Theory Of Processes Research Articles

A multi-criteria decision-making model for heavy construction equipment replacement in Saudi Arabia

Purpose This paper aims to propose a novel model that addresses the limitations of current practices, through considering quantitative and qualitative criteria in the decision-making process for equipment replacement. Design/methodology/approach Literature review and consultation with professionals in the heavy construction industry was conducted to identify the criteria influencing the replacement of construction machines. A questionnaire survey using analytic hierarchy process and multi-attribute utility theory was used to rank these criteria and establish their utility scores. Sensitivity analysis was performed to assess how adjustments in the weights of main criteria would impact equipment replacement decisions. Findings The identified criteria were classified into three categories: economic, technical and socioenvironmental, encompassing a total of 15 criteria. The findings indicated that salvage value/meeting payback period/maximizing profitability held the highest importance in the replacement process, followed by considerations like high repair and maintenance cost; working condition and economic conditions. Safety and social benefits scored the least among all criteria and categories. Research limitations/implications This study focuses on earth-moving equipment and involves experts from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The model introduces a novel methodology to aid decision-makers, particularly contractors and project managers, in determining when to replace heavy construction equipment, which results in resource efficiency and time saving. Originality/value The model integrates expertise and knowledge from experts to establish criteria for replacing construction equipment. This research aims to improve the functionality of the decision-making process regarding the acquisition or replacement of equipment throughout its lifespan.

Degradation of Materials and Products Described with Eyring’s Rate Process Theory

Degradation of Materials and Products Described with Eyring’s Rate Process Theory

'Let him die in peace': understanding caregiver's refusal of medical oxygen treatment for children in Nigeria.

Efforts to improve oxygen access have focused mainly on the supply side, but it is important to understand demand barriers, such as oxygen refusal among caregivers. We therefore aimed to understand caregiver, community and healthcare provider (HCP) perspectives and experiences of medical oxygen treatments and how these shape oxygen acceptance among caregivers of sick children in Lagos and Jigawa states, which are two contrasting settings in Nigeria. Between April 2022 and January 2023, we conducted an exploratory qualitative study using reflexive thematic analysis, involving semistructured interviews with caregivers (Jigawa=18 and Lagos=7), HCPs (Jigawa=7 and Lagos=6) and community group discussions (Jigawa=4 and Lagos=5). We used an inductive-deductive approach to identify codes and themes through an iterative process using the theoretical framework of acceptability and the normalisation process theory as the analytic lens. Medical oxygen prescription was associated with tension, characterised by fear of death, hopelessness about a child's survival and financial distress. These were driven by community narratives around oxygen, past negative experiences and contextual differences between both settings. Caregiver acceptance of medical oxygen was a sense-making process from apprehension and scepticism about their child's survival chances to positioning prescribed oxygen as an 'appropriate' or 'needed' intervention. Achieving this transition occurred through various means, such as trust in HCPs, a perceived sense of urgency for care, previous positive experience of oxygen use and a symbolic perception of oxygen as a technology. Misconceptions and pervasive negative narratives were acknowledged in Jigawa, while in Lagos, the cost was a major reason for oxygen refusal. Non-acceptance of medical oxygen treatment for sick children is modifiable in the Nigerian context, with the root causes of refusal being contextually specific. Therefore, a one-size-fits-all policy is unlikely to work. Financial constraints and community attitudes should be addressed in addition to improving client-provider interactions.

Bolstering the adaptive information processing model: a narrative review

In recent years, several theoretical models have been suggested as complementary to the adaptative information processing model of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy. A narrative review of such models was conducted to assess the contributions of each, as well as their convergences, contradictions, and potential complementarity. Seven theoretical models were identified. All focus on the effects of EMDR therapy as a comprehensive psychotherapy approach with its principles, procedures, and protocols. Several refer to concepts related to propositional or predictive processing theories. Overall, the contribution of these proposals does appear to bolster Shapiro’s original AIP model, potentially offering additional depth and breadth to case conceptualization and treatment planning in clinical practice, as well as a more precise theoretical understanding. The current exploratory comparative analysis may serve as a preliminary baseline to guide research into the relative merit of suggested theoretical proposals to enhance current standards for the clinical practice and teaching of EMDR therapy.

I married a Traveller: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the lived experiences of women marrying into the Travelling community and its impact to their identity

Policy developments associated with increased lifestyle-related regulations have compelled Travellers to re-assess their social worlds and adapt accordingly. Adopting a social constructionist epistemological stance, this qualitative study drew upon the Identity Process Theory, alongside Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) as a broad framework to (1) explore the way in which non-Traveller women experience a sense of community integration upon marrying into the Traveller community, (2) to explicate the extent to which their experiences of integration impact upon their own identity, and (3) to develop an understanding of how these lived experiences inform the changes within Traveller culture through the process of integration. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six women aged between 28–42 years living within the UK. Guided by the principles of IPA, three superordinate themes, each consisting of two subordinate themes emerged from the analysis: ‘Joining the culture’, ‘Cultural Clashes’, and ‘Changes to the self’. The findings highlighted that participant’s experienced interpersonal conflict and continuous negotiations between continuity and discontinuity, that had either positive or negative impacts to their individual identity. This paper has important implications for professionals who aim to provide support and enhance the overall wellbeing of individuals living between these two contrasting cultures.

Unlocking the power of metaverse technology in tourism: enhancing experiences and perceptions about tourism destinations

ABSTRACT The metaverse is gaining rapid acceptance across various industries, including tourism and hospitality. It examines the nuances of visitor interaction in the metaverse based on presence and process theory. 313 participants data were analyzed by partial least squares structural equation modelling approach. The findings clarifies that metaverse telepresence plays significant role in users’ behavioural perceptions. Furthermore, metaverse cognitive, affective, and conative images are revealed to be positively impacted by metaverse telepresence. This study highlights the revolutionary possibilities of metaverse technology in the tourism sector by offering new insights and identifying areas for improvement.

Leadership humour style: role of self-disclosure and perceived similarity for employee’s thriving at work and burnout

Purpose The purpose of this study is to understand the leadership humour style and the mechanism through which leadership humour style transforms into follower’s workplace positive and negative outcomes such as thriving at work and burnout. It uses comprehensive elaboration theory and relational process theory to explore self-disclosure and perceived similarity as two new constructs to assess their relation to intrapsychic (self-enhancing and self-defeating) and interpersonal (affiliative and aggressive) leader’s humour style, respectively. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory qualitative study through semi-structured interviews was conducted with 10 leaders to understand the different aspects of leadership humour and their outcomes. Based on these dimensions, a questionnaire was created and sent to 200 respondents, and 158 responses were received. The empirical analysis of data was done by building structural equation modeling using smart partial least square. Findings The empirical study has shown that self-enhancing leadership humour is related to self-disclosure, and both affiliative and aggressive leadership humour styles are related to perceived similarity. When looking at the two critical outcomes of leadership humour, both perceived similarity and self-disclosure were related to social intimacy and thriving at work. The mediation effect showed that self-enhancing humour leads to self-disclosure which increases social intimacy leading to improving thriving at work and aggressive humour leads to norm violation which further leads to burnout. Originality/value The study has used the mixed methodology to understand leadership humour and its outcomes by conducting in-depth interviews with leaders and also provides empirical evidence related to leadership humour style by using the survey to collect data from the followers capturing their perceptions. And very critically, it has explored self-disclosure and perceived similarity as two new constructs to see their relation to leadership humour style and positive and negative outcomes at the workplace.

New Developments in the Theory of Historical Process: Polish Contribution to Non-Marxian Historical Materialism, edited by Krzysztof Brzechczyn

New Developments in the Theory of Historical Process: Polish Contribution to Non-Marxian Historical Materialism, edited by Krzysztof Brzechczyn

Exploration of materials fatigue influence factors using interpretable machine learning

AbstractData‐driven fatigue strength predictions are gaining popularity. Nevertheless, many machine learning models lack trustworthiness due to their limited decision‐making transparency which often hinders their practical application. In this investigation, we assess the expressiveness of the model‐agnostic explainable AI method known as SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) for data‐driven fatigue strength prediction. Our study demonstrates that the SHAP feature sensitivity analysis underpins known physical relations from materials processing and fatigue theory. This even applies in view of the high‐dimensional, cross‐correlated fatigue feature space and despite data heterogeneity (different steels, component designs, and loads). For instance, SHAP indicates a fatigue strength increase with higher solid solution‐strengthening element concentrations, such as chromium and nickel. SHAP identifies correlations rather than causality. Thus, data science and domain knowledge should be closely linked during the SHAP assessment. If this is satisfied, plausible causal relations can be inferred, and spurious ones arising from confounding variables can be discarded.

Perspectives of people experiencing homelessness with recent non-fatal street drug overdose on the Pharmacist and Homeless Outreach Engagement and Non-medical Independent prescribing Rx (PHOENIx) intervention.

In Scotland, a third of all deaths of people experiencing homelessness (PExH) are street-drug-related, and less than half of their multiple physical- and mental health conditions are treated. New, holistic interventions are required to address these health inequalities. PHOENIx (Pharmacist Homeless Outreach Engagement and Non-medical Independent prescribing Rx) is delivered on outreach by National Health Service (NHS) pharmacist independent prescribers in partnership with third sector homelessness charity workers. We describe participant's perspectives of PHOENIx. This study aims to understand experiences of the PHOENIx intervention by participants recruited into the active arm of a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT). Semi-structured in-person interviews explored participants' evaluation of the intervention. In this study, the four components (coherence, cognitive participation, collective action, reflexive monitoring) of the Normalisation Process Theory (NPT) framework underpinned data collection and analyses. We identified four themes that were interpreted within the NPT framework that describe participant evaluation of the PHOENIx intervention: differentiating the intervention from usual care (coherence), embedding connection and consistency in practice (cognitive participation), implementation of practical and emotional operational work (collective action), and lack of power and a commitment to long-term support (reflexive monitoring). Participants successfully engaged with the intervention. Facilitators for participant motivation included the relationship-based work created by the PHOENIx team. This included operational work to fulfil both the practical and emotional needs of participants. Barriers included concern regarding power imbalances within the sector, a lack of long-term support and the impact of the intervention concluding. Findings identify and describe participants' evaluations of the PHOENIx intervention. NPT is a theoretical framework facilitating understanding of experiences, highlighting both facilitators and barriers to sustained engagement and investment. Our findings inform future developments regarding a subsequent definitive RCT of PHOENIx, despite challenges brought about by challenging micro and macro-economic and political landscapes.

Understanding supported self-management for people living with a lower-grade glioma: Implementation considerations through the lens of normalisation process theory.

Supported self-management can improve clinical and psychosocial outcomes in people with cancer; the considerations required to implement self-management support (SMS) for people living with a lower-grade glioma (LGG)-who often have complex support needs-are not known. We aimed to identify and understand these implementation considerations through the lens of normalisation process theory (NPT), from the perspectives of healthcare professionals (HCP) and people with LGG. We conducted semistructured interviews with HCPs who support adults with brain tumours (n = 25; 12 different healthcare professions), and people with LGG who had completed primary treatment (n = 28; male n = 16, mean age 54.6 years, mean time since diagnosis 8.7 years), from across the United Kingdom. Interviews were transcribed and inductive open coding conducted, before deductively mapping to constructs of NPT. We first mapped HCP data, then integrated data from people with LGG to explore alignment in experiences and perspectives. We generated supporting evidence for all four NPT constructs and related subconstructs, namely: 'Coherence', 'Cognitive participation', 'Collective action'and 'Reflexive monitoring'. Data from HCPs and people with LGG clearly demonstrated that effective SMS constitutes a collective activity. Key implementation considerations included: ensuring awareness of, and access to, support; building strong HCP-support recipient relationships; and careful inclusion of close family and friends. We identified pertinent challenges, such as identifying support needs (influenced by the extent to which those with LGG engage in help-seeking), resistance to support (e.g., technology literacy), training for HCPsand HCP cooperation. This study demonstrates the collective nature of, and provides insight into the individual roles within, supported self-management. We outline considerations to operationalise, sustainand appraise the implementation of SMS for people with LGG. People with brain tumours, and informal caregivers, were involved in the development of information materials and topic guides to ensure accessibility and pertinence. They also had opportunities to comment on interview findings.

Investigating practice integration of independent prescribing by community pharmacists using normalization process theory: a cross-sectional survey.

Independent prescribing (IP) has not been extensively investigated in community pharmacy (CP). Normalization process theory (NPT) constructs help explain how interventions are integrated into practice and include: 'coherence' (understanding), 'cognitive participation' (what promotes engagement), 'collective action' (integration with existing systems), and'reflexive monitoring' (evaluation). To use NPT to investigate the integration of pharmacist IP in CP. NHS Scotland Pharmacy First Plus (PFP) is a community pharmacy IP service. Questionnaire items were developed using the NPT derived Normalisation MeAsure Development (NoMAD) tool for an online survey of all PFP IP pharmacists. Demographic data were analysed descriptively and scale scores (calculated from item scores for the 4 NPT constructs) were used for inferential analysis. There was a 73% (88/120) response rate. Greater than 90% 'strongly agreed'/'agreed' to NoMAD items relating to most NPT constructs. However, responses to 'collective action' items were diverse with more participants answering 'neither agree nor disagree' or 'disagree'. A statistically significant difference in NPT construct scale scores with significant p-values (ranging from p < 0.001 to p = 0.033) was shown on all the NPT constructs for the variable 'On average, how often do you consult with patients under the PFP service?'. This theory-based work offers perspectives on IP integration within CP. Despite its geographic focus this work offers insights relevant to wider contexts on IP integration. It shows 'collective action' focused 'organisation' and 'group process' challenges with a need for further work on staff training, resource availability and utilisation, working relationships, communication and management.

New Thoughts on Research Framework for Integrating Leader Voice-Taking Behavior: A Literature Review Based Study

Objective: The purpose of this study is to conduct a relatively comprehensive literature review with leader voice-taking behavior as the core dimension in order to construct a logical quantitative research framework for studying organizational innovation in the hospitality industry. Theoretical Framework: The framework can be used to guide the optimization of management processes in Chinese hospitality industry, especially in response to corporate innovation problems caused by leaders who do not pay attention to the voices of their front-line employees (FLEs). Method: This study used a theoretical integration of a conventional review of literature textual research, drawing on persuasion theory, social information processing theory, and affective event theory to explain a model of leader voice-taking behavior. Results and Discussion: The findings of this paper more systematically integrates the logical relationships between the dimensions related to leader voice-taking behavior, including message factors (promotive voice, prohibitive voice, issue importance, voice directness), source factors (employee’s voice efficacy, value congruence, employee loyalty, employee expertise) and context factors (diversity, LMX) as predictable antecedents of leader voice-taking behavior. On the other hand, FOCC and affective factors (positive emotions, relational energy) are potentially mediating the relationship between leader discourse behavior and service innovation in FLEs. Research Implications: This study provides theoretical support for leadership-employee related behavioral theories, emphasizes the role of voice-taking behavior in corporate innovation, and is instructive for quantitative analysis of Chinese hospitality industry related to this type of research. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature review by leader voice-taking behavior. This is academically capable of guiding other related research and has a strong academic value.

Make Slot not Art: Creativity and Burnout in U.S. Local Television Newsrooms

ABSTRACT Journalism is considered a creative industry, but newsroom workers can only incorporate creativity into their stories if they have the time, tools and support for such endeavors. The structural conditions of capitalism, however, often leave workers without creative opportunities as ownership focuses on increased output and income expectations over storytelling. Instead, many workers find “one more thing” continually being added to their workloads, contributing to role overload and increasing levels of burnout. Using a labor process theory lens, this study seeks to explore the role of creativity in news gathering and distribution and its relationship with burnout in local television newsrooms. Through semi-structured interviews, forty-seven large market newsroom workers in the United States share their experiences with creative support, role overload and burnout. Those with the ability to “make art” and incorporate creativity into their routines generally speak more positively about their jobs than those who simply “make slot” to get their story on air or online. In a time of increasing newsroom worker attrition, recognizing the potential positive impact of creativity in news routines can influence how newsrooms handle staffing and storytelling into the future.

Transformative process theory

Abstract Transformative constitutionalism and process theory are generally seen as worlds apart. But they may be more compatible than we think. A transformative understanding of process is very broad, but it represents a natural extension of the line already being taken by contemporary process accounts intent on expanding the theory to fit global practice. It can help us to understand why an expansion based on and including a wider set of justiciable process concerns has proved difficult to limit. Conversely, transformative constitutionalism badly needs a better account of judicial restraint to balance its preoccupation with judicial boldness. Since it shares with process theory a deep concern with democracy, it can naturally draw on process accounts to understand its own limits. Democracy-seeking review, in aiming to build as well as protect democratic capacity, needs to be as concerned with restraint as intervention, depending on the context. Working out a transformative process theory is therefore at least an exercise instructive to either side, and it can offer a way to overcome divides that hamper global engagement with these core constitutional issues.

The cybersecurity entrepreneur

AbstractCybersecurity is a major U.S. policy issue with a sizable coalition asserting that self-regulation is failing, primarily due to rampant low quality security products and a dearth of threat information sharing. State intervention proponents, however, generally disregard the role of cybersecurity entrepreneurial activity in fixing disequilibria. My research identifies how entrepreneurs adeptly satisfy consumers’ cybersecurity preferences by developing strong self-regulating mechanisms where data valuations are relatively high. I then empirically examine how entrepreneurial innovations have ameliorated discoordination and significantly improved market outcomes over time through the application of the market process and price theory.

The reflective measurement model of adherence to non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) in accordance with normalization process theory (NPT) in coherent and convenient social subgroups: PLS-SEM analysis.

Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) decrease COVID-19 transmission. Reliability and validity of adherence to NPIs in accordance with normalization process theory (NPT) in coherent and convenient social subgroups using reflective measurement model assessment has not been evaluated. In February 2021, a sample of medical students and people with substance use disorders in treatment as coherent (based on continuous probability distribution) vs. convenient groups (based on convenience, not equal probability) composed of travellers and COVID-19 suspected persons from Split-Dalmatia County (SDC) (n = 656) in the Mediterranean completed self-administered surveys. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to measure reflective model assessment of adherence to NPIs according to NPT. PLS-SEM reflective model assessment provided two-group specific factors in inverse relationships which determined adherence to NPIs with excellent goodness-of-fit [χ2 = 1.292, df = 1; P = 0.297, CFI = 1, TLI = 0.997, RMSEA = 0.011 (90% CI 0-0.105), RMSEA P = 0.604, SRMR = 0.008, Hoelter CN (α = 0.05) = 2322.757]. Significant negative factors covariance estimate (-0.716) revealed an inverse relationship between first (adherence to NPIs and internal locus of control (LoC) (0.640)) and second factor; young adulthood age (≤25) and highest level of education (1362). As the first factor increased the second tended to decrease. LoC is expected potential mechanism by which sex (MLsex = -0.017, SE = 0.007, P < 0.016) and belonging to coherent subgroups (MLgroup = -0.008, SE = 0.003, P = 0.015) can produce indirect effect of adherence to NPIs. Coherent subgroups had a more pronounced tendency toward integration of NPIs in everyday life. Group factors that facilitate the normalization were higher educated younger adults with a tendency toward external LoC.

L2 Language Development in Oral and Written Modalities

Abstract This study investigates whether second language (L2) learners’ language development and accuracy in production are comparable across oral and written modalities on the basis of Pienemann’s processability theory (PT). Eighty-seven English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners, from high beginner to advanced levels, completed comparable speaking and writing tasks designed to elicit particular morphosyntactic structures predicted by PT to correspond to L2 stages of development. Time constraints encouraged participants to respond spontaneously, thus drawing on implicit knowledge. Implicational scaling shows correlations that suggest comparable language development between the modalities. However, accuracy was higher earlier in the written than in the oral modality, and accuracy in the written modality was more stable. The results provide a clearer understanding of the similarities and differences of L2 oral and written development and demonstrate that PT can be applied to L2 writing.

Local government policymaking environment for Health in All Policies: a case study research investigation

ABSTRACT The local level of government is identified as being well placed to address the determinants of health due to their flatter governance structure and proximity to the community. Research has identified multiple factors that influence local governments to act on these health determinants, although few have applied theories of the policy process to understand the policymaking environment. Using two Australian local government case study sites, we explored the policymaking environment regarding policy decisions to address health determinants using the lens of four theories of the policy process. We conducted 20 interviews and one focus group with elected members and staff in local government, along with an analysis of 12 policy documents and participation in a policy reference group. Following thematic analysis, 13 factors influencing policy addressing health determinants were identified, mostly confirming previous research from within Australia and globally. New themes have emerged regarding the limited range of policy actors involved and the lack of advocacy, particularly by community or media, who have an identified influence over decision-making in a local government context. Applying theories of the policy process also demonstrates how they can be used to add meaning to the interconnectedness of influences in unique local government policymaking environments.

On Spontaneous Dispersion as a Cause of Microstratification of Metal Melts

The phenomenon of spontaneous dispersion is considered as the cause of the microstratification of metal melts. In a microstratification melt, a violation of long-range order in the arrangement of atoms (LRO) is observed, which corresponds to a dispersed particle size of more than 2 nm. Microseparation occurs due to spontaneous dispersion upon contact of liquid and solid metal or the mixing of two liquid metals. The possibility of spontaneous dispersion was assessed using three different criteria: Volmer’s cr iterion, Rehbinder’s criterion and the diffusion rate criterion. The diffusion rate criterion was obtained on the basis of the theory of rate processes, which describes how diffusing atoms overcome the interphase boundary. It has been established that Al–Sn melts contain colloidal-scale particles (4 nm), and Al–Si and Al–Ge melts contain atomic-scale particles (0.1 nm). For a system with a continuous series of Cu–Ni solid solutions in dispersion (Cu10Ni90—Cu20Ni80), the particle size is 2 nm. The particle size of the ternary eutectic GaInSn in the dispersion (Ga50In50—Ga50Sn50) is 5.6 nm, and the size of immiscible Cu–Fe melts in the dispersion (Cu80Fe20—Cu60Fe40) is 4.8 nm. Long-range order violations (LRO) and the presence of microlayering with colloidal particles larger than 20 nm were observed in the GaInSn ternary eutectic, in the Al–Sn simple eutectic with the preferential interaction of similar atoms, and in Cu–Fe melts with a monotectic phase diagram.