Informant Interviews Research Articles

Development of a supportive cancer care model for patients with CAncer and pre-existing SEvere MEntal Disorders

BackgroundCancer patients with pre-existing severe mental disorders (SMD), including moderate to severe depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, have reduced life expectancy and are less likely to get optimal cancer treatment. The aim of this study is to develop and pilot test a supportive care model, to enhance cancer care. MethodsThe model was developed through three phases. In phase I, a barrier analysis and prototype of the model were conducted form reviewing the literature and through 162 informal interviews with healthcare professionals, patients and patient representatives. In phase II, the prototype was refined through four workshops with a total of five cancer nurses, four clinical oncologists, three psychiatrists, two general practitioners, one psychologist, and 16 patient representatives. Thereafter, a pilot test with 13 patients was carried out, where continuous adaptations to the prototype from phase II, were made. The quantitative and qualitative data were analysed focusing on components which were prominent and able to fit into the clinical setting. ResultsThe final CASEMED supportive cancer care model included: Early identification of psychiatric comorbidity, engagement of significant caregivers, education of the oncological HCPs, securing continuity among staff and enhanced collaboration between sectors. The latter was achieved through an online psychiatric multidisciplinary team conference where the patient’s general practitioner, a psychiatrist and the patient’s oncologist participated. ConclusionThis study indicates that the model can be implemented in practice and has the potential to optimize cancer care for patients with cancer and pre-existing SMD. A larger feasibility study is currently being conducted.

"It's kind of just another factory:" A political ecology of solar panel manufacturing in Perrysburg, Ohio

Political ecology has been slow to examine solar panel factories, even though manufacturing lower-carbon technologies sits at the crossroads of climate change mitigation and global markets. Influenced by environmental and energy justice, this article takes a political ecology approach to explore First Solar's manufacturing facilities in Perrysburg, Ohio. Employing participant observation, document analysis, semi-structured and informal interviewing, and focus groups, this article investigates solar panel production's local impact. Besides offering a background to First Solar's industrial development, this article has revealed the general community outlook, labor issues and negative impacts related to First Solar factory expansions. This entailed a largely indifferent, 'passively positive' and uninformed public. Solar panel manufacturing sat alongside automobile manufacturing, numerous corporate retail distribution hubs and, to many residents, was "just another factory." This, however, did not take away from people's appreciation of employment and investment in the community.

The Cultural Communication Based on the Philosophy Of Lampung, Indonesian Society in Traditional Wedding

Indonesia with its diverse tribes, cultures, religions is a society that must be able to appreciate the differences. The custom of marriage is one of the relationships with significant cultural communication. This research was conducted in the Lampung Province, one of Indonesia's provinces. The province of Lampung has two distinct traditions: pepadun and saibatin. The topic of this study is traditional Saibatin marriage. The aim of this study is to describe cultural communication based on Lampung philosophy in wedding traditions. The approach is based on the qualitative concept and involves focus group discusses and informant interviews. More sources are found in different media journals. The finding of cultural communication based on Lampung ethnic philosophy is seen from wedding rituals. Both verbal and nonverbal communication is present in wedding customs. Verbal communication uses Lampung language with Nyo and Api dialect. Symbols as nonverbal communication are : cakes, dodol (a typical food made from flour, brown sugar and coconut milk), nireh ugay tools or sirih pinang (set of tools for chewing betel), gold, jewelry, diamonds, jung syarat cloth. After the wedding, the bride is invited to the groom's house by riding a rato/palanquin and accompanied by balak percussion (a typical Lampung musical instrument).

Current status and socioeconomic importance of capulín (Prunus serotina Ehrh) in the Sierra Nevada of Puebla, Mexico

Objective: To determine the distribution, survival conditions, and socioeconomic and environmental importance of black cherry or capulín populations in the Sierra Nevada of Puebla, Mexico. Methodology: Ethnographic and qualitative methods were used to estimate and describe capulín populations in transects, backyards, and orchards. Twenty-six informal interviews were conducted across 10 circuits covering 32 sites in the Sierra Nevada region. Results: In three circuits, more than 3,600 trees were found to be well-managed. In the remaining circuits, there were between 16 and 74 neglected adult specimens. Study limitations/implications: The cultivators’ assessments of capulín populations differ from technical methods. Findings/Conclusions: Capulín populations are concentrated in three circuits where they hold notable socioeconomic and environmental importance.

Ethnography of The Traditional Dhaka Makers: A Case Study of Terathum District

Ethnography of The Traditional Dhaka Makers: A Case Study of Terathum District

Conditional Constructions in Yemsa

Introduction. The main objective of this study is to produce a comprehensive description of Yemsa conditional constructions. The existing studies do not describe conditional clauses in Yemsa. This study aims to fill the gap in the description of the internal structure conditional clause of Yemsa.Methodology and sources. The data were collected through the elicitation technique through informant interviews about the conditional clause in Yemsa. The data were analyzed using a descriptive approach without considering any particular theoretical framework. The data was described and analyzed in light of general definitions and typological classifications of conditional constructions in the linguistic literature.Results and discussion. Antecedent and consequent clauses are attested. The morphemes occur in different types of conditional clauses. Canonical and non-canonical forms of conditional have been identified. The semantic-based classification of Yemsa conditionals is dealt with in light of Thompson et al.'s typological view. Real, unreal, counterfactual, hypothetical, concessive, and exceptive conditional are discussed. In Yemsa, the protasis of the real conditional clause type differs from the unreal protasis conditional clause type. A subordinate clause (the protasis) states some condition, the truth of which is not asserted, under which another main clause (the apodosis) holds.Conclusion. The study will provide some syntactic data to researchers in the comparative syntactic description of the Omoto languages about conditional clauses. It will serve as a good resource material for further theoretical studies concerning conditional constructions in general.

Father’s role practices as a reflection of psychological readiness for paternity in the contemporary Chechen family

The article attempts to reveal the psychological readiness for fatherhood in a family in a local traditional society like the Chechen one. The relevance of the research topic is necessitated by a social order for studying the problems of parenting that has emerged in recent decades wherein the role of the father, according to many experts, has undergone significant transformations. The process is brought about by changes in traditional family attitudes in modern society, while under professional and economic emancipation of women, liberalization of marital relations, the focus is shifted on habitual roles, functions and requirements for parents, especially for the father. The aim of the study is to reveal the specifics of psychological readiness for fatherhood in Chechen families. We defined the constructionist approach of a modern social psychologist Kenneth J. Gergen as a theoretical framework of the study. The author employs the constructivist method within the framework of social psychology. In the context of the transformation of traditional societies, while fusing value systems of tradition, modernity and postmodernity, the use of this approach seems methodologically justified. We used a whole range of sources as the experimental part: statistical data on divorces in the country and the region, the method of inclusive observation, content analysis of research materials published on the topic, and informal in-depth interviews with fathers of families in the Chechen Republic (N = 21). Based on the analysis of the experimental part of the study, the following preliminary conclusions can be drawn: according to the surveyed fathers of families, the family as an institution should be based on basic values such as "children", "health", "communication", "respect", "spiritual closeness", "honesty", "traditions", "love". At the same time, such parameters as "career", "need for creativity" were pushed to the sidelines; socialization of the institution of parenthood, acquisition of skills of behavioral practices of the father still occurs according to respondents through the mechanisms of transfer of experience of their own parental family. Gender socialization of children in the family is recognized as meta-education by almost all surveyed fathers of families. The involvement of fathers in the upbringing of boys declared by them is not always implemented in their everyday practice. A contradiction was revealed between the preferred style of upbringing and the model of upbringing of their own parental family.

“Seeking a better life”: Identity of Tanzanian urban residents

The paper is based on the results of field research conducted by the author in the United Republic of Tanzania in November 2023, focusing on the issue of nation formation in the multiethnic state. The study was carried out in Dar es Salaam and Bagamoyo cities, resulting in the collection of 33 formal and informal interviews in English and Swahili. The key aim of the research was to find out whether the national component of self-identity has taken precedence for Tanzanian citizens, or if local identities, ethnic or regional, remain more significant. Tanzania is characterized by very high rate of urbanization, and making the issue of changing identity under the new conditions especially relevant for understanding the adaptation mechanisms of migrants in the cities. It is important to note that in Tanzanian cities the majority of residents are at most, second- or third-generation urban residents. Young people usually move to the city alone, without family. Those who were born in the city usually have only parents and siblings living there. Thus, connections to the culture of one’s region of origin are often broken, leading to a search for new affiliations, which frequently involves a shift in self-identity.In the article we will examine issues of the transformation and significance of ethnic identity; the relationship between ethnic, regional, and national levels of self-identity; attitudes towards ethno-racial minorities; and the future of indigenous Tanzanian cultures, languages, and traditions within the multicultural environment of the city.

Tailored Multifaceted Strategy for Implementing Fundamental Evidence-Based Nursing Care: An Evaluation Study.

Background/Objectives: Extensive research has emphasised the persistent challenges and failures in providing hospitalised patients with fundamental evidence-based nursing care, often resulting in grave consequences for patient safety. Recommendations from implementation research indicate that a tailored theory- and research-based implementation strategy targeting contextual determinants can optimise the implementation of evidence-based clinical practice for the benefit of patients. This study evaluated the feasibility of an implementation strategy designed to improve the quality of nursing care by targeting behavioural and environmental barriers in a hospital setting. Methods: Proctor's conceptual model for implementation was applied to evaluate the strategy based on eight outcomes: adoption, acceptability, appropriateness, fidelity, feasibility, penetration, sustainability, and costs. Data collection methods included field observations, informal and focus group interviews, registrations, and audits of electronic patient records. Results: The strategy was adoptive, acceptable, appropriate, and feasible in targeting complex environmental and behavioural determinants (at the individual, team, and management level), enabling successful implementation of fundamental evidence-based nursing care. However, fidelity, feasibility, and sustainability were challenged by competing organisational demands and time constraints. Conclusions: The tailored, multifaceted strategy proved effective in addressing complex environmental and behavioural determinants across multiple levels, facilitating the implementation of fundamental evidence-based nursing care in a clinical practice. Further testing and larger-scale studies is needed to assess the strategy's transferability and its impact on nursing-sensitive patient outcomes in different clinical settings.

Characterizing How Peer‐to‐Peer Learning Navigates Coopetitive Tensions Within Online Community‐Based Innovation Contest Networks

ABSTRACTOnline Community‐based Innovation Contests (OCICs) are an important form of network‐based innovation. Creativity derives from the interactions between diverse community peers, positioned across the network, who learn from each other. However, learning takes place against the backdrop of simultaneity of cooperation and competition, leading to coopetitive tensions. This research seeks to unravel how peer‐to‐peer learning occurs within this coopetitive environment. It aims to unpack coopetitive tensions and show how they are navigated by peer‐to‐peer learning mechanisms. To achieve this, an in‐depth case study of a global filmmaking OCIC is conducted, comprising three phases; informal interviews and observation; Social Network Analysis (SNA); and a structured interview program. The results identify diversity and opacity tensions derived from the opposing forces of cooperativeness and competitiveness. These tensions are navigated through two overarching learning mechanisms of assessment and concretizing. The study details several learning strategies connected to the mechanisms. A nuanced analysis shows how they are enacted at core and periphery positions, and through various modes of interaction.

Addressing the Language and Literacy Needs and Challenges of Students with Refugee Experiences: Integrated Supports

This paper reports on an ethnographic research study with experienced K-12 teachers and paraprofessionals in Western Canada to understand (1) the language and literacy needs and challenges of students with refugee experiences; and (2) the pedagogical responses used to build trusting, collaborative relationships of power. Our theoretical framework draws on Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems model, which we align with a literacy ecology of communities perspective. Working with 15 participants in a school district with a long history of resettlement, we address the following questions: (1) What do teachers and paraprofessionals identify as the language and literacy learning needs and challenges for students with refugee experiences? and (2) What are the most appropriate and empowering pedagogical responses to meet curricular expectations and use language and literacy for social impact and identity representation? Using thematic analysis, we identify four interweaving themes: relationships, mindful pedagogies, well-being, and safety. We provide illustrative examples from ethnographic focus group discussions, triangulated with informal interviews and observations in relation to an integrated model of supports for students with refugee experiences. We conclude with four critical lessons learned about relationships, communication flows within and across nested ecological systems, flexibility and structure, and inspirational pedagogies.

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Conditions and Health Outcomes: A Comparative Study Between Rohingya Refugees and Local People in Southeastern Bangladesh

Bangladesh is now the home to 1.3 million Rohingya refugees living in the southeastern part of the country, specially following the massive violence in Rakhine state, Myanmar since August 2017. Water, sanitation, and an unhygienic situation have left the entire region the worst affected and most vulnerable, ultimately placing pressure on the health sector. This study assessed water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) conditions; and explored associated health outcomes, drawing empirical data from Kutupalong-Balukhali Rohingya refugee camp and its surrounding areas in south-eastern Bangladesh. To determine the WASH condition and associated health outcomes, we conducted 200 structured interviews (with both refugees and local residents), three focus group discussions, and two informal interviews with local physicians. The values of drinking water, sanitation, and hand washing ladders indicate that WASH conditions in both refugee camps and surrounding localities were basic to limited. Respondents believed that due to increasing heat and basic to limited WASH conditions, people suffer from many diseases such as diarrhea, heat rash, dehydration, dysentery, and pneumonia. As reported diseases are related to WASH, it is important to increase awareness among people about the significance of WASH. The Dhaka University Journal of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Vol. 13(1), 2024, P 47-58

Kegiatan Pemberdayaan Masyarakat di Wilayah Perumahan Batara RW 13, Kelurahan Kahuripan Kecamatan Tawang, Kota Tasikmalaya Tahun 2024

Hypertension is one of the leading non-communicable diseases causing global mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The elderly, as a group vulnerable to hypertension, often lack access to education and motivation to engage in physical activities. This study aims to raise awareness among the elderly about hypertension prevention through physical activity in the form of hypertension exercises and education on the benefits of tomato juice. This research employed a descriptive qualitative method conducted in Perumahan Batara RW 13, Tasikmalaya City, targeting elderly individuals at risk of hypertension.Data were collected through participatory observation and informal interviews, then analyzed based on success indicators. The findings show that this program successfully enhanced community knowledge about hypertension, encouraged active participation in physical activities, and motivated participants to utilize tomato juice as a preventive measure against hypertension. The high enthusiasm of participants during discussions and their willingness to adopt healthy lifestyles indicated the program's success. With improvements in implementation aspects, this program has the potential to be adopted in other regions as a community empowerment strategy to enhance elderly health.

Students’ Attitude Toward Pursuance of Higher Education in Abroad Study: A Study Among Grade 12 Students in Pokhara

This article, ‘Students’ Attitude toward Pursuance of Higher Education in Abroad Study: A Study among Grade 12 Students in Pokhara’ is prepared by investigating the pertinent reasons for motivating students going abroad for higher education after completing grade twelve in Nepal. This research is guided by the objectives to study grade 12 students’ views about going abroad for higher education and to explore the migration trends in the resent years in the context of Nepal. Field visit, informal interview and the questionnaire are the major research tools for data collection. Both the qualitative and quantitative methods are used to process the received data and they are presented in the tables, charts, graphs, etc. The final data are analyzed both in numerical and theoretical interpretations. The results indicate that a large number of students are willing to go abroad for education or for job purposes whereas some students think about continuing their study here in Nepal after completing grade 12. Only one third students do not have a concrete plan for going abroad currently. Similarly, more than half of the students have a plan to go abroad in future once in their life for education which is a challenging question for our education system in Nepal and it is recommended to bring the applicable policy and create the ample opportunities for students to keep them back in the country.

Tencent’s Road to a Gaming Giant: Chinese Video Game Companies’ Development Trajectory in the Reconfiguration of Transnational Capitalism

This study analyzes the growth trajectory of Chinese video game companies, with Tencent as the main focus. It draws on the framework of political economy regarding transnational capitalism and its reconfiguration, employing document analysis and informant interviews as research methods. This study argues that Chinese video game companies have taken a distinctive development path within the transnational capitalist system. Initially, they accumulated experience, technology, and capital at lower tiers of the global industry hierarchy. They then entered the emerging mobile game market and eventually ascended to prominent positions. On the one hand, their development has reinforced the existing system by providing new momentum and sites for capital accumulation. On the other hand, it has contributed to the reconfiguration of this system by rebalancing the Western-dominated power structures and exploring new development patterns.

The Communicative Act of Ostensible Lies in Academia

This study examines the pragmatic role of ostensible lies—communicative acts in which falsehoods are mutually recognized but strategically presented as truth—in academic interactions within Jordanian culture. The problem addressed is the limited understanding of these socially coordinated lies and their functions in educational settings. The study's significance lies in its contribution to uncovering how such lies facilitate communication, negotiation of authority, and social boundaries. Data were gathered through informal interviews where participants recounted experiences with ostensible lies in academic contexts. The analysis involved identifying these lies and interpreting their off-record pragmatic purposes. The results reveal that ostensible lies serve several key functions, including avoiding compliments, softening authority, issuing indirect warnings, promoting self-reliance, easing fears of repercussions, persuasion, and maintaining interpersonal boundaries. These findings offer insights into the intersection of cultural norms and pragmatic strategies, with future research needed to explore their effects on educational outcomes and cross-cultural comparisons.

Developing a framework for community childcare doctors to support community-based parental health education in preventing unintentional injuries among children aged below 6 years: a grounded theory exploration in eastern China

ObjectiveUnintentional injuries are a major threat to children’s health. Community-based health management services, which include the prevention of unintentional injuries among children aged 0–6 years, are important basic national public...

An Empirical Study on the Development and Assessment of a Supplier Selection Model based on the Analytical Hierarchy Process in the Al Kharj Industrial Sector

Selecting a supplier is a critical strategic decision for supply chain management in today's global context. The process involves evaluating suppliers based on core competencies, pricing, delivery timeframes, location, data gathering, and related risks. Suppliers play a crucial role in an organization's profitability and stability. Finding the most optimal supplier can help industries reduce material expenses and maintain their competitive advantage. The supplier not only impacts the organization's profit margin but also its economic strength. Choosing a supplier requires considering qualitative and quantitative elements, making it a decision issue with several criteria. This study aims to create and evaluate a supplier selection model using the analytical hierarchy approach, focusing on a specific case study. When selecting the best supplier, it is crucial to consider tangible and intangible elements that may conflict. The supplier selection process considers several criteria, including qualitative and quantitative variables. The proposed methodology involved a literature review and informal interviews with industry experts and academics to establish the selection criteria. "Quality Supplier Co." was chosen due to the paramount importance of their quality. This research will comprehensively analyze several criteria to identify suppliers accurately.

Engaging and Recruiting Latino‐led Community Organizations to Build Workforce Capacity in AD/Brain Health Prevention Research

AbstractBackgroundAD prevention and early detection are crucial to reduce prevalence projections in Latinos. Despite these projections, our community partners in Los Angeles County continue to disclose barriers in accessing culturally and linguistically congruent bilingual programs activating behavioral modifications for AD prevention and early identification of cognitive changes. In this study, we partnered with community organizations to co‐design and pilot a brain health prevention program tailored to the needs of their constituents.MethodWe used a mixed‐methods design using quantitative data from surveys, and qualitative data from informal short interviews in Spanish and English with Latino community organizations and their constituents. We implemented Community‐Based Participatory Research (CBPR) and Human Centered Design (HCD) principles, anchoring the program in the cognitive reserve theory, tailored to cultural values, traditions, and needs of Latinos in Los Angeles County. Spanish and English‐speaking Latino members requested brain health and early detections materials easy to comprehend. Four Spanish and English brochures were designed. We also design a communication training toolkit to improve delivery of the program from our research team, employing oral storytelling techniques with cultural metaphors explaining brain structure/functions and cognitive functioning/decline.ResultsBetween June and December 2023, our team received invitations to participate in 11 community engagement and outreach events across Los Angeles County. A team of 3 bilingual trained research assistants engaged with approximately 475 Spanish and English‐speaking community members with an average of 43 individuals per event. Average distance traveled averaged 37 miles roundtrip total per event. Total printing cost per event was approximately $292, with an additional $30 for giveaways. In the 6 months of implementation, a total of thirty community‐based organizations requested formal presentations and trainings for their staff. Overarching qualitative themes included the community‐centeredness of the program, it’s cultural, linguistically and health literacy appropriateness, and the culturally competent communication skills showcased by bilingual research staff.ConclusionFollowing CBPR, and HCD principles, we showed respect for community needs, while empowering the members to be an integral part of the design and pilot. Our approach engaged and recruited 30 Latino‐led community organizations interested in building their own workforce capacity in brain health prevention and early detection.

Exploring the Lived Experiences of Physical Activity in Community-Dwelling Adults Living With Dementia and Their Carers.

People living with dementia have the same right to well-being as anyone else, including physical activity. Yet, physical activity levels among people with dementia are lower than in the general population, and while the physical activity health benefits are well established, little is known about how people living with dementia experience physical activity. To explore these physical activity experiences, we visited six community settings in one English county and conducted informal interviews with 18 people who were either living with dementia and community dwelling (n = 4), caring for or who had cared for someone with dementia (n = 10), or providing a support service for people living with dementia and their carers (n = 4). Findings highlight both the challenges and facilitators presented by organized groups, service provider skills and qualities, and environmental factors. Additionally, these factors were influential in shaping the physical activity experience of people living with dementia. The findings may be relevant for people providing or planning support services, commissioners, policymakers, and researchers.