Exploratory Sequential Mixed Methods Approach Research Articles

Building Bridges between People with Stroke, Families, and Health Professionals: Development of a Blended Care Program for Self-Management.

Evidence-informed interventions for stroke self-management support can influence functional capability and social participation. People with stroke should be offered self-management support after hospital discharge. However, in Portugal, there are no known programs of this nature. This study aimed to develop a person-centered and tailored blended care program for post-stroke self-management, taking into account the existing evidence-informed interventions and the perspectives of Portuguese people with stroke, caregivers, and health professionals. An exploratory sequential mixed methods approach was used, including qualitative methods during stakeholder consultation (stage 1) and co-production (stage 2) and quantitative assessment during prototyping (stage 3). After ethical approval, recruitment occurred in three health units. Results from a literature search led to the adaptation of the Bridges Stroke Self-Management Program. In stage one, 47 participants were interviewed, with two themes emerging: (i) Personalized support and (ii) Building Bridges through small steps. In stage two, the ComVida program was developed, combining in-person and digital approaches, supported by a workbook and a mobile app. In stage three, 56 participants evaluated prototypes, demonstrating a strong level of quality. Understandability and actionability of the developed tools obtained high scores (91-100%). The app also showed good usability (A-grade) and high levels of recommendation (5 stars).

Influence of Democratic Leadership Style on the Performance of Agricultural Enterprises in Kenya

A performance evaluation of agricultural enterprises in Kenya was conducted to assess the influence of democratic leadership style. The assessment of agricultural enterprises’ performance in Kenya encompassed both financial and non-financial indicators. The overarching aim of the research was to assess the influence of democratic leadership style on the performance of agricultural enterprises in Kenya. The study was guided by the Systems Theory, Path Goal Theory, and Transformational Leadership Theory. The study evaluated the influence of Democratic leadership style on the Performance of Agricultural Enterprises in Kenya. Explanatory sequential mixed methods approach was adopted using cross-sectional survey design to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data were gathered using closed-ended questionnaires, while qualitative data were gathered using interview guides and focused group discussion guides. A stratified random sample of 222 leaders and employees was selected from a population of 525 leaders and employees drawn from a census of 105 agricultural enterprises for the quantitative study. Qualitative data drew a sample of 40 participants. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics as provided for in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 28.0.1. The overall findings of the study show that agricultural enterprises in Kenya perform better under democratic leadership style. The study recommends the implementation of Democratic Leadership Style by governments, donors, and capacity building organizations to enhance the performance of agricultural enterprises in Kenya.

Evaluation of Blended Learning in Terms of the Perceptions of Medical Students: A Mixed Method Study.

The ongoing 4.0 industrial evolution, characterized by the rise of digital technology, has had a massive impact on human lifestyles worldwide. Faculty members in medical school are expected to respond to this industrial revolution by implementing teaching strategies, one of which is Blended learning as a suitable solution to overcome the limitations of space and time in the teaching process. For effective utilization of blended learning, it is important to conduct extensive studies on its implementation. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of implementing blended learning in the faculty of medicine in Hasanuddin University from the students' perspective. This study used a sequential explanatory mixed method approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative part involved 782 undergraduate medical students from the first, second, and third years. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey distributed among the students. The qualitative part of the research was conducted through focus group discussions involving 13 students based on the questionnaire scores, representing both high and low scores. The results of the quantitative and qualitative research were collected and integrated. Based on the results, the majority of students agreed that blended learning provided many advantages to their learning (Mean±SD: 3.79±0.78). Also, they reported e-learning platform significantly contributed to their learning process (Mean±SD: 3.88±0.67). The workload of blended learning method was still considered quite heavy by students, and good time management was highly needed (Mean±SD: 3.45±0.84). As for qualitative part, some positive results were obtained; they reported that it increased motivation for learning, enhanced the efficiency of learning and gaining adaptability, while the negative opinions were the network error in e-learning, erratic e-learning display, and video quality problem. Most of the students expressed positive opinions about the advantages of blended learning; according to them, learning was more efficient and effective, it enhanced learning motivation, and it provided comprehensive accessible learning materials.

How Does a Junior Faculty Development Program Affect Burnout? A Mixed Methods Assessment.

Burnout is common among junior faculty. Professional development has been proposed as a method to improve engagement and reduce burnout among academic physicians. The Penn State College of Medicine Junior Faculty Development Program (JFDP) is a well-established, interdisciplinary program. However, an increase in burnout was noted among participants during the program. The authors sought to quantify the change in burnout seen among JFDP participants across 3 cohorts, and to explore sources of well-being and burnout among participants. Through a sequential explanatory mixed methods approach, participants in the 2018/19, 2019/20, and 2020/21 cohorts took a survey assessing burnout (Copenhagen Burnout Inventory), quality of life (QoL), job satisfaction, and work-home conflict at the start and end of the course. Descriptive statistics were generated as well as Pearson χ2 test/Fisher exact test for categorical variables and Wilcoxon rank sum tests for continuous variables for group comparisons. To better understand the outcome, past participants were invited to interviews regarding their experience of burnout during the course. Inductive thematic analysis (kappa = 0.86) was used to derive themes. Start- and end-of-course surveys were completed by 84 and 75 participants, respectively (response rates: 95.5% and 85.2%). Burnout associated with patient/learner/client/colleague increased (P = .005) and QoL decreased (P = .02) at the end compared with the start. Nonsignificant trends toward worsening in other burnout categories, work-home conflict, and job satisfaction were also observed. Nineteen interviews yielded themes related to risks and protective factors for burnout including competing demands, benefits of networking, professional growth, and challenges related to diverse faculty roles. Junior Faculty Development Program participants demonstrated worsening of burnout and QoL during the program while benefiting from opportunities including skill building and networking. The impact of Junior Faculty Development Programs on the well-being of participants should be considered as an element of their design, evaluation, and refinement over time.

Bridging the Policy Gap: Examining Physical Education in Colorado

Purpose: Using the social ecological model as a guiding framework, the purpose of this study was to examine the status of physical education in Colorado. Method: A sequential explanatory mixed-method approach was employed to acquire a snapshot of the status of physical education. Participants completed an initial survey followed by semistructured interviews. The quantitative survey data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, and the qualitative data were analyzed using open and axial coding. Results: The results of this study are presented in two parts: an overview of the status of physical education, followed by a detailed analysis of each component of physical education. Discussion/Conclusion: This study demonstrates a comprehensive approach to examining physical education, providing a holistic view of physical education, and serving as a valuable resource for policymakers and stakeholders.

Educating Hematology-Oncology Fellows About How to Communicate with Patients About Clinical Trials: A Needs Assessment.

Only 5-8% of adults with cancer participate in cancer clinical trials (CCTs), with even lower rates among underrepresented groups. Improving oncologists' communication skills may enhance the frequency and quality of their discussions with patients about CCTs, consequently increasing participation. However, little is known about interest in or presence of CCT-related communication training during Hematology-Oncology (Hem-Onc) fellowships. This study aimed to describe, from the perspective of Hem-Onc fellowship program directors (PDs): (1) the current landscape of CCT education for Hem-Onc fellows; (2) the acceptability and feasibility of implementing a CCT communication skills workshop for Hem-Onc fellows. We used an explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach. PDs were surveyed and interviewed about their graduate medical education (GME) programs' current CCT curriculum, training challenges, fellows' CCT knowledge and CCT communication skills, and preferences for a CCT communication workshop. PDs were surveyed (n = 40) and interviewed (n = 12). PDs reported that their institutions prioritize CCT accrual (M = 4.58, SD = .78; 1-5 scale, 5 = "Strongly Agree") and clinical research training (M = 4.20, SD = .85). CCT skills that programs least often addressed were how to (1) discuss CCTs with newly diagnosed patients, (2) talk to patients about CCTs when none are available, and (3) help patients find CCTs at other institutions. PDs were interested in a CCT communication workshop for fellows ("yes" = 67.5%, "maybe" = 32.5%) and said training would be feasible (M = 4.28, SD = .78) and useful (M = 4.47, SD = .78). Qualitative results described programs' current approaches to CCT education and insights about developing and implementing CCT communication training. There is a clear need to improve CCT communication skills training in Hem-Onc fellowship programs and to implement and scale such training to increase CCT participation, especially among diverse patient populations. Furthermore, Hem-Onc GME PDs view such training as feasible and useful.

Scale Development and Inferential Analysis of Service Quality in Higher Education: A Sequential Exploratory Mixed-Method Study

In response to the consumer-oriented shift in higher education, institutions are embracing technology and flexible delivery to enhance services. This is critical for student attraction, retention, and academic success. Consequently, the focus on service quality and student satisfaction has grown. This study investigates service quality expectations and perceptions of students in a local Caribbean -based tertiary institution. A novel scale, the “Service Quality Scale for Higher Education (SQSHE),” is developed using a sequential-exploratory mixed-method approach. The SERVQUAL-driven Disconfirmation framework informs this scale, measuring the gap between expected and perceived service encounters. Three focus group interviews generate a 53-item pool, refined to a 23-item scale with four dimensions: student well-being, service efficiency, social interaction, and value co-creation. The SQSHE demonstrates reliability, stability, and internal consistency. Data from 179 participants via an online questionnaire reveal four service quality dimensions, with two displaying significant negative gap scores. This culturally relevant four-factor scale contributes significantly to higher education research. By addressing student expectations, institutions can enhance strategies to elevate satisfaction and success rates.

A Mixed-Method Study of Pre-service Teachers’ Self-efficacy in the Indonesian Teacher Professional Education Program

<p><span lang="EN-US">In order to enhance the quality of national teacher selection in Indonesia, the government has introduced the Pre-service Teacher Professional Education Program (PTPE). This one-year program follows a four-year undergraduate degree and aims to produce highly qualified teachers. Teachers’ self-efficacy, which refers to the belief in one's ability to perform teaching tasks successfully, is essential in ensuring effective education. When pre-service teachers have a strong sense of efficacy during their education programs, they are more likely to be confident in assisting students in achieving learning goals. Accordingly, this study aimed to examine the pre-service teachers' self-efficacy level and identify the significant factors contributing to their development. The researchers employed an explanatory sequential mixed-method approach (Creswell, 2012) involving 37 pre-service teachers to achieve a comprehensive understanding. The study utilized the Teachers’ Sense of Efficacy Scale, the Sources of Self-Efficacy Inventory, and interviews as data collection instruments. The findings revealed two primary outcomes: 1) pre-service teachers exhibited an excessively high measure of self-efficacy, and 2) mastery experience, vicarious experience, verbal persuasion, and psychological arousal significantly contributed to pre-service teachers’ self-efficacy. The implications of this research extend to future investigation, the PTPE program, teacher educators, teacher tutors, and school leaders to support the development of pre-service teachers’ self-efficacy.</span></p>

An Investigation into the Relationship Between Metacognitive Knowledge and Writing Achievement of Turkish EFL Learners

Writing poses a substantial yet demanding challenge for individuals learning English as a foreign language (EFL). In contemporary frameworks, this skill is characterized as a complex, recursive, strategic, and multifaceted process that engages both cognitive and metacognitive faculties. Consequently, recent decades have witnessed a burgeoning body of research spotlighting the pivotal role of metacognition in EFL writing. This study, employing an explanatory sequential mixed methods approach, set out to delve into the depth of metacognitive awareness among Turkish EFL students concerning English writing. The study encompassed a cohort of 120 Turkish EFL students at the B2 level. To gauge the participants' metacognitive understanding concerning the variables of person, task, and strategy, a questionnaire was administered. Additionally, interviews were conducted with 35 participants to augment and elucidate the quantitative findings. Analyzing the data disclosed that participants exhibited an average level of knowledge with respect to person and strategy dimensions, but they demonstrated a robust understanding of the task dimension. Further scrutiny through correlation analysis, which explored the link between students' writing achievement and their metacognitive awareness, revealed a weak positive relationship between students' writing proficiency and their comprehension of both person-related and strategy-related aspects. In contrast, there was no statistically significant correlation between task-related knowledge and writing achievement. Content analysis of the findings shed light on noteworthy disparities among high-achieving, average-achieving, and low-achieving EFL writers concerning their grasp of metacognitive knowledge. In alignment with their writing performance, high-achieving writers outperformed their counterparts in all the metacognitive subcategories.

Rural Appalachian Pickleball Players’ Motives, Benefits, and Barriers

Background: The obesity epidemic disproportionately affects older adults in rural areas, and physical activity levels within this population are insufficient to address the issue. Currently, there is research to support that pickleball can target motivations and overcome barriers to stimulate and maintain individuals’ participation in physical activity to achieve health-related benefits. However, the relationship between these concepts requires deeper investigation. Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate West Virginia pickleball players’ motivations to be physically active as well as be the first to relate these to their perceived benefits of their participation and barriers to being physically active. Materials and Methods: A sequential explanatory mixed-method approach was employed to gain greater insight into these relationships within a successfully growing sport. The design included: Phase 1 - an online survey distributed to state pickleball group participants; and Phase 2 - focus groups consisting of pickleball participants in four areas of the state. The content of the survey was adapted from previously validated instruments and peer-reviewed research to address pickleball players’ motives, benefits, and barriers of being physically active. Following, the focus group’s semi-structured script was drawn from the results of the survey. Results: Phase 1 yielded a sample of 65 participants while Phase 2 consisted of 16 participants. The pickleball players’ demonstrated a central tendency to be motivated by concepts of enjoyment (4.84), physical health (4.6), social health (4.43), psychological health (4.38), and competition (4.38). The central tendencies of the perceived benefits of playing pickleball emphasized social health (4.68), enjoyment (4.56), and physical health (4.6). Thematic analyses of the pickleball players’ motivations demonstrated a wide range of key themes that align with concepts implemented within the survey: psychological health, social health, competition, enjoyment, physical health, and mastery. Key themes of the pickleball players’ perceived benefits were associated with concepts of physical health, psychological health, social health, and competition, and the participants discussed barriers related to concepts of physical health and cultural influences. Moreover, the focus group data further defined accessibility as a key concept related to the participants’ motivations and barriers to play pickleball. The primary investigator and fellow student researcher also noted a potential barrier posed by the pickleball players’ contrasting inclinations towards competitive or social gains. Conclusion: Overall, pickleball participation was strongly related with older adults’ subjective well-being within the results of both phases of this study. The insight into the relationships between the pickleball players’ motives, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers can assist in increasing participants’ adherence within various physical activity programs or interventions. These results hypothesize that programs or interventions that activities which address this relationship will be successful in retaining participants and achieving health-related benefits from increased physical activity levels.

Examining distress among Saudi paramedics in responding to traumatic events: A mixed-methods study

IntroductionParamedics are critical in providing timely medical care to injured patients and responding to trauma events. However, they are often exposed to traumatic events such as death, serious injuries, and violence, which can increase their risk of developing mental health disorders. The nature of their work, including uncontrolled environments and frequent exposure to trauma, as well as the severity of the patient's conditions, all contribute to this risk. This study aims to investigate the distress experienced by Saudi paramedics in response to traumatic events. MethodsAn explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach was used to explore the experiences of distress among a sample of paramedics following traumatic events. ResultsThe study found that the participants ranked assaults and road traffic collisions as the most concerning traumatic events. Qualitative analysis of the data revealed several themes related to the participants' experiences, including emotional well-being, violence, road traffic collisions, death, personal limitations, culture, coping strategies, and professional support. ConclusionsThe study highlights the high levels of distress experienced by paramedics in response to road traffic collisions, with intrusion and avoidance symptoms being the most commonly reported.

Decentralising Airbnb: Testing the acceptability of blockchain-based sharing economy systems

This study employs a sequential exploratory mixed-methods approach to investigate users' perspectives and acceptability of blockchain-based sharing economy systems. The suggested model explains how users’ perceptions of specific features of such concepts influence acceptance in ways that existing theories like TPB, TAM, or UTAUT cannot. The results revealed that user empowerment was the most significant factor influencing acceptance. Furthermore, multigroup analysis (MGA) demonstrates how different contexts have distinct acceptance predictors. Depending on the context, perceived lower fees, perceived faster settlement, perceived income distribution, perceived fraudproof, and perceived traceability had varying significance. Meanwhile, perceived immutability, perceived process automation, and perceived transparency, even though considered appealing, were not significant in influencing acceptance. The findings imply that stakeholders should balance technicality and behavioural aspects, and be aware of the context.

Explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach to understand how registered dietitians implemented computed tomography skeletal muscle assessments in clinical practice.

There is a need to adopt valid techniques to assess skeletal muscle (SM) in clinical practice. SM can be precisely quantified from computed tomography (CT) images. This study describes how registered dietitians (RDs), trained to quantify SM from CT images, implemented this technique in clinical practice. This was an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design with a quantitative and a qualitative phase. RDs collected data describing how they implemented CT SM assessments in clinical practice, followed by a focus group exploring barriers and enablers to using CT SM assessments. RDs (N = 4) completed 96 CT SM assessments, with most (94%, N = 90/96) taking <15 min to complete. RDs identified reduced muscle mass in 63% (N = 45/72) of men and 71% (N = 17/24) of women. RDs used results of CT SM assessments to increase protein composition of the diet/nutrition support, advocate for initiation or longer duration of nutrition support, coordinate nutrition care, and provide nutrition education to patients and other health service providers. The main barriers to implementing CT SM assessments in clinical practice related to cumbersome health system processes (ie, CT image acquisition) and challenges integrating CT image analysis software into the health system computing environment. Preliminary results suggest RDs found CT SM assessments positively contributed to their nutrition care practice, particularly in completing nutrition assessments and in planning, advocating for, and implementing nutrition interventions. Use of CT SM assessments in clinical practice requires innovative IT solutions and strategies to support skill development and use in clinical nutrition care.

The Paradox of Health and Safety Risks: A Disclose of Handling Strategies in Informal Construction Sites in Tanzania

Introduction: Informal construction (IC) involves people working in construction without a license or not under any kind of regulation. Due to its informality, the IC sector suffers from health and safety risk (HSR) handling strategies (HST). This study explored and ranked the HSR HSTs by masonry workers (MWs) in informal construction sites (ICS) in Tanzania. Methods: A total of 10 HSR HSTs were explored from 8 semi-structured interviews, and then, additional data were collected from 304 responses of MWs in ICS through a questionnaire that was formulated from the findings of the interviews. The study employed a sequential exploratory mixed methods approach whereby for qualitative data, direct content analysis was employed followed by quantitative data where descriptive and inferential statistics (one-sample t-tests) were used for analysis. Results: The results show that ‘considering past experience’, ‘sitting together and discussing on HSRs’, and ‘supervisor’s directives’ are the most significant ranked HSTs by workers in ICS. In contrast, ‘encouraging other artisans to work together’, ‘selling or sub-contracting the work to other artisans’, and ‘refusing to take high-risk work so as to avoid a risk’ are the least-ranked HSTs. Conclusion: The explored health and safety risk-handling strategies in IC workplaces highlight the need for a health and safety framework in the IC sector using a bottom-up approach. This would help policymakers and practitioners achieve sustainable development goals number three and eight, which promote good health and safety for all, sustainable economic growth, and full and productive employment and decent work for all.

Assessing risk factors for malaria and schistosomiasis among children in Misungwi, Tanzania, an area of co-endemicity: A mixed methods study.

Malaria and schistosomiasis are two major parasitic vector-borne diseases that are a particular threat to young children in Sub-Saharan Africa. In the present study, we investigated factors that are associated with malaria, schistosomiasis, and co-infection among school-aged children, using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach. A cross-sectional study was conducted in January 2022 in Misungwi, Tanzania, that sampled 1,122 children aged 5 to 14 years old for malaria and schistosomiasis infection. Mixed-effect logistic regression models were used to assess the association between infection prevalence or seroprevalence, and environmental determinants that create favorable conditions for vectors and parasites and social determinants that relate to disease exposure. Community mapping combined with direct field observations were conducted in August 2022 in three selected villages from the cross-sectional study to understand specific water use behaviors and to identify potential malaria mosquito larval breeding sites and freshwater snail habitat. The prevalence of malaria, seroprevalence of schistosomiasis, and co-infection in this study were 40.4%, 94.3%, and 38.1%, respectively. Individual-level factors emerged as the primary determinants driving the association with infection, with age (every one-year increase in age) and sex (boys vs girls) being statistically and positively associated with malaria, schistosomiasis, and co-infection (P<0.05 for all). Community maps identified many unimproved water sources in all three villages that were used by humans, cattle, or both. We found that children primarily fetched water, and that unprotected wells were dedicated for drinking water whereas ponds were dedicated for other domestic uses and cattle. Although not identified in the community maps, we found hand pumps in all three villages were not in use because of unpleasant taste and high cost. This study improves our understanding of individual, social and environmental factors that are associated with malaria, schistosomiasis, and co-infection, which can inform potential entry points for integrated disease prevention and control.

A Pilot Study on Industry Stakeholders’ Views towards Revalorization of Surplus Material from the Fruit and Vegetable Sector as a Way to Reduce Food Waste

Food waste is a global issue, with the fruit and vegetable sector accounting for higher losses compared with other sectors. The aim of this study was to gain an understanding into how industry stakeholders in Ireland manage surplus fruit and vegetable material remaining after their main processing. An explanatory sequential mixed methods approach was employed to collect data in the form of online surveys (n = 55) and one-to-one interviews (n = 7). The findings outlined several barriers to revalorization. Most respondents were measuring food waste and actively trying to minimize it, although this was for economic rather than environmental sustainability reasons. Environmental sustainability measures were an important factor for larger companies, although all respondents agreed it was important to manage this material from an environmental perspective. This material was mostly classified as “food waste” and usually composted or used for animal feed. Many stakeholders had identified opportunities for revalorization; however, for smaller businesses, this cannot become a reality without considerable investment. Joined-up thinking is required among all stakeholders, including consumers and policy makers, to create positive sustainable changes. Education and greater awareness about the extent of the food waste crisis may assist in achieving reduction targets and encourage revalorization in the industry.

Artisan social enterprises in Zambia: women leveraging purpose to scale impact

PurposeThis study aims to provide a contextualized look at the artisan sector in Zambia and asks: What factors contribute to scaling positive impact in artisan ventures in Zambia, and how can these factors be leveraged to promote positive economic, social and environmental outcomes for women and their communities.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses an explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach to gain a multi-layered understanding of artisan craft social enterprises in Zambia.FindingsPurpose is found to be the primary driver of social and environmental impact in artisan social enterprises in Zambia, with female leadership a critical factor. Access to finance, markets and resources are also essential to help these organizations achieve their social missions.Research limitations/implicationsWhile this study provides valuable insights into the artisan sector, its scope was limited to the Zambian context, making the generalizability of the findings to other geographies uncertain.Originality/valueThis research makes a valuable contribution to the literature on social enterprises by highlighting the critical role of female leadership and purpose in driving positive impact in artisan businesses in Zambia. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of understanding the mechanisms through which artisan social enterprises create positive change. The study highlights the importance of artisan craft employment for women in Zambia and illustrates the impact of Zambian artisan ventures, both formal social enterprises and informal businesses, on creating positive social and environmental impacts in the country.

Prioritizing the principles of circular economy among built environment professionals

PurposeCircular economy (CE) is guided by principles, the key being the R-framework. All R-frameworks have a hierarchy. Although several studies have prioritized these principles, there is still an urgent call for country-specific prioritization. This study prioritized circular economy (CE) principles among Ghana's built environment (BE) professionals.Design/methodology/approachAn explanatory sequential mixed methods approach was adopted. Six principles of CE were identified through a review of related literature and incorporated into a questionnaire. In total, 162 questionnaire responses were received. The quantitative data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential analyses. The data were further validated via semi-structured interviews with eight interviewees of different professional backgrounds in the BE.FindingsThe findings revealed that BE professionals in Ghana highly perceived CE principles as important. The findings further revealed the order of prioritization of the CE principles as follows: (1) recycle, (2) reuse, (3) repair/remanufacture, (4) renewable energy usage, (5) redesign and (6) reduce. To further elaborate on these prioritized principles via the qualitative phase, the interviewees agreed to and confirmed the importance of the identified principles through their verbatim comments.Originality/valueAlthough there is a growing interest in research regarding CE in the Ghanaian construction industry, its principles have yet to be prioritized and ranked by professionals in the Ghanaian construction industry. This study unearths why, in terms of prioritization of the CE principles, the construction industry in Ghana does not follow the well-known hierarchy (i.e. reduce, reuse and recycle) in the order of high to low level of circularity.

Analisis Konflik Politik Pasca Pembentukan Daerah Otonomi Baru

This research aims at analyzing auses and impacts of political conflicts, as well as changes in the governance structure and conditions following the establishment of new autonomous regions. The study employs a mixed methods approach using an exploratory sequential design. The research is conducted in Sorong City, Southwest West Papua Province, utilizing cluster random sampling. Data collection techniques involve questionnaires, observations, interviews, document analysis, and triangulation. Data analysis follows an explanatory sequential mixed methods approach, involving descriptive statistical analysis and qualitative analysis. The research findings indicate that the causes of political conflict are attributed to changes in regional governance and power redistribution stemming from polarization based on social and cultural differences, as well as differences in political views and ideologies leading to conflicts among elite political parties competing for power. The impact of these conflicts has resulted in the instability of governance and hindered government decision-making, prompting government efforts to address these issues through dialogue and communication, with civil society playing a role as pressure groups and peace agents. Furthermore, there have been no structural changes in governance because the new autonomy policy primarily aims at political objectives to mitigate conflicts, with economic and administrative goals not yet being the primary focus. Additionally, the condition of governance is in the process of improvement as the new government is engaged in restructuring and infrastructure development, thus making the governance condition currently unstable.

Investigating applications of Artificial Intelligence in university libraries of Pakistan: An empirical study

This study aims to investigate the applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the university libraries of Pakistan. Following the explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach, this study was completed in two phases. In the first phase, quantitative data was collected from 237 university librarians from across Pakistan. In the second phase, 10 purposefully selected university librarians were interviewed. The results reveal that Pakistani university libraries are using limited AI-based library services including text-to-speech and speech-to-text technologies, Google Assistant to search by voice command, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system for self-checkout, check-in, and security purposes, and intelligent data analysis for collection management. This study explored key factors that influence implementation of AI applications including highly integrated technological infrastructure, funding/cost associated with AI, collaboration between AI experts and professionals, and library users' feedback. The major identified challenges were the requirement of a highly networked and integrated environment, lack of budget, high cost of AI technologies, and lack of staff expertise. This study claims to implement the first comprehensive survey of AI applications in Pakistani university libraries at the national level. The research findings would support library and university administrators to integrate AI applications in libraries not only in Pakistan but also in other developing countries.