Showing papers on "Viewpoints published in 2020"

Hard work with soft spaces (and vice versa): problematizing the transforming planning spaces

Abstract: This article studies spaces and spatial imageries in planning from two viewpoints. First, it discusses how contemporary planning paradigms contribute to a process that can be labelled the ‘...

The MOVE Framework: Meanings, Observations, Viewpoints, and Experiences in processes of Social Change:

Abstract: Social psychologists are often criticized for failing to capture the dynamic nature of psychological processes. We present a novel framework to address this problem. The MOVE framework contends tha...

How do professionals perceive the governance of public–private partnerships? Evidence from Canada, the Netherlands and Denmark

Abstract: In public–private partnerships (PPPs), the collaboration between public and private actors can be complicated. With partners coming from different institutional backgrounds and with different interests, governing these partnerships is important to ensure the projects' progress. There is, however, little knowledge about the perceptions of professionals regarding the governance of PPPs. This study aims to exlore professionals' viewpoints about governing PPPs, and to explain potential differences using four theoretical governance paradigms. Using Q methodology, the preferences of 119 public and private professionals in Canada, the Netherlands and Denmark are explored. Results show four different viewpoints regarding the governance of PPPs. Experience, country and the public–private distinction seem to influence these viewpoints. Knowledge of these differences can inform efforts to govern PPPs and contribute to more successful partnerships.

Governance of climate adaptation, which mode? An exploration of stakeholder viewpoints on how to organize adaptation

Abstract: There are many normative answers on the question how to realize climate adaptation, ranging from pleas for the government to play a decisive role, to calls for refraining from action and relying upon spontaneous adaptation of both government and non-governmental actors In this article, we present a Q methodological study, aimed at investigating the governance preferences among non-governmental actors in the Netherlands and the “narratives” they use to motivate these preferences Our empirical results underline the fact that the question “how to organize adaptation”, is a controversial one The results resemble the various positions in the current academic debate about the governance of adaptation, and add important insights and nuances to it Many respondents feel that the current climate adaptation policy is too non-committal The dominant viewpoint underscores a need for more rules and norms and the possibility to sanction organizations that do not adapt Minority viewpoints show an urge to stimulate and support self-organization of partners, as well as a need for more action However, financial and regulatory preconditions are needed to stimulate actors in order to see to the necessary investments Policy-makers have to invest in mixing their policy instruments Clearly, most nongovernmental actors are in favor of the government setting a framework with rules and norms for climate adaption However, the viewpoints show that this is not sufficient The government should facilitate networks, joint efforts and create the financial and regulatory preconditions to remove current barriers blocking adaptation measures

Maximizing the Diversity of Exposure in a Social Network

Abstract: Social-media platforms have created new ways for citizens to stay informed and participate in public debates. However, to enable a healthy environment for information sharing, social deliberation, and opinion formation, citizens need to be exposed to sufficiently diverse viewpoints that challenge their assumptions, instead of being trapped inside filter bubbles. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to maximize the diversity of exposure in a social network. We formulate the problem in the context of information propagation, as a task of recommending a small number of news articles to selected users. We take into account content and user leanings, and the probability of further sharing an article. Our model allows us to capture the balance between maximizing the spread of information and ensuring the exposure of users to diverse viewpoints. The resulting problem can be cast as maximizing a monotone and submodular function subject to a matroid constraint on the allocation of articles to users. It is a challenging generalization of the influence-maximization problem. Yet, we are able to devise scalable approximation algorithms by introducing a novel extension to the notion of random reverse-reachable sets. We experimentally demonstrate the efficiency and scalability of our algorithm on several real-world datasets.

Distributed leadership applications in high schools in the State of Kuwait from teachers’ viewpoints

Abstract: This study aims to identify different applications of distributed leadership at high schools in the State of Kuwait from teachers’ perspectives. These applications include the supervision process, ...

Interactive digital storytelling: bringing cultural heritage in a classroom

Abstract: Interactive digital storytelling becomes a popular choice for information presentation in many fields. Its application spans from media industry and business information visualization, through digital cultural heritage, serious games, education, to contemporary theater and visual arts. The benefits of this form of multimedia presentation in education are generally recognized, and several studies exploring and supporting the opinion are conducted. In addition to discussing the benefits, we wanted to address the challenges in introducing interactive digital storytelling and serious games in the classroom. The challenge of inherent ambiguity of edutainment, due to opposing features of education and entertainment is augmented with different viewpoints of multidisciplinary team members. We specifically address the opposing views on artistic liberty, at one side, and technical constraints and historic facts, on the other side. In this paper we present the first findings related to these questions and to initiate furthering discussions in this area.

Nurses’ experiences and viewpoints about the benefits of adopting information technology in health care: a qualitative study in Iran

Abstract: Information technology (IT) plays an important role in nursing practice. Hence, nurses’ experiences and viewpoints about IT integration into healthcare help improve nurses’ adoption of IT. This study aimed to explore the nurses’ experiences and viewpoints about the benefits of IT integration and adoption in healthcare. This study was conducted with a qualitative research approach. Participants included 14 nurses from four hospitals affiliated to a large medical university in Iran, who were selected using a purposive sampling method. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the conventional content analysis of Lundman and Graneheim. Six categories in the study reflected the nurses’ experiences and viewpoints about the benefits of integrating IT into health care. These categories included improving the quality and efficiency of medical services and care, facilitating the communication management in the technological environment, improving information documentation, management, and monitoring, improving resource management, improving management performance and policymaking, and facilitating pathways of organizational and professional growth. Lessons learned in this study can help overcoming the barriers of IT adoption, and developing appropriate strategies to familiarize nurses with the benefits of IT in healthcare settings. Healthcare managers are recommended to investigate the experiences of nurses with IT in their hospitals and organize courses to orient hesitant nurses toward adopting IT.

Shared ways of thinking in Brazil about the science–practice interface in ecology and conservation

Abstract: The debate in the literature on the science-practice interface suggests a diversity of opinions on how to link science and practice to improve conservation. Understanding this diversity is key to addressing unequal power relations, avoiding the consideration of only dominant views, and identifying strategies to link science and practice. In turn, linking science and practice should promote conservation decisions that are socially robust and scientifically informed. To identify and describe the viewpoints of scientists and decision makers on how the science-practice interface should work in order to improve conservation decisions, we interviewed Brazilian scientists (ecologists and conservation scientists, n = 11) and decision makers (n = 11). We used Q methodology and asked participants to rank their agreement with 48 statements on how the science-practice interface should work in order to improve conservation decisions. We used principal component analysis to identify shared viewpoints. The predominant viewpoint, shared by scientists and decision makers, was characterized by valuing the integration of scientific and strategic knowledge to address environmental problems. The second viewpoint, held mostly by decision makers, was distinguished by assigning great importance to science in the decision-making process and calling for problem-relevant research. The third viewpoint, shared only by scientists, was characterized by an unwillingness to collaborate and a perception of scientists as producers of knowledge that may help decision makers. Most participants agreed organizations should promote collaboration and that actors and knowledge from both science and practice are relevant. Disagreements concerned specific roles assigned to actors, willingness to collaborate, and organizational and institutional arrangements considered effective to link science and practice. Our results suggest there is ample room for collaborations and that impediments lie mainly in existing organizations and formal institutional arrangements rather than in negative attitudes between scientists and decision makers.

Best Viewpoints for External Robots or Sensors Assisting Other Robots

Abstract: This work creates a model of the value of different external viewpoints of a robot performing tasks. The current state of the practice is to use a teleoperated assistant robot to provide a view of a task being performed by a primary robot; however, the choice of viewpoints is ad hoc and does not always lead to improved performance. This research applies a psychomotor approach to develop a model of the relative quality of external viewpoints using Gibsonian affordances. In this approach, viewpoints for the affordances are rated based on the psychomotor behavior of human operators and clustered into manifolds of viewpoints with the equivalent value. The value of 30 viewpoints is quantified in a study with 31 expert robot operators for 4 affordances (Reachability, Passability, Manipulability, and Traversability) using a computer-based simulator of two robots. The adjacent viewpoints with similar values are clustered into ranked manifolds using agglomerative hierarchical clustering. The results show the validity of the affordance-based approach by confirming that there are manifolds of statistically significantly different viewpoint values, viewpoint values are statistically significantly dependent on the affordances, and viewpoint values are independent of a robot. Furthermore, the best manifold for each affordance provides a statistically significant improvement with a large Cohen's d effect size (1.1-2.3) in performance (improving time by 14%-59% and reducing errors by 87%-100%) and improvement in performance variation over the worst manifold. This model will enable autonomous selection of the best possible viewpoint and path planning for the assistant robot.

5G Mobile Technologies and Early 6G Viewpoints

Abstract: Design of each successor mobile technology assures improved and advanced functionality features compared to its predecessor. Machine Learning and generally Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming necessity for further expansion of the beyond 5G mobile world. AI-assisted IoT services, data collection, analytics and storage should become native in the beyond 5G era. 5G introduces New Radio (NR) in sub-6 GHz bands and also in mmWave bands above 24 GHz, network virtualization and softwarization, which means that Next Generation Core and 5G NR access network are built by using different functions in split user and control planes that introduces the network slicing approach. Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC) and Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLLC), that are provided via separate network slices as logically separated network partitions are the key 5G services that constantly will increase the traffic volume and the number of connected devices. Terahertz and visible light communication and fundamental technologies like compressed sensing theory, new channel coding, large-scale antenna, flexible spectrum usage, AI-based wireless communication, special technical features as Space-Air-Ground-Sea integrated communication and wireless tactile network are few of the novelties that are expected to become a common network standard available beyond 2030.

Academic vs industry perspectives in 3D bioprinting.

Abstract: Reviews of the scientific literature afford the opportunity to summarize critical concepts in a field; these publications can be extremely helpful for novice readers and can help rapidly build an understanding of the state of the art. While almost all reviews summarize their topic, few offer a critical opinion of their field. Even fewer provide a perspective on the future direction of the field, i.e., what important questions remain unanswered, which questions are the most crucial to answer immediately, etc. APL Bioengineering recently introduced the “Perspective” manuscript format where we seek the opinion of thought leaders in their fields as to their answers for these critical questions. While Perspectives on a subject can be helpful, they offer only one opinion. Yet in the course of academic discussions, viewpoints from multiple sides can get muddled or lost, especially if they originate in different fields or via non-academic partners including biotechnology and other industries. In that sense, single Perspective pieces may not present the full range of opinions. In an effort to bridge this divide in topic areas for APL Bioengineering, we are launching a periodic “Viewpoints” series, where we present a point vs counterpoint discussion on a rapidly developing area in bioengineering, aiming to specifically highlight and provide a forum where both positions can be succinctly summarized and argued. While we intend for this debate to be robust with the manuscripts published in our Viewpoints series by APL Bioengineering, they are not meant to be finite; we anticipate that this point vs counterpoint series will serve as a “launching pad” for each topic area covered.

Modern and Innovative Approaches to the Organization of Students’ Self-Education in Higher Educational Institutions

Abstract: Self-education is gaining momentum. Today, the main challenge for universities is to launch open online courses that anyone can access. Such an initiative is a signal to educational organizations that they must rebuild their educational process. It is necessary not only to broadcast information, but also to engage in tutoring support of students, immerse them in real projects and tasks. This article highlights new viewpoints of methodology of organization of students' self - education in higher educational institution.

Determination and Comparison of the Factors Related to Effective Blended Learning in Medical Sciences from the Viewpoints of Instructors and Learners

Abstract: Introduction According to rapid growth of innovation in use of technologies in education and learning, blended learning has become an effective method in the student's education. The purpose of this study was to extract the factors related to effective blended learning and compare the viewpoints of students and instructors in this regard. Methods Mixed method model was used in this study. A content analysis approach was employed in the qualitative phase of the study. Seven faculty members and eight master's students of medical sciences selected through purposive sampling participated in the qualitative phase. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted for data collection. In the quantitative phase, appropriate and relevant items were designed based on the main concepts of theoretical and practical definitions that were extracted in the qualitative phase. Results The results of the qualitative phase were 5 categories and 40 subcategories, including student's capabilities, teacher merits, technological aspects, pedagogic topics and supportive environment. Discussion The results of the questionnaire analysis showed no significant difference in student capabilities and supportive environment between the viewpoints of students and faculty members while there were significant differences in other categories. Although new technologies have offered promising opportunities, they do not result in effective education. The results of the present study suggest that a major revision in student and instructor admission and provision of required technical facilities can promote the status of this type of education. On the other hand, instructor empowerment programs in this field can enhance the effectiveness of virtual education.

Why Do Men Rape? Male Prisoners’ Viewpoints through a Feminist’s Review

Abstract: Rape cases have become more and more common nowadays. It is seen to be going rampant from day to day, with the number of victims increasing. A study to analyze the factors that lead to rape from adult rapists’ perspective was conducted at Pengkalan Chepa Male Prison (PCMP), Kelantan. Feminist views and laws concerning rape are adopted in the explanation and comparison of the factors. Questionnaires were distributed to 44 adult males who were convicted of committing rape under Section 376 of the Penal Code where the offenders are sentenced to jail. The study found that the main factors for the males to commit rape were their desire for sex and inability to resist lust (75%), the influence of pornography and porn videos (47.7%), the seductiveness of a woman (52.3%) and women’s attire (45%). The misconception of rape being assumed as sexual intercourse instead of a crime shows that the victims are often blamed for provoking rape. The implication of the study is discussed.

Viewpoints in indexing term assignment

Abstract: The literature on assigned indexing considers three possible viewpoints—the author's viewpoint as evidenced in the title, the users' viewpoint, and the indexer's viewpoint—and asks whether and which of those views should be reflected in an indexer's choice of terms to assign to an item. We study this question empirically, as opposed to normatively. Based on the literature that discusses whose viewpoints should be reflected, we construct a research model that includes those same three viewpoints as factors that might be influencing term assignment in actual practice. In the unique study design that we employ, the records of term assignments made by identified indexers in academic libraries are cross‐referenced with the results of a survey that those same indexers completed on political views. Our results indicate that in our setting, variance in term assignment was best explained by indexers' personal political views. © 2019 ASIS&T

An Analysis of the APEC News in Washington Post from the Perspective of Engagement System Based on Appraisal Theory

Abstract: This paper uses the engagement system of appraisal theory to analyze the news about APEC summit held in Papua New Guinea from the Washington Post, in which the proportion of dialogue expansion and dialogue contraction of engagement resources is 47 and 53, and the contraction resources are slightly higher than the expansion resources. In order to explain that in news discourse, the author refutes other viewpoints while actively expressing his views on the incidents, and also extracts other viewpoints that have reached the objective and reliable information, thus convincing potential readers.

Overview of transformative learning I: theory and its evolution

Abstract: This paper introduces ways that transformative learning is defined, conceptualized, practiced, and researched. Although such viewpoints share much in common, they differ based on context, culture, ...

The Viewpoints and the Secret of the Original Anarchist: Mary Overlie and the Undercommons

Abstract: This article considers actor training in The Viewpoints as a site for the creation of alternative communities and practices beyond the ‘utopia of rules’ that regulates neoliberal culture. I trace w...

Using Q methodology in comparative policy analysis

Abstract: Most comparative methods are geared towards unravelling the effect of a few independent variables on a certain dependent variable. Q-methodology – an emergent method for comparative policy analysis – uses a dissimilar approach. Whereas conventional statistical analyses use correlations between items to come up with conclusions, Stephenson’s Q-methodology treats individuals as if they were ‘the variables’. By correlating whole answers/patterns of participants, one can distinguish by means of a factor analyses, which frames of reference – or in other words, viewpoints – exist on certain topics. If a scholar wants to get insight into where and how viewpoints on e.g. climate adaptation strategies, refugee integration policies or social innovation significantly differ this is a method to consider. The method adds value to the comparative policy analysis toolbox, since different stakeholders often view policy problems and their solutions in different ways. Unravelling significant patterns, where and how they differ and what dominant and minority viewpoints exist offers a deep insight into the discourses that people use. This chapter explicates the method’s steps and state of play in comparative policy analysis. The approaches, goals and research questions in Q-methodological applications differ, but also show clear similarities. Based on a review of 40 articles, this chapter distinguishes different dimensions on which Q-methodology applications in public policy research vary. The chapter shows the different ideas and approaches, and the subsequent steps necessary to conduct a Q-methodological study, which might be of interest to researchers planning a study based on Q-methodology.

20 Years of political communication scholarship: Accomplishments, changes, and challenges

Abstract: Introduction to the special issue of Comunicazione Politica “Political Communication in Changing Media Environments. Interdisciplinary Viewpoints”, edited by Gianpietro Mazzoleni and Cristian Vaccari

Moving for the Movement: Applying Viewpoints and Composition Techniques to the Design of Online Social Justice Campaigns

Abstract: By leveraging approaches from other disciplines, designers can expand the boundaries of interaction design to tackle complex socio-technical problems. To address the challenges of networked social justice movements, we developed a workshop for designers and social justice activists based in Viewpoints and Composition, a philosophy and set of techniques for the theatre. Building on other experience prototyping and somatic methods, the workshop leads participants through the design of a hypothetical internet-enabled social justice campaign, encouraging them to imagine the felt-experience of networked social justice movement building in a socio-spatial context. We conclude with insights from the workshop and plans to further develop these techniques.

How can today's substance-using youth be helped to quit? Perspectives of college students from Bangalore, India

Abstract: Background:Substance use among college students is increasing, yet research regarding their viewpoints on how they can be helped is sparse in India.Aim:The purpose of this study was to explore in d...

Investigation of Forest School Concept by Forest School Teachers' Viewpoints.

Abstract: The study aims to reveal the opinions of teachers working in forest schools about education and students in forest schools. To this end, the study group was constructed with the participation of 5 teachers working in forest schools. The study employed a case study design, one of the qualitative research methods. The data collection tool of the study is an interview form consisted of 7 questions. The collected data were subjected to content analysis based on the case study design. In order to ensure the credibility of the study, the data were reported as they were and supported with direct quotations. As a result of the study, it was found that the teachers considered the forest school within the natural environment and the process of children’s self-awareness. The general view attained is that the forest school presents a comprehensive learning environment, directs students to research, discovering and learning by doing, always keeps the sense of curiosity alive, presents a unique learning environment and that the students educated here as individuals who have self-confidence, are inquisitive, creative, solution-oriented, learning by doing and with a developed sense of responsibility. In light of these findings, it is thought that it is worth emphasizing the importance of studies conducted with different perspectives and that the forest school provides benefits for children in all the learning areas; therefore, it is worth researching.

A Q-methodology study of the type of support mentors need when assessing underperforming nursing students.

Abstract: Aims To identify and describe patterns of the shared viewpoints of nurse mentors about the support obtained from link lecturer in assessing underperforming students. Design Non-experimental, exploratory research design. Methods Q-methodology was applied to explore the viewpoints of 26 mentors about support. The data were collected from May-September 2018. During the development of the Q-set, we combined a naturalistic and theoretical approach, resulting in 27 statements. The participants ranked statements into a Q-sort grid. PQ-Method 2.35 software was used to perform a principal component analysis to identify different patterns of the mentors' viewpoints. Results Five factors of shared viewpoints, which accounted for 62% of the total variance, were derived from the factor analysis: (a) Confident in professional assessment and expects respect from link lecturer; (b) confident about the limit but need guidance in documentation. (c) Confident in the assessment but need support to manage concerns; (d) require knowledge and skills but not emotional support; and (e) dialogue and collaboration rather than information. Conclusions Based on our findings, all mentors need different types of support from the link lecturer, depending on their experience as a mentor and nurse and educational credits in mentorship. The central principle identified in this study was that mentors need to feel secure in their role. The accessibility, approachability, and willingness of the link lecturer to participate in dialogue and collaboration are important, but emotional support is not. Impact Our findings provide insights into the type of support mentors need when assessing underperforming students. The findings highlight the necessity of a link lecturer who is accessible and is meeting the mentors' need for knowledge and skills about assessment and mentoring. The nurse education programme must prioritize resources to ensure that the link lecturer can follow-up with the student and the mentor.

A review of the use and utility of industrial network-based open source simulators: functionality, security, and policy viewpoints:

Abstract: Simulation can provide a useful means to understand issues linked to industrial network operations. For transparent, collaborative, cost-effective solutions development, and to attract the broadest...

Human Resource Development: Overview of the Performance Evaluation and Performance Appraisal viewpoints

Abstract: This article discusses Human Resource Development by reviewing Performance Evaluation and Performance Appraisals. Every organization must prepare a program that contains activities that can improve the capabilities and professionalism of HR so that the organization can survive and develop in accordance with the organizational environment. The appraisal process starts from setting employee performance standards. A manager must determine what achievements, skills or outputs will be evaluated. These performance standards should be included in the job analysis and job description. After the performance standards have been set, the next thing to do is communicate to each employee, so that the employees know what is expected by the company. Performance appraisals are used to tell employees how far they are performing and the rewards they will get. Performance appraisal also aims to evaluate and provide feedback to employees that will develop employees and also the effectiveness of the organization. Poor performance shows the need for training as well as good performance can reflect the great potential that must be developed.