Sequential Mixed Methods Design Research Articles

The link between patient safety competence and adverse event among master of nursing students: a cross-sectional mixed-methods study

BackgroundPatient safety (PS) is a core competency for registered nurses. However, there is a gap between the PS competence of nursing students and their clinical experience in PS. This study explored the effect of PS competence levels on the occurrence of adverse events (AEs) among nursing master’s students in China.MethodsA sequential mixed methods design was used, with a purposive sample across seven colleges. A total of 327 graduate nursing students, aged 22 to 38, participated in the survey, and 15 participated in qualitative interviews. The Health Professional Education in Patient Safety Survey (H-PEPSS) assessed the students’ competence levels in PS. The respondents also reported any AEs that they had been involved in over the past year.ResultsA total of 78 AEs occurred in the past year, with 17.7% of the participants involved 1 to 3 AEs. The most common AEs were medication administration errors (30.77%) and improper use of medical equipment/supplies (28.20%). Students acquired more competencies from the clinical setting than from the classroom setting. Three competencies learned from classroom settings were associated with clinical AEs: low clinical safety skills [OR = 0.61], inappropriate identify, response to and disclosing AE and close calls [OR = 0.454], and low confidence in working in teams with other health professionals [OR = 2.168]. Qualitative data analysis revealed five themes: recognizing AEs, reducing harm by addressing immediate risks to patients and others involved, promoting safe medication and clinical practice, managing members’ authority and team dynamics, and dealing with inter-professional conflict.ConclusionsThe quantitative and qualitative data align, supporting the enhancement of students’ PS competence.

Clear Masks Do Not Prevent Gains During Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing Treatment: An Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methods Pilot Study

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the outcomes and impact of Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) treatment when clear vinyl masks were worn. DTTC is one of the few evidence-based treatments for children with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). Given that DTTC relies on visual, auditory, and tactile cues, it was unknown if treatment gains would be demonstrated when masks were worn and how masking would impact the therapy experience for clinicians and caregivers. Method: A sequential mixed methods design was used to study the efficacy of DTTC treatment in children with CAS when clear masks were worn. The quantitative phase used a multiple-baseline across-participants design. Four children (each 4 years of age) participated in the treatment protocol in which 24 sessions of DTTC were provided over 8 weeks while clear vinyl face masks were worn by participants and clinicians. Whole word accuracy on treated items and generalization to easy and hard untreated items were assessed during baseline, treatment, and follow-up. Semistructured interviews were conducted with clinicians and caregivers following treatment to explore the experience of masks being worn during treatment. Qualitative data were analyzed using descriptive thematic analysis. Results: Three children completed the treatment protocol. Visual and statistical analyses revealed that two participants demonstrated significant treatment effects, with one also demonstrating generalization. The remaining participant demonstrated marginal treatment gains. Qualitative findings revealed two main themes: “mask wearing was inconvenient but did not prevent therapy gains” and “in-person therapy with face masks was preferable to teletherapy.” Conclusions: Masks did not prohibit treatment gains during DTTC therapy, with treatment effects of varying degrees shown for the three participants who completed the protocol. Together, quantitative and qualitative results indicate that mask wearing was, for most, a minor inconvenience that did not substantially interfere with the efficacy of DTTC treatment. Supplemental Material: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.26408854

Understanding the physical literacy development of 8- to 12-year-old children living with chronic medical conditions: A comprehensive, mixed methods inquiry.

Physical literacy is a concept used to describe the combined physical, affective and cognitive capacities facilitating an active lifestyle. Physical activity participation is essential for children living with chronic medical conditions, but knowledge of physical literacy among this group is scarce. An explanatory, sequential mixed methods design was used to comprehensively describe the physical literacies of children with chronic medical conditions (CMCs). Participants were recruited from paediatric cardiology, respirology/cystic fibrosis, neurology, haematology and endocrinology outpatient clinics. All participants completed the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy (2nd Edition), and those with higher and lower scores were invited to a semi-structured interview. A deductive-inductive thematic analysis was applied using Margaret Whitehead's conceptualization of physical literacy. Using normative strata, 80.0% of the 99 children assessed (mean age = 9.97 ± 1.3years, 48% girls) were considered beginning or progressing in their overall physical literacy (mean score = 56.5 ± 13.8/100). Meanwhile, physical literacy informed participants' approach to new, active experiences and may have contributed to a strong sense of self. There was a significant difference between endocrinology and haematology patients on total physical literacy score (p = 0.03) but not domain scores. Participants scored high on motivation/confidence (mean = 22.9 ± 5.0/30) but obtained low physical competence (mean = 11.8 ± 5.6/30) and daily behaviour scores (n = 72, mean = 15.5 ± 7.1/30). Main themes represent salient experiences of children with CMCs within the domains of physical literacy, including their need to evaluate active contexts, self-regulate activity intensity and manage physical limitations. Children with CMCs can achieve recommended levels of physical literacy without meeting normative standards for physical competence. Participants would benefit from a physical literacy intervention that targets the development of bodily self-regulation skills and risk evaluation in active settings.

Evaluating the Impact of the Language Mindset Toolkit among Thai Undergraduate Students

This study reports the impact of a language mindset toolkit in influencing the language mindsets of Thai undergraduate students. An explanatory sequential mixed method design was used to determine how language mindset changes and know the students’ language learning insights through a focused mindset intervention. Data from 67 students chosen from convenience sampling completed language mindset surveys, journal entries, and semi-structured interviews were analyzed. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the survey data, while thematic and content analyses were utilized for journal entries and interview data. Key findings revealed a notable shift from a fixed to a growth mindset, particularly in language learning abilities. While mindsets related to intelligence and age sensitivity remained relatively stable, there was a marked change in participants’ belief in the malleability of their language learning abilities, underpinned by the principles of effort and persistence. Thematic analysis of journals supports these findings, with themes such as knowing about language mindset in learning, putting effort into language learning, setting goals in language learning, using strategies in language learning, and regulating emotions in language learning. Meanwhile, the content analysis of individual interviews revealed insights such as appreciating self, motivating self in language learning, and gaining self-efficacy. Growth mindset-oriented interventions could transform the students’ beliefs in language learning.

'A Meaningful Difference, but Not Ultimately the Difference I Would Want': A Mixed-Methods Approach to Explore and Benchmark Clinically Meaningful Changes in Aphasia Recovery.

Outcome measurement instruments (OMIs) are used to gauge the effects of treatment. In post-stroke aphasia rehabilitation, benchmarks for meaningful change are needed to support the interpretation of patient outcomes. This study is part of a research programme to establish minimal important change (MIC) values (the smallest change above which patients perceive themselves as importantly changed) for core OMIs. As a first step in this process, the views of people with aphasia and clinicians were explored, and consensus was sought on a threshold for clinically meaningful change. Sequential mixed-methods design was employed. Participants included people with post-stroke aphasia and speech pathologists. People with aphasia were purposively sampled based on time post-stroke, age and gender, whereas speech pathologists were sampled according to their work setting (hospital or community). Each participant attended a focus group followed by a consensus workshop with a survey component. Within the focus groups, experiences and methods for measuring meaningful change during aphasia recovery were explored. Qualitative data were transcribed and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. In the consensus workshop, participants voted on thresholds for meaningful change in core outcome constructs of language, communication, emotional well-being and quality of life, using a six-point rating scale (much worse, slightly worse, no change, slightly improved, much improved and completely recovered). Consensus was defined a priori as 70% agreement. Voting results were reported using descriptive statistics. Five people with aphasia (n = 4, > 6 months after stroke; n = 5, < 65 years; n = 3, males) and eight speech pathologists (n = 4, hospital setting; n = 4, community setting) participated in one of four focus groups (duration: 92-112 min). Four themes were identified describing meaningful change as follows: (1) different for every single person; (2) small continuous improvements; (3) measured by progress towards personally relevant goals; and (4) influenced by personal factors. 'Slightly improved' was agreed as the threshold of MIC on the anchor-rating scale (75%-92%) within 6 months of stroke, whereas after 6 months there was a trend towards supporting 'much improved' (36%-66%). Our mixed-methods research with people with aphasia and speech pathologists provides novel evidence to inform the definition of MIC in aphasia rehabilitation. Future research will aim to establish MIC values for core OMIs. This work is the result of engagement between people with lived experience of post-stroke aphasia, including people with aphasia, family members, clinicians and researchers. Engagement across the research cycle was sought to ensure that the research tasks were acceptable and easily understood by participants and that the outcomes of the study were relevant to the aphasia community. This engagement included the co-development of a plain English summary of the results. Advisors were remunerated in accordance with Health Consumers Queensland guidelines. Interview guides for clinicians were piloted by speech pathologists working in aphasia rehabilitation.

Livestreamed tourism shopping: consumers’ attitudes and behaviors

Purpose This study aims to investigate how source attractiveness (including platform credibility, product appeal and streamer attractiveness) and information quality impact viewers’ cognition and flow state. Additionally, it examines how these factors influence the development of consumer attitudes and behaviors toward livestreamed tourism shopping, as well as the moderating roles of perceived risk and personal characteristics. Design/methodology/approach A sequential mixed-methods research design was used. In addition to a literature review, 15 interviews were conducted to identify measurement items for the subsequent questionnaire survey. Sample 1 (n = 209) was used to refine these measurement items, whereas Sample 2 (n = 227) was used to evaluate the measurement model and test the proposed hypotheses. Findings Findings reveal that source attractiveness (streamer attractiveness, tourism product attractiveness and platform credibility) and information quality significantly influence customers’ behavior formation, with cognition and flow state acting as mediators. Findings further confirm the moderating effect of perceived risk in a livestreamed shopping environment. Practical implications The findings provide new insights into how consumers select livestreamed shopping platforms. As viewers assess the credibility and trustworthiness of each component to form their perception of the overall platform’s credibility, companies should market their products through credible platforms, studios and stores with extensive reach. It is also critical to collaborate with streamers who are sincere, trustworthy, knowledgeable and professional. Since perceived risk lowers consumer behavioral intentions, live streamers, platforms and merchants should offer convincing and credible arguments to alleviate viewers’ perceived risks. Originality/value This study advances the literature on livestreamed shopping by broadening the conceptualization of source attractiveness to include three dimensions: streamer attractiveness, product attractiveness and platform attractiveness. Furthermore, it differentiates itself from existing studies by integrating and adopting multidimensional measurements of cognition (perceived usefulness and ease of use) and flow state (control, enjoyment, curiosity and concentration).

DIALECT PREFERENCES AMONG THE SYRIAN REFUGEES IN JORDAN: A MIXED-METHODS STUDY

Background and Purpose: Taking into account the scarcity of research on Syrian refugees from the perspective of sociolinguistics, this research explored Syrian refugees’ reasons for dialect preferences when they communicate in various domains of life in Jordan. Methodology: The study employed a sequential mixed-methods design, which involved collecting both quantitative and qualitative data. The quantitative data were collected using a questionnaire of 20 items. Qualitative data were collected using the semi-structured interviews which were conducted with 18 Syrian refugees. While the quantitative data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, the transcripts of the semi-structured interviews were coded and analysed thematically. Findings: The results of the study showed that the majority of Syrian refugees use the Syrian Dialect with family members, Syrian friends, and colleagues at work, and Syrian neighbours. Further, the results revealed that most of the Syrian refugees prefer to use the Jordanian Dialect when they communicate with Jordanian neighbours and friends, and with Jordanians at the workplace and in educational contexts. The study revealed that the major reasons for dialect preferences among Syrian refugees are a desire for integration, close connection to their families, a sense of cultural familiarity, comfort in communication, interlocutors, and the importance of the formal context. Contributions: The findings of this research can contribute to research in sociolinguistics in terms of understanding the Syrian refugees’ dialect preferences. Keywords: Syrian refugees, sociolinguistics, dialect preferences, Jordan, integration. Cite as: Samaher, F., &amp; Salasiah, C. L. (2024). Dialect preferences among the Syrian refugees in Jordan: A mixed-methods study. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 9(2), 106-130. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol9iss2pp106-130

Promoting inclusion for disabled students in healthcare education: Using research-based theatre to enhance knowledge and empathy

AimThis study explores and compares the impact of in-person and online versions of a Research-based Theatre production named "Alone in the Ring," aimed at increasing knowledge and fostering positive attitudes towards persons with disabilities in healthcare professions. The study examines changes in attitudes towards disabled persons in healthcare professions, levels of engagement in the play and knowledge about the experiences and challenges of disabled individuals in healthcare professions. It also investigates possible actions to increase inclusion for disabled persons in healthcare education and practice. BackgroundDisabled students face numerous barriers in healthcare education and practice, many of which are rooted in stigma and negative attitudes. Research-based Theatre promotes experiential learning to address these attitudes and stereotypes. The performance "Alone in the Ring" is based on a comprehensive study of the experiences of disabled students and clinicians in health professions, aiming to promote inclusion for students with disabilities in these fields. DesignThis study uses a pre-test and post-test design with two comparison groups. MethodThe study employed an explanatory sequential mixed method design to explore the impact of online versus in-person Research-based Theatre teaching in healthcare education. Participants were graduate health students (N = 198); 100 watched the in-person version and 98 watched the online version. Surveys were administered before and after the performance. Participants were also invited to share their experiences in semi-structured interviews and their responses were analyzed using thematic analysis. ResultsResults indicated that students generally felt more comfortable with disabled persons in healthcare professions in the post-survey compared to the pre-survey, with online participants reporting greater comfort and higher engagement than those in-person. Knowledge of disabled persons' experiences and challenges, as well as possible actions to increase belonging and inclusion, improved significantly for both groups from pre- to post-performance, with online participants showing a greater change. Qualitative data revealed that online theatre was perceived as authentic and beneficial for accessibility, engagement and emotional impact on students, though challenges included potential distractions and technological issues. Positive correlations were found between changes in knowledge, positive attitude and engagement, suggesting that increased engagement and a shift in attitudes can promote knowledge and awareness of the inclusion of disabled persons in healthcare professions. ConclusionThese results support the use of online theatre-based academic teaching that experientially engages students, increases empathy and can promote more inclusive healthcare educational settings for disabled persons.

Parental involvement predicts Grade 4 learners’ reading literacy: an analysis of PIRLS data for students in Mpumalanga, South Africa

ABSTRACT The purpose of the study was to examine how parents’ involvement is associated with Grade 4 learners' reading literacy achievement in Mpumalanga. Selected variables from the PIRLS 2016 home and school questionnaires were used, and interviews were conducted with parents to gain a deeper understanding of parental involvement in their child’s education in terms of reading literacy. A sequential explanatory mixed-method design was used based on the pragmatism paradigm. The quantitative data (1,025 learners) was gathered before the qualitative data (ten parents). For the quantitative data, multi-level analysis showed that parents who read books with their child before the child went to primary school, parents who participated in their child’s reading outside school hours, and parents being included in their child’s education by the school are the best predictors of Grade 4 reading literacy achievement. For the qualitative data, the findings indicated that parents understand that promoting English as First Additional Language is of great importance; however, they lack the skills, time and resources to effectively teach English reading at home. This study suggests that more research should be conducted on effective parenting strategies at home to teach their children to read.

Intents and Actualities of Health Optimizing Physical Education (HOPE) Curriculum Implementation: A Sequential Exploratory

This study explores the implementation of the Health Optimizing Physical Education (HOPE) curriculum in senior high schools in Pasay City, Philippines. Utilizing an exploratory sequential mixed-method design, the research first employed validated questionnaires to quantitatively assess the implementation of HOPE 1, 2, 3, and 4. Subsequently, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with teachers provided qualitative insights into the challenges and experiences during the curriculum's initial three years. The study involved 428 private school students, 412 public school students, 27 private school teachers, and 38 public school teachers. Quantitative findings indicated a moderate to limited extent of curriculum implementation, with significant differences between public and private schools for HOPE 1 and 2, but not for HOPE 3 and 4. Qualitative data highlighted challenges related to curriculum content, facilities, equipment, and teacher training. Recommendations include targeted workshops, Learning Action Cell sessions, collaboration with community resources, and initiatives like the Family Activity Challenge. These interventions aim to enhance the curriculum's effectiveness, promoting physical activity and health literacy among students.

Assessment of infrastructure, behaviours, and user satisfaction of guardian waiting shelters for secondary level hospitals in southern Malawi.

Guardian Waiting Shelters (GWSs) are an essential component of the Malawi's health care system as they serve as a temporary home for patient guardians while taking care of their relatives admitted to the hospital, and expectant mothers. Although GWSs play a crucial role in Malawi's healthcare system, past studies have primarily concentrated on maternity waiting homes, neglecting the role and importance of GWSs. The study examines GWS management structures and conditions, as well as guardian satisfaction and perception of health risks related to GWS use. In this explanatory sequential mixed methods design, we assessed 12 GWSs from southern region of Malawi. Qualitative data included interviews (n = 149) and focus group discussions with patient guardians (n = 72), interviews with GWS caretakers (n = 5), representatives from Hospital Management (n = 12) and Hospital Advisory Committees (n = 11). Lack of guidelines and standards for GWSs resulted in creating a customized facility checklist to quantitatively assess infrastructure present at GWSs (n = 12). Descriptive statistics and qualitative thematic analysis were utilized for data analysis, and a problem tree analysis was used to triangulate and summarize the findings. A total of 249 participants participated in the study. Each GWS had an average of 100 users daily, primarily adult females (71%). No one was accountable for GWS operation and maintenance due to the lack of a management hierarchy. GWS infrastructure conditions were poor, with inadequate functional sleeping rooms, insufficient access to water, sanitation and hygiene facilities. Notably, 50% of the GWSs lacked water access, and a quarter had non-functional toilets. Guardians felt unsafe and at risk of disease transmission when staying within GWS. Study findings highlight lack of clear, consistent GWS ownership as a root cause of challenges in GWSs. Clear policy and operational standards must be established for effective management and smooth functioning of GWSs.

Narrative based online career group counseling program: an explanatory sequential design

AbstractThe aim of this study is to determine the effect of the Narrative Based Online Career Group Counseling Program on the career exploration, career and talent development self-efficacy, and career development of fourth grade primary school students. An explanatory sequential mixed-method design was used in the study. A 2 × 3 quasiexperimental design was used in the quantitative part, and a focus group interview was used in the qualitative part. The results showed that the program had a significant impact and could support career development in children. Thus, a career program with proven effectiveness that can be implemented in schools has been emerged.

Efficacy of Specialized Security Agencies in Curbing Cattle Rustling in Sotik and Borabu Sub-Counties in Kenya

Kenya has faced a wide scale threat of cattle rustling. The menace has been occurring mainly in counties populated by pastoralist groups including the Turkana, Samburu, Maasai, Pokot as well as Kipsigis and Kisii among others. People have been killed, their property lost; some mutilated, injured, and displaced. Security organizations such as the General Service Unit (GSU) and the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) among others were mobilized to help curb the danger of cattle rustling yet it has continued to occur in Kenya including Sotik and Borabu Sub counties. The purpose of this study was thus to investigate how effective security agencies were in curbing cattle rustling in the counties of Bomet and Nyamira, Kenya. This study therefore investigated the effectiveness of specialized security agencies in curbing cattle rustling in the Sotik and Borabu Sub-Counties in Bomet and Nyamira Counties in Kenya. A sequential exploratory mixed methods design was used. The target population was all the residents of Sotik and Borabu Sub-Counties (18 years and above) who had information regarding the topic under discourse. They were 284,379 in number. A total of 156 respondents participated. The respondents were drawn through purposive sampling. A questionnaire was used to gather quantitative information while key informant interview guides were used to gather qualitative information from the respondents. The hypothesis was tested using Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient (r) at α =0.05 level of significance. The results obtained from the two sub-counties determined that the deployment of specialized security agencies had a statistically significant effect on curbing cattle rustling. This means that before the deployment of security agencies, the frequency of cattle rustling was relatively high as compared to the periods after their deployment. The reduction was therefore attributed to the constant pursuit and deployment of specialized units such as the ASTU, GSU and Administration Police in the region. The study recommends that the national government should expand the presence and activities of specialized security agencies in regions with a history of high cattle rustling rates, focusing on areas with the highest correlation between agency presence and rustling reduction. The government should also implement targeted training programs for specialized security personnel to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge for addressing the unique challenges associated with cattle rustling.

Critical Analysis of Status of Counter-Terrorism Strategies in Manda, Lamu County, Kenya: A Multifaceted Examination of HUMINT and SIGINT

This paper presents a critical analysis of counter-terrorism strategies in Kenya, with a specific focus on the multifaceted examination of Human Intelligence (HUMINT) and Signals Intelligence (SIGINT). The study employed a sequential explanatory mixed-methods research design integrates both qualitative and quantitative approaches to provide a thorough understanding of Kenya&amp;apos;s efforts to combat terrorism. The target population of this study encompassed participants involved in counter-terrorism activities in Kenya. This included officers in security agencies such as the National Intelligence Service and the Kenya Defense Forces which formed our target population. A total of 93 officers participated. The respondents were drawn through purposive sampling. By addressing multiple levels of involvement, the paper provides a holistic view of counter-terrorism strategies and their impact. Quantitative data was collected through surveys administered to a representative sample of security personnel in the NIS and KDF. Qualitative data on the other hand was collected through interviews. Semi-structured interviews were done with key informants, such as heads of the National Intelligence Service and Kenya Defense Forces helped capture the nuanced perspectives on HUMINT and SIGINT. STATA and Statistical Package for Social Scences (SPSS) Software were used to analyze quantitative data from the survey. The statistical significance between the average expectations and average perceptions in both security agencies was analyzed using two-sample t-tests. Additionally, the significance of the gaps between the agencies was assessed with Hotelling’s T-squared test at a 5% significance level. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were also used to determine the strength and direction of the relationship between the independent variable (s) and the dependent variable. The study generally found that the indicators of the HUMINT strategy were effective in countering terrorism except for source penetration. Further, the study determined that all indicators of SIGINT strategy were ineffective in countering terrorism except for interception of communication and timely warnings.

Interpretability and Clinical Utility of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory - Patient Reported Outcome (PEDI-PRO) Score Report

Aims Well-designed score reports can support therapists to accurately interpret assessments. We piloted a score report for the Pediatric Evaluation Disability Inventory-Patient Reported Outcome (PEDI-PRO) and evaluated: 1) To what extent can occupational and physical therapists (OT, PT) accurately interpret item-response theory (IRT)-based PEDI-PRO assessment results? 2) What is the perceived clinical utility of the pilot score report? Methods Exploratory, sequential mixed methods design. Focus groups with OT and PTs (n = 20) informed the development of the final score report; revisions were made in response to feedback. Next, OTs and PTs (n = 33) reviewed score reports from two fictional clients and answered survey questions about the interpretation of the PEDI-PRO results. Additional questions evaluated clinical utility. Results Focus groups: Visual cues supported score interpretation, but therapists requested additional explanations for advanced IRT measurement concepts. Survey: Therapists accurately interpreted foundational IRT concepts (e.g. identifying most/least difficult items, highest scores), but were less accurate when interpreting advanced concepts (e.g. fit, unexpected responses). Therapists anticipated sharing different components of the score report with family members, clinicians, and payers to support their clinical practice. Conclusions The pilot PEDI-PRO score report was highly endorsed by therapists, but therapists may need additional training to interpret advanced IRT concepts.

“Beyond Stereotypes”: Investigating the Roles and Motivations of Girls in Cybercriminal Networks in Ibadan Metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria

This study investigates the involvement of girls in cybercriminal networks within Ibadan Metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria. It examines their roles, motivations, and the socio-economic implications. The study is anchored on the Structural Strain and Sex Role theories. Utilizing an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design of the quantitative and qualitative data collection procedure, the respondents were purposively sampled. Findings of the research revealed that although girls' participation in cybercrime is relatively lower compared to boys, their roles are nonetheless significant and multifaceted, encompassing activities such as romance scams, phishing, online fraud, identity theft, and cyber-enabled financial crimes. Additionally, girls provide psychological support to their male counterparts, often engaging in domestic chores and serving as "sex tools," which facilitates the smooth operation of these networks. The findings indicate that motivations for girls' involvement in cybercrime include economic vulnerability, peer influence, poverty, access to Western education and technology, and the anonymity of the internet. The socio-economic implications were discovered to be profound, disrupting educational paths of girls, inflicting psychological damage, and perpetuating cycles of poverty and social instability. The study concludes that cybercriminal networks have devastating consequences on girls and thus, it was proposed that targeted interventions focusing on education, mental health support, and socio-economic empowerment are crucial in mitigating the risks and providing alternative pathways for at-risk girls.

Leadership in the Modern Academe: Knowledge Management and Curriculum Delivery in Multigenerational Professional Learning Communities

This study was conducted to look into the different perceptions and assessments of multigenerational professional learning communities as regards to knowledge management and curriculum delivery among their school leaders. The study follows a sequential explanatory mixed methods design. The study was done in two phases. In the first phase, a survey was conducted to gather quantitative data to assess the extent of knowledge management and the level of observance of curriculum delivery in multigenerational professional learning communities among their school leaders. A test of difference was then carried out to see if there is a difference between the perceptions multigenerational professional learning communities as regards to knowledge management and curriculum delivery. The result showed that there is no significant difference between the assessments of multigenerational professional learning communities. In the second phase, interviews were conducted to gather qualitative data and then themes were exposed. The qualitative results build on the initial quantitative results wherein the quantitative results inform the secondary qualitative results. The respondents of the study were the 14 Baby Boomer teachers, 61 generation Xs and 65 millennial teachers from the elementary schools in East 2. The co-researchers of the study were 2 teachers from each generations. In conclusion, this thesis has exposed that there is no difference in the assessment of multigenerational professional learning communities as regards to knowledge management and curriculum delivery among school leaders. Their perspectives also the same quantitatively and qualitatively. Meanwhile, the themes that emerged after gathering the data were: Principals’ Own Knowledge Management, Principals’ Personal Curriculum Delivery Initiatives, Generational Edge as to Experience, Technology, Discipline, Flexibility, Willingness to Learn and Exposure, and lastly, Positive Reaction to Principals’ Leadership. For the output of the study, a compendium of best practices for knowledge management and curriculum delivery was provided in the study for the school leaders to further enhance their capabilities in leading the modern academe in multigenerational professional learning communities.

Improving Argument-Based Explanation Writing in Inclusive High School Science Class for Students with and without Exceptionalities

ABSTRACT There have been many calls for the development of discipline-specific argument writing interventions to integrate science-specific and general literacy standards and goals. Yet, adolescents with and without exceptionalities struggle to meet existing writing demands. This explanatory sequential mixed methods design draws from the strengths of multiple baseline design and integrates rich qualitative data, from a student perspective, to better understand the elements that contribute to effective discipline-specific writing instruction. The study examined the effects of implementing Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) through a writing-to-learn sensemaking framework adapting the DEFEND strategy to improve students’ written argument-based explanations across inclusive science classrooms and focus learners with exceptionalities. A ninth-grade science teacher delivered science and writing instruction and collected quick writes before, during, and after SRSD implementation. Results indicated that students’ argument-based explanations improved in discipline-specific components (i.e. claim, evidence, reasoning, knowledge) and general components (i.e. organization and writing quality). Students discussed the challenges of using their developing knowledge to write argument-based explanations using the DEFEND strategy, with particular difficulties in expressing reasoning and an appropriate counterclaim. Issues of feasibility and usability are discussed.

Influence of personality traits on generation Z consumers' click-through intentions towards personalized advertisements: A mixed-methods study

Personalized social media advertisements (PSMAs) are developed by using consumers' personal information like names, demographic details, location, past buying history, and lifestyle interests to quickly grab consumers' attention within the cluttered space of digital advertisements. Generation Z consumers are highly connected to social media. Hence, this study attempts to understand how Generation Z consumers with different personality traits perceive personalized advertisements (PAs) on Facebook, and subsequently, how their perceived personalization influences their intention to click on PAs based on perceived usefulness and privacy concerns associated with those advertisements. The theoretical underpinning of this research is based on the self-congruency theory and privacy-calculus theory. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design has been adopted, where a quantitative analysis (Study 1) is followed by a qualitative approach (Study 2). For Study 1, responses were collected from 324 Generation Z consumers through a structured questionnaire and the data was analyzed using the structural equation modeling technique to measure relationships among the constructs. Further, in Study 2, in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 Generation Z consumers, a purposively selected subset of informants from Study 1, to explore the potential causes of those relationships observed in Study 1. It has been found from the study that consumers' perception of PSMAs varies based on their personality traits. Consumers with dominant extraversion, conscientiousness, and neurotic personality traits perceive PSMAs positively whereas the openness to experience and agreeableness dominant consumers perceive those negatively. Positive perception of PSMAs among consumers increases the perceived usefulness of communications and subsequently improves the click-through intentions of the consumers. Generation Z Consumers' perception of PSMAs does not have any influence on their privacy concerns. Consumers’ high privacy concerns reduce the click-through intention rate toward PSMAs. The study will help digital marketing managers to strategically deliver PSMAs, thereby enhancing the efficiency of their advertisements.

Adoption and Impact of Fungus-Resistant Grape Varieties within German Viticulture: A Comprehensive Mixed-Methods Study with Producers

The reduction of phytosanitary treatments in viticulture is widely demanded by policymakers and consumers. An important solution is the use of resistant grapes, which can cut plant protection applications by up to 80%. Although this is a significant improvement, viticulture is mainly carried out with traditional grapes. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to identify the factors that encourage the cultivation of fungus-resistant grape varieties (FRGV), as well as the challenges and opportunities in marketing. Our study used an exploratory sequential mixed-methods model design. In the first step, data were collected through 48 in-depth interviews and analyzed. Based on the qualitative results, a survey of 422 producers was conducted. The quantitative research results were segmented by company size and production type to provide a deeper understanding. The main drivers for cultivation are the ecological benefits resulting from the reduction of pesticide use, with organic producers particularly motivated by sustainability goals. Smaller producers are driven by the opportunity to introduce a new wine style, whereas larger producers are more cautious and focus on cost savings. The cultivation of resistant grape varieties is restricted by a large number of varieties, lack of experience, and unfavorable characteristics from initial generations of resistant grapes. A low level of grape variety prominence and customer awareness, as well as unattractive variety names, negatively affect producer acceptance. To facilitate higher market acceptance, it is important to offer attractive grape varieties, directly communicate them to consumers, and provide information about the sustainable effects.