Evaluation of creative project production performance in mathematical logic and computational thinking skills among gifted high school students.

ABSTRACTBackground: Early emotional difficulties, even when not clinically diagnosed, may affect children’s social and academic development. Emotional healing can enhance children’s emotional awareness and coping skills, potentially preventing future mental health issues. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of emotional healing after figurines intervention in rural Thai primary school children.Methods: This study employed a mixed-method research design, including two parts: first, a pre- and post-test design, and second, a descriptive phenomenological approach. It was conducted from March to May 2025 at a rural primary school in Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand. 22 students who met the criteria for mild to moderate depressive symptoms based on the Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents (PHQ-A) 9 scores participated in a school-based healing program using miniature figurines; nine of them who completed the program were purposively selected with parental consent to share their experiences through semi-structured individual interviews. Data were thematically analyzed using Colaizzi’s phenomenological method, and saturation was reached when no new themes emerged.Results: PHQ-A mean scores for the 22 participants decreased from pre-test (10.05±2.87) to post-test (4.09±1.41), (P=0.01). PHQ-A mean scores for the 9 students in the qualitative study decreased from pre-test (10.78±2.33) to post-test (3.33±0.87), (P=0.08). The qualitative findings were consistent with healing and showed a decrease in PHQ-A scores. The healing stories of 9 Thai school children showed awakening self-awareness, emotional healing, and developing personal growth.Conclusion: The figurine intervention promotes emotional self-exploration, which can increase self-confidence in emotion management and build resilience in Thai school children.

<span lang="EN-US">The use of ChatGPT in improving students' academic writing abilities has been extensively studied, but how students perceive the use of ChatGPT affecting the quality of thesis proposals remains unclear becomes the novelty of this research. To address this gap, this study examines final semester students (N=55) utilizing ChatGPT in preparing final assignments across universities in East Indonesia. Employing a mixed-methods research design, this study collected data through surveys and short essays. Descriptive statistics, bivariate correlations, independent t-tests, linear regression, and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data. Findings indicate that i) perceptions of ChatGPT positively correlate with the quality of students' proposals, ii) perceptions of ChatGPT use predict the quality of research proposals, iii) gender does not influence perceptions of ChatGPT use or the quality of students' proposals, and iv) ChatGPT has a positive impact as research reference model, source of ideas, framework reference, translation tool, and paraphraser, but it also has limitations, particularly in providing accurate responses and posing a risk of reducing critical thinking abilities. ChatGPT has proven effective in helping students prepare research proposals, developing ideas, and research frameworks. However, institutions must provide appropriate guidance to prevent the decrease of critical thinking abilities.</span>

Although, teaching is a noble occupation, it comes with a lot of commitment and responsibilities that are highly demanding and which requires resilience to cope with stress. Teachers are predisposed to stress from lesson planning, heavy workload, strained relationships from the school administrators and colleagues as well as financial constraints, mental health issues and family work balance. Thus, the necessity to prioritize better coping strategies to help teachers manage occupational stress. This study assessed Occupational stress and coping strategies used by secondary school teachers in Kisumu County, Kenya. A mixed method research design was used in the study. Secondary school teachers in Kisumu County were the targeted population. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 100 teachers from secondary schools in Kisumu County. The data collection instruments were questionnaires and focused group discussions. Analysis of data was done through descriptive statistics and thematic analysis for the focus group discussions. Findings of the study indicate that teachers in Kisumu County are highly stressed. Results also point out that teachers use coping strategies ranging from mindfulness, religious activities, counseling, exercise, social support network, suicidal tendencies, reading, professional development, alcohol and substance abuse; some of which are unhealthy. The study recommends a counseling unit for teaching staff both at the school and county level. Teachers should also prioritize self-care for their own mental wellness. Moreover, the teacher’s welfare should be put at the heart of educational institutions through open communication channels, active and empathic listening for enhanced performance and teachers’ mental wellness.

The Pan-European Personal Pension Product (PEPP) is a strategic initiative of the European Union (EU) aimed at creating a harmonized, portable pension savings framework that addresses the challenges of population aging, increased labor mobility, and the widening pension gap across Member States. This article investigates the implementation and performance of the PEPP in four EU countries – Poland, Slovakia, Croatia, and the Czech Republic – through a mixed-methods research design. The study combines a legal and comparative analysis of national pension systems with qualitative interviews conducted with PEPP fund managers and quantitative surveys of PEPP savers. The findings reveal significant disparities in regulatory approaches, tax treatment, and supervisory frameworks between countries, which affect both the attractiveness and functionality of PEPP. Despite the shared design principles of transparency, safety, and cost-efficiency, savers’ expectations differ notably across countries – especially in relation to customer service, information delivery, and minimum return expectations – while also being shaped by sociodemographic factors. The qualitative research highlights that fund managers face challenges such as regulatory fragmentation, high administrative burdens, and competition from national products with more favorable tax treatment or employer-based incentives. At the same time, digital tools and passive investment strategies are seen as key to enhancing PEPP’s scalability and efficiency. The article concludes that for PEPP to succeed as a truly pan-European product, further regulatory harmonization, consistent tax incentives, and comprehensive financial education efforts are essential. The authors also propose that increased provider competition and adaptive national policies could accelerate the product’s uptake. The study offers practical insights for EU policymakers, national regulators, and financial institutions aiming to promote inclusive and sustainable retirement savings across the continent.

This study aims to examine the effects of a Novel Engineering (NE)-based AI education program on elementary school students’ computational thinking and learning engagement. A 12-session instructional program was developed and implemented in a fourth-grade classroom at an elementary school. A mixed-methods research design was employed, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data. Pre- and post-tests were administered to assess changes in students' computational thinking and learning engagement. In addition, qualitative data was collected through instructional materials and in-depth interviews. Interview participants were selected based on high, medium, and low levels of performance in computational thinking and learning engagement. The interviews focused on how students demonstrated competencies in analysis/design and implementation/inference throughout the learning process. The results indicated that the NE-based AI education program had a statistically significant positive impact on both computational thinking and learning engagement with the students. The students actively engaged in problem-solving activities and found the tasks stimulating, which contributed to the enhancement of their computational thinking skills. Furthermore, the appropriate level of task difficulty, opportunities for autonomous participation, and active communication were identified as factors that fostered greater learning engagement. This study demonstrates the potential for developing and applying effective AI education programs to enhance elementary students’ computational thinking and learning engagement, offering valuable implications for future educational practices.

Abstract: Rapid urbanization and infrastructure pressures have underscored the need for adaptive, data-driven urban planning systems. This study proposes a next-generation urban infrastructure framework that integrates Digital Twins, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enable real-time monitoring, predictive analysis, and intelligent decision-making. A comprehensive conceptual analysis establishes the role of digital replicas, sensor networks, and learning algorithms in forming cyber-physical urban ecosystems. Building on this foundation, a framework analysis is developed to align physical assets, digital models, and data streams through interoperable architectures. The problem addressed is the persistent gap between traditional, static urban planning approaches and the dynamic, responsive infrastructure required for sustainable cities. A mixed-method research design is employed, combining computational modeling with quantitative data analysis derived from urban sensor networks. Key results indicate significant improvements in predictive accuracy, infrastructure resilience, and operational efficiency through the proposed framework. The impact of this research lies in advancing smart city planning methodologies, informing policy for sustainable urban development, and contributing a scalable model for real-time, AI-driven infrastructure management. Keywords Digital Twins, Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, Urban Planning, Smart Cities, Predictive Analytics, Cyber-Physical Systems, Sustainable Infrastructure, Real-Time Monitoring, Urban Resilience

This study investigates the relationship between career motivations and job satisfaction among Ghanaian entrepreneurs and civil servants, emphasizing how these factors shape work performance and professional engagement. Using a mixed-methods research design, the study combines quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to capture both measurable trends and nuanced perceptions. A total of 200 participants, including 100 entrepreneurs and 100 civil servants, were sampled using stratified random and purposive sampling techniques. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis, while thematic analysis was employed for qualitative data. Findings reveal that intrinsic motivation strongly predicts job satisfaction among entrepreneurs, whereas extrinsic rewards and structured incentives are more influential for civil servants. Additionally, differences in work environments, policy frameworks, and access to resources account for variations in motivation and satisfaction levels between the two groups. The study underscores the importance of aligning motivation strategies with sector-specific contexts to enhance employee engagement, productivity, and organizational outcomes. These insights have implications for policymakers, human resource managers, and development practitioners seeking to optimize workforce performance in Ghana.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming educational assessment, particularly in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) settings. As the use of AI is becoming increasingly rapid, pre-service teachers must become proficient with both Language Assessment Literacy (LAL) and preparation to utilize AI tools. Therefore, this study explored the relationship between LAL and AI-based assessment readiness among Indonesian EFL pre-service teachers. Adopting a mixed-method explanatory sequential research design, 200 respondents across 60 universities in Indonesia participated through a questionnaire survey followed by interviews with the highest and lowest AI readiness scores. The quantitative data found a significant moderate positive correlation, implying that higher LAL is associated with greater readiness to use AI-based assessment. Moreover, the descriptive data indicated that while most participants demonstrated high LAL, their AI readiness was only moderately high. Qualitative data revealed that the respondents with better LAL have critical views about practices when it comes to assessment. The research concluded that to effectively integrate AI into assessment practices, pre-service teachers not only need technology skills training but also a solid assessment knowledge. These results have implications for the curriculum in teacher education, for which there is demand for integrated frameworks that link assessment theory with ethical AI implementation.

This study aims to reveal the multidimensional structure of family involvement in early reading and writing education and the needs that arise within this scope, based on the views of teachers, families, and field experts. In the study, the exploratory sequential design of mixed-methods research was adopted; the findings from interviews with stakeholders were supported by data obtained from 490 classroom teachers through a survey. The data obtained were analysed based on thematic analysis and descriptive statistics. The findings from the interviews revealed that all stakeholders considered family involvement to be a fundamental and indispensable element of the early reading and writing process. Furthermore, it was emphasised that this process should be supported not only through traditional forms of involvement but also through systematic family information meetings and home- and classroom-based involvement methods. It was found that teachers and families experienced similar difficulties, especially at the beginning of the early reading and writing process, and had common needs in terms of information meetings and family involvement. According to the survey findings, families need to be informed about issues such as developmental processes, effective communication and fine motor skills development, and are expected to support their children in areas such as fine motor skills development, reading comprehension and legible writing. Stakeholder views indicate that family involvement processes based on home and classroom settings can be carried out in a more conscious and sustainable manner when families are informed based on their needs. In this context, it has been observed that needs-based, programmed, and systematic family involvement processes have the potential to increase student achievement.

Abstract Objectives: The goal of this research was to create a reliable and valid self-report measure of teachers on self-awareness of stress (N=250) 25-58 years (M= 30.80, SD= 5.98). Design: To answer the research question, mixed method research design approach was employed. In this study, there was purposive sampling strategy was used to gather the data. Place & Duration of Study: The data was gathered in 02 years span of time from teachers, of private and semi-government of sector higher education institutions in Pakistan (Lahore and Multan). Subjects and Methods: In order to assist in determining the psychometric properties of the scale, Self-Awareness of Stress Scale (SSS), was administered along with demographic Performa to the 250 sample. Results: Factor analysis, internal consistency, inter-factor correlation, and validation of the scale were calculated. The Alpha Reliability of the scale with factors ranged from .89 to .97. The inter-factor correlations of all scales and the concurrent validities were statistically significant at p < .01. Three factors were generated: Interpersonal challenges, Personal Malfunctioning, and Work Inefficacy. Conclusion: Limitations and recommendations for future research are discussed. The results are considered in further contexts in education and policy development. Keywords: Teachers, Stress Awareness, Interpersonal Challenges, Functioning, Work Efficacy, Distress, Psychometric Properties, Scale Development, Scale Validation

Building owners and occupants encounter challenges in implementing energy-efficient technologies arising from high upfront costs, limited awareness, and inconsistent policy enforcement. This study aims to investigate the barriers that prevent the adoption of energy-efficient technologies in residential buildings. A case study research design was used to collect quantitative data using a survey questionnaire in the Brandwag area of the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality in South Africa. The findings reflect building occupants’ perceptions regarding the effectiveness of various barriers encountered during the implementation of energy-efficient technologies in buildings. Notably, the highest-ranked barrier was the limited availability of financial support, which received a mean score of 4.19, while the lowest-ranked barrier was the shortage of qualified or skilled professionals, with a mean score of 3.78. An integrated strategy that simultaneously addresses financial processes, technical capacity building, and standardized regulations is essential for the successful adoption of energy-efficient technologies in residential buildings. However, a limitation of the study is its reliance on a survey-based research methodology for data collection. Although a quantitative approach was prioritized, the low response rate of the survey limits the generalizability of the findings. Future research should address this limitation by employing a mixed-methods research design for comparable evaluations focusing on South Africa, not just a province.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has become an alternative approach to chronic disease control through lifestyle-based treatment that emphasizes comprehensive treatment. Based on a mixed-methods research design incorporating qualitative interviews and quantitative survey data, the study investigated patient perceptions regarding the incorporation of TCM into lifestyle modification programs. A total of 156 patients with diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease were recruited from three healthcare centers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 participants, and validated questionnaires were distributed to all the participants. Results indicated very positive attitudes with 78.2% reporting enhanced quality of life and 84.6% satisfaction with TCM-enhanced interventions. Thematic analysis revealed four themes: cultural congruence, perceived efficacy, enhanced communication, and improved compliance. Quantitative analysis revealed strong correlations between TCM acceptance and cultural background (r=0.67, p<0.001), level of education (r=0.43, p<0.01), and previous complementary medicine usage (r=0.59, p<0.001). The research gives insight into patient-centered attitudes towards integrative healthcare and evidence-based practice guidelines for TCM integration within lifestyle interventions.

Purpose The aim is to identify the key technological, organizational, and environmental challenges affecting the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in public social and health organizations. The Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) theory was used as a framework for the study. As AI is increasingly utilized, research is needed to support organizational management and development work. Design/methodology/approach We employed a mixed-methods research design, utilizing a web-based survey that included both quantitative, structured questions and qualitative, open-ended questions. The data included answers from experts within the Finnish social and healthcare AI innovation ecosystem (n = 82), representing public, private, and third-sector organizations. A theory-driven content analysis was conducted for the qualitative data, and descriptive statistical analysis was performed for the quantitative data. Findings The challenges of AI adoption form a systemic whole where factors are strongly interdependent. All 46 challenges were rated at least somewhat significant (mean ≥ 1.6, scale 0–3), with an overall mean score of 2.05. Organizational challenges emerged as the most critical, notably limited financial resources, insufficient AI competence, and inadequate change management. Among the environmental challenges, ambiguity in legislative interpretation and national funding shortfalls were particularly notable. Experts with prior involvement in AI projects rated challenges statistically less substantial than those with less experience. Originality/value This study provides the first national-level analysis examining AI adoption challenges across all three TOE theory dimensions in public social and healthcare organizations, empirically demonstrating their systemic interdependencies through multi-stakeholder perspectives. Previous research has primarily focused on specific AI applications or individual organizational factors.

This study examined the organizational engagement of Catholic educators in relation to a rationalized remuneration system. Conducted across six Catholic Higher Education Institutions in Region II, it employed a mixed-method research design. A survey was administered to 164 college faculty members with at least three years of tenure, selected through stratified random sampling. Focus group discussions complemented the quantitative findings. Results showed that Catholic educators had highly favorable assessments of their remuneration in terms of fairness, effectiveness, and conformity. They were fully engaged in instruction, Christian faith formation, community engagement, and financial management, but demonstrated lower engagement in research activities. A significant relationship was found between educators' perceptions of remuneration and their engagement in instruction, financial management, extension, and Christian faith formation. These findings guided the development of a rationalized remuneration system to enhance organizational engagement. The study has practical implications for Catholic school leaders in improving faculty compensation strategies to enhance engagement and retention.

This paper examines the work environment of female workers in Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), Bangladesh, synthesising recent empirical research and policy documents and proposing a mixed-methods research design for future primary investigation. Bangladesh’s female labour force participation remains substantially lower than men’s and is characterised by high informality, precarious working conditions, gendered occupational segregation, and exposure to harassment and poor social protections. In urban Dhaka, the majority of working women—especially migrants and those employed in the informal economy and the ready-made garment (RMG) sector—face multiple vulnerabilities, including unsafe workplaces, inadequate maternity and social protections, precarious income, long hours, and gender-based violence. These conditions are shaped by structural factors (labour regulations, market incentives), socio-cultural norms (gender roles, mobility restrictions), and urban constraints (transport, childcare, housing). Drawing on World Bank, ILO, peer-reviewed studies, government labour law, and rigorous qualitative accounts from Dhaka, this paper develops a theoretical framework grounded in the Capability Approach and labour-process perspectives, and outlines a detailed mixed-methods methodology to systematically study the issue in DNCC. The paper concludes with policy recommendations to improve female workers’ well-being and work environment, and a prioritised research agenda for DNCC stakeholders.

ABSTRACT Urbanization and land use land cover (LULC) change significantly influence local climate patterns, particularly land surface temperature (LST). This study investigates the spatial and temporal impact of land use and land cover (LULC) changes on land surface temperature (LST) in Jimma city and its surrounding areas from 1987 to 2019 using geospatial and statistical techniques. By employing an explanatory sequential mixed-methods research design, this research integrates multi-temporal satellite imagery analysis with qualitative data from key informant interviews. The novelty of this study lies in its comprehensive approach, combining the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI), and multi-temporal LST regression modeling to assess the relationship between LULC types and LST. The findings revealed a significant increase in settlement and agricultural land from 4.40% and 54.58% in 1987 to 12.27% and 62.40% in 2019, respectively, with a corresponding decrease in forest cover, shrubland, and wetland areas. The mean land surface temperatures soared from 20.53°C and 19.59°C to 26.79°C and 25.82°C from 1987 to 2019 in settlement and agricultural land. A strong negative correlation was observed between LST and NDVI, while a strong positive correlation was found between LST and NDBI indicate highly statistically significant (ρ = 0.000). These results highlight the profound impact of urbanization on the local climate and provide crucial insights for sustainable urban planning and environmental management in rapidly growing cities like Jimma.

In Burundi, low agricultural productivity, high population density, and land scarcity are pushing rural men to leave their villages in search of income-earning opportunities in urban areas. This study investigates the implications of Burundian men’s rapidly increasing rural-to-urban migration in the context of banana cultivation, traditionally considered a ‘men’s crop’. This case study draws upon a sequential and mixed-methods research design involving 29 semi-structured interviews, 6 focus group discussions, and a household survey (N = 180). It aimed to examine power dynamics, gender norms, and intrahousehold practices related to banana management in the presence and absence of men on farms. Study findings show how household-level structural and relational changes induced by male out-migration challenge men’s hegemony over the banana crop. In the absence of their migrant husbands, wives tend to become the primary decision-makers over the banana crop, and increasingly take up roles and tasks traditionally reserved for men. This can have positive outcomes for women’s livelihoods and agency, and encourage increased investment in banana cultivation, but can also lead to social backlash against women who defy or bend gender norms. Moreover, in this context, women’s increased decision-making power is temporal, and frequently ceded to men upon their return. We suggest that gender transformative approaches could help to mitigate these risks while encouraging more just and joint household decision-making, including about banana crops. Finally, the study emphasizes the nuanced, multiple, and dynamic nature of gender roles and norms, reflecting men’s and women’s realities as heterogeneous groups with divergent lived experiences.

This study examined the strategies employed by religious institutions to redress sexual violence against adolescent girls in pastoralist communities of the Manyara region, Tanzania, using institutional theory as a theoretical framework. A descriptive mixed-method research design was adopted. The study targeted household heads and employed purposive and systematic sampling techniques. Data were collected through questionnaires administered to 240 respondents, 48 key informant interviews, and eight focus group discussions (FGDs). Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic content analysis, while quantitative data were subjected to inferential statistics analysis. Findings reveal that religious institutions employ a multifaceted approach, including awareness seminars, open-air meetings, advocacy, counseling, entrepreneurship programs, and preaching to influence pastoralist communities. The study recommends that religious institutions intensify their advocacy efforts to influence policymakers to revise and enforce policies and laws that protect children's rights, particularly those concerning marital status. Furthermore, religious institutions should strengthen policy implementation, allocate additional resources, and foster collaborative programs to effectively combat sexual violence against adolescent girls in the Manyara region.

In recent years, "feminism" 's concerned by the public have been increasing. However, limited research focused on gender differences, around Beijing high school students. So this study aims to focus on this topic. To better understand the research topic, the researcher used a Mixed-methods research design. The researchers first designed a questionnaire and then conduct a short interview with few high school students in order to find out the gender difference they have with feminism. The research found that there were certain differences between females and males in basic concept understanding and also views on social influence. Besides, the result shows that these differences are related to both family attitudes and social media opinions. The research can help change our understanding of teenager gender concepts, also social cultural cognition, and has significance for educators and social scientists.