scholarly journals Evaluating Stress Relief from Architecture: A Case Study Based on Buildings in Taiwan, China and Japan

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (14) ◽  
pp. 7899
Author(s):  
Ming-Chyuan Ho ◽  
Yung-Chia Chiu
Keyword(s):  
Urban Landscape ◽  
Stress Relief ◽  
Future Trend ◽  
Differential Method ◽  
City Image ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Architectural Styles ◽  
Stress Relieving ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Image Identity

The urban landscape can be improved to reduce the stress experienced by citizens. Therefore, stress-relieving buildings constitute a crucial topic and a future trend in architecture and design. In this study, different architectural styles were investigated to explore design methods for and characteristics of stress-relieving building shapes and to identify indicators for measuring participant stress relief while viewing buildings. To understand stress relief from architecture, we performed semi-structured interviews with 60 participants who viewed images of 30 buildings. The semantic differential method with a 7-point image scale was used to rate stress relief from different architectural styles. The study results revealed that the participants perceived curvilinear buildings as interesting but do not relieve stress. The participants identified as feeling high pressure considering rectilinear patterns to relieve more stress. To support this observation, we identified three principles—city image, identity, and spiritual atmosphere—as fundamental loci of designing cities for livability. We illustrate the three principles with several cases that facilitate a detailed understanding of their applicability in biodesign practices.

scholarly journals Understanding the clinical reasoning processes involved in the management of multimorbidity in an ambulatory setting: study protocol of a stimulated recall research

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M.-C. Audétat ◽  
S. Cairo Notari ◽  
J. Sader ◽  
C. Ritz ◽  
T. Fassier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Clinical Reasoning ◽  
Primary Care Physicians ◽  
Video Sequence ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Ambulatory Setting ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Stimulated Recall ◽  
Study Results

Abstract Background Primary care physicians are at the very heart of managing patients suffering from multimorbidity. However, several studies have highlighted that some physicians feel ill-equipped to manage these kinds of complex clinical situations. Few studies are available on the clinical reasoning processes at play during the long-term management and follow-up of patients suffering from multimorbidity. This study aims to contribute to a better understanding on how the clinical reasoning of primary care physicians is affected during follow-up consultations with these patients. Methods A qualitative research project based on semi-structured interviews with primary care physicians in an ambulatory setting will be carried out, using the video stimulated recall interview method. Participants will be filmed in their work environment during a standard consultation with a patient suffering from multimorbidity using a “button camera” (small camera) which will be pinned to their white coat. The recording will be used in a following semi-structured interview with physicians and the research team to instigate a stimulated recall. Stimulated recall is a research method that allows the investigation of cognitive processes by inviting participants to recall their concurrent thinking during an event when prompted by a video sequence recall. During this interview, participants will be prompted by different video sequence and asked to discuss them; the aim will be to encourage them to make their clinical reasoning processes explicit. Fifteen to twenty interviews are planned to reach data saturation. The interviews will be transcribed verbatim and data will be analysed according to a standard content analysis, using deductive and inductive approaches. Conclusion Study results will contribute to the scientific community’s overall understanding of clinical reasoning. This will subsequently allow future generation of primary care physicians to have access to more adequate trainings to manage patients suffering from multimorbidity in their practice. As a result, this will improve the quality of the patient’s care and treatments.

Reintegration of Ex-Offenders Convicted of Violent Crimes into the Community in the Iranian Context: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 0306624X2110226
Author(s):  
Mohammad Sabzi Khoshnami ◽  
Fardin Alipour ◽  
Maliheh Arshi ◽  
Hassan Rafiey ◽  
Mohhamad Hossein Javadi
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Violent Crimes ◽  
Institutional Review ◽  
Main Challenge ◽  
Improved Outcomes ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Reducing Recidivism ◽  
Iranian Context

Community reintegration of ex-offenders is a main issue for reducing recidivism. This article aims to explain the process of reintegration into the community based on the experiences of people who have been convicted of violent crimes in Iran. A qualitative study based on grounded theory was conducted in 2020 in Tehran/Iran. Data was collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 26 participants. An institutional review board approved the study. Results indicate that the “worry trap” is the main challenge that those convicted of violent crimes face upon reentry into society. If these individuals are provided with governmental and non-governmental services and support, they can move toward “restoring their lost social capital.” The “redefinition of an independent identity” is a consequence of released individuals’ struggle to restore their lost social capital. Further research exploring the causality of social capital and improved outcomes after release from prison and reentry to community is needed.

scholarly journals Planning for a neighborhood and city-scale green network system in Qatar: the case of MIA Park

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raffaello Furlan ◽  
Brian R. Sinclair
Keyword(s):  
Urban Landscape ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Landscape Fragmentation ◽  
The State ◽  
Network System ◽  
Design Strategies ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Main Mode ◽  
The Past ◽  
Neighborhood Scale

AbstractIn the past decade, Doha has witnessed fast-urban growth, an increased population rate, and an over-reliance on the automobile as the main mode of urban transportation. These factors caused social and environmental problems related to (1) the loss of a compact urban pattern, (2) an increased level of air pollution (3) high traffic congestions and (4) increasing landscape fragmentation. In consideration of such concerns, The State of Qatar invested large funds into the urban landscape development of Doha, as envisioned by Qatar National Vision 2030. As a result, in the past five years various parks and/or green areas, such MIA Park, a major public green space located around the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), were planned and developed within metropolitan Doha. The authors argue that this park is currently facing issues and challenges related to (1) accessibility to/from the neighboring districts, and (2) connectivity to/from the neighboring parks. Therefore, this research study aims at assessing the existing conditions of MIA Park, at considering the broader city context and, at recommending strategies for implementing MIA Park’s green network system. It approached the investigative challenge using a multi-pronged comprehensive methodology, that deployed focus groups, semi-structured interviews and a comprehensive network analysis based on graph theory. The findings, revealed through these hybrid research tactics, allowed the researchers to generate a framework to enhance accessibility and connectivity of MIA Park through a green network system, planned at inter-related neighborhood-scale and city-scale levels. While the research examines most notably a single case, it is advocated that the proposed framework represents not just an optional feature pertaining to the case in Doha, but a valuable reference for the sustainable master planning of future cities in the State of Qatar and across the GCC. The paper proffers numerous key contributions, including the critical exploration of manufactured landscapes in Doha Qatar and the delineation of broadly applicable environmental design strategies to improve the fabric and livability of cities.

scholarly journals Saudi EFL University Instructors’ Barriers to Teaching the Speaking Skills: Causes and Solutions

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noura Abdulaziz Abdulmohsen Al HAssan
Keyword(s):  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Preparation Programs ◽  
King Saud University ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
Study Results ◽  
University Instructors ◽  
Speaking Skill ◽  
Barriers To Teaching ◽  
Preparatory Year ◽  
Speaking Skills

The aim of this study was to investigate the causes and the solutions of Saudi EFL university instructors’ barriers to teaching the speaking skill. The sample of the study consisted of 132 randomly-selected EFL preparatory year instructors at Al-Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, and King Saud University in Riyadh city. Three instruments were utilized to collect data for the study: the first one was a questionnaire, the second was semi-structured interviews, and the third one was lectures observations. The researcher designed a five-point Likert scale questionnaire to collect the data of the study which was validated by a panel of raters consisting of ten university professors and instructors. To ensure reliability, Cronbach Alpha formula was calculated. Besides, The findings of the study revealed that the causes of Saudi EFL university instructors’ barriers to teaching the speaking skill in the preparatory year were as follows: students’ use of L1 during group work or pair work, lack of vocabulary, fear of making mistakes, lack of self-confidence, and lack of motivation. Furthermore, the study results advocated the following solutions to Saudi EFL university instructors’ barriers to teaching the speaking skill: enhancing students’ self-confidence to speak without fear, correcting students’ mistakes kindly, meeting students’ needs in speaking textbooks, and adopting recent motivating techniques, increasing the motivating speaking activities in textbooks, and testing the speaking skill. Finally, the study concluded that teacher training and preparation programs should help EFL instructors overcome and avoid such teaching barriers in teaching the speaking skills

scholarly journals Millennial and gen Z perspective towards eco-office campaign implementation in public sector

2021 ◽  
Vol 905 (1) ◽  
pp. 012122
Author(s):  
H P Pramana ◽  
S Hastjarjo ◽  
Sudarmo
Keyword(s):  
Change Agents ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Fully Integrated ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Self Actualization ◽  
New Policies ◽  
Electronic Media Use

Abstract This study explains millennial and Gen-Z attitudes, perspectives, and behaviors in implementing the eco-office concept. As a qualitative method study, the study uses primary data through semi-structured interviews and secondary data collected from reports, public/private publications, and census results, using the Yin case study model as data analysis. The study results reveal that the biggest challenge in implementing new policies is self-thinking. Leaders, as change agents, play an essential role in penetrating messages that make them act pro-environment. The reward system will be very effective, especially providing satisfaction for self-actualization. The findings of this study have implications for policymakers as input. For example, the results show that social media plays a crucial role in increasing environmental awareness. In addition, simple shifts such as electronic media use at work will cut the file chain, making it more effective and favored by young people. They understand the consequences of their actions on the environment and have the education, motivation, and social awareness to participate in the green movement. However, beliefs and actions are not fully integrated, and investigating and understanding their behavior and unique needs in the workplace will lead employees to integrate and succeed together to support the environment.

scholarly journals The Beliefs and Aesthetics of Isaan Heritage Trees

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 158
Author(s):  
Surasak Sornsena ◽  
Preechawut Apirating ◽  
Sipp Suksamran
Keyword(s):  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
The People ◽  
Study Results ◽  
And Gender ◽  
The Aesthetic ◽  
Surrounding Areas ◽  
Art Elements ◽  
Heritage Trees ◽  
Heritage Tree

This article is a part of a Doctoral Thesis titled “Isaan Heritage Tree: From the Belief and the Aesthetic to the Creation of Visual Arts,” with the objectives of studying the belief and the aesthetic that exist in the Isaan Heritage Tree using the qualitative method. The study’s target groups can be divided into three following groups: the experts, the practitioners, and the related people. The area of study is in the Isaan region. The region is divided into upper Isaan, mid-Isaan, and lower Isaan. The research tools consist of surveys, non-participatory observation, and structured and non-structured interviews. The data collected from documents and field data was analyzed using Aesthetic Theory and Symbolic Interactionism Theory and presented using descriptive analysis.  The study results show that Isaan has a long history and development both in geography, the administration, society, the culture, and the migration of people who came to settle in the area from Luang Phrabang, Vientiane, and Champasak. This had caused the people and nation’s coming together and led to social management, which consists of regulations, religion, and belief. The beliefs of the Isaan people are connected to forest spirits, household spirits, or tree spirits. Five following characteristics of the Heritage Trees were also found: 1) The traditional beliefs related to the Heritage Trees of Isaan. 2) The new belief. 3) The beliefs that are connected to the locations. 4) The beliefs in the tree spirits whose identity and gender cannot be identified. 5) Auspicious and inauspicious beliefs. There are three aspects for the aesthetics: Aesthetic elements are the feeling of amazement due to the gigantic size filled with astonishment, mystery, and the fear of power. The interesting aspects of Art elements are the unity and relationship to the seasons, such as the Fall season, Rainy Season, and the blooming of flowers that contribute to the changes in the aesthetics changes. The visual art elements consist of six following components; bodies and shapes, lines, colors, textures, light and shadows, and area. It was found that the gigantic size and height cause amazements to the viewers. The physical lines of the Isaan Heritage trees were the lines along the trunks, the lines on the branches, and the lines that go along the leaves and flowers. There are different colors of the trunk, the leaves, and the flowers. The texture was rough, harsh, and the cracks follow the same directions as the trunk. There are botanical differences in the light and shadows of the heritage trees. As for the area, there are differences between the area of the heritage trees and the surrounding areas, as well as the differences within the Isaan Heritage Trees area.   Received: 25 January 2021 / Accepted: 31 March 2021 / Published: 10 May 2021

scholarly journals The Politics of Gendered Spatializations: A Study of Cityscapes in Manu Joseph’s Novels

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.S. Parvathi ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Urban Landscape ◽  
The Body ◽  
Urban Spaces ◽  
City Image ◽  
Spatial Practices ◽  
Spatial Politics ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Social ◽  
The City

Burton Pike (1981) terms the cityscapes represented in literature as word-cities whose depiction captures the spatial significance evoked by the city-image and simultaneously, articulates the social psychology of its inhabitants (pp. 243). This intertwining of the social and the spatial animates the concept of spatiality, which informs the positionality of urban subjects, (be it the verticality of the city or the horizonality of the landscape) and determines their standpoint (Keith and Pile, 1993). The spatial politics underlying cityscapes, thus, determine the modes of social production of sexed corporeality. In turn, the body as a cultural product modifies and reinscribes the urban landscape according to its changing demographic needs. The dialectic relationship between the city and the bodies embedded in them orient familial, social, and sexual relations and inform the discursive practices underlying the division of urban spaces into public and private domains. The geographical and social positioning of the bodies within the paradigm of the public/private binary regulates the process of individuation of the bodies into subjects. The distinction between the public and the private is deeply rooted in spatial practices that isolate a private sphere of domestic, embodied activity from the putatively disembodied political, public sphere. Historically, women have been treated as private and embodied and the politics of the demarcated spaces are employed to control and limit women’s mobility. This gendered politics underlying the situating practices apropos public and private spaces inform the representations of space in literary texts. Manu Joseph’s novels, Serious Men (2010) and The Illicit Happiness of Other People (2012), are situated in the word-cities of Mumbai and Chennai respectively whose urban spaces are structured by such spatial practices underlying the politics of location. The paper attempts to problematize the nature of gendered spatializations informing the location of characters in Serious Men and The Illicit Happiness of Other People.

scholarly journals Housing in an Example of Low - Rise Residential Structure in Debar Maalo, Skopje

2020 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 64
Author(s):  
Sinolichka Smilevska
Keyword(s):  
Urban Landscape ◽  
Size Structure ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
City Image ◽  
Single Family ◽  
Analysis And Design ◽  
Housing Structure ◽  
Family Housing ◽  
Two Stages ◽  
The City

From city quarter with urban villas, yard houses and pittoresque ambient values, Debar Maalo in Skopje in recent time, is turning into a construction site of the intense rise of the building mass and filling in on every potential void, where the typology of multifamily residential buildings is dominant. But, can it be different? The marginalized forms of single-family housing, once a dominant lifestyle in Debar Maalo, single family yard houses, houses with ground contact are the remains of a passed image of this city quarter that should be the referent milieu of this research. This typology of a low-rise residential structure, should represent the renovation tactics of the the single-family dwelling in this part of the city of Skopje. The creation process of the new urban landscape of housing with characteristics of a dense and low-rise structure will be through the forward two stages: analysis and design. The location of interest will be analysed through architectural project of a housing block with the typology of a low-rise housing structure that should provide high urban density of 120 houses per hectare. The suggested typology of the housing structure should provide housing that will meet the new lifestyles and will achieve diversity of the houses according to their size, structure, and comfort. This thesis should refer to the idea of rethinking and reminiscing on the elementary architectural city image, low rise housing structure typology as a building type at the level of the morphology of the city of Skopje.

scholarly journals A Study on Reducing the Sleeping in Class Phenomenon in Japanese Universities through Student Motivation

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 79
Author(s):  
Kei Mihara
Keyword(s):  
High School Students ◽  
University Students ◽  
English Education ◽  
Vocabulary Test ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
School Students ◽  
Daily Routines ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
Questionnaire Surveys

Sleeping in class is a common phenomenon among students in Japanese universities. There are several possible reasons for this: tiredness from daily routines such as commuting, difficulty concentrating in 90-minute classes, or a lack of motivation to study. As for English as a foreign language (EFL) classes, it is possible that university students are not as motivated as high school students, considering that English education in Japan is generally aimed at preparing students for university entrance examinations. The main purpose of this study is, therefore, to examine ways to prevent students from sleeping in class by improving their motivation. Based on the results of questionnaire surveys and focus group interviews, this study seeks to identify ways in which student attention and alertness in class can be improved. The participants in this study were asked to take a vocabulary test before completing exercises in their textbook. After four weeks, follow-up research was conducted using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The study results showed that taking a vocabulary test at the beginning of class is an effective method of motivating students, but that motivation alone cannot prevent university students from sleeping in class.

scholarly journals Incorporating costing study results into district and service planning to enhance immunization programme performance: a Zambian case study

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 327-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabelle Feldhaus ◽  
Carl Schütte ◽  
Francis D Mwansa ◽  
Masauso Undi ◽  
Stanley Banda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Context ◽  
Service Level ◽  
Service Planning ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Cost Information ◽  
International Agencies ◽  
Immunization Programme ◽  
Planning And Management ◽  
Study Results

Abstract Donors, researchers and international agencies have made significant investments in collection of high-quality data on immunization costs, aiming to improve the efficiency and sustainability of services. However, improved quality and routine dissemination of costing information to local managers may not lead to enhanced programme performance. This study explored how district- and service-level managers can use costing information to enhance planning and management to increase immunization outputs and coverage. Data on the use of costing information in the planning and management of Zambia’s immunization programme was obtained through individual and group semi-structured interviews with planners and managers at national, provincial and district levels. Document review revealed the organizational context within which managers operated. Qualitative results described managers’ ability to use costing information to generate cost and efficiency indicators not provided by existing systems. These, in turn, would allow them to understand the relative cost of vaccines and other resources, increase awareness of resource use and management, benchmark against other facilities and districts, and modify strategies to improve performance. Managers indicated that costing information highlighted priorities for more efficient use of human resources, vaccines and outreach for immunization programming. Despite decentralization, there were limitations on managers’ decision-making to improve programme efficiency in practice: major resource allocation decisions were made centrally and planning tools did not focus on vaccine costs. Unreliable budgets and disbursements also undermined managers’ ability to use systems and information. Routine generation and use of immunization cost information may have limited impact on managing efficiency in many Zambian districts, but opportunities were evident for using existing capacity and systems to improve efficiency. Simpler approaches, such as improving reliability and use of routine immunization and staffing indicators, drawing on general insights from periodic costing studies, and focusing on maximizing coverage with available resources, may be more feasible in the short-term.

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