Människobilden förändras, men förändras vår metodologi?

A critical step in the translational science of nanomaterials from preclinical animal studies to humans is the comprehensive investigation of their disposition (or ADME) and pharmacokinetic behaviours. Disposition and pharmacokinetic data are ideally collected in different animal species (rodent and nonrodent), at different dose levels, and following multiple administrations. These data are used to assess the systemic exposure and effect to nanomaterials, primary determinants of their potential toxicity and therapeutic efficacy. At toxic doses in animal models, pharmacokinetic (termed toxicokinetic) data are related to toxicologic findings that inform the design of nonclinical toxicity studies and contribute to the determination of the maximum recommended starting dose in clinical phase 1 trials. Nanomaterials present a unique challenge for disposition and pharmacokinetic investigations owing to their prolonged circulation times, nonlinear pharmacokinetic profiles, and their extensive distribution into tissues. Predictive relationships between nanomaterial physicochemical properties and behaviours in vivo are lacking and are confounded by anatomical, physiological, and immunological differences amongst preclinical animal models and humans. These challenges are poorly understood and frequently overlooked by investigators, leading to inaccurate assumptions of disposition, pharmacokinetic, and toxicokinetics profiles across species that can have profoundly detrimental impacts for nonclinical toxicity studies and clinical phase 1 trials. Herein are highlighted two research tools for analysing and interpreting disposition and pharmacokinetic data from multiple species and for extrapolating this data accurately in humans. Empirical methodologies and mechanistic mathematical modelling approaches are discussed with emphasis placed on important considerations and caveats for representing nanomaterials, such as the importance of integrating physiological variables associated with the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS) into extrapolation methods for nanomaterials. The application of these tools will be examined in recent examples of investigational and clinically approved nanomaterials. Finally, strategies for applying these extrapolation tools in a complementary manner to perform dose predictions and in silico toxicity assessments in humans will be explained. A greater familiarity with the available tools and prior experiences of extrapolating nanomaterial disposition and pharmacokinetics from preclinical animal models to humans will hopefully result in a more straightforward roadmap for the clinical translation of promising nanomaterials.

Face of social, economic, environmental challenges and proliferation of multi-crises - a development of social entrepreneurship, involvement and civic activism become very desirable. A need for interactions and cooperation between various groups of actors present in the local spaces is often seen as the contemporary paradigm. The aim of the study is to conceptualize the cooperation process between social enterprises and business. The presented results of empirical research constitute the basis for identifying potential areas of cooperation to increase the potential of social entrepreneurship. The research is based on a case study conducted in a local environment. Theoretical research was conducted using the deductive method. Empirical research methodology was used in the form of interviews and business modeling techniques. The phenomenon of cooperation was explored against the background of opportunities to develop social entrepreneurship, strengthen the potential of cooperating enterprises and achieve benefits for local communities. The result of the research is the discovery of the basic dimensions of practical and effective cooperation between social enterprises and business in the form of an analog-representational model. In the proposed research approach, mutual involvement in joint initiatives based on active involvement, lasting and interactive cooperation and sharing was considered crucial. The research covered the context of creating innovation potential, outsourcing services, implementing the common good and sharing resources. It seems that the presented approach may be universal and can be extrapolated to other regions and cultural contexts.

The use of narrative forms of inquiry for analyzing teaching and teacher thinking has generated almost as much controversy as excitement in the field of education. Methodologies that are common to narrative inquiry have presented a challenge to some of the assumptions inherent to empirical research inquiry. One of the contentions that empiricists typically confront narrative researchers with is the fact that every teacher has a story. In contrast, many believe that story research offers a thick and rich description of the experiences that teachers live in context-specific situations. Such descriptions are thought to play a powerful mediatational role for teachers who engage in active reflection. These descriptions have been credited with guiding practice through the illumination of tacit wisdom and assisting teachers in the generation of practice based theory. Story represents an enormous database from which to develop new understandings about the relationships among phenomena in educational contexts. However, there are several questions that empiricists raise about the utility, authenticity, and claims of veracity of story that beg the question of whether the research community will sanctify story telling work as a viable methodological approach. In this article, we analyze the utility of narrative as a legitimate educational research tool. Tracing the historical development of research paradigmatic models, we provide a comparative description of sociolinguistic (narrative) and empirical research methodologies, discuss the

Practical audit standards are applied in combination with Codes of Ethics (related to internal and external auditing), where competence is considered to be one of the basic requirements to an auditor. The theory of competece-based-strategic management defines competence as: the abillity to sustain the coordinated deployment of resources in ways that helis an organization achieve its goals. According to knowledge management theory, internal and external auditor is supposed to: (1) gain knowledge, necessary to become an auditor, (2) practice in order to gain experience, and (3) be able to put his knowledge and experience in practice. The theoretical research has revealed that audit practice is considered to be a set of methods and measures of audit practice. Audit practice includes planning of audit programs, defining audit selection, work control, methods of exploring and assessing information, documentation, analytic procedures, and firm‘s succession assessment. The article suggests the hypothesis that, presumably, the level of competence directly influences management of audit residual risk level during auditing. In order to reach the aims of the article, the authors employ risk intelligence theory as the basis of the analysis of professional competence of internal and external auditors. The author of risk intelligence theory D. Apgar (2008) notes that it is crucial to classify risk into controllable and uncontrollable ones. These, in turn, require risk intelligence and are closely related to the competences possessed. The classification of competences is based on competence-based-startegic-management theory. The theory of competece-based-strategic management is an integrative strategy theory that incorporates econimic, organizational and behavioural concerns in a framework that is dynamic, systemic, cognitine and holistic (Sanchez and Hesene, 2004). Theoretical research helped systematize competences that are required for the implementation of audit; determine the technique of internal and external audit; and define criteria for competence assessment and the scale of competence assessment. The outcomes of the article include formulation of empirical risk intelligence research methodology for the research of professional competence of internal and external auditors. The related research methodology can be employed in prospective studies for “risk intelligence” surveys with the possibility of applying random sampling. In the case of using such methodology for the study of “risk intelligence“ phenomenon, organisation employees related to audit must be included in the survey in order to identify the problems of a particular organisation.

Background Over the last decades, the neurosciences, behavioral sciences, and the social sciences have all seen a rapid development of innovative research methods. The field of bioethics, however, has trailed behind in methodological innovation. Despite the so-called “empirical turn” in bioethics, research methodology for project development, data collection and analysis, and dissemination has remained largely restricted to surveys, interviews, and research papers. We have previously argued for a “Design Bioethics” approach to empirical bioethics methodology, which develops purpose-built methods for investigation of bioethical concerns. In this paper we compare a research tool created using a design bioethics approach to a “methods-as-usual” approach in empirical bioethics. Methods Our study compared dimensions of engagement with a digital game we created, called “Tracing Tomorrow,” to a standard vignette survey. The two tools investigated the same subject matter, digital phenotyping for mental health, in a sample of 301 UK adolescents. Results Participants who played the game reported a greater sense of presence, emotional engagement, cognitive absorption, and mental health ethics insight, compared to participants who completed the vignette survey. Perceived authenticity and curiosity/motivation to learn more was equivalent for both methods. Conclusion The results of this study highlights the importance of purpose-built methodology for empirical bioethics research.

Fundamentally, feminist use of quantitative methods in economics is barely discernible from nonfeminist use. In this chapter, the author revisits the situation regarding the impact of the feminist challenge on economists’ empirical methodology, on which the author last published an essay 18 years ago. The somewhat discouraging findings of Tejani are tempered by a few developments that spark some hope for more empirical pluralism in the future. In an ideal world, all empirical economists would comfortably utilize a multi-methods framework, in which they would tailor their empirical analyses to the specific problem under consideration from a wide range of possible methodologies. Combine the ongoing low representation of women in the field and disrespect for women in the field, with this disdain regarding learning anything from different perspectives in economics and related professions, and it is natural to be discouraged regarding how the feminist project could have greater effect on the methodologies generally used in empirical economics research.

Part 1 Introduction: advanced manufacturing technologies benefits of AMT traditional investment appraisal investment decisions for AMT outline of the text. Part 2 A review of previous models for the evaluation of investment decisions in AMT: the quantitative approach the qualitative approach the integrated approach discussion and conclusions. Part 3 Empirical research design: a review of previous empirical studies the objectives of the empirical study and research questions research methodology conclusions. Part 4 The cross-sectonal survey of UK investment decision making: summary and analysis of the survey results discussion conclusions. Part 5 The field study of AMT investment decisions in some large UK companies: case 1 - Baby Food Ltd case 2 - Engineering Plc case 3 - Newspapers Plc case 4 - Tobacco Ltd case 5 - Packaging Plc case 6 - Heavy Engineering Plc case 7 -Maritime Ltd discussion and conclusions. Part 6 Fuzzy set theory: chapter preview introduction basics of fuzzy sets mathematics of fuzzy numbers ranking of fuzzy numbers linguistic variables conclusions. Part 7 A fuzzy approach to the evaluation of AMT investment projects: a review of previous studies using fuzzy set theory for the evaluation of capital investment projects a proposed model for AMT investment decisions an illustrative example conclusions. Part 8 Summary and conclusions: a synthesis of previous models the empirical studies an examination of fuzzy set theory the development of an AMT investment decision model suggestions for further research.

The coevolution of predators and prey has been the subject of much empirical and theoretical research that produced intriguing insights into the interplay of ecology and evolution. To allow for mathematical analysis, models of predator–prey coevolution are often coarse-grained, focussing on population-level processes and largely neglecting individual-level behaviour. As selection is acting on individual-level properties, we here present a more mechanistic approach: an individual-based simulation model for the coevolution of predators and prey on a fine-grained resource landscape, where features relevant for ecology (like changes in local densities) and evolution (like differences in survival and reproduction) emerge naturally from interactions between individuals. Our focus is on predator–prey movement behaviour, and we present a new method for implementing evolving movement strategies in an efficient and intuitively appealing manner. Throughout their lifetime, predators and prey make repeated movement decisions on the basis of their movement strategies. Over the generations, the movement strategies evolve, as individuals that successfully survive and reproduce leave their strategy to more descendants. We show that the movement strategies in our model evolve rapidly, thereby inducing characteristic spatial patterns like spiral waves and static spots. Transitions between these patterns occur frequently, induced by antagonistic coevolution rather than by external events. Regularly, evolution leads to the emergence and stable coexistence of qualitatively different movement strategies within the same population. Although the strategy space of our model is continuous, we often observe the evolution of discrete movement types. We argue that rapid evolution, coexistent movement types, and phase shifts between different ecological regimes are not a peculiarity of our model but a result of more realistic assumptions on eco-evolutionary feedbacks and the number of evolutionary degrees of freedom.

Purpose Scheduled Tribes (STs) in India face significant mental health challenges due to historical marginalisation, economic disparities, cultural disruption and environmental factors. These challenges often lead to stigma, misconceptions and limited access to mental health services. This study aims to provide a scoping review of existing literature on mental health conditions among ST populations in India. Design/methodology/approach Databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO and Google Scholar for peer-reviewed studies published between 2005 and 2024 were searched. Studies focusing on mental health conditions in ST communities, using empirical research methodologies such as surveys, interviews and case studies, were included. Findings The findings reveal that tribal populations experience high rates of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety and substance abuse. Geographical isolation, cultural beliefs, stigma and inadequate awareness impede access to professional care, with traditional healers and family members being the primary sources of mental health support. Despite these barriers, there are signs of progress, with growing awareness, integration of traditional practices with modern medical care and community outreach programs contributing to improved mental health outcomes in some regions. Research limitations/implications This paper underscores key challenges, such as the high prevalence of mental disorders, access barriers and the role of cultural practices in managing mental health. Geographical isolation, mistrust of institutional care and inadequate infrastructure remain significant obstacles to help-seeking behaviour. Although traditional healing practices are widely used and culturally significant, their effectiveness remains underexplored. The paper highlights the need for culturally sensitive, accessible mental health interventions, especially in schools and communities. This paper highlights the need for tailored interventions, better access to services and community education. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of traditional healing practices, explore the integration of these practices with modern healthcare and conduct longitudinal studies to assess long-term impacts on mental health in ST populations. Originality/value This study underscores key challenges, such as the high prevalence of mental disorders, access barriers and the role of cultural practices in managing mental health. Although traditional healing practices are widely used and culturally significant, their effectiveness remains underexplored. This paper highlights the need for culturally sensitive, accessible mental health interventions, especially in schools and communities. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of traditional healing practices, explore the integration of these practices with modern healthcare and conduct longitudinal studies to assess long-term impacts on mental health in ST populations.

The aim of this paper is to understand which are the most effective social media strategies for gaining customer engagement for fashion companies.The study has been conducted using the empirical research methodology and the information has been collected with the use of an online survey distributed among companies belonging to the fashion industry. 42 questionnaires have been collected and therefore discussed.The analysis led to the definition of a list of strategies used by fashion companies on the adoption of social media tools. Subsequently, activities and the social tools able to improve customer engagement have been analysed. Finally, according to the size of the companies and to their positioning on the market, a descriptive analysis of the results have been carried out, comparing companies with similar characteristics. The research shows that companies of the same segment adopt the same approach to social media as well as a similar set of social media marketing strategies.The findings of this paper confirm the growing interest both from academics and practitioners for Social Media Marketing tools and they will suggest implications to fashion brands to manage their customer engagement and their social media activity.

As globalization and economic development accelerate, Chinese tea has emerged as an essential export commodity in the international market. China boasts abundant tea resources, which have significantly promoted economic growth through tea exports. This study analyses the relevant literature and the prevailing state of China’s tea export trade. Using statistical data on tea exports and empirical research methodologies, this investigation examines the key determinants influencing the high-quality development of China’s tea export sector. The research integrates relevant frontier theories from management science and engineering to propose tailored recommendations. The study reveals that while the industry has demonstrated robust economic growth, it is confronted with challenges such as the need for enhanced brand visibility and adherence to international quality benchmarks. The research findings highlight the positive influence of the "Belt and Road" initiative on the tea export trade, which advocates for strategic international collaboration. This study concludes with policy recommendations that underscore the importance of bolstering the international dissemination of Chinese tea culture, standardizing export practices, and fostering global cooperation to augment the industry’s high-quality development trajectory. The findings aim to enhance the export capabilities of Chinese tea and foster the robust growth of the tea export industry.

The COVID-19 pandemic demanded the adoption of swift measures by public managers to control the spread of the disease, as the virus had a high rate of transmissibility. Effective, non-pharmacological actions involving social distancing and isolation were widely applied. It was noticed that they provided opportunities for the collision between the rights to free enterprise and health, by restricting the full exercise of commercial activities. These, intrinsically, promote agglomeration of people. It is therefore necessary to assess whether the restrictive measures for the promotion of the rights to health and life were proportional to the preservation of the essential core of free enterprise. The context of the city of Juiz de Fora was chosen for analysis, between the months of February 2020 and December 2021. Data regarding the number of cases and deaths in the municipality on each day of publication of the municipal decrees that conveyed trade-restrictive measures. The research was supported by the theories of fundamental rights and legal arguments, for the rational (argumentative) and proportional investigation of the implementation of fundamental rights, in the face of conflicts in the concrete case. Still, the consequentialist theory was used to assess whether the examination of economic, social and political impacts prevailed. It started from the assumption that the rights inherent to the exercise of economic activity would prevail over the adoption of sanitary control measures. Through the empirical research methodology, combined with qualitative and inference strategies, it was found that the municipal administration of Juiz de Fora, proportionally, privileged the right to health, over free enterprise.

The study examines whether the growing popularity of the ESG approach could result in the decline or disappearance of the CSR concept, which has encountered numerous challenges in practical implementation. The question is analyzed in the context of the tourism sector. After introducing the relationship between CSR and ESG, this paper examines the connection between responsibility and tourism, with a focus on sustainability in the sector under study. The empirical research methodology used is bibliometric analysis, which involves 924 studies using Publish or Perish (PoP) software and PRISMA methodology. The analysis has explored the relationship between sustainability and tourism, as well as between tourism and ESG. The bibliometric maps reveal a strong relationship between CSR and ESG concepts in the study area. It is important to note that ESG does not replace CSR, but rather provides a measurement and framework for it to address its problems. In the tourism sector, the ESG field is dominated by the first 'E' pillar, meaning that sustainability is mainly focused on environmental and natural aspects, while social or even economic sustainability, and ethics are less prominent.

The aim of this article is to explore the issue of remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Visegrad countries. The paper consists of a theoretical part, an empirical part and a discussion of the results of the research conducted by the author. The first section of the article defines remote work. Later, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the labour market is described. In the next section, legal changes related to remote work in Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Hungary are presented. The legal regulations in the V4 countries are examined using a legal-dogmatic method, while the changes in the legislation – with a historical method. Subsequently, the article focuses on empirical research methodology and analyses the research results. The comparative analysis is based on data collected in the four Visegrad countries (Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Hungary).

This study aims to determine enhancing the function of the election supervisory body through participatory supervision. The method used in this research is empirical research methodology and uses a qualitative approach as well as descriptive and qualitative analysis techniques. The results of this study indicate that increasing participatory supervision of the functions of the election supervisory body is carried out with two kinds of programs, the first is socialization which aims to build public awareness that they have an obligation to guard their right to vote in elections by participating in supervising the stages of the election administration. While the second is the corner of supervision can be interpreted as a center for the development of science and knowledge about democracy and election supervision.