Thematic Method Research Articles

Strengthening accountability for tuberculosis policy implementation in South Africa: perspectives from policymakers, civil society, and communities

BackgroundTranslating health policy into effective implementation is a core priority for responding effectively to the tuberculosis (TB) crisis. The national TB Recovery Plan was developed in response to the negative impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on TB care in South Africa. We aimed to explore the implementation of the TB Recovery Plan and develop recommendations for strengthening accountability for policy implementation for this and future TB policies.MethodsWe interviewed 24 participants working on or impacted by TB policy implementation in South Africa. This included perspectives from national, provincial, and local health department representatives, civil society, and community representatives. In-depth interviews were conducted in English and isiXhosa and we drew on reflexive thematic methods for analysis.ResultsParticipants felt that there was potential for COVID-19 innovations and urgency to influence TB policy development and implementation, including the use of data dashboards. Implementation of the TB Recovery Plan predominantly used a top-down approach to implementation (cascading from national policy to local implementers) but experienced bottlenecks at provincial level. Recommendations for closing the TB policy-implementation gap included using phased implementation and enhancing provincial-level accountability. Civil society organisations were concerned about the lack of provincial implementation data which impeded advocacy for improved accountability and inadequate resourcing for implementation. Community health workers were viewed as key to implementation but were not engaged in the policy development process and were often not aware of new TB policies. At local level, there were also opportunities to strengthen community engagement in policy implementation including through community-led monitoring. Participants recommended broader multi-stakeholder engagement that includes community and community health worker representatives in the development and implementation phases of new TB policies.ConclusionsCommunities affected by TB, with the support of civil society organisations, could play a bigger role in monitoring policy implementation at local level and need to be capacitated to do this. This bottom-up approach could complement existing top-down strategies and contribute to greater accountability for TB policy implementation.

Sustainable development goals under threat: the impact of inflation on construction projects

PurposeDespite advancements in construction digitalisation and alternative building technologies, cost overrun is still a challenge in the construction industry. The inflation rate is increasing, especially in developing countries, and is critical in cost overrun matters. It can deviate construction built-up rate components. This may thwart improving construction-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Studies concerning the impact of the inflation rate on construction-related SDGs are scarce in developing countries, including Nigeria. The study investigated the impact of inflation on Nigeria’s construction projects and their outcome on SDGs and suggested possible ways to improve achievement of construction-related SDGs and their targets.Design/methodology/approachThe researchers employed a qualitative research design. This is because of the study’s unexplored dimension. The researchers engaged 35 participants across major cities in Nigeria via semi-structured virtual and face-to-face interviews. The research utilised a thematic method for collated data and accomplished saturation.FindingsFindings reveal that the impact of inflation on construction projects, if not checked, could hinder achieving construction-related SDGs in Nigeria. This is because of the past three years of hyperinflation that cut across major construction components. It shows that the upward inflation rate threatens achieving construction-related SDGs and proffered measures to mitigate inflation and, by extension, enhance achieving construction-related SDGs. This includes a downward review of the Monetary Policy Rate, control of exchange rate volatility and addressing insecurity to restore FDIs and FPIs confidence.Originality/valueBesides suggesting possible solutions to mitigate hyperinflation on construction components to improve achieving construction-related SDGs, findings will stipulate government policymakers put measures in place through favourable fiscal and monetary policy implementation and encourage moving from a consumption to a production nation.

The Phenomenon Of Bullying Among Teenagers In A Thematic Hadith Perspective

Bullying has serious and long-term effects on adolescents. Victims of bullying have a higher risk of experiencing physical and psychosomatic problems such as headaches, stomachaches, and sleep problems. They are also at higher risk of internalizing problems such as anxiety and depression in young adulthood and middle adulthood. Bullying can also have a negative impact on both the victim and the bully. It can lead to physical injury, social and emotional distress, self-harm, and even death. Teens who bully others have a higher risk of drug abuse, academic problems, and experiencing violence in adolescence and adulthood. The issue of bullying becomes a big problem if it is not addressed. It is important to prevent bullying and provide support to those who are victims. The object of this research material is a case of bullying according to the hadith themes. This study uses a qualitative approach by applying the thematic method. The results of this study show that the themes of hadith can be formulated in the theoretical framework of the phenomenon of bullying in adolescents. The discussion of this study explains that bullying is not relevant to the teachings of Islam

Mentorship as a tool for improving construction artisan's skills to achieve sustainable development Goal 8 via qualitative approach

PurposeThe paucity of artisans in some construction trades and the transitioning of the experience of the few for sustainability calls for concern. Mentorship programmes offer a promising mechanism to support construction artisans through those transitions. Mentorship may enhance artisan decent work and economic growth, like increased income for artisans. This is part of Sustainable Development Goal 8 (Goal 8). Hence, this study aims to investigate issues hindering construction artisan skills growth and suggest measures to improve construction artisan skills through mentorship mechanisms to achieve Goal 8.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a qualitative approach and collected data via oral interviews with knowledgeable participants. The participants were consultant experts in mentorship and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) matters, construction organisation management staffers and construction artisans in the Nigerian construction industry. The study covered Lagos and Abuja and achieved saturation at the 30th interviewee. Also, the research utilised a thematic method to analyse the collated data.FindingsEnhanced knowledge sharing accelerates junior artisans’ learning skills quickly, improving artisans’ performance, ensuring sustainability of the skills learned (knowledge retention), encouraging collaboration, building the next generation of leaders and transitioning of experience to mentees emerged as mentorship’s role in developing construction artisans’ skills. Findings show that mentorship mechanisms to develop construction artisan skills face encumbrances. The perceived 32 encumbrances were re-clustered into mentee, mentor and government-related encumbrances. Also, achieving Goal 8 regarding construction artisans may be threatened if these issues are not checked. Thus, the study recommended measures improving construction artisan skills through mentorship mechanisms to achieve Goal 8.Originality/valueIdentifying the major encumbrances facing construction artisan skills improvement through mentorship would be useful to advocate measures to improve construction artisan’s skills to achieve Goal 8.

The Chosen Ummah By Muhammad 'Ali As-Shabuni (Interpretation in Q.S. Al-Baqarah 143 and Q.S. Ali ‘Imran 110)

Muslims today, in various aspects of life, are experiencing conditions or circumstances that are increasingly lagging behind Western nations. One of the causes is the division among Muslims themselves, which resulted in the emergence of several groups of thought that pose a danger and threat to the unity of the people. Religious moderation is present in society to prevent the emergence of extreme thinking and can create a living environment that is in harmony and peace. The book of Shafwah at-Tafasir by Muhammad ‘Ali as-Shabuni is used in this article because it uses light language and is easy to understand for readers. as-Shabuni is a scholar who pays attention to the condition of humankind. This article explores as-Shabuni's thoughts on the verses of religious moderation in this interpretation about The Chosen Ummah. The author uses a thematic method in describing the interpretation of as-Shabuni contained in the book Shafwah at-Tafasir. This article is qualitative research and uses library research in data retrieval to include information related to the discussion. The result of this study is that the interpretation as-Shabuni on Q.S. al-Baqarah: 143 is Allah made Muslims the best and chosen people, being in the Middle, not exaggerating and diminishing an act. They are witnesses to the day of judgment. In Q.S. Ali Imran:110, the chosen Ummah means a Ummah that benefits other Ummah, and this is intended for Muslims. In this case, the chosen people referred to by as-Shabuni are the best people (Muslims/Muhammad's Ummah), who do not add or subtract actions that result in being hated by God, people who are helpful because they command to do good and prevent the wicked and believe in Allah SWT, these actions are forms of religious moderation actions

Toxic di Media Sosial dalam Perspektif Hadis dengan Metode Tematik

In today's digital era, social media has developed into a major platform for networking, sharing information and communicating. Toxic is behavior on social media that is described as destructive, hostile, and embarrassing. Conflict, societal divisions, and psychological harm can all result from this practice. This study uses a thematic method with a thematic approach. The results of this study discuss from the perspective of hadith which refers to the sayings and deeds of the Prophet Muhammad, there are guidelines and standards that can help individuals deal with harmful social media. This journal will look at the negative effects of social media from a hadith point of view, emphasizing the meaning and application of hadiths. In the results of his research, it is hoped that people will become more aware of the harmful effects of toxic social media and take steps to reduce destructive behavior and promote inclusive and healthy communication by taking into account the principles and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.

Analysis of Success Factors and Business Sustainability by Muslim Women Entrepreneurs Based on Islamic Studies

Businesses managed by Muslim women entrepreneurs have become an interesting phenomenon in the global economic landscape. This research aims to understand in depth the factors that contribute to the success and sustainability of businesses managed by Muslim women entrepreneurs, using an Islamic perspective as the basis for analysis. This research uses a qualitative approach with a multiple case study design. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with 15 Muslim women entrepreneurs who have businesses that have been running for at least 5 years and are considered successful in their respective industries. Data analysis was carried out using thematic methods, identifying key themes that emerged from the interview data. The research results reveal that the business success factors of Muslim women entrepreneurs include: (1) Integrity and Islamic Business Ethics: Successful Muslim women entrepreneurs demonstrate a strong commitment to the values of honesty, justice and transparency in running their business. (2) Business Knowledge and Competence: The ability to manage finances, marketing and business operations is an important factor in achieving success. (3) Networking and Collaboration: Building strong relationships with customers, suppliers and other business partners contributes to business growth and sustainability. (4) Innovation and Adaptation: The ability to innovate and adapt to market changes is key in facing competition. (5) Devotion and Spirituality: Devotion and the practice of Islamic spirituality provide motivation and strength in facing business challenges. This research provides valuable insight into the factors that contribute to the success and sustainability of businesses managed by Muslim women entrepreneurs. These findings have important implications for Muslim entrepreneurs, policy makers and academics in developing strategies and programs that support business growth and sustainability based on Islamic values.

One Health, many perspectives: Exploring Indigenous and Western epistemologies

Abstract The One Health approach, which assesses the interconnectedness of animal, human, and environmental health, fails to include and amplify Indigenous knowledge and Indigenous scientists. To effectively center Indigenous knowledge next to and within the One Health approach, which is historically based in Western science, the similarities and differences between Indigenous science, specifically Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), and One Health must be explored. The objective of this project is to identify values in Indigenous science that are unsupported or underrepresented in Western science and then collaboratively ideate recommendations that Western allies can take to center and support Indigenous scientists and elevate Indigenous knowledge. From January to March 2023, the study team conducted semi-structured interviews with Indigenous knowledge keepers via Zoom video calls. American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian (Kānaka Maoli), and other Indigenous participants from the global diaspora residing in the continental United States and Hawaiian Islands were recruited through social media and referrals from Indigenous leaders who had participated in formative (phase 1) interviews completed in 2022. In those formative interviews, four themes emerged and called for further exploration of Indigenous perspectives on (1) the natural world, (2) cultural heritage, (3) value expression, and (4) reflection. These ideas were reframed into questions asked in subsequent (phase 2) interviews in 2023. Thematic identification methods were used to highlight key ideas throughout the interviews. Participants noted gaps between their Indigenous worldviews and the One Health model, particularly relating to contrasts with Western culture, holistic expression, power in action, identity and belonging, maintaining community and cultural practices, and sharing information/education. It was also noted that One Health must do more than just uplift Indigenous values to support Indigenous scientists and should instead collaborate with TEK keepers and foster practices that are inclusive and validating of other knowledge systems. Phase 2 interview responses highlighted Indigenous principles that are underrepresented in One Health practice. These principles were transformed into considerations specifically for Western-rooted scientists to improve allyship to Indigenous science and scientists. Adoption of the considerations would strengthen partnership between One Health practitioners and Indigenous scientists and promote collaboration across many ways of knowing. One Health impact statement The One Health theory encourages transdisciplinary collaboration to break down siloing and innovate solutions. Yet, One Health practice, and the Western scientific approach it takes, often excludes involvement with Indigenous ways of knowing and disclaims Indigenous knowledge keepers who have been conducting “One Health” work since time immemorial. Indigenous knowledge keepers who self-identified as cultural bridges between Native communities and Western communities were interviewed and asked to speak to values found in Indigenous science and research. The featured principles highlight some of the similarities and differences between Indigenous and Western scientific approaches. The identified values informed recommendations for Western scientists to be better allies to Indigenous scientists and to amplify Indigenous voices and science. One Health practitioners will benefit from these guidelines by navigating research in a more equitable way and by creating sustainable reciprocal partnerships with Indigenous scientists. This makes One Health more open and accessible to Indigenous and Western ways of knowing.

ركوب جيرودو ولبس توبينج في عادات الزفاف بـــ جمبي في ضوء أحاديث التصوير

The interaction and exchange between local culture and Islamic culture dominate in influencing the social system. This research aims to explore the perspective of Hadith on the Gerudo and Topeng celebrations in Jambi. This research relies on an analytical descriptive method based on collecting library data from various paper and electronic sources and field data through observation and interviews. The researcher then used thematic methods in the takhrīj of hadith, involving the search for hadiths based on sentences related to the topic. In analyzing hadith texts, the researcher has employed a contextual method with comparison approach and has compared them with the opinions of ‘ulamā’ who are both supportive and critical of these approaches. The key finding of this research is that the taṣwīr prohibited by the Prophet Muhammad refers to taṣwīr that contains an 'illah or reason for its prohibition. This prohibition applies to taṣwīr used as a rival to Allah's creation, for worship, or due to elements in its form that contradict Islam. Therefore, Gerudo and Topeng are not considered prohibited taṣwīr because current practices no longer embody the reasons for their prohibition.

Nurses Experience of Prone Position in The Absence of Positioning Tool, and Suggestion of Prone Position Tool: A Phenomenology Study

During the COVID-19 pandemic which is a non-natural disaster, the ARDS cases (Acute Respiratory Disease Syndrome) rocketed. Despite the advantages of prone positioning for ARDS care, ICU staff seldom use it due to the unavailability of positioning tools, making it a challenging task for nurses. This study aims to investigate nurses' experiences with manual prone positioning and propose ICU-friendly prone position tools. This research method used a qualitative phenomenology theory study to 15 ICU nurses who were experienced in prone positioning at least 10 times to intubated patients and had complaints about the intervention. The experience was gathered using structured questions and recorded. The data was analyzed following Colaizzi’s thematic method, and all the emerged themes were collected and reported. The research results show that fifteen interviewed nurses noted that prone positioning is physically demanding and requires a coordinated team with a minimum of three staffs, 2 handles patient positioning, 1 leader securing the intubation tube. Before starting, the team assesses the difficulty level. Recommended tools include a slide sheet with handles, a modified Vollman prone positioner, and a crane-like prone harness. The conclusion is nurses find tools highly beneficial for prone positioning but will improvise with available resources like underpads as a ring-shaped pillow if tools are unavailable.

The Minangkabau Exegesis Methodology Al-Da'wah Wa Al-Irsyād: Investigating The Ideas Of Abdul Lathif Syakur

The Minangkabau region is known for its abundance of great scholars. One such example is Sheikh Abdul Latif Syakur, a notable figure who brought about significant changes in the Minangkabau region and bridged the gap between the young and the old. Among his many works is the commentary titled Al-Da’wah wa al-Irsyād ilā Sabīli al-Rasyād. This commentary has not been reprinted and has been studied very little. This research aims to understand the methodology used by Sheikh Abdul Latif Syakur in interpreting the Qur'an and to grasp the essence of his thoughts in this commentary. This research is a library study with a qualitative approach. Data analysis employs descriptive analytical techniques. The research finds that the commentary Al-Da’wah wa al-Irsyād ilā Sabīli al-Rasyād was written using a thematic phrase method with a socio-etiquette approach, leaning towards reasoning as a source. The commentary was written to illustrate various forms of human behavior and their consequences from Allah SWT, serving as a call to adopt good behavior and morality. Abdul Latif Syakur contextualizes this commentary in a society experiencing moral decline and devoid of any conflict between the young and the old.

TAFSIR ILMI MUKJIZAT AL-QUR’AN TENTANG ASTROFISIKA

This article aims to express the Koran's views on astrophysics, one of the fields of science that studies the properties of physical phenomena and astronomical objects in the Universe. Some of Allah's verses are written and some are implied. The Qur'an is the written verse of Allah while the universe is the written verse of Allah. Because both are verses from Allah, there should be no conflict between the two because they both come from Allah SWT. This effort was carried out using qualitative methods and combining them with thematic interpretation methods. So it was found that the Koran talks a lot about written verses such as the sky, light, sun, moon, stars, black holes, and life outside the earth.

INTERPRETASI TERM BA’ÛDHATAN FAMÂ FAUQAHÂ PERSPEKTIF AL-TAFSÎR AL-TARBAWÎ DAN AL-I’JÂZ AL-‘ILMÎ

Even thought it is only found in one verse in one letter, the parable about small animals and other animals like them has attracted great attention in the form of research. In this case, Allah is not ashamed and even makes it an example (matsal) in the Al-Qur’an, namely in Surah Al-Baqarah [2]: 26. In this verse, the animal used an example is contained in the term ba’ûdhatan famâ fauqahâ. Therefore, this article attempts to examine the interpretation of the verse, especially the interpretation of the term ba’ûdhatan famâ fauqahâ in it, based on the perspective of al-tafsîr al-tarbawî and al-i’jâz al-‘ilmî. This research uses a type of qualitative research with a literature or library study approach combined with the thematic interpretation method (tafsîr maudhû’î) because it examines the interpretation of shcolar moslem towards verses of the Al-Qur’an. The data collection technique uses documentary technique, while the data analysis uses decriptive interpretative content analysis technique. The result of the research show that in general, based on the opinion of the majority of shcolar moslem, the term ba’ûdhatan famâ fauqahâ is interpreted as mosquitoes (ba’ûdhah) and other animals that are smaller than if (famâ fauqahâ), including in the perspective of al-tafsîr al-tarbawî and al-i’jâz al-‘ilmî. What is distinctive, in al-i’jâz al-‘ilmî’s perspective, which is more widely revealed is the aspects of miracle as creatures created by Allah that deserve high attention to be more aware in drawing closer to Him, especially when used as an example.

공공디자인 진흥을 위한 사업 유형 분류에 관한 연구

Today, it is difficult to think of the public sphere, daily life, and community life without thinking of public design. As public design is actively linked and grafted with various fields, it is spreading to all phenomena of public policy and society, expanding the scope of new business opportunities. Therefore, this study aims to present a typology of public design projects by examining the terrain of public design projects from a multidimensional perspective, which is a collection of processes and outcomes carried out for the purpose of individual and social needs, and ultimately accepted by the public as a socio-cultural experience. In line with the purpose of the study, the need for research on public design project types was confirmed through a review of previous studies and literature, and project types were categorized through case analysis of projects by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Seoul Metropolitan Government. As a result, four types of public design projects are proposed based on the orientation of thematic and practical methods: value creation, culture diffusion, capacity building, and foundation creation. At a time when a way of understanding public design projects that can be shared by various actors in implementation, participation, and cooperation needs to be established, the more comprehensive conceptualization of project types presented in this study is expected to provide direction in planning and implementing policies and projects, as it can be combined and linked to various areas such as culture, tourism, welfare, pedestrianism, safety, and health, as well as the design field.

Theological Values in Inter-religious Relation Verses : A Study on Tafsir Marah Labid

<p class="06IsiAbstrak"><span lang="EN-GB">Building interreligious relations was often viewed merely from social perspectives. It actually contains theological values. This research attempts to analyze the theological values in the tolerance and interreligious relation verses of the Qur’an that are interpreted by Syaikh Nawawi Al-Bantani. This descriptive-analytical study employs thematic methods by Al-Farmawi. The collected data are then analyzed in terms of its theological aspect. Marah Al-Labid is chosen for it’s written by an Indonesian scholar connecting classic and modern era. In addition, Marah Al-Labid is of Sufistic tafsir. Therefore, it is interesting to know how an Indonesian scholar viewed interreligious relation and its spiritual and theological values in the context of Indonesia. It can be concluded that having interreligious relation is lawful. Muslims are allowed to have social relation with Ahlul kitab or the people of books such as to get marry with them, to eat the meat of the animals they (Jews and Christians) slaughtered, and to have debate and discussion with them in the best way.</span></p><p class="07KatakunciKeywords"> </p>

From bard to Gemini: An investigative exploration journey through Google’s evolution in conversational AI and generative AI

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly transformed various aspects of human life, particularly in information retrieval and assistance. This research presents a comprehensive evaluation of Gemini, previously known as Google Bard, a state-of-the-art AI chatbot developed by Google. Through a meticulous methodology encompassing both qualitative and quantitative approaches, this research aims to assess Gemini’s performance, usability, integration capabilities, ethical implications. Primary data collection methods, including user surveys and interviews, were utilized to gather towards the qualitative feedback on user experiences with Gemini, supplemented by secondary data analysis using tools such as Google Analytics to capture quantitative metrics. Performance evaluation involved benchmarking against other AI chatbots and technical analysis of Gemini’s architecture and training methods. User experience testing examined usability, engagement, and integration with Google Workspace and third-party services. Ethical considerations regarding data privacy, security, and biases in AI-generated content were also addressed, ensuring compliance with major regulations and promoting ethical AI practices. Acknowledging limitations and challenges inherent in the investigative exploration, data analysis was conducted using thematic and statistical methods to derive insights. The results and findings of this research offer valuable insights into the capabilities and limitations of Gemini, providing implications for future AI development, user interaction design, and ethical AI governance. By contributing to the ongoing discourse on AI advancements and their societal impact, this exploration facilitates informed decision-making and lays the groundwork for future research endeavors in the field of AI-driven conversational agents.

Subjectivities of Older Spousal Caregivers in Rural Northern Thailand: A Qualitative Study on Sociocultural Influences

The aging society and changes in living arrangements significantly impact family caregiving patterns, particularly in older spousal caregivers. This study examined how the subjectivities of older spousal caregivers have been shaped by social discourse and practices. A qualitative research approach was adopted in rural northern villages in Thailand. Data collection included 1) narrative interviews with eight older primary spousal caregivers and eight family members and neighbors, 2) in-depth interviews with ten healthcare providers, and 3) participatory observation. Both thematic and inductive methods of data analysis were applied. The finding demonstrated three distinct subjectivities regarding caregivers: older persons, medical, and sociocultural discourse. Medical and older people’s discourses influenced negative subjectivity on older caregivers regarding their physical decline with age; however, positive subjectivity of being a compassionate and capable caregiver was regarded as a valuable role. The findings reflected the changing sociocultural discourse in the northern region of Thailand. A caregiver is perceived as kon jàa, which refers to the committed role of both wife and husband, who care for their spouse for the rest of their lives. The implications of this study can benefit community-based care systems by enhancing the understanding of social and cultural discourse on caring and couplehood and incorporating caregiver needs into the care plan of older people with chronic illnesses.

The Application of Writing Skill in Arabic Writing for Students in Middle School

This study aims to reveal the application of maharah kitabah in Arabic writing of seventh grade students at MTs Uswatun Hasanah Binjai. The importance lies in the realization that writing skills in Arabic are a major component in the Arabic language learning process. This research uses a qualitative descriptive approach, namely the field study method. Respondents of this study were seventh grade students of MTS Uswatun Hasanah Binjai totaling 30 students, while the data collection techniques were observation, interview and documentation. Data processing techniques, namely data reduction, data presentation, conclusion drawing and verification. To test the credibility of the author using triangulation techniques with various data collection techniques and various data sources. The research subject focuses on the person who applies maharah kitabah, namely the seventh grade Arabic teacher of MTS Uswatun Hasanah and the seventh grade students of MTS Uswatun Hasanah Binjai. Research results found in this study are learning materials Arabic teachers use Student Worksheets (LKS) as one of the learning tools, in the learning process of maharah kitabah, teachers apply thematic methods where all learning elements are integrated in one topic in one learning session. The technique used is writing, which involves writing a simple sentence or number of sentences from the LKS material used. students do a personal demonstration of expression by doing writing exercises, starting from forming letters into words, combining words into sentences, and involving translation exercises between Arabic and Indonesian.

Morality in Higher Education's AI Integration: Examining Ethical Stances on Implementation

The research focuses on transparency and education related to artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education, as well as how these factors affect student and academic staff acceptance of technology. The main objective of this study is to explore users' views and attitudes towards the use of AI, with a special emphasis on ethical and practical aspects. This study uses a mixed approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews conducted at Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while thematic methods analyzed qualitative data. The study results showed that 75.2% of respondents supported education and transparency related to AI. 54.7% of respondents expressed concern that AI could threaten academic integrity if not used transparently and fairly. However, 45.3% of respondents see AI as an effective tool to detect plagiarism and improve academic supervision. The implications of this study underscore the importance of comprehensive education and transparency policies to ensure the ethical and practical use of AI in higher education. This research provides an empirical foundation for developing policies that can increase trust and acceptance of AI in academic contexts.

For, against, and beyond: healthcare professionals’ positions on Medical Assistance in Dying in Spain

BackgroundIn 2021, Spain became the first Southern European country to grant and provide the right to euthanasia and medically assisted suicide. According to the law, the State has the obligation to ensure its access through the health services, which means that healthcare professionals’ participation is crucial. Nevertheless, its implementation has been uneven. Our research focuses on understanding possible ethical conflicts that shape different positions towards the practice of Medical Assistance in Dying, on identifying which core ideas may be underlying them, and on suggesting possible reasons for this disparity. The knowledge acquired contributes to understanding its complexity, shedding light into ambivalent profiles and creating strategies to increase their participation.MethodsWe conducted an exploratory qualitative research study by means of semi-structured interviews (1 h) with 25 physicians and nurses from primary care (12), hospital care (7), and palliative care (6), 17 women and 8 men, recruited from Madrid, Catalonia, and Andalusia between March and May 2023. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded in Atlas.ti software by means of thematic and interpretative methods to develop a conceptual model.ResultsWe identified four approaches to MAiD: Full Support (FS), Conditioned Support (CS), Conditioned Rejection (CR), and Full Rejection (FR). Full Support and Full Rejection fitted the traditional for and against positions on MAiD. Nevertheless, there was a gray area in between represented by conditioned profiles, whose participation cannot be predicted beforehand. The profiles were differentiated considering their different interpretations of four core ideas: end-of-life care, religion, professional duty/deontology, and patient autonomy. These ideas can intersect, which means that participants' positions are multicausal and complex. Divergences between profiles can be explained by different sources of moral authority used in their moral reasoning and their individualistic or relational approach to autonomy.ConclusionsThere is ultimately no agreement but rather a coexistence of plural moral perspectives regarding MAiD among healthcare professionals. Comprehending which cases are especially difficult to evaluate or which aspects of the law are not easy to interpret will help in developing new strategies, clarifying the legal framework, or guiding moral reasoning and education with the aim of reducing unpredictable non-participations in MAID.