Positive View Research Articles

Language ideologies in transnational families with Israeli background in Finland.

Transnational families manage complex language dynamics, with multifaceted linguistic practices representing a key aspect in shaping communication among family members, where balancing heritage and host country languages impacts both cultural preservation and integration into a new society. The situation complicates when multilingual and multicultural families relocate to a country with a new majority language, while maintaining ties to their original society. This study analyzes language ideologies of seven transnational participants who were repatriated to Israel from post-Soviet states (PSS) during childhood and decades later relocated to Finland with their children. The study based on the data gathered through semi-structured interviews addresses two key questions: What are the language ideologies held by Israeli Generation 1.5 parents in transnational multilingual families residing in Finland? What are the parental language beliefs concerning their and their children's social integration in Finland? Thematic data analysis reveals parents' efforts to balance multiple languages, driven by their overwhelmingly positive views on their children's multilingualism. The language choices impact language acquisition and maintenance, while also preserving old social connections and building new ones for the entire family. Findings highlight key factors shaping parental ideologies on language transmission, multilingualism, code-switching, and integration, mostly influenced by personal convenience and practicality. This study presents a novel perspective on the language ideologies of multilingual parents. By examining individual parental beliefs and attitudes toward each language involved, it identifies recurring collective ideologies regarding multilingualism overall and each specific language, thus enriching discussions on linguistic diversity and multicultural integration in transnational contexts. Additionally, informing policymakers about the linguistic challenges encountered by transnational multilingual families can facilitate the promotion of inclusive educational practices and foster cultural awareness initiatives, thus contributing to the creation of a more equitable and supportive environment for such families managinglinguistic diversity.

Using Restorative Justice to Respond to and Prevent Sexual Harm: A Qualitative Study of Formal Practices in Six Countries.

Sexual violence (SV), which causes sexual harm, is a significant public health issue globally. In many nations, conventional legal remedies are the prevailing responses to SV. Restorative justice (RJ) shows promise as a potential alternative way to address sexual harm, given evidence that RJ better aligns with expressed needs and safety concerns of those directly impacted by SV. However, few empirical studies exist concerning best practices for and the effectiveness of using RJ for this purpose. This study helped address this research gap by conducting in-depth interviews to understand how organizations choose to use RJ to address sexual harm; how RJ is being operationalized to address sexual harm; how those involved in offering RJ to address sexual harm define success or positive outcomes; and factors that present challenges for or contribute to the success of RJ processes addressing sexual harm. We conducted 24 semi-structured key informant interviews with RJ practitioners and researchers in six countries. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and emergent themes were identified through a rigorous, iterative coding process. Informants discussed using formal RJ practices with a subset of sexual harm cases, typically instances of adult sexual assault or to resolve sexual harm adults experienced as children. These responses generally adhered to this sequence: referral, assessing appropriateness for participation, preparing participants, and conducting the process. Informants shared anecdotal examples of RJ benefits and measurable indicators of program success like participant satisfaction, increased coping skills, and signs that harm will not recur, although, most were not formally evaluating their programs. Challenges included limited resources, unsupportive RJ-related beliefs, and COVID-19. Factors that aid success include funding, partnerships, and positive RJ-related views. Study findings underscore the need for more research on using RJ to address sexual harm with exploration of best practices for delivering such services to diverse communities.

Exercise-based telerehabilitation for the management of chronic pain in people with severe haemophilia: a mixed-methods feasibility study

BackgroundChronic pain is reported by between 30 and 71% of people with haemophilia (PWH). Exercise is shown to be effective for pain management in other arthritides, but it remains unclear if such an approach is effective or acceptable to PWH. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a telerehabilitation exercise intervention for PWH living with chronic pain.MethodsThis was a multisite, non-randomised, pre-post feasibility design, with a nested qualitative study. People with severe haemophilia > 18 years, living with chronic pain, were recruited. The intervention comprised 12 low-impact/moderate intensity, individualised exercise sessions and 3 knowledge-sharing and discussion sessions. Primary objectives assessed according to predefined progression criteria were as follows: (a) recruitment rate (5 participants enrolled per site over 8 weeks), (b) adherence (≥ 75% participants would adhere to ≥ 75% of sessions), (c) follow-up rate (≥ 75% completion of self-reported measures), (d) fidelity (intervention delivered as described in protocol) and (e) safety (≤ 30% participants would report adverse events). Acceptability was evaluated from thematic analysis of post-intervention participant interviews. Preliminary evaluation of self-reported pain, function and quality of life (QoL) was a secondary objective. Results were reported using descriptive statistics integrated with qualitative findings.ResultsTen PWH were recruited and completed the intervention. Nine agreed to be interviewed post intervention. Attendance at individual sessions was 84.5% compared to 52.1% for the group sessions. Outcome measures were successfully completed for 100% at baseline, 70% at intervention end and 60% at 3-month follow-up. No serious adverse events were recorded. Group median values in outcome measures (pain, function, QoL) showed minimal change post intervention. Participant interviews highlighted high levels of enjoyment, confidence in continuing exercises independently and positive views of virtual delivery and condition-specific exercise.ConclusionsRecruitment rate and safety met the predefined progression criteria. Fidelity partially met the progression criteria, but the follow-up rate for self-reported measures did not. The study was acceptable to both participants and physiotherapists. Further intervention development is needed to review approaches to outcome measure collection and refine the usefulness of the knowledge-sharing sessions.Trial registrationThe study was prospectively registered on 9 July 2021: International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number ISRCTN 17454597.

Intern nursing students' experiences in the COVID-19 vaccination unit and views on the COVID-19 vaccine: A phenomenological qualitative study.

Improving acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine among nursing students is an important strategy for both preventing infection and building public confidence in the vaccine. The aim of this study was to describe the views of intern nursing students on the COVID-19 vaccine and to evaluate their experiences in the COVID-19 vaccination unit. This was a phenomenological qualitative study with a descriptive design. The 46 intern nursing students included in this study were all trained in the COVID-19 vaccination unit. The data was collected at focus group interviews conducted during June 2021 and October 2021. The mean age of intern nursing students was 22.78±0.91. From the focus group interviews, two themes were identified regarding the views of intern nursing students on the COVID-19 vaccine and their experiences in the COVID-19 vaccination unit: Theme 1. Positive views; Theme 2. Negative views. Intern nursing students described that they trust the COVID-19 vaccine and believe in its protection. Intern nursing students who performed their clinical practices in COVID-19 vaccination unit stated that they realized their responsibilities toward patients and the community. From the INSs' point of view, confidence in the vaccine, responsibility towards patients, their families and the community, and VU practice experience, the health risk associated with COVID-19 positively affected their decision to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The participation of intern nursing students in clinical practice during the pandemic influenced both intern nursing students and population in terms of the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines.

Empowering the Faculty of Education Students: Applying AI’s Potential for Motivating and Enhancing Learning

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate how AI impacts students’ intrinsic motivation and learning experiences in various cultural and academic settings. An analysis of the effects of AI-powered learning tools on intrinsic motivation and learning enhancement was conducted in early 2024. The study recruited 455 students (192 males and 263 females) from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Spain, and Poland who were studying diverse majors in educational faculties. Using a 5-point Likert scale, the validated instrument included three dimensions with a total of 10 items: intrinsic motivation and AI, AI and enhancing learning, and overall perception of AI in education. Significant differences were found by nationality and major, with Polish students and education technology majors showing the highest motivation levels. As a result of enhancing learning experiences, autonomy, and critical thinking skills, AI tools were found to positively influence motivation. Motivation, however, was not significantly influenced by academic level. Despite ethical concerns, students held a moderately positive view of artificial intelligence in education. Further research on optimal AI implementation and ethical considerations in education is necessary based on these findings.

Using Treated Wastewater for Non-Potable Household Uses in Peri-Urban India: Is It Affordable for the Users?

Reuse of wastewater is a promising response to water scarcity. For peri-urban areas served by decentralized wastewater treatment plants, the delivery of treated wastewater to the households may be a viable option to promote reuse on a larger scale. Based on a case study in Eastern India, this paper explores if households would accept recycled water for non-potable purposes and if they would pay for it. While the respondents to household surveys had very positive views about recycling, they were not willing to pay much, even if they were from a middle-income class and could afford more. A closer analysis of the attitudes towards recycling indicated knowledge gaps about the risks and advantages of using recycled water.

Seeking justice on social media: Funas as a localized form of Latin American youth activism

A funa, a public denouncement aimed at raising moral condemnation of a person accused of perpetrating a crime or injustice, has become a major digital activism instrument in Latin America, particularly in Chile. Originated in the human rights movement in the 1990s, funas re-emerged as a new form of online activism that hybridized with a Latin American and historical form of protest to exert informal justice through social media. Drawing on a face-to-face survey of Chilean youth aged 18–29 years, we examine the factors that explain young people’s attitudes and behaviors regarding funas. We find that funas are gendered, with issues like sexual harassment and misconduct being the primary subject of funas. We also show that women hold more positive views about funas and are more likely to engage in online funas. Finally, our findings indicate that individuals who trust the judicial system are less likely to share funas on social media.

Small business leadership, peacebuilding, and citizen perceptions of businesses as peacebuilders: theory and evidence from Colombia

Purpose Businesses are increasingly engaged in actions to support peace in conflict- and violence-affected communities. Yet there is limited knowledge about why business leaders engage in peace or how citizens perceive the importance, efficacy and impacts of business contributions to address conflict and violence. These gaps are particularly acute for small business scholarship. This paper aims to address these. Design/methodology/approach This paper considers how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) view their peace-positive actions and how these are perceived by communities. This paper examines this by using two original primary surveys conducted concurrently in May 2021 in Bogotá and Medellín, Colombia. Question themes included: SMEs operating environments, relationships and networks, experiences of violence, SMEs community contributions and citizen perceptions of businesses as peacebuilding agents. Findings The results show that small business leaders who supported their communities with peace-positive actions saw their businesses perform better and held positive views of the benefits of engagement. Further, citizen perceptions of businesses contributions to peace declined where insecurity increased and improved where businesses – and in particular MSMSEs – engaged more in their communities. Research limitations/implications This paper discusses certain limitations related to the use of a mobile-phone based sampling methodology enumerated during an ongoing pandemic. Originality/value This paper presents an original contribution that examines both SME and citizen perceptions of businesses peace-positive actions. The findings inform notions of SME leadership in fragile contexts, as well as the role of the private sector in conflict spaces more generally. They also suggest a greater focus on understanding the broader perceptions of businesses actions toward peacebuilding within society.

AN EXAMINATION OF PERCEPTIONS REGARDING ONLINE STUDENT COMMUNITIES: A METAPHORICAL ANALYSIS FOR LEARNERS AND GRADUATES OF OPEN EDUCATION SYSTEMS

The aim of this study is to determine the metaphorical ideas held by learners/graduates who engage in online student communities within the Anadolu University Open and Distance Education System, specifically with the concept of “online student communities”. The study utilized a qualitative research methodology, specifically employing the phenomenology design, which is a well-established qualitative research strategy. The research sample consists of 637 students/graduates who are associated with student groups of the Anadolu University Open Education System. The acquired data underwent scrutiny through the content analysis method. The study revealed that participants evaluated online communities by taking into account multiple features instead of relying on a single notion. Hence, the metaphors used by individuals in virtual student communities were categorized into seven main groupings. The aforementioned areas include the exchange and generation of information, social connections, hobbies, advantages and life experiences, communication and engagement, technology, and monotony or boredom. After examining the participant responses on metaphors related to online student communities and their motivations, it became clear that the participants had positive views on acquiring information, building social connections, facilitating communication and interaction with other students and alumni, as well as personal enjoyment and benefits.

Assessing Students' Affinity for Technology on Learning Outcomes with Artificial Intelligence

This study explores students' affinity for technology and its impact on learning outcomes with Artificial Intelligence (AI). Data from 123 students at Pokhara University were analyzed using a structured questionnaire with a 7-point Likert scale. The findings reveal a strong positive affinity for technology, with high mean scores indicating enjoyment in learning new technologies and staying current with tech trends. Participants also perceive AI as significantly enhancing their learning effectiveness, with mean scores reflecting positive impacts on learning outcomes. One-sample t-tests confirmed that both affinity for technology and AI's impact on learning are statistically significant, with p-values of 0.000. Despite the overall positive view of AI, a slight difference in mean scores suggests further investigation into additional factors affecting AI’s influence on learning outcomes. The study highlights the beneficial role of AI in education and emphasizes the need for ongoing research to optimize its integration into learning environments.

Belongingness in higher education: Fostering decent education to sustain academic progress and equitable access to decent work

Given the critical role of higher education in fostering social mobility and access to decent work, our study investigates how the college experience, shaped by social marginalization and economic constraints, influences students’ academic engagement and work volition before and during COVID-19. Drawing from the psychology of working theory (PWT) and decent education, we assess the mediating role of school belongingness and the moderating effect of COVID-19 timing through structural equation modeling. Our findings suggest that COVID-19 exacerbated the negative effect of social and economic marginalization on work volition and the negative effects of economic constraints on academic engagement, while also diminishing the moderating effect of school belongingness. These insights are crucial considering the profound disruptions in higher education due to the pandemic and underscore the importance of fostering school belongingness as a component of decent education to sustain student engagement and positive views of their work futures.

“People talk about FASD diagnosis but barely any young people are asked about it”: Diagnosis perspectives and disability identity in adolescents with FASD

PurposeYoung people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) are underrepresented in research and in public/professional discourse around the diagnosis and the impact of this disability. This study explores adolescents’ views about their self and disability identity, and knowledge and attitude towards the FASD diagnosis. MethodEight adolescents aged 12–19 years with an FASD diagnosis and in education, participated in this study. Data were collected online using Photovoice methodology and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. ResultsAdolescents expressed positive views of their FASD diagnosis in terms of its salience for self- understanding. They provided biological and causal explanations of FASD but there were no attributes of blame or shame towards biological parents. Adolescents primarily self-identified with personality traits and interests/hobbies but acknowledged FASD as part of their identity. As the adolescents developed their disability identity, parents and peers played different roles in the provision of information, support, and disclosure of the diagnosis. ConclusionThe views expressed by adolescents with FASD about the value and impact of the FASD diagnosis, and the disability identity process, were similar to other groups of young people with different neurodevelopmental and physical conditions. Self-understanding and advocacy relating to diagnosis and disability during adolescence can enhance wellbeing, access to supports and a positive self-identity. Professionals across different services can play a proactive role to develop the positive disability identity of adolescents with FASD.

Public Accountability in Financial Management Practice at Islamic Education Institutions: A Survey Research

This study examines the financial management practices of Islamic educational institutions, with a focus on public accountability. As financial transparency and accountability become increasingly important in educational organizations, it is essential to evaluate how Islamic institutions manage their financial resources. A survey research design was employed to assess perceptions of financial management accountability. Data were collected using a questionnaire distributed via Google Forms, with a sample size of 162 participants from various Islamic education institutions. The findings revealed that respondents generally hold positive views regarding the transparency of financial management practices at Islamic educational institutions. However, challenges in implementing these practices were also identified, such as limited financial training, technological infrastructure gaps, and insufficient stakeholder engagement. While the positive perception of transparency indicates a solid foundation for accountable financial management, the study highlights the need for further improvements. Recommendations include enhancing financial training, upgrading technology, increasing stakeholder involvement, and conducting regular financial audits. Additionally, institutions are encouraged to benchmark their practices against industry best standards to ensure ethical and efficient resource utilization. This research underscores the importance of fostering a culture of accountability in financial management within Islamic educational institutions. By addressing identified challenges and adopting the suggested improvements, these institutions can better ensure financial transparency and ethical resource management.

AI's Role in EFL: Optimizing Opportunities while Mitigating Risks

As artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are increasingly being adopted in educational contexts, it is essential to understand how key stakeholders perceive opportunities and challenges for responsible integration. This mixed-methods study explored EFL teachers' perspectives on utilizing AI tools for instruction, learning activities, and assessment. An online survey collected both quantitative and qualitative data from 150 EFL teachers regarding their experiences, attitudes, and beliefs about AI's pedagogical role and ethical considerations. Descriptive statistics revealed generally positive views of AI's potential for personalized learning and practice opportunities, though ongoing concerns around risks to human interaction, privacy, and bias. Teachers favored collaborative models, with AI playing a supporting role under educator oversight. Significant gaps in teachers' technical literacy and lack of training or support for integration emerged as barriers requiring attention. While potential applications for standardized assessment were acknowledged, ongoing validation of AI models against human judgment was deemed necessary. Qualitative analysis identified uncertainty around AI's impacts on higher-order skill development and communicative competence. Guidelines delineating appropriate roles and oversight frameworks were seen as imperative to ensure aligned, ethical usage maximizing opportunities. This study provides timely empirical insights to inform the development of policies, tools, programs, and practices facilitating the judicious adoption of AI as a partner in strengthening EFL education worldwide through collaborative human-AI partnerships grounded in evidence-based research.

Stakeholder Experiences and Perspectives on the Nueva Escuela Mexicana Reform in Mexican Primary Education

Mexico has recently introduced the Nueva Escuela Mexicana (NEM) in Basic Education, which aims to create a more meaningful, contextualised, inclusive learning environment. This study examined stakeholder experiences and perspectives on the NEM in its first year of implementation. A total of 79 semi-structured individual and group interviews were conducted in 12 primary schools in three Mexican states. A total of 168 participants were interviewed: learners, teachers, head teachers, teacher trainers, and local and regional supervisors. This study found that stakeholders held a range of positive and negative views about the NEM reform. Participants reported several concerns, such as the lack of foundational knowledge developed through the new approach, doubts about certain curricular content (e.g., gender and sexuality), and a lack of explicit guidance and training. This paper offers policy recommendations, which may also be relevant to policymakers in other countries. Limitations of this study and recommendations for future studies are discussed.

Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) With Incarcerated Women: Exploring the Role of Prison Activities as a Determinant of Preparedness for Re-entry

This study was part of a 5-year Prison Research and Innovation Network (PRIN) project to explore the shared perceptions of the prison climate among incarcerated women. Community-based participatory research (CBPR) was used to partner with incarcerated women as equal partners in the project. Focus group interviews were conducted with the incarcerated women in the fall of 2020. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify incarcerated women’s perceptions of prison climate in the correctional facility. An item pool was developed from the themes identified, and a new prison climate survey was administered to 436 incarcerated women. Structural equation modeling was conducted to examine the relationship between prison activity, correctional practices, and preparedness for re-entry. The results indicated the importance of prison activities, as incarcerated women who reported that the prison offers sufficient activities were more likely to feel supported and had a more positive view of the board of parole, which were in turn associated with preparedness for re-entry. Policies targeted toward creating prison activities and programs for re-entry should become a priority for prison leadership and the department of corrections.

Voucher-based contingency management to promote treatment engagement in comorbid alcohol use disorder and alcohol-related liver disease: A pilot theory-informed qualitative study with service users.

Effective interventions for the management of alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) remain a gap in clinical practice, and patients' engagement with alcohol services is suboptimal. Based upon the principles of operant conditioning, contingency management (CM) is a psychosocial intervention th at involves gradual, increasing incentives upon completion of treatment-related goals such as treatment attendance. A pilot feasibility trial was conducted with 30 adult patients recruited from an inpatient clinical setting. Consecutive sampling was used to recruit patients presenting comorbid alcohol use disorder (AUD) and ARLD. Participants were randomized to integrated liver care (ILC), receiving hepatology and AUD care, or ILC with a voucher-based CM intervention (intervention arm). A longitudinal qualitative approach was adopted to explore anticipated (Stage 1) and experienced acceptability (Stage 2). The Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA) guided semi-structured in-depth interviews and deductive analysis. Thirty participants were enrolled in the pilot trial, and interviews were conducted with 24 participants at Stage 1 and seven at Stage 2. Over half of the cohort (54.2%, n = 13) presented decompensated liver disease, and an average of 179 units of alcohol were consumed per week. Overall positive views toward voucher-based CM were noted, and explanatory data emerged across five TFA domains (intervention coherence, ethicality, self-efficacy, perceived effectiveness, and affective attitude). The core aspects of the voucher-based CM intervention matched participants' preferences and needs. Participants regarded CM as having a symbolic value and strengthening the therapeutic alliance with healthcare providers. The data support the scope of voucher-based CM intervention to promote engagement with treatment services, and its potential to address the gaps in the care continuum in ARLD. The findings are of practical significance for developing person-centered, tailored interventions for this clinical population. The outcomes of this investigation can inform decision-making among stakeholders and healthcare providers and improve health outcomes for this clinical population.

Views of emergency care providers in providing healthcare for asylum seekers and refugees

BackgroundThe number of asylum seekers awaiting decisions on their claims in the UK has more than tripled since 2014. How we meet international obligations to provide appropriate healthcare to asylum...

Police Public Image through the Lens of Community Stakeholders

Police community relation is meant to combat citizen mistrust of the police force. This strategy was developed in the mid-20th century to help officers ​​work more collaboratively with the communities they are assigned to. The hope was that activities such as town hall meetings and “meet and greet” foot patrols would create a partnership between citizens and the police force, increasing trust and ultimately leading to reduced crime. This study explored the views of community stakeholders on the police public image in the province of Southern Leyte through a qualitative research method. The informants of this study were ten individuals from different sectors of society within the province of Southern Leyte. All informants were subjected to an individual in-depth interview. The findings of this study are described in emergent themes. Six (6) emergent themes described the positive and negative views of the informants regarding their current views on the public image. For the positive views, three (3) emergent themes were developed, namely Community Engagement and Cooperation, Trust in Police and Public Safety, and Commitment to Duty and Profession. For the negative views, three (3) emergent themes were also developed: Use of Excessive Force and Violence, Negative Stereotypes and Public Distrust, and Malfeasance and Inconsistent Law Enforcement. Meanwhile, two (2) emergent themes were formulated to explain how the impact of the police public image affects the community stakeholders, namely, Police as Protector and Police as Public Defender. Finally, four (4) emergent themes were formulated to explain how police activities promote community confidence and trust, namely Enhanced Police Visibility, Community Outreach Program, First Responders in Calamities, and Proactive Information Campaigns. Based on the emergent themes identified, it is recommended that the Philippine National Police (PNP) enhance the efficacy of law enforcement officers by developing stronger relationships with the public and addressing the issues pointed out in the study to restore public confidence. Essential measures may include improving community engagement through transparent communication and enhancing officer training in ethics and accountability.

Antigas e novas amizades de imigrantes latino-americanos

In view of the growth of international migration, including in Latin America, the present investigation aimed to analyze the history of old and new friendships of Latin American immigrants throughout their lives in the new country (Brazil, other Latin American countries, Spain and Portugal). More specifically, it was intended to investigate how recent migration affects existing friendships and the formation of new ones, with people of any nationality and culture. 40 immigrants participated in this descriptive-qualitative study (70% women and 50% between 30 and 39 years old), divided into four groups: A) 20 Latin Americans who lived in Brazil; B) three Brazilians who lived in another Latin American country; C) 12 Brazilians who lived in Spain; and D) five Brazilians who lived in Portugal. The instrument used was a questionnaire with open questions, sent and received by e-mail, producing written reports. In total, direct contacts were made by e-mail with national and international universities and educational institutions, as well as by messages on social networks with approximately 1,000 people, between August 2014 and January 2016. A detailed analysis of the data was conducted with a coding process (interpretation of the statements), and subsequent organization of the material into categories, based on qualitative content analysis. The main results of the study pointed out that most of the close friends are of the same gender and of the same nationality, and most of them reside in the country of origin of the immigrant. The ties in the immigrant's country of origin are close friendships, of many years, whose main means of contact are Facebook, Skype, WhatsApp, telephone, e-mail, internet and in person, and the frequency of contacts varies from daily to monthly. According to the participants, it is very good to see friends from their home country, with the most common shared activities being eating or going to restaurants, drinking or going to bars and staying at home. Both old (compatriots) and new friends (usually natives of the new country or other immigrants) are important in the process of migration from one culture to another. The beginning of friendships in the new country happens, for the most part, in the academic environment, through other friends and through relatives. Finally, Latin American immigrants in Brazil and Brazilians in other Latin American countries demonstrated a mostly positive view of natives before establishing friendships with them; and Brazilian immigrants in Spain and Portugal a negative view.