122 results
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2. Enhancing Halal Sustainability : Selected Papers From the 4th International Halal Conference 2019
- Author
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Nur Nafhatun Md Shariff, Najahudin Lateh, Nur Farhani Zarmani, Zety Sharizat Hamidi, Zeiad Amjad Abdulrazzak Aghwan, Norliza Binti Dato Haji Mahalle, Hakimah Haji Yaacob, Tomizawa Hisao, Nur Nafhatun Md Shariff, Najahudin Lateh, Nur Farhani Zarmani, Zety Sharizat Hamidi, Zeiad Amjad Abdulrazzak Aghwan, Norliza Binti Dato Haji Mahalle, Hakimah Haji Yaacob, and Tomizawa Hisao
- Subjects
- Islam—Doctrines, Financial services industry, Business ethics, Sociology—Methodology, Food science
- Abstract
The global halal industry is likely to grow to between three and four trillion US dollars in the next five years, from the current estimated two trillion, backed by a continued demand from both Muslims and non-Muslims for halal products. Realising the importance of the halal industry to the global community, the Academy of Contemporary Islamic Studies (ACIS), the Universiti Teknologi MARA Malaysia (UiTM) and Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University (UNISSA) Brunei have organised the 4th International Halal Conference (INHAC) 2019 under the theme “Enhancing Halal Sustainability'. This book contains selected papers presented at INHAC 2019. It addresses halal-related issues that are applicable to various industries and explores a variety of contemporary and emerging issues. It covers aspects of halal food safety, related services such as tourism and hospitality, the halal industry - including aspects of business ethics, policies and practices, quality assurance, compliance and Shariahgovernance Issues, as well as halal research and educational development. Highlighting findings from both scientific and social research studies, it enhances the discussion on the halal industry (both in Malaysia and internationally), and serves as an invitation to engage in more advanced research on the global halal industry.
- Published
- 2021
3. The Pleasures of Statistics : The Autobiography of Frederick Mosteller
- Author
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Frederick Mosteller, Stephen E. Fienberg, David C. Hoaglin, Judith M. Tanur, Frederick Mosteller, Stephen E. Fienberg, David C. Hoaglin, and Judith M. Tanur
- Subjects
- Statistics, Probabilities, Sociology—Methodology, Educational tests and measurements, Public health, Biometry
- Abstract
From his unique perspective, renowned statistician and educator Frederick Mosteller describes many of the projects and events in his long career. From humble beginnings in western Pennsylvania to becoming the founding chairman of Harvard University's Department of Statistics and beyond, he inspired many statisticians, scientists, and students with his unabashed pragmatism, creative thinking, and zest for both learning and teaching. This candid account offers fresh insights into the qualities that made Mosteller a superb teacher, a prolific scholar, a respected leader, and a valued advisor. A special feature of the book is its chapter-length insider accounts of work on the pre-election polls of 1948, statistical aspects of the Kinsey report on sexual behavior in the human male, mathematical learning theory, authorship of the disputed Federalist papers, safety of anesthetics, and a wide-ranging examination of the Coleman report on equality of educational opportunity. This volume is a companion to Selected Papers of Frederick Mosteller (Springer, 2006) and A Statistical Model: Frederick Mosteller's Contributions to Statistics, Science, and Public Policy (Springer-Verlag, 1990). Frederick Mosteller (1916–2006) was Roger I. Lee Professor of Mathematical Statistics at Harvard University. His manuscript was unfinished at his death and has been updated.
- Published
- 2010
4. Proceedings of NetSci-X 2020: Sixth International Winter School and Conference on Network Science
- Author
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Naoki Masuda, Kwang-Il Goh, Tao Jia, Junichi Yamanoi, Hiroki Sayama, Naoki Masuda, Kwang-Il Goh, Tao Jia, Junichi Yamanoi, and Hiroki Sayama
- Subjects
- System theory, Sociology—Methodology, Mathematics—Data processing
- Abstract
This volume constitutes the proceedings of NetSci-X 2020: the Sixth International School and Conference on Network Science, which was held in Tokyo, Japan, in January 2020. NetSci-X is the Network Science Society's winter conference series that covers a wide variety of interdisciplinary topics on networks. Participants come from various fields, including (but not limited to): mathematics, physics, computer science, social sciences, management and marketing sciences, organization science, communication science, systems science, biology, ecology, neuroscience, medicine, as well as business. This volume consists of contributed papers that have been accepted to NetSc-X 2020 through a rigorous peer review process. Researchers, students, and professionals will gain first-hand information about today's cutting-edge research frontier of network science.
- Published
- 2020
5. Model-Based Reasoning in Science and Technology : Inferential Models for Logic, Language, Cognition and Computation
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Ángel Nepomuceno-Fernández, Lorenzo Magnani, Francisco J. Salguero-Lamillar, Cristina Barés-Gómez, Matthieu Fontaine, Ángel Nepomuceno-Fernández, Lorenzo Magnani, Francisco J. Salguero-Lamillar, Cristina Barés-Gómez, and Matthieu Fontaine
- Subjects
- Knowledge, Theory of, Cognitive psychology, Artificial intelligence, Sociology—Methodology
- Abstract
This book discusses how scientific and other types of cognition make use of models, abduction, and explanatory reasoning in order to produce important and innovative changes in theories and concepts. Gathering revised contributions presented at the international conference on Model-Based Reasoning (MBR18), held on October 24–26 2018 in Seville, Spain, the book is divided into three main parts. The first focuses on models, reasoning, and representation. It highlights key theoretical concepts from an applied perspective, and addresses issues concerning information visualization, experimental methods, and design. The second part goes a step further, examining abduction, problem solving, and reasoning. The respective papers assess different types of reasoning, and discuss various concepts of inference and creativity and their relationship with experimental data. In turn, the third part reports on a number of epistemological and technological issues. By analyzing possible contradictions in modern research and describing representative case studies, this part is intended to foster new discussions and stimulate new ideas. All in all, the book provides researchers and graduate students in the fields of applied philosophy, epistemology, cognitive science, and artificial intelligence alike with an authoritative snapshot of the latest theories and applications of model-based reasoning.
- Published
- 2019
6. Italian Studies on Quality of Life
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Adele Bianco, Paola Conigliaro, Michela Gnaldi, Adele Bianco, Paola Conigliaro, and Michela Gnaldi
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- Quality of life, Social sciences—Statistical methods, Community psychology, Sociology—Methodology
- Abstract
This volume provides an overview of the ways the Italian school of quality of life studies addresses well-being and quality of life, from both a substantive and a methodological point of view. It discusses various topics such as those of equitable and sustainable wellbeing, lifestyles, the organization of economy and welfare, as well as aspects related to the measurement of quality of life in small towns, institutional transparency and corruption prevention indicators. Chapters presented in this volume are drawn from papers presented at the conferences of the Italian Association for Quality of Life Studies (AIQUAV) held in Florence, Italy, in 2015 and 2016. The volume is organised into three parts. The first part is devoted to methods and indicators for research on quality of life, the second part to social sustainability, lifestyles, cultural aspects and local applications, and the third to economy, welfare and quality of life. The volume hosts contributions that are interdisciplinary in scope and mirror the complexity of the globalized world.
- Published
- 2019
7. Putting Social Media and Networking Data in Practice for Education, Planning, Prediction and Recommendation
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Mehmet Kaya, Şuayip Birinci, Jalal Kawash, Reda Alhajj, Mehmet Kaya, Şuayip Birinci, Jalal Kawash, and Reda Alhajj
- Subjects
- System theory, Sociology—Methodology, Quantitative research, Social sciences—Data processing
- Abstract
This book focusses on recommendation, behavior, and anomaly, among of social media analysis. First, recommendation is vital for a variety of applications to narrow down the search space and to better guide people towards educated and personalized alternatives. In this context, the book covers supporting students, food venue, friend and paper recommendation to demonstrate the power of social media data analysis. Secondly, this book treats behavior analysis and understanding as important for a variety of applications, including inspiring behavior from discussion platforms, determining user choices, detecting following patterns, crowd behavior modeling for emergency evacuation, tracking community structure, etc. Third, fraud and anomaly detection have been well tackled based on social media analysis. This has is illustrated in this book by identifying anomalous nodes in a network, chasing undetected fraud processes, discovering hidden knowledge, detecting clickbait, etc. With this widecoverage, the book forms a good source for practitioners and researchers, including instructors and students.
- Published
- 2019
8. Agent-Based Modeling of Sustainable Behaviors
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Amparo Alonso-Betanzos, Noelia Sánchez-Maroño, Oscar Fontenla-Romero, J. Gary Polhill, Tony Craig, Javier Bajo, Juan Manuel Corchado, Amparo Alonso-Betanzos, Noelia Sánchez-Maroño, Oscar Fontenla-Romero, J. Gary Polhill, Tony Craig, Javier Bajo, and Juan Manuel Corchado
- Subjects
- Sociology—Methodology, Game theory, Economic sociology, Artificial intelligence, Sustainability
- Abstract
Using the O.D.D. (Overview, Design concepts, Detail) protocol, this title explores the role of agent-based modeling in predicting the feasibility of various approaches to sustainability. The chapters incorporated in this volume consist of real case studies to illustrate the utility of agent-based modeling and complexity theory in discovering a path to more efficient and sustainable lifestyles. The topics covered within include: households'attitudes toward recycling, designing decision trees for representing sustainable behaviors, negotiation-based parking allocation, auction-based traffic signal control, and others.This selection of papers will be of interest to social scientists who wish to learn more about agent-based modeling as well as experts in the field of agent-based modeling.
- Published
- 2017
9. Excel 2016 for Social Science Statistics : A Guide to Solving Practical Problems
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Thomas J. Quirk and Thomas J. Quirk
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- Social sciences—Statistical methods, Sociology—Methodology, Psychology—Methodology
- Abstract
This book shows the capabilities of Microsoft Excel in teaching social science statistics effectively. Similar to the previously published Excel 2013 for Social Sciences Statistics, this book is a step-by-step exercise-driven guide for students and practitioners who need to master Excel to solve practical social science problems. If understanding statistics isn't your strongest suit, you are not especially mathematically-inclined, or if you are wary of computers, this is the right book for you. Excel, a widely available computer program for students and managers, is also an effective teaching and learning tool for quantitative analyses in social science courses. Its powerful computational ability and graphical functions make learning statistics much easier than in years past. However, Excel 2016 for Social Science Statistics: A Guide to Solving Practical Problems is the first book to capitalize on these improvements by teaching students and managers how to apply Excel to statistical techniques necessary in their courses and work. Each chapter explains statistical formulas and directs the reader to use Excel commands to solve specific, easy-to-understand social science problems. Practice problems are provided at the end of each chapter with their solutions in an appendix. Separately, there is a full Practice Test (with answers in an Appendix) that allows readers to test what they have learned.Includes 167 illustrations in colorSuitable for upper undergraduates or graduate studentsAt the beginning of his academic career, Prof. Tom J. Quirk spent six years in educational research at The American Institutes for Research and Educational Testing Service. He then taught Social Psychology, Educational Psychology, General Psychology, Marketing, Management, and Accounting at Principia College, and is currently a Professor of Marketing in the George Herbert Walker School of Business & Technology at Webster University based in St. Louis, Missouri (USA) where he teaches Marketing Statistics, Marketing Research, and Pricing Strategies. He has written 60+ textbook supplements in Marketing and Management, published 20+ articles in professional journals, and presented 20+ papers at professional meetings. He holds a B.S. in Mathematics from John Carroll University, both an M.A. in Education and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Stanford University, and an M.B.A. from The University of Missouri-St. Louis.
- Published
- 2016
10. Game Equilibrium Models IV : Social and Political Interaction
- Author
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Reinhard Selten and Reinhard Selten
- Subjects
- Political science, Probabilities, Sociology—Methodology, Econometrics, Biomathematics, Biometry
- Abstract
The four volumes of Game Equilibrium Models present applications of non-cooperative game theory. Problems of strategic interaction arising in biology, economics, political science and the social sciences in general are treated in 42 papers on a wide variety of subjects. Internationally known authors with backgrounds in various disciplines have contributed original research. The reader finds innovative modelling combined with advanced methods of analysis. The four volumes are the outcome of a research year at the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies of the University of Bielefeld. The close interaction of an international interdisciplinary group of researchers has produced an unusual collection of remarkable results of great interest for everybody who wants to be informed on the scope, potential, and future direction of work in applied game theory. Volume IV Social and Political Interaction contains game equilibrium models focussing on social and political interaction within communities or states or between states, i.e. national and international social and political interaction. Specific aspects of those interactions are modelled as non-cooperative games and their equilibria are analysed.
- Published
- 2013
11. Modelling Geographical Systems : Statistical and Computational Applications
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B. Boots, A. Okabe, R. Thomas, B. Boots, A. Okabe, and R. Thomas
- Subjects
- Geographic information systems, Human geography, Geography, Statistics, Sociology—Methodology, Earth sciences
- Abstract
Within the realm of quantitative geography, systems modelling is specifically concerned with understanding those relationships that influence the attributes of phenomena located in space and time. The intention is to replicate the main processes influencing a system's behaviour and, thereby, assist its manage ment through a capability to estimate future change. Over the last few decades, one of the major institutional initiatives for promoting such research has been provided by specialised Study Groups and Commissions established by the International Geographical Union (IGU). These scholarly networks have aimed to co-ordinate international research agendas for geographical systems model ling and their activities have been recorded in both edited volumes (Fischer and Getis, 1997) and special issues of learned journals (Wilkinson and Boots, 2000; Leung and Okabe, 2001). Presently, this facilitative task is the charge of the Commission on Modelling Geographical Systems (CMGS) appointedat the IGU Hague Congress in 1996 and chaired by Barry Boots (1996-2000) and Richard Thomas (2000-present). Set against this background, this book provides a perspective on the work of the CMGS from 1996 until the IGU Seoul Congress in August 2000 through a collection of papers first presented to our sessions at this event. Moreover, a number of Japanese delegates were attracted to this Asian venue and their con tributions provide many new ideas concerning the implementation of systems analysis.
- Published
- 2013
12. Economic Information, Decision, and Prediction : Selected Essays: Volume I Part I Economics of Decision
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M. Marschak and M. Marschak
- Subjects
- Sociology—Methodology
- Abstract
The papers of Jacob Marschak which follow in these volumes are an extraordinary combination of original and fruitful departures in economic and social thought, superb clarity of exposition, and sensitivity to the values of earlier work and even competing traditions. They make us marvel alike at their variety, their quantity, and their quality. But they do not, even so, fully reflect Marschak's contributions to the development of social science. He has had an unusual influence as one who exercises leadership. In a formal, organizational sense, this role has been manifest in his capacity as Director of the Cowles Commission for Research in Economics, then at the University of Chicago, in that organization's most productive and influential period, and later in his central role in the Western Management Science Institute, at the University of California at Los Angeles. I can speak from first-hand knowledge about the first. His special capacities are, first, the recognition of promising new concepts and of promising young scholars, and, second, getting his colleagues to join him in developing the ideas and involving them fully in the necessary tasks. There was an unusual combination of strength and humility in his methods; a display of force in pushing the work along but a willingness, almost an insistence, on treating even the most junior associate as a fully equal colleague in intellectual develop ment, whose criticism of himself was to be encouraged. His leadership has been exercised in the absence of formal positions.
- Published
- 2012
13. The Concept of Probability in Psychological Experiments
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C.-A. Staël von Holstein and C.-A. Staël von Holstein
- Subjects
- Sociology—Methodology
- Abstract
1. BACKGROUND The last twenty-five years have seen a large amount of psychological research in the area of behavioral decision theory. It followed the major breakthrough of decision theory that came with von Neumann and Morgenstern's Theory of Games and Economic Behavior in 1944. The key concepts are probability as a measure of uncertainty and utility as a measure of value and risk. The theory prescribes, given some behavioral axioms, that alternatives should be ranked in accordance with their expected utilities. Psychologists became interested in studying how people's decision behavior agreed with what was prescribed by the theory. Three broad areas for research developed, i. e., research relating to each of the two concepts of probability and utility, and research relating to the interaction of the two in decision stituations. The papers in this book have been selected to illustrate various aspects of how the concept of probability has been used in psychological ex perimentation. The early experiments were generated, as mentioned above, by an interest among psychologists to see how people evaluate uncertainty and quantify it in probabilistic terms. Many of these experiments set out to evaluate subjects'estimates of relative frequencies; these were situations where one had access to'objective'answers. In the 1960's psychologists changed the focus of their studies to how people revise probabilistic judgments when they receive new information. In recent years there has been a growing interest in the cognitive processes by which people express their judgment in probabilistic terms.
- Published
- 2012
14. Non-Archimedean Utility Theory
- Author
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Heinz J. Skala and Heinz J. Skala
- Subjects
- Sociology—Methodology
- Abstract
My interest in non-Archimedean utility theory and the problems related to it was aroused by discussions which I have had with Professors Werner Leinfellner and Günter Menges. On the occasion of the Second Inter national Game Theory Workshop, Berkeley, 1970, which was sponsored by the National Science Foundation, I had the opportunity to report about a result on non-standard utilities. Work on this subject continued when I was a research assistant of Professor Günter Menges at the Uni versity of Heidelberg. The present mono graph is essentially a translation of my habilitation thesis which was accepted on February 15, 1973 by the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences at the Universtity of Heidelberg. On translating my thesis I took up some suggestions made by ProfessorWerner Böge from the Faculty of Mathematics at the Uni versity of Heidelberg. Through lack of time many of his ideas have not been taken into consideration but I hope to do so in a future paper. The first chapter should be considered as a short introduction to pref erence orderings and to the notion of a utility theory proposed by Dana Scott and Patrick Suppes. In the second chapter I discuss in some detail various problems of ordinal utility theory. Except when introducing non-standard models of the reals no use is made of concepts of model theory. This is done in deference to those readers who do not wish to be troubled by formal languages and model theory.
- Published
- 2012
15. Humanities Data in R : Exploring Networks, Geospatial Data, Images, and Text
- Author
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Taylor Arnold, Lauren Tilton, Taylor Arnold, and Lauren Tilton
- Subjects
- Mathematical statistics—Data processing, Digital humanities, Sociology—Methodology, Computational linguistics, Anthropology
- Abstract
This book teaches readers to integrate data analysis techniques into humanities research practices using the R programming language. Methods for general-purpose visualization and analysis are introduced first, followed by domain-specific techniques for working with networks, text, geospatial data, temporal data, and images. The book is designed to be a bridge between quantitative and qualitative methods, individual and collaborative work, and the humanities and social sciences. The second edition of the text is a significant revision, with almost every aspect of the text rewritten in some way. The most notable difference is the incorporation of new R packages such as ggplot2 and dplyr that center broad data-science concepts. This 2nd edition of Humanities Data with R does not presuppose background programming experience. Early chapters take readers from R set-up to exploratory data analysis, with one chapter dedicated to each stage of the data-science pipeline (data collection, visualization, manipulation, and relational joins). Following this, text analysis, networks, temporal data, geospatial data, and image analysis each have a dedicated chapter. These are grounded in examples to move readers beyond the intimidation of adding new tools to their research. The final section of the book extends the core material with additional computer science techniques for processing large datasets. Everything is hands-on: image analysis is explained using digitized photographs from the 1930s, and networks are applied to page links on Wikipedia. After working through these examples with the provided data, code and book website, readers are prepared to apply new methods to their own work. The open source R programming language, with its myriad packages and popularity within the sciences and social sciences, is particularly well-suited to working with humanities data. R packages are also highlighted in an appendix. The methodology will have wide application in classrooms and self-study for the humanities, but also for use in linguistics, anthropology, and political science. Outside the classroom, this intersection of humanities and computing is particularly relevant for research and new modes of dissemination across archives, museums and libraries.
- Published
- 2024
16. Diagnosis in Social Fields and Networks : Theories and Practice in Complex Social Contexts
- Author
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Sotirios Chtouris, DeMond S. Miller, Sotirios Chtouris, and DeMond S. Miller
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- Sociology—Methodology, Social medicine, Clinical psychology, Culture, Social policy
- Abstract
Containing a novel compilation of theoretical and methodological approaches, this textbook lays out the most relevant foundations of clinical sociology. Relying heavily on well-recognized medical models and concepts to help communicate ideas (e.g. treatment, diagnosis, clinical, cure), the methods of social diagnosis and social therapy presented in this book will help in better and socially informed protection of vulnerable individuals and citizens as well as an informed design of protection policies for macro, meso and micro levels of society. The book explains that many problems, perceived as economic, psychological-individual, and political, are rooted in social functions and structures of the wider society, and how these social structures and functions interact in everyday life. Through the application of the theoretical and methodological approaches in case studies on recent issues, such as the Covid pandemic, or the Hurricane Katrina disaster, the book will allow readers to easily cope with the complexity of clinical sociology and to develop clinical competencies and pertinent training. This renders the book not only highly useful for advanced undergraduate and graduate students of clinical and applied sociology but also for the preparation of courses for theoretically informed practitioners who are keen to work by defining learning objectives and learning paths.
- Published
- 2024
17. Research Interviews : A Practical Guide to Qualitative Data Collection with Experts in Political Science
- Author
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Robert Kaiser and Robert Kaiser
- Subjects
- Political science, Comparative government, Sociology—Methodology
- Abstract
The textbook is primarily aimed at students and younger researchers and offers a concise but systematic practical guide to planning and conducting qualitative expert interviews in political science. It provides a methodologically sound and application- or problem-oriented approach to this form of independent qualitative data collection. The English translation of this book, originally in German, was facilitated by artificial intelligence. The content was later revised by the author for accuracy and adapted to an international readership.
- Published
- 2024
18. Proceedings of the 2023 International Conference of The Computational Social Science Society of the Americas
- Author
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Zining Yang, Caroline Krejci, Zining Yang, and Caroline Krejci
- Subjects
- System theory, Social sciences—Data processing, Schools of economics, Mathematics—Data processing, Sociology—Methodology
- Abstract
This book contains a selection of the latest research in the field of Computational Social Science (CSS) methods, uses, and results, as presented at the 2023 annual conference of the Computational Social Science Society of the Americas (CSSSA). This conference is held in Santa Fe, New Mexico, November 2–5, 2023. CSS is the science that investigates social and behavioral dynamics through social simulation, social network analysis, and social media analysis. The CSSSA is a professional society that aims to advance the field of computational social science in all areas, including basic and applied orientations, by holding conferences and workshops, promoting standards of scientific excellence in research and teaching, and publishing research findings and results.
- Published
- 2024
19. Researching Central Asia : Navigating Positionality in the Field
- Author
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Jasmin Dall'Agnola, Aijan Sharshenova, Jasmin Dall'Agnola, and Aijan Sharshenova
- Subjects
- Political science, Sociology—Methodology, Ethnology, Asia—Politics and government
- Abstract
This open access book explores some of the struggles and challenges that researchers and practitioners face when conducting research in the Central Asian research setting. Written for scholars still in the planning stages of their research, it addresses key questions, including: How shall we problematize and reconceptualize the concept of positionality through lenses of local voices from the region? How does practitioners'and scholars'positionality contribute to their experiences of inclusion, exclusion, and access to the field? How do scholars navigate issues of personal safety and mental well-being in the more closely monitored societies of Central Asia? The book includes contributors from both Central Asia and Western countries, paying particular attention to the ways researchers'subjectivity shape how they are received in the region, which, in turn, influences how they write about and disseminate their research. In featuring an even greater variety of voices, this book fills an important gap in the literature on field research and knowledge production in and on Central Asia.
- Published
- 2024
20. Biographical Perspectives on Lives Lived During Covid-19 : Global Narratives and International Methodological Innovations
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Lisa Moran, Zeta Dooly, Lisa Moran, and Zeta Dooly
- Subjects
- Sociology—Biographical methods, Sociology, Sociology—Methodology, Prose literature, Ethnology
- Abstract
This volume elucidates international biographical and narrative perspectives on how COVID-19 influenced people's daily lives across different countries and contexts. It draws together global interdisciplinary scholarly contributions and conceptualizes the lived life as a complex, multilayered and multidimensional phenomenon that is constantly unfolding both in and across time. Significantly, this volume focuses on seldom-heard groups including persons diagnosed with HIV, COVID-19 dissenters, prisoners, essential workers, waste pickers, refugees and migrants. The chapters focus on the pandemic's multifarious impacts on people's lived realities in personal and professional domains, exploring the complexity of people's relationships with family, friends, interactions with colleagues and students and the centrality of emotions, to everyday human experiences, including grief, loss and loneliness as well as moments of joy and processes of personal renewal. This volume explores innovative questions, issues and challenges on the development and utilization of rich, biographical narrative methodologies during COVID-19, addressing important issues like power and voice, and pragmatic questions of how to do biographic research whilst socially distant. Contributions to this work illuminate the multidimensionality of human experiences, adaptability to adverse circumstances and the complexity of working through unanticipated global events whilst reimagining novel social futures.
- Published
- 2024
21. Complex Networks XV : Proceedings of the 15th Conference on Complex Networks, CompleNet 2024
- Author
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Federico Botta, Mariana Macedo, Hugo Barbosa, Ronaldo Menezes, Federico Botta, Mariana Macedo, Hugo Barbosa, and Ronaldo Menezes
- Subjects
- Graph theory, Sociology—Methodology, System theory, Computational intelligence
- Abstract
The International Conference on Complex Networks (CompleNet) brings together researchers and practitioners from diverse disciplines working on areas related to complex networks. CompleNet has been an active conference since 2009. Over the past two decades, we have witnessed an exponential increase in the number of publications and research centres dedicated to this field of Complex Networks (aka Network Science). From biological systems to computer science, from technical to informational networks, and from economic to social systems, complex networks are becoming pervasive for dozens of applications. It is the interdisciplinary nature of complex networks that CompleNet aims to capture and celebrate. The CompleNet conference is one of the most cherished events by scientists in our field. Maybe it is because of its motivating format, consisting of plenary sessions (no parallel sessions); or perhaps the reason is that it finds the perfect balance between young and senior participation, a balance in the demographics of the presenters, or perhaps it is just the quality of the work presented.
- Published
- 2024
22. Experimentation in Software Engineering
- Author
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Claes Wohlin, Per Runeson, Martin Höst, Magnus C. Ohlsson, Björn Regnell, Anders Wesslén, Claes Wohlin, Per Runeson, Martin Höst, Magnus C. Ohlsson, Björn Regnell, and Anders Wesslén
- Subjects
- Software engineering, Sociology—Methodology
- Abstract
This textbook, which has become the leading source for empirical software engineering research through its earlier editions, provides an in-depth introduction to experimentation in software engineering. The focus is on the steps to go through when conducting experiments. It also introduces a structure for selecting a research design and an introduction to systematic literature reviews, surveys, and case study research. Experiments are valuable tools for all software engineers who evaluate and choose between different solutions, methods, techniques, languages, and tools. The book has three main parts. Part I introduces empirical research through a structure for selecting a research design and explains several essential areas related to empirical research. Moreover, it provides introductions to systematic literature reviews, experiments, surveys, and case studies. Part II devotes one chapter to each of the five experiment steps: scoping, planning, execution, analysis, and result presentation. Part III completes the presentation with two examples. Assignments and statistical material are provided in appendices. The book provides indispensable information regarding empirical studies, particularly for experiments, but also for systematic literature studies, surveys, and case studies. This new edition comprises substantial new material. This includes a chapter on selecting a research design, which helps put experimentation into a broader context of other research approaches. Furthermore, a new chapter on survey research has been added. Novel contributions concerning A/B testing, replications, open science, validity threats, paired comparison design and tools for statistical analysis have been added. Moreover, systematic literature studies, experiments, and case study research descriptions have been consolidated. The book has also been updated based on the evolution of software engineering since the previous edition's publication. The book is intended for students, teachers, researchers, and practitioners who would like to compare different options, for example, feature designs, or different development methods, techniques, languages, or tools. Teachers can use the book for undergraduate or graduate students; the book can be used as a course book on experimentation and empirical studies in general. Researchers will also benefit from the book by learning more about how to conduct empirical studies. Likewise, practitioners may use it as a “cookbook” when evaluating different solutions, alternatively for evaluating new methods or techniques before implementing them in their organisation.
- Published
- 2024
23. Complex Social Systems in Dynamic Environments : Advanced Theories, Innovative Methods, and Interdisciplinary Research Results
- Author
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Svetlana G. Maximova and Svetlana G. Maximova
- Subjects
- Dynamics, Nonlinear theories, Sociology—Methodology, System theory
- Abstract
This edited book considers social systems as self-organizing structures that reproduce new structural elements endowed with certain functional connections. The authors analyze innovative processes in social systems, leading to the sustainable convergence of knowledge and the emergence of technologies that improve the level of material well-being in society. The book summarizes research results in the field of digitalization and reveals deep connections with social problems. In addition, the book presents a whole array of innovative research on social systems management and the application of knowledge and intelligence to the solution of social problems. The contributing scholars and practitioners reflect on various types of social systems and assess the influence of disruptive factors from natural and coupled human-natural environments, discussing possible mechanisms for their neutralization. Sustainable development of social systems is among the most important tasks facingthe contemporary world. The contributed book highlights challenges to the sustainability of social systems, draws sociotechnical images of the future world order generated by the rapid development of intellectual technologies, and critically analyzes promising concepts for more sustainable social future. Among the discussed topics in the book are social governance, digital economy, technological landscapes, social systems modeling and simulation, cyber-social systems, knowledge-based innovation systems, complex processes in social systems, institutional arrangements, and other advancing research areas. The high-quality and original studies presented in the book appeal to those interested in broadening their perspectives on complexity science, complex social systems research, complex systems management, advanced technological development in social systems, etc. Since the book is rich with well-thought theories, advanced research approaches, and interdisciplinary research results, it becomes a great source of new ideas and insights on complex social systems.
- Published
- 2023
24. Social Science Data Analysis : An Introduction
- Author
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Florian G. Hartmann, Johannes Kopp, Daniel Lois, Florian G. Hartmann, Johannes Kopp, and Daniel Lois
- Subjects
- Sociology—Methodology, Mass media
- Abstract
In this book, basic statistical knowledge is conveyed in an understandable and application-oriented manner. The readers should be enabled to carry out their own empirical evaluations and to understand or critically reflect on existing analyses.The third edition is extended by a detailed chapter on the logic of significance tests.A replication syntax for the statistical program Stata is provided online as supplementary material.
- Published
- 2023
25. Temporal Network Theory
- Author
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Petter Holme, Jari Saramäki, Petter Holme, and Jari Saramäki
- Subjects
- Graph theory, Sociology—Methodology, Dynamics, Nonlinear theories, System theory
- Abstract
This book focuses on the theoretical side of temporal network research and gives an overview of the state of the art in the field. Curated by two pioneers in the field who have helped to shape it, the book contains contributions from many leading researchers. Temporal networks fill the border area between network science and time-series analysis and are relevant for epidemic modeling, optimization of transportation and logistics, as well as understanding biological phenomena. Over the past 20 years, network theory has proven to be one of the most powerful tools for studying and analyzing complex systems. Temporal network theory is perhaps the most recent significant development in the field in recent years, with direct applications to many of the “big data” sets. This book appeals to students, researchers, and professionals interested in theory and temporal networks—a field that has grown tremendously over the last decade. This second edition of Temporal NetworkTheory extends the first with three chapters highlighting recent developments in the interface with machine learning.
- Published
- 2023
26. Improving the Evaluation of Scholarly Work : The Application of Service Theory
- Author
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Evert Gummesson, Montserrat Díaz-Méndez, Michael Saren, Evert Gummesson, Montserrat Díaz-Méndez, and Michael Saren
- Subjects
- Operations research, Education—Research, Education, Higher, Sociology—Methodology, Industries
- Abstract
This book aims to stimulate debate in the growing and highly controversial area of measuring scholarly work. The authors examine key aspects of this topic through the lens of the latest theoretical developments in service science and associated fields. It includes chapters explaining the theoretical developments and methodological aspects of measuring the quality of academic teaching and research, while other chapters provide a review and analysis of various types of scholarly work metrics and processes with examples from several countries, cultures, and educational systems. The current growing concern about higher education (HE) quality has prompted institutions to divide university teachers'work into different areas and to design methods aimed at measuring the productivity of these areas. It is widely accepted that the need to evaluate HE service quality is a relevant issue for any society. However, the authors argue that most of the current practices used in the pursuit of this objective are jeopardizing the future of the university as a place of knowledge generation, science evolution and professional education.
- Published
- 2022
27. Empirical Social Research : An Introduction
- Author
-
Michael Häder and Michael Häder
- Subjects
- Biotechnology, Psychology—Methodology, Statistics, Education—Research, Sociology—Methodology
- Abstract
Social science methods such as surveys, observations and content analyses are used in market research, studies of contemporary history, urban planning and communication research. They are all the more needed by sociologists and empirically working political scientists. Whether in the context of evaluating a prevention programme or for surveying health behaviour or for a study on social mobility, the confident handling of the social science instruments is always a prerequisite for obtaining reliable results. This book provides important information for users and developers of these instruments. It deals with the theoretical foundations of the methods, the steps in the conception and implementation of a project, the many variants of data collection, the methods to be used in the selection of study units, as well as the principles to be observed in the evaluation and documentation of the findings. With the help of numerous examples, a particularly clear presentation is achieved. In the fourth, updated edition, river sampling has now been included in the selection process, digital methods are increasingly presented and, against the background of the new data protection regulation, research ethics and data protection are also updated.
- Published
- 2022
28. Navigating the Field : Postgraduate Experiences in Social Research
- Author
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Mildred Oiza Ajebon, Yim Ming Connie Kwong, Diego Astorga de Ita, Mildred Oiza Ajebon, Yim Ming Connie Kwong, and Diego Astorga de Ita
- Subjects
- Human geography, Sociology—Methodology, Science—Moral and ethical aspects
- Abstract
This volume is a collation of postgraduate fieldwork experiences in social research that provides a platform for early career researchers (ECRs) to be open about the hidden labour of doing postgraduate fieldwork. This book documents diverse fieldwork experiences, gathering critical reflections on ‘the field'from a wide range of ECRs. The issues presented here go from the process of identifying the field to navigating life in (and after) it, including things that happen in-between. This text shows a different set of methodological considerations in relation to access, ethics, identity, positionality, power and practices, highlighting how ECRs'fieldwork experiences may help broaden traditional frameworks of research. Exploring how postgraduate researchers make sense of these issues and what kind of decisions they make in specific circumstances helps to reveal broader concerns, institutional practices and constraints. Through these reflections, this book makes an important point that there is a need for researchers to document the ‘real story'behind fieldwork. The honesty and openness of contributors in this volume are positive steps towards fostering a research culture where reflections upon weaknesses and failures are as welcome as presentations of successful fieldwork techniques and methods.The fact that this book is written and edited by ECRs, the topics it presents — both emerging and long-debated but still relevant — and the broad range of approaches make this text unique. We hope these points will make this work useful for researchers of all levels and across disciplines, and that this text will allow the reader to rethink some essential aspects of social research that are often taken for granted. We expect the diverse reflections offered in this book to appeal to researchers across disciplines at different stages of their career and that this will be a useful resource for researchers to map and navigate their own research pathways.
- Published
- 2021
29. Researching Yugoslavia and Its Aftermath : Sources, Prejudices and Alternative Solutions
- Author
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Branislav Radeljić, Carlos González-Villa, Branislav Radeljić, and Carlos González-Villa
- Subjects
- Russia—History, Europe, Eastern—History, Soviet Union—History, Sociology—Methodology, Peace, Political sociology, Political science
- Abstract
In Researching Yugoslavia and its Aftermath, a common thread is the authors'path through the time and space context in which fieldwork has taken place. Accordingly, this collection tackles problems that have always existed but have not been dealt with in a single volume. In particular, it examines a range of methodological questions arising from the contributors'shared concerns, and thus the obstacles and solutions characterising the relationship between researchers and their objects of study. Being an interdisciplinary project, this book brings together highly regarded historians, sociologists, anthropologists, political scientists, cultural and social theorists, as well as experts in architecture and communication studies. They share a belief that the awareness of the researcher's own position in fieldwork is a precondition of utmost significance to comprehend the evolution of objects of study, and hence to ensure transparency and ultimate credibility of the findings. Moreover, the contributors come from diverse backgrounds, including authors from the former Yugoslavia and others who have made their way to the region after starting their research careers; some from universities in the area, others from institutions in the Global North. Here, they explore cross-cutting issues such as the repercussions of gender, nationality, institutional affiliation and the consequences of their entry into the field. This is examined in terms of the results of the research and the ethical aspect of the relationship with the object of study, as well as the implications of the chosen time framework in the methodological design and the clash between this decision and the interests of the actors studied.
- Published
- 2021
30. Advances in Longitudinal HCI Research
- Author
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Evangelos Karapanos, Jens Gerken, Jesper Kjeldskov, Mikael B. Skov, Evangelos Karapanos, Jens Gerken, Jesper Kjeldskov, and Mikael B. Skov
- Subjects
- User interfaces (Computer systems), Human-computer interaction, Mobile computing, Sociology—Methodology, Application software
- Abstract
Longitudinal studies have traditionally been seen as too cumbersome and labor-intensive to be of much use in research on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). However, recent trends in market, legislation, and the research questions we address, have highlighted the importance of studying prolonged use, while technology itself has made longitudinal research more accessible to researchers across different application domains. Aimed as an educational resource for graduate students and researchers in HCI, this book brings together a collection of chapters, addressing theoretical and methodological considerations, and presenting case studies of longitudinal HCI research. Among others, the authors:discuss the theoretical underpinnings of longitudinal HCI research, such as when a longitudinal study is appropriate, what research questions can be addressed and what challenges are entailed in different longitudinal research designsreflect on methodological challenges in longitudinal data collection and analysis, such as how to maintain participant adherence and data reliability when employing the Experience Sampling Method in longitudinal settings, or how to cope with data collection fatigue and data safety in applications of autoethnography and autobiographical design, which may span from months to several yearspresent a number of case studies covering different topics of longitudinal HCI research, from “slow technology”, to self-tracking, to mid-air haptic feedback, and crowdsourcing.
- Published
- 2021
31. Abduction in Cognition and Action : Logical Reasoning, Scientific Inquiry, and Social Practice
- Author
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John R. Shook, Sami Paavola, John R. Shook, and Sami Paavola
- Subjects
- Knowledge, Theory of, Cognitive psychology, Artificial intelligence, Sociology—Methodology
- Abstract
This book gathers together novel essays on the state-of-the-art research into the logic and practice of abduction. In many ways, abduction has become established and essential to several fields, such as logic, cognitive science, artificial intelligence, philosophy of science, and methodology. In recent years this interest in abduction's many aspects and functions has accelerated. There are evidently several different interpretations and uses for abduction. Many fundamental questions on abduction remain open. How is abduction manifested in human cognition and intelligence? What kinds or types of abduction can be discerned? What is the role for abduction in inquiry and mathematical discovery? The chapters aim at providing answer to these and other current questions. Their contributors have been at the forefront of discussions on abduction, and offer here their updated approaches to the issues that they consider central to abduction's contemporary relevance. The book is an essential reading for any scholar or professional keeping up with disciplines impacted by the study of abductive reasoning, and its novel development and applications in various fields.
- Published
- 2021
32. Computational Frameworks for Political and Social Research with Python
- Author
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Josh Cutler, Matt Dickenson, Josh Cutler, and Matt Dickenson
- Subjects
- Social sciences—Statistical methods, Political science, Sociology—Methodology
- Abstract
This book is intended to serve as the basis for a first course in Python programming for graduate students in political science and related fields. The book introduces core concepts of software development and computer science such as basic data structures (e.g. arrays, lists, dictionaries, trees, graphs), algorithms (e.g. sorting), and analysis of computational efficiency. It then demonstrates how to apply these concepts to the field of political science by working with structured and unstructured data, querying databases, and interacting with application programming interfaces (APIs). Students will learn how to collect, manipulate, and exploit large volumes of available data and apply them to political and social research questions. They will also learn best practices from the field of software development such as version control and object-oriented programming. Instructors will be supplied with in-class example code, suggested homework assignments (with solutions), and material for practical lab sessions.
- Published
- 2020
33. Internet Communication Technology (ICT) for Reconciliation : Applied Phronesis Netnography in Internet Research Methodologies
- Author
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Iyad Muhsen AlDajani and Iyad Muhsen AlDajani
- Subjects
- System theory, Application software, Sociology—Methodology, Peace
- Abstract
The book explores Applied Phronesis in internet communication technology and Netnography application, introducing it on Facebook and YouTube usages. It defines two pillars for the research dynamics, “Episteme” and “Techne.” – the know-how, how-to, and the power dynamics. The “Episteme” explores the dynamics of reconciliation in the middle of conflict, Internet communication technologies for transformation, Moderation in Islam, online Deliberative Democracy.The second pillar, “Techne,” is explored through Internet communication technology for the advancement of reconciliation in the middle of a conflict.The book describes the Phronetic Approach in internet research in academic discourse adopting Phronesis “an Aristotelian concept and method defined by Bent Flyvbjerg,” and exploring Netnography for Kozinets, in Mixed-Method research design and applying methodological triangulation in research and testing the hypothesis using qualitative content analysis for Krippendorff, developing a methodological discourse for interdisciplinary research using internet communication technologies as part of understanding big-date, introducing Applied Digital Humanities.
- Published
- 2020
34. Proceedings of the 2018 Conference of the Computational Social Science Society of the Americas
- Author
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Ted Carmichael, Zining Yang, Ted Carmichael, and Zining Yang
- Subjects
- System theory, Sociology—Methodology, Social sciences—Data processing, Mathematics—Data processing
- Abstract
This book contains a selection of the latest research in the field of Computational Social Science (CSS) methods, uses, and results, as presented at the 2018 annual conference of the CSSSA. This conference was held in Santa Fe, New Mexico, October 25 – 28, 2018, at the Drury Plaza Hotel. CSS investigates social and behavioral dynamics in both nature and society, through computer simulation, network analysis, and the science of complex systems. The Computational Social Science Society of the Americas (CSSSA) is a professional society that aims to advance the field of CSS in all its areas, from fundamental principles to real-world applications, by holding conferences and workshops, promoting standards of scientific excellence in research and teaching, and publishing novel research findings. What follows is a diverse representation of new approaches and research findings, using the tools of CSS and Agent-Based Modeling (ABM) in exploring complex phenomena across manydifferent domains. Readers will not only have the methods and results of these specific projects on which to build, but will also gain a greater appreciation for the broad scope of CSS, and have a wealth of case-study examples that can serve as meaningful exemplars for new research projects and activities. This book, we hope, will appeal to any researchers and students working in the social sciences, broadly defined, who aim to better understand and apply the concepts of Complex Adaptive Systems to their work.
- Published
- 2020
35. In Sync : The Emergence of Function in Minds, Groups and Societies
- Author
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Andrzej K. Nowak, Robin R. Vallacher, Ryszard Praszkier, Agnieszka Rychwalska, Michal Zochowski, Andrzej K. Nowak, Robin R. Vallacher, Ryszard Praszkier, Agnieszka Rychwalska, and Michal Zochowski
- Subjects
- Sociology—Methodology, Cognitive psychology, Dynamics, Nonlinear theories, Social sciences—Philosophy
- Abstract
This book introduces the reader to the concept of functional synchronization and how it operates on very different levels in psychological and social systems – from the emergence of thought to the formation of social relations and the structure of societies. For years, psychologists have investigated phenomena such as self-concept, social judgment, social relations, group dynamics, and cooperation and conflict, but have discussed these phenomena seoarately.This book shows how synchronization provides a foundational approach to these otherwise distinct and diverse psychological processes.This work shows that there is a basic tendency with many processes to become coordinated and progressively integrated into increasingly larger units through well-defined processes. For these larger units, new and largely adaptive functions emerge. Although synchronization affords progressive integration of system elements to enable correspondingly higher-order functions, the trajectory of synchronization is often characterized by periods of assembly and disassembly of system elements. This occurs when a task is completed and synchronization is no longer essential so that the elements once again operate in an independent fashion. It is argued that the disassembly-resynchronization scenario occurs at all levels of psychological and social reality. The implications of this approach for important issues in interpersonal relations and societal processes are discussed.
- Published
- 2020
36. Rescheduling Under Disruptions in Manufacturing Systems : Models and Algorithms
- Author
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Dujuan Wang, Yunqiang Yin, Yaochu Jin, Dujuan Wang, Yunqiang Yin, and Yaochu Jin
- Subjects
- Econometrics, Sociology—Methodology
- Abstract
This book provides an introduction to the models, methods, and results of some rescheduling problems in the presence of unexpected disruption events, including job unavailability, arrival of new jobs, and machine breakdown. The occurrence of these unexpected disruptions may cause a change in the planned schedule, which may render the originally feasible schedule infeasible. Rescheduling, which involves adjusting the original schedule to account for a disruption, is necessary in order to minimize the effects of the disruption on the performance of the system. This involves a trade-off between finding a cost-effective new schedule and avoiding excessive changes to the original schedule. This book views scheduling theory as practical theory, and it has made sure to emphasize the practical aspects of its topic coverage. Thus, this book considers some scenarios existing in most real-world environments, such as preventive machine maintenance, and deteriorating effect where the actual processing time of a job gets longer along with machine's usage and age. To alleviate the effect of disruption events, some flexible strategies are adopted, including allocation extra resources to reduce job processing times or rejection the production of some jobs. For each considered scenario, depending on the model settings and on the disruption events, this book addresses the complexity, and the design of efficient exact or approximated algorithms. Especially when optimization methods and analytic tools fall short, this book stresses metaheuristics including improved elitist non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm and differential evolution algorithm. This book also provides extensive numerical studies to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithms. The problem of rescheduling in the presence of unexpected disruption events is of great importance for the successful implementation of real-world scheduling systems. There is now an astounding body of knowledge in this field. This book is the first monograph on rescheduling. It aims at introducing the author's research achievements in rescheduling. It is written for researchers and Ph.D. students working in scheduling theory and other members of scientific community who are interested in recent scheduling models. Our goal is to enable the reader to know about some new achievements on this topic.
- Published
- 2020
37. Target in Control : Social Influence As Distributed Information Processing
- Author
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Andrzej K. Nowak, Robin R. Vallacher, Agnieszka Rychwalska, Magdalena Roszczyńska-Kurasińska, Karolina Ziembowicz, Mikolaj Biesaga, Marta Kacprzyk-Murawska, Andrzej K. Nowak, Robin R. Vallacher, Agnieszka Rychwalska, Magdalena Roszczyńska-Kurasińska, Karolina Ziembowicz, Mikolaj Biesaga, and Marta Kacprzyk-Murawska
- Subjects
- Personality, Difference (Psychology), Sociology—Methodology, Psychobiology, Human behavior, Experimental economics, Social sciences—Data processing
- Abstract
This concise monograph introduces and examines social influence from the perspective of the so-called target, rather than from the source, thus providing for the first time a bidirectional account of this pervasive social phenomenon, further bridging simple micro-level dyadic interaction rules with macro-level properties of the (social) system. This integrative approach allows for advanced models of influence to be developed in both the social and natural sciences (e.g. social animals). In particular, when used to investigate emergent properties of social change, this approach shows that social transitions occur as “bubbles of new” in the “sea of old.” While in the traditional view influence is synonymous with achieving power and control over others, the present approach to social influence puts the emphasis on the target's motives and strategies. Here, the target may actively seek out influence to help forge opinions and achieve guidance regarding courses of action. In this process, the target observes others, models their thought and behavior, and asks for information and opinions. In this broadened perspective, the processes of social influence enables those being influenced (the targets) to use the knowledge and processing capacity of influence sources to maximize their access to information, minimize their processing effort, while optimizing their own functioning and that of the social system in which they evolve. This short text addresses above all scientists interested in social influence in the fields of psychology, sociology, economy, marketing, and biology. However, also researchers interested in modeling social processes, especially opinion dynamics and social change, such as computer scientists, physicists and applied mathematicians will benefit from the insights provided.
- Published
- 2020
38. Distant Connections: The Memory Basis of Creative Analogy
- Author
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Máximo Trench, Ricardo A. Minervino, Máximo Trench, and Ricardo A. Minervino
- Subjects
- Cognitive psychology, Philosophy of mind, Artificial intelligence, Sociology—Methodology, Psychology, Experimental, Neural networks (Computer science)
- Abstract
Analogical thinking lies at the core of human cognition, pervading from the most mundane to the most extraordinary forms of creativity. By connecting poorly understood phenomena to learned situations whose structure is well articulated, it allows reasoners to expand the boundaries of their knowledge. The first part of the book begins by fleshing out the debate around whether our cognitive system is well-suited for creative analogizing, and ends by reviewing a series of studies that were designed to decide between the experimental and the naturalistic accounts. The studies confirm the psychological reality of the surface bias revealed by most experimental studies, thus claiming for realistic solutions to the problem of inert knowledge. The second part of the book delves into cognitive interventions, while maintaining an emphasis on the interplay between psychological modeling and instructional applications. It begins by reviewing the first generation of instructional interventions aimed at improving the later retrievability of educational contents by highlighting their abstract structure. Subsequent chapters discuss the most realistic avenues for devising easily-executable and widely-applicable ways of enhancing access to stored knowledge that would otherwise remain inert. The authors review results from studies from both others and their own lab that speak of the promise of these approaches.
- Published
- 2020
39. Fashion Recommender Systems
- Author
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Nima Dokoohaki and Nima Dokoohaki
- Subjects
- Graph theory, Data mining, Sociology—Methodology, Signal processing
- Abstract
This book includes the proceedings of the first workshop on Recommender Systems in Fashion 2019. It presents a state of the art view of the advancements within the field of recommendation systems with focused application to e-commerce, retail and fashion. The volume covers contributions from academic as well as industrial researchers active within this emerging new field.Recommender Systems are often used to solve different complex problems in this scenario, such as social fashion-based recommendations (outfits inspired by influencers), product recommendations, or size and fit recommendations. The impact of social networks and the influence that fashion influencers have on the choices people make for shopping is undeniable. For instance, many people use Instagram to learn about fashion trends from top influencers, which helps them to buy similar or even exact outfits from the tagged brands in the post. When traced, customers'social behavior can be avery useful guide for online shopping websites, providing insights on the styles the customers are really interested in, and hence aiding the online shops in offering better recommendations and facilitating customers quest for outfits. Another well known difficulty with recommendation of similar items is the large quantities of clothing items which can be considered similar, but belong to different brands. Relying only on implicit customer behavioral data will not be sufficient in the coming future to distinguish between for recommendation that will lead to an item being purchased and kept, vs. a recommendation that might result in either the customer not following it, or eventually return the item. Finding the right size and fit for clothes is one of the major factors not only impacting customers purchase decision, but also their satisfaction from e-commerce fashion platforms. Moreover, fashion articles have important sizing variations. Finally, customer preferences towards perceived article size and fit for their body remain highly personal and subjective which influences the definition of the right size for each customer.The combination of the above factors leaves the customers alone to face a highly challenging problem of determining the right size and fit during their purchase journey, which in turn has resulted in having more than one third of apparel returns to be caused by not ordering the right article size. This challenge presents a huge opportunity for research in intelligent size and fit recommendation systems and machine learning solutions with direct impact on both customer satisfaction and business profitability.
- Published
- 2020
40. The Eastern Train on the Western Track : An Australian Case of Chinese Doctoral Students’ Adaptation
- Author
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Xing Xu, Helena Hing Wa Sit, Shen Chen, Xing Xu, Helena Hing Wa Sit, and Shen Chen
- Subjects
- Educational sociology, Ethnology, Sociology—Methodology
- Abstract
This book makes valuable theoretical, empirical, and methodological contributions to the study of overseas doctoral students'cross-cultural adaptation. Focusing on Australia, one of the top three destinations for Chinese students, this book seeks to understand how Chinese doctoral students perceive their lived experience of adapting to the academic and research environment at Australian universities. The book presents an innovative data collection chiefly based on interviews. It probes into Chinese doctoral students'emic perception of their cross-cultural adaptation from a human development perspective and in three main phrases: how motivated and prepared they are for their overseas stay (planning), how they experience their adaptation as active agents (implementing), and how they evaluate their overseas doctoral journey after the fact (reflecting). Empirically speaking, its findings can help bolster the effectiveness of cross-cultural adaptation and that of the internationalisation of doctoral education. Methodologically speaking, it combines popular techniques and underused instruments such as graphics and maps to offer an in-depth portrait of the issue. Given its content, the book is primarily intended for researchers in cultural studies and practitioners in international education, or in a broader sense for anyone who has a keen interest in how individuals navigate the learning trajectory and construe meanings in unfamiliar academic and socio-cultural settings. Though the book focuses on Australia as a case study, its findings are equally applicable to other contexts.
- Published
- 2020
41. Complex Networks XI : Proceedings of the 11th Conference on Complex Networks CompleNet 2020
- Author
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Hugo Barbosa, Jesus Gomez-Gardenes, Bruno Gonçalves, Giuseppe Mangioni, Ronaldo Menezes, Marcos Oliveira, Hugo Barbosa, Jesus Gomez-Gardenes, Bruno Gonçalves, Giuseppe Mangioni, Ronaldo Menezes, and Marcos Oliveira
- Subjects
- Graph theory, Sociology—Methodology, Computational intelligence, Dynamics, Nonlinear theories
- Abstract
This book aims to bring together researchers and practitioners from diverse disciplines—from sociology, biology, physics, and computer science—who share a passion to better understand the interdependencies within and across systems. This volume contains contributions presented at the 11th International Conference on Complex Networks (CompleNet) in Exeter, United Kingdom, 31 March - 3 April 2020. CompleNet is a venue for discussing ideas and findings about all types of networks, from biological, to technological, to informational and social. It is this interdisciplinary nature of complex networks that CompleNet aims to explore and celebrate.
- Published
- 2020
42. Computational Methods to Examine Team Communication : When and How to Change the Conversation
- Author
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Sara McComb, Deanna Kennedy, Sara McComb, and Deanna Kennedy
- Subjects
- Mathematics, Social sciences, Sociology—Methodology, Project management, Industrial organization
- Abstract
The primary focus of this book is an examination of longitudinal team communication and its impact on team performance. This theoretically-grounded, holistic examination of team communication includes cross-condition comparisons of team (i.e., distributed/in person, unrestricted/time pressured, two performance episodes) and employs multiple quantitative methodological approaches to examine the phenomena of interest. This book simultaneously provides practical content for researchers and practitioners in the social sciences and humanities. Included are step-by-step instructions for the methodologies employed, and distillations of findings via Managerial Minutes that highlight best practices and/or examples to help enhance team communication in practice.
- Published
- 2020
43. Methodological Prospects for Scientific Research : From Pragmatism to Pluralism
- Author
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Wenceslao J. Gonzalez and Wenceslao J. Gonzalez
- Subjects
- Science—Philosophy, Sociology—Methodology, Social sciences, Humanities
- Abstract
This book highlights the existence of a diversity of methods in science, in general, in groups of sciences (natural, social or the artificial), and in individual sciences. This methodological variety is open to a number of consequences, such as the differences in the research according to levels of reality (micro, meso and macro), which leads to multi-scale modelling and to questioning “fundamental” parts in the sciences, understood as the necessary support for the whole discipline. In addition, this volume acknowledges the need to assess the efficacy of procedures and methods of scientific activity in engendering high quality results in research made; the relevance of contextual factors for methodology of science; the existence of a plurality of stratagems when doing research in empirical sciences (natural, social and of the artificial); and the need for an ethical component while developing scientific methods, because values should have a role in scientific research. The book is of interest to a broad audience of philosophers, academics in various fields, graduate students and research centers interested in methodology of science.
- Published
- 2020
44. Empirical Investigations of Social Space
- Author
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Jörg Blasius, Frédéric Lebaron, Brigitte Le Roux, Andreas Schmitz, Jörg Blasius, Frédéric Lebaron, Brigitte Le Roux, and Andreas Schmitz
- Subjects
- Social sciences—Statistical methods, Sociology—Methodology
- Abstract
This book provides an in-depth view on Bourdieu's empirical work, thereby specially focusing on the construction of the social space and including the concept of the habitus. Themes described in the book include amongst others: • the theory and methodology for the construction of “social spaces”, • the relation between various “fields” and “the field of power”, • formal construction and empirical observation of habitus, • the formation, accumulation, differentiation of and conversion between different forms of capital, • relations in geometric data analysis.The book also includes contributions regarding particular applications of Bourdieu's methodology to traditional andnew areas of research, such as the analysis of institutional, international and transnational fields. It further provides a systematic introduction into the empirical construction of the social space.
- Published
- 2020
45. Earth Systems Data Processing and Visualization Using MATLAB
- Author
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Zekâi Şen and Zekâi Şen
- Subjects
- Physical geography, Software engineering, Environment, Software engineering—Management, Sociology—Methodology
- Abstract
This book is designed to provide easy means of problem solving based on the science philosophical and logical rules that lead to effective and reliable software at the service of professional earth system scientists through numerical scientific computation techniques. Through careful examination of software illuminated by brief scientific explanations given in the book the reader may develop his/her skills of computer program writing.Science aspects that are concerned with earth systems need numerical computation procedures and algorithms of data collected from the field measurements or laboratory records. The same is also valid for data processing in social sciences and economics. Some of the data assessment and processing procedures are at the large scales and complex, and therefore, require effective and efficient computer programs. Data reduction and graphical display in addition to probabilistic and statistical calculations are among the general purposes of the book. Not only students'works but also projects of researchers at universities and tasks of experts in different companies depend on reliable software. Especially, potential users of MATLAB in earth systems need a guidance book that covers a variety of practically applicable software solutions.
- Published
- 2019
46. Interacting Complexities of Herds and Social Organizations : Agent Based Modeling
- Author
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Stanislaw Raczynski and Stanislaw Raczynski
- Subjects
- Sociology—Methodology, Industrial organization, Production management, Computer science, Computers and civilization, Social sciences, Humanities
- Abstract
This book presents examples of and the latest simulation studies on artificial societies and populations, highlighting innovative implementations of various models of artificial societies and populations using a new, C++-related simulation tool. It demonstrates that the prey-predator models—including spatial distribution, moving patterns, limited renewable food, fear, gregarious (herd) instinct, clustering, epidemics, and competition—are more complex than other publications have suggested, and highlights the great discrepancy between agent-based and conventional continuous models. The book also discusses the modeling and simulation of self-organization and interactions between organizations, including terror organizations, offering fascinating insights into organizational dynamics. The book provides a broad range of examples and comparisons with the classical dynamics approach, showing readers how to construct models of complex systems. It starts with descriptions ofthe behavior of interacting individuals and also includes important information on the macro-behavior of the whole system.
- Published
- 2019
47. Integrating Qualitative and Social Science Factors in Archaeological Modelling
- Author
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Mehdi Saqalli, Marc Vander Linden, Mehdi Saqalli, and Marc Vander Linden
- Subjects
- Sociology—Methodology, Computer simulation, Archaeology, System theory, Ethnology
- Abstract
This book covers the methodological, epistemological and practical issues of integrating qualitative and socio-anthropological factors into archaeological modeling. This text fills the gap between conceptual modeling (which usually relies on narratives describing the life of a past community) and formalized/computer-based modeling which are usually environmentally-determined. Methods combining both environmental and social issues through niche and agent-based modeling are presented. These methods help to translate data from paleo-environmental and archaeological society life cycles (such as climate and landscape changes) into the local spatial scale. The epistemological discussions will appeal to readers as well as the resilience socio-anthropological factors provide facing climatic fluctuations. Integrating Qualitative and Social Science Factors in Archaeological Modelling will appeal to students and researchers in the field.
- Published
- 2019
48. Introduction to Interrater Agreement for Nominal Data
- Author
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Roel Popping and Roel Popping
- Subjects
- Social sciences—Statistical methods, Biometry, Sociology—Methodology, Linguistics—Methodology, Statistics
- Abstract
This introductory book enables researchers and students of all backgrounds to compute interrater agreements for nominal data. It presents an overview of available indices, requirements, and steps to be taken in a research project with regard to reliability, preceded by agreement. The book explains the importance of computing the interrater agreement and how to calculate the corresponding indices. Furthermore, it discusses current views on chance expected agreement and problems related to different research situations, so as to help the reader consider what must be taken into account in order to achieve a proper use of the indices.The book offers a practical guide for researchers, Ph.D. and master students, including those without any previous training in statistics (such as in sociology, psychology or medicine), as well as policymakers who have to make decisions based on research outcomes in which these types of indices are used.
- Published
- 2019
49. Going Global Through Social Sciences and Humanities: A Systems and ICT Perspective : Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference “Going Global Through Social Sciences and Humanities”, 27-28 February 2019, Tomsk, Russia
- Author
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Zhanna Anikina and Zhanna Anikina
- Subjects
- Computational intelligence, Sociology—Methodology
- Abstract
This book presents contributions submitted to the 2nd international conference Going Global through Social Sciences and Humanities (GGSSH 2019) held in Tomsk, Russia on 27–28 February 2019. The conference focused on such issues as interdisciplinary pedagogy, language teaching and learning, cultural studies and linguistics, particularly highlighting global academic integration and professional development for research. As such, the event provided a platform for discussions and sharing publication activities, to help Russian academics to take first steps toward global research.Showcasing the ongoing Russian research in focus areas, this book is of interest to a diverse academic audience working in social sciences and humanities, particularly those from the post-Soviet countries.
- Published
- 2019
50. Religious Speciation : How Religions Evolve
- Author
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Ina Wunn, Davina Grojnowski, Ina Wunn, and Davina Grojnowski
- Subjects
- Religion, Ethnology, Sociology—Methodology
- Abstract
This book presents a consecutive story on the evolution of religions. It starts with an analysis of evolution in biology and ends with a discussion of what a proper theory of religious evolution should look like. It discusses such questions as whether it is humankind or religion that evolves, how religions evolve, and what adaptation of religions means. Topics examined include inheritance and heredity, religio-speciation, hybridization, ontogenetics and epigenetics, phylogenetics, and systematics. Calling attention to unsolved problems and relating the evolutionary subject matter to appropriate material, the book integrates and interprets existing data. Based on the belief that an unequivocal stand is more likely to produce constructive criticism than evasion of an issue, the book chooses that interpretation of a controversial matter which seems most consistent with the emerging picture of the evolutionary process. “Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution,” the evolutionary biologist and co-founder of the so-called New Synthesis in Evolutionary Biology, Theodosius Dobszhansky (1900-1975), wrote in his famous essay of 1973, opposing creationism in American society. Today, Dobszhansky's statement is not only fully accepted in biology, but has become the scientific paradigm in disciplines such as psychology, archaeology and the study of religions. Yet in spite of this growing interest in evolutionary processes in religion and culture, the term'evolution'and the capability of an evolutionary account have to date still not been properly understood by scholars of the Humanities. This book closes that gap.
- Published
- 2019
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