Transformation Approach Research Articles

Restorative justice and social justice: an international perspective

ABSTRACT This article examines the relationships between restorative justice and social justice from a global viewpoint. Restorative justice, traditionally viewed as a transformative approach within criminal justice systems, is constructed as a catalyst for broader social justice reforms. Drawing on data from a series of online workshops, including participants from North America, Europe, and Africa, reflexive thematic analysis was used to generate perspectives on how restorative practices address social injustices. Findings highlight varied interpretations across different socio-political contexts, suggesting that although restorative justice may inherently hold transformative potential, its efficacy in fostering social justice is contingent on conscious integration of social justice considerations. This article contributes to the ongoing debate on the role of restorative justice in societal change, arguing that a nuanced application, which acknowledges the complexities of social injustices, can enhance impact beyond individual cases, and contribute meaningfully to the pursuit of social justice on a broader scale.

A modus operandi for sustainable-tourism transformations

ABSTRACT In this article, we identify and discuss unifying principles to co-design transformational sustainable-tourism interventions through participatory methodologies. We conduct a meta-ethnographic synthesis of the emerging relevant tourism literature (14 articles), and we propose five methodological requirements that underpin effective interventions for sustainable tourism transformations. The requirements are (1) co-creating actionable knowledge, (2) establishing safe spaces, (3) challenging power structures and managing emerging tensions, (4) shaping systemic synergies and (5) blurring the lines. Together, these requirements constitute a modus operandi – that is, a way of thinking and acting collectively that provides a unified foundation for impact-led, practice-oriented research on transformational sustainability in tourism. This modus operandi is a meta-perspective containing a cohesive set of guiding principles that integrate and elevate transformational methods, approaches and techniques, and represents our contribution to accelerating the field’s expansion.

Codesigning rights-based recordkeeping for childhood out-of-home care

ABSTRACT Decades of inquires in Australia and internationally into child welfare and protection systems have highlighted the importance of quality recordkeeping to the lifelong identity, memory and accountability needs for those who experience Alternative Care. Having learnt about the devastating impacts of poor recordkeeping and challenges in accessing records of childhood Care experiences, it is clear that transformative approaches are needed to tackle what Australia’s Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Childhood Sexual Abuse in December 2017 has labelled a ‘systemic and enduring’ problem. In this paper, we report on our involvement in a co-design team of recordkeeping researchers, Care leaver advocates, and digital technologists working together to develop a deep understanding of Care recordkeeping needs and realise them in the functionality of a digital prototype. Developed as a design provocation – a blueprint for participatory recordkeeping infrastructure – we will explain how it enables those currently cast as the client of services and ‘subject’ of records, to participate in their Care recordkeeping on equitable terms. We will discuss how having knowledge of, and appropriate say over, who has access to personal information and records can be re-imagined through digital technologies in support of lifelong rights to identity, privacy, autonomy and accountability.

AirNet: predictive machine learning model for air quality forecasting using web interface

Air is one of the most significant elements of the environment. The increasing global air pollution crisis poses an unavoidable threat to human health, environmental sustainability, ecosystems, and the earth's climate. Air pollution has been referred to as a silent killer due to its insidious nature. Its indirect impact on human health further underscores its dangerous effects. Early detection of air quality can potentially save millions of lives globally. A unique and transformative approach can harness the power of machine learning to combat air pollution. This research presents a manual and web-based automatic prediction system that provides real-time alerts on air quality status and can help prevent premature deaths, chronic diseases, and other health problems. Air pollutants, including carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and particulate matter (PM 2.5), are used in this study for feature analysis and extraction. The system utilizes publicly available data from 23,463 different cities worldwide. Data preprocessing was performed before feeding the data into the machine learning models for feature correlation and evaluation. The proposed research uses various machine learning models to predict air quality, including Random Forest (100%), Logistic Regression (79%), Decision Tree (100%), Support Vector Machine (93%), Linear SVC (98%), K-Nearest Neighbor (99%), and Multinomial Naïve Bayes (52%). A user-friendly Django-based web interface offers an accessible platform for users to monitor air quality in real-time, based on the two best-performing models: Random Forest and Decision Tree techniques.

Rural transformation and sustainable livelihood approaches under regional environmental policies: Evidence from two villages in the Yangtze River Delta metropolitan region, China

AbstractHasty and often uncontrolled urbanization and industrialization in metropolitan regions have pressured fragile rural ecosystems and large‐scale rural livelihoods in China. Through in‐depth observation and face‐to‐face interviews with key insiders in the villages of China's largest metropolitan region, the Yangtze River Delta, findings show that environmental policies in this region have profoundly influenced the local institutional processes and rural transformation. Through the lens of a modified sustainable livelihoods approach (MSLA), two institutional processes in formulating livelihoods strategies have stood out from case villages—state sponsorship exemplified by Yu village and grassroots entrepreneurship exemplified by Daxi village—and achieved sustainable livelihood outcomes in both collective level and household level. In particular, state‐sponsored development in Yu village was strongly supported by local leadership and trust between local cadres and villagers. In contrast, grassroots entrepreneurial development in Daxi village emphasized rural entrepreneurs' self‐learning and self‐governance capacities. As such, we argue that making sustainable livelihood strategies is not a unidirectional process like top‐down or bottom‐up, albeit multifaceted alternatives intertwined with dynamic institutional processes for collectives and households in rural areas. Ultimately, we call for more vivid and in‐depth case studies to nuance regional geography and its contextual attributes in further sustainable livelihood research in rural areas.

Enhancing Machine Learning Multi-Class Fault Detection in Electric Motors through-Entropy-Based Analysis

Abstract In the field of electric motor maintenance, this study introduces a transformative approach by inte-grating entropy-based algorithms with machine learning for enhanced multi-class fault detection. Employing Shannon, Renyi, and Tsallis entropy algorithms on standard fault detection measure-ments, the research significantly advances predictive maintenance strategies through a robust, ear-ly-indication, system-agnostic analysis. Detailed examination is conducted, comparing results de-rived from datasets that include statistical features (excluding entropy) against the proposed entro-py-based datasets, when applied to a Multi-Layer Perceptron Classifier. Optimization of the MLPC and all compared algorithms’ hyperparameters is done using the state-of-the-art Optuna tool to dynamically explore each search space, ensuring that each methodology performs adequately in a timely fashion while allowing for adaptation. The results showcase significant enhancement in clas-sification accuracy of diverse electric motor operational states, facilitating the differentiation be-tween healthy and various levels of fault conditions under assorted load scenarios. Computational analyses reveal favorable results related to execution time and memory overhead, thereby support-ing the practicality in operations constrained by memory resources. Validation of the approach is achieved through laboratory experiments on a purpose-built test bench. Versatility of entropy-based measures through their proposed utilization in diverse fault indications is achieved by a demonstration in the field of mechanical fault detection with a focus on bearing faults through well-respected datasets.

Prospects and Challenges that Teachers and Learners Face when using Field Study in Teaching and Learning Biology Subject at Ordinary Level of Secondary Education: A Case Study of Public Secondary Schools in Morogoro Municipality

Learning that occurs in a field setting is widely recognized as a very effective approach to connect science content to the real world. It is also a powerful experience that promotes the development of learners’ scientific skills, enhances active learning and promotes enthusiasm to biology subject among students. However, teaching biology through field study encounters several challenges that impedes effective implementation in public secondary schools. Thus, this study seeks to investigate the Prospects and Challenges that Teachers and Learners Face when using field study in teaching and learning biology at ordinary level of secondary education and to establish remedial measures to address these challenges. The study uses purposive sampling to select 56 respondents from 107 population including 10 heads of public secondary schools and 46 biology teachers. The study also adopted a concurrent transformative mixed approach. Data were collected by using interview guide and questionnaire. The reliability of the instruments was tested by computing Cronbach’s coefficient alpha (α) during pilot study where inter-item correlation was proved to be r = 0.872. The qualitative data was confirmed to be credible, transferable, confirmable and dependable through trustworthiness. The quantitative data analysis was done through Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25 computer, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The study identifies institutional barriers to field study such as inadequate resources, overcrowded classes and fear of risk. Teachers face barriers such as traditional teaching styles, shortage of biology teachers, inadequate training, lack of experience, and fear of student risks. To address these challenges, the study recommends that the collaboration between school administrators, and field site management ad teacher’s training may foster a positive school culture, resource mobilization, employing more teachers, formulating supportive policies and utilizing school surroundings for study.

Training Needs of Ward Education Officers for Ensuring Quality Education a Study of Primary Schools in Mkuranga District, Tanzania.

This study was set to find out the training needs of Ward Education Officers` in ensuring Quality Education in Tanzania. It mainly focuses on determining WEO`s supervisory training needs that will enable them to ensure quality education provisions in schools in Mkuranga District, highlighting the challenges that WEO's face while carrying out supervision of schools and establish the remedial measures to the identified challenges WEO's face in Mkuranga District. The study sample comprised of 26 informants made up of 25 WEO`s and 1 District Education Officer (DEO). A concurrent transformative mixed method approach was applied because each method of data collection complements each other. Questionnaires and interview guide questions were used to collect data from the respondents. The reliability of quantitative data was established through Cronbach- Alpha where by (r=0.828 for WEO`s questionnaire) while reliability for qualitative data was established through trustworthiness. Quantitative data was analyzed by using descriptive analysis to generate frequency, means and percentages by using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25 Computer while Qualitative data was analyzed thematically and presented in words by verbatim quotations. The study concluded that, WEOs are facing the challenges that hinder their ability to provide effective supervision for ensuring quality education in schools. Such major challenges include lack of training, inadequate resources and lack of cooperation from the community in which they work. WEOs are in dire need for training in order to enable them supervises school for ensuring quality education. The study therefore recommends that, the program designers plan for supervising training to the WEOs either before being appointed or the inset training if they want WEOs to fit into there jobs. Also WEOs should only be selected among teachers who have the knowledge of education management and supervision.

A higher-order transformation approach to the formalization and analysis of BPMN using graph transformation systems

The Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN) is a widely used standard notation for defining intra- and inter-organizational workflows. However, the informal description of the BPMN execution semantics leads to different interpretations of BPMN elements and difficulties in checking behavioral properties. In this article, we propose a formalization of the execution semantics of BPMN that, compared to existing approaches, covers more BPMN elements while also facilitating property checking. Our approach is based on a higher-order transformation from BPMN models to graph transformation systems. To show the capabilities of our approach, we implemented it as an open-source web-based tool.

Smart PV Monitoring and Maintenance: A Vision Transformer Approach within Urban 4.0

The advancement to Urban 4.0 requires urban digitization and predictive maintenance of infrastructure to improve efficiency, durability, and quality of life. This study aims to integrate intelligent technologies for the predictive maintenance of photovoltaic panel systems, which serve as essential smart city renewable energy sources. In addition, we employ vision transformers (ViT), a deep learning architecture devoted to evolving image analysis, to detect anomalies in PV systems. The ViT model is pre-trained on ImageNet to exploit a comprehensive set of relevant visual features from the PV images and classify the input PV panel. Furthermore, the developed system was integrated into a web application that allows users to upload PV images, automatically detect anomalies, and provide detailed panel information, such as PV panel type, defect probability, and anomaly status. A comparative study using several convolutional neural network architectures (VGG, ResNet, and AlexNet) and the ViT transformer was conducted. Therefore, the adopted ViT model performs excellently in anomaly detection, where the ViT achieves an AUC of 0.96. Finally, the proposed approach excels at the prompt identification of potential defects detection, reducing maintenance costs, advancing equipment lifetime, and optimizing PV system implementation.

Research on the stiffness characteristics and contact status of matched angular contact ball bearings considering the effect of varying spatial position of rolling ball

In engineering practice, bearings used as support components are usually installed in pairs in various rotating machines. The mechanical and contact characteristics of bearings play a crucial role in determining the operational accuracy, safety performance and stability of equipment. Numerous studies focused on single bearings have been reported form diffident aspects for enhancing service performance. However, the literature reports on the matched bearings are scarce due to the mutual coupling of rolling elements and the extremely complex stress conditions. Especially the stiffness fluctuation and internal contact status affected by the ball position are difficult to be observed and tested experimentally because of the complex and compact structure, which significantly impacts the safe and reliable operation of rotating machines. To overcome the above shortcomings, this paper investigates the effect of ball position on the stiffness characteristics and contact status of matched angular contact ball bearings based on the coordinate matrix transformation approach and Jones’ statics model. Then, the stiffness results of published literature are used as a benchmark to validate the accuracy of solution method of this paper. Finally, 7206B bearings with different installing forms are used as a numerical example to reveal the effect of ball position on the stiffness characteristics and contact status of matched angular contact ball bearings under different working conditions. The study provides a scientific guidance to investigate the mechanical characteristics and contact mechanism of multi-bearing system.

Transition and change: opportunities and challenges of CHW programme reform for community health systems and vertical disease programmes in Liberia

BackgroundGlobally, community health worker (CHW) programmes are critical to addressing health worker shortages and have been recognised as critical pillars within the drive towards universal health coverage (UHC). In 2016, the Liberian Ministry of Health launched the National Community Health Services Policy 2016–2021, which included significant CHW programme reform to address ongoing health workforce capacity gaps in the country. However, little consideration was given to the impact of such reforms on ongoing health interventions that rely heavily on the use of CHW cadres. Our study explores how CHW programme reform in Liberia influenced performance of CHWs involved in the delivery of Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) programmes to elucidate how health systems reform can impact the delivery of routine health interventions and vice versa.MethodsWe used a qualitative case study approach conducted between March 2017 and August 2018. Our instrumental case study approach uses qualitative methods, including document review of five CHW and NTD program-related policy documents; 25 key informant interviews with facility, county, and national level decision-makers; and 42 life and job histories with CHWs in Liberia. Data were analysed using a thematic framework approach, guided by Kok et al. framework of CHW performance. Data were coded in QRS NVIVO 11 Pro.ResultsOur findings show that CHW programme reform provides opportunities and challenges for supporting enhanced CHW performance. In relation to health system hardware, we found that CHW programme reform provides better opportunities for: formal recognition of CHWs; strengthening capacity for effective healthcare delivery at the community level through improved and formalised training; a more formal supervision structure; and provision of monthly incentives of 70 US dollars. Efficiency gaps in routine intervention delivery can be mitigated through the strengthening of these hardware components. Conversely, supervision deficits in routine CHW functioning can be supported through health interventions. In relation to systems software, we emphasise the ongoing importance of community engagement in CHW selection that is responsive to gendered power hierarchies and accompanied by gendered transformative approaches to improving literacy.ConclusionsThis study shows how CHW programme reform provides opportunities and challenges for health system strengthening that can both positively and negatively impact the functioning of routine health interventions. By working together, CHW programmes and routine health interventions have the opportunity to leverage mutually beneficial support for CHWs, which can enhance overall systems functioning by enhancing CHW performance.

Rewriting the Future

This food-for-thought paper challenges traditional paradigms and proposes a metamodern framework for redefining the optics on the role of education in society, advocating for a new social contract rooted in shared values, inclusivity, and interdisciplinary collaboration. How can we democratize higher education and empower individuals to navigate the uncertainties of the 21st century? Is moving beyond fragmented knowledge and fostering skills-based education truly beneficial? Moving beyond postmodern fragmentation, metamodernism emphasizes cooperation and holistic development, presenting a blueprint for transforming society by bridging individual agency and collective progress. The Inner Development Goals (IDG) promotes skills-based and humanity-focused leadership that addresses the inner and outer dimensions of sustainable development. This transformative skills-based approach to leadership encourages educators and institutions to embrace complexity and ambiguity, preparing future leaders to leverage inherited chaos for meaningful change. This approach challenges traditional paradigms and calls for a dynamic interplay that aligns with the metamodern ethos.

The role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonists in the treatment of vitiligo.

Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by progressive skin depigmentation. Vitiligo significantly impacts patients' quality of life, contributing to psychological and social burdens. Despite readily available therapeutic options, many cases remain refractory to treatment, highlighting the critical need for safer and more effective therapies. Currently, ruxolitinib is the only FDA-approved medication for vitiligo; however, it carries a black box warning for serious adverse effects, including infections, malignancy, and major cardiovascular events, limiting its use. Recent studies have identified the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) as a promising therapeutic target, suggesting that AhR agonists could address the multifaceted pathogenesis of vitiligo. Adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive search to analyze the role of AhR agonists in the treatment of vitiligo on PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, MEDLINE, and Web of Science databases on April 15, 2024. Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising two clinical trials, two case reports, and nine basic science studies. Our search revealed that culturing AhR agonists with melanocytes upregulates melanin-synthesizing enzymes, reduces reactive oxygen species, and modulates pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-17A and IL-22. Tapinarof, a topical AhR agonist used commonly for the treatment of psoriasis, demonstrated clinical efficacy in repigmentation with a favorable safety profile compared to long-term steroid use. Although limited by the number of clinical studies, this review underscores the potential of using AhR agonists, such as tapinarof, as a transformative approach to vitiligo management. Future clinical trials are necessary to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and long-term outcomes of AhR agonists.

A (2+1) modified KdV equation with time-dependent coefficients: exploring soliton solution via Darboux transformation and artificial neural network approach

A (2+1) modified KdV equation with time-dependent coefficients: exploring soliton solution via Darboux transformation and artificial neural network approach

Challenges and Opportunities for Psychological Research in the Majority World

How can psychology transform itself into an inclusive science that engages with the rich cultural diversity of humanity? How can we strive towards a broader and deeper understanding of human behavior that is both generalizable across populations and attentive to its diversity? To address these major questions of our field, relying on scholars from different world regions, we outline first the opportunities associated with conducting psychological research in these and other majority world regions, highlighting international collaborations. Cross-cutting research themes in psychological research in the majority world are presented along with the urgent need to adopt a more critical lens to research and knowledge production within psychology. Indigenization, critical, transformative and liberatory approaches to understanding psychological phenomena framed within the decolonial imperative are presented as future options for a more diverse and equitable psychological science. Next, we address challenges, including limited institutional research infrastructure, limited national investment in research, political and social challenges these regions face, and the impact of imported (rather than locally produced) psychological knowledge. We conclude by offering recommendations to enable psychological science to be more representative of the world’s population. Our aim is to facilitate a broader, better-informed, and more empathic conversation among psychological scientists worldwide about ways to make psychological science more representative, culturally informed and inclusive.

Comprehensive Insights on MXene-Based TENGs: from Structures, Functions to Applications.

The rapid advancement of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) has introduced a transformative approach to energy harvesting and self-powered sensing in recent years. Nonetheless, the untapped potential of TENGs in practical scenarios necessitates multiple strategies like material selections and structure designs to enhance their output performance. Given the various superior properties, MXenes, a kind of novel 2D materials, have demonstrated great promise in enhancing TENG functionality. Here, this review comprehensively delineates the advantages of incorporating MXenes into TENGs, majoring in six pivotal aspects. First, an overview of TENGs is provided, stating their theoretical foundations, working modes, material considerations, and prevailing challenges. Additionally, the structural characteristics, fabrication methodologies, and family of MXenes, charting their developmental trajectory are highlighted. The selection of MXenes as various functional layers (negative and positive triboelectric layer, electrode layer) while designing TENGs is briefed. Furthermore, the distinctive advantages of MXene-based TENGs and their applications are emphasized. Last, the existing challenges are highlighted, and the future developing directions of MXene-based TENGs are forecasted.

Circular Economy in Action: Examining the Decoupling of Economic Growth and Material Use across EU Countries

The circular economy (CE) is a transformative approach that not only preserves and reuses resources but also redefines how economic growth can be achieved in a more sustainable manner. The aim of the paper is to assess whether economic growth in EU countries can be decoupled from resource use through CE practices. Using data from Eurostat spanning 2010-2022, we analyze key indicators such as Raw material consumption (RMC), Gross domestic product (GDP) and Circular material use rate (MUR). We apply correlation analysis and decoupling analysis to assess the efficacy of CE practices in achieving sustainable economic growth. The results indicate significant variability among EU countries in their ability to decouple economic growth from resource consumption. Some countries demonstrated strong absolute decoupling, indicating successful CE integration, while others faced challenges with expansive negative decoupling. The study underscores the necessity for tailored strategies to enhance CE implementation across diverse economic contexts within the EU. Keywords: decoupling, circular economy, raw material, circular material, GDP, EU countries

Increasing Transformative Impact by Design in Education in the Caribbean

Educational researchers in the Caribbean have an opportunity to be part of the solutions to grand challenges, such as climate change, violence, and disparities in educational opportunities and outcomes. The transformative approach to research provides a framework that focuses on issues of inequities and power differences in a conscious effort to increase social, economic, and environmental justice. Examples of studies from different parts of the world are used to illustrate the application of this framework with the goal of increasing the research impact. The strategies used in the transformative approach, such as building culturally responsive relationships, integrating social activist strategies, developing coalitions, and addressing power inequities, can be applied in ways that are responsive to the culture and context of the Caribbean.

Synthesis of Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons by Palladium-catalyzed C-H Bond Functionalization

: Nowadays palladium-catalyzed C–H bond activation is a useful approach for the synthetic transformation of organic compounds due to step economy, the use of non-prefunctionalized substrates and reduced chemical wastes. Among the various synthetic strategies, palladium catalyzed intra and inter-molecular C–H bond activation has recently drawn a lot of interest to synthesize the decorated π-conjugated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon. In this review, we have focused on recent progress along with previous strategies to synthesize various polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by the use of Pd-catalyzed C–H bond activation. We have also discussed the mechanistic details of the reaction intra and inter-molecular C–H bond activation.