Exploratory Techniques Research Articles

FACTORS EFFECTING JOB SATISFACTION FOR ONLINE EDUCATION AMONG LECTURERS IN BANGLADESH

The global pandemic caused by Covid-19 infectious disease during the year 2020 has pierced the life of humankind in almost all countries and all members of the society. This pandemic issue limits one to cope with a changing work environment and it induces both structural and functional consequences on the education system. Thus, the online education system emerged and repositioned itself as one of the most effective mediums of education system recently. This study examined decision factors such as happiness, quality of work-life commitment and attitude toward online education and its influence on job satisfaction of academic staffs in Bangladesh. A quantitative research approach has been taken using a random sampling method to collect data from 293 lecturers working in colleges and universities in the metropolitan city of Dhaka. For the study, Exploratory Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Modelling techniques were performed. The findings helped in filling the satisfaction-behavioural gap in understanding attitude measures of academic staffs toward conducting courses in online mode.

Accelerating Green Procurement for Construction Project Adoption Through The Enhancement of People Capabilities

Unpredictable weather, global warming, and even air pollution result from human activities that harm the ecosystem, whether we like it or not. Since the publication of the Brundtland Report, the adverse effects on the environment have been the focus of discussion by many parties. The Brundtland report highlighted that the current physical development practices have less emphasis on environmental protection while planning physical growth. Since then, the construction sector has gradually embraced many green practices, such as green procurement. The people capability requirements that are crucial for speeding the adoption of green-oriented procurement will, therefore, be highlighted in this paper. This study uses an exploratory technique to uncover the people's capability criteria for green procurement of a construction project. The identification of the criteria is novel Several focus group discussion sessions were conducted involving stakeholders from various backgrounds who have been involved with green buildings. The results of this study will help the project stakeholders to enhance people capability plans for the project development. The ultimate aim is to ensure all the green project objectives are carried out in line with the urgent need to protect the environment and support government policies.

Agile methodologies as an innovation tool in the digital marketing sector: a multicase study in the southern agreste region of Pernambuco

This study aims to analyze agile methodologies as an innovation tool in the digital marketing sector in the Southern Agreste of Pernambuco. Innovation has become an indispensable element to achieve organizational results, creating a solid competitive advantage through systemic and continuous actions. Agile methodologies meet this scenario, optimizing the processes of each project to be executed. The research refers to a multicase study with a qualitative approach with the application of the exploratory research technique. Data collection was done through the use of semi-structured interviews and for data analysis Bardin's (2011) content analysis technique was applied. The survey results showed that the attractions of digital marketing companies are numerous due to the virtual scenario, they can gradually expand according to the new methodologies that are emerging, that is, they become more competitive. It was also noted that organizations that adopt innovation need to be aligned with the relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, observability, and experimentability and uncertainty, which can be in the technical, financial and social scenario.

An investigation of the COVID-19 impact on liver cancer using exploratory and predictive analytics

This study presents the influence of COVID-19 and the pandemic on individuals diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, the two most common types of primary liver cancer. The study compares the effects before and after the pandemic on these patients. Additionally, it endeavors to predict the likelihood of survival for liver cancer patients. Our research will employ various methodologies to investigate this. Exploratory data analysis techniques are utilized, including univariate analysis, correlation analysis, bivariate analysis, chi-square testing, and T-sample testing. For predictive analytics, machine learning algorithms such as Logistic Regression, Decision Trees, Classification And Regression Tree (CART), Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), and Support Vector Machines (SVMs) will be applied. For our outputs, Logistic Regression and SVMs emerged as top-performing algorithms, boasting a remarkable accuracy rate of 93%. The study reveals that COVID-19 affected all age groups similarly. However, a gender-based difference was observed, indicating that males faced a higher risk of both cancer and mortality. Furthermore, the study found that variables such as year, month, bleeding, cirrhosis, and previously known cirrhosis did not significantly influence patient survival.

Determinants of Patient Satisfaction in Healthcare Industry in Delhi using PLS-SEM

The healthcare industry in India has advanced significantly in recent years. As a result of corporatisation, hospitals’ classes and quality have significantly changed in modern times. The intangible nature of healthcare services imposes a great challenge to healthcare service providers to measure the quality of service hence satisfaction of patients. The present study highlights the role of corporatisation in the assessment of patient satisfaction (PS). The aim of this article is to evaluate how doctors’ services, nurse services, administrative services, pathological services (PHS) and pricing affect the level of PS in corporate hospitals of Delhi. An exploratory research technique was used. A sample of 342 patients was analysed using a questionnaire. Using partial least squares to a structural equation model, a cross-sectional study was applied. The results revealed that doctor services, nurse services, administrative services and PHS have positive impact on PS and pricing of hospitals negatively influences satisfaction of patients. It indicates that corporatisation of healthcare services has mainly leaded to improvement of satisfaction level. At the same time, research will direct healthcare providers in the right direction towards the rectification and reconsideration of pricing policies making them more pocket-friendly.

Design and validation of the classroom climate for an inclusive education questionnaire (CCIEQ)

This study aims to validate the Classroom Climate for an Inclusive Education Questionnaire (CCIEQ) to assess the quality of the conditions for inclusive teaching performance through three different procedures. Firstly, the study aims to evaluate the questionnaire’s content validity, culminating in the selection of nine theoretically dimensions validated quantitatively by means of an adequate Minimum Discrepancy of the Chi-square Value Divided by Degree of Freedom Index (CMIN/DF). Secondly, it seeks to assess the construct validity of the questionnaire with a Robust Exploratory Factor Analysis Technique and Hull Method to evaluate internal consistency for a final configuration of a single factor to obtain a single final score. Thirdly, the study aims to evaluate the questionnaire’s convergent validity, showing the existing correlations with other instruments previously validated for the same purpose (CEFI-R, UDL-checklist Test) using a common participant sample. To achieve these objectives, a sample of 153 in service teachers was used, recruited for the study sample from four different countries (Spain, Turkey, Latvia and Poland) through cluster sampling. The results show excellent psychometric properties and convergent validity of the CCIEQ, so its use as a scientific tool for samples of European in-service teachers is validated.

Legal Re-Construction; The Impact of Empty Column Victory Over Single Candidates in Simultaneous Direct Elections of Regional Heads as A New Phenomenon of Legal Politics in Indonesia

This study examines the legal re-construction of the victory impact of an empty column over a single candidate as a new phenomenon of legal politics in Makassar City, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. This is a doctrinal normative legal research, which uses the analytical, explorative, explanatory, and qualitative analysis techniques. The result showed that legal reconstruction needs to be carried out on disputes, policies of single candidate pairs and empty columns, nomination requirements and political party support for candidates. The legal construction also needs to be conducted on the phrase "next election," the emptiness of definitive city government leaders, postponement and legal uncertainty, establishment of Provisional Acts (Pjs), as well as the loss of the constitutional rights of communities and regions.. Legal reconstruction also needs to be carried out through the political management of post-conflict local elections with changes in legal policies Law No.10 of 2016, PKPU No.13 of 2018, Minister of Home Affairs Regulation (Permendagri) No. 1 of 2018.

Recent Progress on Quantum Dot Patterning Technologies for Commercialization of QD-LEDs: Current Status, Future Prospects, and Exploratory Approaches.

Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) are widely regarded as advanced emissive materials with significant potential for display applications owing to their excellent optical properties such as high color purity, near-unity photoluminescence quantum yield, and size-tunable emission color. Building upon these attractive attributes, QDs have successfully garnered attention in the display market as down-conversion luminophores and now venturing into the realm of self-emissive displays, exemplified by QD light-emitting diodes (QD-LEDs). However, despite these advancements, there remains a relatively limited body of research on QD patterning technologies, which are crucial prerequisites for the successful commercialization of QD-LEDs. Thus, in this review, an overview of the current status and prospects of QD patterning technologies to accelerate the commercialization of QD-LEDs is provided. Within this review, a comprehensive investigation of three prevailing patterning methods: optical lithography, transfer printing, and inkjet printing are conducted. Furthermore, several exploratory QD patterning techniques that offer distinct advantages are introduced. This study not only paves the way for successful commercialization but also extends the potential application of QD-LEDs into uncharted frontiers.

The Gender Euphoria Scale (GES): a protocol for developing and validating a tool to measure gender euphoria in transgender and gender diverse individuals.

Gender euphoria (i.e., a positive feeling associated with one's gender identity, expression, or affirmation) is widely discussed among transgender and gender diverse (hereafter referred to as trans) individuals. However, as a construct, gender euphoria has never been formally measured and has rarely been empirically studied. Hence, this protocol paper illustrates our process for developing and validating a new tool to measure gender euphoria, known as the Gender Euphoria Scale (GES), for use with trans populations. Deductive methods including findings from previous research and a review of existing measures, together with inductive methods such as expert feedback and focus groups with trans individuals, were used to generate a preliminary item pool for the GES. Pilot testing with trans community members and mental health clinicians was then used to refine items and develop a preliminary scale. Trans participants involved in an ongoing longitudinal study (TRANSform) were invited to complete the scale alongside measures of personality and gender factors to assess validity. Participants were then invited to complete the scale two weeks after initial completion to assess the test-retest reliability of the scale. The next stage in the scale development process will be to examine the dimensionality of the GES using exploratory factor analytic techniques. The scale will then be assessed for internal consistency, temporal stability, discriminant validity, and convergent validity. This paper outlines the development and characterization of a novel tool to measure gender euphoria for the first time. The GES will facilitate research opportunities to better understand the nature of gender euphoria and its influences, and may be used clinically to examine relationships between gender euphoria and gender affirming interventions. Hence, we expect the GES to make a significant contribution to both research and clinical practice with trans communities.

How personal beliefs determine adherence to standards of research ethics: an EFA and path analysis study

Purpose This study aims to identify causes of (un)ethical behaviour in research and how they influence adherence to research ethics. Design/methodology/approach The authors developed and tested a conceptual model that includes mediation and helps to understand the mechanism of adherence to ethical standards of research based on the “social judgment theory” (SJT). In Study 1, the authors conducted an exploratory study using the exploratory factor analysis technique to identify factors responsible for adherence to research ethics. In Study 2, the authors used SJT to provide support for establishing a relationship between key variables. Findings Two factors, “Proclivity to Egoism” and “Proclivity to Emotivism”, were identified based on the personal beliefs of researchers. These factors were found to play an important role in determining the tendency towards adherence to standards of research ethics (Belmont Report and COPE). SJT successfully explains the mechanism of adoption of ethical standards. Adherence to Belmont principles was seen to mediate relationship between factors identified and tendency to adhere to COPE. Originality/value Majorly, this study is unique as it establishes and guides to incorporate researchers’ point of view in formulating ethical standards and guidelines, apart, from various other important theoretical and societal implications.

Biarchetype Analysis: Simultaneous Learning of Observations and Features Based on Extremes.

We introduce a novel exploratory technique, termed biarchetype analysis, which extends archetype analysis to simultaneously identify archetypes of both observations and features. This innovative unsupervised machine learning tool aims to represent observations and features through instances of pure types, or biarchetypes, which are easily interpretable as they embody mixtures of observations and features. Furthermore, the observations and features are expressed as mixtures of the biarchetypes, which makes the structure of the data easier to understand. We propose an algorithm to solve biarchetype analysis. Although clustering is not the primary aim of this technique, biarchetype analysis is demonstrated to offer significant advantages over biclustering methods, particularly in terms of interpretability. This is attributed to biarchetypes being extreme instances, in contrast to the centroids produced by biclustering, which inherently enhances human comprehension. The application of biarchetype analysis across various machine learning challenges underscores its value, and both the source code and examples are readily accessible in R and Python at https://github.com/aleixalcacer/JA-BIAA.

Exploration of underlying patterns among conflict, socioeconomic and political factors.

The emergence of conflict is a complex issue with numerous drivers and interactions playing a role. Exploratory dimension-reduction techniques can reveal patterns of association in such complex data. In this study, an existing dataset was reanalyzed using factor analysis for mixed data to visualize the data in two-dimensional space to explore the conditions associated with high levels of conflict. The first dimension was strongly associated with resilience index, control of corruption, income, income inequality, and regime type, while the second dimension was strongly associated with oil production, regime type, conflict level, political terror level, and water stress. Hierarchical clustering from principal components was used to group the observations into five clusters. Country trajectories through the two-dimensional space provided examples of how movement in the first two dimensions reflected changes in conflict, political terror, regime type, and resilience index. These trajectories correspond to the evolution of themes in research on conflict, particularly in terms of considering the importance of climate or environmental variables in stimulating or sustaining conflict. Understanding conditions associated with high conflict can be helpful in guiding the development of future models for prediction and risk assessment.

Dimensions of Loan Dependency among Government Employees of the Municipality of Sulop, Davao Del Sur: An Exploratory Factor Analysis

Loan dependency is a symptom of poor financial health that can harm a person’s physical and mental health. This research intends to explore the dimensions of loan dependency among government employees. This study utilized a quantitative, non-experimental research method employing the Exploratory Factor Analysis technique involving 100 government employees from the Municipality of Sulop, Province of Davao del Sur. A researcher-made questionnaire was developed from in-depth interviews with ten government employees with different government positions, including a literature review and related studies have been employed. To validate the questionnaire, researchers used Cronbach’s Alpha. The questionnaire scored .856 on Cronbach’s Alpha Based on Standardized Items, accepting the set questionnaire as reliable. Using the Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), 19 item statements passed within the threshold of >0.40. The result shows that- accessibility and affordability, financial needs and responsibilities, specific purchases and investments, and personal goals and aspirations are the dimensions that make government employees dependent on loans.

Ergonometric data analysis in public transportation: An exploratory study in an emerging country

Recent studies disclose that the world population spends about 1.1 hours daily on public transport to move to the workplace. Nowadays, there is a worldwide trend of people living near their workplaces to save daily time; besides, improving the quality of people’s lives is essential too to prevent the ergonomic problems caused by repetitive day-to- day movements and actions, especially in public transportation. This article creates an ergonometric database containing more than 1700 elements for the city of Campinas, located in the Sao Paulo state (Brazil). It replicates it to meet the needs of those who cannot live near the workplace, enabling the improvement of public transportation according to the population’s demands regardless of its location. All data were studied with exploratory statistical analyses and correlation techniques, such as Pearson correlation. Finally, this study presents clearly and objectively the methodology employed with the maximum number of characteristics, applying statistical concepts, highlighting the difficulties, and proposing solutions to improve public transport.

Cultural Context as the Basis for Developing Reading Game Applications

This research aimed to determine the outcomes of concept analysis and to create and assess the viability of game applications for enhancing reading skills. This is R&D (Research and Development) utilizing the MLDC (Multimedia Development Life Cycle) model. This study was conducted in several elementary schools in Palopo City. The data for the needs analysis was collected from 10 students and two teachers in fourth grade. The number of participants in the effectiveness test phase was 268 students. Observation sheets, documentation, interview guidelines, product validation questionnaires, practicality, and product efficacy were among the data collection instruments. The method of analysis employed is the mixed sequential exploratory technique. The results of the concept analysis determine the type of game application to be developed using contextual media based on local culture and android-based interactivity that promotes independent reading achievement indicator learning. The development of a video game included character introduction features, learning features based on curriculum-based reading, and playing features based on adopting ethnic characters, skin color, clothing, and local genre instrumental music. Through Blackbox testing, the product's feasibility is determined. Practicality test results obtained on average are convenient. The effectiveness test results showed an increase in reading ability by using the developed game product. Keywords: educational game, media development, reading skills, cultural context, elementary school

Spatial analysis of care for patients undergoing dialysis therapy in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, between 2015 and 2019.

To analyze the spatial flow of care for patients undergoing dialysis therapy in the health regions of the State of Minas Gerais. Ecological study whose population was patients undergoing dialysis therapy in public, philanthropic institutions or whose treatment was paid for by the Unified Health System in private clinics in partnership, in the State of Minas Gerais. Patients were grouped by health region of residence. The proportions of patients who underwent dialysis were calculated, as well as enrollment on the kidney transplant list in their own region of residence or outside it. Person correlations of these proportions with socioeconomic and care indicators of the health regions were estimated. Spatial exploratory techniques estimated general (Moran's I) and local (LISA) spatial correlation coefficients. Regions with higher GDP had a higher number of nephrologists and a higher proportion of registrations in the region of residence. A cluster of regions with low GDP was identified further to the northeast of the State (also with lower nephrologist ratio values), a cluster with a high proportion of those registered on the transplant list in the center of the State, and a cluster with a low proportion of dialysis in the same region of residence further southeast. Regional disparities were evident in relation to the proportion of patients registered on the waiting list for kidney transplantation, the proportion of patients undergoing dialysis in the same region of residence and the proportion of patients registered on the waiting list for kidney transplantation in the same region of residence. residence.

Paternalistic Leadership in Law Firm: Indicators of Success and Implementation

The research objectives on paternalistic leadership can vary from understanding the concept to practical application in qualitatively different organizational contexts. This study used a qualitative research approach by researchers. Qualitative methods are basically exploratory research techniques used to investigate causes, viewpoints, and opinions to answer research questions. The choice of this qualitative research approach is appropriate. Data collection for this study will be carried out from primary and secondary data sources. Researchers collect primary data to answer research questions through reviews of scientific papers, journals, books, websites, and blogs used in the study. Paternalistic leadership in law offices is that this method has the possibility to improve employee well-being and overall organizational performance. By paying attention to the balance between authority and concern for employees, paternalistic leadership creates a supportive and motivating work environment. Assessment of success such as employee satisfaction, retention, and productivity becomes important in assessing the positive impact of paternalistic leadership. Overall, the study confirms that paternalistic leadership has a significant positive impact in the law office context, and by implementing appropriate strategies, organizations can optimize the benefits of this approach to achieve their goals and improve employee well-being.

Exploring primary mental healthcare nurses’ perceptions of the post-treatment needs of women admitted for psychiatric treatment

Primary mental healthcare nurses are an essential workforce that provide necessary inpatient psychiatric treatment. Continuity of care has become a significant aspect of the provision of mental health services. However, caring for South African healthcare users comes with challenges, including difficulties accompanying the provision of care for acutely ill patients with complex mental health problems. Therefore, this study explored the perceptions and experiences of primary mental healthcare nurses concerning the continuity of care required in post-inpatient psychiatric treatment for mental health users from low-income communities in the Western Cape. Through undertaking a study using a qualitative exploratory design and purposive sampling technique, and in which nine primary mental healthcare nurses from two psychiatric hospitals in the Western Cape were interviewed, the researchers were able to obtain a deeper understanding of the participants’ experiences. Four themes were identified during the reflexive thematic analysis namely: the roles and responsibilities of primary mental healthcare nurses, the lack of support within the current continuity-of-care system, barriers to continuity of care for women patients, and suggested improvements for quality of mental healthcare. It was evident that both women patients and primary mental healthcare nurses experienced various forms of marginalisation, discrimination, and gendered oppression. This intersectionality accentuates systemic issues within the current public healthcare system and highlights the stigmatisation of mental illness, especially among women. Overall, primary mental healthcare nurses have a plethora of roles and responsibilities within the primary healthcare sector, which hinder their ability to provide mental health services to women patients. Their reports highlight the needs of a specific patient population that first need to translate into changes that will assist in improving their roles as primary mental healthcare nurses. Their shared experiences of a lack of support from South Africa’s healthcare system were the focal points of this study.

Effectiveness of Chicken Manure Flower Extract (Tagetes ercta L.) Against Mortality and Antifeedant in Chili Aphid Pests Myzus persicae sulz

This research was motivated by the chicken dung flower plant (Tagetes erecta L.) which is one of the plants that is often found in several areas in North Sulawesi, containing active chemical compounds such as alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, tannins and flavonoids which can improve health. improve health. improve health. improve health. improve health. improve health. used as a vegetable protector. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of chicken manure flower extract on the mortality and antifeedant effect of chili aphids Myzus persicae sulz. This examination utilized an exploratory technique utilizing the leaf separate strategy utilizing a Totally Randomized Plan (CRD) design comprising of 4 treatments and 4 replications. Each treatment was given chicken manure flower extract with respective concentrations, namely P0 (0%), P1 (5%), P2 (10%), and P3 (15%). The results showed that the administration of chicken manure flower extract had a significant effect on the death of the chili aphid Myzus persicae sulz. The higher the extract from chicken manure flowers the higher the death rate of chili aphids Myzus persicae sulz and chicken manure flowers have an antifeedant effect at a concentration of 15%. So it can be concluded that giving chicken manure flower extract is effective in increasing the mortality of Myzus persicae sulz at a concentration of 15%, namely an average of 4.75 birds and has an antifeedant effect at a concentration of 15.%, namely an average of 0.350 grams.

Women’s Leadership Development Through Entrepreneurship in Bangladesh

Women own and manage only an approximate 7% of all economic establishments in Bangladesh, indicating a lack of women leadership development and economic participation. This research aims to identify women entrepreneurship development (WED) factors (WEDFs) and investigate how they relate to leadership development of female entrepreneurs. The study identified 370 women entrepreneurs from the Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry list of seven divisional headquarters and collected primary data for systematic probability sampling in this causal research. The study initially conducted an exploratory factor analysis technique to reduce larger measured variables into smaller factors. Data were further analysed through the structural equation modelling technique. According to the findings, women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh develop emotional intelligence, creativity and innovative leadership qualities that influence leadership skills by exercising four WEDFs. These factors are idea generation, resourcing, enterprise management and harvesting and growth. The study’s main theoretical contribution is that it has been able to combine two concepts, ‘women’s leadership development’ and ‘women’s entrepreneurship development, into one framework. The study suggests that policymakers, practitioners and women entrepreneurs should implement the interventions focusing on these factors to strengthen the development of women’s leadership. One of the limitations of this study is that it covers urban Bangladeshi women entrepreneurs only.