Building blocks in Planning research methodology: A roadmap to research design options

Making sense of the myriad of available research design options is generally an arduous task for researchers. Proper research design is, subsequently, often neglected in Planning research, resulting in superficial research outputs. To simplify this task of designing research, a roadmap was created with ‘building blocks’ that organises available research design options. Supportive and guiding literature references are also provided for each listed option in the ‘building blocks’ as a point of departure for researchers. These ‘building blocks’ were created by conducting a systematic review of peer-reviewed articles, books, and grey literature on methodology for social and applied sciences (with a specific focus on Planning). Planning students and researchers may use these ‘building blocks’ as a point of departure for identifying and choosing options when designing their own research. Planning educators may find it useful in designing a thorough research methodology course

The application of informal feedback intervention as a communication management tool in learning organisations

Feedback is an essential component of the communication process. Feedback reveals how participants assign meanings and how these meanings are negotiated through interaction (Verwey, In: Lubbe and Puth 1994:64). Feedback also ensures the success of the communicated message and determines whether the objectives of the intended communication have been achieved (Seitel 1995:109). Communication feedback also contains information in all its formats. In the current information age, it is often believed that information is power and that those who have information at their fingertips are more powerful than the rest. In communication management literature, writers and researchers often emphasise the significant role of communication feedback. Feedback plays a vital role in communication management, in particular, as a strategic management function. One example is the two- directional symmetrical model, described by Grunig (1992), where feedback and mutual adaptation play an important role. In most management theory the collection of communication feedback is mainly seen as an active, intentional and formal research process that is initiated by corporate communication and marketing departments. In this sense much has been written about formal research (for example, surveys and environmental scanning) by means of quantitative and qualitative research methods as well as the solicitation of formal customer feedback. However, informal, unintentional and almost accidental casual communication feedback input (informal feedback) is often neglected and regarded as being unimportant by organisations, and is therefore not measured or captured in a data system. At the same time stakeholder engagement and dialogue has become quite a contemporary issue in the corporate governance of organisations. This study agitates for the cultivation of informal feedback intervention as a method of obtaining improved stakeholder engagement that ultimately leads to inclusive corporate governance. This research study investigates informal feedback and defines it as all of communication feedback (into the system - the organisation) that occurs spontaneously via media such as the telephone, e-mail, fax and through internet services, such as internet chat rooms, and even feedback obtained from the organisational grapevine, rumours and gossip. Stakeholders or interest groups deliver informal feedback without the organisation making a formal effort to collect it. The empirical research was conducted amongst 55 inspiring South African learning organisations as identified by The Corporate Research Foundation (CRF) in its publication The Best Companies to Work for in 2004. Organisations have to learn to be smarter to survive. Learning organisations are characterised by conscious and intentional learning, openness to inquiry, experimentation and the sharing of knowledge. The applied research design consists of a dual investigation, with both exploratory and descriptive characteristics, of the management of informal feedback and the possible existence of informal feedback intervention methods in these organisations. In this qualitative investigation, content analysis was firstly used to determine the current degree of “openness” (accessibility) to informal feedback input in these organisations’ corporate web pages. This was supplemented by the results of a questionnaire as completed by the communication managers/ marketing managers of the same organisations. This research study aims to determine whether informal feedback, the ongoing management of the feedback process and systematic analysis thereof can be regarded as one of the critical communication management tactics of learning organisations. The study also aims to determine how informal feedback intervention can be integrated into corporate communication strategy. It suggests that modern learning organisations should make an effort to provide proper channels and favourable environments to increasingly receive informal feedback input from all stakeholders and thereby facilitate ongoing learning and continuous improvement. This study concludes that communication managers have a vital role to play in explaining feedback inputs to management in terms of its impact on existing corporate communication and business strategies. This study also defines informal feedback intervention as the communication management process by which all informal feedback input is collected, sorted and grouped, evaluated and described according to applied and relevant impact on strategy. The intervention lies in the impact and outcome envisaged as well as the adaptation of the organisation’s strategy and change of course. A framework that aims to systemise the informal feedback intervention process - The Multi-Layer Informal Feedback Intervention Wheel – is subsequently proposed. This framework aims to provide intervention suggestions (feedback interventions) to management. The framework is also applied in an anonymous case study of a major South African company - Company X. It is concluded from this case study that theMulti-Layer Informal Feedback Intervention Wheel also acts as a forecasting tool by providing communication managers with feedforward. The Informal Feedback Intervention Wheel assists the communication manager in assessing everyday feedback issues and identifying emerging suggestions of informal feedback interventions to management. It, therefore, assists communication managers to be proactive, early warning agents for their organisations. The meta theoretical background of the systems approach, systems thinking and the general systems theory, as well as the management notion of the learning organisation, form foundations for exploring the relevance and application of the concept of informal feedback intervention.Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2006.Communication ManagementPhDUnrestricte

Mechanistic interrogation of combination Bevacizumab/dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor response in Glioblastoma implementing novel MR and PET imaging biomarkers.

Purpose: Resistance to bevacizumab (BEV) in glioblastoma (GBM) is believed to occur via activation of molecular networks including the mTOR/PI3K pathway. Implementing an MRI/PET molecular imaging biomarker approach, we sought to interrogate response to combining BEV with the mTOR/PI3K inhibitor BEZ235. Methods: Tumors were established by orthotopically implanting U87MG-luc2 in mice. Animals were treated with BEZ235 and/or BEV, and imaged using diffusion weighted-MRI, T2 weighted (T2w), and T2* weighted (T2*w) before and following delivery of superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) contrast. Maps for changes in relaxation rates: ΔR2, ΔR2* and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were calculated. Vessel Size Index (VSI) and micro vessel density index (MDI) were derived. 3´-deoxy-3´-[18F]fluorothymidine ([18F]FLT)- and O-(2-[18F]fluoroethyl)-L-tyrosine ([18F]FET) PET was further performed and tumor endothelium/proliferation markers assessed by immunohistochemistry. Results: Treatment with BEV resulted in a pronounced decrease in tumor volume (T2w MRI). No additive effect on tumour volume was observed in BEV/BEZ235 combination compared with BEV monotherapy. Ki67 proliferation index staining and [18F]FLT uptake studies were used to support observations. Using ΔR2* and ΔR2 values respectively, BEZ235 + BEV combination significantly reduced tumor microvessel volume in comparison to BEV alone. Decreased MDI was further observed in the combination group; supported by von Willebrand Factor (vWF) immunohistochemistry. We observed decreased [18F]FET uptake following BEV, but failed to observe further reduced [18F]FET uptake in the combination cohort. vWF IHC analysis showed mean tumor vessel size increased in all cohorts. Conclusions: Assessing MR imaging biomarker parameters together with [18F]FET and [18F]FLT PET, informed drug combination mechanism of action and provided clues as to potential clinical response. Translation of a BEZ35/BEV combination regimen could support reduction of peritumoral edemaobviating the requirement for steroids. Implementing hypothesis driven molecular imaging studies facilitates the interrogation of drug response in the pre-clinic. These data may more accurately predict the clinical potential of novel therapeutic approaches in oncology

Tugas Dan Wewenang Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi Dalam Proses Pemeriksaan Perkara Pidana (Analisis perkara No: 11/Pid.Sus-TPK/2018/PN.JKT.PST)

Tujuan Penulisan ini adalah pengaturan tentang tugas dan wewenang komisi pemberantasan korupsi beserta undang-undang tindak pidana korupsi dan penerapan ketentuan Undang-undang No. 30 Tahun 2002 tentang Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi dalam praktek peradilan khususnya dalam perkara No. 11/ Pidsus-TPK/ 2018/ PN.JKT PST. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian hukum yuridis normatif yaitu penelitian hukum yang mengutamakan data sekunder, meliputi bahan primer, sekunder dan tersier. Metode analisis data yang digunakan adalah metode kualitatif dengan menggunakan penafsiran menurut ilmu hukum. Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini bahwa Tugas dan Wewenang Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi sudah berjalan dengan baik sesuai dengan Undang-undang No.30 Tahun 2002 tentang Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi dan juga bantuan dari masyarakat sangat diperlukan seperti pelaporan karena Tindak Pidana Korupsi adalah salah satu Tindak pidana yang luar biasa. Kata Kunci: Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi, Korupsi The purpose of this writing is the regulation of the duties and authorities of the corruption eradication commission along with the law on corruption and the application of the provisions of Law No. 30 of 2002 concerning the Corruption Eradication Commission in judicial practice especially in case No. 11 / Pidsus-TPK / 2018 / PN.JKT PST. This study uses a normative juridical legal research method that is legal research that prioritizes secondary data, including primary, secondary and tertiary legal materials. The data analysis method used is a qualitative method using interpretation according to legal science. The conclusion of this study is that the Task and Authority of the Corruption Eradication Commission has gone well in accordance with Law No.30 of 2002 concerning the Corruption Eradication Commission and also assistance from the community is very much needed such as reporting because Corruption is one of the most extraordinary criminal offenses . Keywords: Corruption Eradication Commission, Corruptio

The relevance of stretch intensity and position-a systematic review

Stretching exercises to increase the range of motion (ROM) of joints have been used by sports coaches and medical professionals for improving performance and rehabilitation. The ability of connective and muscular tissues to change their architecture in response to stretching is important for their proper function, repair, and performance. Given the dearth of relevant data in the literature, this review examined two key elements of stretching: stretch intensity and stretch position; and their significance to ROM, delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and inflammation in different populations. A search of three databases, Pub-Med, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Reviews, identified 152 articles, which were subsequently categorized into four groups: athletes (24), clinical (29), elderly (12), and general population (87). The use of different populations facilitated a wider examination of the stretching components and their effects. All 152 articles incorporated information regarding duration, frequency and stretch position, whereas only 79 referred to the intensity of stretching and 22 of these 79 studies were deemed high quality. It appears that the intensity of stretching is relatively under-researched, and the importance of body position and its influence on stretch intensity, is largely unknown. In conclusion, this review has highlighted areas for future research, including stretch intensity and position and their effect on musculo-tendinous tissue, in relation to the sensation of pain, delayed onset muscle soreness, inflammation, as well as muscle health and performance

Fischer–Tropsch: Product Selectivity–The Fingerprint of Synthetic Fuels

The bulk of the products that were synthesized from Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) is a wide range (C1–C70+) of hydrocarbons, primarily straight-chained paraffins. Additional hydrocarbon products, which can also be a majority, are linear olefins, specifically: 1-olefin, trans-2-olefin, and cis-2-olefin. Minor hydrocarbon products can include isomerized hydrocarbons, predominantly methyl-branched paraffin, cyclic hydrocarbons mainly derived from high-temperature FTS and internal olefins. Combined, these products provide 80–95% of the total products (excluding CO2) generated from syngas. A vast number of different oxygenated species, such as aldehydes, ketones, acids, and alcohols, are also embedded in this product range. These materials can be used to probe the FTS mechanism or to produce alternative chemicals. The purpose of this article is to compare the product selectivity over several FTS catalysts. Discussions center on typical product selectivity of commonly used catalysts, as well as some uncommon formulations that display selectivity anomalies. Reaction tests were conducted while using an isothermal continuously stirred tank reactor. Carbon mole percentages of CO that are converted to specific materials for Co, Fe, and Ru catalysts vary, but they depend on support type (especially with cobalt and ruthenium) and promoters (especially with iron). All three active metals produced linear alcohols as the major oxygenated product. In addition, only iron produced significant selectivities to acids, aldehydes, and ketones. Iron catalysts consistently produced the most isomerized products of the catalysts that were tested. Not only does product selectivity provide a fingerprint of the catalyst formulation, but it also points to a viable proposed mechanistic route

Academic Knowledge on Quality of Life in Urban Africa: What Do We Know?

Even though vague and contested, the construct of the quality of life can play an important role in gauging the success of spatial governance. It is present in most spatial policy objectives and many scholars describe it as the ultimate goal of spatial governance. The question remains, however, whether the construct of the quality of life is explored in sufficient depth to understand its practical relevance within widely divergent African contexts. Africa is notorious for its low levels of life quality and many scholars argue that research on its difficulties is not focalized and conclusions are too often drawn without truly considering the unique African context. To discover the extent of the current knowledge base on African life quality, African-specific case study research was identified and analyzed. A systematic literature review was conducted following the textual narrative synthesis approach. The analysis revealed a geographically sparsely distributed knowledge base of urban African quality of life. Further to this, a wide variety of research themes were identified, ranging from socio-economic, physical, and environmental characteristics to strategic planning and sustainable development. This sparsely distributed knowledge base, along with the wide variety of research themes and the undefined nature of the quality of life, makes it difficult to compare the case studies. The paper, subsequently, calls for further case study research to enable a true understanding of the association and meaning of quality of life within the African context that would ultimately support appropriate development of measurements in urban Africa

Mediating Medical Comorbidities in Geriatric Patients Undergoing Surgery for OVCF: From Preoperative Screening to Risk and Outcomes Optimization

Objectives: Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) are a common increasing entity in elderly patients and represent a tremendous economic burden. Surgical treatment is related to high complication rates and little is known about patient-specific and internal risk factors associated with poor clinical results. Methods: We carried out a comprehensive, systematic literature search according to the PRISMA checklist and algorithm. Risk factors for perioperative complications, for early inpatient readmission, for the duration of the hospital stay, the hospital mortality, the total mortality and the clinical result were analyzed. Results: A total of 739 potentially usable studies were identified. After considering all inclusion and exclusion criteria, 15 studies with 15,515 patients were included. Non-adjustable risk factors were age >90 years (OR 3.27), male gender (OR 1.41), BMI less than 18.5 kg/m 2 (OR 3.97), ASA score >3 (OR 2.7), activity of daily live (ADL) (OR 1.52), dependence (OR 5.68), inpatient admission status (OR 3.22), Parkinson disease (OR 3.63) and disseminated cancer (OR 2.98). Adjustable factors were insufficient kidney function (GFR <60 mL/min, and Creatinine Clearance below 60 mg/dl) (OR 4.4), nutrition status (hypalbuminemia (<3.5 g/dl)), liver function (OR 8.9) and further cardiac and pulmonary comorbidities. Discussion: We identified a couple of non-adjustable risk factors, which should be considered preoperatively in terms of risk assessment. However, even more important were adjustable factors that can be influenced preoperatively. In conclusion, we recommend a perioperative interdisciplinary cooperation, especially with geriatricians, to achieve the best possible clinical results in geriatric patients undergoing surgery for OVCF

Adapting a capacity-development-in-higher-education project:Doing, being and becoming virtual collaboration

In November 2019, scholars and practitioners from ten higher education institutions celebrated the launch of the iKudu project. This project, co-funded by Erasmus+[1], focuses on capacity development for curriculum transformation through internationalisation and development of Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) virtual exchange. Detailed plans for 2020 were discussed including a series of site visits and face-to-face training. However, the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the plans in ways that could not have been foreseen and new ways of thinking and doing came to the fore. Writing from an insider perspective as project partners, in this paper we draw from appreciative inquiry, using a metaphor of a mosaic as our identity, to first provide the background on the iKudu project before sharing the impact of the pandemic on the project’s adapted approach. We then discuss how alongside the focus of iKudu in the delivery of an internationalised and transformed curriculum using COIL, we have, by our very approach as project partners, adopted the principles of COIL exchange. A positive impact of the pandemic was that COIL offered a consciousness raising activity, which we suggest could be used more broadly in order to help academics think about international research practice partnerships, and, as in our situation, how internationalised and decolonised curriculum practices might be approached. [1] KA2 Erasmus+ Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices (capacity building in the field of Higher Education