Research Methods Research Articles

Using Voice-activated Technologies to Enhance Well-being of Older Adults in Long-term Care Homes

Abstract Background and Objectives Information communication technologies (ICTs) can enhance older adults’ health and wellbeing. Most research on the use of voice-activated ICTs by older adults has focused on the experiences of individuals living in the community, excluding those who live in long-term care homes. Given evidence of the potential benefits of such technologies to mitigate social isolation and loneliness, more research is needed about their impacts in long-term care home settings. With this in mind, we evaluated impacts and engagement of older adults with voice- and touchscreen activated ICTs in one long-term care home in Canada. Research Design and Methods Interviews were conducted with older adults who were provided with a Google Nest Hub Max and with staff as part of a larger implementation study. Participants completed semi-structured interviews before the technology was implemented, and again at 6 and 12 months. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis techniques. Results We found that residents primarily used the technologies to engage in self-directed digital leisure and to engage with others both in and outside the home, and that this in turn enhanced their comfort, pleasure, and social connectedness. We also identified ongoing barriers to their engagement with the technology, including both personal and structural factors. Discussion and Implications Our findings suggest that implementation of voice-activated ICTs can bring added value to broader efforts to improve well-being and quality of life in long-term care by enhancing choice, self-determination, and meaningful relationships.

Solutions for the Development of Vietnamese Culture and People

This paper provides a detailed analysis of the current state and challenges in the development of Vietnamese culture and people. Using qualitative research methods, including in-depth interviews, surveys, and document analysis, the paper comprehensively evaluates the present issues. Based on these evaluations, the paper proposes key solutions to enhance and promote the sustainable development of Vietnamese culture and people in the coming period. These solutions focus not only on preserving and promoting traditional cultural values but also on adapting to the new demands of modern society, contributing to the construction of a diverse and rich culture, and improving the quality of life for the people.

The Differential Effects of Augmented Reality and Product Presentation Strategies on Brand Recall: An Embodied Cognition Perspective

As augmented reality (AR) technology becomes more prevalent in marketing, its impact on consumer memory processes, particularly brand recall, remains underexplored. This study primarily employs an empirical research method, using two lab experiments to examine the interaction between product presentation formats (AR vs. non-AR) and presentation strategies (separate vs. collocation) in brand recall. Across two experiments, we showed that AR enhances brand recall only in collocation presentations, where multiple products are displayed together, but not in separate presentations of individual products. In single-product contexts, AR formats do not demonstrate a significant advantage over non-AR formats. These findings suggest that AR’s effectiveness is contingent on presentation strategy, highlighting the contextual boundaries of AR’s utility in influencing consumer memory. By integrating embodied cognition theory with associative network theory, this research advances our understanding of how immersive technologies shape brand recall, offering strategic insights for marketers seeking to leverage AR in diverse product presentation scenarios.

Tingkat Nyeri Desminore pada Remaja dengan Massage Efflurage di SMAN 1 Cihaurbeuti

Efflurage massage is a method of massaging using the palms of the hands to apply gentle pressure to the surface of the body in a repeated direction of circulation. This technique aims to increase blood circulation, apply pressure and warm the abdominal muscles and increase physical and mental relaxation. Dysmenorrhea is pain or cramps that women feel in the lower abdomen area which occurs before or after experiencing the first day of menstruation (menarche) until the second day. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of massage efflurage on reducing desminorrhea pain. The method in this research is Quasi-Experimental research using the One Group Pretest-Posttest Design research method. The results of this study were that those who experienced desminore pain levels before efflurage massage were 14 respondents (47%) with severe desminore pain levels, 9 people (30%) with moderate pain levels and 18 (60%) respondents after efflurage massage. mild pain level. The conclusion from this study is that there is an effect of efflurage massage on reducing the level of desminore pain. Advice for teenagers is that when experiencing desminorrhea, they should try not to consume drugs and herbal medicines, and should do efflurage massage.

An Analysis of the Use of Instagram among English Education Students at University of Mataram

Instagram is being a popular platform among students nowadays. This demographic finds the platform engaging and useful for multiple purposes especially in language learning. This research study aimed to (a) find out how students of the English Education Program at the University of Mataram use Instagram for language learning, (b) to identify the motivation of the students in using Instagram for language learning, (c) to reveal the challenges faced by students in using Instagram as a learning tool. The research employed qualitative research method to provide a comprehensive understanding. Data were collected through questionnaire with 61 students in the third semester of English Education Program and interviewed ten students each of them. Among other findings, the present study reports the use, motivation, and challenge on using Instagram for language learning. Most students use Instagram to learn English by following English learning accounts; watching English content; learning from infographics and memes; reading captions; and etc. Their motivations include the desire for practical language application; the sense of community; and the convenience and entertainment value that Instagram offers. However, challenges such as potential distractions; the risk of encountering inaccurate information; and the need for self-discipline in a largely unstructured environment highlight the limitations of relying solely on this platform for language learning.

When the Caregivers Need Care: The Silent Stress of Human Resources Work

The aim of this study is to examine the stress and pressure experienced by individuals working in human resources, focusing on the unique challenges that this work entails. This research is therefore guided by the question: what are the characteristics of work-related stress and burnout for individuals working in human resources? This study employed a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Initially, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight human resources professionals, comprising an equal number of women and men. Subsequently, a survey was administered to a broader group of human resources personnel. The quantitative analysis utilized the “Copenhagen Burnout Inventory” as a measurement tool, alongside background questions regarding the participants’ gender, age, job title, field of work, and seniority. The findings from both the qualitative and quantitative research indicate that employees in human resource roles exhibit significant stress symptoms. A majority of the interviewees reported experiencing mental and/or physical symptoms attributable to work-related stress. Specifically, the quantitative data revealed that 65.7% of the participants sometimes or often feel mentally exhausted, while 40.3% report similar levels of physical exhaustion. Notably, despite these challenges, only 8.7% of the participants identify as being burnt-out in their roles. The quantitative results also highlight gender as a significant factor affecting the mental and physical well-being of human resources employees, with women reporting lower levels of well-being compared to men.

Enhancing Public Service Delivery through Digital Transformation: A Study on the Role of E-Government in Modern Public Administration

Digital transformation has become a crucial element in improving the quality of public service delivery, particularly through the implementation of e-government. This study aims to analyze the role of e-government in enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of modern public administration. Using a qualitative research method through literature analysis and in-depth interviews with government employees across several public service agencies in Indonesia, this study explores the benefits and challenges faced in the implementation of e-government. The findings indicate that e-government significantly contributes to expediting public service processes, increasing transparency, and minimizing potential corruption and abuse of power. Furthermore, e-government enables more effective interagency collaboration through integrated information systems, positively impacting operational efficiency. However, the study also identifies obstacles to the adoption of e-government, such as limited digital infrastructure, resistance from government officials, and the digital divide in society, which can reduce its effectiveness. This study concludes that e-government can serve as a strategic instrument for public administration reform if supported by infrastructure improvements, human resource training, and increased public digital literacy. Consequently, e-government not only enhances the quality of public services but also strengthens accountability and public trust in the government. The study’s recommendations include strategies to improve information technology capacity, formulate policies that support digital transformation, and raise awareness and public participation in utilizing digital government services.

Citizen science enhances understanding of sea turtle distribution in the Gulf of California

Citizen science is a valuable tool for addressing spatial distribution gaps in endangered species, especially in data-limited regions. Given the logistical and financial challenges of studying migratory species, this cost-effective approach contributes to strategic conservation planning. The Bay of La Paz, located in Baja California Sur, México, is considered an ecologically important region within the larger Gulf of California. Due to its rich biodiversity and abundant natural resources, the region serves as a hub for ecotourism and fishing, affording diverse opportunities for community-based scientific initiatives. This paper examines the value of citizen science contributions from three diverse community groups (i.e., coastal residents, SCUBA divers, and artisanal fishers) to help scientists obtain information on sea turtle distribution in the Bay of La Paz. Our findings represent the first records of loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) in the bay based on ten citizen science reports that include live and dead turtles (either observed swimming, as bycatch, or stranded), providing new information on an endangered pelagic species identified in a coastal bay. Although the sample size is small, our diversity of sources and sighting types highlight the value of collaborative citizen science initiatives in complementing traditional research methods.

Custody Determination for a Child Born as a Result of Rape: A Maqashid al-Sharia Perspective

This study aimed to examine child rights and the requirements for custody determination for a child born as a result of rape based on the maqashid al-sharia perspective. This research employed a normative legal research method with the statute and comparative approaches. The collected legal materials were analyzed qualitatively to describe the problem and answer the research objectives. The results of this study indicate that maqashid al-sharia emphasizes the importance of guaranteeing hadhanah, or child custody, by considering the caregiver’s rights, the child’s rights, and the father’s or guardian’s rights. Furthermore, the Quran provides comprehensive guidance in protecting and fulfilling child rights, while the principles of maqashid al-sharia, such as hifz al-din, hifz al-nafs, hifz al-‘aql, hifz al-nasl, and hifz al-mal, serve as the foundation for fulfilling these rights. In cases of children born as a result of rape, maqashid al-sharia emphasizes the necessity of the state’s presence to protect the child through the mechanism of child custody determination through the courts, taking into account specific requirements, such as the age, health, and good conduct of the prospective guardian, to ensure proper care and the fulfilment of the child’s rights. Therefore, it is recommended that various parties, including the government, judges, and prospective guardians, synergize in protecting and fulfilling the rights of children born as a result of rape by the principles of maqashid al-sharia.

Development and Empirical Validation of an Information Technology Acceptance Framework

This paper explores the constructs affecting IT acceptance in modern organisations using theoretical frameworks such as the TAM and the UTAUT models. Realising the drawbacks of such dichotomous models for capturing the dynamics of contemporary IT enablers and use processes, the present study plans to offer and test new antecedent and moderating constructs that may provide a more accurate picture of today’s IT deployment and utilisation. The type of research in the study is the quantitative research method, which is adopted in the study where the researcher adopted a structured questionnaire to be administered to 200 participants across the different sectors of the economy, such as health, education, and business. Hypotheses of primary concern are those related to the construct of IT acceptance, including perceived usefulness, ease of use, trust, system transparency, perceived risk, and ethical concerns. The analysis of the data gathered is done using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) because of the possibility of analysing the associations between several variables. Behavioural construct analysis revealed a significant positive correlation with IT acceptance behaviours, with the value of R for the new construct being 0.935 and the R square value being 0.874, which means that newly derived constructs explain a fair percentage of IT acceptance behaviours. The findings, therefore, point out the lack of conventional frameworks in addressing the complex nature of IT use in various organisational and cultural environments. Full-spectrum system requirements in newly developing domains, such as AI, machine learning, and blockchain, require new fundamental concepts regarding user trust, system openness and ethical considerations. This work extends the IT acceptance literature by providing a better view of the determinants of IT uptake in modern organisations. In totality, the validated constructs have practical implications for organisations desirous of adopting new IT systems, particularly highlighting the role of trust and perceived risk and the need for transparency or the adoption of transparency to guarantee user satisfaction rates and consequent adoption of new IT systems. In conclusion, the study points to the need to develop new models that address today’s diverse IT contexts to inform the next generation of IT acceptance and adoption research.

Business Strategy and Sales Performance on Plant-Based Restaurant: An Exploration of Mediating Variable

This research aims to explore variables that mediate the influence of business strategy on sales performance in Plant-Based Restaurants (PBR) and the results of exploration are tested empirically using a quantitative approach. The theory of business strategy underlies the conceptual framework between strategy, organizational agility and performance of plant-based restaurants. This research uses mixed research method. The qualitative study (Phase 1) using thematic analysis were followed by a quantitative study (Phase 2) using multiple linear analysis and path analysis. The results of Phase 1 are a conceptual framework and some hypotheses. The results of Phase 2 are conclusions that confirm the results of Phase 1. The overall results conclude that innovation strategy, marketing strategy and organizational agility significantly have a positive effect on sales performance, while low-cost strategies do not significantly have a positive effect on sales performance. In addition, organizational agility significantly mediates the influence of innovation and marketing strategies on sales performance. However, organizational agility only partially mediates the influence of low-cost strategy on sales performance. This research contributes to filling the gap in studies about plant-based foods and beverages connected to economics and business. This study explores the mediating variables between plant-based restaurants' strategy and sales performance.

PENGARUH KOMPETENSI SDM, SISTEM INFORMASI AKUNTANSI, DAN SISTEM PENGENDALIAN INTERNAL TERHADAP KUALITAS LAPORAN KEUANGAN DANA BANTUAN OPERASIONAL SEKOLAH (STUDI KASUS SEKOLAH JENJANG SD DI KECAMATAN PANGKALANBARU)

This study aims to examine the effect of HR Competence, Accounting Information Systems and Internal Control Systems on the Quality of Financial Statements of School Operational Assistance Funds at the Pangkalanbaru District Elementary School level. The population in this study were elementary schools that were willing to conduct research in Pangkalanbaru District with a total sample of 13 elementary schools and a total of 37 respondents. Data collection techniques using Purposive Sampling techniques with Quantitative research methods using Questionnaires. Analysis techniques used are descriptive statistical analysis, instrument test, classical assumption test, multiple linear regression analysis and hypothesis testing. The results of this study indicate that HR Competence has a positive and significant effect on the Quality of BOS Fund Financial Statements, Accounting Information Systems has no effect on the Quality of BOS Fund Financial Statements, and Control Systems has a positive and significant effect on the Quality of BOS Fund Financial Statements.

Nurses Experience of Being a Nursepreneur in Independent Nursing Practice

Nurses have the authority to open an independent nursing practice as one of the health services Nursepreneur is a business built based on the field of nursing the high number of nurses and the lack of independent nursing practice land into a phenomenon why nurses do not build a business in the field of nursing. Descriptive qualitative research method, sampling technique used purposive sampling and snowball sampling, with the number of informants three nurses who open nursing independent practice instrument used semi-structured interviews with data validity triangulation method and data analysis obtained five main themes. The results showed that the type of nursing independent practice established was wound care practice with a group wound care practice model, the strategic stage of establishing nursing independent practice by analyzing patient characteristics and analyzing the work environment and the regional environment, the obstacles are in the licensing flow in opening a nursing independent practice land that has not been structured and takes a long time and opportunities in mendiri nursing independent practice by branding between health agencies and through social media. Suggestions in this study need to develop quality standards for services to establish independent nursing practices and increase the involvement of professional organizations in fostering nurses who want to open independent nursing practices.

Factors that affecting firm performance mediated by digital transformation in Indonesia’s state-owned enterprises plantation and forestry industries

Digital transformation refers to the integration of digital technology into all areas of a business, fundamentally changing the way it operates and adding value to a firm's performance. This can involve adopting new technologies, reorganizing business processes, and creating a digital culture within the organization. One of the State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) in Indonesia, PT Perkebunan Nusantara III (Persero) with a focus on agriculture and main commodities, namely Palm Oil and Rubber, is carrying out a digital transformation initiative with the aim of improving firm performance. Along the way, the company faced many obstacles related to implementing digital transformation and the large investment costs incurred. This research aims to test the influence of Digital Transformation Leadership, IT Capability, Digital Mindset, Work Culture Change, Organizational Agility, Human Capital and IT Alignment with Business and test the influence of these variables on Firm Performance with Digital Transformation as a mediating variable. This research uses quantitative research methods by distributing online questionnaires via Google Form to 234 company employees who use Digital Farming, GIS and SCADA applications. Data was analyzed using the SEM-PLS analysis method with Smart-PLS Software version 3.3.9. The results of the research show that IT Capability, Work Culture Change, IT Alignment With Business have a positive effect on Digital Transformation. Apart from that, this research also shows the positive influence of Digital Transformation Leadership on Digital Transformation which is mediated by IT Capability and Digital Mindset on Digital Transformation which is mediated by Work Culture Change. Then, research also shows that Digital Transformation has a significant effect on Firm Performance. the research outcomes can serve as valuable insights for what factors influence firm performance mediated by digital transformation in the SOE plantation and forestry industry business cluster in Indonesia.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Virtual Reality: A Synergistic Approach to Building Sustainable Brand Image

This study explores the intersection of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Virtual Reality (VR) as a novel approach to fostering sustainable brand image. Utilizing a qualitative research method through literature review and library research, the paper analyzes existing frameworks and theories on CSR and their potential enhancement through immersive VR experiences. The findings indicate that CSR initiatives, when integrated with VR, offer companies a unique opportunity to engage consumers more deeply by creating interactive and impactful experiences that highlight their commitment to sustainability. VR can simulate real-world scenarios of a company’s social and environmental efforts, making these initiatives more tangible and relatable to consumers. This immersive engagement not only enhances consumer understanding of CSR efforts but also builds stronger emotional connections, which are essential for long-term brand loyalty. Additionally, the synergy between CSR and VR contributes to a more transparent and authentic brand image, as VR allows for a more compelling demonstration of CSR activities. The study concludes that this innovative approach of combining CSR with VR can significantly improve brand perception, foster consumer trust, and establish a sustainable brand image that aligns with modern consumer expectations of corporate responsibility and ethical behavior. Further research is suggested to explore the long-term effects of this integration on consumer behavior and brand equity

Factors affecting the wellbeing of mid-achieving university students: a case study from China

BackgroundThe study aims to investigate the wellbeing of mid-achieving university students on campus and the factors affecting it. Given that this group represents a large yet often overlooked portion of higher education, the study endeavors to analyze the specific factors affecting their wellbeing to provide insights to foster a more comprehensive and inclusive educational environment.MethodologyThe study adopted a qualitative research method. A total of 30 mid-achieving university students from different departments at Guizhou Medical University in China were interviewed in-depth. The interviews were conducted via the online WeChat platform from 1st March 2024 to 13th September 2024. The semi-structured interviews focused on “moments in campus life that make mid-achieving university students feel happy or joyful.” All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed into text, which was thoroughly coded and analyzed by the researcher using NVIVO 12 software to comprehensively assess the multiple factors that affect the wellbeing of students.ResultsThe wellbeing of mid-achieving university students is affected by a combination of factors, including freedom and autonomy, social interactions, collective activities, campus environment and facilities, and academic achievement.ConclusionEnhancing the autonomy of mid-achieving university students can significantly improve their self-efficacy and overall wellbeing. While social interactions and collective activities provide emotional support, they also present interpersonal challenges. Sufficient recreational spaces and a diverse range of food options on campus can help alleviate students’ stress and increase their satisfaction with campus services. Conversely, policies banning motorized bicycles may negatively affect students’ sense of wellbeing. Theoretically, the study contributes to the literature on student wellbeing in higher education psychology, particularly by offering a deeper understanding of the large but often neglected group of mid-achieving students. Practically, the findings emphasize the importance of creating more supportive and responsive educational environments tailored to the needs of these students, thereby facilitating inclusive campus environments and fully harnessing the learning potential of mid-achieving students. The study also proposes specific improvement strategies, such as optimizing campus facilities, enhancing student autonomy, and bolstering social and academic support systems. These measures are expected to directly improve the daily experiences of mid-achieving students and enhance their overall wellbeing.

Optimalisasi Proses Bisnis Menggunakan Metode Business Process Analysis (BPA) pada PT. XYZ

PT XYZ is one of the strategic industries owned by BUMN that produces the main defense equipment for Indonesia's defense system, especially in the maritime sector. In practice, the process of utilizing and managing assets at PT XYZ is in the Asset & Infrastructure Optimization Department which has various operational steps for asset management starting from the asset mapping process to utilizing these assets. This research aims to analyze and optimize business processes in asset management in the Asset & Infrastructure Optimization Department. The research method used is observation and interviews with related parties as well as Business Process Modeling and Notation analysis. The purpose and objective is to provide recommendations in optimizing business processes and increasing efficiency in managing company assets. One of the problems identified was the slow signing and return of agreement letters which caused delays in issuing invoices and payments. Recommendations included creating standard operating procedures, implementing electronic-based contracts and invoices, and utilizing technology for document delivery and storage. Overall, this research aims to improve operational performance and maximize the contribution of PT XYZ's assets to revenue.

Penyediaan Pendidik dan Tenaga Kependidikan dalam Pendidikan Islam

Islamic education aims to develop individual potential as a whole, including spiritual, intellectual, emotional and physical aspects, in accordance with Islamic values ​​and principles. Therefore, qualified educators and educational staff are needed. This qualitative research uses a library research method, namely a research method carried out by observing various literature related to the problems in the research, in the form of papers, books or writings, both from print and online media. The results of this research are that the quality of educators and educational staff in Islamic educational institutions is currently still a complex and challenging issue. Even though there are efforts to improve quality standards, there are still various challenges that need to be overcome, such as lack of qualifications and competence of educators, low welfare, minimal training and professional development, and inadequate policy support. To overcome this challenge, collaboration is needed between the government, educational institutions and communities to implement structured training and development programs and improve the welfare of educators.

Strategi Bauran Pemasaran dalam Meningkatkan Volume Penjualan pada Intentions Coffee: Studi Kasus di Kota Pare

This research aims to analyze the marketing strategies used by Intentions Coffee in Pare City to increase its sales volume. This research method uses a descriptive qualitative approach. The sample determination was carried out purposively by analyzing the 7P marketing mix strategy (product, price, place, promotion, pople, physical evidence, process) that had been determined. This research also uses SWOT analysis (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threat). SWOT analysis is used to evaluate the impact of strengths and weaknesses on the company's environment as well as opportunities and threats on the company's external environment. By analyzing using the SWOT method, it can produce several alternative strategies for making the right decisions to carry out. The results of this research show that Intentions Coffee has an internal strength of 1.86, a weakness of 0.96, an opportunity of 1.38 and a threat of 1.47. In the SWOT analysis diagram, Intentions Coffee is in quadrant position 2 (two) which can support a diversification strategy by optimizing the strength of the threats it has.

Satisfaction With the Use of a Mobile Application: Adopsi Teknologi pada Aplikasi Mobile PLN

The development of information technology has an impact on business growth in Indonesia. One example is PT PLN developing the PLN mobile application to facilitate customers in accessing the services provided. The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of Barriers (Resistance to change and Technological Complexity) and Facilitators (Technical Support, Compatibility, Performance Expectancy, and Easy of use) on Satisfaction with the use of a mobile application in the Mobile PLN app. The research method used in this study is a quantitative method by distributing questionnaires to users of the PLN mobile app. The results of the study indicate that resistance to change positively affects user satisfaction with the mobile PLN application, as users feel more satisfied when the application does not disrupt their routines. Conversely, technological complexity negatively affects user satisfaction; the higher the complexity, the lower the satisfaction. A stable and easy-to-use application increases satisfaction. Effective and responsive technical support also enhances user satisfaction. The application's compatibility with users' lifestyles has a significant impact; an application integrated with users' routines increases satisfaction. Fulfilled performance expectations, such as tangible benefits, efficiency, and productivity, also positively affect user satisfaction. Easy of use has a significant influence; an intuitive and user-friendly application increases overall user satisfaction.