platforms, software frameworks, and network technologies to enable an open standard for communication within a critical infrastructure sensor network and also between such networks in the future.

Pre-drought effects on northern temperate trees and vine invasion in forest gaps hindering regeneration

Northern temperate coniferous forests serve as crucial connectors between boreal and temperate forests, yet they are vulnerable to various stressors such as climate change and human activities. Severe drought poses a significant threat to plant species within these forests, prompting recent research into its impacts. However, many studies lack explicit definitions of post-disturbance vegetation processes and fail to identify potential interactions with disturbance factors, necessitating comprehensive discussions. This study examines the effects of drought on tree growth patterns of the main dominant species in northern temperate regions: Abies nephrolepis and Picea jezoensis, along with two commonly associated Betula ermanii, and Quercus mongolica. Additionally, new disturbance factors in forests inhabited by these species (A. nephrolepis and P. jezoensis) were evaluated based on community classification. The study sites were located in the Mt. Baekdu (Changbai) and South Korea regions, which are positioned at the southern limit of the phytogeographical patterns of target species. Results indicate that A. nephrolepis and P. jezoensis exhibit high levels of recovery and resilience, while B. ermanii and Q. mongolica demonstrate high resistance. Species-specific responses align with drought intensity, with resistance, recovery, and resilience decreasing notably with increasing pre-drought radial growth. South Korean forests, the invasion of the vine species Tripterygium regelii after the death of A. nephrolepis in the overstory vegetation threatens the regeneration of new trees. However, certain environmental factors, such as high rock exposure and dense overstory canopy, limit vine invasion. Based on the results, pre-drought radial growth emerges as a key determinant in how trees respond to drought. Additionally, the results suggest the potential for new disturbances to emerge in forest gaps due to overstory vegetation mortality induced by global warming. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of increasing drought stress, aid in identifying climate refugia, and inform conservation priorities based on habitat characteristics.

Практики обращения в православие возрастной когорты 70+: модель «отложенного обращения»

The article presents an analysis of the practices of conversion to Orthodoxy of the age cohort of 70+ in the context of the "deferred conversion" model. The degree of elaboration of the problem in modern Russian sociological discourse is described. The author's definition of the treatment process is proposed. The theoretical and methodological foundations of the analysis of the process of conversion to Orthodoxy are indicated, including: an interdisciplinary approach; an integrative paradigm in the sociology of religious conversion (religious conversion); a generational approach. The description of a qualitative sociological study of the peculiarities of conversion to Orthodoxy of the age cohort of 70+ is presented. The purpose of the study is to identify the structural components and meaningful characteristics of the process of conversion to Orthodoxy of the age cohort of 70+. It is noted that within the framework of the study, empirical data was collected using the biographical method, the sample was built using the "snowball" method, the survey of respondents was conducted using semi-structured biographical interviews. The subjects of the study were parishioners of urban and rural Orthodox churches (n = 23) – people born in the 1920s (n = 4), 1930s (n = 7), 1940s (n = 12). On the basis of the results of the study, the general description of the cases of "delayed conversion" to Orthodoxy of the age cohort of 70+ is proposed. The practices of conversion to Orthodoxy of this social group are described: mastered in the parental family; reproduced during the period of suspension of the development of Orthodox identity; intensifying the process of conversion in old age.

Mapping review of ‘proof-of-concept’ in mental health implementation research using the TRL framework: a need for a better focus and conceptual clarification

BackgroundProof-of-concept (PoC) development is a key step in implementation sciences. However, there is a dearth of studies in this area and the use of this term in health and social...

Fractional Hermite–Hadamard–Mercer-Type Inequalities for Interval-Valued Convex Stochastic Processes with Center-Radius Order and Their Related Applications in Entropy and Information Theory

We propose a new definition of the γ-convex stochastic processes (CSP) using center and radius (CR) order with the notion of interval valued functions (C.RI.V). By utilizing this definition and Mean-Square Fractional Integrals, we generalize fractional Hermite–Hadamard–Mercer-type inclusions for generalized C.RI.V versions of convex, tgs-convex, P-convex, exponential-type convex, Godunova–Levin convex, s-convex, Godunova–Levin s-convex, h-convex, n-polynomial convex, and fractional n-polynomial (CSP). Also, our work uses interesting examples of C.RI.V(CSP) with Python-programmed graphs to validate our findings using an extension of Mercer’s inclusions with applications related to entropy and information theory.

The soil sample conservation method and its potential impact on ammonium, nitrate and total mineral nitrogen measurements

Scientific literature for mineral soil nitrogen content (ammonium and nitrate) measurements usually differs regarding the chosen soil sample conservation method (fresh, frozen or air-dry) before soil extraction and analysis. In addition, most of the commonly used methodologies focus on the definition of the analysis processes, regardless of the previous sample conservation methodology. With the aim to fill this gap, we performed an analysis of the conservation method effect on the nitrate, and ammonium content in frozen or air-dried samples, comparing the results with direct fresh extraction. Moreover, the effects of additional soil parameters, such as soil texture, organic matter content or mineral nitrogen content range were also studied. The results showed that both, frozen and air drying soil samples, were capable of reliably preserving the N content of soil samples in most cases. However, some ammonium losses may occur in frozen samples when a high N content (>30 mg kg−1) is present. It was also observed that air-dried soil samples can reduce the soil nitrate and increase ammonium content in samples with a high N content. It was also observed that significant amounts of organic matter in soil can alter the mineral N measured depending on the conservation method chosen. On the other hand, the soil texture presented small effects on the mineral N measurements. In any case, a broader range of soils conditions (including i.e. pH or different natural organic matter content) should be further tested to confirm our findings.

Consumption in the Educational Sphere as an Indicator of Socialization

The article actualizes the problem of consumption in the educational sphere and its connection with the process of socialization. The purpose of the article is to analyze the motives of demonstrative consumption and the conditions and ways of its implementation in the educational system as a mechanism of socialization in the consumer society. Methodology. As a methodological basis were used: 1) the concept of accepting the role of the Other by J. Mead; 2) the concept of demonstrative consumption by T. Veblen and M. Weber as indicators of the class structure of society and guarantor of the formation of motives and goals of consumption; 3) the sociological approach, which allows building the study on the basis of the concept of similarity and distinction by P. Bourdieu. Research results: based on the definition of consumption processes in modern society, the study considers education as a variant of demonstrative consumption, reveals its motives and variants. It is shown that the subject’s choice of the trajectory of receiving education, regardless of its purpose and motives, acts as a way of socialization in the consumer society. Conclusion: it is concluded that demonstrative consumption in education is manifested in the fact that education, functioning as a social institution, performs not only the functions of education of society, organization of the learning process, but also the functions of symbolic consumption: it is a tool to maintain the existing social hierarchy, a way to move through social strata, that is, it organizes and provides social mobility, an indicator of financial opportunities, personal preferences and ambitions.

THE SPECIFICS OF USING THE PROFESSIONAL LANGUAGE OF MANAGEMENT

The article examines the problems of the formation and development of the professional language of management. The position on the need for research and practical implementation of system categories, concepts, and mechanisms of the professional management language is presented. It is proposed that the features of the professional language of management be determined. Features and strategic directions for the development of this process are determined. The critical parameters of the formation and development of the terminological series of the professional language of management are analyzed. Particular attention is paid to considering the semantic dynamics of the formation process and the practical use of specific terms and phrases that characterize the professional management system. The importance of innovative dynamics in the system of personnel policy and knowledge of the terminology of management processes is shown. The objective necessity of fundamental and innovative training of managers is determined as a basis for their orientation towards the systematic development of the managerial profession. Approaches to the implementation of meaningful definitions of the management process are considered. The need to transform the professional qualities of management personnel with an emphasis on the peculiarities of the terminological series of the professional language of management is proven. Attention is focused on the need to develop socio-cultural indicators of management professionalization. The basic principles of using the professional management language are determined, and the need for their practical implementation is proved. The position on the role of the managerial elite in developing an innovative society is presented. Attention is focused on developing the process of professionalization of organizational activity in Ukraine and defining the basic principles of using the professional language of management.

Model-Based Material and Process Definitions for Additive Manufactured Component Design and Qualification

Model-Based Material and Process Definitions for Additive Manufactured Component Design and Qualification

Care Relationships Between Support Staff and Adults With a Learning Disability in Long-Term Social Care Residential Settings in the United Kingdom: A Systematic Literature Review

Context: Research exploring care relationships between support staff (e.g., support workers) and adults with a learning disability in long-term social care residential settings in the United Kingdom is relatively neglected. This has potential theoretical and care practice implications. Objectives: This study sought to synthesise relevant literature, expand knowledge, and identify directions for future research. We investigated five questions about care relationships and what makes them positive, exploring definitions of care relationships, relational practices and processes, barriers and facilitators to good care relationships, the impact of relationships, and restoration of disrupted relationships. Methods: Following protocol registration in PROSPERO, a systematic literature review was conducted in June–July 2021. The review was informed by official guidelines and focused on the United Kingdom, covering 41 years of relevant work. Twelve databases and five websites were searched, and experts were contacted. Forty-five reports were included and synthesised using the narrative synthesis framework. Findings: Definitions of care relationships revolved around friendship, equality, professionalism, and power. Practices and processes underlying positive relationships included knowing the person, setting boundaries, and shifting power dynamics. Barriers to positive care relationships included staff interactional patterns, attributions, and staff dilemmas, whilst facilitators included receiving training and using communication tools. Good care relationships were key to effective support and ways to restore disrupted relationships included receiving input from systemic therapy. Limitations: Literature was limited for certain review questions and more extensive for others. Only a few reports addressed care relationships as such with the rest focusing on communication or interactions. Time constraints prevented us from including more kinds of reports. The voice of residents was limited. Implications: We hope that this review contributes to and expands knowledge around care relationships and shapes directions for future research. Findings can be used by support staff, service managers, residents, trainers, advocates, regulators, and researchers.

Attitudes of Secondary Technical School Students towards Their Choice of Educational Path

This paper addresses the challenges regarding the choice of educational pathway for an adolescent from primary to secondary education. The aim is to highlight comparative differences in student decision-making when choosing a technically oriented study program. One sub objective is to emphasise the evolving preferences and roles of students in the decisionmaking process. The introduction provides the reader with a definition of decision-making processes and the choice of an educational pathway in the context of the Czech Republic. The following chapters present the main findings of the study. In Chapter 4, the risks associated with choosing a study path are presented, and the transition to the research part of the article is smooth. Three research hypotheses were defined to conduct the research. The study was conducted using a specifically designed non-standardised questionnaire. Details of the questionnaire design and the sample for the new research are provided. Subsections 4.3–4.6 present an overview of the results from the confirmatory and exploratory analyses. The discussion and conclusion summarise the results within a broader professional context. The primary findings indicate that students seem to be more independent in selecting technical schools. Students most often consider three criteria when making their choice: 1. the prospect of a career as a technician or a professional; 2. professional advantages in the job market; and 3. interest in the field and its study. We also present one of the possible correlation models of students’ personal preferences when choosing a secondary technical school.

Food-Oral Processing: Current Progress, Future Directions, and Challenges.

Oral processing refers to the series of physical, chemical, and biological processes inside the oral cavity when we consume food. This process affects the taste, quality, and nutrient absorption of the body. In the human diet, oral processing plays a crucial role because it impacts not only the food flavor and texture but also the absorption and utilization of nutrients. With the progress of science and technology and the increasing demand for food, the study of oral processing has become increasingly important. This paper reviews the history and definition of oral processing, its current state of research, and its applications in food science and technology, focusing on personalized taste customization, protein structure modification, food intake and nutrition, and bionic devices. It also analyzes the impact of oral processing on different types of food products and explores its potential in the food industry and science research.

Architectural research facing the challenges of the 21st century: Criticality, creativity and diversity

As we enter the 21st century, a new era of digital technologies is offering increasing possibilities, but at the same time, posing serious challenges to architectural research. Therefore, the recovery of a critical approach is more necessary than ever. This should encompass not only the critical evaluation of the aforementioned technologies, but also counteract models of thought associated with them, such as the standardization of languages or the hegemony of solutionism. Likewise, it is also necessary to reclaim imagination and brilliance as attributes of a seriously threatened freedom. Working on the challenges of our time must emphasize the ideation, development and definition of mental processes and structures, mechanisms that are still outside the scope of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence. Finally, it is still important to reassert that all architectural postulates should be understood in the cultural environment and physical surroundings in which they are produced, admitting their diversity and avoiding a Eurocentric view. Current environmental degradation can be understood as a symptom of a crisis of civilization, marked by a model of living that does not recognize the need to understand ourselves and our built environment in relation to nature.

A machine-learning based approach to estimate acoustic macroscopic parameters of porous concrete

Porous concrete with expanded clay inherent porosity makes it an interesting and effective acoustic material, applied in numerous scenarios such as highways, airports and architectural structures, due to its capacity to mitigate noise pollution, by absorbing and damping sound waves. It is usually accepted that macroscopic properties such as open porosity, tortuosity or airflow resistivity of such materials play a fundamental role in the definition of the internal absorption process. This study explores the application of tailored artificial neural networks (ANNs) for predicting first the macroscopic properties (open porosity, tortuosity and airflow resistivity) and then the sound absorption coefficient (α) of these porous concrete mixtures, using only two input parameters (size class of the expanded clay and density of the test specimens). The results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed ANN approach in accurately predicting macroscopic properties and the sound absorption coefficient of these mixtures, making it possible to obtain such important parameters in an effective and much simpler way.