Personal Interviews Research Articles

Lived Experiences of Fatherhood After Infertility

ObjectiveTo explore the lived experiences of fathers in the perinatal period after infertility. DesignA descriptive, phenomenological study. SettingResearcher’s private office and participants’ homes in an Eastern Canadian province. ParticipantsEight fathers who met the eligibility criteria. MethodsWe recruited a purposive sample of eight participants and held one-on-one interviews in person, by telephone, and via virtual platforms. We analyzed the verbatim transcripts of the audiotaped interviews using Colaizzi’s phenomenological data analysis method. ResultsWe uncovered seven themes that described the lived experiences of participants: The Journey: A Long Winding Road, Roles and Responsibilities: Supporter and Protector, Support: The Often-Forgotten Parent, Challenges and Hurdles: Bumps on the Road, So Many Feelings: The Rollercoaster, Coping: Living on the Road, and Reflection: An Unforgotten Journey. Participants shared their experiences of the perinatal period after infertility as long journeys and described how bumps along the road marked these journeys. The journeys were essential parts of their lives that they continued to remember years later. ConclusionThe perinatal experience after infertility is an important and remembered time for fathers. It is essential to involve and support them in the perinatal process to facilitate positive experiences and overall family health, especially after infertility. There is an ongoing need to conduct research with fathers and to develop evidence-based programming and resources to assist them in the perinatal period after infertility.

The importance of personal interviews in assessing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) in India

The importance of personal interviews in assessing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) in India

Profitability and Determinants of Output of Rice Production in Anambra State, Nigeria

The study examined the profitability and determinants of output of rice production in Anambra State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to: estimate the profitability of rice production; establish the determinants of production output; and identify constraints to rice production in the area.Multistage, purposive and random sampling methods were used to select respondents. Though 378 copies of the questionnaire were administered to the farmers by personal interview, 315 adequately filled copies were sorted and used in data collation. Primary data used for the study were collated and analyzed by means of descriptive and inferential statistical tools such as the enterprise budgeting technique (gross margin, net farm income, mean net farm income and net return on income) Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression, One- way ANOVA and Scheffe’s Multiple Comparison test. Findings on the profitability of rice production in the area showed that per hectare gross margin figures were N315,300, N285,600, N302,800 and N301,233 for Anambra, Aguata and Awka Agricultural zones, and the State (study area) respectively. Net return on investment figures were 1.49, 1.23, 1.30 and 1.35 respectively. The NROI values indicate that for every N1.00 investments in rice productions in the three zones and the State the farmers are likely to realize on one hectare N1.49 in Anambra Agricultural zone, N1.23 in Aguata zone, N1.30 in Awka zone and on the average N1.35 in the State, hence rice production is a profitable enterprise in the area. Meanwhile, Schefee’s Multiple Comparison test indicated no significant difference between per hectare mean net farm incomes realized by farmers from paired agricultural zones. Findings on the influence of socio-economic characteristics of the farmers on production output indicated that five regressors (educational level, farming experience, farm size, amount of credit obtained and cost of inputs) exerted independent and statistically significant influences on output while the rest six did not have significant influence on output. Constraints to rice production posited insufficient fund as the most serious problem of rice production in the area, followed by scarcity and high cost of labour, scarcity and high cost of quality seeds, among others. Government should encourage financial institutions to make loans available to farmers and form cooperative societies to obtain bulk purchase of high quality seeds and other input resources.

Students' New Concept Construction Process Based on APOS Theory: Introvert versus Extrovert

This study aims to describe the process of constructing new concepts for students with introverted and extroverted personalities. The research subjects were two students of grade VI in one of the elementary schools with different personalities (introverts and extroverts). Data collection techniques using personality test questionnaires, tests, and interviews. Analysis of the data from the proportion concept test results refers to the APOS indicator (Action, Process, Object, Schema). The results showed that there were differences between introverted and extroverted students in the process of constructing students' new concepts on proportion concept. At the Action stage, they can solve problems related to the concept of worth comparison. The two subjects used a similar strategy, namely the multiplication operation. At the Process stage, introverted subjects can interpret the value comparison problem into various representations, both tables and graphs, and can explain its characteristics. While the extrovert subject is only able to represent the problem of value comparison in the form of a table only and experiences doubts in explaining its characteristics. At the Object stage, they can provide other examples of the concept of value comparison, but introverted subjects are more creative in this regard. In addition, they are also able to classify whether a problem includes the concept of valued comparison or not. At the Schema stage, they can define worth comparison and can infer its relationship with several concepts even though the extroverted subject has not fully concluded its relationship with the classification of comparison. This description can be used as input for teachers in choosing learning methods or strategies to convey material that is well received by each student.

Post‐combustion capture and other Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) technologies: A review

AbstractTechnologies for capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO2) and strategies for sequestering carbon dioxide have received a lot of interest in recent years as potential remedies for the curtailment of the growing concerns of emissions of greenhouse gases and global warming. This article provides a comprehensive analysis on the trends in research and development in the area of CO2 carbon capture and sequestration at the moment. The review explores various technological approaches for capturing CO2 from industrial emissions, such as post‐combustion capture systems, pre‐combustion capture systems, and oxy‐fuel combustion system. It also gives a major insight into the post‐combustion capture of carbon by means of a summary, information obtained via a personal interview with a Combustion Based Unit (CBU) plant manager. Additionally, different methods for storing and sequestering the aforementioned gas, including geological and oceanic archiving, and mineralization, are examined. By synthesizing the findings from a wide range of studies and research papers, this literature review provides valuable insights into the current technologies for CO2 capture, storage, and sequestration, contributing to the ongoing efforts in addressing climate change and achieving sustainable development goals.

Knowledge Level of Improved Buffalo Husbandry Practices in Peri-urban areas of Surat city of Gujarat

A field survey was conducted in the Peri-urban areas of Surat city of Gujarat to assess the knowledge level of randomly selected 50 buffalo farm owners about improved buffalo husbandry practices. The analysis of data collected by personal interview method revealed that majority of buffalo owners had medium knowledge level on different aspects of improved buffalo husbandry practices viz. 76% for feeding, 56% for breeding, 72% for general management and 50% for health care. The overall knowledge levels of the respondents in improved buffalo husbandry practices fall under low, medium and high categories are 16%, 68% and 16%, respectively. The knowledge index of different aspect of improved buffalo husbandry practices of feeding, breeding, general management and health care were 42.50, 67.575, 45.50 and 54.25%, respectively and overall knowledge index of improved buffalo husbandry practices was 52.50 % in the study area.

Silent struggles to self-manage high blood pressure among deaf sign language users: a qualitative study.

Tailored self-management support of hypertension, considering language and communication, is important for minorities, specifically in the deaf community. However, little is known about the experiences of hypertension self-management in deaf individuals who use sign language. This study aimed to explore the factors and processes of self-management in deaf sign language users with hypertension. Ten men and women who used sign language participated in this study. Data were collected using in-depth personal interviews conducted in the presence of a sign language interpreter between November 2022 and February 2023. All interviews were recorded and transcribed for conventional content analysis. Qualitative analyses identified four categories related to the self-management of hypertension among participants: personal factors (chronic hand pain, unique language and communication, and efforts to turn crisis into opportunities), family and socioeconomic factors (family support and financial burden of living), challenges (limited health literacy and alienation from health education), and desire for health education considering the deaf community. The results of this study suggest that family support, socioeconomic status, hand pain, and health literacy should be considered for the planning and development of health education on self-management of hypertension in deaf individuals. In addition, this health education requires cooperation with qualified sign language interpreters in healthcare settings.

Experiences regarding Home Care for Older Adults from the Viewpoint of Family, Paid Caregivers, Nurses, and Experts: A Qualitative Study

Home care (HC) is recommended for older adults who want to live at home as long as possible despite life-limiting conditions. It is more convenient and cost-effective than institutionalization and hospitalization. However, HC for older adults in Iran faces many challenges. The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of different stakeholders involved in HC for older adults about their experiences and suggestions for HC improvement. This qualitative study was conducted based on the explorative content analysis approach between 2021 and 2022 in Tabriz, Iran. The participants were selected using the purposeful sampling method, and the data were collected through in-depth semistructured personal interviews. A total of 27 individuals who participated in individual interviews were family members, HC workers (including nurses and unqualified paid caregivers), heads of counseling and nursing care at home centers, and experts who had clinical or research experience in the field of geriatric care. Collected data were categorized into three main themes: defects in home care governance, concern about the efficiency of home care, and caregivers’ job security concerns. These themes reflected the problems of HC, such as conflicts between multiple trustees, lack of evaluation and monitoring, inadequate competence and financial barriers of families and caregivers, and poor integration and coordination of services. Therefore, it is recommended to develop a national model for HC for Iranian older adults and allocation of different financial resources for HC, implementing quality improvement and evaluation tools, enhancing the training of caregivers, providing them with adequate compensation and benefits, and ensuring the safety and quality of services. These findings can inform the policymakers and planners of care services about the needs and challenges of this population and facilitate the collaboration among different stakeholders to provide better HC for older adults.

The Puzzle of Chile’s Resilient Support for Gender Parity

Chile’s 2021–22 Constitutional Convention was the first in the world to feature mechanisms that guaranteed gender parity among constituents (Arce and Suárez-Cao 2021). This was not an easy win. Feminist activists and women politicians pushed for gender parity in 2020-21 in a country that had adopted gender quotas relatively late (Figueroa 2021; Reyes-Housholder, Suárez-Cao, and Le Foulon 2023; Suárez-Cao 2023; personal interview #1, April 21, 2023). Reserving seats for Indigenous groups and using other mechanisms to allow space for independent constituents further broadened the convention’s ostensible inclusiveness. After the September 2022 rejection of the 2021–22 Constitutional Convention’s draft, political parties immediately started over by crafting an elite-controlled process. Lawmakers—this time with surprising speed—again coalesced around the idea that an equal number of men and women should write the new draft.

Perception of farmers on varietal traits and constraints in

Greengram (Vigna radiata) is one of India’s most valuable pulse crops. Greengram is a native of India and CentralAsia and has grown in these regions since prehistoric times.India contributes more than 70% of world’s greengram production,while its cultivation has spread to Africa and America relatively in the recent times. The present study was confined toDharwad and Gadag districts of North Karnataka during the agriculture year 2021-22. The study aimed to assess theconstraints faced by greengram growers in adoption of improved varieties of greengram. A multistage random samplingprocedure was used for the selection of samples and data collected through a personal interview method using a pre-testedschedule. Collected data were analyzed by using suitable statistical tools like Garrett’s ranking technique and descriptivestatistics. The study revealed that the major production and constraints faced by the greengram growing farmers. Nonavailabilityof improved variety seeds and scarcity of labour during peak periods were the major production constraints,whereas, high price fluctuations andlack of storage facilities in villages were major marketing constraints faced by greengramgrowing farmers in study area. All the adopted farmers opined that improved variety (DGGV-2) is ideal for mechanicalharvesting and gave more grain yield than the existing varieties of greengram hence it plays amajor role in increasing the farmincome of the greengram cultivars.

Foods and nutrients consumption and the risk of gallstone disease: A nested case-control study in Rosario, Argentina

The etiology of Gallstone Disease (GD) is multivariate and it involves genetics and environmental factors. Nutritional exposure is considered the main environmental influence that contributes to gallstone formation. The aim of this study was to assess the association between diet and GD. A nested case-control study based on a previous representative screening of asymptomatic subjects living in Rosario, Argentina, was carried out. Participants underwent a personal interview. Food and nutrient intake were estimated by applying a food-frequency questionnaire, a food photography atlas, and software for food composition. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate Odds Ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals, adjusted by potential confounders. A total of 120 patients, 51 cases and 69 controls, were studied. Statistically significant differences in average daily energy intake were found between cases and controls (p = 0.002). Total fats, chicken with skin, sausages, and cold cuts intakes were higher in the cases group. However, the control group was characterized by a statistically significant higher consumption of vegetables, fresh fruits, nuts, chicken without skin, and skimmed dairy products. Multiple logistic regression showed that GD risk diminished with red and yellow vegetables (OR = 0.037; p = 0,0004) and nuts consumption (OR = 0.201; p = 0.019). Instead, GD risk increases with total fats (OR = 7.959; ρ = 0.0205), fatty cattle meat (OR = 18.163; p = 0.0063), and chicken with skin consumption (OR: 10.595; p = 0.0050). Phosphorus consumption decreases GD risk (OR = 0.055; p = 0.0035). A number of meals also acted as a protective factor. Also, caloric intake was a risk factor. Each 100 kilocalories daily consumed; the risk increases by 12%.

The Impacts of Climate Change on Tourism Operators, Trail Experience and Land Use Management in British Columbia’s Backcountry

Climate change, natural resource industries, and an expanding outdoor tourism sector have recently increased access to sensitive backcountry environments in Western Canada. Trail managers are struggling to manage trail conditions with the mounting effects of smoke, dust, fire, flood, area closures, and beetle outbreaks in their regions. Outdoor recreation trail managers are linking these events and are thinking critically about the history and interconnectedness of land use management decisions in the province of British Columbia (BC). As the effects of climate change continue to challenge both trail managers and sport recreationists, guides and trail associations have been identified as key education facilitators in the development and dissemination of environmental consciousness. Guided by a community-based participatory research approach, this study used personal interviews with trail managers across the province to highlight how a connection with local ecosystems can develop a more robust land ethic for recreational trail user communities in BC.

Awareness and Attitude of beneficiaries towards Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme in Prakasham District of Andhra Pradesh, India

The present study was carried out using Ex-post facto research design as the event had already occurred. The study was conducted during 2021-22 by selecting state Andhra Pradesh and district Prakasham as the researcher hales to this region and also due to low literacy levels there was a need to bring more awareness about the programme to the women. For this study, four blocks were selected from the district. From each block two villages were choosed and from each village 10 respondents were selected using random sampling constituting a sample of 80 beneficiaries. The data was collected through personal interview method with the help of structured interview schedule. The findings revealed that, most of them were having medium level (62.50%) of awareness towards the scheme, followed by high level (37.50%) and then low level (25.00%) of awareness towards the scheme. The study revealed that two-third (67.50%) of the beneficiaries were having neutral attitude towards the scheme, followed by 17.50% with negative attitude and the remaining (15.00%) had positive attitude towards the scheme.

Arima Forecasting In Soymeal And Beyond: An Empirical Study Bridging The Path To Millet-Based Forecasting

In India, Dealer Relationship Management (DRM). Has a significant importance due to opening up of domestic economy, as a result of globalization. The consumer durables products industry's complicated dealer-retailer connection is examined in this research. The study examines how trust, communication efficacy, long-term commitment, and service quality affect retailer’s loyalty. Interesting insights into these processes are found. While dealer trust and retailer’s loyalty are linked, it is not statistically significant, suggesting additional inquiry. However, the study shows that dealers' communication skills greatly affect retailer’s loyalty. Transparent, open, and timely communication drives strong retailer’s relationships, suggesting that equipping dealers with communication skills might help them last. Dealer devotion is strongly linked to retailer’s loyalty, according to the findings. Long-term engagement methods over short-term transactions are important to build deeper and more enduring relationships with retailers because retailers seek stability and continual assistance. Finally, service quality greatly affects retailer’s loyalty, according to the study. The study will be depended on primary data. The primary data was collected through a sample survey conducted in Andhra Pradesh state market. Stratified random sampling method was used to pick samples. The sample size was 150. The survey was conducted through personal interview based on a structured questionnaire. Structural Equation Model is used the analyze the data.

Identifying critical resources for successful fashion startups in the USA: an exploratory study

PurposeUsing resource-based theory and social cognitive theory, this study aimed to investigate crucial resources that new US fashion ventures need to survive the initial stage of business development. It also intended to discover the role and characteristics of founders that contribute to the success of a fashion business, as well as challenges and struggles that fashion entrepreneurs face.Design/methodology/approachFor the study, a qualitative research method with in-depth personal interviews was conducted. Participants were recruited through purposeful sampling methods. Using a grounded theory approach, we analyzed the approximately 308 pages of primary source data, transcribed from the records of the interviews.FindingsFindings were categorized into three major themes. First, financial resources and literacy, marketing, merchandising, as well as legal resources were identified as critical resources at the firm level. Second, at the individual level, four important human agency factors, including intentionality, forethought, reactiveness and reflectiveness were revealed as essential for the success of fashion entrepreneurs. Lastly, relationships and networks were highlighted at both firm and individual levels.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the understanding of fashion entrepreneurship, an understudied area. The study identified critical resources for the success of fashion startups, especially during the initial business development process. The findings also emphasized the importance of human agency factors and networks at both firm and individual levels.

“I still don’t know how someone gets pregnant”: determinants of poor reproductive health among young female refugees in South Africa

BackgroundStudies exploring the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of refugee women have focused primarily on first generation refugees in humanitarian and crisis settings. There is a paucity of research exploring the reproductive health of girls and young women who are born to refugee parents in a host country or who have migrated with their parents at a very young age and who have since reached sexual maturity. We conducted a qualitative study which aimed to explore the reproductive health and rights’ needs and challenges amongst young refugee women in South Africa.MethodsThe study was carried out in the city of eThekwini (Durban) in South Africa in 2021 and 2022. A total of 35 semi-structured, in person interviews were conducted amongst young refugee women between the ages of 18 and 24 years living in the city centre.ResultsTwenty-five participants were 17 years or younger on arriving in South Africa, one of whom was born in South Africa. Eleven of these women had experienced one or more pregnancies while living in South Africa and all of these women had experienced at least one unintended pregnancy. Participants had poor reproductive health knowledge of the role of menstruation and how conception occurs. Economic, social, and legal insecurities intersected in complex ways as determinants of poor reproductive health outcomes. Despite availability, contraceptive use was poor and linked to lack of knowledge, myths and unwanted side effects. There were negative economic and social impacts for young refugee women experiencing early pregnancies irrespective of whether they were intended or not. Being unable to conceive or experiencing an unintended pregnancy negatively impacted sexual relationships which were entered primarily for material support. Desire for confidentiality shaped lack of access to legal termination of pregnancy in the public health sector.ConclusionParticipants experienced specific vulnerabilities resulting from their position as refugees despite length of stay in South Africa. It is important to better understand these specificities in the design of programmes and policies aimed at ensuring positive health outcomes for these young women. Peer education amongst refugee communities may be an important tool in the provision of culturally acceptable SRH education.

An Analysis of the Wave of Overseas Studying on College Graduates in First-tier Cities in China from the Perspective of Bourdieu's Theory of Class

Based on Bourdieus concepts of capital and habitus in his theory of class, this paper uses qualitative research methods to analyze the motivations for studying abroad and interpret the consciousness and perceptions of students growing up in China's first-tier urban areas. Through the analysis of personal interviews with five students from Beijing, Shenzhen, and Dongguan, three categories of motivation were summarized: perceived class, ubiquitous habitus, and unusual paths beyond habitus. The result indicates that studying abroad is not a mechanical inheritance from social class, but also an active self-pursuit from the spirit cultivated by capital, which is related to the self-expectation and realization of individual value. Therefore, studying abroad is a creative result of their growth process, and the experiences brought by studying abroad are breakthrough products of self-growth under social stratification.

The Association between Uric Acid and Metabolic Syndrome in a Middle-Aged and Elderly Taiwanese Population: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a prevalent health condition in Taiwan that places individuals at higher risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and stroke. Therefore, the identification of risk factors associated with MetS is crucial. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of uric acid and MetS in a Taiwanese community with a middle-aged and elderly population. This cross-sectional study enrolled residents aged 50-90 years living in one community. All of the subjects received a standardized personal interview, including a structured questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, and blood samples were collected for laboratory testing. MetS was defined as excess waist circumference, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high serum triglycerides, and low serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Multiple logistic regression models were used to evaluate uric acid tertiles associated with MetS. A total of 400 subjects were enrolled in the analysis. The overall prevalence of MetS was 35.8%. The prevalence of MetS increased gradually with increasing serum uric acid levels (p value < 0.001). A significant association between uric acid and cardiometabolic risk factors was confirmed, with a Pearson's correlation coefficient for waist circumference of 0.30 (p < 0.001), a coefficient for systolic blood pressure of 0.13 (p = 0.01), a coefficient for triglycerides of 0.33 (p < 0.001), and a coefficient for high-density lipoprotein of -0.30 (p < 0.001). The adjusted odds ratio (OR) of the high uric acid tertile level for MetS was 2.48 (95% CI = 1.31-4.71, p = 0.01). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for uric acid in predicting MetS was 0.621 (p < 0.001). The prevalence of MetS in our study population is high. High serum uric acid levels are independently associated with the presence of MetS among the middle-aged and elderly Taiwanese population.

Exposure–response relationship between work-related hand–arm vibration exposure and musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities: the German hand–arm vibration study

ABSTRACT Objective. To quantify the exposure–response relationship between hand–arm vibration exposure and the risk of musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities (UMSDs), a case–control study was carried out among workers in the construction, mining, metal and woodworking industries. Methods. In total, 209 male cases and 614 controls were recruited. Cases were newly reported patients with UMSDs. Controls were a random sample of persons with compensable occupational injuries. Standardized personal interviews were performed among cases and controls by well-trained safety engineers. In addition to leisure activities and comorbidities, work histories of all participants were collected in detail. To quantify hand–arm vibration exposures, a database of vibration measurements of over 700 power tools was used. This database allows the detailed quantification of vibration exposures over time. A dose–response relationship between hand–arm vibration exposure and UMSDs was quantified by conditional logistic regression analyses. Results and conclusions. After adjusting for relevant confounders, statistically significant exposure–response relationships between cumulative hand–arm vibration exposure and UMSDs were established. A cumulative hand–arm vibration exposure of D hv (vibration total value in three measuring directions) = 142,300 (95% confidence interval [CI] [90,600–333,200]) m2/s4·day or D hw (vibration value in the direction along the forearm) = 38,700 (95% CI [25,400–80,900]) m2/s4·day is associated with a doubled risk of UMSDs.

Study of Impact of Lifestyle Modification on Diabetes and Prediabetes in an Urban Population

Diabetes mellitus has emerged as a prevalent noncommunicable disease worldwide. It ranks among the top causes of mortality in high-income countries and has reached epidemic proportions in newly developing nations.1 Continuous medical care and monitoring is required in Diabetes mellitus along with multi-factorial risk reduction strategies along associated with glycemic control. Due to population aging, growth, urbanization, a lack of physical exercise, and a high incidence of obesity, there are more persons with DM. Lifestyle factors include eating patterns, exercise routines, alcohol consumption, and smoking. An improvement in these parameters would lead to better adherence to hypoglycemic medications. An epidemiological study on diabetes and prediabetes in an urban area with reference to lifestyle modification. An interventional community-based study was conducted in an urban setup. Personal interviews using a semi-structured, pretested questionnaire were the main technique of data gathering. Detailed information has been taken on the demographic and socio-economic characteristics at both the individual and household levels. All responders provided their willingly given consent. Every second household was visited by systematic random sampling procedure to select 400 respondents. Finally, analysis was carried out on 346 respondents. All respondents were questioned using structured a pretested, questionnaire after taking informed consent. Significant difference was observed with positive family history of diabetes, obesity, physical activities in male, high calorie intake, stress, chewable tobacco and blood pressure level with diabetes and pre-diabetes. Compared to responders with normal level of blood glucose, pre diabetics and diabetics individual showed more positive family histories. Compared to responders with normal blood glucose levels, pre-diabetics and diabetics were more likely to be overweight. With regard to personal habits of the respondents, smoking was associated with more than 1-fold increase risk of obtaining serum glucose level &gt;110 mg/dl as compared to non-smokers.The current research was an attempt to examine the effect of intervention with reference to life style modification. From the study, it is evident that overall awareness about diabetes has been found low and no awareness has been found about pre-diabetes. The present study also demonstrated that education is the fundamental tool to make the population aware of their health issues. Awareness about pre-diabetes and diabetes, which can make them beneficial for community and nation and so, they can play an innovative role for prevention of diabetes.