Methodological Considerations Research Articles

Using Multisource High-Resolution Remote Sensing Data (2 m) with a Habitat–Tide–Semantic Segmentation Approach for Mangrove Mapping

Mangrove wetlands are hotspots of global biodiversity and blue carbon reserves in coastal wetlands, with unique ecological functions and significant socioeconomic value. Annual fine-scale monitoring of mangroves is crucial for evaluating national conservation programs and implementing sustainable mangrove management strategies. However, annual fine-scale mapping of mangroves over large areas using remote sensing remains a challenge due to spectral similarities with coastal vegetation, tidal periodic fluctuations, and the need for consistent and dependable samples across different years. In previous research, there has been a lack of strategies that simultaneously consider spatial, temporal, and methodological aspects of mangrove extraction. Therefore, based on an approach that considers mangrove habitat, tides, and a semantic segmentation approach, we propose a method for fine-scale mangrove mapping suitable for long time-series data. This is an optimized hybrid model that integrates spatial, temporal, and methodological considerations. The model uses five sensors (GF-1, GF-2, GF-6, ZY-301, ZY-302) to combine deep learning U-Net models with mangrove habitat information and algorithms during low-tide periods. This method produces a mangrove map with a spatial resolution of 2 m. We applied this algorithm to three typical mangrove regions in the Beibu Gulf of Guangxi Province. The results showed the following: (1) The model scored above 0.9 in terms of its F1-score in all three study areas at the time of training, with an average accuracy of 92.54% for mangrove extraction. (2) The average overall accuracy (OA) for the extraction of mangrove distribution in three typical areas in the Beibu Gulf was 93.29%. When comparing the validation of different regions and years, the overall OA accuracy exceeded 89.84% and the Kappa coefficient exceeded 0.74. (3) The model results are reliable for extracting sparse and slow-growing young mangroves and narrow mangrove belts along roadsides. In some areas where tidal flooding occurs, the existing dataset underestimates mangrove extraction to a certain extent. The fine-scale mangrove extraction method provides a foundation for the implementation of fine-scale management of mangrove ecosystems, support for species diversity conservation, blue carbon recovery, and sustainable development goals related to coastal development.

How within-person research can extend marketing knowledge

Much existing research in marketing examines theory using between-persons research designs, yet draws implications that are based on within-person causal logics. This mismatch is problematic in developing marketing knowledge, and in impacting marketing practice effectively. The present article discusses the importance of conducting within-person research in marketing, alongside suggesting marketing constructs that could benefit from within-person analyses. We provide details on how to conceptualize within-person theories, and compare them with the more common between-persons approach. Furthermore, a set of important methodological considerations and recommendations for designing within-person studies is elaborated on, and theoretical and empirical principles are applied to an empirical demonstration. The results show how theories and relationships can sometimes differ across levels, but in other instances can remain consistent. We draw out a set of important implications and directions for future marketing research, and encourage researchers to incorporate within-person approaches into their toolkit of theoretical and empirical methods.

Aging and Sympathetic Transduction to Blood Pressure in Humans: Methodological and Physiological Considerations.

Recent reports suggest that quantification of signal-averaged sympathetic transduction is influenced by resting muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) and burst occurrence relative to the average mean arterial pressure (MAP). Herein, we asked how these findings may influence age-related reductions in sympathetic transduction. Beat-to-beat blood pressure and MSNA were recorded during 5-minutes of rest in 27 younger (13F, age: 25±5 yrs, BMI: 25±4 kg/m2) and 26 older (15F, age: 59±5 yrs, BMI: 26±4 kg/m2) healthy adults. All MSNA bursts were signal-averaged together. Beat-to-beat MAP values were then split into low (T1), middle (T2), and high (T3) tertiles, and signal-averaged transduction was calculated within each tertile. Resting MSNA was higher in older adults and MAP was similar between groups. Older adults exhibited blunted overall MAP transduction (Younger: Δ1.5±0.6 vs. Older: Δ0.9±0.7 mmHg, P=0.005), which was irrespective of relation to prevailing MAP. A greater proportion of bursts occurred above the average MAP in older adults (P<0.001), and a larger proportion of these bursts were associated with depressor responses (P=0.005). Nonetheless, assessment of bursts above the average MAP associated with pressor responses revealed similar age-associated reductions in transduction (Younger: Δ2.6±1.6 vs. Older: Δ1.7±0.8 mmHg, P=0.016). These findings indicate an age-related increase in burst occurrence above the average resting MAP, which alone does not explain blunted transduction, thereby supporting physiological underpinnings of age-related decrements in sympathetic transduction to blood pressure.

An introduction to carrying out and appraising systematic reviews in healthcare

Systematic literature reviews remain one of the most trusted sources of evidence used to inform policy and clinical decision-making. The proliferation of academic publications makes reviews increasingly essential to practitioners and policy makers as they enable them to rapidly access high-quality evidence synthesised from multiple sources. Knowledge and awareness of the structure and components of a systematic review can aid in the production of high-calibre reviews and improve the ability to appraise their quality. An overview of the main stages of carrying out a review is presented here along with frameworks and methodological considerations that will aid those producing or appraising systematic reviews.

Ethnic-Racial Socialization in Transracially Adoptive Families: Foundational Review and Educational Implications

While all families are responsible for the ethnic-racial socialization of their children, this process represents a nuanced undertaking for parents who have adopted transracially. Following the model of change (Mace, 1981), this paper first presents a review of the socialization and transracial adoption literature with a special focus on intrinsic and extrinsic factors shaping how children are socialized, followed by a set of practical strategies for adoptive parents and practitioners to use with the goal of empowering parents to take on the task of socialization confidently and effectively. Methodological considerations relevant for scholars studying ethnic-racial socialization are also included.

How low can you go?: Methodologic considerations in clonal hematopoiesis variant calling

Clonal hematopoiesis (CH) is defined by the presence of an expanded clonal hematopoietic cell population due to an acquired mutation conferring a selective growth advantage and is known to predispose to hematologic malignancy. In this review, we discuss sequencing methods for CH detection in bulk sequencing data and corresponding bioinformatic approaches for variant calling, filtering, and curation. We detail practical recommendations for CH calling. Finally, we discuss how improvements in CH sequencing and bioinformatic approaches will enable the characterization of CH trajectories, its impact on human health, and therapeutic approaches to mitigate its adverse effects.

Methodological considerations and reflection on using online photo-elicitation techniques to explore students’ professional doctorate journey

ABSTRACT In this methodological discussion, a critical and reflective account of the process and use of online photo-elicitation interviews is given. The role and importance of a well-structured pre-interview task are discussed with a working example aiming to capture physiotherapy students’ professional doctorate journey. It is argued that photo-elicitation techniques can increase active participation and enhance participants’ storytelling by encouraging the use of abstract thinking. This article also offers unique insights through the researcher’s reflective diary and direct quotes from the participants. Key considerations and practical recommendations are provided, such as the online application of photo-elicitation, the nature of the observed topic and working with and not alongside the pictures. Overall, this article is intended to further contribute to the literature on the evaluation and implementation of photo-elicitation techniques, especially in an online setting.

Methodological considerations for collecting and analyzing data on multiply marginalized psychology trainees with disabilities.

Historically, psychology trainees from marginalized communities have been underrepresented both as researchers and as participants in research on trainee experiences and outcomes. The current research can be used to develop evidence-based strategies to understand and improve the recruitment, retention, advancement, and overall training experiences of trainees with marginalized identities. We review the existing literature on the experiences of psychology trainees, particularly that focused on trainees from marginalized backgrounds. Quantitative, qualitative, and archival data collection and analysis methods each carry their own benefits and limitations, which must be considered and addressed intentionally to optimize the impact of research findings for multiply marginalized individuals. Mixed methods approaches are also discussed. Matching each limitation with a research design strategy is recommended, including the use of sample weights from population archival data to contextualize sample results, incorporating flexibility for reasonable accommodations for intensive qualitative studies, and other strategies. We provide guidance on selecting a methodology based on specific research and dissemination goals within this area and discuss implications and recommendations for both rehabilitation psychology specifically and the field more broadly. Training programs, governing bodies, faculty, researchers, and other invested parties have shared accountability to deliver diverse, equitable, and inclusive education and training experiences, and conducting high-quality research on the experiences of multiply marginalized trainees, including those with disabilities, is a key component of that process. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

12 AppReminders - A pilot feasibility randomised controlled trial of a memory aid app for people with acquired brain injury

Objective:Mobile phone reminding apps can be used by people with acquired brain injury (ABI) to compensate for their memory impairments. However off-the-shelf apps may be difficult to use. ApplTree has been developed to be accessible to this group, compared to off-the-shelf reminding apps such as Google Calendar. This pilot feasibility trial aimed to establish the feasibility of running (and issues that should be addressed to complete) a randomised controlled trial comparing ApplTree to Google Calendar in an ABI community treatment setting.Participants and Methods:Adults with self or other reported memory difficulty after an ABI were enrolled (n=39). Those who completed the baseline phase were randomised (n=29) and randomly allocated to the Google Calendar or ApplTree intervention. They were shown a 30 minute video tutorial of the app and an assessment on their ability to use it. Timely completion of everyday memory tasks were measured for a 3 week pre-intervention baseline and 3 week post-intervention follow-up phase. Participants also completed neuropsychological tests assessing memory, attention and executive function and gave qualitative feedback on the app and their experience in the trial.Results:Recruitment rate was 58% of the target (29 were randomised, n=50 was the target in 2 years). Retention rate was 65.5% and adherence rate was 57.9%. While the feasibility trial was not powered to calculate efficacy, there was a 13% increase in everyday memory tasks completed on time for those in the ApplTree group (n=10) compared to baseline and no change for the Google Calendar group (n=9). Feasibility results indicate 72 participants would need to fully complete a trial to detect the minimum clinically important difference (12.5% increase in successful performance of everyday memory tasks) in the efficacy of ApplTree compared to Google Calendar, should such a difference exist.Conclusions:The challenges with recruitment of people receiving community care for ABI are highlighted in this trial and discussed along with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Methodological considerations for researchers or clinicians looking to measure everyday memory ability are discussed. The majority (19 of 21) of participants who were given an app were capable of learning to use it during an hour-long session. This indicates it is a feasible intervention that community ABI services could offer. Participant feedback highlighted the merits of design features implemented in ApplTree that can improve the uptake and utility of reminding apps.

Resilience science: Theoretical and methodological directions from the juncture of resilience and projects

Increasing concerns about disruptions and the need for adaptation to drastic changes in social and ecological systems is reflected in the growing interest in resilience science. At the same time, the surge in medium to large scale projects around the world, known as projectification of societies, has resulted in considerable interest in the discipline of project studies. The disciplinary idiosyncrasies of project studies motivate a reflection on theoretical and methodological considerations in resilience science. This reflection rests on the experience of instigating research at the juncture of resilience and projects in this special collection. Specifically, we framed these observations as a set of principles that can inform resilience science, including the need for theoretical parsimony, deliberate attention to system boundaries in conceptualization of resilience, as well as critical considerations in measuring resilience. We posit that in its essence, project studies has to navigate a paradox through: (i) investigating projects as efficient form of organizing for a resilient, sustainable and just future, while (ii) unpacking the governance and accountability limitations of temporary organizing within projects that aim to ensure these long-term goals. The proposed principles are core to the broader research stream that we call “projects of future,” a collective inquiry to unpack these paradoxes and a research stream to engage project scholarship with the contemporary phenomena in Anthropocene.

Downscaled seasonal forecasts for the California Current System: Skill assessment and prospects for living marine resource applications

Ocean forecasting is now widely recognized as an important approach to improve the resilience of marine ecosystems, coastal communities, and economies to climate variability and change. In particular, regionally tailored forecasts may serve as the foundation for a wide range of applications to facilitate proactive decision making. Here, we describe and assess ~30 years of retrospective seasonal (1–12 month) forecasts for the California Current System, produced by forcing a regional ocean model with output from a global forecast system. Considerable forecast skill is evident for surface and bottom temperatures, sea surface height, and upper ocean stratification. In contrast, mixed layer depth, surface wind stress, and surface currents exhibit little predictability. Ocean conditions tend to be more predictable in the first half of the year, owing to greater persistence for forecasts initialized in winter and dynamical forecast skill consistent with winter/spring influence of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) for forecasts initialized in summer. Forecast skill above persistence appears to come through the ocean more than through the atmosphere. We also test the sensitivity of forecast performance to downscaling method; bias correcting global model output before running the regional model greatly reduces bias in the downscaled forecasts, but only marginally improves prediction of interannual variability. We then tailor the physical forecast evaluation to a suite of potential ecological applications, including species distribution and recruitment, bycatch and ship-strike risk, and indicators of ecosystem change. This evaluation serves as a template for identifying promising ecological forecasts based on the physical parameters that underlie them. Finally, we discuss suggestions for developing operational forecast products, including methodological considerations for downscaling as well as the respective roles of regional and global forecasts.

Peak Speed in Gaelic Games: A Systematic Review of GPS Methods

Background: Peak speed is an essential physical quality in Gaelic games due to the offensive, defensive, and transitional nature of the sports. Objectives: The aims of the study were to systematically search the literature for studies examining peak speed during Gaelic games match-play using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, to assess the GPS methodologies implemented and report normative values for peak speed by sport. Methods: Keywords were combined to search and identify studies reporting peak speed values recorded using GPS technology during Gaelic games match-play. Key details such as GPS brand/model, number of satellites connected, and firmware version were extracted. A risk of bias tool was designed to rate the level of detection bias within each study. Results: Twenty-one (N=21) studies met the inclusion criteria. Eight studies examined peak speed in hurling and men’s Gaelic football, respectively, while four camogie and one ladies Gaelic football study were identified. Twenty-nine percent (29%) of included studies were graded as having a high risk of bias in at least one category. Peak speeds between 7.81 to 9.97 m·s-1 were reported in hurling and men’s Gaelic football and between 5.88 to 7.45 m·s-1 in camogie and ladies’ Gaelic football. Conclusions: The dearth of literature examining peak speed in both female sports requires additional investigation, particularly in relation to the sprint profile of ladies Gaelic football. It is recommended that practitioners are cognisant of the methodological considerations which can be used as a ‘checklist’ to ensure accurate and reliable data are collected when using GPS technology to monitor peak speed.

Speech acts and interaction in L2 pragmatics: Insights from Chinese as the target language

AbstractThe articles in this special issue contribute to second language (L2) pragmatics by investigating different speech acts and interactions in Chinese as the target language. The studies all examined learners’ pragmatic performance in different contexts and compared their performance with that of native Chinese speakers. The findings of the articles showed what the learners could achieve and what they still had problems in. In this commentary, I first analyze and discuss the aspects in these articles that impress me the most, including research design and focus on L2 pragmatics, theoretical contributions, and methodological considerations. Then, I will address some important implications that the articles provide for future research in L2 pragmatics.

Systematic Insights into a Textile Industry: Reviewing Life Cycle Assessment and Eco-Design

The worldwide textile sector is one of the most polluting and consuming natural resource value chains. In recent years, trends have demonstrated a linear model driven by fast fashion, increasing the sustainability problems of this sector. The European market and industry are changing the paradigm and promoting some actions towards a sustainable value chain. This paper applies a systematic approach to reviewing scientific research, where Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is implemented as a tool to understand the impacts considering a holistic life cycle framework, from raw materials to the end-of-life of textile products. The methodology and criteria applied resulted in 73 articles used for qualitative analysis, of which 39 met the criteria for quantitative analysis. The quantitative results reported in the studies were organized and presented by phase of the garment production life cycle (production of fiber, yarn, fabric, manufacturing, and recovery/end of life). From a cradle-to-gate perspective, wool yarn production, by worsted processing, was the material with the highest values (95.70 kg CO2 eq/kg) for climate change/global warming potential, closely followed by silk fabric (80.90 kg CO2 eq/kg). Extending to a cradle-to-grave boundary, polyester had the highest values for the previously mentioned category, reaching a potential release of 40.28 kg CO2 eq per kilogram of polyester textile. When data was available, the user phase predominantly contributed to climate change/global warming potential. Additionally, there were significant differences in maximum and minimum values for some of the materials, which were related to methodological considerations, database inventory, and frequency of use and care considered by the different authors. The study also addresses the considerations and limitations of diverse LCA impact assessment tools.

Disease burden in Belgium in 2040: Methodological considerations

Abstract Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for a significant proportion of global morbidity and mortality, placing a substantial burden on individuals, communities, and healthcare systems. To effectively plan and allocate resources for prevention and treatment, it is crucial to understand the future burden of NCDs. Projections of prevalence of NCDs can provide valuable insights into the future burden of disease and inform policy decisions and resource allocation. These projections can include various factors such as changes in demographics, health determinants, and healthcare access. By predicting future trends in disease prevalence, policymakers can better anticipate the demand for health services, identify areas where prevention efforts can be targeted, and allocate resources more effectively. For example, projections can help policymakers understand the potential impact of interventions such as increased physical activity, improved diet, or increased access to healthcare services. Several methods can be used to project future NCD prevalence, such as generalised linear models, age-period-cohort models, and microsimulation models. Each of these methods come with advantages and disadvantages. Based on our current projections using generalised linear models within a Bayesian framework, the burden of most NCDs will increase by 2040. In this presentation, the thought-process will be addressed to implement future projections in Belgium for NCDs. We will also present the initial results of the projections based on generalised linear models. These projections can help to reduce the burden of NCDs on individuals and society, and ultimately improve public health outcomes.

An Ayurvedic Medication (Chyawanprash) as a Prophylaxis for Non-Communicable Disease and Communicable Disease: A Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Globally, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and communicable diseases (CDs) are on the rise, posing a significant public health threat. A holistic ayurvedic preparation called chyawanprash (CP) has shown positive outcomes in NCDs and CDs. Hence, we aimed to report the outcomes in a systematic manner. To determine the safety, efficacy, healthcare utilization, and quality of life of CP as an optional therapy for NCD and CD management. This systematic review will adhere to PRISMA-P and Cochrane guidelines for methodological considerations. It will evaluate CP efficacy in diverse populations, considering Ayurvedic and non-Ayurvedic comparators. The study design will encompass randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from 2010 to 2023 in healthcare settings, controlled environments, and communities. We will also analyze primary outcomes related to immunity biomarkers, vital signs, and secondary outcomes such as quality of life. Data sources and search strategy will involve systematic searches in databases such as Cochrane, PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus using MeSH terms and Boolean operators. Screening and data extraction will follow a standardized form with four independent reviewers. Quality assessment will use the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The systematic review will provide an exhaustive summary of the effectiveness and safety of CP to address the growing burden of NCDs and CDs. Registration: CRD42023418994.

Assessing the mental health among adolescents using a two continua model approach

Abstract The latest World mental health report states that mental health is an integral component of health and well-being and is more than the absence of pathology. Indeed, the view of mental health is slowly shifting to an emphasis on positive health indicators as national authorities around the world are increasingly adopting the two continua model of mental health (TCM). Adopting the TCM has several important implications for public health practice. One is that the epidemiological surveillance will have to include measures of both mental illness and mental well-being. The purpose of this presentation is to illuminate the conceptual and practical use of the TCM in the analysis of adolescent mental health. The presentation will be limited to a focus on the theoretical underpinnings and methodological considerations made to operationalize and categorize mental health according to the TCM. It will consider the added value of the TCM to epidemiological surveillance as well as its implications for public health practice when it comes to meeting population needs with appropriate interventions. To construct the model, data from population-based regional public health surveys among adolescents including validated measures of both mental ill health and mental well-being was used. The Kessler 6 scale was used to estimate the proportion of adolescents with or without probable serious mental illness (SMI, &amp;gt;13) and the Mental Health Continuum - Short Form was used to estimate the proportion of adolescents with flourishing (FMH), moderate (MMH) or languishing (LMH) mental health according to the original categorization developed by Keyes. Combining these two dimensions of mental health and their respective categories will yield six mental health status groups: Complete mental health = FMH without SMI, Vulnerable = MMH without SMI, Most vulnerable = LMH without SMI, Symptomatic but content = SMI with FMH, Troubled = SMI with MMH, and Most troubled = SMI with LMH.

Drug use among non-binary people in Europe: findings from European Web Survey on Drugs

Abstract Traditionally, the survey-based methods used in drug research and drug monitoring at national and European levels tend to be blind to the specific experiences of non-binary people who use drugs. The invisibility of gender-diverse people is related to the use of standard one-step methods in the sex/gender demographic question, specifically the use of binary and mutually exclusive categories (male/ female or M/F). This presentation is based on the quantitative analysis of a sample of 817 non-binary people (non-probabilistic sample) who responded to the European Web Survey on Drugs 2021 (EWSD 2021), promoted by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). In specific, this presentation describes the sociodemographic profile, living conditions, drug use patterns (lifetime prevalence, last year's prevalence, last month's prevalence), and the context of drug use of non-binary people who responded to EWSD. The relationship between the non-binary gender identity and other categorical variables was analysed by using descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test for independence on the software IBM SPSS Statistics. This analysis allowed a preliminary identification of the specific drug use trends and health and social needs of non-binary people who use drugs, which will also be briefly included in this presentation. Moreover, this was the first time EMCDDA used a two-step approach method to collect data regarding sex (M/F) and gender (Man, Woman, Non-binary). In this sense, relevant methodological considerations regarding gender inclusiveness in survey data collection will also be presented, highlighting the relevance of systematically collecting gender-inclusive data to monitor gender-specific drug use patterns and trends and to inform the design of gender-responsive policies and social and health responses to drug problems. Key messages • Non-binary people who use drugs present gender-based specificities in drug use patterns. • It is relevant to systematically collect gender inclusive data to monitor gender-specific drug use patterns and trends.

Practical Application and Methodological Considerations on the Basics of Sports Nutrition in Basketball: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of Observational and Interventional Studies.

The current systematic review (PROSPERO registration no. CRD42022334707) of observational (OS) and interventional studies (IS) aimed at evaluating the state of scientific knowledge on the basics of sports nutrition, framing discipline-specific dietary recommendations, and indicating potential directions for future studies in various age, experience level, and able-bodied abilities groups of basketball players (BP). A systematic search of PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science ended on 20 December 2022. Records were excluded if reporting studies on animals, sport disciplines other than basketball, or supplementation protocols other than those related to macronutrients and hydration manipulations. Risk of bias (RoB) was evaluated using Cochrane RoB_2 tools, 'JBI checklist for prevalence studies', and 'Quality assessment tool for before-after (pre-post) studies with no control group'. The relevant data was synthesized in tables and a narrative review was performed. Seventy-two records were included (2581 participants): 63 were on able-bodied BP (2433 participants) and 9 on para-athlete players (148 participants); 45 records were OS and 27 IS. The review disclosed widespread poor nutritional habits and knowledge and shortages in applying adequate nutritional and hydration practices in BP. Moreover, the systematic review revealed the lack of a sufficient number of investigations delivering reliable proof for framing discipline-specific and evidence-based recommendations on the basics of sports nutrition in basketball.

First steps in qualitative secondary analysis: experiences of engaging with the primary research team

ABSTRACT Engaging with primary researchers during qualitative secondary analysis is a practice much recommended but rarely written about. In this article, I reflect on my experience of crossing an imagined boundary between the discrete textual dataset and its creators, of acknowledging and engaging with those researchers who invested in constructing the data, some of whom are still actively working with it. Focusing on four rationales for engaging with primary researchers - orientation, navigation, interpretation and the ethics of ownership - I describe the opportunities, tensions and dilemmas that presented themselves as I entered into dialogue with members of the primary research team. As the encouragement of rapid archiving practices and open qualitative research present new possibilities in working with contemporary ‘living’ archives, so it also raises new methodological and ethical considerations regarding engagement with and relationality towards primary researchers still active in their fields.