Interpretive Research Research Articles

Introduction to the concept of effective albumin concentration.

In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. The purpose of this article is to discuss how the structural and presumably functional integrity of albumin, as described by the concept of effective albumin concentration (eAlb), has potentially important clinical implications beyond the total albumin concentration (tAlb) routinely reported by clinical laboratories. Albumin has several functions beyond its oncotic effects, including molecule binding, substance transport, detoxification actions, and serving as an antioxidant. However, there are conformational changes that occur during or following the manufacture of albumin and during its administration to patients with various disease states, such as decompensated liver disease, that often impair these functions. Such impairments are not reflected in tAlb values reported by clinical laboratories and might explain the disconnect often seen between albumin's proposed beneficial mechanistic functions and its less-than-predicted clinical effectiveness as noted in published studies. The concept of eAlb has been introduced to describe albumin with structural and functional integrity. Limited studies have found associations between eAlb values and patient prognostic indicators, but the techniques used to decide these effective concentrations to date are complicated and require specialized equipment and experienced researchers for proper interpretation. Estimation of eAlb may provide valuable information on the functional ability of albumin beyond the tAlb reported by clinical laboratories, but more research is needed to decide how this information is best used in the clinical setting.

The indelible role of the interpretive researcher's fore-structure in traversing the hermeneutic circle.

Phenomenological researchers are obliged to grasp the epistemological and ontological differences between the Husserlian and Heideggerian branches of phenomenology to avoid misappropriating phenomenological terms or mischaracterizing study design. To that end, we spell out the key differences between both phenomenological traditions as background for describing the indelible role that the researcher's background assumptions, or fore-structure, play in interpretive studies. We draw on our four studies to illustrate how we traversed the hermeneutic circle to disclose, challenge, and refine the personal, cultural, clinical, and scientific assumptions hidden in our fore-structures. Our reflections highlight how understanding evolves, not by bracketing or disengaging ourselves from the phenomena we study, but by engaging in an open dialogthat seeks understanding as lived by patients and families.

Doctors only blame the patients: a systems analysis of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

PurposeThis study is conducted to understand an emerging public health problem in the garb of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) that affects about 6–21% of women in reproductive age from a systems perspective.Design/methodology/approachThe research is conducted in two phases. In phase 1, 15 women suffering from PCOS were interviewed to generate a knowledge map using an interpretive phenomenological research approach. The emerging themes were divided into four categories, namely individual, familial, societal, organizational, medical and systemic. In phase 2, five workshops were conducted with six invited actors to generate a causal loop diagram (CLD) of PCOS. The Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) are used in this study.FindingsA CLD from an individual's perspective with implications on organizational, societal and system levels.Research limitations/implicationsAwareness of “lifestyle diseases” is increasing, and this research shall help future studies put PCOS in the larger psychosocial context. The geographical location of respondents can be a limitation, as the causal linkages could only be true for the research site.Practical implicationsThe CLD provides a comprehensive understanding of complex emerging phenomenon of PCOS.Social implicationsThe paper draws attention to factors such as frequently changing doctors, withdrawal from work, medication fatigue, inclination to adopt due to infertility, etc.Originality/valueThis is the first such paper laying out the causal relationships between factors at the individual levels and connecting them to societal, organizational and system levels. This mapping can be useful for policymakers and industry leaders to empathize with PCOS sufferers so that their working conditions can be managed better.

Model selection for spectral parameterization.

Neurophysiological brain activity comprises rhythmic (periodic) and arrhythmic (aperiodic) signal elements, which are increasingly studied in relation to behavioral traits and clinical symptoms. Current methods for spectral parameterization of neural recordings rely on user-dependent parameter selection, which challenges the replicability and robustness of findings. Here, we introduce a principled approach to model selection, relying on Bayesian information criterion, for static and time-resolved spectral parameterization of neurophysiological data. We present extensive tests of the approach with ground-truth and empirical magnetoencephalography recordings. Data-driven model selection enhances both the specificity and sensitivity of spectral and spectrogram decompositions, even in non-stationary contexts. Overall, the proposed spectral decomposition with data-driven model selection minimizes the reliance on user expertise and subjective choices, enabling more robust, reproducible, and interpretable research findings.

Using Göbeklitepe, the Zero Point of History, in Cultural Heritage Education

Cultural heritage education plays a crucial role in sparking curiosity about historical cultural elements, preserving and evolving cultural traditions, strengthening national identity, and cultivating engaged citizens. In light of this, this study aims to determine the educational outcomes of incorporating Göbeklitepe, a historical site, into the cultural heritage education component of the fifth grade Social Studies course. In this research, the most common type of qualitative research, the basic interpretive research approach, was preferred. The study group, comprising 22 fifth-grade students from a middle school, was selected through the use of criterion sampling, case sampling, and purposeful sampling. The data collection tools employed in the study included clay studies, talking object worksheets, student diaries, a Göbeklitepe newspaper, and a self-assessment form. The data were subjected to content analysis and descriptive statistical analysis. The findings of the study indicated that engagement in cultural heritage activities enhanced students' comprehension of the historical development of Göbeklitepe. They acquired knowledge about the historical trajectory of the site and were able to contextualize this process within the broader historical context of Şanlıurfa. In accordance with the nature of history, it was determined that students realized the impossibility of acquiring exhaustive knowledge about Göbeklitepe. In their diaries, students proposed the implementation of further research, excavations, and the utilization of knowledgeable individuals to elucidate the enigma of Göbeklitepe's history. However, it was determined that students encountered challenges in applying the skills of perceiving change and continuity.

Bridging the theory-practice divide: Reflections of school-based student teachers

Background: Teacher education programmes often prioritise theory over practical experience, leaving students struggling to connect classroom learning with real-world application. Addressing this gap, a proposed model integrates online coursework with mentored practice-based experiences through full-time placements in selected schools.Aim: The study delves into the experiences of first-year school-based student teachers (SBST) enrolled in a full-time undergraduate online programme aimed at bridging the theory-practice divide.Setting: First-year student teachers in the 2021 and 2022 cohorts (N = 30) placed full time in selected schools participated in the study.Methods: Using an interpretive qualitative research design, data were collected via focus group interviews with first-year student cohorts. Data was analysed using the cultural-historical activity theory combined with the constant comparative method.Results: Two primary findings emerged. Firstly, SBSTs faced difficulties balancing academic requirements between the school and the programme. Secondly, the varying degrees of support from stakeholders within both the programme and school environment influenced the quality and meaningfulness of SBSTs’ learning experiences.Conclusion: The convergence of university and school activity systems revealed tensions and contradictions yet also presented opportunities for expanded learning when coursework and classroom practices aligned. Despite criticisms of universities being overly theoretical, the research indicates that SBSTs prioritise practical experience in school settings, potentially overshadowing the significance of theoretical knowledge.Contribution: This study contributes to knowledge of the challenges faced by student teachers and highlights the need to address these contradictions through open dialogue within teacher education programmes.

"With Great Responsibility Comes Great Uncertainty".

Uncertainty is inherent in medicine, and trainees are particularly exposed to the adverse effects of uncertainty. Previous work suggested that junior residents seek to leverage the support of supervisors to regulate the uncertainty encountered in clinical placements. However, a broader conceptual framework addressing uncertainty experience, from the sources of uncertainty to residents' responses, is still needed. To capture the spectrum of uncertainty experiences in medical residents, providing an integrative framework that considers the influence of specialties and training stages on their experience with clinical uncertainty. We used Hillen's uncertainty tolerance framework to conduct a thematic template analysis of individual and focus group interviews, identifying themes and subthemes reflecting residents' experience of clinical uncertainty. Medical residents from diverse medical specialty training programs, across five French medical schools. Qualitative study driven by an interpretivist research paradigm. Twenty residents from all years of medical residency and diverse medical specialties were interviewed during three focus groups and five individual interviews. They described managing treatments, making ethical decisions, and communicating uncertainty, as their major sources of uncertainty. We identified residents' delayed response to uncertainty as a key theme, fostering the development of experiential learnings. Prior clinical experience was a key determinant of uncertainty tolerance in medical residents. Entrusting residents with responsibilities in patient management promoted their perception of self-efficacy, although situations of loneliness resulted in stress and anxiety. Residents face significant uncertainty in managing treatments, ethical decisions, and communication due to limited clinical experience and growing responsibilities. Scaffolding their responsibilities and clearly defining their roles can improve their comfort with uncertainty. To that extent, effective supervision and debriefing are crucial for managing emotional impacts and fostering reflection to learn from their uncertain experiences.

Symposium 5: Networked Learning: Classroom Experiences at AUT

This short paper describes a proposed case study which aims at exploring to what extent Networked Learning enhances classroom experiences at the authors’ institution and how the authors’ institution could adopt networked learning in producing Great Graduates, the authors' institution mission. The case study is significant with the re-definition of Networked Learning within an institutional context. The study employs an interpretivist research approach (Erickson, 1998) with a combination of direct observation and interview-like methods to understand the experiences of students and teaching academics in on-campus Networked Learning situations among all 15 study options at the authors' institution. Participants will include volunteered students and academics from various disciplines. The literature review indicates that the adoption of Networked Learning in classroom boosts students’ self-efficacy for social networking and professional development, enhances student-centred experiences with a community focus (e.g., social presence) and provides opportunities for students to further develop their critical thinking. The changing landscape of higher education, especially in this post global pandemic era, warrants the development of a case study approach within a particular context in order to further investigate the adoption of Networked Learning in enhancing teaching and learning processes. The findings will gain insights into achieving the strategic goal of student-directed learning at the authors' institution and could be applicable to higher education in general in order to improve teaching and learning experiences further. In short, it is an iterative process of developing one’s own Networked Learning application through the affordance of the Networked Learning principles and the practical accomplishment of teaching and learning practices at the course as well as the programme level. Limitations and possible future study are being identified from this proposal.

Specifics of the embodiment of European genre models in Chinese piano music as the basis of performance stylistics

Statement of the problem. A performer who gives “new life" to a composer’s work lets the sound world of music pass through him. In this process, the genre-stylistic “inclination” of the work becomes a signpost on the way to the realization and improvement of its performance style. The article accents the significant of the relating the genre and performance stylistics. From this viewpoint, the Chinese piano works based on the European genre models are considered in the article. Objectives, methods, and novelty of the research. The relationship between the genre and the performance style of the piano works of Chinese composers has been out of the focus of musicologists’ attention until today. The purpose of the article is to consider the specifics of the embodiment of European genre models (such as prelude, sonata, variations) in Chinese piano music as the basis of their performance stylistics. Achieving the goal required a systematic musicological approach and the involvement of historical-typological, musicalaesthetic, genre-stylistic, structural-functional, and interpretative research methods. Research results and conclusion. The samples of Chinese piano music (preludes, sonatas, variations) demonstrate that the specified group of works preserved their constant genre features, while the nationally directed means of expression were adapted to the norms of the European genre matrix, which in many ways contradicted the national ideas and mental foundations of Chinese musical art. The piano prelude genre has become very popular in the works of Chinese composers. All elements of the national musical style, closely related to the deep roots of Chinese musical and, more broadly, artistic thinking, are involved in the process of “concentrating” energy in miniature form with special laconic and aphoristic expression. The complex large-scale structure of the sonata genre promotes the principle of “activity”, offering the performer various musical ideas and emotions. The mental foundations of Chinese art were significantly adapted, especially in the first part – the sonata allegro, where tonal, figurative and textural contrast is the basis of the interaction of themes. New methods of folklore implementation, in which the role of language-creating and form-creating attitudes is growing, have a perceptible influence on the sonata work of Chinese composers. The European genre model of variations reveals new prospects for its development in combination with a freer national model of variations inherent in Chinese music. There is a peculiar “rational” approach to free variation, “ordering” according to the textural, tonal, figurative principle. Thus, the ccomposers try to “inscribe” national mode and intonation means of expression and performance techniques into the structure of the European genre. At the same time, under the influence of the Chinese traditional system of thinking, European genre models receive a certain “national” interpretation, although the features of a specific sample of the European genre remain as dominant, which determines the style of performing these composition. Such works – diverse and interesting – serve to develop the pianist’s performance skills and gain the widest recognition in the repertoire of many contemporary performers.

Decoding South African lecturers’ frustrations with neoliberal governance approaches

Corporate norms and values, characterised by an enterprise ethos, became the new parameters that defined the academic environment. Academics are increasingly becoming concerned about the commodification of higher education and its impact on academic quality and the standards of quality graduates. The voices of South African academics and their experiences within the neoliberal university governance remain underexplored in the current literature. This study aimed to enhance understanding and contribute to knowledge by exploring lecturers’ experiences within a corporatised academic work environment. This study took place across public and private higher education institutions in South Africa. A cross-sectional, qualitative, interpretative phenomenological research design was employed. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews with a diverse sample of 20 lecturers. The data analysis followed the principles of interpretative phenomenological analysis. The findings of the study identified three key areas that triggered feelings of frustration with management: (1) participants experienced a lack of management’s understanding of governing academic work environments, (2) an erosion of their collegial culture, and (3) a lack of transparent communication.Contribution: A key contribution of this study, which set it apart from other studies, was lecturers’ perceptions that their professional identity, collegiality, autonomy, and academic freedom were in crisis.

Organisational and technological factors affecting efficient service delivery in trustworthy digital repositories: A qualitative approach

This study was undertaken to identify the organisational and technological factors that affect the efficiency of service delivery in trustworthy digital repositories of university libraries, where digital repositories have become increasingly common. The interpretive research paradigm, which relies on qualitative research, was adopted for the study. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with nine participants from selected universities in the South West region of Nigeria. The data was analysed thematically to explore the factors affecting service delivery in trustworthy digital repositories. The findings show that both organisational factors (such as standardised organisation policies, stakeholders’ participation and financial sustainability) and technological factors (digital repository certification, technological standards, etc.) have a significant effect on service delivery in a university-based trustworthy digital repository. It is concluded that by adopting these factors, institutions can establish digital repositories that are not merely data storage facilities, but also trusted and valuable sources of scholarly information and knowledge.

Manning Agencies Recruitment Process in Tanzania: Challenges and Strategies

The shortage of qualified seafarers has already been identified as a global issue that is more likely to worsen in the immediate future. Thus, increasing attention needs to be given to the challenges that recruitment process of qualified seafarers encounter in order to stabilize the flow of skilled crew to the global shipping industry. Therefore, the aim this paper is to discuss the challenges facing manning agencies in recruitment process which is one of the key emerging sources of crew supply to the global shipping industry and finally to propose some strategies for the solutions. This study used a descriptive and interpretive research design, employing both quantitative and qualitative techniques. Various data collection methods, including interviews, questionnaires, and document analysis, were used. Specifically, a case study research involving the DMI manning agency is used to highlight the challenges confronting the current recruitment process of Seafarers in Tanzania. With regards to recruitments it was found out that skills shortage, competition from other industries, document's validity as well as new technologies and regulations are pertinent issues that need to be addressed by manning agencies in Tanzania. This study recommends that the manning agencies should launch joint training programs with various maritime Institutes and Universities involved in the training of seafarers by investing in the acquisition of learning resources and equipment. This will enable manning agencies to obtain competent and qualified seafarers as will feed information to institutes on the market need hence training institutes to train with respect to the market needs.

Vacation Into Staycation Covid-19 Pandemic and Connotative Analysis of Staycation

Objective: To do the connotative analysis of the word Staycation from its origin till tourism trend of 2020 due to Covid-19 using Roland Barthes’ semiotic theory. Theoretical Framework: Roland Barthes’ semiotic theory of reading signs and their interpretation based on different cultures. Method: This study has adapted descriptive qualitative method and interpretative research design with content analysis technique to examine trends in related texts and to provide an insight into it. Results and conclusion: The results determine that the connotative meanings of word staycation are changed in two different scenarios. The literal (denotative) meaning of staycation stayed same, hence it has changed its connotative meaning depending upon its use in two individual time slots or the different contexts in which it is being used. Research implications: The connotative analysis of staycation under the perspective of Covid-19 and its impacts on tourism industry which has changed the connotative meaning of this word, will provide an insight that how and why different cultures, time frames and social scenarios change the connotations of words. Originality/Value: Overall, this research considers how words or signs change their meanings over time regarding changed circumstances and cultures.

Social Educators’ initial and in-service training: community projects as promoters of professional development

ABSTRACT Promoting social justice, fighting against social inequalities, and minimizing the risks and dangers faced by society’s most vulnerable groups are the aims of socio-educational intervention actions promoted by Social Educators in community projects. Using a qualitative and interpretative case study research methodology, this study sought to understand, from the perspective of Social Educators (n = 13) who graduated from a university in the north of Portugal between 2018 and 2022, how and if the experience of working in a community project during initial and in-service training enriches and/or alters their work. The results showed that the participation of Social Educators in community projects deconstructs an excessively individualistic view of intervention, with Social Educators highlighting the social and educational conditions that shape the target audiences in an action that is required to be holistic and legitimized by the members of the communities in which they operate.

Dimensions of privacy and its implications for learning analytics. Preliminary insights from/for African higher education

ABSTRACT This paper delves into dimensions of privacy within the African context, especially in relation to Learning Analytics (LA) in higher education. It highlights how prevailing notions of privacy, influenced by Global North perspectives, may not fully encapsulate the cultural and contextual nuances in Africa. Through phenomenological interpretive research, the study gathers insights from 13 African higher education experts, revealing that African understandings of privacy are complexly interwoven with factors like colonial history, culture, religion, and education. The findings challenge the universality of current privacy notions, suggesting that African perspectives offer a more diversified view that intertwines individual and communal aspects. This research underscores the need for contextually sensitive approaches to student data privacy in LA, particularly as African higher education increasingly digitises. The paper concludes with implications for developing inclusive, culturally aware privacy standards in LA, contributing to a more nuanced global understanding of privacy in the digital age.

Repertory grid technique and Honey’s content analysis: a methodological application to advance qualitative research in OSCM

PurposeThis paper aims to explain and demonstrate how the Repertory Grid Technique (RGT) and Honey’s Content Analysis (HCA) can make new contributions to the field of Operations and Supply Chain Management (OSCM). The proposition involves integrating these complementary analyses to fortify the rigor of qualitative research and establish robust data analysis protocols to identify the main attributes of interviewees regarding a phenomenon while understanding in their perspective how these attributes impact the desired analysis outcome.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses examples with rich empirical data from 40 interviewees across two organizations. The examples use a protocol that allows the grouping of meanings from different knowledgeable individuals and capturing relevant constructs related to an outcome.FindingsThe combination of RGT and HCA permits researchers to effectively identify and analyze the constructs individuals and groups utilize to comprehend the subject matter under investigation. Consequently, these techniques present a structured means to conduct grounded theory investigations and interpretive research, thereby enabling the iterative development of the preliminary conceptual models necessary for OSCM field advancement.Originality/valueWe present two examples in which the protocol is applied to the field of OSCM. These examples illustrate that the techniques provide valuable opportunities for OSCM research, particularly for addressing the limitations related to sample size. Ultimately, RGT and HCA complement quantitative methodologies by uncovering nuanced variations and micro-foundations within firm- and network-level phenomena, offering insights essential for advancing our understanding of OSCM dynamics in specific contexts.

The impact of the national school nutritional programme in the selected rural and urban primary schools in Mahwelereng circuit

This study evaluated the impact of the national school nutrition program IN the selected primary schools Mahwelereng circuit, Limpopo Province. To date, the (NSNP) reaches almost all schools in the poorest areas and quintiles nationwide. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand on the National School Nutrition Program (NSNP) in schools far beyond expectation, even in schools outside quintile 1, 2, and 3. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of the NSNP in the primary schools in Mahwereleng Circuit, Limpopo Province. A qualitative phenomenological study within the interpretive research paradigm was used to explore the impact of the National School Nutrition Programme in primary schools. The researcher, through non-probability convenience sampling, selected a total of 12 primary school teachers from four primary schools in Mahwereleng Circuit. Data from semi-structured interviews was thematically analysed and interpreted to draw findings that answered the research questions. Findings indicated that the NSNP has a positive impact to learners’ welfare and academic performance in schools. The study appreciates the prescribed measures of food to each learner by the Department of Education (DoE). Primary school teachers in the selected schools around Mahwelereng circuit were interviewed individually for 20-30 minutes each in schools on the impact of the National School Nutrition Programme using semi-structured interviews to collect data. The implementation of the national school nutrition programme has a positive impact and established advantageous learning climate and decreased hunger and absenteeism in schools, while increasing enrolment, participation and scholarly execution among the schoolchildren.

An Examination of the Factors contributing to Learner Dropout at Grade Six Level in Manzini Region Primary Schools

Learner dropout remains a challenge in Eswatini despite the introduction of free primary education by the government. The study established the factors that contribute to learner dropout at the grade six level in the Manzini region. An interpretivist research philosophy and a qualitative research approach were adopted to collect the study’s data. A case study design made it possible to collect detailed data from purposively selected participants in three public primary schools. Interviews were held with two head teachers while nine grade six teachers took part in focus group discussions. Findings revealed that school-related factors like overcrowded classrooms, poor performance and non-availability of practical subjects that aligned with learners’ interests and abilities contributed to learner dropout. Findings further revealed that poverty, child labour, peer pressure, teenage pregnancy, lack of parental involvement, and initiation into cultural practices and activities contributed to learner dropout. The study recommended that the government should build more schools and classrooms and hire more qualified teachers to reduce overcrowding in classrooms and the distance walked by learners to school. The government should also support needy learners from disadvantaged backgrounds with basic necessities such as sanitary pads for girls. The Ministry of Education should introduce practical subjects like Carpentry, Art, Music and Dance to cater for the interests and abilities of different learners. Schools should promote parental involvement and core curricula activities to engage, motivate and retain learners. The study contributes to the body of knowledge by suggesting strategies that can mitigate learner dropout which is a widespread challenge in the SADC region and other African countries. Keywords: Factors, Learner, Dropout, Manzini, Primary Schools

‘It was the right thing to do’: pioneering LGBT inclusivity in a local group of companies in Sri Lanka

ABSTRACT This paper aims to explore how and why a local conglomerate in Sri Lanka (Pride-H) decided to introduce Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transexual (LGBT) inclusivity to their policies and practices, contravening legal, social and religious strictures. Under the interpretive research paradigm and qualitative research design, an embedded case study approach was employed. In-depth interviews and publicly available information were used as data for the study. Theoretically, this paper draws on institutional logics perspective and organizational filters. The findings reveal that the decision and initiative for LGBT inclusivity at Pride-H emerged through interconnected sequences and logics – specifically, the convergence of social justice and corporate logics. Additionally, certain organizational attributes, such as being a market leader, one of the largest conglomerates in the country, possessing an extensive customer and stakeholder base, and demonstrating a commitment to values of equal treatment, functioned as filters to counteract conflicting state, cultural, and religious strictures (logics).

Stefan Zabierowski – Conrad Researcher

The study is an attempt to discuss and summarize the multidirectional and multifaceted Conradist achievements of Stefan Zabierowski. I carefully try to present the scholar’s work on many planes so as to reveal his precursorship, which is not always visible at first glance. It is Zabierowski who creates the entire background of reading and reception research in Conrad studies, starting from the monograph from 1971, entitled Conrad w Polsce. Wybrane problemy recepcji krytycznej w latach 1896-1969 [Conrad in Poland. Selected problems of critical reception in the years 1896-1969] up to Dziedzictwo Conrada w literaturze polskiej XX wieku [Conrad’s Legacy in Polish literature of the 20th century] from 1992. From the perspective of interpretive research, Zabierowski-the researcher represents the exegetical school, devoting most of his attention to one work, the analysis of which has been deepened over the years, also using modern reading theories (Umberto Eco’s concept of the open work) – Lord Jim. In the discussion on the so-called Joseph Conrad’s Polish, as well as borderland background, Zabierowski proposes a competitive metaphor to the one comparing Conrad’s writing to the cathedral in Kamieniec Podolski by Paweł Hostowiec (Jerzy Stempowski) – Conrad’s literature is the Slutsk Belt of competing currents, motifs and poetics and as such, it requires original intertextual reflection. Zabierowski initiates it by comparing the Gould marriage from Nostromo with the Niechcic marriage from Maria Dąbrowska’s Nights and Days.