How Do Zoos ‘Talk’ to Their General Visitors? Do Visitors ‘Listen’? A Mixed Method Investigation of the Communication Between Modern Zoos and Their General Visitors

2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katie Roe ◽  
Andrew McConney ◽  
Caroline F. Mansfield
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Direct Observation ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Educational Communication ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Face To Face

AbstractModern zoos utilise a variety of education tools for communicating with visitors. Previous research has discussed the benefits of providing multiple education communications, yet little research provides an indication of what communications are being employed within zoos today. This research is a two-phased, mixed-methods investigation into the communication between zoos and their general visitors. Phase 1 involved an online questionnaire to which 176 zoos from 50 countries reported on the types of education communications they typically use for their general visitors. The second phase comprised nine zoo case studies, enabling direct observation and face-to-face interviews on site with zoo staff and zoo visitors. The findings of this research provide a snapshot of education communications offered to zoo visitors, and indicate that zoo exhibit signage remains the most prevalent medium. The findings further indicate that 95% of visitors read at least some exhibit signs and that more than 70% of participating zoos utilise person-to-person education. The implications of these findings for improving zoos’ educational communication are discussed.

scholarly journals Motives to SME internationalisation

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Bowen
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Cultural Influences ◽  
Government Support ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Food And Drink

Purpose This study offers a comparative analysis of attitudes to small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) internationalisation in two different cultural settings, Wales and Brittany. The purpose of this paper is to conduct an in-depth investigation of attitudes to internationalisation among food and drink SMEs using mixed methods and focussing on both SMEs that internationalise and those that do not. This leads to a more comprehensive understanding of the issues influencing attitudes to SME internationalisation, which could facilitate policy development for such companies. Design/methodology/approach Mixed methods are used in this study to provide a richness of data in investigating this complex issue. The majority of research in this field has focussed on quantitative research, however, this study heeds calls for more plurality in research on SME internationalisation to achieve a more detailed understanding of the issues affecting SME internationalisation. This is achieved through an online questionnaire of 169 food producing SMEs in Wales and Brittany, informed by International Entrepreneurship theory. A second phase of semi-structured interviews provides more context to the questionnaire findings, with 37 interviews conducted with respondents from the questionnaire. Each phase was conducted independently, with findings triangulated for further investigation. Findings Companies of all characteristics have the ability to internationalise; however, cultural differences were observed between Wales and Brittany in both attitudes and the conditions for internationalisation. Breton SMEs displayed more proactivity to internationalisation, stemming from more favourable conditions, a greater reputation for food and more confidence. Conversely, Welsh SMEs were more reactive, relying on government support in encouraging internationalisation. Breton SMEs also benefitted from the strong cultural identity of food products, especially through the Produit en Bretagne brand and its network of producers. Originality/value The study makes both a theoretical and methodological contribution to research on SME internationalisation. The comparative study of Wales and Brittany is significant in understanding cultural influences to internationalisation in two regions where the food and drink industry represents an important part of the economy. The focus on a single industry is significant in understanding the particularities of internationalisation within an industrial context, as findings from studies across multiple industries are considered less generalisable. A methodological contribution is sought through using mixed methods to provide a more comprehensive study.

Recovery processes within peer provision: testing the CHIME model using a mixed methods design

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 287-302
Author(s):  
Grace Zeng ◽  
Donna Chung
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Recovery Processes ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Two Stages

Purpose Previous studies have pointed the need for more research, which explores how peer provision brings about change associated with recovery. This study aims to test Leamy’s framework, which consists of five recovery processes: connectedness, hope, identity, meaning and empowerment (also known as the CHIME framework) within the peer provision context. Design/methodology/approach This mixed-methods study was completed in two stages. A total of 13 face-to-face interviews were conducted with peers and the transcripts were analysed thematically. A short online questionnaire was completed by 12 peers and analysed with both descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Findings The participants spoke about the value of peer providers (PPs) in building connectedness, fostering hope and optimism, growing identity, enhancing meaning and empowerment (CHIME). However, their connectedness was hindered by external circumstances and the intrapersonal capacities of their PP. Practical implications The CHIME framework was useful in highlighting stages in which peers moved through their recovery and its corresponding PP involvement. PPs were also found to promote motivation, which was a key driver in their peers’ recoveries. Further research is needed to test frameworks that account for wider systemic issues and the role PPs play in enhancing motivation. Originality/value This study has identified the usefulness of the CHIME framework in describing peer provision. It contributes to our understanding of how peer provision can promote recovery in persons with mental health challenges. It lays the groundwork for future research into examining the role of peer provision in recovery and its distinctiveness from other forms of mental health support.

scholarly journals Contextualised strategies to increase childhood and adolescent vaccination coverage in South Africa: a mixed-methods study

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. e028476
Author(s):  
Charles Shey Wiysonge ◽  
Phetole Walter Mahasha ◽  
Duduzile Edith Ndwandwe ◽  
Ntombenhle Ngcobo ◽  
Karen Grimmer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Vaccination Coverage ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
Phase 2 ◽  
Immunisation Coverage ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Phase 3 ◽  
Adolescent Vaccination

IntroductionDespite the unparalleled success of immunisation in the control of vaccine preventable diseases, immunisation coverage in South Africa remains suboptimal. While many evidence-based interventions have successfully improved vaccination coverage in other countries, they are not necessarily appropriate to the immunisation needs, barriers and facilitators of South Africa. The aim of this research is to investigate barriers and facilitators to optimal vaccination uptake, and develop contextualised strategies and implementation plans to increase childhood and adolescent vaccination coverage in South Africa.MethodsThe study will employ a mixed-methods research design. It will be conducted over three iterative phases and use the Adopt, Contextualise or Adapt (ACA) model as an overarching conceptual framework. Phase 1 will identify, and develop a sampling frame of, immunisation stakeholders involved in the design, planning and implementation of childhood and human papillomavirus immunisation programmes in South Africa. Phase 2 will identify the main barriers and facilitators to, and solutions for, increasing vaccination coverage. This phase will comprise exploratory qualitative research with stakeholders and a review of existing systematic reviews on interventions for improving vaccination coverage. Using the findings from Phase 2 and the ACA model, Phase 3 will develop a set of proposed interventions and implementation action plans for improving immunisation coverage in South Africa. These plans will be discussed, revised and finalised through a series of participatory stakeholder workshops and an online questionnaire, conducted as part of Phase 3.EthicsEthical approval was obtained from the South African Medical Research Council (EC018-11/2018). No risks to participants are expected. Various steps will be taken to ensure the anonymity and confidentiality of participants.DisseminationThe study findings will be shared at stakeholder workshops, the website of Cochrane South Africa and academic publications and conferences.

Creating a digital toolkit to reduce fatigue and promote quality of life in multiple sclerosis: mixed methods (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Thomas ◽  
Andy Pulman ◽  
Huseyin Dogan ◽  
Nan Jiang ◽  
Peter Thomas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Location Based Services ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Long Term Conditions ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
System Usability Scale ◽  
Potential Applicability

BACKGROUND Fatigue is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis - experienced by over 80 per cent of people with MS (pwMS). By 2015 more than 1,500 pwMS had received the FACETS programme - a face-to-face group-based fatigue management programme for pwMS - but it is not available in all areas and a face-to-face format may not be suitable for or appeal to everyone. For these reasons, the MS Society funded a consultation to explore an alternative online model of service delivery. During the consultation it became apparent that there were no high quality free apps that would support digital completion of the FACETS homework tasks. A key recommendation was to initiate a separate project to create a stand-alone digital toolkit focusing on the homework elements of the FACETS programme. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this mixed methods study was to create a digital toolkit comprising the homework tasks (e.g. activity diary, goal planner and thought diary) of the FACETS programme for pwMS. Particular consideration was given to the unique requirements of people with MS when designing, building and prototyping the solution. METHODS Phase 1 involved the elicitation of user requirements and wireframing. Phase 2 involved several iterations of prototyping via detailed supervised usability testing sessions with service users (n=11). The sessions included going through test scenarios with video-capture and concurrent think-aloud, semi-structured interviews and completion of the System Usability Scale. RESULTS A number of usability and design issues (such as simplifying overall screen flow to better meet users’ needs) and suggestions for improvements (such as utilising location-based services, documenting accessed sections via tracking, displaying personalised information and progress via a central dashboard) were addressed and implemented. CONCLUSIONS The ongoing participation of people with MS in the development cycle - working to a human-centred design methodology - enabled a considered and MS-centred solution. In the longer term, the toolkit offers possibilities for longitudinal symptom/self-monitoring and data sharing, greater integration of self-management strategies into daily life and has potential applicability to other long-term conditions.

PENERAPAN MODEL QUANTUM LEARNING UNTUK MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR AUTOCAD SISWA KELAS X TEKNIK PEMESINAN SMK NEGERI 1 STABAT

2013 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdul Hasan Saragih
Keyword(s):  
Positive Response ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
First Grade ◽  
Learning Model ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Phase 2 ◽  
Phase 3 ◽  
The Third ◽  
Third Phase ◽  
Quantum Learning

This classroom research was conducted on the autocad instructions to the first grade of mechinary class of SMK Negeri 1 Stabat aiming at : (1) improving the student’ archievementon autocad instructional to the student of mechinary architecture class of SMK Negeri 1 Stabat, (2) applying Quantum Learning Model to the students of mechinary class of SMK Negeri 1 Stabat, arising the positive response to autocad subject by applying Quantum Learning Model of the students of mechinary class of SMK Negeri 1 Stabat. The result shows that (1) by applying quantum learning model, the students’ achievement improves significantly. The improvement ofthe achievement of the 34 students is very satisfactory; on the first phase, 27 students passed (70.59%), 10 students failed (29.41%). On the second phase 27 students (79.41%) passed and 7 students (20.59%) failed. On the third phase 30 students (88.24%) passed and 4 students (11.76%) failed. The application of quantum learning model in SMK Negeri 1 Stabat proved satisfying. This was visible from the activeness of the students from phase 1 to 3. The activeness average of the students was 74.31% on phase 1,81.35% on phase 2, and 83.63% on phase 3. (3) The application of the quantum learning model on teaching autocad was very positively welcome by the students of mechinary class of SMK Negeri 1 Stabat. On phase 1 the improvement was 81.53% . It improved to 86.15% on phase 3. Therefore, The improvement ofstudent’ response can be categorized good.

Uncertainty about cellulitis and unmet patient information needs: a mixed methods study

2018 ◽  
Vol 68 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. bjgp18X697349
Author(s):  
Anna Lalonde ◽  
Emma Teasdale ◽  
Ingrid Muller ◽  
Joanne Chalmers ◽  
Peter Smart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Information Provision ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Patient Information Needs ◽  
History Of

BackgroundCellulitis is a common painful infection of the skin and underlying tissues that recurs in approximately a third of cases. Patients’ ability to recover from cellulitis or prevent recurrence is likely to be influenced by their understanding of the condition.AimTo explore patients’ perceptions of cellulitis and their information needs.MethodMixed methods study comprising semi-structured, face-to-face interviews and cross-sectional survey, recruiting through primary care, secondary care and advertising. Adults aged 18 or over with a history of cellulitis (first or recurrent) were invited to complete a survey, take part in an interview or both. Qualitative data was analysed thematically.ResultsThirty interviews were conducted between August 2016 and July 2017. Qualitative data revealed low prior awareness of cellulitis, uncertainty around diagnosis, concern/surprise at the severity of cellulitis, and perceived insufficient information provision. People were surprised they had never heard of the condition and that they had not received advice or leaflets giving self-care information. Some sought information from the internet and found this bewildering. Two hundred and forty surveys were completed (response rate 17%). These showed that, while most people received information on the treatment of cellulitis (60.0%, n = 144), they reported receiving no information about causes (60.8%, n = 146) or prevention of recurrence (73.3%, n = 176).ConclusionThere is a need for provision of basic information for people with cellulitis, particularly being informed of the name of their condition, how to manage acute episodes, and how to reduce risk of recurrence.

Mixed-Methods Evaluation as Scaffold to the Development of a Mobile Health Application to Support the Prescription of Wheelchairs and Postural Support Devices (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adriana Klein ◽  
Roseli de Deus Lopes ◽  
Rodrigo Suigh
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
The Third ◽  
Evaluation Approach ◽  
Mixed Methods Evaluation ◽  
Usability Tests ◽  
Third Phase ◽  
Postural Support ◽  
Support Devices

BACKGROUND EasySeating is a mobile health (mHealth) app that supports the prescription of wheelchair and postural support devices (WPSD). It can be used by occupational therapists (OT) and physiotherapists (PT) who prescribe WPSD. The app offers a standardization of the prescription procedure, showing images, metrics and details that guide the prescriber to decide on the best equipment. It was developed with an iterative mixed-methods evaluation approach. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the processes involved in the prescription of WPSD and to propose, develop and evaluate a mHealth to support OT and PT prescribers. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the processes involved in the prescription of WPSD and to propose, develop and evaluate a mHealth to support OT and PT prescribers. METHODS This study was divided into three phases and was carried out as an iterative process composed of user consulting/testing (using a mixed-methods evaluation approach), system (re)design and software development. The first phase consisted of the collection of qualitative and quantitative data to map and understand the users requirements and of the development of the first prototype (v1) of the app. This data collection was performed through semi-structured interviews with 14 OT and PT prescribers, 5 specialized technicians and 5 WPSD users. The second phase aimed at improving the overall functionality of the app and consisted in the development, test and evaluation of the prototypes v1, v2, v3 and v4. A total of 59 prescribers tested and evaluated these prototypes by means of open interviews, semi-structured questionnaires and focus groups. The third phase focused in the usability aspects of the app. It consisted in the development and test of the prototype v5. Eight technology specialists assessed its usability through heuristics evaluation. RESULTS Data collected in phase one indicated there is a lack of standardization on the prescription of postural support devices (PSD). A divergent nomenclature for the PSDs was also found and classified in eight categories. These information guided the development of the first prototype of the EasySeating app. Phase two results pointed that the prescribers value the insertion of the app into their clinical practice, as it accelerates and increases the quality of the evaluation process and improves the organization of the prescription information. Significant suggestions for the improvement of the app were given during the users tests, including the use of images to represent the PSDs. The usability tests from the third phase revealed two strong issues that must be solved: the need of greater feedback and failures in the persistence of the input data. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that there is a lack of systematization of the WPSD prescription process. The evaluation of the developed EasySeating app demonstrated that there is a potential to standardize, integrate and organize the WPSD prescription information, supporting and facilitating the decision making process of the prescribers. CLINICALTRIAL This study was approved by the Research Ethics Board of the Universidade de São Paulo (registered protocol n°53929516.6.0000.0065) URL - http://plataformabrasil.saude.gov.br/login.jsf

scholarly journals An analysis of COVID-19 clusters in India

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pooja Sengupta ◽  
Bhaswati Ganguli ◽  
Sugata SenRoy ◽  
Aditya Chatterjee
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Population Density ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Compartment Model ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Disease Spread ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Public Health Interventions ◽  
Homogeneous Groups

Abstract Background In this study we cluster the districts of India in terms of the spread of COVID-19 and related variables such as population density and the number of specialty hospitals. Simulation using a compartment model is used to provide insight into differences in response to public health interventions. Two case studies of interest from Nizamuddin and Dharavi provide contrasting pictures of the success in curbing spread. Methods A cluster analysis of the worst affected districts in India provides insight about the similarities between them. The effects of public health interventions in flattening the curve in their respective states is studied using the individual contact SEIQHRF model, a stochastic individual compartment model which simulates disease prevalence in the susceptible, infected, recovered and fatal compartments. Results The clustering of hotspot districts provide homogeneous groups that can be discriminated in terms of number of cases and related covariates. The cluster analysis reveal that the distribution of number of COVID-19 hospitals in the districts does not correlate with the distribution of confirmed COVID-19 cases. From the SEIQHRF model for Nizamuddin we observe in the second phase the number of infected individuals had seen a multitudinous increase in the states where Nizamuddin attendees returned, increasing the risk of the disease spread. However, the simulations reveal that implementing administrative interventions, flatten the curve. In Dharavi, through tracing, tracking, testing and treating, massive breakout of COVID-19 was brought under control. Conclusions The cluster analysis performed on the districts reveal homogeneous groups of districts that can be ranked based on the burden placed on the healthcare system in terms of number of confirmed cases, population density and number of hospitals dedicated to COVID-19 treatment. The study rounds up with two important case studies on Nizamuddin basti and Dharavi to illustrate the growth curve of COVID-19 in two very densely populated regions in India. In the case of Nizamuddin, the study showed that there was a manifold increase in the risk of infection. In contrast it is seen that there was a rapid decline in the number of cases in Dharavi within a span of about one month.

Induction And Potentiation Of Platelet Aggregation By Clonidine And 7ρ-Aminoclonidine, Partial Agonists Of The α2-Receptor Which Regulates Platelet Adenylate Cyclase

1981 ◽  
Author(s):  
David C Stump ◽  
Donald E Macfarlane
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Aggregation ◽  
Cyclic Amp ◽  
Adenylate Cyclase ◽  
Specific Binding ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Intrinsic Activity ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Adrenergic Agents ◽  
Cyclic Amp Accumulation ◽  
Induced Aggregation

Epinephrine induces platelet aggregation, potentiates aggregation by other agents, and blocks the stimulation of the adenylate cyclase by prostaglandins. Synthetic α-adrenergic agents have not been shown to induce aggregation. The effects of clonidine, an α2-agonist, and ρ-aminoclonidine on platelets were examined. Clonidine potentiated aggregation induced by 0.5μM ADP by 1.4-fold (1/2 max 0.5μM). It did not induce significant aggregation itself, and it inhibited aggregation induced by 5μM epinephrine (1/2 max lμM). It inhibited cyclic AMP accumulation induced by PGE1 by a maximum of 25% (1/2 max O.lμM) and it blocked inhibition by epinephrine. No significant specific binding of [3H] clonidine was observed to intact platelets. ρ-Aminoclonidine induced aggregation with delayed second phase (1/2 max 0.2μM), and potentiated ADP aggregation by 2-fold (1/2 max 0.2μM). Aggregation induced by epinephrine was more rapid, and was partially inhibited by ρ-aminoclonidine. It inhibited cyclic AMP accumulation by 50% max (1/2 max O.lμM) and attenuated epinephrine’s effect to the same level. The direct effects of ρ-aminoclonidine were blocked by lμM yohimbine, a selective α2-antagonist. Both clonidine and ρ—aminoclonidine blocked the specific binding of [3H]yohimbine (1/2 max 0.5μM). These results suggest that the platelet bears an α2-receptor with affinity for epinephrine, ρ-aminoclonidine and clonidine as agonists but that these agents display differing intrinsic activity and/or receptor reserve.

scholarly journals A Better Learning Community: Mixed-Methods Reveal Medical Student Preferences with Implications for Learning Community Design and Implementation

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 238212052110148
Author(s):  
Jasna Vuk ◽  
Steven McKee ◽  
Sara Tariq ◽  
Priya Mendiratta
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Learning Community ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Free Form ◽  
University Of Arkansas ◽  
Medical Sciences ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Personal Support ◽  
School Learning ◽  
The University

Background: Medical school learning communities benefit students. The College of Medicine (COM) at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) provides medical students with academic, professional, and personal support through a learning community (LC) made of 7 academic houses. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of the academic house model at UAMS utilizing a mixed-methods survey. The aims were to: (1) assess student experience and satisfaction with academic houses, (2) describe the realms of advising and guidance, and (3) identify areas for improvement. Method: An online survey was assigned to 723 COM students (all students enrolled, first through fourth years) at UAMS in March 2019. The survey was comprised of 25 items (10 multiple-choice, 8 on the Likert scale, and 7 open-ended questions). Data was depicted using frequency and percentages and/or thematic review of free-form responses. Results: The survey response rate was 31% (227 students). The majority of students responding (132, 58.1%) attended 2 or more face-to-face meetings with the faculty advisor within the preceding year. However, 27 (11.9%) students did not have any meetings. Approximately two-thirds of the respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with the guidance and direction provided by their advisors [very satisfied (n = 83; 36.6%); satisfied (n = 77; 33.9%)]. Themes that emerged from student generated areas for improvement include time constraints, advisor/advisee interest mismatch, and perceived inadequacy of advising content/connections. Conclusions: This study confirms the effectiveness of the LC model for advising and mentoring in the COM at UAMS. Uniquely, this study identifies not only learners’ satisfaction with their LC but also highlights areas for improvement which are widely generalizable and important to consider for institutions with or planning to start an LC.

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