Qualitative Structural Analysis Research Articles

Harm Reduction as a Complex Adaptive System: Results from a Qualitative Structural Analysis of Services Accessed by Young Heroin Users in Mauritius

Harm Reduction as a Complex Adaptive System: Results from a Qualitative Structural Analysis of Services Accessed by Young Heroin Users in Mauritius

The Role of Group Formation and Interpersonal Connections in Support: A Qualitative Analysis of Social Structures in Emergency Services Organizations and Hospital-Based Emergency Settings

Professionals in emergency services organizations (firefighters, paramedics, police, military) and professionals in hospital-based emergency settings (emergency rooms, operating rooms, intensive care units) are frequently exposed to potentially traumatic events. They are at higher risk for the development of trauma-related mental health problems than the general population. To maintain mental health, it is essential for individuals to be embedded in a social environment with supportive relationships. We employed ethnographical research that explored the social environment of seven high-risk professional groups in the Netherlands through observational fieldwork, interviews, and document analysis. We analyzed the data using Chie Nakane’s social anthropological model of Group formations and interpersonal connections as a heuristic lens. Findings indicate that in the social environments of these various high-risk occupational groups, two different social structural tendencies can be distinguished: vertical versus horizontal group formation and interpersonal connections. In our discussion, we suggest how these different social structures in which the professional is embedded might explain inconsistent results in current studies, and how knowledge of these different social structures might be relevant for support and prevention of trauma-related mental health problems.

Differential phase contrast STEM image calculation software – Magnifier

An innovative software with a user-friendly interface for calculation of differential phase contrast (DPC) scanning transmission electron microscopy images (integrated iDPC- and differentiated dDPC-STEM) is presented. The underlying algorithm is described and the program functionalities are demonstrated on the examples of Li5OsO6, α-Ga2O3, and LiCoO2. The software supports interpretation of DPC-STEM images, which is crucial for qualitative and quantitative analysis of crystal structures and defects.

Optimization of Ti2O3 thin films by magnetron sputtering and study of their photoelectric performance

AbstractIn this study, Ti2O3 thin films were successfully produced using magnetron sputtering. Through orthogonal gradient experiments, the impact of substrate temperature, sputtering vacuum, RF power, and sputtering duration on surface morphology, roughness, physical structure, and resistivity was investigated. Various analytical techniques were employed, including AFM and SEM for surface morphology observation, XRD and Raman for qualitative physical structure analysis, XPS for elemental valence examination, and the four‐probe method for resistivity measurements. The study identified optimal growth conditions for Ti2O3 films, demonstrating a low resistivity of 2.66 × 10−3 Ω cm under the following conditions: RF power of 200 W, sputtering vacuum of .6 Pa, substrate temperature of 600°C, and sputtering duration of 60 min. Additionally, the sensor arrays were efficiently fabricated using the Lift‐off method to evaluate the photoelectric performance of the films. A light responsiveness of approximately 6 µA/W was observed in the device when illuminated with 950 nm light for 10 s. This finding carries important implications for the use of Ti2O3 thin films in future photoelectric devices.

Marketing innovation for sustainability: Review, trends, and way forward

AbstractSustainable development goals are aligning marketing innovations to meet sustainability interventions. Recently, marketing has evolved to incorporate sustainability in outreach objectives. Heightened literature on the interplay between sustainability, innovations, and marketing demands a holistic understanding to guide future research direction. The current review bridges the research gap using quantitative performance analysis and qualitative intellectual structure analysis. The thematic and content analysis points towards permeating sustainability focus across the business verticals and value chain for differentiated brand positioning and sustainability‐based competitive advantage. The emergent conceptual framework underpins the moderated‐mediation role of sustainability and economic enablers with marketing initiatives to promote business innovations beneficial to all stakeholders. The sustainability‐aligned innovations in products and processes reflect in gaining cost advantage, revenue generation, access to newer markets, and differentiation. It can be inferred from the study that sustainability and conducive marketing strategies can co‐create value across the value chain, providing tangible and non‐tangible corporate payoffs. This cross‐section in the research domain calls for environmental and business focus at the micro and macro levels, supported by pro‐business strategies, system efficiencies, productivity, and technological changes in synergy with the societal landscape. The findings discern strategic directions for practitioners to chart out an organizational portfolio centered around marketing innovations to create business value for the shareholders and sustainability value for the stakeholders, ecosystem, and society. The conceptual framework can help academicians comprehend the business model around sustainability, innovations, and marketing. The evolutionary mapping of the research domain can be used to discern corporate or macro‐level policies and transcend reforms aligned to the dynamic market/stakeholder expectations.

Developing Cross-Cultural Competencies through Curriculum Design in Business English Programs at Zhaoqing University

This study explores the intricate relationship between curriculum design and student capability development in the Business English program at Zhaoqing University. The research underlines how the curriculum not only imparts essential business and language skills but also fosters critical thinking, innovation, and Cross-Cultural competencies necessary for the global business environment. Through a qualitative analysis of course structures, teaching methodologies, and student feedback, the study identifies key factors that influence educational outcomes. These include the integration of practical business simulations, emphasis on continuous learning, and the alignment of course content with market needs. The findings suggest that a well-designed curriculum enhances student engagement, facilitates lifelong learning, and prepares graduates for professional challenges in international business settings. The study contributes to the broader discourse on curriculum effectiveness in higher education, offering insights that can guide future educational strategies and policy-making in Business English programs.

Результативность института аспирантуры в контексте комплексного регулирования процесса подготовки научно-педагогических кадров: современное состояние и необходимость новых подходов

Introduction. The significance of assessing scientific skills and their immediate outcome in the form of awarding a degree as an indicator of the postgraduate education institution's status is established, highlighting the importance of considering the variables that affect this indicator independently of the postgraduate education quality. The one-sided approach and the selectivity of scientific research in terms of assessment of the reasons for the decrease in the number of theses defended by postgraduate students and the findings pointing out the exclusively negative trend in the defended theses dynamics are critically reviewed. A comprehensive perspective on the efficiency of training and certifying academic staff in the postgraduate education system is proposed. Methods. The quantitative and qualitative analysis methods, comparative method, system approach, situational analysis, legalistic method, modelling, structural and functional analysis as well as statistical methods are used. Results and Discussion. The key factors diminishing the effectiveness of the postgraduate education system in terms of scientific skills assessment are outlined, along with suggestions for improvement of the postgraduate education institution. Despite the apparent relevance of assessing the effectiveness of the postgraduate education institution based on the number of defended theses, such quantitative measurement alone does not suffice for a comprehensive assessment of the postgraduate education efficiency in the knowledge economy; the tools that reflect the state of academic staff replacement, including verifiable indicators related to the demand for highly qualified academic staff replacement with respect to the existing structural organisation of science, need to be refined. Research problem scaling allowed for an investigation into the root causes and the main related factors, tracing the development of the processes that have resulted in the change in the number of defended theses and their correlation with the demographic trends and the number of graduates at the higher education levels preceding the postgraduate one. The scope of the delayed effect caused by a sharp decrease in the number of postgraduate school applicants due to the reduced number of higher education programmes' graduates in 2015–2016 is demonstrated. The low effectiveness of the postgraduate education system is linked to a decrease in the number of young people willing to become scientists combined with the insufficient motivation to engage in postgraduate programmes, resulting in disruptions in the normal replacement of academic staff. Currently, the resources that could enhance performance of the postgraduate education system, are decomposing. Addressing this issue requires predictive and planned measures for highly qualified academic staff replacement, including implementation of professional development and career advancement tools. The concept of seamless regulation and coordination of related processes is established to encompass the staffing, organisational, scientific, and educational aspects, procedures for certification of scientists, support measures for postgraduate students, their advisors and organisations hosting postgraduate programmes, as well as local regulatory mechanisms. Switching to an improved postgraduate education model also requires streamlining and enhancing the quality of processes at the intersection of educational relationships and those ensuring expert assessment of scientific skills. The need to consolidate resources supporting the postgraduate education system within a unified platform solution based on the project management principle and reengineering the key processes is outlined in terms of research and practice, including admission, training, thesis defence, and career support to young scientists. Conclusion. The processes of training highly qualified researchers and awarding them a degree upon completion of their postgraduate studies are influenced by various external and internal factors, which are aligned to each other to a varying extent to determine the overall effectiveness of the postgraduate education system. Given this, special conditions and fine-tuning of the entire training process are required until a postgraduate student becomes an accomplished scientist. The postgraduate education system needs a restart to focus on streamlining the key processes affecting the appeal of postgraduate education and facilitating continued academic careers.

THE EVOLUTION OF TEMPORAL AND SPATIAL LANGUAGE: A DIACHRONIC ANALYSIS ACROSS CULTURES AND EPOCHS

The perception and expression of time and space in human language has long captivated researchers across multiple disciplines. This study delves into the diachronic evolution of temporal and spatial language, examining the shifts and development patterns in various languages throughout different time periods and cultural contexts. By analyzing linguistic corpora representing diverse languages, epochs, and genres, the research investigates the impact of historical, cultural, and environmental factors on the evolution of temporal and spatial expressions. Through quantitative and qualitative analysis of grammatical structures, lexicon, and metaphors, this study highlights significant patterns and changes in human understanding and communication of time and space. The findings offer insights into the dynamic nature of linguistic evolution and suggest implications for theories of language development, cognitive processes, and the intricate relationship between language and human experience. Through an examination of linguistic artifacts, texts, and historical records, this study uncovers the intricate trajectory of how societies have linguistically represented temporal and spatial dimensions. By identifying patterns of change and continuity, the research highlights the interplay between linguistic structures, cognitive capacities, and cultural contexts. The findings illuminate the dynamic processes that have contributed to the shaping of temporal and spatial language, ultimately deepening our understanding of the complex relationship between language, cognition, and cultural evolution. This work offers valuable insights into the mechanisms that underlie linguistic change and provides a broader perspective on the ways in which humans have grappled with conceptualizing time and space throughout history.

Save from oblivion. From the history of the Ignis Publishing Society (1920–1925)

The article presents the results of historical and bibliological research, which objective is to reconstruct the history of the Ignis publishing society established by the Polish Socialist Party (PPS). The first part of the study presents the history of the publishing house reconstructed on the basis of scientific studies, memoirs, and archival materials, as well as the compactness of the bookselling and socio-cultural press in the interwar period. The second part contains the results of quantitative and qualitative (structural) analysis of the publishing repertoire. This study is the first in a series devoted to the activities of the PPS publishing house.

Analysis of the Chemical Composition and Structure of Micrometer-Thick Complex Oxide Films: A Case Study of a MgAl2O4 Film on SiO2 Using Electron Probe Microanalysis and Confocal Raman Spectroscopy

Methodological approaches to both qualitative structural analysis and quantitative compositional analysis of transparent complex oxide films on dielectric substrates, performed using a Horiba LabRAM HR800 confocal Raman spectrometer and a Cameca SX100 electron probe microanalyzer, are described. The studies were carried out using magnesium–aluminum spinel films of a thickness of 1–3 µm on a quartz glass substrate, obtained by magnetron sputtering. The characterization of the film structure consisted of recording 3D arrays of its Raman spectra based on z depth profiling. The film has a disordered spinel structure with a partially reversed distribution of Mg and Al cations over octa- and tetra-positions. Operation parameters are identified to evaluate the concentration of structure-forming elements (Mg and Al) and impurities (Ti, Cr, Ca, P, Fe, Ni, and Gd) in the film using various X-ray emission lines (optimal accelerating voltage, etc.). The performance of the procedure was determined, and its capabilities and limitations were assessed. The resulting data on the chemical composition of the film are presented.

Designing and qualitative structural analysis of a warren truss bridge

Designing and qualitative structural analysis of a warren truss bridge

Structural Adaptation Triggers in the CAP: Regional Implementation 2007–2013 in the East Midlands, England

This case study explores how policy structures support agricultural adaptation. Using the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reforms of 2007–2013, this case study analyses regional implementation in the East Midlands, England. We investigate how the structures of CAP implementation and supporting regional policies might enhance adaptive capacity and resilience building. Methods include a review of the policy, qualitative analysis of policy structures as well as linguistic analysis of policy documents. The case study is an exercise of looking back to look forward—an approach to understand the preconditions for today’s decision-making structures, which have changed tremendously due to Brexit as well as new climate agreements and policies. It provides insights into the starting point of climate adaptation structures for agricultural adaptation decisions that are relevant in the gradual layering of climate change concerns into agricultural reforms after the 2007–2013 reforms of CAP. The article provides insight into (a) what kind of regulatory aspects promote adaptation the agricultural sector (b) if the implementation of the agricultural policy is characterized by adaptive governance as defined in the social-ecological systems and resilience literature. It further examines to what extent such governance arrangements can (c) result in adaptive capacity structures and, finally (d) lead to assumptions on resilience promotion.

The algorithmic network imaginary: How music artists understand and experience their algorithmically constructed networks

In this article we develop the concept of “algorithmic network imaginary” to understand how musicians imagine and relate to the networks of “related artists” they are algorithmically sorted into on Spotify. To address this question, we collected data on the related artist networks of 22 musicians constructed by Spotify’s Fans Also Like feature and conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with each musician. We used the Qualitative Structural Analysis method for data analysis. Our findings provide insight into what musicians think Fans Also Like is and is for, and reveals how cultural creators understand and experience their algorithmic networks. More broadly, they provide insights into how social actors perceive, understand, and experience their algorithmically constructed peer networks.

Microstructural Analysis of Solid Oxide Electrochemical Cells via 3D Reconstruction Using a FIB-SEM Dual Beam System

The 3D reconstruction based on tomography technology enables quantitative and qualitative microstructural analysis of complex multiphase oxide structures. This powerful approach is widely investigated in diverse areas, in particular, gaining more importance in solid oxide electrochemical cells (SOCs) fields. SOCs are promising energy conversion devices with high efficiency, however, they have complex and porous/dense multilayered microstructures, which are closely related to the electrochemical reaction in the electrodes, thus, one of the major factors determining overall output performance of SOCs. Therefore, it is necessary to quantify the microstructural parameters of the cell. A focused ion beam-scanning electron microscope (FIB-SEM) dual beam system is one well-established method to obtain tomographic images to reconstruct 3D microstructures. It has an appropriate scale of tenth of nm to μm-level with high spatial resolution to represent the microstructural characteristics of the SOC electrodes. This presentation is intended to introduce our progress on 3D reconstruction techniques to quantitatively analyse SOCs, obtaining microstructural features such as particle size, connectivity, tortuosity, contact area, and triple phase boundary density. These in-depth analyses are helpful in extensively understanding electrochemical behavior in SOC electrodes.

Incorporating self-employed maintainers into WEEE formal recycling system: A system dynamic approach

The establishment and operation of a formal recycling system for waste electrical and electronic equipment is an important measure to reduce environmental hazards and improve the recycling of resources, but how to incorporate self-employed maintainers into the system has formed an important research gap. Based on the perspective of extended producer responsibility, we argue that self-employed maintainers are required to assume the corresponding environmental responsibility for the environmental externality caused by informal maintenance activities. Using qualitative structural analysis techniques of system dynamics approach with quantitative simulation analysis techniques, we construct an incentive model for self-employed maintainers’ participation in formal recycling system, based on which we propose four incentive strategies. A simulation analysis is further conducted by using the case of waste mobile phones recycling in Qingdao to verify the effectiveness of our incentive model and strategies.

‘We all came from Soros’

Focusing on the period between 1994 and 2006, this study of the Soros Foundation and its spin-offs employs a mixed-method approach to explore the structure of the visual arts scene in Croatia and the role of Soros Foundation organisations within it. Based on a quantitative analysis of network visualisations and a qualitative structural analysis of narrative interviews, which are theoretically framed around the notions of network and complexity, the article moves the research agenda away from assumptions about what Soros Foundation organisations were supposed to be, to a more embedded understanding of what they actually were in a specific space-time. The analysis foregrounds varying strategies and trajectories of Soros Foundation’s Croatia-based organisations. It demonstrates that they served mostly to maintain continuity with the socialist period during the 1990s, while real structural change, at least partially due to the Foundation’s influence, happened only after 1999 with the emergence of the independent cultural scene.

"Ghost" Fragment Ions in Structure and Site-Specific Glycoproteomics Analysis.

Mass spectrometry (MS) can unlock crucial insights into the intricate world of glycosylation analysis. Despite its immense potential, the qualitative and quantitative analysis of isobaric glycopeptide structures remains one of the most daunting hurdles in the field of glycoproteomics. The ability to distinguish between these complex glycan structures poses a significant challenge, hindering our ability to accurately measure and understand the role of glycoproteins in biological systems. A few recent publications described the use of collision energy (CE) modulation to improve structural elucidation, especially for qualitative purposes. Different linkages of glycan units usually demonstrate different stabilities under CID/HCD fragmentation conditions. Fragmentation of the glycan moiety produces low molecular weight ions (oxonium ions) that can serve as a structure-specific signature for specific glycan moieties; however, the specificity of these fragments has never been examined closely. Here, we particularly focused on N-glycoproteomics analysis and investigated fragmentation specificity using synthetic stable isotope-labeled N-glycopeptide standards. These standards were isotopically labeled at the reducing terminal GlcNAc, which allowed us to resolve fragments produced by the oligomannose core moiety and fragments generated from outer antennary structures. Our research identified the potential for false-positive structure assignments due to the occurrence of "Ghost" fragments resulting from single glyco unit rearrangement or mannose core fragmentation within the collision cell. To mitigate this issue, we have established a minimal intensity threshold for these fragments to prevent misidentification of structure-specific fragments in glycoproteomics analysis. Our findings provide a crucial step forward in the quest for more accurate and reliable glycoproteomics measurements.

Factors promoting gender-responsive early childhood education: The Peruvian case

Gender differences become relevant in the educational sphere for the construction of a sustainable society. Therefore, this research aimed to determine the factors that promote the Peruvian gender-responsive early childhood education system (3-5 y/o). Based on an exploratory and descriptive design, a qualitative structural analysis was carried out with the help of a panel of five expert educators, with early childhood education children (3-5 years old) in Peru as the context of the study. Using the Matrix-based Multiplication Applied to a Classification tool, we found the identification of the following key factors of the system: the implementation of policies, teacher training, pedagogical practices, the choice and characteristics of teaching resources, as well as the expectations of families regarding early childhood development with a gender approach. The leadership rests mainly with the Peruvian Ministry of Education, which is responsible for forming an egalitarian society from a comprehensive approach. Any strategic planning effort must address this problem of Peruvian early childhood education from a holistic perspective. This study is a starting point for studying future scenarios for the education system in the medium and long term.

Structural Analysis of Some Pottery Fragments from the Eneolithic Period Belonging to the Boian Culture

Abstract The paper presents a qualitative and quantitative structural analysis of some pottery fragments belonging to the Boian culture, discovered in the archaeological site of Galatui - Movila Berzei, in a dwelling - sanctuary. Six representative pottery fragments were used. To visualize some microscopic details of the surfaces of these pottery fragments, digital optical microscopy was used. Also, for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of the crystalline structure of the powder samples taken from the surfaces, X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used. The obtained results show that the ceramic mass has a high content of quartz, accompanied by various oxide compounds from the clay used, low in calcium but rich in iron. The analyzed pottery fragments present different decorative patterns, from parallel and broken lines, to checkerboard-type patterns that denote a special leaning towards aesthetics of the communities from Galatui - Movila Berzei.

Multi-scale morphology characterization of hierarchically porous silver foam electrodes for electrochemical CO2 reduction

Ag catalysts show high selectivities in the conversion of carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide during the electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR). Indeed, highly catalytically active porous electrodes with increased surface area achieve faradaic conversion efficiencies close to 100%. To establish reliable structure-property relationships, the results of qualitative structural analysis need to be complemented by a more quantitative approach to assess the overall picture. In this paper, we present a combination of suitable methods to characterize foam electrodes, which were synthesised by the Dynamic Hydrogen Bubble Templation (DHBT) approach to be used for the CO2RR. Physicochemical and microscopic techniques in conjunction with electrochemical analyses provide insight into the structure of the carefully tailored electrodes. By elucidating the morphology, we were able to link the electrochemical deposition at higher current densities to a more homogenous and dense structure and hence, achieve a better performance in the conversion of CO2 to valuable products.