Informal Methods Research Articles

Gender Differences in Language Acquisition Patterns among Adolescents in Japan

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the gender differences in language acquisition patterns among adolescents in Japan Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: This study examines gender differences in language acquisition among Japanese adolescents. Males typically prefer informal methods like digital media for vocabulary, while females favor formal instruction. Females show stronger syntax, grammar, and pragmatic skills, driven by a greater interest in language learning for social reasons. Males' attitudes vary more, influenced by socioeconomic factors. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social learning theory, gender schema theory & critical feminist theory may be used to anchor future studies on the gender differences in language acquisition patterns among adolescents. By tailoring language instruction to the specific needs of male and female adolescents, educators can create more inclusive learning environments that support equitable language development. Policymakers should prioritize the integration of gender-sensitive language policies and initiatives within educational systems.

Screening in the Childbearing Year: Midwives’ Scientific Knowledge and Its Use in Decision Making

The objective of the study was to explore New Zealand midwives' perception of their knowledge of genetics and embryology and its application to their practice. The study design was based on a self-completed postal questionnaire using convenience sampling. The questionnaire was sent to independent midwifery practices and Maternity units in New Zealand, specifically focused on currently practising Registered Midwives. The degree of perceived knowledge varied between practitioners, as does its use in practice to discuss issues with women. The majority of midwives indicated that they did not have enough knowledge specifically in genetics to discuss those issues. Most midwives gained their knowledge through formal and informal methods. The study concluded that midwives need to have available, professional development opportunities in the area of genetics and embryology in order to effectively facilitate informed choice when offering the various tests and treatments during the childbearing year.

On Binscatter

Binscatter is a popular method for visualizing bivariate relationships and conducting informal specification testing. We study the properties of this method formally and develop enhanced visualization and econometric binscatter tools. These include estimating conditional means with optimal binning and quantifying uncertainty. We also highlight a methodological problem related to covariate adjustment that can yield incorrect conclusions. We revisit two applications using our methodology and find substantially different results relative to those obtained using prior informal binscatter methods. General purpose software in Python, R, and Stata is provided. Our technical work is of independent interest for the nonparametric partition-based estimation literature. (JEL C13, C14, C18, C51, O31, R32)

Creditor Driven Insolvency Resolution Law – A Review of Intent v/s Practice.

Purpose- This paper aims to examine the effectiveness of Insolvency Law in India in addressing cases of corporate distress and enabling them to revive the business through restructuring by passing appropriate resolution as envisaged by the Law. It aims to seek evidence as to whether the ‘creditor driven insolvency resolution’ model has a propensity towards ‘resolution’ or is it driven more towards ‘liquidation’ leading to ‘value erosion.’ Design/Methodology/Approach- The paper is descriptive in nature. The paper studies the practice and impact of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code in India. The data reported by Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India have been used to examine the Insolvency law in practice. Findings- The author argues that Indian Insolvency Law tends to lean towards ‘Liquidation’ of distressed entity rather than ‘Reorganization’ of the entity against legal wisdom behind insolvency laws to promote revival of the distressed entity. The authors also imprint that increasing instances of withdrawal of admitted cases from IBC is an indicator of distressed entities resorting to informal methods of resolving cases outside IBC. Originality/Value- The paper puts across the dichotomy between ‘intention’ and ‘impact’ of Insolvency law in India. The study highlights deviation of insolvency resolution framework in India from the ‘Evolutionary Theory’ which states that increased dispersion of corporate ownership would lead to increased affinity towards ‘manager driven insolvency regime.’ Practical Implications-This study would be useful to insolvency resolution regulators, insolvency professionals and government to examine the insolvency law framework to improve effectiveness of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code in practice.

Karakteristik Penanda Kohesi Gramatikal dan Kohesi Leksikal Pada Wacana Iklan Kosmetik Kecantikan Wajah Jepang

The purpose of this research is to explain the relationship between grammatical cohesion markers and lexical cohesion in advertising discourse that can support the formation of coherence. The data used comes from the Canmake Tokyo Japan advertisement. The data collection method used is the listening method with the basic technique, namely the tapping technique and the note-taking technique as a follow-up technique. The data analysis stage uses the commensurate method with the technique of sorting the determining elements (PUP). While the results of data analysis are presented using informal methods. Based on the results of data analysis, it can be seen that the cosmetic advertisements from Canmake Tokyo contain grammatical cohesion markers and lexical cohesion. Based on the appropriate use of cohesion markers, it can be seen that the discourse of Canmake Tokyo cosmetic advertisements is a discourse of coherence. The most common grammatical cohesion markers are reference and conjunction. While the most lexical cohesion markers found are repetition and synonyms.

Wage Bargaining Power of Internal Migrant Workers: Evidence from Urban Labor Market in China

This study analyses the wage bargaining power of employers and internal migrant workers in the urban labor market in China using a two-tiered SFA model. The findings indicate that bargaining power decreases the observed wage relative to the benchmark wage which is associated with worker’s actual productivity. The availability of migrant labor is identified to be a key variable in the wage bargaining process. This study reveals that the migrant workers who obtain jobs via informal job search methods stand in a weak bargaining position relative to those using formal search methods which is consistent with limited choices hypothesis. Additionally, the migrant workers in the manufacturing and construction industries or producing and processing occupations extract surplus nearly identical to other groups.

Analysis of Costs in Assessing the Effectiveness of Cultural and Recreational Park

Introduction. The management of socio-cultural activities is complicated by evaluating the effectiveness of institutions in the socio-cultural sphere. Unlike the commercial sector, where results can be measured in monetary terms, results in the socio-cultural sphere can be more challenging to measure. The goal of this study is to assess the efficiency of the cultural and recreational park activities. Materials and Methods. Formal methods were used to calculate efficiency indicators and informal methods were based on heuristic approaches, comparison, grouping and summarizing data. The research materials included works of Russian and foreign scholars, practical data available on the websites of cultural and art institutions, and other media sources. The research object is the Municipal Autonomous Cultural Institution "City Park of Culture and Recreation" in Oryol city. The analysis of indicators is presented for the period of 2020-2022 based on analytical data from the park's website. The results include performance indicators of the park, algorithms for calculating the efficiency indicators and reporting values, the composition and structure of labor costs, the labor remuneration fund and its relationship with productivity. Measures are proposed to review the expenditure structure of the park in order to establish a system of program-oriented planning, distribution of expenses into tactical and non-tactical ones to strengthen the role and improve the methods of medium-term planning. Conclusions. Based on the effective cost management and the implementation of appropriate strategies and tools, efficiency assessment issues can be overcome and goals can be achieved.

Patterns of Medical Residents' Preferences for Organizational Socialization Strategies to Facilitate Their Transitions: A Q-study.

To facilitate various transitions of medical residents, healthcare team members and departments may employ various organizational socialization strategies, including formal and informal onboarding methods. However, residents' preferences for these organizational socialization strategies to ease their transition can vary. This study identifies patterns (viewpoints) in these preferences. Using Q-methodology, we asked a purposeful sample of early-career residents to rank a set of statements into a quasi-normal distributed grid. Statements were based on previous qualitative interviews and organizational socialization theory. Participants responded to the question, 'What are your preferences regarding strategies other health care professionals, departments, or hospitals should use to optimize your next transition?' Participants then explained their sorting choices in a post-sort questionnaire. We identified different viewpoints based on by-person (inverted) factor analysis and Varimax rotation. We interpreted the viewpoints using distinguishing and consensus statements, enriched by residents' comments. Fifty-one residents ranked 42 statements, among whom 36 residents displayed four distinct viewpoints: Dependent residents (n = 10) favored a task-oriented approach, clear guidance, and formal colleague relationships; Social Capitalizing residents (n = 9) preferred structure in the onboarding period and informal workplace social interactions; Autonomous residents (n = 12) prioritized a loosely structured onboarding period, independence, responsibility, and informal social interactions; and Development-oriented residents (n = 5) desired a balanced onboarding period that allowed independence, exploration, and development. This identification of four viewpoints highlights the inadequacy of one-size-fits-all approaches to resident transition. Healthcare professionals and departments should tailor their socialization strategies to residents' preferences for support, structure, and formal/informal social interaction.

Euphemisms and Dysphemisms in Netizens' Comments on Instagram Accounts @Sherlyannavita

This study aims to (1) find out the meaning of euphemisms and dysphemisms, (2) find out the function of euphemisms and dysphemisms in the Instagram comment column @sherlyannavita. This study uses sociolinguistic studies to examine various sources of meaning and function. This research is qualitative research. The method used in this study is descriptive analysis. The source of data in this study is comments on @sherlyannavita Instagram accounts with political themes in posts in September and October 2023. This research data is in the form of expressions or expressions classified as euphemisms and dysphemisms. Data collection techniques in the form of listen and record techniques. The analysis method used is in the form of referential padan techniques. Presentation of research results using informal methods. The results of this study were in the form of 25 euphemism expression data with associative meanings and functions to smooth speech. While the expression of dysphemism there are 28 data on the expression of dysphemism with associative and conceptual meanings, while its functions are in the form of ridicule, expressions of irritation, and expressions of disapproval.

Depresi pada Tokoh Kiriyama Rei dalam Anime Sangatsu no Raion

This research focuses on the depression of the character Kiriyama Rei in the anime Sangatsu no Raion. The purpose of the research is to analyze the symptoms, causal factors, and impact of depression on Kiriyama Rei. The theories used are literary psychology theory by Wellek and Warren and cognitive theory of depression by Beck and Alford. Informal and descriptive methods are used as research methods. The method of data collection is the method of observe and note taking. In the data analysis stage, the descriptive analysis method is applied and in the data analysis presentation stage, the informal method is applied. Based on the results of the analysis, the symptoms of depression experienced by Kiriyama Rei are affective group in the form of emotions of sadness, motivational group in the form of desire to escape and loss of motivation, negative group in the form of negative view of self, negative interpretation of experience, and critical view of the future, and physical and vegetative group in the form of sleep disorders. The causative factors of Kiriyama Rei depression are specific stres and non-specific stres. The effects of Kiriyama Rei depression are negative view of self, negative view of life experience, and negative view of the future. Kiriyama Rei was declared a depressed patient because she experienced more than five symptoms of depression in a few weeks

Methodological provision of analysis of the efficiency of investment activities of enterprises

The paper is devoted to the disclosure of the main provisions of methodological support for the analysis of the investment activity of enterprises and practical recommendations on the use of methods for evaluating the effectiveness of the implementation of investment projects for decision-making. Making investment decisions is based on the use of various formalized and informal methods and models, taking into account the following factors: changes in the value of money over time; alternative value of resources; cash flows generated by the project; uncertainty and risk; inflation, price changes and currency exchange rate fluctuations; investment goals and investor psychology; possible changes in project parameters; synergies between investment projects of the enterprise. When forming the list of monitoring indicators, those aspects of the business entity's investment activity that are most important for owners, investors and management organizers were highlighted. It is proposed to form a system of performance indicators of the enterprise's investment activity in accordance with the sphere of investment: production, marketing, technology, organization. The principles of investment activity analysis and recommendations on the procedures for analyzing the effectiveness of project implementation have been formed, the choice of which depends on the management goals aimed at achieving a stable cash flow and ensuring the financial stability of the enterprise. The essential characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of the existing approaches to evaluating the effectiveness of investment projects are revealed. A system of indicators and criteria for the analysis of the effectiveness of investment activities of indicators characterizing the effectiveness of investments depending on the sphere of investment of funds: production, marketing, technology, organization are proposed. Recommendations for choosing a specific method for evaluating the effectiveness of investment projects in the context of achieving the priority goal - maximizing project profitability, risk acceptability and investors' interests are substantiated.

Directive Illocutionary Act Used by The Main Character in “The End of the F***ing World”

The purpose of this study is to analyzedirective illocutionary act, spesifically about how action can occur only with the use of language spoken by the main characters in The End of the F***ing World series.Theory by Halliday and Hasan (1985) was applied to analyse the situational context which refers to the place, topic of the conversation, participants’s relationship, and how language is used in the conversation. There is also theory by Yule (1996) about the explanation of action that performed just by utterance called directive illocutionary act and divided into command, order, request and suggestion. This study used a descriptive qualitative method... The results found all types of directive illocutionary act used by the main characters in their daily life to make someone do something, where the success rate in using directive illocutionary act is related with the situational context.. This study used formal and informal methods in its presentation.

The Types of Derivational Suffixes Found in The Dry Novel by Jane Harper

The study focused on analysing the types of derivational suffixes. The data was taken from The Dry by Jane Harper and analysed by using the theory from Plag (2003) and Carstairs-Mccarthy (2002). The data collected was analysed by using a descriptive qualitative method. The results of this study were explained using both formal and informal methods. The findings showed that there are four types of derivational suffixes found in this novel, such as nominal suffixes, verbal suffixes, adjectival suffixes, and adverbial suffixes. The total of the data found in this study is 194 data which consist of nominal suffixes with 66 data. The second, in verbal suffixes with 1 data. Next, adjectival suffixes with 69 data. The last suffix is adverbial suffixes with 58 data.

Phonological Structure of the Babasan Language of Serang Banten, Indonesia

This research aims to describe the Bebasan language of Serang Banten, which is related to the phonological aspect in terms of its structure, namely the vowel aspect and the consonant aspect. Regarding data acquisition, researchers collected data using the interview method to obtain data. The interview method recognizes three ways, namely: (1) asking questions, (2) direct recording, (3) recording. Researchers conducted direct interviews with informants or respondents who met the criteria and took direct notes to obtain data. In the data analysis method, the distributional or collection method is used where the researcher analyzes the data using determining tools such as the language in question. This method is usually used to analyze language speech. Meanwhile, in presenting data, formal and informal methods are used. From the results of this research, it can be concluded that in the free language of Serang, there are phonemes in each word or sentence, which can be grouped into vowels and consonants.

Risk management during the COVID-19 crisis: insights from an exploratory case study of medium-sized family businesses

Current crises pose uncertainties and threats to family businesses (FBs), demonstrating the importance of risk management (RM). Based on an explorative case study of nine Austrian medium-sized FBs, we examine the design of RM in FBs and how the COVID-19 crisis impacts their RM practices. The findings highlight that the medium-sized FBs analyzed generally rely on both formal and informal RM, and that these structures are strongly connected to their unique stewardship culture. In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, formal RM gained increased relevance, prompting FBs to allocate additional resources for its professional upgrading. Likewise, when confronted with heightened risks during the COVID-19 crisis, informal practices such as family bonds and close ties to employees and customers are not only reinforced but also proven highly effective, resulting in increased loyalty. The COVID-19 crisis serves as a compelling illustration of how both informal and formal RM methods have grown in strength. The synergy between these RM methods enhances risk awareness within FBs, ultimately fostering resilience during unpredictable and uncertain times.

Hematology and Oncology Fellow Education About Sexual and Reproductive Health: A Survey of Program Directors in the United States.

Clinical oncology guidelines recommend addressing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) concerns in routine cancer care. However, limited training often hinders clinicians' ability to do so effectively. The objective of this study was to understand the state of current fellowship education on SRH (ie, sexual health, safe sex practices, and fertility) through conducting a national survey of US hematology/oncology fellowship program directors (PDs). A survey was sent to all PDs of adult hematology/oncology fellowship programs in the United States via online link. PDs who did not complete the survey were sent up to four follow-up emails and a paper mailing. Descriptive statistics and McNemar tests were conducted. One hundred-fourteen PDs responded (65%). Fewer programs offered formal instruction on sexual health (49%) and safe sex practices (37%) compared with fertility (75%). Informal training in SRH relied heavily on direct clinical experience (73%-78% of programs), with other methods (eg, case-based approaches, webinars, and journal clubs) being less common. Lack of experts to provide instruction was the most commonly cited barrier to offering training in SRH, endorsed by 74% for sexual health, 68% for safe sex practices, and 54% for fertility; difficulty finding space within the curriculum (50%; 54%; and 43%, respectively) and a lack of training requirements were also commonly endorsed (57%; 60%; and 35%, respectively). Barriers were endorsed more commonly for sexual health topics than fertility. The results highlight the scarcity of training in SRH, particularly in sexual health, within hematology/oncology fellowship programs. The heavy reliance on informal instruction methods may lead to inconsistent and inadequate education. Efforts to integrate comprehensive training in SRH into fellowship programs are crucial to ensuring that such concerns are included in routine cancer care.

Analysis of techniques and technologies for processing trajectory measurements

The article discusses the uncertainty factors of processing trajectory measurements. The purpose of the work: to consider uncertainty factors, to analyze methods for solving poorly formalized problems, as well as the methodology for solving them when processing trajectory measurements using artificial intelligence and expert systems. An important uncertainty factor in the development of methods for processing trajectory measurements is the fuzziness or ambiguity associated with a subset of natural language. Considering the tasks at various stages of the development of methods for processing trajectory measurements as decision-making tasks, it is advisable to indicate the uncertainty factors that occur in various situations when solving these tasks. These include vagueness, ambiguity, and uncertainty: arising from the description of resources allocated for modeling; arising in the case when the available numerical information does not allow to find solutions by formal methods, but nevertheless, there are such solutions; arising in the early stages of processing, when there are a number of alternative options; arising from the interpretation of the results of computational experiments; arising in the case when, despite the possibility of using precise mathematical relations to solve selection problems, it is convenient for experts to use informal methods that reduce the time required to solve the required tasks. The analysis of methods for solving problems of processing trajectory measurements is carried out. A new methodology is presented, the essence of which is to change the traditional scheme of formalization of the tasks of the subject area of interest to engineers, in cases where the use of the traditional scheme is impossible for some reason. A methodology for solving poorly formalized problems is presented, as well as expert systems for processing trajectory data.

An Analysis of Slang Words Found in Anne Marie’s Song Lyrics

This study aims at finding out the types of slang words found in Anne Marie's song lyrics and to analyze the meaning of those slang words. The data of this study were taken from the song lyrics by Anne Marie. This study chose Anne Marie’s song lyrics as data source because there are many slang words found in song lyrics. This study used the theory proposed by Kipfer and Chapman (2007:8) to classify the types of slang words and the theory proposed by Leech (1981) to analyze the meaning used. This study applied observation method in collecting the data of slang words. Qualitative method was used in analyzing the data. This study used formal and informal methods in presenting the finding. Based on the data analysis, there are 17 data of slang words found in Anne Marie’s song lyrics. Those slang words are classified into primary and secondary slang. The dominant type of slang found was primary slang with 16 data. Based on the theory of types of meaning by Leech (1981), there are two types of meaning exist in those slang words, such as; conceptual meaning and social meaning. Conceptual meaning occurred with 16 data and followed by social meaning with 1 data. Conceptual meaning dominantly appeared in Anne Marie’s Song lyrics.

Out‐of‐School Activities in Architectural Education: MUISCARCH International Architecture Students Congress

AbstractThis research aims to question the effect of adopting non‐formal and informal learning environments into architectural education on the overall learning experiences of architecture students. In this context, a series of out‐of‐school activities organised within the scope of Maltepe University, Faculty of Architecture and Design, which are based on a variety of different non‐formal and informal learning methods, are discussed. Although there are various out‐of‐school activities, the significance of these comprehensive extracurricular activities relies on being an entire student initiative from planning to execution and consisting of symposiums, workshops and organisation processes that bring non‐formal and informal learning experiences together. Unlike most of the research discussing non‐formal/in‐formal activities through final products, our research focuses on the learning experience of the students and the learning process itself. Based on the participant observation method, we gathered data through observing behaviours and interactions, casual conversations, unstructured and informal interviews, and reviews of the participants' studies. The findings revealed the learning acquisitions and benefits that students gained intentionally or unintentionally throughout the process from integrated learning environments, which are required to compete with the complex challenges of architectural education and the profession, as emerging technologies, materials, design trends and societal conditions. This reality forces architectural education programs to embrace and integrate informal and non‐formal learning experiences into their curricula. Flexible learning models need to be designed and adapted to formal education to provide a well‐rounded educational experience for architecture students, emphasising self‐directed learning and practical experience in real‐world contexts.

ISTILAH KEKERABATAN DALAM BAHASA SASAK

The term kinship in Sasak society is interesting to research, especially the division based on consanguinal and afinal terms. Therefore, this study aims to elaborate the consanguinal and final terms of the Sasak community in Gontoran Village. In this study, data collection used free interview methods, data analysis using extralingual methods, and presentation of data analysis results using informal methods.