• Title/Summary/Keyword: Mixed methods study

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Real-time Implementation and Comparative Study on Trajectory Planning Methods for Robot Manipulators (로보트 매니퓰레이터에 대한 궤적 계획 방법들의 실시간 구현 및 상호 비교 연구)

  • Cho, Jeong-Ho;Suh, Il-Hong;Li, Joon-Hong;Yang, Hai-Won;Im, Dal-Ho
    • Proceedings of the KIEE Conference
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    • 1989.11a
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    • pp.462-466
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    • 1989
  • This paper describes the methods of spline low-order polynomial trajectory planning using only a few limited look-ahead knots on the desired trajectory for the real-time computing. Specifically presented are the mixed joint trajectory planning methods which apply linear or LSPB method to initial and finial segments, overlapped cubic spline method to the other segments, where the displacements for initial and finial segments are chosen to be relatively smaller than the displacements for the other, equidistant segments. Experimental and simulation results of these methods show smooth motions and improved path tracking performances compared with any other interpolated joint trajectory planning methods.

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I Do Not Even Say "It" - a Mixed Methods Study on Breast Cancer Awareness of Omani Women

  • Alkhasawneh, Esra;Siddiqui, Saad T;Leocadio, Michael;Seshan, Vidya;Al-Farsi, Yahya;Al-Moundhri, Mansour S
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.17 no.4
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    • pp.2247-2254
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    • 2016
  • Background: The incidence of breast cancer is rising in Oman, and the disease is diagnosed at late stages, when treatment success is limited. Omani women might benefit from better awareness, so that breast cancer can be detected early and treated. This study was conducted to assess Omani women's levels of breast cancer awareness and early detection practice, and explore factors which might influence these levels. Materials and Methods: A mixed methods study was conducted in 2014, including a quantitative survey of 1,372 and a qualitative assessment of 19 Omani women, aged ${\geq}20years$ from five Omani governorates using convenient sampling. Demographic information and scores for awareness levels were used in a multivariate regression model to investigate factors associated with awareness. Thematic analysis and interpretive description were used to analyse the qualitative data. Results: The overall means for early detection and general awareness scores were 0.58 (SD 0.24) and 0.46 (SD 0.21), respectively. General awareness was significantly associated with age, education, income and familiarity with cancer patients (p<0.05), while early detection was significantly associated with age, marital status and education. A majority of women (59.5%) agreed with a belief in 'evil eye' or envy as a risk factor for breast cancer. Women discussed various factors which may empower or inhibit awareness, including the cultural-religion-fatalistic system, personal-familial-environmental system, and healthcare-political-social system. Conclusions: The overall low scores for awareness and early detection, and the survey of local beliefs highlight a severe necessity for a contextually-tailored breast cancer awareness intervention programme in Oman.

Analysis of the virtual simulation practice and high fidelity simulation practice training experience of nursing students: A mixed-methods study (간호대학생의 Virtual 시뮬레이션 실습 및 High fidelity 시뮬레이션 실습교육 경험 분석: 혼합연구방법 적용)

  • Lee, Eun Hye;Ryu, So Young
    • The Journal of Korean Academic Society of Nursing Education
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    • v.27 no.3
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    • pp.227-239
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    • 2021
  • Purpose: This study used an exploratory sequential approach (mixed methods) design to explore essential meaning through comparing and analyzing the experiences of nursing students in virtual simulation practice and high fidelity simulation practice education in parallel. Methods: The study participants were 20 nursing students, and data were collected through focus group meetings from July 17 to August 5, 2020, and via online quantitative data from November 10 to November 15, 2020. The qualitative data were analyzed using Giorgi's phenomenological method, and the quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis H test analysis of variance and Spearman's ρ correlation. Results: The comparison between the two simulation training experiences was shown in five contextual structures, as follows: (1) reflection of the clinical field, (2) thinking theorem vs. thinking expansion, (3) individual-centered learning vs. team-centered learning, (4) attitudes toward participating in practical training, (5) metacognition of personal competency as a prospective nurse, and (6) revisiting the method of practice training. There was a positive correlation between satisfaction with the practice and the clinical judgment ability of high fidelity simulation, which was statistically significant (r=.47, p=.036). Conclusion: Comparing the experiences between virtual simulation practice training and high fidelity simulation practice training, which has increased in demand due to the Coronavirus Disease-2019 pandemic, is meaningful as it provides practical data for introspection and reflection on in-campus clinical education.

Predisposing, Enabling, and Reinforcing Factors of COVID-19 Prevention Behavior in Indonesia: A Mixed-methods Study

  • Putri Winda Lestari;Lina Agestika;Gusti Kumala Dewi
    • Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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    • v.56 no.1
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    • pp.21-30
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    • 2023
  • Objectives: To prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), behaviors such as mask-wearing, social distancing, decreasing mobility, and avoiding crowds have been suggested, especially in high-risk countries such as Indonesia. Unfortunately, the level of compliance with those practices has been low. This study was conducted to determine the predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors of COVID-19 prevention behavior in Indonesia. Methods: This cross-sectional study used a mixed-methods approach. The participants were 264 adults from 21 provinces in Indonesia recruited through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a Google Form and in-depth interviews. Statistical analysis included univariate, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression. Furthermore, qualitative data analysis was done through content analysis and qualitative data management using Atlas.ti software. Results: Overall, 44.32% of respondents were non-compliant with recommended COVID-19 prevention behaviors. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, low-to-medium education level, poor attitude, insufficient involvement of leaders, and insufficient regulation were also associated with decreased community compliance. Based on in-depth interviews with informants, the negligence of the Indonesian government in the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to the unpreparedness of the community to face the pandemic, as people were not aware of the importance of preventive practices. Conclusions: Education level is not the only factor influencing community compliance with recommended COVID-19 prevention behaviors. Changing attitudes through health promotion to increase public awareness and encouraging voluntary community participation through active risk communication are necessary. Regulations and role leaders are also required to improve COVID-19 prevention behavior.

Working Experience of the Community-based Long-term Care Hospital Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Mixed Methods Research (코로나19 대유행 시 지역사회 요양병원 종사자의 근무경험: 혼합연구방법)

  • Jang, Hyun Jung;Park, Jeong Eon
    • Journal of Korean Academy of Rural Health Nursing
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    • v.18 no.1
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    • pp.27-39
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    • 2023
  • Purpose: This study is a mixed methods research that was conducted to verify factors affecting the working experience of community-based long-term care hospital workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The study was carried out from July 19 to November 3, 2021 for 340 nurses who worked at 10 long-term care hospitals located in G city. Results: As the study results, factors that affected job stress of the workers working at community-based long-term care hospitals included job satisfaction (β=-.27, p<.001), work demand (β=-.25, p<.001), fatigue (β=.19, p=.001), and cooperation and leadership (β=-.12, p=.049). It was found that the participants were struggling with physical and mental stress caused by the increased workload due to the preventative measures taken to stop the infection and spread of COVID-19. Despite this, they accepted their situation as necessary to overcome the pandemic and shared the quarantine guidelines of the government and community health centers while actively responding to prevent the spread of COVID-19 under the leadership of their supervisors. However, they were experiencing psychological and emotional burnout in the prolonged pandemic situation. Conclusion: It is considered necessary to help relieve their stress and provide psychological and mental support by adopting a policy to develop and apply comprehensive programs.

Development and application of the mobile-based virtual nursing simulation training content: A mixed methods study (모바일 기반 가상 간호 시뮬레이션 콘텐츠 개발 및 적용: 혼합방법연구)

  • Kim, Hyun-Sun;Kang, Jiyoung
    • The Journal of Korean Academic Society of Nursing Education
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    • v.30 no.3
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    • pp.290-300
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    • 2024
  • Purpose: Nursing clinical practice education is transforming with the advent of mobile education and the unique experiences it offers in caring for virtual patients. For this innovative approach, this study aims to evaluate the efficacy of mobile-based virtual women's breast cancer nursing simulation training content on nursing students' confidence, satisfaction, and learning flow. It also examines the nursing students' virtual patient care experiences. Methods: A mixed methods approach using a convergent design was employed to examine students' cancer care confidence and satisfaction, learning flow, and learning experiences. Quantitative data through online questionnaires and qualitative data through focus group interviews were collected, merged, and analyzed. Results: This study developed a virtual nursing training module aimed at caring for women with breast cancer, a novel approach to facilitate mobile-based simulation training for nursing students. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, a chi-squared test, Fisher's exact test, t-test for participant homogeneity (experimental: 20, control: 20), independent t-test, and paired t-test. Satisfaction (t=3.53, p=.001) and confidence (t=4.07, p=.001), as well as flow (t=3.78, p=.001), significantly improved in the experimental group compared to the control group. Two core themes and five sub-themes were derived from the experimental group's experiences acquired by caring for women with breast cancer virtually, including that the students "Virtually cared for breast cancer patients, learning as if real." Conclusion: The mobile-based virtual nursing simulation training content allowed nursing students to upgrade their comprehensive nursing care skills by experiencing a fun and practical environment made possible by a new learning method.

A Study on the Automatic Measurement of Solid Content in Recycled Water in Ready Mixed Concrete Plant (레디믹스트 콘크리트 플랜트의 회수수 농도 측정 자동화에 관한 연구)

  • Choi, Young-Cheol;Moon, Gyu-Don;Cho, Bong-Seok
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
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    • v.29 no.4
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    • pp.123-131
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    • 2014
  • Whole amount of waste water, approximately 921.6 liter, for cleaning a ready mixed concrete truck should be used to produce concrete as a mixing water or cleaning water. Recycling water for concrete mixing contains solids, which cause decrease in slump, air and compressive strengths, so it may influence on poor concrete quality. Therefore, it has been maintained to use recycling water with less than 3 percent of solids. Since no evaluation system has been constructed to directly reflect on variability of recycling water from ready mixed concrete plants, it is necessary to develop "Automatic recycling solid measuring system" for quality controls in real time. In this research, sensors measuring waste water concentration in ultrasonic and inductance methods were developed, and automatic system using the sensors were established. The accuracy of measurement sensors developed for recycling water based on various conditions of concentration was proved, and application limits were evaluated. Also, concentration of recycling water using sensors developed from ready mixed concrete plant was measured, and curing method verified the accuracy of the sensors. Moreover, measurement sensors for recycling water in various locations were installed to evaluate the effects on measuring method and spots. The automatic measuring system for recycling water concentration, which is developed in the research, will contribute to improve concrete quality safety through reliable solids maintenance.

The Characteristics on Compressive Strength of Mixed Coal Ash in Ash Pond (회사장 혼합석탄재의 압축강도 특성)

  • Koh, Yongil
    • Journal of the Korean GEO-environmental Society
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    • v.15 no.11
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    • pp.61-66
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    • 2014
  • The various recycling methods of mixed coal ash have been developed considerably and it's recycling quantity has been increased. However, the more relatively finer grain content of coal ash in ash pond is increased the more it's quantity is increased in recycling as products for drainage in soft ground etc. Accordingly, the geotechnical properties of mixed coal ash in ash pond would be inferior and it's recycling rate should reach the limitations in increase. In this study, to recycle mixed coal ash contained fine grain in considerably amount as products for strength, etc. By adding binder to it and manifesting, it's compressive strength is stronger than the criteria, these are suggested; 1) the variety of compressive strength test performed on mixed coal ash of various grain distributions as main material, 2) the kind of binder, it's mixing quantity and the optimum content rate range of fine grain coal ash that the compressive strength stronger than a certain compressive strength is manifested. Cement is more excellent than quicklime as binder in manifesting stronger compressive strength and the sieve type to sort it is #40 sieve in order to recycle all mixed coal ash in ash pond efficiently as products for drainage as well as products for strength, etc. And, it could increase insufficient compressive strength remarkably that content of pure sand is more in the rate as pure sand and the part of mixed coal ash in ash pond to pass through #40 sieve is mixed in the ratio of 2 to 8.

Feasibility Study of Isotope Ratio Analysis of Individual Uranium-Plutonium Mixed Oxide Particles with SIMS and ICP-MS

  • Esaka, Fumitaka;Magara, Masaaki;Suzuki, Daisuke;Miyamoto, Yutaka;Lee, Chi-Gyu;Kimura, Takaumi
    • Mass Spectrometry Letters
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    • v.2 no.4
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    • pp.80-83
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    • 2011
  • Isotope ratio analysis of nuclear materials in individual particles is of great importance for nuclear safeguards. Although secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) are utilized for the analysis of individual uranium particles, few studies were conducted for the analysis of individual uranium-plutonium mixed oxide particles. In this study, we applied SIMS and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to the isotope ratio analysis of individual U-Pu mixed oxide particles. In the analysis of individual U-Pu particles prepared from mixed solution of uranium and plutonium standard reference materials, accurate $^{235}U/^{238}U$, $^{240}Pu/^{239}Pu$ and $^{242}Pu/^{239}Pu$ isotope ratios were obtained with both methods. However, accurate analysis of $^{241}Pu/^{239}Pu$ isotope ratio was impossible, due to the interference of the $^{241}Am$ peak to the $^{241}Pu$ peak. In addition, it was indicated that the interference of the $^{238}UH$ peak to the $^{239}Pu$ peak has a possibility to prevent accurate analysis of plutonium isotope ratios. These problems would be avoided by a combination of ICP-MS and chemical separation of uranium, plutonium and americium in individual U-Pu particles.

Effect of Soil Properties and Soil Bacterial Community on Early Growth Characteristics of Wild-simulated Ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) in Coniferous and Mixed Forest (침엽수림과 혼효림에서 토양특성과 토양세균 군집이 산양삼 초기 생육특성에 미치는 영향)

  • Kim, Ki Yoon;Kim, Hyun Jun;Um, Yurry;Jeon, Kwon Seok
    • Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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    • v.28 no.3
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    • pp.183-194
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    • 2020
  • Background: This study investigated the effect of soil properties and soil bacterial community on early growth characteristics of wild-simulated ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) in coniferous and mixed forest experimental fields. Methods and Results: The soil bacterial community was analyzed using a high throughput sequencing technique (Illumina MiSeq sequencing). The relationship between the soil bacterial community, soil properties, and growth characteristics of wild-simulated ginseng were analyzed using principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and the Pearson's correlation analysis. Soil properties and soil bacterial community showed significant difference with forest physiognomy. Results of Pearson's correlation analysis and PCoA showed that the soil properties (soil pH, organic matter, total nitrogen, and cation exchange capacity) and soil bacterial community had significant correlation with tree species ratio and early growth characteristics of wild-simulated ginseng. Conclusions: This study clearly demonstrated the effect of soil properties and soil bacterial community on early growth characteristics of wild-simulated ginseng in coniferous and mixed forest. Moreover, these results will help in the selection of suitable cultivation sites for wild-simulated ginseng.