35 research outputs found
Machine learning in asthma research: moving toward a more integrated approach
Get PDFIntroduction: Big data are reshaping the future of medicine. The growing availability and increasing complexity of data have favored the adoption of modern analytical and computational methodologies in every area of medicine. Over the past decades, asthma research has been characterized by a shift in the way studies are conducted and data are analyzed. Motivated by the assumptions that ‘data will speak for themselves’, hypothesis-driven approaches have been replaced by data-driven hypotheses-generating methods to explore hidden patterns and underlying mechanisms. However, even with all the advancement in technologies and the new important insight that we gained to understand and characterize asthma heterogeneity, very few research findings have been translated into clinically actionable solutions.
Areas covered: To investigate some of the fundamental analytical approaches adopted in the current literature and appraise their impact and usefulness in medicine, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of big data analytics in asthma research in the past 50 years.
Expert opinion: No single data source or methodology can uncover the complexity of human health and disease. To fully capitalize on the potential of ‘big data’, we will have to embrace the collaborative science and encourage the creation of integrated cross-disciplinary teams brought together around technological advances
Exploratory graph analysis for configural invariance assessment of a test
No full textIn cross-country comparative analyses, self-report survey tools are widely used to examine variations among respondents from different groups,
such as citizens of various nations. An important methodological issue, in this situation, relates to the configural invariance of the measurement
tool, which holds if the latent structure exhibits the same pattern across various groups. To address this issue, we take an exploratory approach
grounded in the paradigm of graph theory. We discuss the use of exploratory graph analysis to assess the configural invariance in the context
of a multi-group comparative analysis with measurement instruments comprised of ordered categorical indicators. In this framework, networks
are utilised to represent latent constructs, and the covariance between observable indicators is explained through a pattern of causal interactions
between the items. Therefore, we postulate that group-specific correlation-based networks would have a comparable structure if the measuring
instrument operates consistently across groups. Network embedding will be utilised to look into the similarity of the network structures estimated
using a Bayesian approach with sparse-inducing priors and mixture models to identify subgroups of homogeneous graphs. We show through a
simulation analysis and real-world applications that the suggested technique can distinguish differences in the latent structure
Exploratory Graph Analysis for Configural Invariance Assessment of a Test
No full textSelf-report survey instruments are frequently used to investigate differences between
groups of respondents, such as citizens of different nations in cross-country comparative analyses. In this context, a main methodological problem pertain to the
configural invariance of the measurement instrument, which holds if the latent structure has the same pattern across different groups across the groups. In this work,
to address this issue, we adopt an exploratory approach rooted in the framework of
graph theory. Specifically, considering a multi-group comparative analysis and measurement instruments consisting of ordered categorical indicators, we discuss the
use of exploratory graph analysis to assess the instrument configural invariance. In
this framework, networks are used to represent latent constructs, and the covariance
between observable indicators is explained in terms of a pattern of causal interactions
between the items. Hence, we assume that if the measurement instrument functions
invariantly across the groups, the group specific correlation-based networks will be
characterised by a similar structure. The network structures are estimated through a
Bayesian approach with sparse inducing priors and network embedding will be used
to investigate the structure similarity. Through a simulation study we demonstrate
that the proposed method is able to identify the differences. Finally, the proposed
approach is applied to test the configural invariance of the Democracy Scale adopted
in the European Social Survey
Major cinematografiche e network televisivi. L'avvento di sinergie nel mercato statunitense dell'audiovisivo
No full textThis paper analyzes two rules (Prime Time Access Rule, Financial Interest and Syndication Rules) proposed by the federal Communications Commission and adopted in 1970 to regulate the u.S. television market. Some restrictions for the networks’ production – adopted after an investigation of the department of justice – are considered as well.
these measures are studied in light of their effects on the television market. the author aims to demonstrate ways in which they deeply affected the rela- tionship between film and television industries, pointing out the influence of an attentive balance policy designed to curb the power of networks in favor of studios experiencing crisis.
the following analysis invites scholars of media economics and management to rediscover the strategic importance of this historical movement’s strengthen- ing of the hollywood industry’s power, in particular taking into account events occurring in europe
The Many Enemies of Co-productions in Italy: Moviegoers, Broadcasters, Policymakers and Half-Hearted Producers
No full textRecent reports published by the European Audiovisual Observatory (2017 and 2018) demonstrate that in general international co-productions travel abroad much more than national films, and therefore they are particularly important for promoting the producing countries’ culture and for archiving economic success. Starting from these considerations, the paper investigates the reasons why Italy plays a marginal role in this business. The author identifies four stakeholders that discourage international co-productions: a) moviegoers, that basically prefer 100% national films or US movies; b) broadcasters, who are unwilling to finance-release-schedule risky films; c) policymakers, who are more interested into attracting film shoots and promoting Italian executive producers for foreign films (through local funds & tax incentives) than into favouring co-productions; and d) Italian producers themselves, who are not brave enough to explore new production patterns. Of course, virtuous exceptions exist (in terms of ability to involve foreign producers and making successful films), as the most recent productions of Paolo Sorrentino demonstrate
Innovative Approaches to Sustainable Tourism: Integrating Scenario Workshops and Participatory Scenario Planning
No full textSummary of Background Data
Destination management organizations are increasingly considered key players in coordinating tourism
initiatives that balance economic growth with sustainability and inclusion [1]. However, the traditional
top-down approaches often fall short of fully incorporating the diverse priorities of local stakeholders.
Enter the Scenario Workshop methodology, particularly when adapted and combined with Participatory
Scenario Planning (PSP). This approach offers a framework that encourages multi-stakeholder
engagement, fostering dialogue and consensus-building. It's shown promise in tackling complex
challenges within tourism governance. How? By promoting discussions that lead to actionable outcomes,
aligning with the sector's evolving demands for innovation [3], accessibility [2], and environmental
sustainability.
Objectives
In this research, we're taking a critical look at how well the Scenario Workshop method works for
developing Destination Management Organizations (DMOs). We're also exploring its potential as a
participatory tool that could lead to more inclusive, forward-thinking tourism governance [1]. Our study
offers a practical view of structured participatory approaches to managing destinations, showing how
these methods can help align various stakeholders' priorities with broader strategic goals in tourism.
Methods
Our research employs a modified version of the Scenario Workshop methodology, which has its roots in
the European Awareness Scenario Workshop (EASW) framework. We've deliberately simplified and
streamlined this approach to work within our time and resource constraints. We've also incorporated
elements from the Participatory Scenario Planning (PSP) methodology to bolster its effectiveness and
relevance. This tailored approach allows us to gather valuable insights whilst maintaining efficiency. By
combining these methodologies, we're able to leverage the strengths of both, creating a robust framework
that suits our specific research needs.
Results
Our workshops revealed an interesting alignment between local stakeholders' priorities and key themes in
current tourism research. These themes notably centre on sustainability, accessibility, and innovation. It's
clear that the concerns of those on the ground mirror the academic discourse, suggesting a promising
convergence of practical and theoretical perspectives in the field.
Discussion/Conclusions
Our findings highlight the benefits of blending Scenario Workshop methods with Participatory Scenario
Planning (PSP) approaches. This combination can yield concrete, practical outcomes whilst aligning
stakeholder interests with strategic tourism objectives. The research demonstrates that the Scenario
Workshop methodology serves as a powerful tool to foster the growth of Destination Management
Organisations (DMOs) that are firmly grounded in community values and sustainability principles.
Moreover, it underscores the vital need for adequate resources and technical know-how to successfully
implement digital and sustainable [3] initiatives in the tourism industry
