Questionnaire-based Approach Research Articles

Development of Students Learning Module for Disaster and Environmental Knowledge Subject for Undergraduate Students of Universitas Syiah Kuala

Disaster education is an essential part of disaster mitigation steps in shaping character and building a culture of disaster preparedness. Knowledge on Disaster and Environmental (PKL) is a general course taught at the Undergraduate level at Syiah Kuala University. This research and development aim to produce valid, effective, and practical modules for PKL. The research and development model used in this study is an adaptation of the research and development steps proposed by Borg Gall, and the learning design model used in the initial product planning stage adapting the model proposed by Dick Carey. Expert validation and student readability test were followed to confirm the quality of the module. Three expert validators were involved, and 24 students were enrolled in several questionnaire-based approach of their perspective to the pre-and post-revision product module. The results of this study created a PKL learning module that has valid value (score 4.01-4.33), and the average results on the student readability test were in the good category (score 4.13-4.56). The final product that has been revised according to input and suggestions from the validator has the quality for exemplary utilization.

Estimates of wildlife killed by free-ranging cats in China

Throughout much of the world, growing populations of free-ranging domestic cats pose an increasingly serious threat to biodiversity. However, no study has estimated the magnitude of wildlife mortality caused by cats in China, one of the largest and most biodiverse nations on earth. We used a novel, survey questionnaire-based approach to estimate annual predation on wildlife by cats in China; we separately considered predation rates in urban and rural areas and by both owned free-ranging cats and unowned cats (e.g., feral and semi-feral cats including those associated with feeding and trap-neuter-return (TNR) activities). Using statistical simulations based on 2187 questionnaire responses that included direct observations of prey returns to owners and predation events by unowned cats, we estimate that the minimum annual amount of predation by all free-ranging cats in China is: 1.61-4.95 billion invertebrates, 1.61 -3.58 billion fishes, 1.13-3.82 billion amphibians, 1.48-4.31 billion reptiles, 2.69-5.52 billion birds, and 3.61-9.80 billion mammals. Thus, we show that free-ranging cats cause a tremendous death toll that may be profoundly impacting China’s wildlife populations and biodiversity. Our results indicate that there is an urgent need for increased research into the impacts of cats on wildlife in China, and for management and policy that reduces numbers of free-ranging cats and thus mitigates their harmful effects on China’s wildlife.

Technological, organisational and environmental determinants of smart contracts adoption: UK construction sector viewpoint

This study aims to identify the factors that influence the adoption of smart contracts in the UK construction sector. A deductive questionnaire-based approach informed by the technology-organisation-environment (TOE) model is adopted. The framework is comprised of twelve independent variables and one dependent variable of smart contracts use intention. Ten hypotheses are developed to statistically test the causal relationships between the eleven variables of the research model. The study adopts a convenience sampling approach, with the population of interest being primarily drawn from among UK construction practitioners. The results generated from linear regression analysis suggest that the following four factors have a significant influence on the adoption of smart contracts: supply chain pressure, competitive pressure, top management support, and observability. The descriptive statistics obtained also offer a greater understanding of the perceptions and attitudes towards smart contracts across the UK construction sector. The results demonstrate the usefulness of a perception-based model that utilises the TOE framework to assess facets that influence the adoption of smart contracts. The study contributes to innovation diffusion studies in construction project management and supports “early adopters” at the footfall of the technology’s diffusion curve.

INVESTIGATING FUTURE PHARMACISTS UNDERSTANDING OF VACCINES AND MYTHS SURROUNDING VACCINATION

Objective: The United Kingdom has lost its measles, mumps and rubella free status due to a decline in vaccination uptake. There are several beliefs such as safety concern and media influence that discourage people from having vaccinations. To identify gaps in knowledge of vaccination within 3rd year pharmacy students, and to observe whether they can spot myths about vaccines, in particular the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.
 Methods: A questionnaire-based approach was used after gaining ethical approval which included a range of open and closed questions.
 Results: None of the participants could identify the six common myths reported by the World Health Organisation and 40% failed to accurately identify the type of vaccine of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. There were clear gaps in knowledge on vaccines in participants particularly from black, Asian and minority ethnic group participants compared to white students. Educating participants about the myths could have positive future implications on their scientific knowledge when they work as pharmacists.
 Conclusion: Many students did not accurately identify the myths surrounding vaccines and were provided informative leaflets to enhance their scientific knowledge. The gaps in knowledge identified, demonstrates that further teaching sessions should be implemented to cover the grey areas, allowing them to appropriately recommend vaccinations in the future.

What Determine Socioeconomic Mobility: Evidence from Pakistan

This paper examines the factors that influence the socioeconomic development of employees particularly those having poor financial backgrounds. We investigate the relationship between intergenerational socio-economic mobility and subjective well-being moreover. We look at different measures of intergenerational mobility — 1. social, 2. educational, 3. Occupational and 4. income mobility as well as 5. change in their socio-economic conditions. The mobility determinants under study included the individuals’ academics or level of their literacy along whit 2. their parents and family educational backgrounds, their prior economic status, and their financial status from what level of prosperity they use to belong, their siblings, children, and gender. To achieve this objective, this study adopted a questionnaire-based survey approach. A quantitative study was made by using a survey of about 370 responses. These individuals belong to different age groups, having different financial statuses, and having different social backgrounds. The data was analyzed using Structured Equation Modeling. The results suggested the number of children has a significant effect on downwards education mobility, however negatively affecting downwards income mobility and contributing to better socioeconomic conditions. However, the number of siblings positively affect upwards educational mobility but at the same time, downwards social mobility. Similarly, the level of self-education is negatively affecting education and income downwards mobility, hence contributing to the betterment of education. Father’s education level is causing an increase in social upward mobility but a decrease in occupation mobility, it is also contributing towards downwards income mobility. Mother education also seems to affect downwards social mobility as well as occupational mobility. Employees' prior economic status seems to negatively affect income downwards mobility, occupational mobility, as well as socioeconomic conditions. The key findings of this study suggest that both social backgrounds and levels of academic achievements have a significant impact on individual development in social and economic prosperity and play a significant role in the development and utilization of their skills.

The extent of the illegal trade with terrestrial vertebrates in markets and households in Khammouane Province, Lao PDR

Wildlife is one of the most important food resources in rural areas and popular among all social layers of Lao PDR. Numerous vertebrate species are sold at the local markets, but a comprehensive understanding of people’s involvement and their impact on survival of local populations remains insufficient. This study provides the first interdisciplinary assessment using a questionnaire-based survey approach to investigate both markets and households in Khammouane Province in central Lao PDR. Data were recorded during the dry season (October and November 2017), as well as the rainy season (June and July 2018). We documented 66 traded species, mainly intended for consumption purposes, with more than half of them protected under either national law or international convention/red list. Furthermore, an evaluation of wildlife use from urban to the most accessible rural areas, indicated differences in affordability and trapping behavior. Our results suggest that wildlife availabilities can less and less satisfy the unchanged demands.

How do you identify the patient with 'high expectations' of orthodontic treatment: An empirical approach.

To identify an empirical method for identifying patients with 'high expectations' of orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances using a questionnaire-based approach. Secondary analysis of data from four studies which collected data on patients' expectations of orthodontic treatment using the same questionnaire. Secondary care orthodontic services. All four datasets comprised new patients aged 12-15 years, with no history of orthodontic treatment, who fulfilled the criteria for NHS treatment using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). Unpublished dataset 1 comprised 100 participants, while dataset 2 had 70 participants, dataset 3 had 67 participants and dataset 4 comprised 40 participants. The questionnaire utilised in all studies had a question which asked respondents to rate seven different expectations of outcome relating to straight teeth, better smile, ease of eating, speaking, cleaning teeth, improved career prospects and social confidence. Dataset 1 was analysed to determine the proportion of patients who had rated all seven outcome expectation items at a maximum score. Similar analyses were performed for the other three datasets to explore the trend in the proportion of patients with high expectations over time. For dataset 1, 2.0% of participants had high expectations, as defined by their scores on the questionnaire. The proportions for the datasets 2, 3 and 4 were 4.0%, 4.5% and 2.5%, respectively. The method outlined provides an empirical basis for identifying patients with statistically infrequent high expectations. This can potentially help clinicians in the management of such patients.

Characterization of backwater valves in sanitary sewer laterals and associated failures in a Canadian context

Backwater valves in sanitary sewer laterals have become a primary mechanism for reducing the risk of basement flooding in residential homes. Despite widespread reliance on these devices to prevent sewer back-up, the performance of backwater valves during significant rainfall events is mostly unknown. Using a questionnaire-based approach followed by an in-field site visit, this paper identifies installation and maintenance as the two key factors that lead to potential failures of backwater valves. Among the results discussed, failures were linked to a general lack of knowledge on backwater valve devices and the maintenance procedures required to ensure adequate performance.

The Influence of Human Capital on Re-entry Intention of Indian Micro and Small Enterprise Owners: An Empirical Investigation

Entrepreneurial exit is an important phase of the entrepreneurial process that has a significant impact on enterprises and the economy. Extant research in developed countries has shown that personal and business motives of entrepreneurs trigger exit intentions, which, in turn, affect their choice of exit strategy. Though all-India census indicates that most of the closed enterprises are micro and small enterprises (MSE), the factors influencing the exit decision of the Indian MSE owners still remain largely unexplored due to their unorganised nature. Since the majority of Indian MSEs are owned by individuals, and human capital represents the assets of each individual, this article aims to understand the influence of entrepreneurs’ human capital on exit intention for re-entry using the theory of planned behaviour. This study employs a questionnaire-based survey approach and uses a sample size of 150 MSE owners of working enterprises in industrial estates of Mangalore and Udupi districts for hypotheses testing. Empirical analysis is performed using SPSS software, and the results indicate that entrepreneurs with good health and inherited experience have exit intentions and subsequent entrepreneurial re-entry. This knowledge may be useful for stakeholders to understand serial entrepreneurship with a proper exit mechanism.

Facts, Traditions, and Complications of Skin Whitening Products among Female Students in Sudan: A Cross-Sectional Study

The increased use of skin whitening products serves as a significant challenge for the health care unit. The progressive use of the whitening products exposes individuals to various risk factors and skin-related complications. This study aims to determine the usage of skin-whitening products among female students at Ibn Sina University, Sudan. It further intends to assess the complications and risk factors that may emerge due to the increased use of skin whitening products. It used a descriptive cross-sectional design following a questionnaire-based survey approach. The data was collected from 138 females (age 17 to 25 years), which was statistically analyzed. The results revealed that 47.4% of the population used skin-whitening products, where 58.8% were aged 20-22 years. It revealed a significant association of marital status (p-value, 0.010) and belief (p-value, 0.001) with the use of skin whitening products. It concludes that increased usage of skin-whitening products leads to the occurrence of various complications. It stresses introducing educational and preventive programs to mitigate the use of harmful products.

GAMEREHAB@HOME: A New Engineering System Using Serious Game and Multisensor Fusion for Functional Rehabilitation at Home

Biomedical-connected objects, such as kinematic sensors, have been commonly used for patient monitoring in many clinical applications. Moreover, serious games have become widely used to improve patients’ motivation during functional rehabilitation. In this article, we develop and evaluate a new engineering system as a solution for functional rehabilitation at home. A multisensor fusion between Kinect camera and inertial sensors was developed to animate a 3-D avatar during rehabilitation and to estimate kinematic data of different joints for clinical monitoring. Two serious game scenarios were designed for upper and lower limb rehabilitation. The developed system was evaluated through patient kinematic data and a questionnaire-based approach with a panel of eight poststroke patients and four clinical experts. The evaluation of the system showed that multisensor fusion provides useful data for clinical follow-up. The virtual game scenarios lead to a high level of immersion for patients. Feedback from clinical experts concerning the system's graphical user interfaces and the clinical relevance of the acquired data for each rehabilitation session are positive. The developed system paves the way to deploy recent technologies, such as multisensor fusion and serious games, as a solution for home-based rehabilitation, which can optimize the benefit of the involved patients and medical experts.

Performance evaluation of the supply chain system of a food product manufacturing system using a questionnaire-based approach

Effective management of the end-to-end process of a food industry is vital for the achievement of the key strategic objectives of this organisation. However, various factors have limited the performance and productivity of the supply chain system of food industries; thus hindering an organisation from meeting its customers demand target. Hence; there is a need to appraise the performance of the supply chain system of a food industry with a view to identify factors limiting its performance and ensure continuous end-to-end process improvement. In light of this, this paper assesses the performance of the supply chain system of a food industry using a questionnaire-based approach. The structure of the questionnaire consists of myriad of questions that appraises the performance of various factors responsible for effective functioning and optimal flow of the supplier and production sections of the supply chain of a food industry based on the industry benchmark for these factors. The production operators responded to the appropriate sections of the questionnaire. The questionnaire result revealed that the overall performance of work stations 1, 3, 4 and 5 are below the organisation’s target. Hence, the resolutions of various factors lowering the performance of these work stations were recommended as future studies. The questionnaire developed in this study serve as a template that could be used by supply chain managers to measure the performance of their supply chain systems, with a view to ensure continuous and sustainable end-to-end process improvement.

Chinese Undergraduate Students’ Intercultural Adaptation in German Higher Education—A Report from a Double First-Class University in Shanghai

Grounded in researches on intercultural adaptation and the status quo of Chinese undergraduate students in German higher education, using an online anonymous questionnaire-based approach, this study investigated these student sojourners’ intercultural adaptation in terms of general life, social communication, academic studies, and mental health. Further coping strategies and suggestions were provided with regard to the four aspects of boosting foreign language skills and competence, respecting, understanding, tolerating and accepting cultural differences, constructing positive and healthy psychological expectations, and improving diverse offline and online social support systems.

Beliefs About Medicine and Glycemic Control Among Type 2 Diabetes Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study in West Bank, Palestine.

Introduction:To examine the mean differences between patient beliefs about medicine with reference to adherence and glycemic control.Methods:This study utilized a cross-sectional questionnaire-based approach. Adherence to medication was measured with the Morisky Green Levine Medication Adherence Scale (MGLS); glycemic control as the last HbA1c test value; and beliefs about medicine with the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ).Results:According to MGLS scale, 220 (57.9%) of the diabetic patients were classified as high adherent to their medications and 160 (42.1%) were classified as low adherent. Patients had strong believes in their medication, the mean necessity score was significantly outweighed the mean concerns score (17.7 vs 14.4; P < .001). Low adherent patients had significantly more concerns about long term effect of medications (14.4 vs 13.8; P < .008). No significant mean differences were found between glycemic controlled and uncontrolled group regarding necessity or concern domains.Conclusion:Assessing beliefs about medicine is crucial for recognizing patients at risk of low adherence, which offers a way to help patients with diabetes to achieve a better glycemic control.

Negative impacts of nomadic livestock grazing on common rangelands’ function in soil and water conservation

Abstract There is a great deal of pressure on common rangelands through excessive usage of forage resources. It brings private benefits for local communities while imposing ecological and economic damages to ecosystem services as community products. This is evident especially in arid environments where ecosystems are often in poor conditions. Khafr and Sivar rangelands were selected in central regions of Iran to calculate the external costs caused by ecosystem service loss due to nomadic utilisation system. Water and soil conservation services were considered in this study as two major ecosystem services provided by rangeland ecosystems. The impacts of nomadic livestock grazing on soil conservation service was determined by estimating soil erosion in pre and post grazing conditions using MPSIAC model and the impacts on water conservation function was evaluated by calculating the runoff volume before and after grazing through the empirical CN method. The economic value of these ecosystem services was estimated using replacement cost approach. Direct benefits of nomads from livestock grazing was studied using a questionnaire-based approach and structured questionnaires. Economic justification of this utilisation system was revised finally considering the economic damages to ecosystem services as external costs. Results showed that ecosystem service losses as hidden social costs are significant under the current utilisation system. The annual damage to water and soil conservation services was 794,839 US$, as part of the negative externalities of the nomads. Meanwhile, the annual net present value of direct benefits of nomadic livestock grazing were only 601,562 US$, and combining annual external costs with the private costs reduced the net present value of the system to −193,276 US$ per year. As a conclusion, it should be noted that contrary to the importance of the nomadic system from cultural and social aspects, the current system is not economically justified in arid, poor and common rangelands. This highlights the need for appropriate policy to maintain both ecological and socio-cultural values.

PRE-SERVICE AND IN-SERVICE TEACHERS’ EXPERIENCES OF INQUIRY-BASED PRIMARY SCIENCE TEACHING: A COLLABORATIVE TEAM TEACHING MODEL

This research clarifies how a collaborative team teaching model (CTTM) can support both pre-service and in-service teachers’ professional development in using inquiry-based science teaching in primary schools. The data were collected via a questionnaire-based survey approach after inquiry projects implementation at public schools in four Finnish cities. In total, 98 pre-service teachers and 51 in-service class teachers were involved in the research. According to their experiences collaborative team teaching was seen as an adequate teaching approach in primary school science lessons. Both in-service and pre-service teachers experienced inquiry-based science teaching enthusiastically and received new ideas, knowledge and skills to carry out inquiries during the school projects. Also, they became more confident to use inquiry-based approach in their teaching. The findings indicate that the CTTM combines pre-service teachers’ professional development and in-service teachers’ expertise and the model successfully support the use of inquiry-based practices in primary school science education. Keywords: collaborative team teaching model, inquiry-based science teaching, survey research, teachers’ experiences.

Why deprescribing antipsychotics in older people with dementia in long-term care is not always successful: Insights from the HALT study.

Antipsychotic medications are commonly used to manage behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia despite their side effects and harms. While the Halting Antipsychotic Use in Long-Term care (HALT) deprescribing trial was successful at reducing antipsychotic use, 19% of participants had their antipsychotics represcribed or never reached a dose of zero. The aim of this study was to investigate the reasons for represcription of antipsychotic medication and factors associated with ongoing antipsychotic use, relating to care staff requests and perceived behavioural changes. Thirty-nine of 133 HALT participants never ceased their antipsychotic medication or were represcribed a regular or pro re nata (PRN) antipsychotic after initial deprescribing. The views of nursing staff, general practitioner, and family on the circumstances leading up to these outcomes were collected via a questionnaire-based approach. This information was triangulated with observation and detailed file audit (including progress notes, medical notes, medication charts, incident reports, and hospital discharge summaries). A consensus panel reconstructed the represcribing context. Nurses were the most common drivers of represcribing (63.2%), followed by family members (39.5%), GPs (23.7%), specialists (13.2%), and hospital staff (10.5%). There were multiple drivers for antipsychotic use in 46.2% of participants. Increased agitated and aggressive behaviours were the most commonly reported reasons for represcribing even though these changes were not identified over time on objective measures. Consent and dosage practices remained poor despite education. Nursing staff are the key drivers of deprescribing particularly in response to perceived worsening agitation and aggression among male residents. The train-the-trainer model used in the HALT trial may have been insufficient on its own to improve staff competence and confidence in applying nonpharmacological approaches when responding to behaviour change.

A pilot study on assessing the gap between nurses’ task performances and knowledge pertaining the same with reference to “ I COUGH” initiative- a call for promoting patient ‘care bundle’ assignments in low-income nations

Background: The health sector in low-income nations has been crippled owing to low resources, lack of trained staff and a scarcity of effective health-related reforms. Amidst such a scenario, implementation of patient-centered care bundle approaches could help reprise the autonomy and standards of care for healthcare providers as well as safeguard patient safety. Methods: We sought to determine the gap between task performance and the underlying knowledge pertaining the same among nurses from intensive and high dependency neurosurgical units within three hospitals in Nepal through a questionnaire-based approach focusing on task assignments to prevent pulmonary complications among their patients and scoring them with references to the variables of ‘I COUGH’, a similar patient care bundle initiative. Results: There is a gross discrepancy between the patterns of task performance and the knowledge regarding the rationale behind the same tasks among nurses working in critical care neurosurgical units. In reference to I COUGH, nurses had below 50% knowledge on interventions aimed to prevent pulmonary complications among their patients, irrespective of the level of experience attained in the units. Furthermore, none of them had complete knowledge regarding all components of effective chest physiotherapy. Conclusion: There is the utmost need for the implementation of patient-focused care bundle approaches in upraising the health delivery standards, especially in low-income nations. Such initiatives can promote autonomy amongst healthcare professionals on patient care as well as assuring better patient outcomes by minimizing complications.

Factor influencing flexibility in new product development: empirical evidence from Indian manufacturing firms

PurposeA significant amount of work has been done on new product development (NPD); however, studies on the flexibility aspect in NPD are scant. This study aims to investigate the relationship between NPD flexibility and five infrastructural factors, namely, marketing and manufacturing integration practices (MMIPs), advanced human resource practices (AHRPs), supplier integration practices (SIPs), operational improvement practices (OIPs) and advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs).Design/methodology/approachThe study applies a questionnaire-based survey approach to examine the proposed relationships between different variables and NPD flexibility. Using a 39-item questionnaire, 262 valid and usable responses were collected from Indian manufacturing firms. Data were analysed using principal component analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Further, structural equation modelling was applied to examine the contribution of different infrastructural factors to NPD flexibility.FindingsIn light of the empirical evidence produced in this study, the study suggests that MMIPs, AHRPs, SIPs, OIPs and AMTs have a direct, positive and significant influence on NPD flexibility. Among all the predictors, SIPs are the strongest predictor of NPD flexibility, followed by OIPs and AMTs.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings extend prior studies of NPD by broadening the theory related to NPD flexibility. Practitioners should take a macro approach and focus on several practices to enhance flexibility in NPD.Originality/valueUnlike earlier studies that provide limited empirical evidence on NPD flexibility and deal with the concept in isolation, this empirical study applies a systematic approach to understand factors influencing NPD flexibility.

A pilot study on assessing the gap between nurses' task performances and knowledge pertaining the same with reference to " I COUGH" initiative- a call for promoting patient 'care bundle' assignments in low-income nations.

Background:The health sector in low-income nations has been crippled owing to low resources, lack of trained staff and a scarcity of effective health-related reforms. Amidst such a scenario, implementation of patient-centered care bundle approaches could help reprise the autonomy and standards of care for healthcare providers as well as safeguard patient safety. Methods:We sought to determine the gap between task performance and the underlying knowledge pertaining the same among nurses from intensive and high dependency neurosurgical units within three hospitals in Nepal through a questionnaire-based approach focusing on task assignments to prevent pulmonary complications among their patients and scoring them with references to the variables of 'I COUGH', a similar patient care bundle initiative. Results:There is a gross discrepancy between the patterns of task performance and the knowledge regarding the rationale behind the same tasks among nurses working in critical care neurosurgical units. In reference to I COUGH, nurses had below 50% knowledge on interventions aimed to prevent pulmonary complications among their patients, irrespective of the level of experience attained in the units. Furthermore, none of them had complete knowledge regarding all components of effective chest physiotherapy. Conclusion:There is the utmost need for the implementation of patient-focused care bundle approaches in upraising the health delivery standards, especially in low-income nations. Such initiatives can promote autonomy amongst healthcare professionals on patient care as well as assuring better patient outcomes by minimizing complications.