Alternative Research Methods Research Articles

Modern alternative research methods in genetic toxicology (literature review)

The review represents the current principles of assessment of chemicals genotoxicity. The main attention is paid to alternative research methods. The international experience of the application of alternative approaches and prospects of their use for regulatory purposes are discussed. The data for this review were collected from the Russian and foreign literature, as well as Internet resources, concerning the development of the new alternative methods for testing chemicals for genotoxicity. The OECD database, Scopus, Medline, Google Scholar, RISC, CyberLeninka were used for the information retrieval. Although the evaluation of genotoxicity of chemical substances is the well-established and based on the battery of validated methods, the studies for improving the existing tests and developing new technologies, including the alternative approaches, continue unabated up to now. In general, three trends of development of genetic toxicology can be outlined, including creating of new methods based on the whole-genome sequencing and the application of genome editing technologies; implementation of quantitative system of effects assessment in addition to the existing qualitative approach (mutagenic/non-mutagenic) and testing of various combinations of genotoxicity evaluation methods to identify a battery of tests with a greater predictive activity regarding carcinogenic effects. To use the developed alternative models for regulatory purposes, it is necessary to provide convincing evidence that the data obtained are good predictors of the organism’s actual response to the effects of toxicants/genotoxicants, validation of methods, standardization, and harmonization of research protocols, and changes to the existing regulatory framework are required.

Socio-Linguistic Analysis of The Problems of Vulnerable and Critically Endangered Turkic Languages in Kazakhstan

The main goal of the article is to reveal the importance of preserving the use of native Turkic-speaking languages that are endangered such as Crimean Tatars, Tuvan, Balkars, Kumyks, Karachay, Nogai, Gagauz, Sakha and Khakass in Kazakhstan to pass the linguistic practices to the future generation before these ethnic groups disappear. The war times, the period of Great Famine, Stalin's repressions, deportation, all these events had their toll not only on Kazakhs, but also on all the Turkic peoples in general. The Turkic peoples who inhabited the Kazakh land during those hard times still live in our country. The state language of the Republic of Kazakhstan is the Kazakh language. Despite the fact that Kazakhstan is multi-ethnic, there are no obstacles for representatives of the ethnic minorities as to use their native tongues. These ethnic groups have less representation demographically as a reason their linguistic usage and practice is vulnerable. In this regard, the results of the national population census of 2021 in the Republic of Kazakhstan Statistical collection demonstrates the changes of the ethnic group from 2009 to 2021 (https://stat.gov.kz/national/2021/). The population has changed drastically. The problems of the vulnerable and critically endangered Turkic languages spoken by relevant ethnic minorities in Kazakhstan have been considered in this article.This article provides a general overview of how the oldest family classification affected the endangered Turkic languages in Kazakhstan. Meanwhile, systematic grouping can be started by works of Arat. Arat proposes classifying a group of Turkic languages as “dialects” and “sub-dialects”, using the term “Turkic dialects” for modern Turkic languages from 1947 to 1951. But Arat's own classification of Turkic languages and subsequent classifications have not yet been consistently discussed in a comparative context. The article also provides an overview of the main works of such famous Turkologists as Talat Tekin’s “New classification of Turkic languages”, Benzing’s “Classification of the Turkic Languages” based on Samoilovich's classification and Karl Menges’s “Turkic languages and peoples”.The current state of the Turkic languages, the main problems of the vulnerable and critically endangered Turkic languages spoken by ethnic minorities has been considered in the article and also a socio-linguistic study of the situation in Kazakhstan, being the subject of research, has been conducted. The percentage based indicators and frequency analysis were performed by collecting data during the study using both qualitative and quantitative analytical methods. Hence, a 14 questions questionnaire was prepared with purpose of data gathering on the usage of the language and its application on day today life. The questionnaire was distributed in 2020 to collect data from 150 participants in ethnic groups. The data collected was found to be insufficient thus an alternative research method was applied to process the data. Interviews were conducted to analyze the qualitative aspects of the research. Audio recordings have been made during the interviews and recordings have been analyzed in the article. Regarding the research analyses, a concept has been formulated as to vulnerable and critically endangered Turkic languages spoken by relevant ethnic minorities in Kazakhstan.As a result of the analysis, the article discloses the similarity and differences of endanger Turkic languages in phonetic, morphological, syntactic and semantic terms, determining the level and scope of the use of native languages in Kazakhstan by Turkic ethnic communities.

MEMBANGUN KESADARAN LITERASI INFORMASI DALAM KONTEKS PENYELESAIAN TUGAS AKHIR SANTRI DI PONDOK PESANTREN SUMATERA THAWALIB PARABEK: SUATU PENELITIAN TINDAKAN PARTISIPATIF

This article is action research as an alternative research method in empowering final-year student paper supervisor teachers. Action research is based on the assumption that research must be linked to change programs in assisted Islamic boarding schools. This research was carried out not only to obtain facts but also to create the desired conditions. Action research can be used effectively in research and action to empower final-year student paper supervisor teachers, because of its nature which emphasises the active participation of supervisor teachers. Through action research, it is possible to produce formulations that are adapted to the conditions of supervising teachers in carrying out efforts to increase information literacy competence in the context of completing final-grade student papers.

Advanced and alternative research methods for the acute care surgeon scientist

Clinical research has evolved significantly over the last few decades to include many advanced and alternative study designs to answer unique questions. Recognizing a potential knowledge gap, the AAST Associate...

Assessing How Rewards and Sanctions Shape Employee Performance at Rocky Plaza Hotel in Padang

This study investigates the implications of reward and punishment mechanisms on employee performance, focusing on the unique context of Rocky Plaza Hotel in Padang. Drawing on insights from organizational psychology and management studies, the study explores the dynamics between reward and punishment strategies and their influence on the hotel's workforce. The research employs a quantitative approach, involving data collection from 121 hotel employees through direct communication, questionnaires, interviews, and documentation. The study establishes the significance of effective reward systems in enhancing employee motivation and job satisfaction, contributing to improved performance and productivity. Conversely, the application of sanctions or punishments is found to deter undesirable behaviors, fostering a more disciplined and efficient work environment. The hotel implements a range of reward systems, including recognition programs, performance bonuses, and promotions, along with various forms of punishments such as verbal or written warnings, salary deductions, and demotions. The study recommends fostering a supportive work environment through leadership initiatives and suggests avenues for future research to explore additional variables and alternative research methods.

Unveiling the Nexus: Most Essential Learning Competencies and Critical Thinking Skills of Students

Knowledge and critical thinking (CT) play vital roles and serve as foundational pillars for effective learning and intellectual development. This study aimed to identify the relationship between students’ knowledge of the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCs) in English 7 and their CT skills. The descriptive-correlational approach was used, and survey questionnaires were utilized as the main data collection tool. Using the systematic sampling technique, 145 students from two secondary schools in Zamboanguita District 2 were selected as the respondents for this study. The results showed that the students’ level of knowledge of the MELCs is predominantly categorized as “outstanding.” The data also reflects that the students generally perceive a “somewhat high” extent of CT skills in the following areas: analyzing relevance, evaluating sources, and using evidence to formulate an argument. Additionally, a significant and strong correlation is evident between the level of knowledge of the MELCs and the previously mentioned constructs of CT skills. In conclusion, students’ knowledge of the MELCs significantly influences their perception of the MELCs' importance in enhancing their CT skills. When students have a thorough grasp of a particular competency, they are more inclined to utilize it in their critical thinking processes. Hence, it is recommended to consider alternative research methods, such as longitudinal studies, to track students’ development of CT skills over time, as they gain deeper knowledge of the MELCs. Furthermore, employing qualitative research approaches to delve deeper into the connections between knowledge of the MELCs and CT skills could be beneficial.

Challenges in Conducting Co-Creation Workshops to Study Net Zero Understandings, Initiatives and Sustainable Design Futures with Grassroots Communities - A Case Study

The Co-creation workshop is widely used as a qualitative design (research) approach in understandings of service provision, and is here applied to sustainable design, but there is no one-size-fits-all plan for co-creation. Therefore, our research questions are (1) how to apply co-creation workshop methods for grassroots communities on the unfamiliar ‘Net-Zero’ concept, and what are practical challenges to be mitigated and how? We researched this through a case study, and here present three key challenges we experienced when conducting a qualitative study on grassroots community opinions/attitudes towards the UK government’s ‘Net-Zero’ strategy. Firstly, recruiting and engaging with participants are challenging because (A) the ‘Net-Zero’ concept is unfamiliar, and (B) grassroots are in general less well organized and lack clear communication channels. Secondly, finding alternative ways to recruit participants in a short time is challenging, and thirdly, conducting research in the ‘wild’ way is difficult. From our co-creation experience, advisable solutions to the challenges (as our research contributions) include (1) quickly developing or having a well-prepared alternative plan to actively talk to and invite potential participants to the research location, (2) using alternative qualitative research methods such as short semi-structured surveys or interviews to do on-site ‘pop-up’ research in the wild, and (3) to locate a workshop where is easier to find participants in the ‘pop-up’ way and so gather data that can be clearly communicated to the stakeholders able to design and implement future sustainable development for the local community and the future sustainable design of the local environment and energy provision.

Scanning Probe Microscopy Techniques for Studying the Cell Glycocalyx.

The glycocalyx is a brush-like layer that covers the surfaces of the membranes of most cell types. It consists of a mixture of carbohydrates, mainly glycoproteins and proteoglycans. Due to its structure and sensitivity to environmental conditions, it represents a complicated object to investigate. Here, we review studies of the glycocalyx conducted using scanning probe microscopy approaches. This includes imaging techniques as well as the measurement of nanomechanical properties. The nanomechanics of the glycocalyx is particularly important since it is widely present on the surfaces of mechanosensitive cells such as endothelial cells. An overview of problems with the interpretation of indirect data via the use of analytical models is presented. Special insight is given into changes in glycocalyx properties during pathological processes. The biological background and alternative research methods are briefly covered.

“What does this mapping tell us about?” The generation of cultural evidence from the collaborative mapping in Lima, Peru

Information generation, data processing and territorial approaches are keys to more accurate cultural and urban policies, whether at a community, private or public sphere. This article discusses the main findings from the cultural mapping project "Cultural Cartographies of Lima" (Nodos Culturales Association 2021) in order to spotlight alternative research methods for territory analysis that relies on cultural information such as type of infrastructure, cultural manifestations promoted, mobilizing agendas and audiences involvement. Information regarding the characteristics and distribution of Lima's cultural spaces tell us about urban inequalities and the civil resilience in the city that provides interesting evidence for the territory comprehension and policy making.

INTUITION IN AUDITOR'S PROFESSIONAL SKEPTICISM

This article discusses the use of intuition by auditors, exploring its relevance for fraud detection. Auditors are expected to exhibit professional skepticism, which includes a questioning mindset and critical evaluation of audit evidence, but there have been concerns about insufficient use in the practice. While intuition is considered a dangerous trait for auditors due to the risk of biased decisions, it is an essential driver of practice, particularly for risk decisions. Despite the initiatives of professional associations of accountants and auditors, governmental regulators, and international standardization organizations to enhance knowledge about auditors' professional skepticism, there is still a lack of practical guidance on the appropriate use and how to document it. Therefore, the research question is how intuition can be used in the audit process to enhance fraud detection. To address this question, the article provides a literature review of normative, practitioner, and academic production on the use of intuition by auditors as a cognitive approach. The article concludes that the academic literature is scarce, and the normative resistance to the concept by standard-setting organizations may be the cause. The tension between the necessity of sufficient and proper documentation and the exercise of professional skepticism creates a paradox for auditors. Practitioners' commissioned research on auditors' skepticism is essential to bridge the academic literature on intuition and the rule-making by professional and standard-setting organizations. The article proposes a research agenda for the categories: Incentives, Time, Mindset/Prompts, Environmental and Contextual Factors, Competence, and Traits, suggesting alternative research methods such as case studies of corruption and financial scandals. This contribution is essential for auditors, accounting professionals, regulators, and scholars interested in the audit process and enhancing auditors' professional skepticism.

The Application of Social Network Analysis to Economic and Regional Development: Tertiary Educational Attainment by Sex and Nuts 2 Regions

Abstract Social Network Analysis (SNA) is a process of investigating the structure of a network. With the contribution of graph theory, it studies the relationships (links) that are established between different units, such as individuals, groups, or organizations (nodes), which are taken as interdependent rather than as autonomous. A social network can be compared to a web, which records the relationships or interactions of people. These networks include the social or professional interactions between units through which information and services are exchanged or contacts are recorded on a systematic basis. In this paper we attempt to introduce SNA in Economic and Regional Development, i.e. to examine the correlation of a regional education statistic indicator between certain regions. Specifically, we study the share of citizens who have completed higher education for the age group 25-64 years by gender and NUTS 2 regions. We present the visualisation of several networks, which are generated based on the degree of correlation of the data, and compute measures of centrality to compare the level of higher education by gender. The aim is to determine whether the application of Social Network Analysis could be an alternative research method in the study of Economic and Regional Development.

Incorporating Complexity Theory in Collaborative Educational Programs

The field of education has witnessed an increasing trend of inter-organizational and inter-departmental collaborations and forming of networks. Collaborative educational programs have been implemented in a variety of ways. This paper proposes to understand and study collaborative educational programs through the lens of complexity theory and to utilize nonlinear research methods. This paper also proposes to connect the dots in the literature among complexity theory, collaborative educational programs, program evaluation, and alternative nonlinear research methods.

Going beyond “empowering” the most disadvantaged by “disempowering” ourselves: a response to global health’s equity issues through alternative research methods and team structure in the context of a project at the start of the COVID pandemic in Kenya.

Going beyond “empowering” the most disadvantaged by “disempowering” ourselves: a response to global health’s equity issues through alternative research methods and team structure in the context of a project at the start of the COVID pandemic in Kenya.

Tablet Versus Quick Response Code: Difference in Research Participation Rates?

Conducting research with immunocompromised populations, especially within the context of a global pandemic, warrants consideration of alternative research methods and modes of administration to keep participants safe. Digital and internet-based research methods have been utilized to minimize the risk of harm with cancer patients; however, adolescents and young adults with cancer (AYAs) remain an under served and understudied population with high levels of unmet needs. The purpose of the current study was to examine differences in AYA research participation rates based on two digital survey administration methods (tablet versus QR code). AYAs were randomly assigned to complete an online survey using either a tablet or quick response (QR) code, and participation rates in each group were compared. The total participation rate was 22.9%, with 75% of completed surveys from the tablet group and 25% from the QR code group. While the use of a QR code allows for reduced costs for in-clinic recruitment and may be the most sanitary option during COVID-19, eligible patients in the current study showed trends of increased engagement using a sanitized tablet. It is important to consider how psychosocial research and electronic surveys are administered, as the method may impact recruitment and/or information obtained.

To Pick or Not to Pick: Photographic Voucher Specimens as an Alternative Method to Botanical Collecting in Ethnobotany

The identification of plants according to the Linnaean system of taxonomy is a cornerstone of ethnobotany, allowing the discipline to be a comparative science. To accomplish plant identification, ethnobotanists have long relied on the collection of voucher specimens and their deposition in herbaria. Here we critically analyze the role of botanical collecting in ethnobotany and bring attention to a range of issues that can complicate, and sometimes hamper, the practice. In lieu of traditional herbarium specimens, the collection of photographic vouchers and their deposition in digital repositories is proposed as an alternative method for ethnobotanical research. The ever-improving quality and ubiquity of smartphone cameras, photographic citizen science applications like Pl@ntnet and iNaturalist, and deep learning techniques of automated photo identification are discussed as elements that are contributing to a slow revolution in the role of digital data in the field sciences. Guidelines for when plant herbarium specimens versus photographic vouchers should be considered required are laid out. Although botanical collecting will doubtless and with good reason remain a foundational practice in ethnobotany, we present the use of photographic vouchers as a valid, scientifically rigorous and, in some situations, preferred method of identification.

Determining the elastic modulus of film/substrate materials from instrumented indentation testing based on machine learning

<p indent="0mm">Instrumented indentation testing has been widely used to determine the mechanical properties of materials. However, due to the substrate effect, the mechanical properties of each layer of film/substrate material becomes complicated to determine using this method. Through the finite element simulation, combined with a classic neural network method of multi-output multilayer perceptron (MLP), the relationship between the film/substrate material parameters (elastic modulus of film and substrate), normalized indentation depth (indentation depth/film thickness), and composite modulus is established. This established relationship is used to develop an indentation method to determine the elastic modulus of film/substrate. Prediction results through deep learning and the finite element simulation results are compared. The comparison results indicate that the predicted values of hard film/soft and soft film/hard substrate materials obtained from MLP are in good agreement with the simulation results. Indentation tests of Ni/304 and Cu/304 stainless steel were conducted to verify the trained neural network. The results indicate that elastic modulus of each layer predicted using the MLP is close to those obtained in the test. The results of this study can provide alternative research methods for evaluating the properties of film/substrate materials.

Visualizing Mitophagy with Fluorescent Dyes for Mitochondria and Lysosome.

Mitochondria, being the powerhouses of the cell, play important roles in bioenergetics, free radical generation, calcium homeostasis, and apoptosis. Mitophagy is the primary mechanism of mitochondrial quality control and is generally studied using microscopic observation, however in vivo mitophagy assays are difficult to perform. Evaluating mitophagy by imaging live organelles is an alternative and necessary method for mitochondrial research. This protocol describes the procedures for using the cell-permeant green-fluorescent mitochondria dye MitoTracker Green and the red-fluorescent lysosome dye LysoTracker Red in live cells, including the loading of the dyes, visualization of the mitochondria and the lysosome, and expected outcomes. Detailed steps for the evaluation of mitophagy in live cells, as well as technical notes about microscope software settings, are also provided. This method can help researchers observe mitophagy using live-cell fluorescent microscopy. In addition, it can be used to quantify mitochondria and lysosomes and assess mitochondrial morphology.

Best practices for implementing experimental research methods

AbstractExperimental research methods have a long history across a number of different disciplines—including consumer research. Although experiments are just one of many alternative research methods, experiments are notable because they are the best way to establish causation. This makes experiments a powerful tool when researchers need to show cause and effect relationships. In this article, we provide best practices for implementing experimental research methods in consumer studies. Specifically, we discuss several important topics researchers need to consider when designing experiments, including developing hypotheses, operationalizing the variables (manipulated or measured), deciding on the research design (between‐subjects, within‐subjects, or mixed), selecting the research setting (laboratory, field, or online), understanding the main effect (via moderation, mediation, or moderated mediation), including manipulation and attention checks, determining the sample size, and choosing participants. We provide recommendations that researchers can use to conduct high‐quality experiments in a consumer context.

Third-Party Violence, Incivility, and the Frontline Public Library Worker

A survey of frontline library workers (n = 527) was conducted to explore experiences with third-party violence and incivility. Questions covered a variety of issues including policies and procedures, working conditions, and new services and users. The findings speak to tensions located at the intersection of the twenty-first-century library as community anchor and the day-to-day realities of library work on the ground, especially in branches located in distressed and depressed areas. These findings suggest that organizational dysfunction is occurring in the form of a discursive divide between differently situated workers in the library hierarchy. Recommendations include the need for alternative research methods, theoretical frames, and interdisciplinary approaches taken from library and information science and social work. As an underresearched area, a call for renewed action is made.

PROBLEMATIC ISSUES OF THE EXPERT RESEARCH OF LAND PLOT IMPOSITION

The article is devoted to the study of the aspects of the absence and sufficient justification of the terms that are used in the conduct of forensic land-technical examinations. The provisions of the laws of Ukraine “On Land Management”, “On the State Land Cadastre”, and “On topographic, geodetic and cartographic activities” of the Land Code of Ukraine are analyzed. The actual absence of terms (imposition of land plots, a spot of overlapping land plots) and substantiation of the specified terms was found. The interpretation of the process of overlaying land plots is investigated. The introduction of the terms “imposition of land plots” and “spot of overlapping land plots” is proposed. The term “imposition of land plots” is formulated as a section (models) of land plots of planes or their parts, designed in a certain coordinate system, with other planes (models of land plots) or their parts. It is proposed to designate a closed geometric figure formed by the intersection of planes (models of land plots) in a certain unified coordinate system, to use the term “land overlay spot”. An alternative research method is proposed, which is based on the analysis of official documents and / or technical documentation on land management with subsequent modeling of the data obtained during the analysis. Key words: overlay of land plots, boundaries of land plots, spots of overlay of land plots, boundaries of a land plot, location of land plots, modeling