Predatory publishing and the Ghana experience: A call to action for information professionals

IFLA Journal ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 277-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kodjo Atiso ◽  
Jenna Kammer ◽  
Jenny Bossaller
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Call To Action ◽  
Predatory Journals ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Research Organizations ◽  
Information Professionals ◽  
Predatory Publishing ◽  
Research Scientists

Researchers in developing countries are more likely to publish in predatory journals (Xia et al., 2015). This study investigates the understanding that research scientists in Ghana, a developing country, have about predatory journals and their publishing practices. Using a mixed methods approach, research scientists within one cluster of research organizations in Ghana were asked about their awareness of the characteristics of predatory journals, based on their own experience as a researcher. Their publications were also examined. The results indicate that most of the research scientists in this study are aware of predatory journals and are often solicited by them, but are less aware of tools they can use to determine the quality of a particular publication. In addition, 12% of the articles published that make up 24% of the unique journals in which these researchers published could be considered “predatory”. The findings of this research are significant because they indicate that research scientists may have more awareness of predatory journals than is expected, but that they may lack the training or tools necessary for deciding whether or not a journal is legitimate.

Exploring the association of learning participation with the quality of life of older Chinese adults: A mixed methods approach

2018 ◽  
Vol 44 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 378-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renfeng Wang ◽  
Liesbeth De Donder ◽  
Free De Backer ◽  
Karen Triquet ◽  
Li Shihua ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Chinese Adults ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Older Chinese ◽  
Older Chinese Adults

scholarly journals The quality of orientation in ODL

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-63
Author(s):  
Silvanos Chirume ◽  
Mathias Taririro Dick
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Time Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
First Semester ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Regional Campus ◽  
Common Policies ◽  
Address System

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the consistency with which quality is maintained in the orientation process. Orientation is a key university process intended to prepare new students for life in higher education (HE). For open and distance learning (ODL), orientation can be a key process for lessening some of the challenges associated with the separation of the learner and the lecturer. Indeed, for ODL students, orientation can be fraught with a variety of challenges one of which could be quality problems.Design/methodology/approachConvenient sampling was used to obtain a total of 89 students in the first semester and 34 students in the second semester. The respondents came from all the eight districts in the Midlands province of Zimbabwe. They belonged to various degree programmes found in the eight faculties of the institution. Correlation was used to determine quality variations. Using a mixed methods approach, the study sought the views of the students and the relationships between activities done in the two semesters of 2018. SPSS version 16.0 software was used to compute Spearman’s correlations whereas content analysis was used to analyze the open-ended responses to the questa-view. This mixed methods approach helped the researchers to analyze and compare the quality of the orientation sessions.FindingsResults yielded a positive and high significant correlation between first and second semester variables (r=0.916,p=0.000), a finding indicating that staff members in the Midlands Regional Campus of Zimbabwe Open University have not changed their ways of conducting orientation. On a scale of 1 (least effective) to 5 (most effective), the average ratings for the presentations in the first and second semesters were 4.08 and 4.26, respectively. In the qualitative analysis, adequacy of the venue, timing, coverage of aspects and use of media were all rated positively for the two sessions. However, for the two sessions, some students mentioned negative sentiments to do with the provision of needed materials at time of student registration, the public address system, orientation packages, time management and communication.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper looks at the process of orientation as it was done at one regional campus of an ODL institution in Zimbabwe. It also analyses the quality of the orientation using correlation as a lens that measures consistency and also by critically analyzing content in the respondents’ voices. Implications are that the findings and recommendations can also be applied in other ODL (and even non-ODL) institutions with a view of finally coming up with common policies and procedures with regards to providing quality service and support to the twenty-first century student.Practical implicationsFindings were relevant and could be used for designing applicable orientation programmes in ODL institutions and for improving the quality of student support and services.Originality/valueWhile a number of studies have been carried out on orientation in HE, it would appear that research on orientation in ODL institutions, especially in Zimbabwe, appears minimal, hence this study covers an unexplored niche.

scholarly journals Evaluation of a Case Management to Support Families With Children Diagnosed With Spinal Muscular Atrophy—Protocol of a Controlled Mixed-Methods Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jana Willems ◽  
Erik Farin-Glattacker ◽  
Thorsten Langer
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Case Management ◽  
Muscular Atrophy ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Management Intervention ◽  
Care Integration ◽  
Case Management Intervention

Background: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare neuromuscular disease characterized by degeneration of the anterior horn cells in the spinal cord, resulting in muscle atrophy, and proximal muscle weakness. SMA presents with a wide range of symptoms requiring multiple clinical specialists and therapists. Integrating care between disciplines can be challenging due to the dynamic course of the disease, and great distances between specialist centers and local providers. Insufficient care integration can lead to suboptimal quality of care and more difficulties for patients and families. This study aims to improve care integration through a Case Management intervention, and taking a mixed-methods approach, to evaluate its impact.Methods: An exploratory, controlled, two-armed study with baseline, post- and follow-up measurement and process evaluation is conducted to evaluate our intervention compared to usual care. Through a multi-perspective state analysis, we investigate the experiences of caregivers and healthcare providers concerning the actual healthcare quality of patients with SMA I and II. Semi-structured interviews and care diaries are used. We apply that data to conceive a tailored Case Management intervention supplemented by a digital platform. The intervention's effect is examined in comparison to a control group taking a mixed-methods approach. As primary endpoints, we investigate the caregivers' health-related quality of life and the quality of care integration. Secondary endpoints are the use of healthcare services (patients and caregivers) and costs. We assess the process quality from the perspectives of caregivers and healthcare providers through semi-structured interviews.Discussion: This is an exploratory, controlled study to assess the impact of a tailored Case Management intervention to improve the care of patients with SMA I and II. After the evaluation, results on feasibility, expected effect sizes, and process quality will be available. On this basis, future randomized controlled trials can be planned. If demonstrated beneficial, the experience gained within this study may also be valuable for care strategies in other regions and other (non-pediatric) patient groups with rare diseases and/or chronic, complex conditions.Clinical Trial registration:https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00018778, identifier: DRKS00018778.

scholarly journals Exploring the Handler-Dog Connection within a University-Based Animal-Assisted Activity

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 402
Author(s):  
Stephanie Kuzara ◽  
Patricia Pendry ◽  
Nancy R. Gee
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Physical Contact ◽  
Dyadic Interactions ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Interaction Styles

There has been an increase in research concerning the quality of dyadic interactions between humans and dogs in university-based animal assisted activities (AAAs). While interactions between students and dogs are commonly an area of focus, studies examining interactions between handlers and their dogs are needed. We coded 10-min long video-recorded observations (N = 151) using a mixed methods approach to capture the duration and frequency of dog-directed handler behavior (i.e., postural state, verbal and physical contact) before and during interactions with student participants in an AAA. Analyses showed a significant decrease in the proportion of time handlers spent petting their dog, and a significant increase in the proportion of time handlers spent sitting on the floor and restraining their dog by the leash in response to student introduction. Two dimensions of handlers’ dog-directed behavior emerged (e.g., warmth, control) revealing distinct handler interaction styles: Hands-off (L Warmth, L Control), permissive (H warmth, L control), authoritative (H Warmth, H Control), and authoritarian (L Warmth, H Control). Handlers’ interaction styles were influenced by student presence, leading some handlers to increase warmth behaviors directed to their dogs, while others decreased such behaviors. Implications for the facilitation of university-based AAAs are discussed.

Building Oral Health Research Capacity in India: Identifying Barriers and Enablers Using Mixed Methods

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-108
Author(s):  
M. Masood ◽  
T. Newton ◽  
O.P. Kharbanda ◽  
Y. Masood ◽  
J. Feine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Barriers And Enablers

Knowledge Transfer Statement: This article will provide a brief overview of the methods in finding barriers and enablers in doing oral health research in India. This mixed-methods approach can be used by researchers in finding barriers and enablers in doing oral health research in other developing countries and building oral health research capacities.

scholarly journals On the dark side of open access and new expectations of scientific productivity in adult education research

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tim Vetter ◽  
Michael Schemmann
Keyword(s):  
Education Research ◽  
Adult Education ◽  
Open Access ◽  
Side Effect ◽  
Scientific Productivity ◽  
Open Science ◽  
Dark Side ◽  
Predatory Journals ◽  
Predatory Publishing

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to explore international adult education research in the context of predatory publishing or predatory journals. The paper presents empirical characteristics of predatory journals, determines the quantitative occurrence of predatory journals in the field of adult education by means of a catalogue of criteria, takes a closer look at the authors of adult education contributions identified, and examines the content and quality of the contributions. The article deals with the phenomenon of predatory publishing, an unintended side effect of the Open Access movement, and thus operates in the context of Open Science.

What Are the Needs of Senior Tourists? Evidence from Remote Regions of Europe

Economies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 148
Author(s):  
Joanna Zielińska-Szczepkowska
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Financial Resources ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Quality Of Services ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Historical Sites

Tourism is one of the fastest-growing industries in Europe, with growth mostly centered in major cities and urban locations. Nevertheless, remote destinations can also offer tranquility and accessibility, as well as both unexploited and unknown development potential for active senior travelers. The purpose of this paper is to analyze, on the basis of information gathered from 1705 questionnaires, senior touristic behavior, including motivations and decision-making issues for senior travelers in 11 remote regions of nine European countries (Finland, Latvia, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Spain, Ireland, and Greece). A mixed-methods approach was used to fulfill the research objectives. Both interviews and the survey method were applied to generate data from senior tourists. The present study will focus on the key factors explaining senior tourists’ motivations and barriers to travel. The results of surveys conducted within the TOURAGE project indicate the significant potential of remote regions in the development of senior tourism. For senior respondents, a very important reason for going on holiday is the possibility of enjoying rest and silence. Safety, nature, historical sites, quality of services, and easy transportation connections are the top five attraction factors for seniors when choosing a destination. At the same time, according to the interviews, among the important problems negatively influencing the size of the senior tourism market in remote regions are: difficulties in reaching seniors with tourist offers, a lack of promotion of local tourist products aimed at seniors, and finally a lack of financial resources for the implementation of local projects supporting the development of senior tourism.

Determinants of memorable sightseeing bus-tour experiences: identifying and evaluating destination related attributes

2021 ◽  
pp. 146735842110382
Author(s):  
Marwa Ghanem ◽  
Khaled Shaaban
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Behavioral Intentions ◽  
Ancillary Services ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Quality Of Services ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Destination Competitiveness ◽  
Tourist Information

The pivotal impact of memorable tourist experiences on behavioral intentions and destination competitiveness has been underscored by prior studies, which remarked how the different attributes of various types of tourist activities and services influence the memorability of the overall destination experience. However, these endeavors approached the topic of destination experience in a generic manner, and did not research the specific dynamics behind the memorability of such touristic activities in depth. This study aims to identify and evaluate destination-level attributes that contribute to the memorability of sightseeing bus-tour experiences (MBTE), as an example of destination activities. Based on a mixed-methods approach exploring the perspectives of tourists and destination professionals, the results suggest a checklist of 34 attributes arranged under six dimensions: (1) attractions, (2) accessibility, (3) amenities, (4) tourist information and tour guidance quality, (5) quality of services, and (6) other ancillary services. The results give insights into the different perspectives of tourists and decision-makers on the relative importance of MBTE determinants and elaborate on their implications.

Political campaign and democratisation

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 92-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Okey Marcellus Ikeanyibe ◽  
Christian Chukwuebuka Ezeibe ◽  
Peter Oluchukwu Mbah ◽  
Chikodiri Nwangwu
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Ethnic Groups ◽  
Hate Speech ◽  
Minority Rights ◽  
Political Campaign ◽  
Campaign Strategy ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Post Colonial ◽  
Majoritarian Democracy

Abstract The use of hate speech for political mobilisation and its overall impact on democratisation have generated debate and controversy in both post-colonial formations and more advanced democracies. This is because hate speech tends to promote hatred between different ethnic groups. In Nigeria, it is usually deployed in the build up to elections. Using mixed methods approach, this study interrogates the consequences of hate speech as a political campaign strategy on electioneering and democratisation in Nigeria. The study argues that the use of hate speech in political campaign entrenches hatred and discriminatory voting pattern among citizens. It grossly affects democratisation, the quality of party programmes and candidates chosen by voters. Despite its appeal to extreme right populism based on ethnic voting and other forms of exclusionary politics, the use of hate speech as a political campaign strategy neither promotes the principles of majoritarian democracy nor protects minority rights.

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