Quantitative Perspective Research Articles

Exploring the Views of Spanish Pre-Service Teachers on Phonics From a Quantitative Research Perspective

English is especially demanding for Spanish speakers due to the greater number of sounds, the complex letter-sound relationship, and prosodic features. English phonics programmes may offer clearer, more comprehensive instruction. 84 pre-service teachers completed a questionnaire on the use of phonics in Spanish EFL preschool and primary classrooms. Results show that specific training is needed, not all participants favour this method, and a more eclectic approach to early literacy is advocated.

Analysis of Spatio-Temporal Relationship Between Ecosystem Services and Human Footprints Under Different Human Activity Gradients: A Case Study of Xiangjiang River Basin

Clarifying the relationship between human activities and the provision of ecosystem services has received significant interest in recent years because of a growing need for sustainable socio-ecological system development. Using multi-source remote sensing data, we assessed the spatial and temporal distribution of the human footprint index and five ecosystem services under four human activity gradients from 2010 to 2020 in the Xiangjiang River Basin. The five ecosystem services include water supply, soil conservation, food production, habitat quality, and carbon sequestration. The relationship between human footprint and ecosystem services was analyzed from quantitative and spatial perspectives. The results showed that over the past 10 years, water supply and habitat quality decreased by 4.59% and 16.49%, respectively. The other three services increased, and the upstream area of the basin had a higher level of ecosystem services provision. The human footprint index increased by 28.83% over the 10 years and was characterized by point and patchy clustering in the middle and lower reaches. In terms of quantitative characteristics, the relationship between human footprint and ecosystem services was primarily negative. The ecosystem services were sensitive to the human footprint index within the 0−0.4 range. In terms of spatial characteristics, the relationship was dominated by trade-offs. The risky “high–low” trade-offs were mainly distributed in the middle and lower reaches. As the gradients of human activity increased, the maximum fluctuation in ESs was 43%, and the maximum fluctuation in human footprint was 28%, making their relationship more complex. Our results identified response thresholds of ecosystem services to human activities, providing a guide for ecological management and sustainable development of basins.

T-KAER: Transparency-enhanced Knowledge-Augmented Entity Resolution Framework

Entity resolution (ER) is the process of determining whether two representations refer to the same real-world entity and plays a crucial role in data curation and data cleaning. Recent studies have introduced the KAER framework, aiming to improve pre-trained language models by augmenting external knowledge. However, identifying and documenting the external knowledge that is being augmented and understanding its contribution to the model's predictions have received little to no attention in the research community. This paper addresses this gap by introducing T-KAER, the Transparency-enhanced Knowledge-Augmented Entity Resolution framework. To enhance transparency, three Transparency-related Questions (T-Qs) have been proposed: T-Q(1): What is the experimental process for matching results based on data inputs? T-Q(2): Which semantic information does KAER augment in the raw data inputs? T-Q(3): Which semantic information of the augmented data inputs influences the predictions? To address the T-Qs, T-KAER is designed to improve transparency by documenting the entity resolution processes in log files. In experiments, a citation dataset is used to demonstrate the transparency components of T-KAER. This demonstration showcases how T-KAER facilitates error analysis from both quantitative and qualitative perspectives, providing evidence on `"what" semantic information is augmented and ``"why" the augmented knowledge influences predictions differently.

Determinants of cross-border cultural integration: Case studies of the EU Basque and Upper Rhine cross-border regions

The spatial integration of cross-border regions is a complex multidimensional process. Cultural integration across borders is a crucial element in broader cross-border regionalism and the intensification of economic transactions. While cultural integration has been viewed as a contingent ontological determinant for establishing cross-border integration and cooperation, there is a lack of empirical evidence on cultural integration. This study sets out a new methodological framework to measure the extent of spatio-cultural integration in cross-border regions. A P-ITEMS model containing six determinants of cultural integration was developed using primary data obtained through mixed methods of qualitative perceptual mapping and quantitative questionnaires. Two European Union cross-border regions – the Basque region and the Upper Rhine region – were selected as case studies, representing two different contexts with varied characteristics, to assess the extent to which the methodological framework can enhance understanding of the cultural integration process. The study shows that this new model can provide a range of findings and perspectives depending on the qualitative or quantitative methodological lens applied. The model revealed that the Basque cross-border region is strongly culturally integrated from both a qualitative and quantitative perspective, with high cross-border interactions, and its residents on both sides of the national border share a common perceptual image of the cross-border region despite its difficulty. In contrast, in the Upper Rhine cross-border region, this joint perceptual representation is missing from the qualitative data; however, the quantitative data indicates that considerable cultural interactions and integration take place.

From jobs to careers: drivers and barriers to career development in emerging labor markets

IntroductionThis study aims to reveal the intrinsic and extrinsic drivers of career development in emerging labor markets and to explore the impact of these drivers and barriers on career development. With the rapid transformation of global industrial structure, career development in emerging industries such as artificial intelligence, big data, new energy and e-commerce is gradually attracting attention.MethodsThis study utilizes a mixed research method of questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The research team distributed a total of 700 questionnaires to practitioners in China, the United States, Japan, Germany and India, and collected interview data from 20 industry practitioners. These data were analyzed from both quantitative and qualitative perspectives to analyze the drivers and barriers to career development, and structural equation modeling was used to analyze the relationship between career motivation, barriers, social networks, and career satisfaction.ResultsThe results indicate that career development motivation significantly and positively influences career satisfaction, while individuals with high career satisfaction perceive fewer career barriers. In addition, career barriers significantly influenced individuals’ perceptions of career discrimination. The study also found that social networks play an important supportive role in career development, and that extensive social networks increase career satisfaction. Individuals with high motivation were more resilient in the face of external barriers and were willing to retrain to improve their occupational skills.DiscussionTo promote career development in emerging industries, labor market policies should optimize and create fair and inclusive work environments for emerging industries. By eliminating gender, age, and racial discrimination and providing employee support programs, career development satisfaction and opportunities can be effectively enhanced.ConclusionRapid technological updates, high work pressure, and cross-cultural barriers in emerging industries are the main challenges to career development today. This study suggests that governments and enterprises should jointly provide flexible vocational training and support policies to help practitioners adapt to the rapidly changing occupational environment.

Multi-criteria approach for weights definition of sustainability indicators in the swine supply chain

Goal: This study presents a four-steps methodology for the definition of the weights of sustainable indicators in the Swine Supply Chain (SSC) considering the Triple Bottom-Line (TBL) perspective. Design/Methodology/Approach: The methodology proposed was based on the Bellagio principles that guide the definition of importance levels for TBL criteria. It was applied to the swine supply chain using Saaty’s scale and information obtained from managers of two agribusiness companies, adjusted by the AHP method. Results: The results showed the relevance of an appropriate definition of the preferences of decision-makers to decide on the best actions towards environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Limitations: The limitations of the proposed model are mainly its subjective nature. Despite being necessary in multi-criteria methods, it could be a limitation if more quantitative indicators are relevant or demanded. Nevertheless, the proposed methodology also provides a quantitative perspective, as a result of using the Saaty scale. Practical implications: The definition and application of importance levels within a TBL-based model can help managers to prioritize environmental, social, and/or economic dimensions under a large diversity of alternatives toward more sustainable scenarios. The AHP method used in this work is a hierarchy method, particularly appropriate for defining weights that are essentially compensatory by nature. Originality/value: The correct definition and weight of the different dimensions, sub-dimensions, and respective indicators is currently one relevant gap in the literature, limiting the design and prioritization of corrective actions in each stage of the SSC and in the different dimensions of the TBL.

OPTIMALISASI POTENSI PENDAPATAN MELALUI INOVASI SI-ERPIN (SISTEM INFORMASI ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING INNOVATION)

PT Dunia Sandang Pratama is a fabric supplier company experiencing difficulties monitoring orders, ensuring timely deliveries, and producing accurate financial reports. These challenges have an adverse impact on customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Because of the acute urgency of these issues, this community service project is designed to develop an integrated ERP system with e-commerce functionality to overcome the existing problems, increase efficiency, expand market reach and provide more accurate information to management. This community service is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in fostering innovation and narrowing the digital divide. The service team, comprising four lecturers and five students, employed the Scrum methodology, which is flexible and interactive, to observe, analyse and design the system in collaboration with the partner, PT Dunia Sandang Pratama. The project's initial phase has been completed, including developing e-commerce features and sales modules. The preliminary results indicate an increase in efficiency concerning order management and reporting. Implementing the ERP system has enhanced data accuracy, operational efficiency, and employee competence. From a quantitative perspective, order processing time has been reduced, the incidence of data errors has decreased, and company revenue has increased. From a qualitative standpoint, employee competence in ERP usage has also improved, positively impacting decision-making. In conclusion, the project has successfully supported the company's decision-making processes.

The Influential Mechanisms of Live-Streaming Hosts on Consumer Behavior

In recent years, with the rise of e-commerce live streaming, hosts promoting products have played a crucial role in connecting consumers with products and influencing consumer behavior intentions. This paper reviews the current state and trends in research on how these hosts affect consumer behavior intentions, exploring how their personal characteristics, interaction patterns, and discourse strategies impact consumer purchasing decisions. Through analysis from both quantitative and qualitative research perspectives, it reveals the influence mechanisms of these hosts in modern e-commerce environments. Additionally, it discusses the pivotal role of interactive information in e-commerce live streaming, including its ability to enhance purchase desire, enrich entertainment experiences, and improve consumer shopping experiences. While existing studies provide valuable insights, there are still research gaps, particularly in-depth studies on the influence of hosts in specific domains. The findings of this review are significant for understanding the central role of hosts in e-commerce live streaming and their impact on consumer behavior, providing a theoretical foundation and support for future research and practice.

Antimicrobial Stewardship in Healthcare: Exploring the Role of Nurses in Promoting Change, Identifying Barrier Elements and Facilitators-A Meta-Synthesis.

Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) involves a coordinated set of actions aimed at promoting the appropriate use of antibiotics within healthcare settings. This systematic review of qualitative studies assessed nurses' knowledge and perceptions of the barriers and facilitators that impact their involvement in AMS programs. This meta-synthesis followed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for systematic reviews of qualitative evidence. Relevant studies published between 2018 and 2023 were identified through searches on PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar. The studies were critically appraised using the CASP checklist, with 19 articles meeting the inclusion criteria from five continents. Six recurring themes emerged from the analysis of nurses' experiences and opinions regarding their roles in AMS programs. These themes included the organization of AMS programs, availability of resources, training and education, communication, and the evolving role of nurses in AMS. Nurses at every level of the profession might play a crucial role in antimicrobial stewardship. Although active involvement of nurses in antibiotic stewardship requires further exploration and research, this topic is being examined internationally. The literature on this subject primarily analyzes the phenomenon from a quantitative perspective rather than a qualitative one, and it is contextualized more within hospital settings rather than community settings.

Identification of chemically altered cut marks: an experimental approach from Geometrics Morphometrics

Cut marks are striae accidentally produced by the contact made between the edge of a cutting tool and bone surfaces by anthropogenic activity, presenting evidence of hominin carcass processing and behaviour, butchery activities or diet. Post-depositional processes can cause the alteration (chemical or mechanical) of bones surfaces, changing their composition and causing the modification of bone surfaces. Previous research has addressed the problem of chemical alteration from a qualitative perspective, resulting in the loss of all diagnostic characteristics of the cut marks affected by these processes. Geometrics Morphometrics has led to great progress in the study of cut marks from a quantitative perspective and can be useful for the study of altered cut marks. In this study, an experiment was carried out in which 36 cut marks were reproduced and chemically altered. These marks were scanned and digitized before and after each phase of alteration. They were analyzed metrically as well as using Geometric Morphometrics, in order to study the evolution of modifications to cut mark morphology during the experiment. Results show clear morphological differences between the different phases of alteration with altered cut marks presenting a general tendency towards a decrease in both the width and depth over time. Research of this type opens up a new path for the study of the chemical alteration of cut marks, as well as other striae, through the application of Geometric Morphometrics.

Characterizing anomalous peaks in the resistance–temperature profile of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ flakes featuring surface degeneration

Abstract This study focuses on an observed anomalous resistance peak in the temperature-dependent resistance (RT) curves of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ (BSCCO), attributed to surface degradation and pronounced electrical resistance anisotropy. Employing a standard four-point probe technique on the ab-plane, this research circumvents conventional c-axis testing limitations, enhancing the understanding of BSCCO’s electrical behavior by avoiding contact resistance and etching issues. A comprehensive three-dimensional model, developed using the finite element method, captures the strong resistive anisotropy and correlates the depth of surface degradation with the anomalous resistance peaks, explaining this phenomenon from a quantitative perspective, providing a more specific reference for future analysis of relevant signals. The fabrication process involved pre-patterning and mechanical exfoliation techniques to minimize atmospheric exposure and ensure device integrity. Despite these efforts, surface degradation impacting the superconductivity of surface layers was inevitable. The study’s experimental results, complemented by numerical modeling, reveal the intricate relationship between surface layer thickness and the anomalous resistance peak, providing an approach to gauge the extent of degradation in BSCCO devices. Moreover, it underscores the potential necessity of employing some critical techniques to avoid degradation, such as low-temperature exfoliation in other literatures where degradation signal is notably absent from RT curves. This work advances the understanding of BSCCO’s electrical properties and highlights the critical need for precise fabrication and environmental controls in developing high-temperature superconducting technologies.

The invisible hand of Doctor Zhivago: reception of a soft power tool

ABSTRACT In the tumultuous era of the Cold War, Boris Pasternak's novel Doctor Zhivago found itself at the epicenter of an ideological battle. When the Soviet authorities deemed it an ‘evil libel against the USSR’ and prohibited its publication, the CIA recognized its ‘great propaganda value’ and spearheaded its dissemination in foreign editions, harnessing the novel as a potent soft power tool. Through an interdisciplinary approach, this paper analyzes the influence of a reverse kind of cultural diplomacy related to the translation, diffusion, and promotion of Doctor Zhivago in the West. Drawing from paratextual material in the form of press reviews in Italian, French, English and Dutch from both quantitative and qualitative perspectives, it assesses how the sense of confidence, attraction and prestige as pillars of soft power strategies are reflected in the reception of the novel’s translations. The study concludes by offering a nuanced understanding of how the large-scale diffusion of the novel was perceived, highlighting that the translations played a secondary role in the strategy and served as vehicles to amplify the impact of Pasternak’s Nobel Prize, thereby extending its influence globally.

Teachers’ perspectives and practices relating to refugee girls: a mixed-methods multidisciplinary survey

ABSTRACT Teachers’ perspectives are key to understanding practice and support for high-risk groups like refugee children. This mixed-methods multidisciplinary study explored primary teachers’ perspectives and skills on issues of equity, migration and social-emotional skills, using an online survey. The survey contained quantitative perspective questions and qualitative scenarios. Triangulated results suggested that teachers’ perspectives around equity and social-emotional skills differ from their practice when responding to student scenarios. Their perspectives on migration, however, are aligned with their scenario responses. Results show a skill gap that may impact teachers’ ability to support refugee children in adjusting to and thriving in their classrooms.

The Analysis of Whether India Views China as a Military Security Threat from a Quantitative Perspective

China is a neighboring major country of India. Many scholars have consistently emphasized in their papers that India regards China as its biggest military threat. If this viewpoint is fair, then India’s military defense will inevitably be influenced by China. In other words, the military defense of China and India should be highly correlated. National defense and military can be measured by two indicators: weapon throughput and the proportion of military expenditure to domestic GDP. According to the dimensionless operation and entropy weight method in quantitative analysis, the weights of two indicators can be obtained and their correlation can be analyzed. After quantitative analysis, there is a weak correlation between the military defense of China and India. So, it can be concluded that India does not fully consider China as the main military threat.

Pregabalin Addiction: A Bibliometric Analysis

Objective: Bibliometric analyses allow determining the scientific research profile, revealing the current situation on the subject, and identifying new research areas. Pregabalin addiction is an addiction that has serious consequences for the individual, family and society. For this reason, taking photographs of studies related to this field can be a guide for researchers. In this regard, the aim of the research is to bibliometrically examine publications addressing the issue of pregabalin addiction.
 Method: The study was conducted in the Web of Science database. The keywords “pregabalin addiction” were used during the screening without any time limit. 
 Results: 150 publications were reached. Their publication dates were between 2003 and 2023, the average age of publication was 4.83, and the annual increase rate was 5%. The most active country was the United States of America, and the journal with the highest number of publications was “Frontiers in Psychiatry.” In addition, “gabapentin, abuse” was the most frequently used, “opioid, drug abuse” were the motor, “withdrawal” was niche, and “pain, substance” were emerging or disappearing themes. Besides, “neuropathic pain” was a basic theme, and “benzodiazepine” showed consistent development. 
 Conclusion: This is the first bibliometric study addressing pregabalin addiction and provided a comprehensive overview of pregabalin addiction over 20 years. From the quantitative perspective, the mean age of the study and the annual growth rate were low, and the number of studies was limited. Qualitative data showed that research topics mostly clustered on pregabalin addiction, addiction potential, abuse and taking with other drugs, and demonstrated a need for studies in addiction prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.

The impact of verbal behavior on audience engagement in Chinese talk shows: Based on a novel mediation model

This study employs the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) model to construct a new mediation framework, examining the impact of Chinese stand-up comedians' language on audience engagement from both quantitative and qualitative perspectives. Statistical analysis of data from 415 online viewers of stand-up comedy shows revealed that comedians' humorous language significantly enhanced audience engagement by positively influencing their enjoyment. Based on this, in-depth interviews were conducted with 8 viewers to understand their specific perceptions of different types of humor. The analysis results showed that Chinese audiences had a higher acceptance of affiliative humor, self-deprecating humor, and humor incorporating traditional cultural elements, while they had lower acceptance or even rejection of aggressive humor, political satire, and vulgar humor. This study enriches the research on the relationship between Chinese stand-up comedy shows and audience engagement, providing insights for improving the production of Chinese stand-up comedy shows and for Western entertainment programs entering the Chinese market.

The Scientific Production of Women and their Presence in Management Position in Science and technology careers in the Ecuadorian Higher Education System

Aim. This paper analyzes the scientific production and the management positions in the universities of the Ecuadorian higher education system from a gender parity perspective, considering STEM careers as the central point of the analysis. Three perspectives was consider,: the underrepresentation of women in STEM careers, the underrepresentation of women in scientific production and in classic managerial positions, and the Norwegian paradox of equality. Methods. This article used two databases: the first one was built from Ecuadorian scientific production, within the period 2010-2018, by the indexing platform SCOPUS. The second one, evaluates the presence of women in management positions and was built from the databases that universities and polytechnic schools report to the educational Ecuadorian autority. Theoretical perspectives are discussed to explore the singularities of the Ecuadorian case, through an analytical and quantitative perspective. Results. In the case of Ecuadorian scientific production men showed a greater presence in all fields, except for pedagogy and psychology. This results replicate for the case of higher education management positions (30% women, 60% men, on average). Conclusions. The underrepresentation of women is generally confirmed, both in scientific production measured by publications, as well as in access to management positions, especially in science and technology. Also, in scientific publications, women are more likely to collaborate only with men, precisely because of the structures created around science, which not only have to do with the greater number of men involved, but probably with gender discrimination practices that are not visible in the mechanisms adopted for the analysis.

Sistem Manajemen Supervisi Akademik sebagai Kontrol Mutu Kompetensi Pedagogik Guru di Lembaga Pendidikan Madrasah

Teachers' problems in carrying out the learning process are very complex. Starting from learning administration skills to teaching skills. This problem must be resolved completely because teachers are the spearhead of quality education whose implications can only be felt in the long term. This study aims to formulate an academic supervision management system as well as the implications arising from the existence of the system in question. This research is qualitative research with a case study type where the process of extracting data is by conducting interviews, observation and documentation. Checking data using extended participation, persistence, and triangulation. Meanwhile, the analysis uses the stages of data collection, data condensation, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. This study resulted in the finding that the academic supervision management system at MTsN 3 Ponorogo is a collaborative-based academic supervision whose supervisor consists of the principal, deputy of principal, and senior teachers with a supervision management cycle consisting of planning, implementation, evaluation and follow-up supervision. The implementation of academic supervision brings changes in understanding for teachers both conceptually and technically, namely knowledge of making learning tools, understanding of student behavior and characteristics, understanding of the use of information technology in the learning process, teacher interest in making changes in attitudes and performance. improve better, and the implementation of learning evaluations is more varied and complex. However, this research needs to be studied from a quantitative perspective to determine how much influence the implementation of academic supervision has on each aspects of teacher pedagogical competence that are not covered in this research.

Abstract A007: Beyond continental ancestry categories: trans-population genomic similarity continuum reveals overlooked somatic-germline interactions across cancer types

Abstract A growing body of research highlighted a strong presence of continuums that describe human genomic diversity. Historical scholarship has also extensively investigated the use of discrete classification systems in human genomics further questioning their validity. To investigate the limiting effect of pre-defined stratification, we performed a wide comparative driver GWAS analysis at the trans-population (i.e. without stratification) vs continent-based population levels across 16 cancer types. Results demonstrate that in the MSK-IMPACT cohort (n = 56,826 samples), the analysis of the trans-population genomic similarity continuum captures significant somatic-germline interactions (p < 5x10-8) in cancer type-specific and pancancer cohorts, with a set of interactions overlooked by the discrete continent-based paradigm. We demonstrate that overlooked germline SNPs have similar allele frequencies and directional relationships with somatic alterations across pre-defined discrete categories, and that earlier stratification prevents their detection due to lowered statistical power. PheWAS analysis of detected germline variants revealed associations with cancer and non-cancer phenotypes reported in previous studies as well as novel hits. To expand the scope of the trans-population lens, we carried out a comparative analysis on 17 whole-exome TCGA cohorts to identify potential cancer drivers based on mutational frequencies. Results similarly revealed known and potential cancer drivers at the trans-population level that would be overlooked when pre-defined continent-based stratification is applied. The lens we adopt further highlights the necessity for new quantitative perspectives to comprehensively detect genomic patterns and to leverage entire genomic datasets without pre-defined stratification schemes. Citation Format: Hussein Mohsen, Tomin Perea-Chamblee, Jian Carrot-Zhang. Beyond continental ancestry categories: trans-population genomic similarity continuum reveals overlooked somatic-germline interactions across cancer types [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A007.

Exploring the Facilitating Environment for Mindfulness Meditation: Establishing a Framework through Analysis of Means and Exploratory Factor Analysis

Abstract Objective While mindfulness meditation is an established practice for improving well-being, the physical environment for this activity awaits further exploration. This research aimed to explore how the physical environment facilitates mindfulness meditation and to establish a framework through Analysis of Means (ANOM) and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). The framework was intended to provide guidance for organisations and individuals to better design or modify physical space to support their mindfulness meditations. Method This study used methods to establish an initial research framework from the literature on mindfulness, architectural design, and environmental psychology. A survey of UK mindfulness practitioners was conducted in 2021–2022 to provide insights from a quantitative perspective. The data were analysed using ANOM and EFA to obtain a comprehensive framework based on the responses. Results Through a review of the literature and empirical study, nine physical factors with controllable elements were identified, ranked by their relative importance. Quietness, the use of supportive tools, and natural sounds were found to be the most important. Conclusion This research suggests the priority elements for groups and individuals to consider when adapting the physical environment for mindfulness meditation. The results revealed quietness as the most beneficial controllable element for its facilitation. Additionally, the use of supportive meditation tools was also important. Considering these top elements first could support practitioners' mindfulness meditation more effectively and efficiently. Preregistration This study was not preregistered.