Qualitative Tools Research Articles

Minding the margins: Evaluating the impact of COVID-19 among Latinx and Black communities with optimal qualitative serological assessment tools.

COVID-19 disproportionately affected minorities, while research barriers to engage underserved communities persist. Serological studies reveal infection and vaccination histories within these communities, however lack of consensus on downstream evaluation methods impede meta-analyses and dampen the broader public health impact. To reveal the impact of COVID-19 and vaccine uptake among diverse communities and to develop rigorous serological downstream evaluation methods, we engaged racial and ethnic minorities in Massachusetts in a cross-sectional study (April-July 2022), screened blood and saliva for SARS-CoV-2 and human endemic coronavirus (hCoV) antibodies by bead-based multiplex assay and point-of-care (POC) test and developed across-plate normalization and classification boundary methods for optimal qualitative serological assessments. Among 290 participants, 91.4% reported receiving at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while 41.7% reported past SARS-CoV-2 infections, which was confirmed by POC- and multiplex-based saliva and blood IgG seroprevalences. We found significant differences in antigen-specific IgA and IgG antibody outcomes and indication of cross-reactivity with hCoV OC43. Finally, 26.5% of participants reported lingering COVID-19 symptoms, mostly middle-aged Latinas. Hence, prolonged COVID-19 symptoms were common among our underserved population and require public health attention, despite high COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Saliva served as a less-invasive sample-type for IgG-based serosurveys and hCoV cross-reactivity needed to be evaluated for reliable SARS-CoV-2 serosurvey results. The use of the developed rigorous downstream qualitative serological assessment methods will help standardize serosurvey outcomes and meta-analyses for future serosurveys beyond SARS-CoV-2.

Photovoice for leveraging traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine amongst black adults to improve sleep health and overall health.

Average adults are recommended to have 7-8 h of sleep. However insufficient sleep (IS defined as <7 h/nightly) is associated with increased risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM), a burgeoning area of research and practice, leverages both modern and traditional approaches to improve health. Despite TCIM's recognition as a tool to improve sleep and related outcomes, there is a gap in literature in addressing its impact among black individuals, who experience a disproportionate burden of IS and chronic disease. This qualitative study aimed to increase understanding of TCIM practices to overcome IS and overall health in black communities. Using photovoice methodology, a qualitative tool which applies community-engaged principles to produce culturally informed results through interviews and digital media, consented participants were recruited from Miami, Florida and (1) instructed to capture images over one week that communicated their TCIM to improve sleep and overall health on their mobile device; (2) interviewed using individual, semi-structured procedures to add "voice" to the "photos" they captured for ~20 min; and (3) invited to participate in follow-up focus groups for refined discussion and data triangulation for ~1.5 h. Both individual and focus group interviews were conducted over Zoom with recordings transcribed for formal content analysis using Nvivo software. The sample included N = 25 diverse US black individuals (M = 37, SD = 13, range 21-57). Approximately a quarter of the sample were unemployed (N = 7) and majority were women (N = 21). Results highlighted five themes including: (1) natural wellness (sleep supplements, comfort beverages, aromatherapy, herbalism, outdoors); (2) self-care (self-maintenance, physical activity, spatial comfort); (3) leisure (pet support, play); (4) mental stimulation (mindfulness, reading); and (5) spiritual wellness (faith-based practices). Study results elucidate the heterogeneity of diverse US black individuals regarding sociocultural knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors. Addressing IS in black communities requires a comprehensive strategy that integrates cultural sensitivity, family and community dynamics, education, mental health support, and informed policymaking. Future studies should consider how sleep health literacy, stress appraisal, and coping strategies may vary by race/ethnicity for tailored intervention.

Cutting Technique Modification: A Way to Improve Movement Quality and Develop Agility in Youth?

Abstract Thieschäfer, L, Dos’Santos, T, and Büsch, D. Cutting technique modification: a way to improve movement quality and develop agility in youth? J Strength Cond Res 38(9): 1596–1606, 2024—High-quality cutting technique is essential for agility development and safer cuttings in adolescent athletes. Certain sidestep techniques and kinematics are characteristic of high movement quality and are associated with both, faster performance and lower knee joint loading (i.e., reduced anterior cruciate ligament injury risk). The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a 6-week, side step, technique modification training intervention targeting specific kinematics on agility performance and movement quality. Twenty-two adolescent American football players were recruited for a nonrandomized, controlled, intervention study. For 6 weeks, an intervention group (IG) of 11 players participated in 25-minute cutting technique training sessions integrated into team training twice a week, whereas a control group (CG) of 11 players continued their usual training routine. Agility performance was assessed based on percentage-based change of direction deficit (CODDp) obtained during reactive agility tests at 45° and 90° angles. The Cutting Movement Assessment Score (CMAS) qualitative screening tool was used to assess 2D high-speed videos of the cuts for movement quality. The significance level was set at α = 0.01. The intervention effectively altered players' sidestep technique irrespective of cutting angle with large time × group interaction effects observed for CMAS ( = 0.82). Statistical and practical significant improvements in CMAS pre-to-post intervention were evident in the IG (−2.30 ≤ g ≤ −1.75; 313.87 ≤ BF10 ≤ 2,342.00), whereas deteriorations were found in the CG for 90° (g = 1.38; BF10 = 64.21). However, in both groups, no statistically significant differences in CODDp were observed pre-to-post intervention (0.019 ≤ p ≤ 0.586; 0.34 ≤ BF10 ≤ 3.59). The cutting technique modification training meaningfully improved movement quality, without negatively affecting agility performance, and can be used by practitioners to foster a safe technical foundation for subsequent agility development in adolescent athletes.

The Influence of Transformational Leadership, Competence, Work Motivation and Organizational Culture on the Performance of RSCM Employees through Job Satisfaction as a Mediating Variable and Organizational Support as a Moderating Variable

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of organizational culture, job performance, motivation, and transformational leadership on employee performance at Cut Mutia General Hospital in North Aceh, with the role of organizational culture as a mediating variable and the role of organizational capacity as a moderating variable. This study used a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods with a sample size of 250 participants. Information was collected using questionnaires and interviews. The analysis method used is the SEM-PLS model using Smart-PLS and Nvivo qualitative tools. The research findings show that organizational culture, competence, work motivation, and transformational leadership have a significant impact on employee performance and work-related performance. Employee performance has a significant impact on employee work-life balance. This study also indicated that work-related stress is a mediator of transformational leadership, competencies, work motivation, and organizational culture in relation to employee performance. In addition, organizational capacity facilitates communication among employees.

Innovation Synergy

Amid the dynamic landscape of modern business, this research unveils the interplay between innovation and strategic management as a linchpin for organizational growth. By intertwining theory and empirical exploration, we explore how innovation's fusion with strategic management can create transformative trajectories. Through a qualitative case study approach and tools like NVivo, we dissect how technological and administrative innovation navigates the intricate web of grid management, offering insights that extend beyond academia. The implications underscore innovation's role as a strategic cornerstone, reshaping paradigms for enduring prosperity while fostering a culture of continuous human capacity development. This study propels a shift in conceptualizing and implementing innovation, offering a compass for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers.

From the Perspective of People with Dementia: Using Creative Qualitative Measures to Assess the Values and Opinions on Freedom and Safety among People Living with Dementia.

With the growing numbers of people living in old age, a system that sustains autonomy, dignity and freedom of movement for people living with dementia (PwD) needs to be installed. However, due to the cognitive constraints in the cohort of PwD, traditional qualitative methods of inquiry, such as interviews, are often not a good match. This study aimed to use creative qualitative assessment tools to assess the values and opinions of PwD in nursing homes on freedom and safety. Twenty-two nursing home residents with memory problems participated in this study. Important themes related to freedom and safety were identified using a diverse set of methodologies. Overall, residents had a similar view on 'safety', relating this to having a homely environment where people look out for you, with a good balance between busy and quiet areas and being able to retain cognitive and physical function. Values around freedom were more diverse. Residents who were still capable of logical speech generally voiced a wish for independence, making one's own decisions and wanting to go outside. For residents who no longer spoke, freedom seemed to be experienced more through the connection to other people. These results show that PwD still have distinct personal values concerning freedom and safety, which should be given due consideration in decision-making regarding nursing home policy, thereby potentially improving the quality of life of PwD.

Empowering Women through Self Help Groups led Microcredit: A Novel Initiative

In this paper, an exploratory analysis is made to comprehend whether microcredithas empowered women by increasing their access to credit and if so to what extent and how.It is not only poverty alleviation, microcredit has empowered women by increasing theiraccess to credit, inculcating banking habits and raising family income. It has beeninstrumental in pushing them out of debt trap. Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) play asignificant role on account of their capacity to meet the financial needs of the poor who areexcluded from institutional finance due to lack of collateral. They include facilities such asdeposits, loans, payment services, money transfers, and insurance to poor and low-incomehouseholds and their micro-enterprises. The concept of ‘enhanced agency’ Sen (1995) thatrefers to people’s ability to act on behalf of goals that matter to them is used to understandwomen empowerment through participation in microfinance. This paper is the report of astudy carried out at Kalliyoor panchayat in Nemom block, Thiruvananthapuram, with asample size of 110. The study relies on quantitative as well as qualitative research tools.

Balancing Social and Cultural Priorities in the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for UNESCO World Heritage Cities

There is a strong relationship between heritage-led urban regeneration and the UN initiatives for Sustainable Development (SD). These include the Intangible Cultural Heritage Convention (ICH; 2003) and Historic Urban Landscape (HUL; 2011) under the UNESCO mandate and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs; 2015) and the New Urban Agenda (NUA; 2016) under the UN mandate. Despite the presence of those initiatives, regeneration in a World Heritage city often leads to the disappearance of intangible heritage, gentrification, excessive tourism, and social exclusion. Therefore, this paper critically identifies the shortcomings of those initiatives in addressing social and cultural sustainability. It uses the recently inscribed city of As-Salt on the WHL to showcase how the relevant SDGs’ targets and indicators are problematic in monitoring and measuring the sustainability of urban regeneration practices in WH cities. This is achieved by investigating where heritage and culture are embedded within the descriptions of goals and indicators in the three initiatives (SDGs, NUA, and HUL) document. A content analysis, using the NVivo qualitative data analysis tool, was conducted in order to identify complementarity, synergies, and correlations among the goals and indicators related to social and cultural sustainability. This paper concludes by suggesting an integrated approach under the umbrella of the SDGs for a more sustainable heritage-led urban regeneration alternative for cities acquiring UNESCO WH status.

Metacognitive self-knowledge and cognitive skills in project-based learning of high school electronics students

ABSTRACT Self-knowledge is an important element of metacognition. It encompasses understanding one's own strengths and weaknesses and includes belief and self-assessment of one’s capacity to perform a task. Cognitive skills comprise a range of mental processes, such as attention, memory, problem solving, systems thinking, abstract thinking, and critical thinking, that are essential for acquiring and applying knowledge. The research described in this paper examined the ability for self-knowledge and cognitive skills of electronics students engaged in project-based learning. The study, which used quantitative and qualitative tools, involved 140 twelve-grade electronics students and explored the self-knowledge and cognitive skills they exhibited while executing their final projects. The correlation and paired-samples t-test between the students’ self-report questionnaire (indirect assessment of cognitive skills) and achievement test (direct assessment of cognitive skills) scores were examined to assess the students’ self-knowledge and cognitive skills. The findings revealed a significant difference between self-report questionnaire scores and achievement test scores, indicating that the students’ self-knowledge did not reflect their actual low level of cognitive skills. Measuring self-knowledge and cognitive skills in project-based learning is essential for assessing the effectiveness of the learning process, resulting in improved project outcomes and a firmer foundation for future academic and professional success.

“Not in the Objective Function”: Gender Equality Considerations in the work of Women Government Economists in Israel

This article examines the role of gender equality considerations in economic policy from the perspective of women economists in central economic agencies in government service in Israel. It asks whether and under what circumstances women economists promote policies aiming to reduce gender inequality or benefit women. Using qualitative research tools, the study reveals that women economists view the incorporation of gender equality into economic policy as insignificant and marginal. Gender equality is perceived as a narrow issue, specific and sectoral, while the core issues dealt with by economists are considered broad and universal. The findings are consistent with previous research claiming that placing women in influential positions does not ensure representation of gendered interests, as gender plays a secondary role to training, education, and institutional context. The findings indicate that the claim of neutrality in diverse aspects of economics limits women economists’ activity and thwarts unfettered thinking on economic policy. HIGHLIGHTS In Israel, gender plays a marginal role in women economists’ policymaking. Spaces for training and learning in economics remain fundamentally gender biased. Neutrality perception limits critical feminist thinking on economic policy. Including feminist perspectives in economic education is vital.

Experiences of people with diabetes mellitus of telehealth for diabetes management during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative systematic review protocol.

The objective of this review is to explore the experiences of people with diabetes who used telehealth for diabetes management due to COVID-19 pandemic protocols rather than traditional in-person consultations. COVID-19 intensified globally from January 2020, eliciting a multinational response to infection control for health preservation, including social distancing in public areas and health care settings. The outcome had a significant impact on the health care system, where people with chronic diseases, such as those with diabetes, were required to transition most of their care to telehealth to align with social restrictions. This review will include qualitative and mixed methods studies and theses of any research design and in any language that examine the experiences of adults with diabetes who transitioned from in-person consultations to telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Exclusions will include pre-COVID-19 data; quantitative studies; and secondary, tertiary, and all other gray literature. A search of CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Scopus, Emcare (Ovid), Embase, PubMed (NCBI), and several ProQuest databases will be conducted. Studies from January 2020 onwards in any language will be assessed for inclusion. Two independent reviewers will retrieve and screen titles and abstracts and full-text studies, and assess the methodological quality of the included studies utilizing the JBI qualitative critical appraisal tool. The included studies will be synthesized utilizing JBI meta-aggregation, and the certainty of the findings will be assessed with ConQual. PROSPERO CRD42023424667.

A valuable qualitative tool finds new applications

TOF-SIMS can be used effectively in quantitative analyses by employing a few best practices.

FRAMING ANALYSIS OF MEDIA ONLINE INDONESIA AGAINTS EXECUTIONS WITHOUT NOTIFICATIONS BY THE GOVERNMENT OF SAUDI ARABIA

This study aims to analyze the views of online media in Indonesia on the case of the execution without notification carried out by Saudi Arabia against Tuti Tursilawati, who is a worker from Indonesia. The researcher uses Murray Edelman's framing analysis theory to analyze media texts to determine how a media conveys news. The research method used is qualitative research with literature review and literature review. Data was collected by accessing three online news portals in Indonesia, including Detik, Kompas, and CNN and obtaining a total of 75 news articles. The news was collected using NCapture and analyzed using NVIVO 12 plus software as a qualitative data analysis tool using features such as crosstab and matrix coding. The research results show that three online media in Indonesia reporting on executions without notification tend to discuss the flawed system and method of communication in Saudi Arabia rather than focusing on Indonesia's failure to save Tuti Tursilawati from execution. Even though the government has sought legal assistance for Tuti Tursilawati, the lack of advocacy and weak political lobbying meant that the execution could not be thwarted. However, this important matter should have been discussed in the media. Based on the results of analysis from 3 online media and 3 points of research using Murray Edelman's overall framing analysis, it tends to corner Saudi Arabia so that it seems that the media is not delivering neutral news but is in favour of the government. This also seems exaggerated because most news highlights the lousy side of Saudi Arabia, so the government's shortcomings in handling it are of little concern.

The Functionality of Global Quality Management in the Dynamic and Global Environment of Mergers, Acquisitions, and Strategic Partnerships - Adoption of a Systematic Process Concept

&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Purpose: &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;To explore the functionality of the quality management processes at the global level and understand its complexity and multiple dimensions. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Design/methodology/approach: &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;The researchers use a novel systems perspective to explore international standards ISO 9001/9004 capacity to encompass this complexity and analyze the stages by which global multinational organizations develop. In-depth interviews with experts (CEOs, quality managers, and global managers) from 18 international firms were some of the qualitative methods used in the research, along with content analysis, observations, and other methods. The study addresses the philosophy of global quality management and emphasizes the need for inter-organizational coordination and process management. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Findings: &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;The results of the qualitative tools showed that the existing definitions in ISO 9004/9001 have made it challenging to address the level of process complexity in international organizations. The main recommendations of the study are the following key points for expanding and refining the existing process concept for a global reality: 1) adopting a systems approach for analyzing the development of a global quality function in complex, multinational companies. 2) extending the classic process approach to open, multi-interface systems oriented towards mutual strategic, operational, and marketing processes.&amp;lt;i&amp;gt; Originality/value: &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;In this article, we suggest an innovative, integrated systems approach to multinational quality management based on shifting from the traditional emphasis on separate operations and manufacturing sites toward a comprehensive perspective that considers the interdependence and coordination among locations. This novel analysis and mapping process offers a comprehensive view of coordinating interdependence between elements comprising an international global process system. It expands the ‎classical approach and provides a basis for ‎developing a global, networked QMS. The current study might be useful for organizations that implement quality management systems in multinational companies. The study is part of vast academic research on international strategy in the global competitive landscape.

Cultural adaptation and validation in Italian of the Seated Postural Control Measure for Adults 2.0.

The aim of this study was to assess the cultural adaptation and validation in Italian of the Seated Postural Control Measure for Adults 2.0 (SPCMA 2.0). The original scale was translated and culturally adapted from French to Italian using the "Translation and Cultural Adaptation of Patient Reported Outcomes Measures-Principles of Good Practice" guidelines. Its internal consistency and test-retest reliability were examined. Its concurrent validity was evaluated using Pearson correlation coefficients with the Italian version of the Wheelchair use Confidence Scale and Wheelchair Skills Test 4.2. Fifty-nine people were evaluated and re-evaluated after 48 h. Most of the items and subscale totals were stable in the 2 evaluations as they reported an intraclass correlation coefficient value of >0.77. The test-retest analysis of the dynamic evaluation was performed on the same patients 48 h apart. The analysis for construct validity showed statistically significant correlations with Wheelchair use Confidence Scale and Wheelchair Skills Test 4.2. Seated Postural Control Measure for Adults 2.0 is one of the few tools that allow researchers to perform a quantitative and standardized posture assessment in a cost-effective and time-saving way. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that it is an easy-to-administer scale and requires readily available tools. The limitations of this study highlighted above and the need to use quantitative and qualitative tools in clinical practice imply the need to conduct future studies.

21st Century Entrepreneurial Skills Development of Community Enterprises Chainat Province

Aims: This study intended to assess and enhance the importance of entrepreneurial skills for community enterprises in Chainat Province in the 21st century. Study Design: This study used a mixed method approach, combining qualitative data obtained from in-depth interviews with quantitative data gained using a questionnaire developed from the qualitative results. Place and Duration of Study: A sample of 400 community entrepreneurs in Chainat Province was chosen using cluster sampling and random selection techniques, between December 2021 and November 2022. Methodology: The qualitative research tool differs from the quantitative research tool. The questionnaire in quantitative research should have an Index of Item Objective Congruence (IOC) above 0.6 and a Cronbach's alpha of 0.95. Results: During the COVID-19 period, the qualitative research revealed that the majority of issues are marketing-related. Hence, they require marketing technologies. The quantitative research results indicated significant progress in two categories of entrepreneurial skills in the 21st century: innovation skills and marketing-related life and career skills. The other discoveries included educational materials tailored for modern-day business owners, catering to a range of learning styles. The text covered essential entrepreneurial skills for local businesses, sales promotion techniques, public relations strategies to acquire specific customers, sales negotiating skills, maintaining product branding, and developing new sales tactics. Conclusion: The study discovered that entrepreneurs in Chainat Province aspire to enhance their entrepreneurial abilities in the 21st century, particularly focusing on developing innovative skills and life and career skills

Routines and Daily Dynamics of Young People with Borderline Intelligence: An Ethnomethodological Study

Young people with borderline intelligence functioning (BIF) have intellectual functioning at the border between intellectual disability and those considered neurotypical. This population group is often underrepresented in social research, which makes it difficult to understand their experiences and needs. The research aims to understand the daily lives of young people with BIF to identify needs that society might not be aware of. The study was conducted with a sample of 30 young people. The ethnomethodological design was appropriate for the study of the routines and daily dynamics of these young people, which allowed the researchers to understand the experiences and meanings of the participants from their own perspective. The analysis was carried out in the context of the subject of Qualitative Research Tools in Social Work with fourth-year students, through participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and field diaries. Data analysis was performed using the Atlas.ti23 qualitative content analysis program. The findings suggest a strong dependence on family and social support; a daily life marked by challenges; and a search for autonomy, among many other aspects. Collaboration with the participants allowed the researchers to better understand their experiences and needs from reflexivity.

Vignettes: an innovative qualitative data collection tool in Medical Education research.

This article describes how to make use of exemplar vignettes in qualitative medial education research. Vignettes are particularly useful in prompting discussion with participants, when using real-life case examples may breach confidentiality. As such, using vignettes allows researchers to gain insight into participants' thinking in an ethically sensitive way.

Small‐Molecule Fluorescent Probes for Plant Hormones and their Receptors

AbstractPlant hormones and their receptors play a crucial role in regulating plant growth and adapting to the stress environment. The exploration of interaction between plant hormones and their receptors is significant to comprehend the molecular mechanisms of plant growth and development, the response mechanisms of adaptation to environmental changes, and to optimize the traits and stress‐resistance of crops. Since the biosynthesis, transport, and metabolism of hormones in plants are closely relevant to spatio‐temporal changes, and their content and distribution are highly dynamic, there is an urgent need for a qualitative and quantitative tool to accurately, real‐time, and in situ monitor the dynamic changes of hormones in plants without injury. Fluorescent probes have been widely used in the sensing and imaging of plant hormones and their receptors, due to their high spatio‐temporal resolution, high selectivity, non‐invasive, high sensitivity, and tailored molecular structures. Here, this paper provides a systematical overview of the research progress in the sensing and imaging of plant hormones and their receptors using fluorescent probes. In addition, the potential prospects and remaining challenges are also discussed to design fluorescent probes with better performance and promote the development of this field.

Productive use of energy of women-owned micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises: Insights from food and textile businesses in selected African countries

This paper presents a descriptive study focusing on the productive energy use of women-owned micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises that operate in Africa's food and textile sectors. Through a multidisciplinary approach, combining primary and secondary data collection methods, and integrating quantitative and qualitative tools, this study examines the relationship between the gender-based ownership structure of enterprises (i.e., sole female, female-female, and female-male) and energy consumption patterns, including demand levels, carrier use, access type (on-grid or off-grid), and expenditure. Despite limitations in scope and sample size, the findings shed light on gender-specific productive use practices.Findings show that female-owned businesses primarily rely on single or dual energy carriers, contrasting with female-male enterprises, which typically employ two or more energy carriers. Fuel usage varies among ownership structures, with diesel, biomass, and liquified petroleum gas being notable choices. Increasing diversity in ownership correlates with heightened awareness of energy metrics and monthly demand for electric and mechanical power, with some of the latter correlation also observed for thermal energy. Moreover, as ownership diversity increases, energy expenditure per kilogramme of production output decreases. Some sole female-owned enterprises surpass 100 USD/kg/month, female-female partnerships may reach 100 USD/kg/month, whereas female-male co-owned enterprises remain below 10 USD/kg/month.Beyond contributing to understanding gendered productive energy practices, this research also emphasises the importance of gender mainstreaming in productive use and energy access interventions. It highlights the need for renewable energy solutions, capacity-building programmes, and further research to address efficiency and accessibility challenges faced by women entrepreneurs.