Quantitative Data Research Articles

Pengaruh model pembelajaran discovery learning terintegrasi ayat-ayat Al-Quran terhadap hasil belajar fisika dan sikap spiritual siswa Ponpes Modern As-Sa’adah pada materi gerak melingkar

This research was conducted to determine the effect of the discovery learning model integrated with verses from the Koran on the physics learning outcomes and spiritual attitudes of As-sa'adah modern Islamic boarding school students on circular motion material, with data collection techniques through pretest and posttest. Purpose sampling technique, the sample consisted of 30 students from the As-sa'adah Modern Islamic Boarding School, Serang Banten. The analytical method used in this research is Quantitative Data Analysis. The research results show that the results of learning physics and spiritual attitudes without using the Discovery Learning learning model integrated with Al-Quran verses, based on the descriptive test, are quite good. Physics learning outcomes and spiritual attitudes using the integrated Discovery Learning learning model of Al-Quran verses, based on descriptive tests in the good category. There is an influence of the Discovery Learning learning model integrated with Al-Quran verses and without integrated Al-Quran verses. The results of the Pretest analysis obtained a p-value= 0.034 and the Posttest obtained a p-value= 0.000. This shows that the p-value (sig) < 0.05, so H0 is rejected. Thus, it can be concluded that student learning outcomes after treatment between the experimental group and the control group are significantly different.

Drought risk and audit pricing: a mixed-methods study

PurposeClimate change has led to a rise in the frequency, intensity and scope of droughts, posing significant implications for businesses. This study examines the impact of local community drought levels on audit pricing. Additionally, it explores the moderating effects of high-tech industries, auditor busyness and the level of local community concern regarding the drought crisis.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a mixed-methods approach to rigorously test the research hypotheses. The quantitative phase of the study utilizes a sample of 1,278 firm-year observations from Iran’s capital market. For the analysis of the quantitative data, ordinary least squares regression with clustered robust standard errors is used. Additionally, this research supplements its quantitative findings with qualitative evidence obtained through semi-structured interviews with 19 Iranian audit partners.FindingsThe results suggest that firms operating in provinces facing severe droughts experience notably higher audit fees. Furthermore, the positive relationship between drought and audit fees is weakened when auditors are busy, local community concern regarding the drought crisis is high or the firm operates within high-tech industries. These findings are supported by a range of robustness checks and qualitative evidence gathered from the field.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the growing literature on climate change by examining the influence of local community drought levels on audit pricing within an Iranian context. Additionally, our study sheds light on how high-tech industries, auditor workload and the level of local community concern regarding the drought crisis moderate the relationship between drought and audit fees. Importantly, our study pioneers in providing mixed-methods evidence of the association between drought severity and audit fees.

Instructing to Impact: Exploration of Doctor of Physical Therapy Education Instruction of Social Determinants of Health and Health Equity for People with Disabilities.

The aim of this study was to explore instruction of social determinants of health (SDOH) for people with disabilities (PWD) in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) education programs. A sequential mixed methods study informed by a 5-member disability community advisory panel was conducted. Qualitative semi-structured interviews with educators (n = 10) across 4 DPT programs in the Midwest were conducted and analyzed thematically. The qualitative findings formed the basis of the quantitative phase. An online survey was conducted with faculty of DPT programs in the United States (n = 254) with the most knowledge of instruction of SDOH and health equity for PWD (n = 74; 29% response rate). Quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and triangulated with qualitative data. SDOH for PWD is an emerging component of instruction in DPT curricula. Five themes included: emerging instruction of SDOH for PWD; conceptual frameworks informing instruction; instructional strategies; barriers to integration of SDOH for PWD; and facilitators to integration of SDOH for PWD. Quantitative analysis revealed that 71 respondents (95.9%) included disability in health equity discussions primarily focused on health care access. Limited time (n = 49; 66.2%) was the most frequently reported barrier, and educator interest in disability health equity was the most frequently reported facilitator (n = 62; 83.7%) to inclusion of the SDOH for PWD in health equity discussions. Opportunities exist in DPT curricula to build on instructional strategies, integrate SDOH frameworks, and amplify facilitators to integration of SDOH for PWD. To meet the needs of the 67 million Americans living with disabilities, students must have the knowledge and skills to address the complex needs of this historically marginalized population. Understanding the DPT education landscape around SDOH for PWD can guide DPT educators to more fully prepare their students to recognize and ameliorate health disparities faced by PWD.

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Patient Navigation for Health-Related Social Needs: Reflections From the Accountable Health Communities Model.

This paper uses data from the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation's Accountable Health Communities (AHC) Model to assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on patient navigation (PN) for health-related social needs. We analyzed evaluation data from 28 organizations implementing the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation's AHC Model. We first distilled themes from 81 stakeholder interviews conducted in 2021. We then analyzed quantitative beneficiary-level data on acceptance of navigation among 133,173 unique Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries who were eligible for navigation between January 2019 and March 2021. During the pandemic, interview participants described greater complexity of patients' cases and uncertainty regarding community service availability. Changes to navigation staffing and mode led to improvements in navigation quality and efficiency, but also challenges such as reduced rapport with patients. The pandemic increased navigator stress and burnout but also deepened appreciation for navigation among navigators and their patients. Beneficiaries were more likely to accept navigation during the pandemic than before the pandemic (P <.05). Changes in PN during the pandemic were perceived as both good and bad. Future work is needed to assess the long-term implications of pandemic-related changes to navigation for patients and navigators.

Master resilience trainer course quality improvement evaluation.

The Master Resilience Training (MRT) course is the U.S. Army's resilience program of record to develop soldiers as resilience trainers within their home units. The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) recently conducted an MRT Quality Improvement Evaluation (QIE) to understand perceptions of the MRT course, determine the effectiveness of the course, and provide revision recommendations for the next iteration of the course. Soldiers who were completing the MRT course were invited to take surveys and participate in interviews. Results from quantitative and qualitative data suggest that most participants felt satisfied with the training and that it was relevant for soldiers. Most participants also agreed that the training would help them become better soldiers and leaders. Along with positive feedback about the course, participants also identified areas that could be improved. Soldier feedback along with program evaluators' observation informed recommendations for improving the overall MRT course and its implementation. Program evaluators recommend MRT participants learn fewer and less complex skills, focus on coach education throughout the course, and highlight leader development by promoting motivation and enhancing effective communication. Program evaluators recommendations for ways to improve buy-in from leaders and graduated MRTs are also discussed.

Meningkatkan Kesadaran Budaya Dalam Pendekatan CRT (Culturally Responsive Teaching) Pada Pembelajaran Sejarah Di Kelas X 1 SMA Negeri 1 Medan Tahun Pelajaran 2023/2024

This research aims to increase cultural awareness in class X 1 students at SMA Negeri 1 Medan through a culturally responsive teaching approach to history learning material. This research uses Classroom Action Research (PTK) with several stages including: planning, action or implementation, observation and reflection. The subjects of this research were 23 class X 1 students at SMA Negeri 1 Medan using quantitative data analysis. The research results showed that cycle I provided an explanation of local history material to students. In applying local history material, students ask questions about the material so that it fosters students' curiosity. Cycle II provides exposure to local historical material as well as carrying out vlog assignments to visit historical buildings to increase cultural awareness. From the results obtained, 43.5% of students gave their cultural awareness a slight increase while 56.5% of students gave the answer that their cultural awareness increased slightly.

Decentralized Governance and the Performance of Garissa County, Kenya

Devolution is the strongest form of governance decentralization. Devolution involves rescaling of responsibilities or powers from the national to the regional political organization. The actual form and politics of such rescaling will vary substantially between states, however, amounting to a radical transfer of powers and resources in some cases and a more modest and rhetorical shift of responsibility and service delivery in others. The conceptual scope of this study will be limited to four governance structures variables namely financial decentralization, administrative decentralization, political decentralization and citizen participation. This study targeted staff of Garissa County and were composed of senior managers, middle level managers and operational staff. The study employed descriptive survey design. The researcher used questionnaires as research instruments to collect data to the study. The study adopted both primary and secondary data analysis research design. Primary data was collected using semi structured questionnaires containing both closed and open-ended questions to allow variety. The quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. In addition, the study used multiple regression analysis to analyze the data. From the study findings, this study concluded that administration decentralization has a significant and a positive effect on the performance of Garissa County. The study also concluded that political decentralization has a significant and a positive effect on the performance of Garissa County. From the findings, the study further concluded that financial decentralization had significant and a positive effect on the performance of Garissa County. The study finally concluded that citizen participation had a significant and positive effect on the performance of Garissa County. The study recommended that the government should increase county government autonomy to promote administrative decentralization. The study also recommended that national and county governments should put in place measures to safeguard the independence of political decentralization. The study further recommended that national and county governments should put in place a set of deliberate and proactive processes, policies and structures that support financial decentralization. Finally, the study recommended that county governments should improve citizen participation practices to ensure citizen involvement in governance.

Mobile learning and speech technology for language teachers’ professional development

This study aims to investigate the use of mobile learning to provide pronunciation training for lecturers of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) from Vietnamese provincial universities. Mobile learning offers a potential solution for the delivery of professional development to lecturers based outside major cities thanks to its capacity to enable learning anytime, anywhere. Mobile learning and speech technology are expected to facilitate lecturers’ self-direct learning to fulfil their professional development needs using their own devices. This paper reports results from a pilot study which serves as the first phase of an ongoing design-based research project. The pilot study was carried out to explore the feasibility of an online pronunciation course and identify potential problems for future course iterations in the context of participants living outside major cities in a developing country. The objectives of the project are to establish and test a set of fundamental principles for mobile learning to be an effective way of providing online professional development for lecturers based outside major cities and to shed light on the necessary adjustments in course design to make it a scalable model for future education planning. In this study, both qualitative and quantitative data were collected during two iterations of an online pronunciation professional development course for EFL lecturers from Vietnamese provincial universities.

Impact of pandemic mobility restrictions on kidney transplant patients' experience: lessons on quality of care.

Patient perspectives on their post-operative health are acknowledged as valuable healthcare outcomes and should be scrupulously considered when designing interventions for patient-centered healthcare. Yet, following the COVID-19 lockdown and in the absence of standardized guidelines on how to best provide virtual chronic care to kidney transplant recipients, little is known about how this unique population coped and managed to comply with public health indications during confinement. This study addresses this shortcoming by examining the experiences of patients from a tertiary hospital in Spain during the initial weeks of the lockdown decreed by the national government. Specifically, we focus our attention on the perceptions and experiences of these patients by retrieving robust qualitative and quantitative data: the former based on a thematic analysis of focus group transcripts, the latter obtained from a large-scale survey. Our findings identify opportunities for improvement in the quality of care and point to the provisions that might be made when facing future pandemics or lockdown-requiring situations. As healthcare services navigate evolving landscapes, our findings on the experience of kidney transplant recipients should enable hospital services to improve the quality of care they are able to provide to such patients during periods of restricted mobility, especially those associated with future disease emergencies, and considering that home confinement is often part of the natural course of post-operative care of these patients.

Early Field Experiences of PTEs in ELT Programme of a State University in Türkiye

Teaching programs in Türkiye consist of a 4-year process. Internship practice takes place in the last year of this process, each in two separate terms. Prospective teachers observe, evaluate, prepare course content, and teach under the guidance of in-service English teachers in public schools affiliated with the Ministry of National Education and with the support of supervisors at the faculties and complete their internship. However, the timing of the process is thought to be too late, which is carried out during the 4-year education period and where prospective teachers will be actively involved in schools/real teaching environments and gain experience. "Early Field Experience", which is also found in the world literature and has exemplary applications, has been implemented in some private universities in Türkiye today but has not yet found its place in state universities. This current research studies the subject of “Early field experience”. The present study focussed on the effects of "Early Field Experience" practice in a state university in Türkiye. The study analyses the reflections of Early Field Experience (EFE) on prospective teachers' anxiety and makes the voices of prospective teachers heard. In this convergent mixed method study, STAS (Student Teacher Anxiety Scale - Hart, 1987) was used as a quantitative data collection tool, and a semi-structured interview form consisting of open-ended questions was employed for the qualitative part. In the study, prospective teachers of English had an EFE implementation process covering 10 weeks of observation and internship. The results of the quantitative data showed that there was a significant difference between pre-test and post-test scores for the level of anxiety of PTEs (t=4.16; p&lt; .05) in favour of the post-test. Findings of interviews revealed that the prospective teachers' concerns were in the areas of teaching, students’ background, classroom management, readiness to teach, and burnout before the EFE; and after the EFE, they experienced improvements in classroom management, appropriate language use, readiness to teach, experience and teaching content.

Mixed-methods impact evaluation in international development practice: distinguishing between quant-led and qual-led models

ABSTRACT Despite being widely endorsed for more than two decades, the practice of mixed-methods impact evaluation (MMIE) remains confusing. This paper suggests that greater clarity can be achieved by distinguishing between quant-led and qual-led models of MMIE. The quant-led model gives most weight to variance-based epistemological approaches to causal attribution but can also incorporate process-theory approaches. The qual-led model relies mainly on a process-theory approach but incorporates quantitative data collection and analysis. After setting out the context, the paper sets out these conceptual distinctions. It then presents an illustrative case study of how the Qualitative Impact Protocol (QuIP) has been utilised within the two models. Third, the paper explores divergent support for the two models. We conclude with reflections on how wider recognition of the distinction between them can improve evaluative practice by deepening our understanding of multiple options for the integration of qualitative and quantitative aspects of impact evaluation. While mainly intended to be of practical relevance to those planning, conducting, and reviewing MMIEs, the paper is also relevant to wider concerns over the political economy of knowledge production and distribution.

Improving English Language Proficiency through Podcasts: A Multifaceted Educational Approach

This paper probes into the strength of podcasts in building the English language through varied dimensions of a learning approach. The paper sought to establish the applicability of podcasts in the learning of languages among EFL students, given that podcasts are increasingly becoming an informal learning platform. The study was carried out among learners of different age groups and language proficiency levels, and the collection of statistics regarding the use of podcasts within language learning was affected through both quantitative and qualitative data. Important findings indicate that regular use of podcasts can make the process of vocabulary acquisition, listening comprehension, and general proficiency stronger. Such findings support the use of podcasts in gaining better language competence in that it not only presents rich contextual content in an accessible manner but also puts into play learner skills. In effect, the inclusion of podcasts into the learning curriculum has implications that are far-reaching in that it could offer an effective improvement in the traditional methodologies of language learning by enhancing a dynamic and flexible learning environment that meets the needs of all learners. This research paper points out the imperative nature of podcasts in modern educational strategies and suggests their application in a wider context of language learning frameworks to bring about superior linguistic competence.

The practice and determinants of ambulance service utilization in pre-hospital settings, Jimma City, Ethiopia

BackgroundIn pre-hospital setting, ambulance provides emergency care and means of transport to arrive at appropriate health centers are as vital as in-hospital care, especially, in developing countries. Accordingly, Ethiopia has made several efforts to improve accessibility of ambulances services in prehospital care system that improves the quality of basic emergency care. Yet, being a recent phenomenon in Ethiopia, empirical studies are inadequate with regard to the practice and determinants of ambulance service utilization in pre-hospital settings. Hence, this study aimed to assess the ambulance service utilization and its determinants among patients admitted to the Emergency Departments (EDs) within the context of pre-hospital care system in public hospitals of Jimma City.MethodA cross-sectional study design was used to capture quantitative data in the study area from June to July 2022. A systematic sampling technique was used to select 451 participants. Interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 26.0; descriptive and logistic regressions were done, where statistical significance was determined at p < 0.05.ResultsAmbulance service was rendered to bring about 39.5% (of total sample, 451) patients to hospitals. The distribution of service by severity of illnesses was 48.7% among high, and 39.4% among moderately acute cases. The major determinants of ambulance service utilization were: service time (with AOR, 0.35, 95%CI, 0.2-0.6 for those admitted to ED in the morning, and AOR, 2.36, 95%CI, 1.3-4.4 for those at night); referral source (with AOR, 0.2, 95%CI, 0.1-0.4 among the self-referrals); mental status (with AOR, 1.9, 95%CI, 1-3.5 where change in the level of consciousness is observed); first responder (AOR, 6.3 95%CI, 1.5-26 where first responders were the police, and AOR, 3.4, 95%C1, 1.7-6.6 in case of bystanders); distance to hospital (with AOR,0.37, 95%CI, 0.2-0.7 among the patients within ≤15km radius); and prior experience in ambulance use (with AOR, 4.1,95%CI, 2.4-7).ConclusionAlthough the utilization of ambulance in pre-hospital settings was, generally, good in Jimma City; lower levels of service use among patients in more acute health conditions is problematic. Community-based emergency care should be enhanced to improve the knowledge and use of ambulance services.

The Sociology Law: Corruption and Abuse of Power in Indonesia

The complexities of corruption and abuse of power cases involve multiple stakeholders ranging from the government and corporations. This research aims to understand the corruption and abuse of power in state administration that are very interesting to be studied due at the ontological level and sociological level based on sociology of law perspective. Analysis on research problems was conducted using a mixed method study. Data were collected through interview, observation, documentation, and survey questionnaire. Data analyzed using qualitative data analysis were data reduction, data display, and data verification, triangulation, and a quantitative data analysis were conducted using smart PLS application. The results indicated that it was necessary to do mitigation on the corruption and abuse of power in state administration in Indonesia to provide stakeholders with information and state agencies as public officials and practitioners with input in making better regulation and policies.

Effect of the Management Accounting on the Financial Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Rwanda: A Case of Small and Medium Entreprises in Gasabo District

Management accounting provides an excellent opportunity for companies to compete in the market by offering superior products and services at reasonable prices to customers. The general objective of this study was to study the effects of management accounting practices on the Financial Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Gasabo district, Rwanda. This study adopted a correlation study design. The target population for this study was the 171 small and medium enterprises in Gasabo district Stratified random sampling method was applied to come up with the sample size, since the population in different Small and Medium Enterprises was considered heterogeneous, implying that a simple random sample is unrepresentative. The study therefore involved 171 Small and Medium Enterprises in Gasabo district. The study collected primary data from the respondents. The data collected was both quantitative and qualitative. Qualitative data is descriptive and non-numerical, while quantitative data is numerical. The study found that Budgeting was the most widely used management accounting practices, including budgeting for planning, activity-based budgeting, flexible analysis, zero-based budgeting, and budgeting for controlling costs. costing systems were the second most widely used management accounting practice, including separation of variable, incremental, and fixed costs; plant-wide overhead rate; activity-based costing; target costing; and cost of quality. Information for decision making was also used by respondents, including stock control models, customer satisfaction analysis reports, product profitability analysis reports, risk analysis reports, and investment analysis reports. Strategic analysis was also highly used by respondents. The study further concludes that the most important elements of management accounting practices amongst the Small and Medium Enterprises in Gasabo district are; the management accounting function identifies key factors that influence Financial Performance and management accounting practices have increased return on equity (ROE), which is a measure of how profitable a company is for its shareholders. This is because management accounting practices help companies to identify and improve risky areas, which can lead to increased profits. This study recommends the creation and enhancement of awareness among firms of the importance of Information for decision making practices as this is the most highly used management accounting practice amongst the Small and Medium Enterprises in Gasabo district. Keywords: Management Accounting Practices, Costing Systems, Budgeting, Information for Decision Making, Strategic Analysis, Financial Performance, Small And Medium Enterprises

‘It’s a who-you-know thing’: interactional fraud prevention in non-bank check cashing

Abstract This article demonstrates how presentations of self and the information conveyed within them are a conduit for risk evaluation within the marketplace. Using the case of check cashing, it investigates customer screening within the Detroit area’s most prevalent non-bank check cashing businesses, which are not standalone check cashing outlets but rather corner convenience and liquor stores known as ‘party stores’. Without algorithmic techniques based on hard or quantitative data, how do owners screen customers to prevent fraud? Drawing on 35 months of ethnographic fieldwork, this article uncovers two strategies toward this end: (a) gathering private information about customers through small talk; and (b) assessing check cashers’ presentations of self. Analyzing check cashing and fraud in this setting speaks to theoretical perspectives of risk evaluation by presenting a case of interactional fraud prevention, which highlights the interpersonal, interactional mechanisms through which soft information is exchanged and assessed in ex ante screening.

The Impact of Wellbeing Interventions on the Anxiety Levels of Children Attending Low-Income Schools: A Systematic Literature Review

This systematic review examined the impact of wellbeing interventions on the anxiety levels of children attending low-income schools. Studies, published between January 2000 and April 2022, were included if they had samples of school aged children attending low-income schools who were given a universal school-based wellbeing intervention. Ten databases were searched systematically to identify 542 records. After title and abstract screening, 43 records remained for full text screening, and of these studies, 10 met inclusion criteria. Quantitative data were extracted and were analysed narratively. The review found that in 50% of studies, wellbeing interventions were effective for reducing anxiety and that the impacts were maintained longer-term. The effects were stronger for girls when measured using self-report and were stronger for boys when measured using parental report.

Enhancing technical proficiency through small-sided basketball games: A strategic approach for students athletes

Background Problems: Due to the intricate nature of the game and the requirement for proficiency in core skills like dribbling, passing, shooting, and defensive positioning, basketball players frequently have difficulties developing their technical abilities. Traditional training approaches may not focus enough on these skills, leaving room for growth. Research Objective: This study investigates how well basketball players' technical skills may be improved through game-based instruction, particularly small-sided basketball games. The study aims to address the need for a more focused approach to technical elements by highlighting the value of focused practice in pertinent game scenarios. Methods: The type of research used was quantitative research with a sample of 12 amateur athletes. The instrument used is the game performance evaluation tool (GPET). Quantitative data from pre- and post-assessments were examined using the appropriate statistical techniques, such as paired t-tests or analysis of variance (ANOVA). For the study, basketball players with various skill levels were listed. Small groups of participants received specialised training to develop their technical abilities. Findings and Results: Participants' technical proficiency significantly improved after strategically focused practice using small-sided basketball games. The outcomes show that this game-based method works well for improving basic abilities, including passing, dribbling, shooting, and positioning defensively. The results highlight how effective it is to use small-sided games to help basketball players enhance their skills. Conclusion: The study concludes that small-sided basketball games are an effective strategy for improving basketball players' technical proficiency. Notwithstanding several constraints, such as a comparatively limited sample size and consistency in participant skill levels, the findings indicate that focused practice in pertinent gaming environments produces notable enhancements. To better understand the potential of this strategy for players of different skill levels, future studies should include additional variables like training amounts and differences in small-sided game structures.

A complex mixed-methods data-driven energy-centric evaluation of net-positive households

Following the Paris agreement, different policy incentives aiming at the reduction of carbon emissions have been introduced worldwide. Dwellings that benefit from increased renewables penetration, aiming at achieving net-zero and even net-positive energy balance, are being designed and deployed in different countries. This article presents a design mixed-methods approach, based on collected quantitative and qualitative data, to answer the “what”, “why” and “how” of energy prosumption in net-positive dwellings. We demonstrate the strong influence of domestic routines and dynamic energy import and export pricing on explaining energy-centric deviation from net-positive design ambitions. Findings from net-positive neighbourhood households, equipped with geothermal heating, solar generation and electric vehicles, in Norway further provide actionable insights on demand-side reduction and flexibility in energy consumption and how to achieve true energy net-positive balance. Specifically, our analysis demonstrates a significant gap between actual energy bills and user expectations, and potential energy cost reduction up to 10% on a per-activity basis through demand side flexibility in relation to dynamic tariffs as well as a maximum observed bill reduction of up to 50% compared to the baseline scenario for households not adapting their activities inline with dynamic tariffs.

Gender inclusion: The practices of organizational development and human resource management

This study explores gender inclusion via practices of organizational development and human resource management from general managers in five-star hotels based on the gap between current practices, expectations, and typical general managers' characteristics. The study states the related theories of organizational culture, corporate policies, perceived organizational support, core competencies, and gender perceptions. A mixed method was applied in three stages. Quantitative research was conducted with 400 executive staff using 25 structured questionnaires via a Likert scale: Needs Assessment. The second stage is qualitative research conducted using five in-depth interview questions with 22 interviews conducted by the general manager. Interview transcripts collected the data, contents analysis inter-coding and triangulation of themes development. The last stage is the development of a model and guidelines, which are conducted by juxtaposing quantitative and qualitative data and expert reviews. The study discusses the implications for the literature and practice.