Descriptive Categories Research Articles

Patients' Perceptions Regarding the Relevance of Items Contained in the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Kidney Symptom Index-19.

There is a lack of consensus regarding the optimal method of assessing health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) among patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). This study explored the perceived relevance of items that make up the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Kidney Symptom Index-19 (FKSI-19), as judged by patients with mRCC. This was a multinational cross-sectional survey. Eligible patients responded to a questionnaire composed of 18 items that assessed the perceived relevance of each item in the FKSI-19 questionnaire. Open-ended questions assessed additional issues deemed relevant by patients. Responses were grouped as relevant (scores 2-5) or nonrelevant (score 1). Descriptive statistics were collated, and open-ended questions were analyzed and categorized into descriptive categories. Spearman correlation statistics were used to test the association between relevance and clinical characteristics. A total of 151 patients were included (gender: 78.1 M, 21.9F; median age: 64; treatment: 38.4 immunotherapy, 29.8 targeted therapy, 13.9 immuno-TKI combination therapy) in the study. The most relevant questions evaluated fatigue (77.5), lack of energy (72.2), and worry that their condition will get worse (71.5). Most patients rated blood in urine (15.2), fevers (16.6), and lack of appetite (23.2) as least relevant. Qualitative analysis of open-ended questions revealed several themes, including emotional and physical symptoms, ability to live independently, effectiveness of treatment, family, spirituality, and financial toxicity. There is a need to refine widely used HR-QOL measures that are employed among patients diagnosed with mRCC treated with contemporary therapies. Guidance was provided for the inclusion of more relevant items to patients' cancer journey.

Contextual variation on teachers’ conceptions of ICT-enhanced teaching in engineering education

Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, higher education all over the world is increasingly reliant on the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), which creates several opportunities and problems, especially in the field of engineering education. One of the significant aspects that needs to be bought to the academic attention is how teachers' use of ICT in engineering education has been transformed due to this pandemic. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate views, and practices that define varying conceptions of engineering university teachers’ use of ICT in their teaching. Phenomenography, an emerging research approach in engineering education was used as a theoretical and methodological underpinning. A cohort of 14 teachers was selected from two universities in Bangladesh to participate in a semi-structured in-depth interview. The findings revealed five qualitatively different categories of description such as: imparting information, transmitting structured knowledge, offering guided learning, engaging students toward practice and engaging students toward innovation. Relationships among the categories of description revealed four dimensions of variation such as: purpose of using ICT in engineering teaching, role of a teacher, role of a student and TPACK components. The study further found that ICT-usage underpins teacher’s pedagogical approach to teaching engineering subjects and therefore provides useful information for university policy makers, teachers and curriculum designers toward quality teaching and learning. A quantitative investigation to determine the impact of the pedagogical approaches to teaching underpinned by ICT-use in engineering education is recommended.

Research on the angular velocity estimation method based on the state augmentation method

In the maneuvering target tracking research due to the unpredictability of the target’s maneuvering, it makes it difficult to establish an accurate target motion model to reflect the real motion trajectory of the target. Based on the determination of the parametric maneuver model and the radar measurement conditions of the target, the joint estimation method of the motion state and the maneuver parameters is designed to obtain the optimal estimation of the motion state and the maneuver parameters based on the optimal evaluation criteria. Currently, in the descriptive category of the state space model, the state augmentation method is obtained to solve the joint estimation of the motion state and maneuver parameters based on the estimation criterion [1]. Therefore, the angular velocity estimation method of the state augmentation method is used to consider the estimated value of the target angular velocity and the estimated variance comprehensively to improve the convergence speed of target tracking, minimize the error between the filtered angular velocity and the real angular velocity of the maneuvering target, and finally achieve the purpose of improving the target tracking accuracy.

Automated Text Messaging During COVID-19: Patient Feedback to Increase Adoption.

Automated text messaging interventions can effectively improve self-care and were used to support the U.S. Veterans Health Administration's (VHA) public health outreach during the COVID pandemic. Currently, significant gaps exist in knowledge about VHA patients' texting protocol preferences that may impact user receptivity, engagement, and effectiveness. This study qualitatively evaluated patient suggestions to improve two VHA Covid-related texting interventions and preferences for future text message protocols.We reviewed cross-sectional type-written survey responses from patients receiving either the "Coronavirus Precautions" or the "Coping During COVID" multi-week text protocols. Two team members independently and inductively coded all responses allowing for an upward abstraction of qualitative data.Nine hundred five patients (72.8% male) responded to the open-response item questions targeted by this research. An item that sought feedback to improve protocol acceptability generated thirteen distinct descriptive categories (inter-rater reliability 83.5%). Codable feedback showed, for example, that patients desired to manipulate message frequency and to have a more sophisticated interaction with messages. Patients' suggestions for future automated text messaging protocols yielded nine distinct topic areas.Patients offered suggestions that may impact receptivity and engagement of future automated text message protocols, particularly as they relate to outreach during a public health crisis. In addition, patients offered specific topics they would like to see in future text message protocols. We discuss how the findings can be used to increase engagement in current and post-pandemic public health interventions.

Older patients’ perceptions of the Swedish ambulance service: A qualitative exploratory study

BackgroundAs worldwide life expectancy increases, the Swedish Ambulance Service is likely to be affected by the demographic shift towards a larger proportion of older persons. An older population tends to increase the demand for ambulances, indicating a need to illuminate older patients’ perspective. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore older patients’ perceptions of the Swedish Ambulance Service. MethodsThis interview study employed a descriptive qualitative design with a phenomenographic approach in accordance with Dahlgren and Fallsberg. ResultsThree main descriptive categories emerged to describe the underlying conceptions in the interviews; A double-edged encounter, Trust is created by perceived competence, and Safety through accessibility in vulnerable situations. ConclusionOlder patients described trust in ambulance clinicians as a prerequisite for feeling safe enough to share their feelings and allow a bodily examination. However, they also criticized the care provided because they questioned the need for certain actions.

Квантово-холістичні категорії соціальних комунікацій

Today, among specialists in social communications there is a lack of knowledge about the quantum-holistic categories of social communications, both the process of social and the process of social activity. The aim of our study was to identify and describe quantum-holistic categories of social communication processes. Through our study, we have chosen a transformed methodology of holism, which argues that the integrity of the world is a consequence of creative evolution. Such evolution is guided by the intangible and unknowable «integrity factor» (in Jan Smuts's terminology). The transformation of the ideas of holism is based on the basic principles of quantum mechanics, which we have adapted to the social sciences. We also used in the study methods of analysis and synthesis, deduction and induction, and the method of classification. The research methodology determined the differentiation of quantum-holistic categories of social communications into social and public; identification of three mandatory elements of the philosophy of knowledge of any subject of discussion, namely: identification, content, and functionality; analysis of known and little-known concepts of classification of philosophical categories in order to identify features that are consistent with our methodological conceptual concept of quantum-holistic categories of social communication processes; on the basis of the carried out analysis of isolation and nomination of ontological (metaphysical) and epistemological (epistemological) descriptive categories of processes o f social communications. In conclusion, the author argues that the identification of quantum-holistic categories of social communication processes should be carried out both from a social and social point of view. The author proposes to consider as descriptive quantum-holistic categories of social communication processes «quantum (portion of energy)», «Whole», «Information», «living / inanimate», «action / peace», «society / non-society». Keywords: social communications, philosophy of communication, categories, quantum, holism.

Psychographic profiling — a method for developing relatable avatars for a direct-to-consumer mobile game for adolescent girls on mobile in India

Abstract This research aimed to conduct psychographic profiling for developing a direct-to-consumer mobile game targeting the sexual and reproductive health of adolescent girls in India. We used semi-structured tools to collect information on role models, family, education, dreams, fears and decision-making power. We also presented visual stimuli to the participants (Indian girls; age: 15–19 years; N = 103). Responding to the stimuli, the participants expressed their perceptions of social norms, moral standards, obligations and aspirations. We carried out thematic analysis using predetermined codes and did an inductive analysis to identify emergent profiles. Analysis revealed seven primary themes that influence the participants’ aspirations, decisions and agency: (i) clarity regarding career goals, (ii) information about the pathways to reach those goals, (iii) efforts toward achieving goals, (iv) clarity about priorities, (v) parental support, (vi) ability and willingness to negotiate and (vii) social mobility. Based on combinations of these themes, four predominant personas emerged as descriptive categories of girls’ lives and attitudes. These four profiles will form the basis of Game of Choice, Not Chance™ game: informing the scenarios, in-game decisions and relatable content. This study represents a novel approach to research for an equally innovative game for agency building and health awareness among adolescents.

Activism in translation: Yan Fu’s translational activism against foreign imperialism in late Qing China

The concept of translational activism underscores the ways translation has been used to promote social change. Translation and activism as an emerging area of interest in Translation Studies have attracted growing scholarly attention. Nevertheless, few studies have been conducted on activist translation in the context of China. This study examines translational activism against foreign imperialism through a case study on Yan Fu, a pioneer activist translator in late Qing China. Tymoczko’s concepts of resistance and engagement are used as descriptive categories for the empirical analysis. The appraisal framework is adopted as the analytical tool to address Yan Fu’s positioning and activist intervention. It is found that Yan pursued two complementary forms of activism in his translation: Yan demonstrates his resistance to foreign imperialism by criticising foreign aggression and resisting imperial privileges; while Yan manifests his engagement by disclosing the national crisis, inspiring patriotism and calling for action. As textual intervention has received little attention in activist translation, the present study fills this gap by examining the linguistic and textual manifestations of Yan’s activist intervention. In addition to applying the new theoretical lens of activism to examine Yan’s translation practice, the present study makes a theoretical contribution by adopting the appraisal framework in the area of translation and activism.

The Adaptation of Western and Chinese Categories to the Description of Manchu

Summary Frequent contacts between European countries and China during the Qing period kindled interest in the languages spoken in the Qing empire and led to the publication of numerous Western books on Chinese varieties but also on the Manchu language. To describe the features of these distant languages, most of these works adapted Western linguistic categories and terminologies. This was the case of the earliest Western grammar of Manchu, Verbiest’s Elementa linguae tartaricae (1682). However, some Western works progressively integrated elements of the Chinese linguistic tradition. For instance, the grammars of Kaulen (1856) and Harlez (1884) refer to the Chinese categories “full words” (content words) and “empty words” (function words). Other Western works translated or drew on Chinese-Manchu bilingual primers, which in turn adapted the methodology and categories of Chinese philology to the description of Manchu, such as in the textbooks by Shěn (1682) and Wǔ-gé (1730). Their western translations (Domenge n.d.; Wylie 1855; Hoffman 1883) resulted in interesting examples of circulation of linguistic knowledge and amalgamation of descriptive categories.

Квантово-холістичні категорії соціальних комунікацій

Today, among specialists in social communications there is a lack of knowledge about the quantum-holistic categories of social communications, both the process of social and the process of social activity. The aimof our study was to identify and describe quantum-holistic categories of social communication processes. Through our study, we have chosen a transformed methodologyof holism, which argues that the integrity of the world is a consequence of creative evolution. Such evolution is guided by the intangible and unknowable «integrity factor»(in Jan Smuts's terminology). The transformation of the ideas of holism is based on the basic principles of quantum mechanics, which we have adapted to the social sciences. We also used in the study methodsof analysis and synthesis, deduction and induction, and the method of classification. The research methodologydetermined the differentiation of quantum-holistic categories of social communications into social and public; identification of three mandatory elements of the philosophy of knowledge of any subject of discussion, namely: identification, content, and functionality; analysis of known and little-known concepts of classification of philosophical categories in order to identify features that are consistent with our methodological conceptual concept of quantum-holistic categories of social communication processes; on the basis of the carried out analysis of isolation and nomination of ontological (metaphysical) and epistemological (epistemological) descriptive categories of processes of social communications. In conclusion, the author argues that the identification of quantum-holistic categories of social communication processes should be carried out both from a social and social point of view. The author proposes to consider as descriptive quantum-holistic categories of social communication processes «quantum (portion of energy)», «Whole», «Information», «living / inanimate», «action / peace», «society / non-society».

Thai Religion and the Viability of the Construct ‘Cult’

This article takes the construct of ‘cult’ as used in academic work, defined in part as a ‘social formation’, and applies it to Thai religion in order to assess its viability as a descriptive and/or analytical category in the Thai religious context while highlighting elements of Thai religious belief and practice to identify possible cognate words to ‘cult’ in the Thai language (wai (pay respect), būchā (sacrifice, worship), būang sūang (worship, appease), etc.). The article presents an overview of the use of cult, or lack thereof, in current research on Thai religion (worship of Buddha, monks, kings – living and deceased, revered monks, Rahu, local deities and spirits). Reference will be made to the extensive use of ‘cult’ in studies of Greek and Roman religion. Outcomes show that in Thai religion there is rarely, if ever, formal membership in ritual practice and worship is fluid with individual Thais free to move between what can be termed ‘cults’ thus weakening the viability of the term. While one can certainly say the “cult of King Naresuan”, the fluidity of Thai religions strains the parameters of the construct of ‘cult’ as a social formation in Thailand.

KEMAMPUAN PEMECAHAN MASALAH DAN SELF EFFICACY MAHASISWA DALAM MENYELESAIKAN WORKSHEET PERSAMAAN DIFERENSIAL TINGKAT SATU DERAJAT N

This study aims to describe the problem solving ability of UMT students in solving the first degree differential equations worksheet with the factorization method. This research is included in the category of qualitative research with a descriptive category. The research subjects were 20 fourth semester students for the 2021/2022 academic year. Data collection methods used are test techniques, filling out structured student worksheets and filling out questionnaires. The test is carried out by filling out the initial test. Filling out structured student worksheets consisting of material, examples and practice questions. Based on the initial test data, filling in the worksheets and questionnaires, the criteria for the three types of students were obtained. Type 1 students fill out 1-2 initial test questions, fill in the material incompletely, the sample questions are only done one question out of the two questions provided with unsystematic problem solving analysis and the last part of the practice questions is not filled in. Type 2 students fill out 2-3 questions for the initial test, complete the material, two examples of questions are done, the practice questions are filled with one question. Type 3 students work on 4 pre-test questions, complete structured student worksheets for each material, sample questions and practice questions. The student fills out a worksheet with a systematic problem-solving analysis

The Effect of Post-Equalization Archivist Competence on Archivist Performance

Three basic competencies in the field of archiving that must be possessed by an archivist are knowledge, skills, and attitudes. The competencies possessed by archivists are needed in forming good performance in order to achieve organizational goals. This study aims to analyze the significance of the influence of the archivist's competence after equalization, either partially or simultaneously, on the performance of the archivist and to identify the competence that has the greatest influence on the archivist after equalization in performing the performance in his agency. This study uses a quantitative research design, and the type of research is a descriptive survey category. Based on the results of the research and data analysis, it was concluded that the archivist's overall competence, consisting of knowledge, skills, and attitudes, affected the performance of post-equalization archivists by 57.9% in carrying out their daily activities. In addition, the calculated F value of 39,485 is greater than F table 2.73 and the Sig value is less than 0.05, thus H0 is rejected and Ha is accepted. Attitudes, skills, and knowledge simultaneously affect the achievement of archivists.

Primary Healthcare Nurses' Views on Digital Healthcare Communication and Continuity of Care: A Deductive and Inductive Content Analysis.

Primary healthcare in the Western world faces significant functional challenges, resulting in the implementation of digital communication tools. Nurses are key professionals in primary care and focusing on the impact of digital communication and continuity of care in primary care organisations is important. This qualitative descriptive study explores digital communication and continuity of care from primary healthcare nurses' perspective. Data from individual semi-structured interviews with 12 nurses were collected; deductive and inductive content analyses were performed. Three descriptive categories emerged from the deductive (digital communication as interpersonal, information, and management continuities) and inductive ('digital care does not suit everyone', 'new technology is contextually intertwined with daily work', and 'patient-positive aspects of digital information') phases. Additionally, a structural risk of obscuration of patients' needs by the contextual conditions emerged. To ensure digital communication-aligned continuity of care, compatible information technology systems should be developed. Allowing nurses to provide high-quality care based on their own values would enhance person-centred patient care.

Writing the Polish American Woman in Postwar Ethnic Fiction

Writing the Polish American Woman in Postwar Ethnic Fiction

2015 개정 과학과 교육과정 속 첨단과학기술 내용 분석

Objectives In modern society, which is continuously changing due to advances in science and technology, the 4th industrial revolution has accelerated the changes in human life. In this study, in order to draw implications for the reflection of advanced science technology in the future revised curriculum, we investigate how the topic of advanced science technology appears in the 2015 revised curriculum.
 Methods In this study the advanced science technology were defined base on the findings of the recent science and technology prediction survey and advanced science technology were divided into six groups and fourteen major issues depending on their importance. Also, advanced science and technology are classified into five descriptive categories: basic, principle, usage, influence, and profession. The achievement goals and learning contents of the 2015 revised curriculum were analyzed using this classification framework for middle school science, high school science.
 Results In the 2015 revised science curriculum the ecology/eco friendly group showed the highest percentage among the advanced science technology issue. The topic groups with the lowest frequency were the transportation/robot group and the information/communication group. When examining topic groupings, the high school elective courses were cited the most, particularly life science subjects with 8 cases and science history subjects with 3 cases. As a result of the frequency according to the advanced science technology content description category, the proportion of use, principle, and social impact was high, whereas the proportion of basic and profession description categories was small, confirming that the description method of advanced science and technology was biased.
 Conclusions First it is vital to diversify the advanced science technology categories given in curricula and textbooks. It is necessary to provide the non-biased contents of diverse sectors of the advanced science technology. Second, it is necessary to expose openly major advanced science technology topics. Third, it is required to deliver the class in a manner that may be adjusted in a variety of ways so that students can truly investigate or experiment with the advanced science technology.

Perspective of Emergency Pediatric Nurses Triaging Pediatric Patients in the Emergency Department: A Phenomenographic Study

IntroductionTriage, a process to determine illness severity, is implemented by emergency nurses to prioritize treatment and provide care for a maximum number of patients using limited resources. The competency of emergency nurses and a highly reliable triage are crucial for the provision of emergency care. Pediatric patients are different from adult patients in certain aspects, such as growth-phase characteristics, communication ability, and the onset of disease; these aspects often pose challenges during their primary triage. This study explored how emergency nurses triage pediatric patients using the Korean Triage and Acuity Scale. MethodsEleven emergency nurses (N = 11) working in the pediatric emergency department of a university hospital in Seoul, South Korea, were recruited using purposive sampling methods. Phenomenography was used to investigate the strategies by which these nurses use the Korean Triage and Acuity Scale to triage pediatric patients. ResultsThe findings comprised 2 descriptive categories: 6 approaches on how to triage patients (categories of how) and 3 strategies (categories of what) used by pediatric emergency nurses to triage pediatric patients with the Korean Triage and Acuity Scale. DiscussionThe experience and proficiency of emergency nurses are essential factors for the effective triage of pediatric patients. Our findings qualitatively elucidate different ways of understanding pediatric triage and indicate the need for pediatric triage education programs.

“What is this strange sensation?” A qualitative exploration of metaphors used to verbalise hard-to-describe experiences by people with epilepsy

Mental health comorbidities are frequent in epilepsy. Consequently, psychotherapy is becoming increasingly important. To address the psychological needs of people with epilepsy (PwE) it is essential to understand the subjective experiences of seizures better. There is little research on how people report seizures, and which psychological representations they have. We conducted a thematic analysis based on 42 (micro-phenomenological) interviews with 15 participants on their experiences of seizures. In these interviews, we identified three categories of seizure descriptions: (1) phenomena related to the body and emotions; (2) the moments that are difficult to describe; and (3) the use of figurative language and metaphors. Paroxysmal physical and psychological sensations were often reported spontaneously by the participants. The moments that were difficult to describe were expressed, among other things, through the use of paradoxes or the report of a ‘strange’ feeling and led participants to use figurative language. As these metaphors can reveal important information about people’s subjective experiences, they were analyzed in detail. We identified the three main types of metaphors that the participants used most frequently: (1) perception, (2) nature, and (3) battle. The theme of battle was most frequently used in different forms and was closely related to the metaphors from the fields of perception and nature, thus representing a key point in the personal experience of seizures. These findings can contribute to developing psychotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of seizure disorders.

Литературное направление в понимании редактора и переводчика

The article actualizes the problems of an interdisciplinary approach to the interpretation of the term “literary direction”. The method of lexical portraiture of the term is used. The author substantiates the thesis that the literary direction is not an evaluative, but a descriptive category.

Teacher Candidates’ Self-Determined Motivation to Develop and Implement Self-Regulated Learning Practices

Teaching towards self-regulated learning (SRL) is complex and involves the development of skills and sustained motivation. This study examined teacher candidates’ (TCs’) identification of supports and constraints for their self-determined motivation to develop SRL practices. Findings from one case within a qualitative, longitudinal study of four teacher candidates enrolled in a teacher education program (TEP) focused on SRL in Canada are presented. Supports and constraints for this TC’s self-determined motivation in relation to her development and implementation of self-regulated promoting practices are identified and discussed from the perspective of SRL and self-determination theory. The data analyzed included: a questionnaire, interviews, documents, and in-class observations. The finding reveals detailed descriptive codes and categories for SRL and management practices, as well as codes related to TCs’ motivational constraints and affordances for their development of SRL practices.