Mixed Approach Research Articles

Developing Critical Thinking: A Comparison of Three Disciplinary Approaches

Critical thinking is considered one of the most important results of university education. However, approaches to its development are controversial: there is very conflicting empirical data on the effectiveness of different approaches to the development of critical thinking.
 Comparing approaches is difficult because different studies differ in the sets of critical thinking skills diagnosed, the learning conditions and the disciplines in which these approaches are implemented. Therefore, to carry out a comparative study of the effectiveness of infusion, immersion and mixed approaches to the development of critical thinking, a single discipline was chosen - “Concepts of modern natural science”, the differences between the approaches were formulated, which determined the general and different conditions for their implementation, a local definition of critical thinking for natural science was created, based on which identified a single set of diagnosable skills and developed a tool for their assessment. The study, covering 2019-2022, involved 619 students of the Faculty of Philology of RUDN University.
 The mixed approach turned out to be optimal; it statistically significantly improved all groups of critical thinking skills. The infusion approach is less effective in developing decision-making skills and formulating inferences, but in other respects is not inferior to the mixed approach. The immersion approach is the least effective and primarily affects the group of information comprehension skills. The duration of the formation of critical thinking skills has a significant impact on the results: an impact spread over two semesters is more effective than one compressed into one semester. The difference in results between first and second year students may be explained by the cumulative nature of cognitive growth: learning has a delayed effect and there are epistemological crises in the perception of knowledge.

Assessing E-Compliance Maturity of Public Procurement Processes in Nigeria

The manual approach to public procurement is plagued with inefficiencies. To address these problems, efforts were made to digitize the processes in Nigeria. However, the e-compliance readiness of procurement processes is not known. This study attempts to assess e-compliance maturity of public procurement lifecycle in Nigeria. The study adopted a mixed research approach. A qualitative research method was used to establish criteria for evaluating the readiness of public procurement processes for digitization. Focus group interview with Six (6) automation and procurement professionals was conducted to arrive at the parameters used for the readiness assessment. Consequently, a questionnaire survey was administered on experienced public procurement professionals to evaluate the e-compliance readiness of some identified public procurement processes. Best to Worst Method (BWM) was used to evaluate e-compliance maturity level. The study shows that the processes are readily compliant for digitization.

​​VIRTUAL SIMULATION-BASED REFORM OF APPAREL CURRICULUM​

With the rapid development of modern science and technology, computer technology has been widely used in various industrial fields of society, and the education industry is no exception. The application of virtual reality technology in clothing design has greatly improved the efficiency of designers in the redesign process and perfected the wearing effect of clothing. In the face of the future demand for innovative design talents, cultivating talents who meet the requirements of clothing design is an important issue and task for university teaching. At present, there are problems in the teaching of clothing design profession such as single traditional teaching mode, weak creativity of students' works, disconnection between teaching content and practice, imperfect teaching resources and imperfect teaching details. In this paper, virtual reality technology is introduced to reform the curriculum system of the clothing profession through a mixed research approach, using experimental project-based teaching combined with quantitative research methods. Through practice, it is proven that the integration of virtual technology into apparel teaching creates a simulation effect for teachers and students that cannot be matched in the traditional apparel design teaching process and enhances students' interest in learning. The application of virtual reality technology is a new and efficient teaching method that has emerged in recent years with the development of computers, combining technology and art, and based on the teaching of clothing design projects, which greatly improves learning efficiency and teaching effectiveness and can effectively improve students' innovation ability, and has a broad development prospect.

​​EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION ON COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT​

This study investigated the impact of international education on cognitive development. A mixed method research approach was adopted, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 8 participants who had experience with international education. The data was analyzed using thematic analysis and a Likert rating. The results revealed that international education has a positive impact on cognitive development, with improved academic performance, increased intellectual development, enhanced critical thinking, and the potential to foster creativity and problem-solving skills. The participants reported an average improvement in the core subjects after enrolment, with a +19 points improvement in sciences, +12 points improvement in mathematics and +11 in languages. The results also indicated that international education had a positive effect on communication skills, as it allowed students to practice communicating with people from different cultural backgrounds. These findings suggest that international education can have a positive impact on cognitive development, and should be encouraged, as it has many benefits, including improved academic performance, increased intellectual development, and enhanced critical thinking and communication skills. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications of the findings and recommendations for further research.

The role of viscoplastic drop shape in impact

The impact of fluid drops on solid substrates is a cardinal fluid dynamics phenomenon intrinsically related to many fields. Although these impacting objects are very often non-spherical and non-Newtonian, previous studies have mainly focused on spherical Newtonian drops. As a result, both shape and rheological effects on the drop-spreading dynamics remain largely unexplored. In the present work we use a mixed approach combining experiments with multiphase three-dimensional numerical simulations to extend the work reported by Luu & Forterre (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 632, 2009, pp. 301–327) by highlighting the fundamental role of shape in the normal impact of viscoplastic drops. Such complex fluids are highly common in various industrial domains and ideally behave either like a rigid body or a shear-rate-dependent liquid, according to the stress solicitation. Spherical, prolate, cylindrical and prismatic drops are considered. The results show that, under negligible capillary effects, the impacting kinetic energy of the drop is dissipated through viscoplastic effects during the spreading process, giving rise to three flow regimes: (i) inertio-viscous, (ii) inertio-plastic, and (iii) mixed inertio-visco-plastic. These regimes are deeply affected by the drop initial aspect ratio, which in turn reveals the possibility of using drop shape to control spreading. The physical mechanisms driving the considered phenomenon are underlined by energy budget analyses and scaling laws. The results are summarised in a two-dimensional diagram linking the drop maximum spreading, minimum height and final shape with different spreading regimes through a single dimensionless parameter, here called the impact number.

Engagement patterns in research article introductions: A cross-disciplinary study

This study attempts to explore the ways in which academics from four different disciplinary backgrounds (applied linguistics, education, electrical engineering, biology) engage with their discourse community when writing their research article (RA) introductions. To this end, 200 RA introductions were selected and examined in detail along with the Engagement System of the Appraisal Framework. It adopts a mixed approach to analyze individual engagements as well as combined ones embedded in different move-steps of RA introductions across various disciplines. Moreover, co-articulation of engagement items across longer stretches of text was also qualitatively observed for the purpose of revealing how prosodic spread of engagement values helps to effectively fulfill the rhetorical functions within this part-genre. This research revealed clear function-form mappings between rhetorical move-steps and their linguistic realization. In addition, disciplinary uniformity and variation on engagement values encoded in introductions were disclosed with commonalities weighing over differences. Despite the disciplinary differences on the evaluative features between natural and social sciences, disciplines belonging to either set of the natural/social field also vary from one another. The results have pedagogical implications for EAP practitioners in raising the novice writers’ awareness of both discipline and genre when they approach academic writing through evaluative resources.

Unveiling the Depths of Existential Inquiry: A Qualitative Examination of Psychological Literature (2000-2023)

Introduction: This is a continuation of the previous article, “Exploring Existential Questions: A Comprehensive Review of Psychological Literature (2000-2023) – Part 1”, the aim of which, following on from an analysis that was more quantitative in nature, is to present the results of a more in-depth analysis of the articles by means of a qualitative and/or mixed approach, published between 2000 and 2023, with the aim of understanding how Psychology has appropriated the themes of existential vacuum and meaning of life over this period. Method: Of the group of articles studied in Part I, only articles with qualitative or mixed approaches were analyzed in this second phase, in accordance with the following aspects: year of publication, theoretical references used in the articles, concepts employed in the studies, context and studied populations, emerging themes and relationship between the topic and psychotherapy, religiosity and spirituality.Results:Of the 264 articles selected in Part 1, 191 quantitative articles were excluded, leaving 73 articles with a qualitative or mixed approach, initially classified as follows: 46 theoretical/qualitative, 17 empirical/qualitative, 7 mixed and 3 interventions.

The role of nursing in breastfeeding in hospitalized neonates

Introduction: In this research, the issue of the role of nursing in breastfeeding in hospitalized neonates is addressed. Breastfeeding plays a fundamental role in the health and development of hospitalized neonates, and adequate support from nursing staff is essential to promote and facilitate this practice. Objective: To explore the experiences and perceptions of mothers, fathers and nursing staff in relation to breastfeeding in hospitalized neonates, as well as to evaluate the correlation between a good latch of the neonate and the production of breast milk. Methodology: Through a mixed methodological approach that combines qualitative and quantitative methods, to obtain a complete and holistic understanding of this important issue to improve neonatal care. Through in-depth interviews, focus groups, and structured questionnaires, the experiences and perceptions of mothers, fathers, and nursing staff were explored, as well as the correlation between newborn latch-on and breast milk production. Data analysis revealed that the instruments used in this study showed good reliability, with Cronbach's coefficients higher than 0.8. Results: They showed common challenges in breastfeeding, such as the lack of information and emotional support. A significant correlation was found between a good latch of the newborn and a higher production of breast milk. Conclusion: The training of nursing staff and the implementation of support strategies, such as the use of lactation consultants, were identified as key elements to improve breastfeeding care in the hospital setting. These findings support the importance of the role of nursing in the promotion and support of breastfeeding in hospitalized neonates.

Conceptual review of symbolic cultural practices in children's racial/ethnic identity: Making room for mixed methods inquiry

AbstractObjectiveChildren are shaped by familial, cultural, societal, and environmental factors that impact development across multiple domains, contexts, and ecological systems. This conceptual review examines studies that address how symbolic cultural practices shape racial/ethnic identity development in early childhood (ages 3–6).MethodTwelve key extant studies across qualitative (n = 4), quantitative (n = 5), and mixed (n = 3) methodological approaches that concern the use of symbolic cultural practices for early childhood racial/ethnic identity development were reviewed. Our review adopted an interdisciplinary approach, bringing perspectives from developmental psychology, family science, research methods, and education policy. We oriented our review to address the contributions of symbolic cultural practices to children's hope and happiness undergirded by their racial/ethnic identity development.ResultsStudies across all methodological disciplines were useful in moving the field forward however, we argue that mixed methods studies are particularly consequential due to their ability to account for the highly contextualized experiences of healthy early childhood racial/ethnic socialization via symbolic cultural practices.ConclusionWe also suggest that mixed methods lend more holistic explanations of connections between early childhood racial/ethnic socialization and symbolic cultural practices and promote mixed methods approaches as the most promising way to investigate the role of symbols in positive racial/ethnic socialization and identity development of young children in future research.ImplicationsHenceforth, we suggest that practitioners' understanding of the racial and ethnic identities of young children will be more holistic when approached from a mixed methods lens, and therefore, practitioner–child interactions will be more constructive.

Методика организации процесса мониторинга распределенных информационных систем

This article is devoted to the methodology of organizing the process of monitoring of distributed information systems. The article considers the general concept of building the process of information security monitoring. Special attention is paid to such disadvantages of distributed systems as problems of system administration, problems of limited scalability of distributed systems and problems of software portability. It was concluded that at present there is no unified approach to eliminate these disadvantages when building a monitoring process. The model of decentralized distributed system for which the methodology of monitoring process organization is developed is given. Three approaches to the organization of monitoring process of distributed information systems are described, namely the organization of monitoring of network activity of information system, the organization of monitoring of host activity of information system and mixed approach. The mixed approach based on monitoring of network and host activity is used in the methodology. The process of prioritization of sources of information security events is considered, which includes the assessment of IS risks, identification of actual IS threats and identification of critical assets of the organization. As a result, a methodology for organizing the process of monitoring distributed information systems is proposed, which consists of four stages: risk calculation, identification of actual threats, prioritization of information security event sources and connection of selected sources to the information security event monitoring system.

Exploration of Dynamics of Corporate Performance and Corporate Governance

This research explores the dynamics of corporate performance and governance in the context of globalization and fierce business competition. With a focus on the Spanish tourism sector and evaluating corporate governance in Latin America, the study uses a mixed approach, combining qualitative and quantitative analysis. The study aimed to understand the relationship between corporate performance and corporate governance by exploring the differences between family and non-family businesses. The research provides insight into how ownership, management, and governance practices can affect corporate performance through literature studies, return on capital analysis, and corporate governance evaluations. The results show that family businesses have unique dynamics involving emotional involvement and creativity, while good corporate governance is concerned with consistency of return on capital. Implications include a better understanding for organizational leaders in making investment decisions and sustainable business strategies. This research makes theoretical and practical contributions to understanding performance dynamics and corporate governance in global and local business contexts.

PERSEPSI MAHASISWA KEPERAWATAN TERHADAP PEMBELAJARAN ONLINE Indonesian Nursing Students’ Perception of Online Learning : A Descriptive Study

Introduction: Online learning is a novel approach that requires adaption and development. The process of adapting and transitioning to online learning methods impact various aspects of learning components, especially among students. Negative perceptions of e-learning have been expressed by student, potentially leading to psychological pressure due to encountered challenges. This study aims to describe nursing students' perceptions of online learning Method: A cross-sectional approach was employed among nursing students in Indonesia. Data was collected online through a Google Form across three regions in Indonesia: Java and Sumatra, Bali and Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT), and Maluku. Thirteen questions were used to measure respondents' perspectives using a Likert scale. A total of 403 nursing students participated in the study, including Diploma, Bachelor's, and Professional Nursing Program students. Results: 46% of respondents were unsure about the benefits of online learning. 84% agreed that poor internet connectivity and scheduling difficulties (55%) were barriers. 57% of respondents believed that online learning is suitable for theoretical aspects, but strongly disagreed with using it for practical/clinical components (52%). Respondents agreed that instructors provide timely responses (52%) and feedback (75%). 37% of respondents agreed that online learning could incorporate conventional/classroom teaching methods. 36% lacked confidence in performing patient procedures after online learning and expressed uncertainty about taking exams (45%). 57% of respondents preferred a mixed teaching approach (classroom, clinical, and online) Respondents consider online learning more appropriate for theoretical instruction, leading to uncertainty in applying practical skills after online learning. Discussion: Respondents consider online learning more appropriate for theoretical instruction, leading to uncertainty in applying practical skills after online learning.

How can energy poverty affect farmers’ health? Evidence from mountainous areas in China

The two important goals of sustainable development, affordable and clean energy, and good health and well-being have attracted global attention. This study explores the nexus and impact pathways between energy poverty and farmers' health, defining energy poverty from a multidimensional perspective that includes cooking, washing, warming, cooling, showering, traveling, entertainment, education, and communication. A mixed approach is deployed by using 1016 survey data collected from the rural mountainous areas of China, where the probit model, ordinary least squares, and conditional mixed process estimation methods are used for model estimation. Results indicate that farmers' physical and mental health is significantly negatively affected by multidimensional energy poverty. Regards to the different dimensions of energy poverty, cooking energy and traveling energy have considerable negative impacts on farmers' health. In terms of population heterogeneity, multidimensional energy poverty has a worse effect on farmers' health in the empty-nest stage and on males. To alleviate multidimensional energy poverty and improve health, this study proposes targeted policy recommendations for domestic policymakers and can shed light on other developing economies facing similar challenges.

Examining the impact of coaching for independence in adventure sports

ABSTRACT This study of adventure sports learners expands on earlier work on adventure sports coaching. We examine learners’ perceptions of their coaching and its effect on their self-efficacy and independence as adventure sports performers. We utilise a convergent mixed approach that deploys the Outdoor Recreation Self-Efficacy Scale, pre- and post-coaching, and a reflexive thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews. The findings indicate improved self-efficacy and greater independence as a result of the coach’s practice, supporting our initial conjecture that the adventure sports coaches in this study developed independence as a definable outcome of their coaching practice.

Software sensors design for a class of non linear coupled PDE systems: The Vlasov–Poisson dynamical system

This paper presents the synthesis of a state observer for the 1D×1D Vlasov–Poisson (VP) equations. To derive the LPV (linear parameter-varying) formulation of the system, the Vlasov equation is approximated using the discontinuous Galerkin method and the Poisson problem is approximated using the Raviart–Thomas mixed finite element approach. The paper demonstrates the asymptotic and exponential stability of the discretized VP system. Furthermore, the synthesis is extended to include H∞ state estimation. A simulation code has been developed to validate the obtained results.

Environmental impacts of certification programmes at Colombian coffee plantations

Certification programmes are often promoted as a sustainable solution for the negative environmental and socio-economic effects generated by agricultural activities. This scope review assesses the seven most adopted certification programmes in Colombian coffee plantations and their ecological, economic and social impacts. In addition, this scope review characterises the coffee regions where the studies are conducted and the main methodological approaches that are used. The review revealed that the main methodological approach used in the studies is the mixed approach and that the largest number of studies is not conducted in the departments that report the highest coffee production rates. The main certification program assessed in this review is the Rainforest Alliance. However, this study also reports the existence of several gaps caused by multi-certification effects. In total, 87 reports of ecological, economic, and social impacts were identified. Out of the 87 environmental impact reports of the certifications identified in this study, 66 were positive and only 21 were negative.

Financial knowledge, attitude towards money and investment decisions: new insights for the farmland market

ABSTRACT A considerable share of farmland market activity is related to non-agricultural owners. Recent research has shown that those non-agricultural owners are likely to be private persons. However, little is known about potential factors which drive their decision to invest in farmland. This study aims to investigate four groups of factors which could affect the decision of non-agricultural persons to buy farmland: Key investment information, financial knowledge, the attitude towards money, and sociodemographic characteristics. Primary discrete choice data, which is representative for our study region Germany within four categories, has been collected for the purpose of this study. 637 participants were asked to invest in farmland, financial products or save their money in a bank account. A mixed logit approach revealed, that variables from each factor group are related to the decision to invest in farmland. According to the effect sizes, risk (volatility of returns), returns, a university degree and a preference for a secure investment performance are especially important factors for investment decisions. Furthermore, considerable differences exist between people with a high financial literacy score or a high level of self-assessed financial knowledge.

'Whether it's your weapon or not, it's your home': US military spouse perspectives on personal firearm storage.

In the USA, an estimated 45% of veterans personally own firearms. Firearm access increases the risk of suicide, so suicide prevention efforts in the US Department of Defense (DoD) focus on lethal means safety, including reducing firearm access. Spouse input may enhance effective messaging and intervention delivery of lethal means safety. This study used qualitative methods to explore the perspectives of military spouses or partners on personal firearm storage, including at-home decisions, on-base storage and existing messaging from the DoD. Qualitative data were obtained using 1:1 interviews and focus groups with spouses/partners of US military service members (active duty, Reserve, National Guard, recently separated from the military) and representatives from military support organisations. Sessions focused on personal firearm storage (at home or on military installations) and military messaging around secure firearm storage and firearm suicide prevention. Data were analysed using a team-based, mixed deductive-inductive approach. Across 56 participants (August 2022-March 2023), the themes were variability in current home firearm storage and spousal participation in decision-making; uncertainty about firearm storage protocols on military installations; mixed awareness of secure firearm storage messaging from the military; and uncertainty about procedures or protocols for removing firearm access for an at-risk person. US military spouses are important messengers for firearm safety and suicide prevention, but they are currently underutilised. Tailored prevention campaigns should consider spousal dynamics and incorporate education about installation procedures.

DIFFERENCES IN WHITE MATTER MICROSTRUCTURE IN MIDDLE-TO-OLDER AGE ADULTS WITH CHRONIC KNEE PAIN

Abstract Abundant research suggests aberrant white matter microstructure in patients with chronic pain as well as in older adults independently, where pain can significantly impact daily function. However, most studies fail to consider pain and aging interactions, particularly in middle and older-age. We aimed to explore differences in white matter microstructure (i.e.,Fractional Anisotropy (FA)) by pain’s impact on daily function (i.e., high (n=60) versus low pain impact (n=111) in middle-(45-59 years old, n=129) versus older adults (60-XX years old, n=77) using diffusion tensor imaging. Participants (n=171) underwent laboratory visits to collect multi-modal pain and neuroimaging measures. We employed a linear mixed model approach to test main effects of pain impact and age groups as well as their interaction with Bonferroni-corrected multiple comparisons. Findings demonstrated a significant pain impact and age interaction on FA (p’s≤0.05) in the left caudal anterior cingulate, left caudal middle frontal, left and right rostral middle frontal and left and right insular regions. Specifically, middle-aged adults with high impact pain had significantly worse brain microstructure across these regions compared to the older adults reporting high impact pain (p’s≤0.05). These findings highlight the need to study pain across the lifespan. Given the higher prevalence of chronic pain in middle-age compared to older age, future studies are urgently needed to test whether interventions in middle-age could halt pain’s impact on brain and function.

EXPLORING MULTIDIMENSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS OF OLDER ADULTS LIVING WITH CHRONIC PAIN

Abstract Older adults who experience chronic pain (CP) face many challenges from their illness, which can affect their personal and healthcare relationships. Research indicates the importance of relationships on health and quality of life outcomes in older adults with CP. However, minimal research has explored their perspectives on the relationships they have with their healthcare providers, healthcare system, their CP, and family/friends/community. Objective: To understand how older adults’ CP impacts their relationship with the healthcare system; and how older adults’ CP impacts their personal relationships (i.e. self, family, community). Methods: Adults >50 years of age with pain were eligible to enroll in virtual focus groups and/or interviews. Audio recordings were transcribed, coded, and analyzed via a mixed inductive-deductive framework approach using ATLAS.ti. Microsoft. Descriptive statistics were performed using Stata 16. Results: Sixteen participants participated in a focus group (n=3) or an interview (n=13). Participants identified as White (n=12,75%), female (n=12,75%), and were between the ages of 55-64 years old (n=8,50%). Most participants held an associate’s degree or higher (n=15,93%) and reported private medical insurance coverage (n=11,70%). Sessions lasted between 30-90 minutes. Participants described complex relationships that could have positive or negative impacts on their ability to manage their CP and their overall quality of life. Relationships explored included the healthcare system, clinician(s), family, other patients, and CP. Discussion: The relationships of older adults living with CP are multidimensional and can support or adversely affect pain management, mental health, and quality of life.