Multiple Design Research Articles

Approximation Design for Low Power Consumption in Digital Signal Processing Architecture: A Literature Review

Given the power demands of DSP operations in portable or embedded devices, especially in error-resilient applications such as the multimedia and image processing, approximation strategy is proposed as a viable solution. By deliberately reducing computational precision, various DSP components such as adders, multipliers, and compressors can be designed with lower power requirements. This review explores the optimization of these components at different design levels, including architectural and circuit levels. Specifically, this paper goes deeper into the design of approximate adders, compressors, and multipliers, essentially highlighting their impact on power efficiency and computational accuracy for image/video compression applications. Through analyzing and discussing the different designs, this paper elaborates the trade-offs between power savings and error rates, ultimately demonstrating the potential of approximation techniques in reducing power consumption without significantly compromising performance.

A cross-case study comparison of Australian metropolitan and regional cancer nurses’ experiences of work-related stressors and supports

BackgroundRegistered nurses are the largest single professional group working in the field of cancer care and support one of the most vulnerable patient cohorts in the healthcare system. Cancer nurses are known to experience high rates of burnout, but there are significant limitations to current research on the unique stressors experienced by this group of nurses, particularly since the emergence of COVID-19.MethodsThis study employs the Job Demands Resource Model (JD-R model) to better understand the experiences of Victorian cancer nurses’ work and describe factors which ameliorate burnout and work-related stress. A multiple case study research design was used in this study, with two groups of cancer nurses making up a total of 30 participants, allocated to separate cases bounded by geographical location. A two-phase study of Victorian cancer nurses in metropolitan and regional healthcare services was conducted from 2019 to 2021. Data included field notes and in-depth interviews. Data analysis used a process of elaborative coding, with a pre-conceived coding framework based on the JD-R model. A combination of thematic analysis and storyline analysis was employed to analyse the data.ResultsA cross-case analysis of similarities and differences identified the job demands affecting cancer nurses, and conversely, any positive job resources which may buffer these demands. Job demands identified in both cases appeared to have similar causes but were more explicitly linked to poor resourcing in the regional case. Job resources identified in both cases were similar, but it was noted how few job resources were available to buffer the many demands inherent in cancer nurses’ work. This multiple case study found that the work of cancer nurses is high in demands and low in resources.ConclusionsDespite challenging work conditions, findings identified a highly engaged workforce. The job resources identified in this study suggest there are modifiable strategies to cultivate a supportive work environment for cancer nurses.

ECRAAL: a high-performance multiplier design by efficient charge recovery asynchronous adiabatic logic

ECRAAL: a high-performance multiplier design by efficient charge recovery asynchronous adiabatic logic

Teachers’ voices on the poor reading skills of Setswana-speaking Foundation Phase learners

Background: Proficient reading skills are crucial for Foundation Phase learners to develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. The 2021 PIRLS assessment highlighted alarmingly low reading proficiency among ten-year-olds. Effective reading instruction, and a positive reading environment are essential for developing confident, skilled readers.Objectives: This research focused on the reading instruction challenges of selected Setswana-speaking Foundation Phase teachers in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda Education District in the North West Province in South Africa.Method: Using a qualitative approach, the study employed a multiple case study design, incorporating interviews and document analysis.Results: The findings revealed significant challenges for Grade 3 teachers in teaching reading to Setswana-speaking students. A key issue was inadequate training in reading instruction methods, which hindered their effectiveness. Teachers also lacked sufficient subject knowledge of Setswana, complicating their ability to support reading development. Additional problems included a severe shortage of essential resources: textbooks, visual aids, and access to libraries were limited, depriving learners of necessary reading materials and opportunities.Conclusion: The study highlighted the critical role of teacher training and sufficient resources in effective teaching and the impact of their absence on instructional challenges. It underscored the need for education authorities to address the difficulties rural schools and their staff face.Contribution: Currently, there is no effective system in place for teachers in this district to enhance reading instruction and better support their learners. This research aimed to address this gap by establishing how the extent of these problems may help identify measures to address them.

A study on the social integration of international secondary students in Canadian high schools

AbstractResearch on the international secondary students (ISS) is scarce compared with the proliferating literature on their tertiary counterparts. This paper focuses on social integration experiences of ISS from diverse ethnic backgrounds, the undergirding macro‐, meso‐, and micro‐mechanisms, and the supports needed for their successful integration. It draws on a subset of data from a longitudinal qualitative study through an interdisciplinary conceptual framework. This study employs multiple case study designs with critical intercultural hermeneutics as an interpretive approach. Research methods involve (a) serial interviews with six ISS that spanned the 2022–2023 school year; (b) in‐depth interviews with their parents, homestays, teachers, and agents; (c) online observations of the students’ virtual communities; (d) documents; and (e) research journals. It uncovers three mechanisms undergirding ISS’ social integration challenges: lack of ethnic proximity, a departmentalised classroom system and capital defence. This study suggests that stakeholders and researchers of ISS must obviate deficit‐oriented and assimilationist perspectives, which attribute social integration challenges solely to ISS’ limited knowledge of mainstream culture and language. Instead, a paradigm shift is necessary to redefine the criteria for successful social integration as harmonious interaction with students from diverse ethno‐cultural backgrounds, encompassing both culturally dominant and minority groups, with educators playing a central role in fostering this integration.

Beyond Regulated Writing: The Effects of Self-Regulation Procedures Enhanced With Technology on Informative Writing of Kuwaiti Adolescents With ASD

This research exploration sought to investigate the effects of self-regulated strategy development (SRSD), enhanced with the use of tablets (iPads), on the informative writing performance of Kuwaiti, English as a Second Language (ESL) adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). A single-subject, multiple probe, and multiple baseline design across three participants was used to explore the impact of the intervention on the number of genre elements within, and the holistic quality of, the informative, written essays of those participants. Findings indicated that SRSD paired with iPad technology accelerated the positive direction of the writing measures, improving the participants’ written endeavors in comparison to their baseline attempts. Results also demonstrated SRSD per se to be a powerful writing strategy, with teacher-led instruction playing a key role in its success. Implications and recommendations for future research and practice are provided.

Integrating Technologies Into Citizenship Training -EpC-: A Case Study With A Technological-Political Focus in the Colombian Context

Objective: the objective of this study was to investigate the impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) on the pedagogical practices of Education for Citizenship (EpC) in educational institutions in the Nariño department, Colombia, to identify opportunities, tensions, and transformations in the integration of technology into the curriculum. Theoretical Framework: it was based on conceptual frameworks such as the Didactics of Social Sciences mediated by technology, the technopolitical approach, and network society theory. These models highlight how technologies reshape social and educational dynamics, thus promoting critical citizenship skills and learning that is contextualized in both global and local realities. Method: a multiple case study design was adopted, which included the participation of four educational institutions. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and non-participant observations. These methods allowed for the analysis of teaching practices mediated by ICT and their relationship with the curricular objectives of EpC. The analysis was conducted in phases of selection, prediction, and interpretation, identifying emerging patterns and categories. Results and Discussion: the results show that ICT is a key tool for promoting digital literacy and civic participation, but face limitations such as the digital divide and lack of teacher training. In the discussion, these findings are contextualized in theories such as technopolitics, highlighting how ICT transforms teaching towards more critical and participatory approaches. The identified tensions include the limited instrumentalization of ICT and their underutilized potential to generate profound changes in educational practices.

Improving reporting standards in quantitative educational intervention research: introducing the CLOSER and CIDER checklists

In educational research, the complexity of interventions and the diversity of contexts challenge the adequacy of existing reporting standards, primarily tailored for health interventions and randomised controlled trials. Recognising the critical need for appropriate tools to support education research, we developed two checklists: the CheckList Of Standards of reporting in Education Research (CLOSER) and the Checklist for Intervention Description of Education Research (CIDER). CLOSER was designed to guide the comprehensive reporting of quantitative educational intervention research from the abstract to the discussion for multiple study designs. Concurrently, CIDER details the precise features of educational interventions. The final refinements of CLOSER and CIDER comprise of 34 and 17 items, respectively, developed through a five-stage process, including tool adaptation, expert feedback, a 2-round modified Delphi consensus survey, and final refinements. These checklists aim to enhance the clarity of educational intervention research findings, facilitating their replicability and subsequent meaningful translation into practice and policy. This addresses the gap in educational research reporting standards and sets the stage for a more robust, evidence-informed approach to educational intervention development and evaluation.

İlahiyat Fakültesi Erkek Akademisyenlerinin Kadına Yönelik Şiddet Algısı ve Çözüm Önerileri

In recent years, a significant increase in violence against women has emerged as a severe issue negatively impacting both women and society. This violence encompasses various forms, including physical, sexual, economic, psychological, and, increasingly, cyberbullying due to the widespread use of the internet. Research on violence against women and news reports commonly identify men as the perpetrators of such acts. The desire for control and interpretations based on religion can justify these acts of violence. Consequently, this study aims to discern the perspectives of male scholars in theology faculties regarding violence against women (VAW), its underlying causes, and potential solutions. To achieve this objective, a qualitative research method known as the multiple case study design was employed. The study group consisted of 25 male scholars selected through convenient sampling. Data were collected through interviews with the participants and subsequently analyzed using thematic content analysis. To effectively resolve and eliminate a problem, it is essential first to identify and accurately understand its root causes. In this context, the definitions of VAW provided by male scholars reflect subjective processes and perceptions. Their statements regarding the causes of VAW and recommendations for solutions generally revolve around the disruption of family order and values, leading to the breakdown of societal structures, particularly regarding their physical and psychological dimensions. Participants who emphasize the necessity of societal change to prevent VAW have highlighted the importance of incorporating practices into daily life that promote social awareness, equality, and justice. From this perspective, it can be argued that there is a pressing need to integrate educational policies and practices into daily life that can critically examine cultural and societal norms, transform perceptions and practices that trigger violence, and actively contribute to solving this problem. * This article is the revised and developed version of conference presentation entitled “Perceptions and Solutions of male Academicians in the theologhy Faculty Regarding Violence Against Women”, orally delivered at the 4th Turkish Symposium of Social Sciences.

Design and Analysis of Energy Efficient Approximate Multipliers for Image Processing and Deep Neural Network

Design and Analysis of Energy Efficient Approximate Multipliers for Image Processing and Deep Neural Network

D30 alleviates β2-microglobulin -facilitated neurotoxic microglial responses in isoflurane/surgery-induced cognitive dysfunction in aged mice

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common complication with no effective treatment in elderly patients. POCD, Alzheimer disease (AD), and many other cognitive diseases mostly involve neurotoxic microglia response, and recently, β2-microglobulin (B2M) has been suggested to play a pivotal role. A novel pyromeconic acid-styrene hybrid compound D30 was synthesized by our team and shown to be safe and effective in some neurodegenerative mouse models. In this study, we evaluated D30 on POCD and its potential mechanism. Fourteen- to 18-month-old male C57BL/6 mice were used to establish POCD through isoflurane anesthesia and surgery. The plasma of elderly patients was collected pre- and postoperatively. Primary mouse microglia were subjected to various stimulations in multiple experimental designs to imitate invivo POCD-like conditions. Morris water maze, fear conditioning, western blot, immunofluorescent staining, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability tests were conducted in this study. D30 administration significantly improved learning and memory in aged mice following POCD. Neurotoxic M1 microglia cells were dramatically increased following POCD, manifested as morphologically changing into fewer and shorter branches, enlarged somatic areas, and upregulated expression of iNOS and C1q. Notably, following POCD, B2M was significantly upregulated in the plasma and the brain. D30 treatment significantly suppressed these pathologic changes, by inhibiting the POCD-induced BBB breakdown while suppressing the surge of plasma B2M levels. D30 treatment suppressed POCD-induced surge of B2M and Aβ plaques in the brain and preserved adult hippocampal neurogenesis vulnerable to POCD. Furthermore, postoperative levels of B2M were significantly elevated over the preoperative levels in patients aged 80 years and over. In parallel with mouse plasma after POCD, the postoperative patient plasma was also much more effective at activating M1 microglia. Of note, this POCD plasma-induced activation of M1 microglia was largely prevented by D30 treatment. Taken together, by inhibiting the surge of plasma B2M, protecting BBB integrity, and reducing inflammatory response, D30 protected aged mice from B2M-facilitated POCD.

Characterization of Nitrogen Discharge from Extensive Sedum Green Roofs with Multiple Amending Designs and Materials

Characterization of Nitrogen Discharge from Extensive Sedum Green Roofs with Multiple Amending Designs and Materials

Provision of dementia-specific care in nursing homes in North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany) – analysis of person-centered practices and related problems within a holistic multiple case study

BackgroundTo ensure high-quality care for residents living with dementia, recommendations for dementia-specific care do exist internationally as well as in Germany. Nevertheless, it remains unclear how dementia-specific care is currently provided and what can be derived from this for the improvement of dementia-specific care. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the provision of dementia-specific care and related problems in German nursing homes.MethodsWe used a holistic multiple case design with a total of four cases. The cases were defined as care units in which residents living with dementia were cared for. For data collection, we used problem-centered face-to-face interviews, document analysis, and context questionnaires and analyzed all qualitative data inductively and deductively using content structuring qualitative analysis. To identify case-specific and cross-case patterns and themes, we focused on similarities and differences between the cases. The reporting followed the EQUATOR reporting guideline for organizational case studies.ResultsWe interviewed 21 professionals, 14 relatives and 8 residents living with dementia. Despite context-specific differences, we identified a variation of care practices and problems in applying person-centered, dementia-specific care in German nursing homes. In all cases, these belong to the following topics: 1) handling neuropsychiatric symptoms, 2) dealing with communication difficulties, 3) providing person-centered interaction and communication, 4) dealing with stress caused by experiencing dementia-specific symptoms and 5) using and sharing knowledge. Even though the problems were identified in all cases, we also found differences in the extent and perception of these problems across the analyzed cases.DiscussionDespite existing conceptual recommendations and described care practices in our study, the identified problems showed that current care practices are perceived as problematic and partly are not person-centered. This highlights that person-centered requirements in dementia-specific care are not yet adequately addressed and that there is a need to give greater consideration to the identified problems when developing interventions to improve quality of care. Furthermore, the identified context-specific differences in the extent and perception of these problems show that the designs of new care models should allow for more flexibility, so that written recommendations can be implemented in practice and adapted to given contexts.

Leveraging prior knowledge for process parameter classification in mAb Protein A chromatography.

Protein A (ProA) affinity chromatography plays an essential role in purifying monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and their analogues by reducing impurities like residual host cell proteins (HCPs), residual DNA, process additives, and potential viral contaminants. Decades of mAb process development and commercialization efforts have built extensive prior knowledge in the Protein A process. The prior knowledge facilities streamlined process development and minimized the need for extensive process characterization studies to inform manufacturing control strategies. This manuscript presents a comprehensive prior knowledge package, consolidating process parameter characterization data from ten molecules developed by Eli Lilly and Company using the Protein A chromatography process. Results from multiple Design of Experiment (DOE) studies on these molecules demonstrated that no process parameters significantly impacted critical quality attributes when operated within platform ranges. Additionally, a Bayesian hierarchical model was applied to analyze historical data and predict the effects of process parameters, further confirming that parameter effects were insignificant across the platform ranges for the Protein A process. By leveraging this historical data package, we directly supported the classification of ProA process parameters for new therapeutic antibodies, effectively replacing the need for product-specific process characterization evaluations. This approach has been positively received by global regulatory agencies during the market authorization filings for two Lilly's products.

Determining the successful post-retirement adjustment and well-being of Tanzanian teachers

ABSTRACT The transition to retirement represents a pivotal stage in the aging process as it is widely regarded as the point at which the onset of old age is signaled. This paper presents the findings of a study that sought to identify the factors contributing to successful adjustment to retirement and the subsequent well-being of teachers in Tanzania. The study used a multiple case study design under a qualitative research approach, utilizing data obtained through semi-structured interviews with retired primary school teachers aged 61–69, drawn from both Tanzanian rural and urban areas. The study found that teachers’ adjustment and well-being during retirement depend on the quality of pre-retirement planning, psychosocial factors, work-related factors and post-retirement activities. The findings of this study suggest that successful adjustment and well-being in retirement is a longitudinal process that extends from pre-retirement work and social life to post-retirement daily life. The experiences identified in this study can serve as a guide for future and current primary school teacher retirees by enabling them to consider, identify, and strategize participation in meaningful post-retirement activities.

Design of high-performance quaternary half adder, full adder, and multiplier

Design of high-performance quaternary half adder, full adder, and multiplier

P-1719. Promoting antibiotic stewardship for commercial poultry production in Bangladesh: using social and behavioral change communication approach

Abstract Background Bangladesh has a high prevalence of antimicrobial resistance due to extensive antibiotic use in humans and animals. This study aimed to develop social and behavioral change communication (SBCC) strategies to promote antibiotic stewardship in commercial poultry production in Bangladesh. Methods In 2022, we used formative research findings to explore contextual factors of antibiotic sale, prescribing, promotion, and use among four groups in Narsingdi, Bangladesh: 1) poultry farmers, 2) pharmacy shop employees, 3) veterinarians, and 4) pharmaceutical representatives. We conducted multiple intervention design workshops to select target behaviors and develop SBCC messaging. We used the behavior change wheel model to analyze the data and summarize the findings. Results Participants identified their behaviors considered to be changed and assisted in developing SBCC for all four stakeholder groups. Poultry farmers had two behaviors to change: not following infection control measures and irrational antibiotic use. SBCC target behaviors included taking appropriate infection control measures, seeking registered veterinarian consultations, and rational antibiotic use. Pharmacy shop employees had one behavior to change: unnecessary antibiotic dispensing practices. SBCC target behaviors included asking farmers for prescriptions and referring them to registered veterinarians. Registered veterinarians had one behavior to change: unnecessary antibiotic prescribing practices. SBCC target behaviors included appropriate antibiotic prescribing practices and increasing farmer awareness for rational antibiotic use. Pharmaceutical sales representatives had one behavior to change: unethical antibiotic promotion. SBCC target behaviors included appropriate antibiotic promotion. Conclusion We identified stakeholders considered behavior change and SBCC intervention delivery to them to promote antibiotic stewardship for commercial poultry production, including improved health-seeking behaviors, and improved health literacy on antibiotic transactions. The study findings may contribute to developing health communication materials to promote antibiotic stewardship among stakeholders in commercial poultry production in Bangladesh. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

The Effects of a DRO and Self-Monitoring Program on Prisoners in an Italian Prison

Abstract This study examined the effectiveness of differential reinforcement of other behavior and self-monitoring in reducing challenging behavior among sixteen male inmates in an Italian prison. A multiple baseline design across groups was used to evaluate changes in property destruction, self-injury, and aggression. Results indicated a substantial reduction in these targeted behaviors across all participants. Social validity measures indicated improved inmate perception of their quality of life and interactions with others in the prison.

Addressing System Challenges in Mental Health Services Research for Youth in the Child Welfare System: Insights From the Foster Care Family Navigator Trial

ABSTRACTChild welfare‐involved (CWI) youth have high rates of unaddressed mental health needs, and system‐level barriers (e.g., inadequate coordination between child welfare agencies and other systems designed to serve CWI youth) are one major reason why disparities in mental health services' access continue to persist for CWI youth. This Research Note aims to inform the mental health services field about system‐level challenges to conducting real‐world, health services research with CWI youth and their families. We present challenges experienced in conducting our NIMH‐funded Foster Care Family Navigator (FCFN) trial focused on development and preliminary testing of a clinic‐embedded navigation intervention designed to improve detection of foster care youth services need, linkage to and engagement in community‐based mental health services. Systems‐level challenges that impacted proposed research trial design and data collection included: (1) Limited system staff time and compensation processes; (2) Staff training and knowledge; and (3) System disruptions. Health services research geared toward increasing access to mental health services to CWI youth must incorporate multiple complex design considerations prior to intervention development and delivery including longer (than 12 months) intervention development phases, detailed contingency plans for intervention delivery and integrated tailored, ongoing support and training for staff with existing clinic workflows. In this way, structural challenges to access to care that researchers are trying to ameliorate for CWI and other underserved, minoritized populations are not being inadvertently perpetuated through research study designs.

Fragmented care in lupus: Patient experiences and insights

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease requiring interprofessional collaborative care because of its varied manifestations. This study explores the experiences of individuals living with SLE regarding the communication and collaboration among their healthcare providers.Objectives: This study aimed to explore the communication dynamics that shape treatment experiences and well-being in SLE care.Method: A qualitative multiple case study design was used, with thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews from six people living with SLE.Results: Three primary themes emerged: the necessity of cohesive healthcare teams, the centrality of client-centred care and the significant challenges posed by fragmented healthcare systems.Conclusion: The study highlights the need for integrated care models to enhance communication and coordination among healthcare providers.Contribution: This research adds empirical insights into the communication dynamics within medical teams managing SLE, advocating for client-centred and systemic improvements in care coordination.