Hybrid Option Research Articles

Learning Online vs. Learning in Person: A Mixed-Methods Approach to Understanding How Student Preferences and Perceptions have Evolved Since the Pandemic

Undergraduate enrollment in online courses has been trending upward over the past decade, despite declining enrollment overall. With the onset of COVID-19 during the Spring 2020 semester, more undergraduates were suddenly thrust into online courses. Although learning outcomes for face-to-face and online courses may not differ, some students may not be as efficacious or self-regulated in online contexts and thus, prefer to take classes face-to-face when possible. We aimed to understand undergraduates’ preferred course modality (online, face-to-face) and explored how those preferences may have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic. We also sought to determine whether students’ online self-efficacy and self-regulation skills varied by their preferred modality. Undergraduates (N = 1034) enrolled in various classes between 2019-2023 completed an online survey. Taking a convergent mixed-methods approach, we analyzed qualitative data related to reasons for their online or face-to-face preferences and quantitative data related to their self-efficacy and self-regulation for online learning. Results indicate student preferences have shifted from a clear preference for in-person classes to more equal distribution across modalities, with reasons related to perceived better support for learning, self-regulation, and need for human interaction (face-to-face) versus flexibility (online). Students’ self-regulation and self-efficacy for online learning did not consistently differ across preferred modality. Instructors can use these findings to inform course design, considering how they might incorporate such benefits regardless of their course modality. Institutions might also consider how to balance students’ need for flexibility but preference for face-to-face courses by implementing more hybrid options and providing various financial supports.

Surface performance characteristics of carpet‐mat stabilized cool‐season sod over drainage cells for temporary stadium installation

AbstractCarpet‐mat systems are a diverse group of hybrid stabilizing systems that are installed during sod establishment. In this experiment, eight hybrid, carpet‐mat systems (Flexgrass, Hatko Turfgrass XL BIO 40/34/10 [Turfgrass BIO], Hatko Hybridgrass 40 DS 10 XL [Hybridgrass 40 XL], Hatko Hybridgrass 53 DS 10 XL [Hybridgrass 53 XL], HG Turf Group HERO 127.127 [HERO 127], HG Turf Group HERO 169.169 [HERO 169], Tarkett Sports PlayMaster, POWERgrass™ SP/T [POWERgrass]) were screened for their suitability as a playing surface option for FIFA tournaments. Research was conducted at Michigan State University (MSU) and the University of Tennessee (UT). In fall 2023, carpets were seeded with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and established over plastic. Carpets were infilled with a graded, 90:10 (sand:peat) root zone to each carpet manufacturers prescribed depth. In spring 2024 (<12 months after seeding), established sod was harvested and transplanted to a cellular drainage testing block over asphalt. Treatments were evaluated for surface hardness, rotational resistance, and soccer ball rebound. At UT, treatments had no effect on surface hardness; however, both HERO treatments registered higher rotational resistance than all other carpets. At MSU, all carpet‐mats, but HERO 169, generated a harder playing surface than the non‐stabilized control but had no effect on rotational resistance. Ball rebound was unaffected by any treatment at either location. Based on current FIFA thresholds for an excellent quality pitch, all carpet‐mat systems we evaluated following initial establishment could be considered a suitable hybrid option as a playing surface for a FIFA tournament venue.

The digitalization of emergency department triage: the perspectives of health professionals and patients

BackgroundDigitalization in the healthcare sector offers several organizational advantages, ranging from enhanced service quality to cost savings. However, its adoption often progresses slowly and faces challenges, especially in critical settings like emergency departments, requiring prompt, clear, and efficient communication. As such, this study aims to comprehensively assess the factors influencing the preference for digitalized tools over traditional methods from the perspectives of both service providers and users.MethodsWe employ two ad hoc stated preference surveys in which we ask respondents to reveal their preference in simulated triage scenarios. Three main alternatives are proposed: traditional procedures, a fully digitalized solution with no direct patient-professional interaction, and a hybrid option that combines traditional and digital aspects. Scenarios and alternatives vary according to predetermined attributes, selected among the features acknowledged to impact the triage efficiency and efficacy: the possibility to communicate in a known language, the completeness of information retrieved from the patient, the time dedicated to triage activity, and the level of privacy. Responses are analyzed by means of discrete choice models.ResultsOur findings reveal a preference for the hybrid approach, wherein patients use digital tools to input relevant information, followed by an interview with healthcare professionals. Nevertheless, distinct alternative- and case-specific features can favor the preference toward other kinds of triage. Respondents prefer shorter triage times and the opportunity to interact in a known language, while the level of privacy does not significantly impact their choices. Interestingly, the presence of an algorithm assigning urgency code diminishes the probability that healthcare professionals select the fully digitalized option.ConclusionsThis study provides important insight into the utilization of digital tools in emergency departments. The results can be used by hospital managers and policy makers to develop digital tools that meet the needs of both users and healthcare professionals. This, in turn, may result in cost savings and improved quality of service.

An examination of depression severity and treatment adherence among racially and ethnically minoritized, low-income individuals during the COVID-19 transition to telehealth

Mental healthcare was fundamentally altered during the COVID-19 pandemic, perhaps most prominently through the massive shift towards telehealth. Herein, we evaluated effects of the transition to teletherapy on treatment adherence and depressive symptoms for 3,476 patients at three outpatient psychiatric clinics, the majority of whom were low-income and experienced ethnoracial minoritization. Number of missed appointments decreased (mean: 6.27 vs. 3.77, p < .0001), and PHQ-9 scores decreased (mean: 8.17 vs. 6.82, p < .0001) between six months prior to and following the March 18, 2020 switch to telehealth. These conclusions held when adjusting for covariates including age, sex, race/ethnicity, and insurance status (i.e., socioeconomic status). Stratified analyses (i.e., adults, emerging adults, and youth) yielded the same conclusions, with the exception of emerging adults, for whom the PHQ-9 change was not significant. Results indicated the transition from in-person to teletherapy was associated with significantly reduced mean numbers of missed visits and depressive symptoms. Such results during this especially tumultuous period may underscore telehealth's effectiveness. Future research should explore whether there is a causal relationship between telehealth or mixed hybrid options, positive treatment outcomes, and prescriptive care delivery models, as well as applications of e-mental health tools for diverse, underserved patient populations.

The ‘meathybrid’ concept: bridging the gap between texture, taste, sustainability and nutrition

SummaryPositioned midway between traditional meat and plant‐based options, hybrid alternatives cater to a broader consumer category due to the intersection of flavours, textures and ethical considerations. This review aims to provide a current landscape and forthcoming challenges of hybrid options, exploring their formulation, processing, distinctive features, consumer acceptance and sustainability aspects. Even though there is no standard definition of the ‘meathybrid concept’, scientists and industrials explored different ingredients including purified proteins or whole vegetables/grains/seeds to formulate palatable hybrid products maintaining comparable sensory features to meat. Consumers' attraction to hybrid meat products is mostly related to taste, sustainability and nutritional aspects. Future challenges for hybrid options may include optimising production scalability, ensuring consistent quality and taste and effectively communicating the benefits of hybrid products to diverse consumer segments. Additionally, ongoing research and development efforts will be crucial in enhancing hybrid alternatives' sensory attributes, nutritional profiles and environmental sustainability.

Effect of Flexible Working Hours on Employee Performance of Isiolo County Government, Kenya

The study sought to evaluate the effect of flexible working hours on employee performance of Isiolo County Government, Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive research design whereby quantitative data was collected using close-ended questionnaires. Therefore, the target population included 1,662 employees of Isiolo County government in various departments. These employees were further sampled using a simple random method to obtain 43 directors, 48 managers, and 309 operational staff as the sample size. Further, the study undertook a pre-test study in Samburu County government whose feedback was assessed using Cronbach Alpha coefficient to test the reliability of the questionnaires. SPSS software version 25 was used during the analysis process to provide descriptive and inferential analysis. The findings of the questionnaire indicated that 86(25%) respondents, strongly agreed and 117(35%) agreed on a mean of 4.21, that there is a local arrangement between the staff and their supervisors on how to deliver the assigned tasks on remote working option However, 76(22%) respondents, strongly disagreed and 107(32%) disagreed on a mean of 2.43, Tasks are sub-divided using a job-sharing technique to allow employees attend to other areas of their lives and still manage to attain the departmental objectives. The correlation coefficient for flexible working hours r=0.741 at α &lt; 0.02 and 99% significance level. Flexible working hours had a positive effect on the performance of employees. It was established that there was a hybrid working method that included in-office and remote operations. That notwithstanding, the choice of hybrid options was based on an informal agreement between first-line supervisor and an employee. This brought about unprofessional favors and an unbalanced allocation of tasks to the staff. Consequently, the long-term effect was poor completion of tasks, late submission of assignments, and lack of adequate supervision leading to unsatisfactory work. The recommendations on flexible working hours are that there should be a formal policy structure formulation by the management that allows equality and fairness in allocation of tasks and the choice of either working in an office or remotely. Additionally, there should be empowerment of organization laws and regulations to support disciplinary actions by the management, to discourage late submission of assignments. There should be an encouragement of work contract signing an agreement between the workers and the supervisors that supports in job training to reduce work-related errors/ unsatisfactory work.

Pra-studi Kelayakan Sistem Hibrida PV-Baterai-PLTD di Daerah Pedesaan Wilayah Maluku

This research addresses the high costs and logistical challenges of diesel-based electricity generation in the rural and remote areas of Maluku. The aim is to assess the feasibility of hybridizing diesel generators with solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage systems (BESS) to reduce energy costs and environmental impacts. A tailored methodology evaluated 42 locations to determine the optimal hybrid systems. The evaluation included preliminary solar potential, electricity consumption, hybrid options, generation costs, and capital costs. Findings indicate that systems with higher renewable energy fractions are more beneficial, reducing total diesel consumption from 30.5 million L/yr to 5.8 million L/yr and Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) from 0.62 USD/kWh to 0.42 USD/kWh. PV sizes ranged from 150-2400 kWp with renewable energy fractions from 80-93%. This method effectively prioritizes economically and technically suitable sites.

"Some distance between us": a UK mixed methods study exploring experiences of remote care for eating disorders during COVID-19.

COVID-19 necessitated a rapid move from face-to-face services to remote care for eating disorders/eating distress (EDs). This study explores the advantages and challenges of remote care, identifying future implications for service provision. Remote care has been considered in the broadest of terms, including therapeutic care (e.g., Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, peer support, forums, one-to-one and group care options). Using a mixed methods approach, data were collected from 211 people with lived experience of EDs (PWLE), with and without formal diagnosis. 27 participants took part in semi-structured interviews/workshops and a further 184 participants took part via an online survey. Participants reported on their ED status, the impact of the pandemic on symptoms, the benefits, andchallenges of remote care (and type of support accessed), and any reasons for not accessing support. Participants were invited to make future care recommendations. ED symptoms were reported as worsening during the pandemic with contributing factors including isolation, lack of routine, negative emotions, and feeling like the external situation was outside of one's control. Remote care was positively attributed to increased flexibility and facilitation of social connection. Identified barriers to access included lack of awareness about support availability, digital access/literacy, and competing commitments. Further challenges included approaches being perceived as too clinical (e.g., ED information and support presented using clinical language and/or limited to support within medical care settings, without acknowledging the broader context of disordered eating), uncertainty around remote care quality, and concerns that remote platforms may facilitate masking of symptoms. Participants reported distress caused by online platforms where self-view is the default during video calls. They expressed a need for more holistic approaches to remote care, including: "real stories" of recovery, and hybrid (online and offline) options for greater flexibility and widening of access and choice. Participants also expressed a need for appropriate digital literacy training. Future recommendations emphasise user-centred holistic and hybrid approaches to ED remote support, with training to address digital literacy barriers and facilitate user control of platform functionalities (e.g., self-view). This study underscores the need for continued remote care with a focus on inclusivity and user empowerment.

Telehealth access and experiences of older adults with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic: Lessons for the future.

Telehealth services are proposed to improve access and retention to care for people with HIV (PWH). Yet the rapid uptake of telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic created equity concerns, especially for already vulnerable populations. Older PWH may face a combination of barriers to telehealth but also stand to benefit given social isolation and the need for multimorbidity management. Few studies have focused on this population, and we aimed to assess the telehealth capability and experiences of older PWH at an urban HIV clinic. We did this in two ways: (1) we contacted PWH aged ≥65 via telephone about telehealth capabilities and (2) we conducted focus groups with older PWH who transitioned from in-person to virtual classes affiliated with the clinic. Among 179 PWH aged ≥65, 80 answered the telehealth questions. Among those who answered, 91% were male with a mean age of 69 (SD 3.0), and 55% were White. One-third did not have internet access or an email address. A total of 65% had at least one telehealth-capable device but 12.5% of respondents with a device did not know how to use it. Thirteen older PWH participated in focus groups with a mean age of 64 (SD 6.9) and 44% female. Themes were grouped into benefits (social/emotional connection and convenience) and challenges (technological barriers and missed in-person experience). Participants preferred in-person classes but felt telehealth was a good alternative for mitigating isolation. Telehealth gave those with mobility and transportation issues improved access to supportive services. As the COVID-19 public health emergency ends, hybrid options should be considered to improve access for older PWH and address social isolation. Ensuring equitable access to devices and digital literacy training will be critical to ensure services can be utilized.

Nurturing the Human Dimension in Digital and Medical Spaces Through Pedagogy of Care - a Case of Creative Enquiry.

The COVID-19 pandemic ushered in digital learning experiences to front and centre of medical education in disruptive ways. As the pandemic subsides students and educators sigh in relief, longing to move away from the loneliness and disconnection and back to the norms of face-to-face learning and consulting. In the field of medical education however, the need for digital education has exponentially increased over the decade with strong evidence for future growth. We face the pressure of increasing student numbers on clinical placement and some students now desire or even need hybrid options for the flexibility of time, place, and pace. There is persistent criticism that digital education lacks human connection. This paper argues, however, that it is possible and vital to humanise the virtual learning experience, though particular attention needs to be given to digital pedagogy and relational aspects of learning and teaching. Drawing on Noddings' pedagogies of care and her theoretical model, we unpack one case-study of a medical education elective course that transitioned online during the pandemic. The aim of this paper is to engage medical educators with the pedagogy of care and relational pedagogy literature, which are currently almost absent from the medical education literature, as applied to the digital education realm. Core themes include modelling care and connection, enabling dialogue, inviting student engagement and practice in caring for each other and supporting the deeper work of being present themselves and confirming each other. Limitations and implications for future research will also be explored.

The Effect of Converting a Conventional Tractor into a Hybrid Drive Tractor Using the ECMS Method on Fuel Consumption and Emissions

In recent years, the implementation of Tier 5 emission regulations for tractors has compelled manufacturers to conduct new research. Additionally, the process of hybridization has impacted the agricultural vehicle industry. This study focuses on the design and implementation of an energy management strategy (EMS) for a diesel–electric hybrid electric agricultural vehicle, based on real‐time optimization. Tractor drive systems, including both conventional and hybrid options, were introduced. Simulations were performed to compare fuel consumption and CO2 emissions between the two types of tractors. The data shows that hybrid vehicles produce 8.93% less CO2 than conventional vehicles. Furthermore, the fuel consumption of the tractor decreased from 1,880.2 to 1,712.5 g/km under hybrid operating conditions.

Economic Analysis and the EEXI Reduction Potential of Parallel Hybrid Dual-Fuel Engine‒Fuel Cell Propulsion Systems for LNG Carriers

Abstract One potential solution for reducing carbon dioxide emissions from ships and meeting the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) requirements is to use a hybrid propulsion system that combines liquid hydrogen and liquefied natural gas fuels. To improve energy efficiency for diesel-electric dual-fuel ship propulsion systems, an engine power limitation system can also be used. This paper examines the potential use of these systems with regard to several factors, including compliance with EEXI standards set by the International Maritime Organization, fuel ratio optimisation, installation requirements, and economic feasibility. As a case study, an LNG carrier is analysed, with dual-fuel diesel-electric and two hybrid systems adjusted to meet IMO-EEXI requirements with engine power limitation percentages of 25%, 0% (hybrid option 1), and 15% (hybrid option 2), respectively. From an economic standpoint, the liquid hydrogen-based system has competitive costs compared to the dual-fuel diesel-electric system, with costs of 2.1 and 2.5 dollars per kilogram for hybrid system options 1 and 2, respectively.

Conceptual Design of 20 T Hybrid Accelerator Dipole Magnets

Hybrid magnets are currently under consideration as an economically viable option towards 20 T dipole magnets for next generation of particle accelerators. In these magnets, High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) materials are used in the high field part of the coil with so-called insert coils, and Low Temperature Superconductors (LTS) like Nb3Sn and Nb-Ti superconductors are used in the lower field region with so-called outsert coils. The attractiveness of the hybrid option lays on the fact that, on the one hand, the 20 T field level is beyond the Nb3Sn practical limits of 15-16 T for accelerator magnets and can be achieved only via HTS materials; on the other hand, the high cost of HTS superconductors compared to LTS superconductors makes it advantageous exploring a hybrid approach, where the HTS portion of the coil is minimized. We present in this paper an overview of different design options aimed at generating 20 T field in a 50 mm clear aperture. The coil layouts investigated include the Cos-theta design (CT), with its variations to reduce the conductor peak stress, namely the Canted Cos-theta design (CCT) and the Stress Management Cos-theta design (SMCT), and, in addition, the Block-type design (BL) including a form of stress management and the Common-Coil design (CC). Results from a magnetic and mechanical analysis are discussed, with particular focus on the comparison between the different options regarding quantity of superconducting material, field quality, conductor peak stress, and quench protection.

Agility and the transition from uncertainty to recovery: the Indian IT industry and COVID-19

This paper reports a study of how the Indian IT industry navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. Agility emerged as the crucial determining factor aiding the industry’s successful survival. IT organisations’ agility, facilitated by the state’s response to the pandemic and by both their anticipation of the lockdown and their technological capabilities, helped them overcome the crisis. The slowdown forced firms to downsize, reduce bench strength, freeze wages and intensify work, while deferring client payments. When the economy recovered, high attrition, termed ‘The Great Resignation’, forced employers to increase wages. Employers were unable to compel employees to return to the office, despite facing issues relating to organisational culture, data security and moonlighting. Remote working helped employees maintain work–life balance and save on cost of living, forcing employers to provide a hybrid option.

It/He/They/She: On Pronoun Norms for All, Human and Nonhuman

Many people in animal studies favor the use of gendered pronouns for nonhuman animals, even in cases where the animal’s sex is unknown. By contrast, many people in gender studies favor the use of the default singular they for humans. Our aim is to show that the most obvious ways of fitting these pronoun norm proposals together—a hybrid option (“he”/“she” for animals, “they” for humans) and a uniform one (i.e., default to the singular they when gender identity is unknown, regardless of species)—have serious costs. Animal advocates will worry that the hybrid approach marks animals as fundamentally different from human beings, while advocates for gender justice will worry that preserving gendered pronouns for animals will also preserve gender essentialism. However, switching to a universal default singular they—that is, where we use “they” for all individuals, both human and nonhuman—may set back animals’ interest in being seen as sentient individuals. Our aim is not to defend a solution to this problem, but simply to argue that this is a problem that deserves consideration when assessing candidate pronoun norms.

Do open-access dermatology articles have higher citation counts than those with subscription-based access?

Open-access (OA) publishing is increasingly prevalent in dermatology, and many journals now offer hybrid options, including conventional (subscription-based access [SA]) publishing or OA (with an author publishing charge) in a subscription journal. OA publishing has been noted in many disciplines, but this has been rarely studied in dermatology. Using the Clarivate Journal Citation Report, we compiled a list of English-language dermatology hybrid OA journals containing more than 5% OA articles. We sampled any OA review or original research article in 4 issues from 2018 to 2019 and matched an equal number of SA articles. Citation count, citation count excluding self-citations and view counts found using Scopus and Altmetrics score were recorded for each article. Statistical analyses were performed using logistic and negative binomial models using R software. Twenty-seven hybrid dermatology journals were found, and 538 articles were sampled (269 OA, 269 SA). For both original research and review articles, OA articles had significantly higher mean citation counts (mean 13.2, standard deviation [SD] 17.0) compared to SA articles (mean 7.9, SD 8.8) (odds ratio [OR] 1.04; 95% CI 1.02-1.05; P < .001) including when adjusted for time from publication. Original research OA articles had significantly higher citation counts than original research SA articles (excluding self-citations; OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.05; P = .003), and review articles also had OA citation advantage than review SA articles (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02-1.11; P = .008). There was, however, no significant difference in citation counts between review articles and original research articles (OR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.19-5.31; P = 1.000). There was no significant difference seen in view counts (OA: mean±SD 17.7±10.8; SA: mean±SD 17.1±12.4) and Altmetric score (OA: mean±SD 13.2±47.8; SA: mean±SD 6.3±25.0) between OA and SA articles. Potential confounders included the fact that more OA articles were published in Europe than in Asia, and pharmaceutical-funded articles were more likely to be published OA. We noted a higher citation count for OA articles than SA articles in dermatology hybrid journals. However, dermatology researchers should take into account confounding factors when deciding whether to increase the impact of their work by selecting OA over SA publishing.

Co-locating offshore wind and floating solar farms – Effect of high wind and wave conditions on solar power performance

The co-location of offshore wind and floating solar farms is an attractive hybrid option that optimizes the areal power density for the renewable power production. However, an important consideration remains whether the strong waves expected in the high-wind environment would cause large displacement of the floating solar panels and therefore significantly affect the solar power output. The present study addresses this research question by simulating the power output of a floating solar array under various high wind and wave conditions at three offshore locations, considering the effects of temperature, humidity, wind speed and wave characteristics on the system electrical behavior. The wave-platform interaction is solved with fully developed sea states to predict the fluctuating tilt angles of the solar panels. Subsequently, the total solar power output is obtained considering the solar irradiation and the estimated operating temperature. The results show that the relative changes are small in all cases, implying that the solar power output would remain stable even under high wind and wave conditions. The optimal tilt angle of the floating PV panels is also examined for the three offshore locations. The study validates the feasibility of hybrid offshore wind-solar farms, provided that structural safety has been properly considered.

Secretary's Report, 2022 : American Society of Naturalists.

Secretary's Report, 2022 : American Society of Naturalists.

ADSA® Presidential Report

ADSA® Presidential Report

Complex Evaluation of Heavy-Duty Truck Hybridization and Electrification Options

Abstract Parallel hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) powertrain topologies are easily applicable on an existing conventional powertrain, and are frequently used in passenger vehicles, with a goal to reduce the overall fleet CO2 emissions, either with mild, full, or plug-in capability. However, for the heavy-duty trucks, the powertrain electrification progresses more slowly. Therefore, the goal of this paper is to evaluate three different hybridization options, together with two electrification options, in comparison with conventional powertrain combined with 5.9 L 6-cylinder diesel internal combustion engine in a heavy-duty 7.5-ton application. All vehicle variants are evaluated in eight vehicle driving cycles replicating different heavy-duty use-cases at different cargo levels, also considering the economical aspect of these different electrification options, calculating the payback periods for each powertrain option. The energy management control strategy, that determines the power split between the ICE and electric motor for HEV variants is an optimal one, based on Pontryagin’s Minimum Principle. All models are programmed in-house in Python 3.9.0.