Search

The use of inter-rater reliability (IRR) methods may provide an opportunity to improve the transparency and consistency of qualitative case study data analysis in terms of the rigor of how codes and constructs have been developed from the raw data. Few articles on qualitative research methods in the literature conduct IRR assessments or neglect to report them, despite some disclosure of multiple researcher teams and coding reconciliation in the work. The article argues that the in-depth discussion and reconciliation initiated by IRR may enhance the findings and theory that emerges from qualitative case study data analysis, where the main data source is often interview transcripts or field notes. To achieve this, the article provides a missing link in the literature between data gathering and analysis by expanding an existing process model from five to six stages. The article also identifies seven factors that researchers can consider to determine the suitability of IRR to their work and it offers an IRR checklist, thereby providing a contribution to the broader literature on qualitative research methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: This study identified bottle-feeding techniques for infants with feeding difficulties. Methods: Between December 2021 and April 2022, a survey was distributed to nurses with at least 5 years of experience in caring for infants at 1109 hospitals in Japan. The questionnaire included open-ended questions regarding preparation before bottle-feeding, methods of nipple insertion, methods of assisting with sucking, and criteria for continuing bottle-feeding. The responses were classified according to semantic similarity. Results: In total, 514 valid responses were received. The respondents had an average of 19.16 years of experience as a nurse or midwife. The most frequently used nipples for infants with feeding difficulties were the Combi Breastfeeding Model, Pigeon Weak Sucking Nipple, and Bean Stalk Nipple. Preparation before bottle-feeding consisted of six categories, including determining the timing of feeding and stimulation to promote wakeup. Nipple insertion methods consisted of four categories, such as assisted opening of the mouth, nipple insertion, and nipple insertion depth. Methods of assisting with sucking were divided into four categories, including encouraging sucking ability from around the mouth and matching the infant's sucking pace. The criteria for continuing bottle-feeding spanned three categories, including willingness to suck and ensuring necessary nutrition. Conclusions: The variety of survey responses describes the current state of bottle-feeding technologies. A combination of several techniques indicated that feeding strategies may lead to effective and appropriate feeding. The nurses continued feeding based on an assessment of the infant's acceptance. Future studies regarding bottle-feeding techniques must consider the individuality of each infant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human resource business partnering is an established mechanism for the advancement of strategic HR. While much research has reported on relationships between partners (HRBPs) and line managers, relationships between partners and other aspects of the HR function are less well understood, as is the interplay between HRBP‐LMP and HRBP‐HR relationships. Through the use of paradox theory and case study methodology centred on a large public sector health care authority, we found these two sets of relationships to be operating paradoxically within an operational frame of reference, thereby constraining the establishment of strategic partnering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2021 and 2022, inflation expectations of households in the euro area rose dramatically. Based on a time-series investigation from 1995 to 2022, I find that inflation expectations are driven by current price developments of three consumption product categories and house prices (which are not included in the consumer price index). About half of the recent rise was fuelled by energy prices, 20% by food prices, over 10% by transportation costs and almost 20% by house prices. On a macro-level, controlling for a standard set of spending determinants, a regression analysis suggests that accelerating inflation expectations in general will slow down growth of area wide real private consumption, but under circumstances of low nominal interest rates helped to cushion the negative shock of the covid pandemic and the energy crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the enhancement of Internet of Things (IoT) product design and development through the integration of ethnography and big data analytics. A new model is proposed, recognizing the limitations of existing big data approaches in capturing nuanced and complex user needs. This model combines in-depth analysis of user attitudes with extensive review data from current IoT product users, aiming to uncover a more comprehensive understanding of the user experience beyond typical quantitative insights provided by big data. An IoT product named 'Zipband' has been developed as a practical application of this integrated research methodology. A combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, including interviews and term frequency–inverse document frequency (TF-IDF) scheme analysis, was utilized to identify diverse user needs and uncover new opportunities for user experience improvement. This research contributes to the field by introducing a data-driven ethnographic approach that has the potential to inspire convergence research in IoT product design and user experience areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyzing qualitative data from learning processes is considered "messy" and time consuming (Chi in J Learn Sci 6(3):271–315, 1997). It is often challenging to summarize and synthesize such data in a manner that conveys the richness and complexity of learning processes in a clear and concise manner. Moreover, qualitative data often contains patterns that are not immediately apparent. Consequently, visualization can be an effective tool for representing and unpacking the complexities and multidimensions of learning processes. Additionally, visualizations provide a time-efficient approach to analyzing data and a high-level view of the learning process over time for researchers to zoom in on intriguing moments and patterns (Huang et al. in Comput Human Behav 87:480–492, 2018). In this conceptual paper, we provide a broad overview of research in the field of visualizing qualitative data and discuss two studies (1) visualizing role-changing patterns in an interdisciplinary learning environment and (2) operationalizing collaborative computational thinking practices via visualization. By leveraging these studies, we aim to demonstrate a visualization processing flow along with qualitative research and methods. Particularly, the processing flow includes three critical elements: research subjectivity, complexity of visual encoding, and purpose of visual encoding. The discussion highlights the iterative and creative nature of the visualization technique. Furthermore, we discuss the benefits, challenges, and limitations of using visualization in the context of qualitative studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Life-limiting conditions often cause children to be overlooked as participants in everyday activities. For parents child development should lead to independence in daily living activity. For parents of children who are disabled, independence is a step to a better quality of a child’s life. The aim of the study was to examine the effectiveness of functional intervention of self-service activities in children with life-limiting conditions at the age of 3–6 years of life. 32 children aged 3–6 years (N = 32, girls and boys) were followed for two years. The Progress Assessment Chart of Personal and Social Development (PPAC) H.C Gunzburg according to Witkowski inventory was used to assess. After two years of functional intervention, statistically significant improvement in everyday activities was observed in examining group. The control group showed less progress than the study group, even though the children in the control group were older. Functional intervention allows for effective work with a patient with life-limited conditions. Better progress was observed in the younger group, subjected to therapy for the existence of developmental potential occurring in children with limitations in intellectual development.

Interview data from the Dy@EoL project reveal changes in parent–adult child communication in end-of-life situations (Gawinski et al., 2021). The present study investigated the presence of commonly known facilitating and inhibiting factors for relieving communication in interviews of dyads comprised of: (a) terminally ill adult children and their parents and (b) terminally ill parents and their adult children. Additionally, the research examined the extent to which participants experienced the dyadic communication as burdensome or relieving, and compared the experiences of dyad partners. Study participants were interviewed as part of the Dy@EoL project, using semistructured interviews. The interviews of 9 dyads and 14 dyads were analyzed using qualitative content analysis in MAXQDA. Both dyad partners took part. All facilitating factors and some inhibiting factors, as identified in the literature, were evident in the interviews. Some dyads reported the presence of facilitating factors prior to the end-of-life situation, while others began to employ them (or employed them more intensively) in the end-of-life situation. Dyads showed similar experiences of burden and relief, through communication. Both parties should be offered psychosocial support, even when a burden is reported on only one side. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Penicillin allergy is the most frequently reported drug allergy, yet most patients can tolerate the drug if challenged. Despite this discrepancy, large scale penicillin allergy de-labeling interventions have not been widely implemented in many health care systems. The application of a multi-method implementation science approach can provide key tools to study this evidence to practice gap and provide insight to successfully operationalize penicillin allergy evaluation in real-world clinical settings. Methods We followed a four-step process that leverages qualitative analysis to design evidence-based, actionable strategies to develop an intervention. First, we specified the clinician-perceived barriers to penicillin allergy de-labeling (intervention targets). We then mapped intervention targets onto Theoretical Domains Framework (domains and constructs) and found the root causes of behavior. Next, we linked root causes of behavior with intervention functions (BCW). In the final step, we synthesized participants’ suggestions for process improvement with implementation strategies aligning with the intervention functions. Results Evidence-based strategies such as focused education and training in penicillin allergy evaluation can address knowledge and confidence barriers reported by frontline clinicians. Other key strategies involve developing a system of champions, improving communications systems, and restructuring the healthcare team. Implementation mapping can provide a powerful multi-method framework to study, design, and customize intervention strategies. Conclusion: Empowering clinicians beyond allergy specialists to conduct penicillin allergy assessments requires designing new workflows and systems and providing additional knowledge to those clinicians.

Background: People living with severe mental illness (SMI) face significant health inequalities, including reduced quality of life and life expectancy. Evidence has shown that people living with SMI are highly sedentary, face challenges when seeking to engage in physical activity (PA), and experience sleep difficulties. Motivation, mood and energy have been identified as critical determinants of these behaviours. PA and sleep are traditionally measured in isolation using quantitative approaches, limiting our understanding of the contexts and interactive ways in which these occur, especially for this population. Here, we adopted a flexible and holistic approach, using audio diaries to explore the usability and acceptability of capturing movement behaviours in people living with SMI. Methods: This study employed a qualitative design. Data were collected with 10 participants self-identifying as living with SMI, who completed 7-days of audio diaries, pre and post diary use interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse participants' movement behaviours and their experiences of using the audio diaries. Results: Audio diaries were perceived as acceptable to participants and their use for data capture was feasible, with participants experiencing their use as a flexible and empowering method of data capture. Within the exploratory data generated we identified four themes relating to participants' movement behaviours: finding themselves in a "vicious circle" with physical and mental issues impacting movement behaviours; a daily internal fight and dialogue concerning fear of feeling guilty and wasting time; a determination to "not let fatigue win" by pushing through the day; and the mixed effects of understanding the importance of movement behaviours yet finding it challenging to engage. Conclusion: Audio diaries offered an easy to use and relatively inclusive means of exploring movement behaviours for people living with SMI, especially their context and interrelated nature. Our findings reinforced the well-established link between mental and physical health, and their influence on 24 h movement behaviours, identifying population-specific challenges derived from medication side effects, rigid engagement opportunities, and illness symptoms. Given this, co-production involving individuals with lived experience is crucial for developing tailored recommendations and support to promote sleep and movement among those living with SMI. We emphasized the need for holistic measurement approaches and opportunities that consider the interconnected impact of disrupted sleep and movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new and flexible class of ARMA‐like (autoregressive moving average) models for nominal or ordinal time series is proposed, which are characterized by using so‐called weighting operators and are, thus, referred to as weighted discrete ARMA (WDARMA) models. By choosing an appropriate type of weighting operator, one can model, for example, nominal time series with negative serial dependencies, or ordinal time series where transitions to neighboring states are more likely than sudden large jumps. Essential stochastic properties of WDARMA models are derived, such as the existence of a stationary, ergodic, and φ‐mixing solution as well as closed‐form formulae for marginal and bivariate probabilities. Numerical illustrations as well as simulation experiments regarding the finite‐sample performance of maximum likelihood estimation are presented. The possible benefits of using an appropriate weighting scheme within the WDARMA class are demonstrated by a real‐world data application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractObjectiveMethodsResults and ConclusionsMobile health (mHealth), defined as the use of mobile phones or applications in healthcare, has been developed to enhance asthma care; yet implementation is inconsistent, and few studies have focused on provider perspectives on use in daily practice. The purpose of this study was to explore primary care pediatric provider perspectives regarding mHealth use in clinical practice for children with asthma.A qualitative, descriptive approach was utilized to perform semi-structured interviews on asthma mHealth use with providers caring for children with asthma. Interview transcripts were coded by two independent investigators and any differences were reconciled. Interviews continued until thematic saturation was achieved.Seventeen pediatric providers were recruited and interviewed. Three themes identified included implementation benefits, implementation barriers, and reporting desires, with 11 subthemes. Many subthemes were consistent across providers (e.g. self-management benefits and electronic medical record integration), while others such as provider clinical burden and approach to integrating mHealth data reports into daily workflow demonstrated variability. Provider perspectives highlight the potential of mHealth applications in asthma self-management while offering challenges related to clinical burden and suggestions for reporting and workflow integration. These results provide valuable perspectives on mHealth use and reporting to ensure provider efficiency and technology-enhanced asthma care. This study investigates pediatric provider perspectives on asthma mobile health use and reporting in daily practice, a topic that has not sufficiently been explored within the literature. Results can guide best practices, encourage more consistent use, and maximize the benefits of asthma mHealth tools by providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data sharing is increasingly an expectation in health research as part of a general move toward more open sciences. In the United States, in particular, the implementation of the 2023 National Institutes of Health Data Management and Sharing Policy has made it clear that qualitative studies are not exempt from this data sharing requirement. Recognizing this trend, the Palliative Care Research Cooperative Group (PCRC) realized the value of creating a de-identified qualitative data repository to complement its existing de-identified quantitative data repository. The PCRC Data Informatics and Statistics Core leadership partnered with the Qualitative Data Repository (QDR) to establish the first serious illness and palliative care qualitative data repository in the U.S. We describe the processes used to develop this repository, called the PCRC-QDR, as well as our outreach and education among the palliative care researcher community, which led to the first ten projects to share the data in the new repository. Specifically, we discuss how we co-designed the PCRC-QDR and created tailored guidelines for depositing and sharing qualitative data depending on the original research context, establishing uniform expectations for key components of relevant documentation, and the use of suitable access controls for sensitive data. We also describe how PCRC was able to leverage its existing community to recruit and guide early depositors and outline lessons learned in evaluating the experience. This work advances the establishment of best practices in qualitative data sharing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on barriers that exist for male victims/survivors of sexual abuse in relation to disclosing their experiences is limited. This article shares qualitative data in relation to disclosure and help-seeking barriers encountered by male victims/survivors of female-perpetrated sexual abuse. Findings from semi-structured interviews conducted with 30 male victims/survivors in the United Kingdom about their forced-to-penetrate (FTP) experiences are discussed. FTP cases involve a man being FTP, with his penis and without his consent, the vagina, anus, or mouth of a woman. During their interviews, male victims/survivors shared multiple barriers which resulted in delayed, selective, limited, or no disclosure. These included; masculinity, feelings of shame and self-blame, struggling to understand and label experiences, concerns about the consequences of disclosure, and a lack of (knowledge about) support. These barriers are critically discussed and positioned within their broader contexts and consideration is given to how they can be overcome by those most likely to engage with male FTP victims/survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Executive Summary: This paper explores how qualitative information may be used to enhance understanding and inform recommendations for improved accounting of migrant deaths along the Texas-Mexico border. While border crossing related deaths affect jurisdictions throughout the US's Southwestern border states and Northern Mexican states, Texas has unique challenges that merit specific examination. In short, the management and investigation of unidentified migrant decedents in Texas is severely fragmented and often noncompliant with Texas Criminal Code Procedure. I explore a way to improve accounting of migrant deaths leveraging qualitative information, local newspaper articles from South Texas and Northern Mexico, by using descriptive summaries coupled with Sankey Diagrams and a programmatic technique, qualitative spatial representation (QSR). QSR enabled me to identify under-recognized stakeholders (South Texas locals, Mexican consulates) and under-supported counties (i.e., those with migrant deaths that do not share a border directly with Mexico). I found that local English-language newspapers obscured the prevalence of migrant deaths and that their narrative tone of "business as usual" normalized the occurrence of such deaths. The Spanish-language articles better represented the diversity of agencies and individuals that were involved in the various aspects of migrant remains management and forensic investigation, most notably residents of South Texas themselves (or situational participants who first found the remains) and Mexican consulates. Finally, I noted that the collaborations among Texas counties and between Texan and Mexican jurisdictions, when they were described in the newspapers, highlighted that the phenomenon of migrant deaths penetrates beyond the dividing line of the Rio Grande/Río Bravo River. Migrant deaths must be accounted for in a way that reflects a regional experience in which people may perish as far as ~100 miles into Texas' interior. Considering these observations, I have two policy recommendations. First, the Office of the Texas Governor should establish funds distinct from the Operation Lone Star program for the management of unidentified human remains. Currently, grants through the Operation Lone Star Program are the only funds available in Texas to support identification of migrant decedents. However, this program is explicitly designed to further border security operations in the state of Texas, which can contradict efforts around recovery and identification. The documentation and forensic investigation of the unidentified deceased can be eclipsed or neglected under the larger deterrence aims of Operation Lone Star. Second, to improve accounting and increase documentation of migrant deaths, a Regional Identification Center should be established in South Texas. Not every county in Texas has or has access to a Medical Examiner's office, including the means to transport and pay for autopsy or other forensic services. The Center would provide training, store extra equipment such as mobile refrigerated morgues, and hire personnel to inventory cases, and report information to the state (e.g., vital statistics) and to foreign consulates. A Regional Identification Center would counteract the challenges highlighted in the local newspaper summaries and QSR by decreasing the isolation of counties experiencing migrant deaths and serve as a documentary and communication hub for stakeholders in Texas and Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Penicillin allergy is the most frequently reported drug allergy, yet most patients can tolerate the drug if challenged. Despite this discrepancy, large scale penicillin allergy de-labeling interventions have not been widely implemented in many health care systems. The application of a multi-method implementation science approach can provide key tools to study this evidence to practice gap and provide insight to successfully operationalize penicillin allergy evaluation in real-world clinical settings. Methods: We followed a four-step process that leverages qualitative analysis to design evidence-based, actionable strategies to develop an intervention. First, we specified the clinician-perceived barriers to penicillin allergy de-labeling (intervention targets). We then mapped intervention targets onto Theoretical Domains Framework (domains and constructs) and found the root causes of behavior. Next, we linked root causes of behavior with intervention functions (BCW). In the final step, we synthesized participants' suggestions for process improvement with implementation strategies aligning with the intervention functions. Results: Evidence-based strategies such as focused education and training in penicillin allergy evaluation can address knowledge and confidence barriers reported by frontline clinicians. Other key strategies involve developing a system of champions, improving communications systems, and restructuring the healthcare team. Implementation mapping can provide a powerful multi-method framework to study, design, and customize intervention strategies. Conclusion: Empowering clinicians beyond allergy specialists to conduct penicillin allergy assessments requires designing new workflows and systems and providing additional knowledge to those clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compelling evidence demonstrates that Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual (LGB) populations have a higher prevalence of mental disorders compared to their heterosexual peers (Meyer in Psychol Bull 129(5):674–697, 2003). This has been attributed to minority stressors in the minority stress model. Since this model was established in 2003, there have been significant socio-political events that discriminate against SGM LGBTQ+ individuals. There have also been rival hypotheses, including rejection sensitivity (Feinstein in Arch Sex Behav 49(7):2247–2258, 2020) and 'misperceiving of neutral events' (Bailey in Arch Sex Behav 49(7):2265–2268, 2019). Examine SGM perspectives and investigate how well they align with Meyers model (2003). 16 qualitative studies capturing SGM minority stress experiences were extracted from scientific databases and, thematically analysed deductively using Meyer's minority stress model, in addition to generating original subthemes. This systematic review thematically analysed 16 eligible studies, which generated 6 superordinate themes (Discrimination, Lack of representation, Navigation, Harassment, Depersonalization and Mental Health Outcomes) and 18 sub-themes. These themes were then situated in categories from Meyer's Minority Stress Model (2003) (Circumstances, Minority Status, Distal stressors, Proximal stressors, and Mental health outcomes). SGM-specific stress experiences integrated into the Minority Stress Model (circumstances, navigation, distal, proximal, and mental health outcomes). The collected data elaborated the model with sub-themes such as discrimination, lack of representation, vigilance, depression, body image and positive coping in sum, this study offers support for and updates Meyer's minority stress model whilst rejecting competing theories (Bailey 2019; Feinstein 2019). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Employing data from the Covid-19 & Church-21 Survey that drew responses from 4,536 members of The Episcopal Church (TEC), this study analyses comments made by rural lay people regarding their perceptions of the challenges and benefits of online worship. Challenges identified were few and centred on technological and content limitations. The perceived benefits were numerous and included: convenience and accessibility, availability of other church services, connecting with other communities and congregations, and increased opportunity for faith development. Holy Communion and its place in the online space divided opinion. These data are set alongside findings from surveys of Church of England congregations in the UK and of Christian denominations in the USA. Rural lay people in this study saw maintaining both online and in-person provision as the way forward, provided consideration was given to the impact on younger church members and to the financial implications of a such a hybrid model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review aimed to identify and critically assess tools and recommendations (collectively referred to as resources) advising on the use of qualitative data to inform epidemic response in low and middle income countries (LMICs). In doing so, we seek to improve the quality of these resources and ultimately support better integration of qualitative data in epidemic response initiatives. Literature were identified through three academic research databases and one gray literature repository. The search was conducted in April 2020 and updated in February 2021. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis checklist was adhered to. Furthermore, quality assessment tools were used for both academic (the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool) and gray literature (the AACODS checklist standing for authority, accuracy, coverage, objectivity, date, and significance). The searches yielded 4,152 articles, of which 65 met the inclusion criteria. Identified tools and recommendations rarely provided sufficient information on how they should be implemented, who their intended audiences were, how they might be adapted across contexts and whether they might be useful to researchers on a longer or shorter timeframe. A significant amount of work remains to further develop the resources available to guide the use of qualitative data within the context of epidemic outbreaks in LMICs. Key considerations and implications based on the review outcomes are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study highlights the need to recognize and train agricultural workers in essential non-technical skills to enhance workforce effectiveness and sustainability within the agriculture sector. Focused on the Gippsland region of Victoria, Australia, the research involved initial semi-structured interviews with three agricultural training managers to identify relevant non-technical skills for food and fibre workplaces. Representatives from twenty Gippsland food and fibre businesses were then surveyed to rate these identified skills across different workforce segments: (a) seasonal workers, (b) entry-level workers, (c) supervisors, and (d) managers. Descriptive statistics, including frequency counts, means, and standard deviations, were used to analyze the responses. Employer ratings for skill needs were weighted against the number of workers employed in each workforce segment. Key non-technical skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and cross-cultural competence were found to be in high demand, particularly among seasonal and entry-level workers. However, there is a significant gap between the importance of these skills and their prioritization in accredited training programs. Addressing this gap is crucial for investing in a skilled and adaptable agricultural sector that is competitive and sustainable. The theoretical understandings derived from this study's results warrant further research and replication in diverse commodity sectors and locations within Australia and internationally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this section, Journalistica puts a spotlight on research methods used in journalism studies and/or journalism practice.

Field research is of particular interest in marketing because it often generates unique statistics. Closed-ended questions during data collection simplify data processing, but at the same time significantly limit the research subject depth. Open-ended questions provide a deeper understanding of respondents’ opinions, but processing responses in the form of natural language (qualitative data) is difficult and time-consuming, as it is usually done manually. Modern machine learning techniques, particularly tokenization, can be used to automate such data processing. The purpose of the study is to test this method application to data processing of the field research “Monitoring of the competition state and development in the commodity markets of the Novosibirsk Region”. The following tasks have been set and solved: primary information has been collected and prepared for processing, and token groups identified and formed. Based on the groups, the respondents’ answers have been further combined into relatively homogeneous clusters including similar answers to open-ended questions. Subsequent quality control of the conducted research has been carried out on the basis of Precision, Recall and F-measure metrics, which showed an acceptable level of data processing quality. Information collection has been realized through sociological surveys (questionnaire distribution) and CAWI surveys and included open-ended questions. The study reveals that even extremely insignificant references were not missed. The obtained data allowed us to conclude that it is necessary to form annotated databases and token libraries for the marketing research purposes.

For qualitative data analysis (QDA), researchers assign codes to text segments to arrange the information into topics or concepts. These annotations facilitate information retrieval and the identification of emerging patterns in unstructured data. However, this metadata is typically not published or reused after the research. Subsequent studies with similar research questions require a new definition of codes and do not benefit from other analysts' experience. Machine learning (ML) based classification seeded with such data remains a challenging task due to the ambiguity of code definitions and the inherent subjectivity of the exercise. Previous attempts to support QDA using ML rely on linear models and only examined individual datasets that were either smaller or coded specifically for this purpose. However, we show that modern approaches effectively capture at least part of the codes' semantics and may generalize to multiple studies. We analyze the performance of multiple classifiers across three large real-world datasets. Furthermore, we propose an ML-based approach to identify semantic relations of codes in different studies to show thematic faceting, enhance retrieval of related content, or bootstrap the coding process. These are encouraging results that suggest how analysts might benefit from prior interpretation efforts, potentially yielding new insights into qualitative data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abundance of unstructured and loosely structured data on disasters exists and can be analysed using network methods. This paper overviews the use of qualitative data in quantitative social network analysis in disaster research. It discusses two types of networks, each with a relevant major topic in disaster research—that is, (i) whole network approaches to emergency management networks and (ii) personal network approaches to the social support of survivors—and four usable forms of qualitative data. This paper explains five opportunities afforded by these approaches, revolving around their flexibility and ability to account for complex network structures. Next, it presents an empirical illustration that extends the authors' previous work examining the sources and the types of support and barrier experienced by households during long‐term recovery from Hurricane (Superstorm) Sandy (2012), wherein quantitative social network analysis was applied to two qualitative datasets. The paper discusses three challenges associated with these approaches, related to the samples, coding, and bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a Hidden Markov model (HMM), from hidden states, the model generates emissions that are visible. Generally, the problems to be solved by such models, are based on such emissions that are considered as observed data. In this work, we propose to study the case where some emissions are missing in a given emission sequence using different techniques, in particular a split technique which reduces the computational cost. Mainly we resolve the fundamental problems of an HMM with a lack of observations. The algorithms obtained following this approach are successfully tested through numerical examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and Aim: Small fibre neuropathy (SFN) is a peripheral neuropathy, leading to neuropathic pain and autonomic dysfunction. An evidence‐based standardized patient diagnostic SFN service has been implemented in the Netherlands for improving patient‐centred SFN care. However, the quality of care of this diagnostic SFN service has never been assessed from a patient perspective. The aim of this study was to develop and validate an SFN‐Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (SFN‐PSQ) to measure the quality performance of a standardized diagnostic SFN service. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study to create the SFN‐PSQ was performed using the (COREQ (Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research) checklist. For item generation and content development, domains and/or items from validated PSQs were selected. The content development and content validity were performed using a Delphi method with SFN expert caregivers with different backgrounds. By using the three‐step‐test method in individual cognitive interviews, the content validity by patients was finalized. Results: In one online Delphi panel round, the content of the first concept of the SFN‐PSQ was validated, which resulted in the second concept of the SFN‐PSQ. From July 2019 till March 2020, nine patients consented to participate in the individual cognitive interviews. The most significant changes of the new questionnaire were adding domains and items concerning the waiting list, the diagnostic services and consultation by the hospital psychiatrist. Also, a differentiation was made for both an inpatient and outpatient diagnostic SFN service. Furthermore, the clarity and intelligibility of the domains/items were improved, resulting in an increased comprehension of the SFN‐PSQ. Ultimately, the new developed SFN‐PSQ consisted of 10 domains and 51 items, suitable for measuring patient satisfaction of the neurological analysis in patients with SFN. Conclusion: Through item generation, expert opinions and interviews with patients, the SFN‐PSQ was developed and validated, and feasibility was confirmed. The structure of the questionnaire, based on the logistic and diagnostic SFN pathway, could be used as a model in other hospitals to improve the quality, continuity and access of SFN care and other chronic diseases taking into account potential cross‐cultural differences. Patient or Public Contribution: Caregivers were involved in the item generation and content development of the questionnaire. Patients were directly involved in testing the content validity and feasibility of the SFN‐PSQ. Clinical Trial Registration: Not applicable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to investigate the competencies of 42 preservice science teachers from a rural university in crafting scientific investigations while utilising the constructivist learning theory as its theoretical foundation. Employing an explanatory sequential design, the research initially collected quantitative data through a pre-test, followed by an intervention in the experimental group, succeeded by a post-test phase. In order to enrich the quantitative findings, qualitative data in the form of student responses were analysed, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the preservice teachers' proficiency in experimental design. Within the control group, no statistically significant variance emerged between the pre-test and post-test rankings, Z = −1.3, p = 0.190. In contrast, the experimental group exhibited noteworthy divergence. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test unveiled a substantial upsurge in post-test rankings when juxtaposed with the pre-test standings, Z = −4, p < 0.001. The qualitative data revealed that preservice teachers manifested a lack of familiarity with comprehension of the variables, strategies for ensuring investigation validity and reliability, and a coherent approach to gauging intervention impact. Emphasising the significance of these revelations, the study suggests plausible pathways for addressing these knowledge gaps via collaborative interventions, thus striving to effectively bridge the identified disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a critical need to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the well-being of students and educators. In this article, we present findings from the second year of implementing the Student Alliance for Flourishing program, a school-wide initiative to promote the flourishing of students and educators. First, we highlight the connection between Ryan and Deci's Self-Determination Theory and the Student Alliance for Flourishing (SAFF) program, emphasizing the importance of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in supporting the psychological needs of educators and students. Then, we describe the SAFF program and present data that highlight the program's impact on advisors and students, particularly as these data relate to participants' flourishing. Finally, we conclude by emphasizing the significance of promoting flourishing in schools and the need for further empirical research in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionThe prevalence, pervasiveness, and minimization of sexual harassment and sexual assault (SHSA) within the Western Australian mining industry has been revealed in recent Australian reports and inquiries. However, there remains a gap in scholarship focusing on SHSA within the mining sector, specifically that engages with mining employees to understand this issue.MethodsThis study aimed to fill this gap by exploring the experiences and perspectives of Western Australian mining employees in relation to SHSA. Through qualitative research methods, stakeholders (n = 30) from various industry roles (e.g., front-line operations, administrative staff) participated in semi-structured interviews. A deductive thematic analysis was conducted to analyze the data.ResultsThe study revealed diverse perspectives of SHSA among participants, highlighting how this issue is understood, addressed, and discussed within the workplace. While some participants recognized positive shifts in workplace culture, it became apparent that additional efforts are needed to tackle the underlying and persistent factors that contribute to sexism, misogyny, and, ultimately, SHSA. Participants shared their perspectives regarding strategies and initiatives that could effectively combat SHSA within the industry.DiscussionThis study constitutes a significant contribution to the limited body of research on SHSA in the Western Australian mining sector, offering valuable insights and recommendations for future prevention initiatives.

The literature shows that there are dimensions related to soil legislation and policy in the European Union contexts that can be better explored through bibliometric analysis, systematic reviews and quantitative approaches. Therefore, this research aims to analyse documents on soil legislation and policies, highlighting the specific cases of Portugal and the European Union (EU). The aim is to identify suggestions to improve the Portuguese and European Union soil policy instruments and measures. To achieve these objectives, a bibliometric analysis (considering text and bibliographic data) and systematic review were carried out, as well as a survey of the available soil legislation (considering qualitative data and quantitative analysis). The results show that soil legislation and policy have become more relevant in recent years and that concerns are about soil health, protection and safety, as well as risk mitigation, biodiversity preservation and the maintenance of ecosystem services. However, some topics could be further explored in future research, namely those related to multidisciplinarity, smart methodologies, soil salinisation, innovation and quantitative approaches to assessing policy impacts. This study presents suggestions that can be considered by the Portuguese and European Union policymakers to improve the respective soil legislation and policies. Defining a regulatory system for soils in the European Union has not been easy over time, although there have been attempts, given the specificities of the contexts related to soils and the reluctance of some member states to take certain measures. The approaches and analysis topics considered are innovative (there aren't many scientific documents on the topics that address bibliometric analysis and quantitative assessments with qualitative data) and bring novelty to the literature.

ObjectiveThe COVID-19 pandemic has forced many human subjects research to halt in-person activities and pivot to virtual engagement, including Focus Groups (FGs). We highlight learnings from our experience of hosting virtual FGs from our BEhavioral EConomics for Oral health iNnovation (BEECON) study focusing on oral hygiene behaviors among low-income, predominantly Hispanic families, including practical tips and potential pitfalls to avoid for researchers considering virtual engagement.ResultsThere can be particular benefits to holding virtual sessions among minority parents of young children-to provide flexibility, comfort, and reduced logistical barriers for participation-while still facilitating friendly conversation with minimal distractions. However, extensive preparation is needed to ensure smooth execution and minimal distractions.

Abstract Background Visuospatial neglect (VSN) is a cognitive disorder after stroke in which patients fail to consciously process and interact with contralesional stimuli. Visual Scanning Training (VST) is the recommended treatment in clinical guidelines. At the moment, several mixed reality versions of Visual Scanning Training (VST) are being developed. The aim of this study was to explore the opinions of end-users (i.e., therapists) on the use of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) in VSN treatment. Methods Therapists played one VR and two AR Serious Games, and subsequently filled out a questionnaire on User Experience, Usability, and Implementation. Results Sixteen therapists (psychologists, occupational, speech, and physiotherapists) played the games, thirteen of them evaluated the games. Therapists saw great potential in all three games, yet there was room for improvement on the level of usability, especially for tailoring the games to the patient’s needs. Therapists’ opinions were comparable between VR and AR Serious Games. For implementation, therapists stressed the urgency of clear guidelines and instructions. Discussion Even though VR/AR technology is promising for VSN treatment, there is no one-size-fits-all applicability. It may thus be crucial to move towards a plethora of training environments rather than a single standardized mixed reality neglect treatment. Conclusion As therapists see the potential value of mixed reality, it remains important to investigate the efficacy of AR and VR training tools.

Low-income communities and communities of color face multiple, cumulative environmental and social burdens. Methods development in environmental justice research has largely focused on spatial and quantitative approaches. Less attention has been paid to developing methodologies that help collect information on everyday stressors and quality of life experiences for residents in overburdened communities. Mixed methods approaches can be one way to structure study designs that help consider how residents experience environmental and socioeconomic impacts in a localized community context. In neighborhoods burdened by cumulative stressors, traditional cross-sectional epidemiological research designs can also be challenging, as well as limited or narrow in their application. However, repeat sampling of measures within a vulnerable population can approach a quasi-experimental design and help consider variations within residents in a single neighborhood as well as better parse relationships between exposures and outcomes. Through a community-academic partnership with university partners, local community partners, and a local promotores de salud (community health workers) network, we pilot tested a novel mobile daily diary approach in both English and Spanish in an urban, predominantly immigrant community in South Los Angeles as a potential method to collect information on daily stress, environmental quality, and health status/symptoms. We collected resident responses via a once per day 7-day SMS/text messaging survey. We sought to gather granular data on daily resident experiences of air pollution and environmental hazards. Residents reported acute health symptoms and stressors, with repeat measures demonstrating how residents might rank, categorize, or cope with stressors. We find that residents in environmental justice communities record variation in their daily diary responses and document changes in environmental quality, stressors, and odors. Refining this type of method could enable a more rigorous examination of co-occurrences of environmental quality and acute health symptoms. This approach supports the inclusion of residents in the research process and helps more systematically integrate open-ended environmental health relevant data in environmental justice efforts. Used with measured data such as air monitoring or health measures, mixed methods generated data can help support efforts that aim to alleviate sources of daily stress, alongside efforts to reduce overall pollution burdens. Mobile daily diaries can be one way to capture variable responses to environmental quality, acute health symptoms, and stressors.

The research interview is a valuable tool for collecting data in qualitative studies. All education researchers, whether novice or experienced, need to prepare carefully when planning to conduct interviews. Thus, how best to assist newer researchers to acquire interviewing skills for the purpose of collecting research data remains an important question. Mock, or 'practice', interviews can offer opportunities for such researchers to become more familiar with the methodological processes involved in interviewing, so that they can start to build necessary skills prior to carrying out interviews in the field. Set in the context of nursing education, the research sought to describe the use of an online mock interview protocol as a researcher's training tool and consider key lessons learnt from this process. In this qualitative study, seven purposively selected participants from a university in Australia were involved in a mock interview process. A video conferencing platform was utilised as an online environment for the interviews. Analysis of the procedure indicated the ways in which carrying out the mock interviews supported the researcher's preparation for qualitative interviewing and facilitated the development of good practice for conducting interviews in a virtual environment. Processes included undertaking a rigorous training needs analysis, optimising technical preparedness for the mock interviews, and practising how to ask interview questions in a suitable way. The experience involved learning lessons around self-evaluation, mental readiness, retrieving rich data and troubleshooting technical issues. The research highlights the extent to which successful interviewing depends on the quality of pre-interview preparation on the part of the researcher. Conducting mock interviews prior to online qualitative research could help support less experienced researchers in areas of research including nursing education. Integration of mock interview protocols into curricula for educational research purposes could help provide research students with opportunities to strengthen their skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifty-one 18–22-year-old Ugandans took part in asynchronous online discussions about sexual decision-making. To increase generalizability and variability of experience, youth were recruited across the country using social media advertising. Participants were stratified into 8 groups by sex and sexual experience (e.g., women who had not had sex). Participants were asked questions such as, "What role do you think [men/women] play in deciding when a couple is going to play sex?" Several themes emerged. Both young men and women articulated social pressures to be abstinent, particularly to avoid STIs and pregnancy moreso than saving oneself for marriage. That said, women noted pressures to be seen as "pure". There also were pressures to have sex: Men were expected to have sex to demonstrate their virility. Women were expected to have sex if they accepted gifts or other commodities from their partners. It seemed that the specter of HIV and other STIs, as well as unwanted pregnancy, served to mitigate these expectations however, resulting in self-efficacy to use condoms among both men and women. Nonetheless, both men and women acknowledged that it could be hard for women to negotiate condoms. Implications for HIV prevention are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ChatGPT and AI programs are creating a stir on college campuses nationwide. Concerns about cheating are strong and many instructors are adopting new teaching strategies to dissuade students from using the technology in assignments. In the present study, undergraduate students in an introductory epidemiology course were assigned to use ChatGPT to produce essays about topics related to course content and, in pairs, critically analyze the resulting essays. Individually, students responded to reflection questions regarding the technology and its implications for college classrooms. In this study, those qualitative reflection responses were analyzed for themes. While a variety of viewpoints were expressed regarding expectations of the program, most students were aware of the potential for cheating but remained cautiously optimistic about the use of ChatGPT as an educational tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents Systematic Theory Mapping (STM), a comprehensive and systematic method, as the first step toward defining and dealing with complex and wicked problems. Social systems exhibit a messy, multifaceted, and multi-level composite of problems characterized by causal complexities and non-linear interactions of numerous contributing variables. Exploring such a wicked composite of problems for causal explanations and theory building through reductionist empiricism is unrealistic, expensive, and futile. Systems thinking is required to understand the configurations driving wicked problems and navigate their causal complexities. We construed brand externalities as a wicked problem and provided an illustrative example for STM. A systematic narrative review is used to amalgamate diverse stakeholder perspectives and capture the structures and processes that generate brand externalities. System dynamics, employing a causal loop diagram, is used to organize the findings and develop a causal theory of brand externalities. The proposed method can help scholars, managers, and policymakers better define complex managerial and social problems and identify the likely consequences of their actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore health literacy needs and preferences for a technology-based intervention (app) to improve sexual and reproductive health (SRH) among college students. Participants: In Spring 2019, in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 participants (10 male, 10 female) from a large, public university. Methods: Interview guide was developed based on Integrated Model of Health Literacy domains and Diffusion of Innovation constructs. Data were analyzed in MaxQDA using applied thematic analysis. Results: Dominant themes included accessing health information and services, evaluating options to make decisions, intervention utility and characteristics, and the emergent theme of credibility. Specific topics included accessing STI testing, contraceptive decision making, information on human papillomavirus (HPV) and the HPV vaccine, patient-provider communication, app design and function elements, and modifying the app to meet the SRH needs of diverse college students. Conclusions: Findings identified areas where an app could address college students' SRH literacy, ultimately improving SRH outcomes among this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this article is to share lessons learned by the author as an organizational ombuds working with data while striving to effectively communicate the value of ombuds work. The article begins with a presentation of how the author transitioned from a faculty researcher to an ombuds working with data with the goal to demystify ombuds work and create opportunities for visitor voices to be heard. This discussion includes both quantitative and qualitative data. The author shares strategies implemented, and decisions made as an ombuds to operationalize data collection, analysis, and reporting. The article ends with final thoughts for organizational ombuds to consider while reflecting on their professional practice with data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]