Qualitative Model Research Articles

Modelling the behaviour in socio-technical systems for policy assessment - A comparison of modelling approaches using the example of Sponge City concept implementation

How are policies affecting the social behaviour of actors and thus the dynamics of the corresponding socio-technical systems? This question is of central relevance to understand what policies might be effective for sustainable transitions and transformation where social changes are immanent. Exploratory modelling approaches such as agent-based modelling (ABM) are suitable and established to analyse how individual, especially heterogeneous behaviour emerges to affect social systems. In contrast to this micro-level perspective of understanding how social behaviour influences system behaviour, System Dynamics models (SDM) focus on the macro-level perspective by analysing how system interactions drive complex system behaviour. Qualitative modelling approaches such as Causal Loop Diagrams belonging to the Systems Thinking Modelling (STM) toolbox remain descriptive but need much less effort for model development. In this article, we compare how the different approaches ABM, SDM and STM can model social behaviour in socio-technical systems and what different kind of insights can be gained to assess the efficacy of policies. It discusses the advantages and limitations of the different approaches for their application in behavioural public policy modelling for sustainability transition. Therefore, three exemplary models (STM, SDM, ABM) are created for the same topic of implementation dynamics of adaptation measures to foster rainwater retention (Sponge City concept) in a multi-residential quarter. As a result, the risk of green gentrification is identified. Three hypothetical policies are implemented to illustrate the differences between the three modelling approaches for their use in policy assessment. Based on that, we discuss how the three modelling approaches conceptualise behaviour in general.

THE METHODS OF THE SORBED QUANTITY OF THE DIFFUSION COEFFICIENTS AND POLYMERS LIQUID AREAS

The article presents the application of a method for assessing the qualitative state of bridges based on the use of qualimetry methods. The proposed approach considers a wide range of parameters that affect the functioning and reliability of road bridges. The method involves the use of a qualimetric model that allows systematizing and structuring of information about the physical condition of individual bridge elements and functional indicators. The weighting of the parameters was determined using expert and estimated methods, which increased the accuracy and objectivity of the assessment. The development of a qualitative condition model includes the following stages: identification of bridge elements, determination of assessment parameters, development of a qualimetric model, determination of weighting coefficients for each criterion, analysis of the results of a specific object inspection, and determination of the overall operational condition of the bridge. The results of the study show that the proposed methodology can be effectively used to assess the condition of bridges, providing a sufficiently high accuracy and completeness of the assessment. This contributes to improving the safety and reliability of bridge structures, reducing accidents and optimizing their maintenance costs. The proposed assessment method has prospects for implementation in the practice of bridge condition management and can be further applied in the system of monitoring the condition of transport facilities.

Pairwise summation as a method for the additive combination of probabilities in qualitative risk assessments.

Qualitative frameworks are widely employed to tackle urgent animal or public health issues when data are scarce and/or urgent decisions need to be made. In qualitative models, the degree of belief regarding the probabilities of the events occurring along the risk pathway(s) and the outcomes is described in nonnumerical terms, typically using words such as Low, Medium, or High. The main methodological challenge, intrinsic in qualitative models, relates to performing mathematical operations and adherence to the rule of probabilities when probabilities are nonnumerical. Although methods to obtain the qualitative probability from the conditional realization of n events are well-established and consistent with the multiplication rule of probabilities, there is a lack of accepted methods for addressing situations where the probability of an event occurring can increase, and the rule of probability P(AUB)=P(A)+P(B)-P(A∩B) should apply. In this work, we propose a method based on the pairwise summation to fill this methodological gap. Our method was tested on two qualitative models and compared by means of scenario analysis to other approaches found in literature. The qualitative nature of the models prevented formal validation; however, when using the pairwise summation, results consistently appeared more coherent with probability rules. Even if the final qualitative estimate can only represent an approximation of the actual probability of the event occurring, qualitative models have proven to be effective in providing scientific-based evidence to support decision-making. The method proposed in this study contributes to reducing the subjectivity that characterizes qualitative models, improving transparency and reproducibility.

Exploring the Limits of Fe-Rich Chemistries in Na-Based CaFe2O4-Type Postspinel Oxides.

Structural trends, physical properties, and electrochemical performances of the NaFexRu2-xO4 system have been investigated. Synthesis attempts using both conventional solid-state routes and high-pressure methods were explored for the compositional range 1.0 ≤ x ≤ 1.67. Based on Rietveld refinements against powder X-ray diffraction data, analyses of 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy data, and elemental analysis by electron microprobe, the existence of a confined compositional solid solution (1 ≤ x ≤ 1.3) adopting the CaFe2O4-type postspinel structure is demonstrated. This is contrasted with the NaFexTi2-xO4 system, for which no evidence of a solid solution is observed. However, for all explored synthetic routes of NaFexRu2-xO4 compositions, a trivalent iron oxidation state is maintained. Structural analysis and qualitative bond valence energy landscape models reveal that the progressive integration of iron into the postspinel framework results in narrowed sodium ion diffusion channels, restricting electrochemical deintercalation of sodium. Consequently, the CaFe2O4-type iron-rich compounds explored in this study demonstrate limited potential as positive electrode materials for sodium batteries. It is expected that this fundamental insight will help guide the exploration of alternative NaM2O4-based positive electrode materials with similar structure types.

Active nuclear positioning and actomyosin contractility maintain leader cell integrity during gonadogenesis

Proper distribution of organelles can play an important role in a moving cell's performance. During C.elegans gonad morphogenesis, the nucleus of the leading distal tip cell (DTC) is always found at the front, yet the significance of this localization is unknown. Here, we identified the molecular mechanism that keeps the nucleus at the front, despite a frictional force that pushes it backward. The Klarsicht/ANC-1/Syne homology (KASH) domain protein UNC-83 links the nucleus to the motor protein kinesin-1 that moves along a polarized acentrosomal microtubule network. Interestingly, disrupting nuclear positioning on its own did not affect gonad morphogenesis. However, reducing actomyosin contractility on top of nuclear mispositioning led to a dramatic phenotype: DTC splitting and gonad bifurcation. Long-term live imaging of the double knockdown revealed that, while the gonad attempted to perform a planned U-turn, the DTC was stretched due to the lagging nucleus until it fragmented into a nucleated cell and an enucleated cytoplast, each leading an independent gonadal arm. Remarkably, the enucleated cytoplast had polarity and invaded, but it could only temporarily support germ cell proliferation. Based on a qualitative biophysical model, we conclude that the leader cell employs two complementary mechanical approaches to preserve its integrity and ensure proper organ morphogenesis while navigating through a complex 3D environment: active nuclear positioning by microtubule motors and actomyosin-driven cortical contractility.

Community-developer collaboration and voluntary community benefits in Scotland: Are community benefits a gift or compensation?

Community benefits are a key strategy for promoting social acceptance of renewable energy and ensuring distributive fairness of the energy transition. However, they can sometimes damage rather than strengthen the relationship between communities and developers. This paper examines stakeholder submissions to The Scottish Government's Good Practice Principles on Community Benefits from Onshore Renewable Energy Developments (2019) consultation. Communities perceive community benefits as compensation and express concerns about their voluntary nature, while developers see them as benevolent gifts, worrying about their impact on project viability. As the guidelines are voluntary, community benefit arrangements rely on collaboration between developers and communities, but power imbalance and a lack of shared understanding can impede this collaboration. Inspired by governmentality literature, this study analyses stakeholder discourses to understand how issues are framed, solutions proposed, and rationalities guiding these discussions. Qualitative system dynamics modelling is used to provide a comprehensive view of challenges in the design of community benefit arrangements in Scotland, highlighting risks to the developer-community relationship and trust in the energy transition. The analysis suggests that making community benefit arrangements mandatory or rethinking them is essential to preserve this relationship and trust.

Multi-epitope vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 targeting the spike RBD: an immunoinformatics approach.

Aim: We designed a SARS-CoV-2 epitope vaccine based on the receptor-binding domain (RBD) in virus spike protein. Methods: RT-PCR performed on nasopharyngeal swab COVID-19 patients. After registering RBD region in the GenBank, physicochemical parameters, secondary structure, homology modeling, 3D structure of RBD region and antigenicity were determined using ProtParam ExPASy, PSIPRED, MolProbity, IEDB and Vaxijen online tools, respectively. Results: B and T cell epitopes were predicted in terms of non-allergenicity and antigenicity. MolProbity analysis provided a qualitative model for RBD. The homology model showed that most of the residues are in optimal district of energy. Conclusion: High immunogenicity score of epitopes indicates promising candidates for the development of multi-epitope vaccines. It may help to develop an effective vaccine.

Crystallization kinetics during layer exchange of 28Si implanted Al films for fabrication of quantum computers: A theoretical model

We are investigating a novel enrichment process that could allow the use of industrial complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor implanters to manufacture “quantum grade” 28Si layers for use in quantum computers. Our implanted layer exchange enrichment process leverages conventional deposition-based layer exchange approaches but replaces a step of depositing a Si layer above an Al layer with a 28Si implant into the top of an Al layer. A subsequent anneal dissolves Si into Al beneath the implanted region where Si diffuses and either epitaxially grows onto the substrate or forms poly-crystals in the Al [Schneider and England, ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 15, 21609 (2023)]. We have developed a qualitative model using simple assumptions and boundary conditions to estimate characteristic times and rates of epitaxy or poly-crystallization for this novel layer exchange process. We have used the model to explain crystallization outcomes reported in this paper and previously. We find that the absence of an oxide boundary layer separating Si and Al allows Si diffusion to become established within the first second of all the anneals studied and that crystallization actually completes during the temperature ramp of most of the anneals. The rapid evolution of Si supersaturation in Al beneath the implanted layer explains the ratios of epitaxial growth to poly-crystallization observed after these anneals. We use this understanding to propose the implant layer exchange conditions that could produce the highest quality mono-crystalline quantum grade Si.

Rapid and non-destructive identification of plastic particles through THz technology and machine learning

For fast and accurate non-destructive differentiation of plastic pellets with similar appearance during import and export inspections, as well as for quality control purposes. Terahertz technology offers a non-destructive analysis approach for samples from diverse fields. By integrating deep learning algorithms with terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA), it is possible to establish a highly accurate terahertz spectroscopy qualitative identification model. Additionally, the incorporation of principal component analysis (PCA) enables the application of this model to higher dimensional data. Notable differences in absorption coefficient, phase difference, and refractive index are observed among different plastic particles. The implementation of this rapid, accurate, and non-destructive detection method can greatly facilitate the testing and identification of plastic particles in customs and quality inspection departments.

Addressing uncertainty in Participatory Integrated Assessment: qualitative modeling approach for risk estimation

Participatory Integrated Assessment (PIA) has become a vital tool for decision-making for sustainable development, but it faces significant challenges due to the inherent uncertainty of socio-ecological systems. Uncertainty arises from multiple sources, such as incomplete data, knowledge gaps, and unpredictable events, which can lead to inadequate risk estimations and potentially undermine the effectiveness of environmental planning efforts. To address these challenges, this study proposes a qualitative modeling approach for risk estimation in PIA. The approach employs Decision Making under Deep Uncertainty (DMDU) to combine qualitative insights and information from stakeholders with available quantitative data. It allows for the exploration of alternative future states of the world and the identification of robust scenarios that promote sustainable development. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated through the Ecological Ordinance of Yucatán, Mexico, a policy-making tool for multi-sectoral environmental planning. The study shows how qualitative DMDU can identify critical uncertainties and provide insights into regional management strategies. It also emphasizes the importance of stakeholder engagement and transparency in the decision-making process. Overall, this study presents a promising approach for addressing multiple forms of uncertainty in PIA and improving ecological risk estimation for decision-making in complex socio-ecological systems.

Earthquakes Three-Stage Early Warning and Short-Term Prediction

Among the anomalous geophysical phenomena observed preceding earthquakes, specific attention has been given to VLF/LF, ULF (very low frequency/low frequency, ultra-low frequency) electromagnetic (EM) emissions, recorded before earthquakes, because of an interesting correlation between them and seismic activity. Numerous scientific papers have been published on this topic, providing convincing evidence of these processes observed using ground-based and satellite ground-based observations during the preparation for the earthquake. These phenomena are detectable both at laboratory and geological scales. The authors of this paper have used an avalanche-like unstable geological model of fault formation and a model of the generation of electromagnetic emissions detected before the earthquakes to prove the prediction capabilities of VLF/LF EM emissions. The first gives a clear imagination of earthquake preparation in all stages in the focal area from the beginning of the micro-cracks appearing to the final formation of fault. Another one, based on electrodynamics, explains the EM emissions origination process and offers a formula that analytically connects the observed frequency of EM radiation with the linear size of the emitted body (fault). It is worth emphasizing the synthesis and rather harmonious relation of the mentioned models. Based on the above models conducted studies clearly show that the description of a qualitative avalanche-unstable geological model of fault formation using VLF/LF EM radiation data made it possible to quantitatively characterize the full cycle of preparation and occurrence of earthquake process. Namely, in the case of VLF/LF emissions monitoring, the beginning of the “avalanche process” of ruptures is considered the first stage of early warning of an incoming earthquake. The so-called EM emissions “silence” period is assessed as the second stage of early warning. The third early warning or an alarm about an incoming earthquake may be announced immediately at the moment of the first anomaly appearance subsequently the “silence” period. This article offers the method of earthquake three-step early warning and short-term (hourly) prediction.

Differentiation of Polygonatum Cyrtonema Hua from Different Geographical Origins by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy with Chemometrics.

The identification of the geographical origin of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua is of particular importance because the quality and market value of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua from different production areas are highly variable due to differences in the growing environment and climatic conditions. This study utilized near-infrared spectra (NIR) of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (n = 400) to develop qualitative models for effective differentiation of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua from various regions. The models were produced under different conditions to distinguish the origins distinctly. Ten preprocessing methods have been used to preprocess the original spectra (OS) and to select the most optimal spectral preprocessing method. Principal component analysis (PCA), partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were used to determine appropriate models. For simplicity, the pretreated full spectrum was calculated by different wavelength selection methods, and the four most significant variables were selected as discriminant indicator variables. The results show that Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua from different regions can be effectively distinguished using spectra from a series of samples analyzed by OPLS-DA. The accuracy of the OPLS-DA model is also satisfactory, with a good differentiation rate. The study findings indicate the feasibility of using spectroscopy in combination with multivariate analysis to identify the geographical origins of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua. The utilization of NIR spectroscopy combined with chemometrics exhibits high efficacy in discerning the provenance of herbal medicines and foods, thereby facilitating QA measures.

Organizational Effects of the Hubris Syndrome and the Ways of Solution

Hubris syndrome is defined as a managerial disease caused by the power possessed by people in managerial positions, and gives rise to positive and negative outcomes in organizations. For this purpose, the banking sector was chosen as the research area due to the fact that banking sector is one of the areas where the hubris syndrome can most commonly be seen due to the known characteristics of the sector such as tough working conditions and working goals. Data were obtained via interviews carried out with 12 managers working in the field of banking with a semi-structured interview form using the phenomenology experience research pattern, which is one of the qualitative research models. Maxqda 2022 data analysis software was used for data analysis. Study results according to data received from managers revealed that the characteristics of people suffering from hubris syndrome are seeing oneself as perfect and superior, believing that anything can be done with authority, the utopical goals given to lower-level employees and disregarding opinions of others. The reasons for the emergence of the syndrome are the problems in the institutional structure and functioning, bullying and exclusion experienced in the past and the lack of clarity about the authority and responsibilities of people within the organization. When the organizational impacts of Hubris syndrome are taken into account, two types of impacts are observed, such as the impacts on the organization and the impacts on the employees. People with the hubris syndrome harm the organization, prevent the emergence of new ideas and decrease the motivation of employees.

Is the Productivity of Faculty Members Sustainable? The Perspective of Faculty Members

In the global economic landscape, a nation’s ability to secure a prominent position is intricately linked to its capacity for knowledge augmentation and technological innovation. This correlation underscores the pivotal role of universities and academicians, whose importance directly reflects a country’s level of development. The effectual execution of educational, research, and innovative pursuits within university settings necessitates the presence of qualified, productive, and dedicated academicians. As key contributors to academic, social, and humanitarian spheres, academicians bear responsibilities spanning research, teaching, societal enlightenment, and problem solving within higher education. The scholarly productivity of researchers is commonly gauged through metrics involving scientific publications and academic engagements. Notably, in many countries, advancements and appointments within academic institutions are contingent on the demonstrated productivity of academicians. Aligning with this global trend, Turkey accordingly structures its promotion and appointment procedures within academia. This study aims to ascertain faculty members’ perspectives regarding academic productivity after their associate professors’ and professors’ appointments in Turkey. Furthermore, we endeavor to identify the underlying factors contributing to this decline and increase academic productivity. Our findings emphasize the intricate interplay of various factors influencing academic productivity and sustainability. These include the significance of institutional support, economic stability, intrinsic motivation, and challenges such as bureaucratic processes and gender-related issues, which collectively shape the academic landscape and faculty members’ ability to produce impactful research over time. The research study group comprised 20 faculty members working at a public University in Turkey in the 2022–2023 academic year. This study was prepared using a qualitative research model. This study used the interview technique, one of the data collection techniques used in process-based evaluation applications. Furthermore, the obtained data were analyzed using the content analysis technique used in qualitative research methods.

Implementation of Activity Based Costing Method in the Yellow Noodle Industry

This study aims to determine the application of the activity based costing method on yellow noodle industry. The activity based costing method is aimed at presenting accurate of cost of products for management purposes, by carefully measuring the consumption of resources in every activity used to obtain maximum profit. This study uses a qualitative model with an evaluation approach, where the interactive model used is three procedures; data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions or verification. Findings, in this study there are 2 inefficient production process activities, namely the activity of the yellow noodle drying process where the allocation of labor costs uses fixed costs and the process of weighing the yellow noodles which uses the same labors as the cost per unit is different. Based on the application of the activity based costing method, the two inefficient activities are converted into variable costs per unit and allocated in the parent process activity. The impact of allocation changes is an increase in profit per unit, from Rp. 6,475 per pack of yellow noodles to Rp. 7,167 per pack of yellow noodles.

A qualitative risk assessment model for water reuse: Risks related to agricultural irrigation in Brazil

Urbanization and industrialization are increasing extreme weather events, causing water quantity and quality reduction. Global water scarcity impacts 32.5 % of the urban population and is growing. Brazil has also witnessed water scarcity, notably in the southeast (2014–2015) and south (2019–2020), with reservoirs dropping below 20 % capacity. Water reuse is vital for mitigating scarcity, though it presents risks due to contaminants. Risk analysis studies are crucial for evaluating contamination sources, pathways, and exposure scenarios in water reuse practices. Various methodologies, including quantitative, semi-quantitative, and qualitative analyses, can be employed. Given the uncertainty and diverse factors, qualitative methods are recommended for non-potable water reuse risk analysis. This work presents a qualitative risk analysis methodology that allows to evaluate non-potable water reuse categories. It assesses factors affecting human health and the environment, considering exposure scenarios, characteristics of the receptors, and sources of reused water. The risk analysis of water reuse was carried out focusing on agricultural reuse, considering as alternatives the irrigation of soybean and sugarcane crops. By reviewing literature, the probability of occurrence and the magnitude of impact of the risk factors were identified and rated, using an increasing relative numeric scale. This process resulted in an overall risk value for comparing agricultural irrigation alternatives. The obtained results indicate a promising risk analysis model that can be adjusted and applied to various water reuse modalities and key factors. This adaptable risk analysis model is mainly related to water treatment methods, prompting the proposal of risk control measures.

Training of future primary school and computer science teachers in the structure of information systems

The active renewal of teacher education is driven by the contradiction between the need for new specialists and the lack of a clear strategy for modernising the educational process. The purpose of this study was to highlight all aspects of the process of training future primary school and computer science teachers to implement digital systems in conjunction with pedagogical conditions. The study employed such research methods as comparison, synthesis, observation, analysis, and abstraction. The key findings suggest that Ukraine is undergoing educational reforms aimed at updating the content and improving teaching and learning methods. The study covered the objectives, content, methods, forms, means of teaching the discipline “Computer Science (Structure and Main Components of Information Systems)” studied by future primary school and computer science teachers who undergo their professional training in the educational programmes 013 “Primary Education and Computer Science”, 014 “Secondary Education (Labour Training and Technologies. Computer Science)” at Oleksandr Dovzhenko Hlukhiv National Pedagogical University. The study analysed the latest publications on the subject matter of the study. Based on the analysis of the possibilities and concrete potentials of using information technologies, the expediency of their introduction into personal and professional development of future primary school specialists was determined, the principal conditions for their use and for the developed teacher in the educational information system were highlighted. The study highlighted the content of classes aimed at developing information and communication skills and other key competences of future primary school and computer science teachers in studying the subject “Computer Science (Structure and main components of information systems)”. The conclusions of this study state that the methodological recommendations for the organisation of practical classes in the course provide pedagogical support to teachers and contribute to the creation of a favourable learning and cognitive atmosphere during training. The practical significance of this study is to build a qualitative model that aims to improve the training future primary school and computer science teachers to implement digital systems in conjunction with pedagogical conditions

A new approach to derive variation shares by combining the C&C² approach and the PGE model

AbstractThis paper introduces a method to derive variation shares in engineering design, merging the Contact & Channel Approach (C&C²) with the model of PGE - Product Generation Engineering. It focuses on one-piece parts, enhancing precision in identifying component variations. The integration allows for detailed qualitative modeling and subcomponent analysis, improving design efficiency and innovation, illustrated with bottle examples. This research advances engineering design by enabling more accurate categorization of system variations.

Teachers’ Views and Strategies for Improving Children’s Critical Thinking Skills

The study aimed to investigate preschool teachers' perceptions regarding the enhancement of children's critical thinking skills, as well as their employed strategies for fostering such skills. The study was designed as a case study, a qualitative model. The sample group consisted of 30 preschool teachers from Turkey. Data were collected using online interviews and examined using descriptive and content analysis. According to the preschool teachers, the study findings showed that Turkish-language and science-math activities are the activities that contribute most to improving children’s critical thinking skills. Furthermore, the preschool teachers stated that they mainly used the strategy of asking open-ended questions during book reading activities and least used the strategy of promoting the interaction/collaboration among students to improve children’s critical thinking skills.

Bearing the weight: A qualitative study on expert views on integrating ethics in autonomous vehicles

AVs are increasingly becoming present on public roads, the ethics of which have captured the publics attention. This study represents the first ever investigation into the opinion of AV development experts on the ethics of programming AVs in collision scenarios. The study makes use of a qualitative research model. A sample of 24 Swiss experts were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. The majority of experts were directly involved in the development of AVs and represented both research, private, and public sectors as well as national regulatory bodies. Three core themes emerged from the data. 1) Experts were keenly aware of the ethical challenges involved in AVs on public roads, including in collision situations. 2) Experts felt a moral responsibility for how AVs are programmed and developed. However, experts’ moral framework was not well developed with many experts stating that their own personal moral framework should not be used to program motion planning. 3) Experts saw a need for an ethical framework to guide the development of AVs. The paper concludes that it is clear experts are keenly aware of the ethics involved in AVs on public roads, and in particular collision scenarios. They feel a sense of responsibility for how AVs are programmed but do not feel ethically well-equipped themselves. Experts would, therefore, appreciate an ethical framework that would assist the development of these algorithms. This framework may be driven by either industry or government but should be clear and simple. We recommend countries like Switzerland develop such a framework.