ABSTRACT. Introduction: The crucial component to any research being successful is fieldwork and gaining access to research participants, which in the academic year 2019-2020 became a difficult endeavour, with regards, a) industrial action across the higher education sector, in December 2019 and again in February 2020; b) regional rail network industrial strike action across the year, and c) the pandemic (Coronavirus). This perfect storm restricted and challenged the collection of qualitative data for a study on ‘Teaching Innovation in 21st century UK Higher Education’.

Goals and Methods: The reflective paper reveals the emotional, practical implications of qualitative researching in an anno horribilis. Writing from a postgraduate researcher position and perspective who was caught in university halls of residence. The method adopted for this paper is reflection, reflection being a meaningful mental activity and an approach to telling stories. Reflection is embracing the distance travelled, the lived experience of the self. The researcher as the active observer of experiences in a period that shaped, disrupted, and challenged access to participants and data collection.

Results: Through reflection three themes of experience are significant. 1) Connection and access to participants, Implications of mass media reporting; workloads and screen time. 2) The use of visual method selection being difficult to achieve over a series of digital platforms with regards to network failures, functionality, visual descriptions, and feelings of incompetence in understanding the impaired spoken drawing, and 3) the emotional toll on the researcher.

Conclusions: The emotional toll was great when not knowing if you could be contacting someone who has experienced the virus at a family or friendship level, or that participants had been made redundant. The digital conference platforms became the new norm and struggled to maintain connection as everyone became hidden homeworkers, some had limited functionality with some platforms reporting serious security issues.

ABSTRACT. Transnational relationships are defined as those between actors located in different national spaces. In the case of grandparents and grandchildren, who through migration see themselves in a distance relationship between two countries, one can speak of a transnational relationship that seeks an affective connection between two countries, two cultures. In this context, the general objective of this study was to understand the transnational relationship between grandparents who remained in the country of origin and their migrant grandchildren. We opted for a qualitative research, as it allows knowledge that goes beyond statistical data, prioritizing the object of investigation, based on what is placed by the participants and the meaning it has for them. Twelve participants were part of the research, that is, four grandparents, who remained in Brazil; four mothers, who migrated to Switzerland with their children; and four grandchildren, from different Brazilian states and who migrated to Switzerland. As research instruments, a biosociodemographic questionnaire was used with all participants; a Life History interview was conducted with the grandchildren, whose main characteristic is to allow the participant to resume their experiences retrospectively; and Semi-structured interviews were used for mothers and grandparents, with a specific script for each generation. Results point out that their transnational relationship presents itself in singular and special ways. In order to shorten the distances, family members use technologies to maintain communication. Grandparents are overcoming the challenge of exercising their transnational grandparenthood by creating possibilities to take care of their grandchildren from a distance. Through the relationship, knowledge is passed on, for example, inheritances and family histories, cultural traditions and the inheritance language itself. Grandchildren also pass on knowledge to their grandparents by sharing their multiculturalism, providing information from the daily life in the other country and also the technological knowledge that seems to make the relationship possible.

ABSTRACT. Introduction: Concepts contribute to maintaining knowledge and are constantly changing. Several conceptual analysis methods are used to clarify concepts, however, they are better applied to non-complex phenomena, but complex phenomena are common in healthcare. To improve the understanding of these phenomena, the conceptual detail is used, aiming the standardization of the concept. Objective: The aim of this article is to discuss a mixed method developed and employed to develop a theoretical network model of the concept of gender violence. Goals and Methods: From a systematic search, 195 concepts of gender violence and substitute terms were collected, which were analysed based on Rodgers' evolutionary theory. It was used the function of discovering association rules of the Knowledge Discovery in Databases process, a method supported by artificial intelligence, to identify consequential and causal relationships between antecedents, attributes and consequences identified in the previous conceptual analysis. The interpretation and validation of the discovered rules for gender based violence was carried out through content analysis. The conceptual analysis was represented in the mind map format, in order to provide a broad view of the essential attributes of gender violence. Results: This mixed method made it possible to use substitute terms for the term “gender violence”, enhancing conceptual analysis. The use of artificial intelligence resources allowed the identification of relationships between the construction of the concepts included in the analysis, enabling understanding of the phenomena. As a concept gender violence is related to a progressive violence that takes different forms, as physical violence, psychological violence, economical violence and sexual violence, in a patriarchal context.

ABSTRACT. In most Western countries, the 19th century marks the beginning of compulsory schooling combined with the structuring and organization of education systems under state domain. This process has its apex in the 20th century, when in some countries, such as Brazil and Portugal, compulsory schooling is consecrated. With the school crisis, starting in the 1970s, a movement of de-schooling began, in which several families claimed the right to educate their children at home, without them attending a school institution. This movement gained media space, both in Brazil and Portugal, in the mid-2000s, without, however, attracting sympathizers beyond the supporters' associations and was widely criticized in the educational environment. The social isolation resulting from the pandemic that hit the world in 2020, closing public and private institutions, caused families to be confronted with the reality of homeschooling. Thus, the central objective of this study is the investigation of the permission and limitations to this modality of homeschooling in Portugal and Brazil. The method used refers to a qualitative, exploratory and bibliographic investigation that takes the legislation of the two countries as its main sources. It is noted that homeschooling has become the only option for families in the context of the pandemic, bringing new reflections on the subject and demonstrating the legal contradictions that involve this practice in countries like Brazil and Portugal, which today have different guiding policies, the former, being prohibited and subject to penalties by the laws in force, especially those dealing with the protection of children and adolescents; and the latter, consented based on the constitutional principle of freedom to learn and teach, although viewed with prejudice and restrictions.

ABSTRACT. Introduction: In Brazilian society, discussing gender as a health promotion issue with children has been very polemic. The challenge remains on overcoming the false gender ideology and generating new knowledge tools based on participation and democracy for overcoming misconceptions. Goals and methods to describe the producing process, a photographic exposition on gender and health promotion with school-age children in a primary school in Rio de Janeiro. A participatory-action approach was implemented in 2017 in one philanthropic school. The photovoice was developed as a group dynamic of the creative-sensitive method, with 18 girls and 19 boys (6 to 11 years old) of 240 pupils. The integrated Knowledge Translation  (iKT) strategy was implemented to produce an exhibition as a third knowledge generation. After parents of all children formally consented to their participation in activities, the participatory process was implemented in assembly (4), workshop (2), and group dynamic (4). Results: They were divided into four groups (from 9 to 10 participants) to manage photography cameras and learned basic techniques with professional photography in a workshop. Then, during break time, a pair of children took pictures of the situations in the school community for five minutes. After that, the research team downloaded 300 pictures from eight digital cameras. The picture selection criteria were aesthetic quality,  without persons' identification, which results in 125 no-repeated images. In another assembly, children voted on 25 pictures for exhibiting to the school community. Those images were displayed according to gender categories (role, stereotype, identity, relationship) discussed between the research team and children in a group dynamic.  Conclusion: Democracy principals were implemented by sharing voices with children step-by-step of research. For producing a photographic exposition, they had decided not only about the gender common sense they had in mind but also problematized on gender categories discussed in the group dynamic.

ABSTRACT. Introduction- This paper presents how the use of bricolage- a French metaphor meaning a handyman who uses available tools to address the situation at hand was employed in community-based research to address complex self-regulation problems among teenage mothers. The paper aims to illuminate the strength of selected moments of qualitative research in bricolage employed to enhanced contextual transformative solutions through action research.

Goals and Methods- The main aim of the study was to enhance self-regulation among teenage mothers. The study employed participatory action research through the University community engagement approach. The study was anchored on a bricolage theoretical framework. The framework was relevant in dismantling the complex teenage mothering versus the community’s long entranced perspectives on the behavior of teenage mothers. The multi-method, multi-paradigm approach and the fractured moment of bricolage were employed to address emerging challenges and problems during data generation. The interpretative appreciative inquiry, critical reflections were blended to find solutions to challenges on self-regulation among teenage mothers. The generated data were concurrently analyzed with co-researchers immediately after the meeting, telephonic calls, group discussion, and community walk.

Results- The study found that the critical interpretative approach and the fractured moments of bricolage were relevant in revealing chronic community problems perpetuating poor self-regulation among teenage mothers. What seemed messy and chaotic in the research process of the study, ultimately led to a respected, trustworthy, reliable group of teenage mothers and a community empowered to appreciate their tangible and intangible resources.

Conclusions-Community engagement and the multi-approach of bricolage is the necessary tool to address complex problems such as self-regulation among teenage mothers.

ABSTRACT. Introduction This research sought to understand current gaps and needs in relation to engineering configuration management, and design structures/Bills of Materials (BoMs), to tailor product definitions. Indeed, the quality of design descriptions has a significant impact on the performance of a product through its life. Inconsistencies between BoMs propagate through the design process, causing rework which has a detrimental impact on time, cost, and quality.

Goals and Methods The research comprised three stages: (1) Exploratory, employing a group interview to identify the core aspects of the design configuration management problem area; (2) Explanatory, aiming at collecting expert feedback and needs in relation to the project problem area through a qualitative Delphi study comprising three qualitative surveys; and (3) Validation, using a focus group to validate the results from the survey phase. Participants in the three phases were subject-matter-experts from academia and industry. The Thematic Analysis method was used to identify and record emerging themes, and a Comparative Analysis approach to identify differences in requirements between the academic and industrial participants. The research records (i.e. interview and focus group transcripts, Delphi questionnaire responses), codification, and analysis have been supported by NVivo (v. 12 Plus for Windows, ©QSR International).

Results The results from the study: (1) supported the identification of gaps and issues that were presented in questions and scenarios in the (2) Delphi study questionnaire. Three rounds of online questionnaires supported both qualitative (expert free comments) and quantitative (ratings and prioritatisation) results about specific needs and expert workarounds. These results will be validated in the forthcoming (3) focus group.

Conclusions Few studies employing the Delphi method for requirement analysis and validation use it as a qualitative approach. Here, we therefore demonstrate how such qualitative data can be collected, analysed, and interpreted from this perspective, using an iterative multi-stage research approach.

ABSTRACT. Introduction: Leadership plays a central role in the strategic approach of the growing technological adoption, virtually linking the organization and workers (e-leadership). Nevertheless, being a somewhat under approached topic in research and at the initial phase of development, leaders and followers face countless uncertainties regarding how to position themselves and navigate this emerging virtual context. Goals and Methods: This research explores the perspectives of leaders and followers regarding (1) e-leadership and (2) the dimensions or factors associated with it, namely concerning technology, context and competencies and characteristics of the online leader. We conducted a qualitative exploratory case study that delves into the perspectives of leaders and followers. Data was collected in an organizational setting through semi-structured and electronic interviews with five leaders and two followers who currently or in the past developed work tasks through technology. Data were later examined using categorial thematic content analysis. This allowed us to systematically and objectively describe the phenomenon of leadership in its increasingly interdependent relation with technology by the perspectives of leaders and followers. Results: Data analysis showed that, to our participants, technology, when used to lead, has context-specific advantages but also disadvantages, influencing everything from communication to formalization practices. Informants also identified six aspects that influence e-leadership and three e-leaders’ characteristics (instrumental competencies, social skills and specific strategies) associated with its positive results. Furthermore, the leaders expressed different perspectives on their role. Conclusions: Our work raises the veil on the multidimensional nature of e-leadership, especially at an individual level (integrating leaders and followers’ perspectives). Nevertheless, several potentially relevant insights to organization level policies and strategies were also gathered. Overall, exploring this new way of working and relating disregarding obsolete models is now and will prevail fundamental to organizational prosperity, further enabling responses to tackle global challenges such as turnover and talent retention.

ABSTRACT. Established approaches to qualitative coding, at least from a grounded theory perspective, rely on an exploratory, inductive process of identifying developments in data that combine together and build up toward larger patterns and themes that ultimately address research inquiry. Through a critical exploration of bottom-up induction, however, this presentation identifies potential shortcomings in qualitative coding that a strictly inductive methodology may not be able to adequately address. As a result, this presentation proposes a method that reverses the process of grounded theory qualitative coding that aims to confirm (or challenge) intuitions about social concepts during the course of research inquiry. Using data collected from an ethnographic dissertation study of classroom interaction in a multilingual context, an exercise of the proposed "reverse qualitative coding" approach intends to produce assertions similar to that generated from a more conventional, bottom-up approach commonly, if not ubiquitously, seen in social science research.

The aim of this presentation is to fill a methodological gap that potentially limits opportunities for drawing useful meaning from collected data. Whereas conventional coding identifies and groups small, discrete instances of data that can later form the basis for theoretical implications, "hunches" that arise from the data but lack evidence because of a lack of warrants provided by a narrow application of grounded theory and qualitative coding require a more confirmatory approach that a top-down process is able to afford. In outlining a top-down method for coding while also delineating intermediary steps for preserving conceptual coherence, this presentation asserts the ability of researchers to conduct a confirmatory analysis of sociological concepts in order to address exploratory inquiries. Such an assertion has significant implications in that a more comprehensive approach in which grounded theory is but one aspect complementary to reverse confirmatory coding can provide a richer description of sociological phenomena.

ABSTRACT. Introduction: Qualitative research in Psychology has increased and become more visible. Despite the recognition of its importance in psychological studies, it is still often presented to students as a less privileged way of doing research, with quantitative research occupying a predominant place. Goals: The main purpose of this study was to analyse the perceptions of students about Qualitative Research and their expectations about a specific course of Research Methods. Methods: In this qualitative study participated 10 students (8 women and 2 men) attending a course of Qualitative Research, in a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology, at a Portuguese Public University, in the academic year 2019/2020. Informed and voluntary consent was ensured and the data were collected through individual written narratives, following the presented guidelines. Then, narratives were analysed by two coders, through content analysis, using inductive and deductive processes to organise the categorisation system. As a consequence, five main topics were defined: Characterisation of Qualitative Research; Importance of Qualitative Research; Importance of Qualitative Research in Psychology; Expectations about the course of Research Methods; and Importance of that course in the 2nd cycle in Educational Psychology. Thus, each of the researchers proceeded to a new categorisation of data, following a process of discussion and comparison of the categories and subcategories proposed, until agreement was reached. Results: Students revealed some notions about Qualitative Research related to the purpose of the investigation, the methodological process, the subjective nature of the reality, the idiographic perspective and the role of participating researcher. Students showed positive expectations about the course related to the acquisition of Qualitative Research knowledge and skills, and the practical application of that knowledge, namely in the master's dissertation. Conclusions: Students showed some knowledge about Qualitative Research but specific and targeted training is needed to clarify and deepen their knowledge.

Acknowledgments. This work is funded by National Funds through the FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P., under the scope of the projects of the CIEC (Centre for Research in Child Studies of University of Minho) with the reference UIDB/00317/2020, and of the inED (Centre for Research and Innovation in Education of the Polytechnic Institute of Porto), under the reference UIDB/05198/2020.

ABSTRACT. Introduction: The appropriateness of content analysis to qualitative studies, namely to case studies, is enhanced in literature review. However, critique is also evident, particularly regarding possible ambiguity problems related to the coding process. Goals and Methods: Based on this, as well as on the importance of assuring validity in content analysis, this study aims at reflecting on the role of content analysis, as the data analysis technique, and of the Computer-Assisted Qualitative-Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS) chosen for a multiple case study involving five peer learning projects, developed in five Portuguese educational institutions. The perceptions of teachers and peer teacher students regarding participation in those projects as well as the identification of similarities / divergent positions between those perceptions is assessed. Qualitative data analysis software WebQDA, chosen to support content analysis in the study, is also assessed regarding its role in the process of assuring the commitment to validity criteria all over the analysis. A semi-structured interview and a survey by questionnaire, created and validated for the study, were the data collection tools used. Results: Results show adequacy of content analysis to the purpose of the study based on the dimension and scope of the content analysed. Due to its systematic and objective procedures of content description, content analysis also facilitated the process of convergence / divergence identification regarding teachers and peer teacher students’ perceptions of similar matters. As for the software WebQDA, its contributions relate to efficient data import and preparation, agile implementation of coding procedures, visualization and presentation of findings, promotion of in-depth analysis, and assurance of the validity criteria for content analysis, namely stability, reproducibility, and accuracy. Conclusions: Conclusions highlight the significant role of content analysis and of CAQDAS in promoting quality in-depth studies as methodological solutions that are in line with the demands of information society.

ABSTRACT. Introduction: The Covid-19 pandemic led to unexpected changes in organizations' and work management, creating new challenges for business and employees. Little is known about the experience of human resources (HR) professionals in managing this crisis. Goals: The aim of the study is to explore what HR professionals expressed about their work experience when Portugal first declared state of emergency in March 2020 due to the pandemic outbreak. In this paper we will explore the adopted methodological process to collect, manage and analyse this data. Methods: A qualitative design was adopted. We used internet latent corpus retrieved from specialty journals and newspapers, from March to June 2020. Of 56 news pieces (audio, video and text), 11 were considered relevant as they included the use of direct speech by HR professionals. We used categorical content analysis to identify recurring themes and patterns. The data management process was conducted using NVivo (QSR), including the transcript of audio data. Results: Analysis resulted in three main key themes, namely (1) responses to deal with the Covid-19 outbreak, (2) impact of the pandemic on the organization and employees, and (3) expressed difficulties and concerns. HR professionals were mainly focused on the employees, followed by clients and organization, and their actions were mostly oriented towards the moment they were currently experiencing and the future. Conclusions The use of the internet latent corpus emerged as relevant and necessary strategy at the time, given the declared state of emergency in Portugal. In this paper, we discuss the research methodological process, with an emphasis on the relevance of using data from the internet and through technologies, particularly in times of crisis in society, which has become a major issue among qualitative researchers. We will also examine the use of CAQDAS to manage qualitative data, namely when working in a team.

ABSTRACT. Qualitative research needed to adapt to the virtual format to avoid interruptions due to the need for social isolation from the COVID pandemic. The objective was to present the perception of participants in virtual focus groups regarding difficulties, disadvantages, advantages, and suggestions for improving future VFG. It is a descriptive qualitative research with data collected in 4 open questions applied by electronic questionnaire within three virtual focus groups conducted with the Microsoft Teams tool, lasting approximately 2 hours each, and having 4 to 5 participants per group. Thematic categorical content analysis was carried out. The sample consisted of 13 professionals working in the thematic area of research (innovation in the public sector), being 62.5% male; 53.8% with specialization; from two Brazilian states (61.5%-DF / 38.5%-ES); 69.2% from federal and 30.8% from state organizations. The main difficulties were related to internet connection problems and lack of knowledge of the tool, while 61.5% reported that they had no difficulties. The possible disadvantages listed were: technical problems (internet, energy, audiovisual quality), risk of losing focus on the meeting, duration of the meeting, lack of familiarity with the tool used, loss of dynamism in the group interaction; 46.2% inform that there is no disadvantage. The main advantages were related to the participation of people from different cities, lower cost, less time and greater comfort for the participant, use of tools that allow video interaction and use of presentation and recording to record the collected data. The suggestions made by the participants were related to the availability of previous material, limit and profile of participants for VFG, interaction dynamics and use of the Zoom tool that is more familiarized by organizations. The research contributed to identify the challenges and possibilities of using VFG in research, allowing more effective planning and conduction of qualitative virtual collections.

ABSTRACT. The Internet broadened the scope of qualitative research and opened a space for various methods of collecting data conducting interviews based on computer-mediated communication (CMC). Synchronous online interviewing resembles face-to-face interviewing because it leads to communication, which is determined by the principles of orality, even if it is conducted literally by chat. By conducting online interviews asynchronously and in writing, online interviewing enables the collection of enriched data by favoring a self-disclosure or reflectiveness of interviewees due to potentially anonymous and disembodied communication.

The paper discusses the current state of research on asynchronous online interviewing as E-Mail interviewing and its application in qualitative research in social science. It outlines methodical issues, such as how to send questions. Finally, it presents findings of a methodological analysis of asynchronous semi-structured online interviews as conducted during a sociological research project reconstructing views on welfare-dependent single moms in Germany.

The nine asynchronous semi-structured online interviews were conducted using a message board, reachable by web interface or mobile app. The design included variations with regard to prior meetings between interviewer and interviewee and synchronous elements during the interview. The meetings were arranged to examine their effects on establishing rapport and commitment. Including synchronous elements is based on the notion that CMC media potentially transgresses the analytical distinction of synchrony and asynchrony. Thus, CMC media allows shifting between synchronous and asynchronous stages. In consequence, it leads to a combination of temporarily spontaneous and temporarily distanced and reflected communication.

The paper concludes that using a message board for semi-structured asynchronous online interviewing may be considered as an alternative to using E-Mails, yet its success is primarily determined by the factors of how methodical techniques and conventions are transferred to the web context.

ABSTRACT. Parenting studies during Covid19 lockdown allowed to trace the adjustments in key-areas for the family optimal functioning and children’s well-being. The challenge to respond to this “new normal” has demanded active balances between maintenance and change in the lives of adults and children. This mix-method study validates findings of the parenting questionnaire in Covid19 times. The sampling used a non-probability technique to enroll volunteer participants filling the inclusive criteria of being a parent of children under eighteen living at home. Of 1391 participants, 286 also completed the open question of the questionnaire. The online survey was available through social media and emails. An ad hoc questionnaire was developed based on a selective review of parenting scales. Items identified the family social demography and the parents' work situation during the lockdown, and captured changes on four parenting areas (daily routines, coparenting, communication and emotional regulation, social support). Additionally, participants answered an open question regarding impactful experiences during the lockdown. A factor structure study and content analysis of parent written appraisals were performed. Results showed consistencies across key-areas and parent-reported experiences regarding the lockdown. Changes in routines of care, parent-child communication and parent emotional regulation place the role of parents and the parental capacities as essentials to adjust and mitigate the impact of the lockdown measures. Less extensive effects of the lockdown were reported on coparenting or supportive networks. All things being equal, the demanding circumstances enhanced parent’s agency as well as new opportunities for mothers and fathers. From a methodological perspective, qualitative data is complimentary and yet consistent to the quantitative analysis.

ABSTRACT. Introduction: Training in conflict mediation can become an asset for professional teaching performance, as it contributes to the acquisition and promotion of skills and abilities that allow better management of interpersonal relationships as well as to use them in an educational way to promote students’ relational skills. Goal and method: A scoping review of empirical studies from 2000 to 2020 were analysed in order to: a) provide a synthesis of the empirical issues concerning conflict mediation in schools in the context of teacher education, and b) investigate the extent to which empirical research has provided evidence on key elements that are crucial to develop conflict mediation skills among future teachers. A scoping review, on Scopus and B-on online databases, was made: 1) search studies using keywords on abstracts, subject and tittle; 2) aplly inclusion criteria: a) studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, b) studies published between january 2000 and may 2020, c) empirical studies, d) availability of full-text, f) written in English, g) written in Portuguese, h) written in Spanish, i) focussing on conflict/school mediation in the context of teacher training. Results: The number of publications it is very stable throughout the years. Seven journals published studies about this subject. Only two continents are represented in the reviewed studies. They were mostly on-site and qualitative researchs and focus the mediation as a method of conflict resolution and as a tool to introduce initial learning-to-teach experiences. Conclusions: There are a few empirical studies in the last twenty years in which conflict mediation and its impact on teacher education is sufficiently explored. A thematic overview of reported outcomes suggested that although mediation is perceived as positive and encourage emotional, cognitive and moral learning, stimulating preservice teachers reflective thinking, teachers identify a deficiency when it comes to their training.

ABSTRACT. The ethical work of health professionals is guided by ethical codes of each country that designate responsibilities for the people’s health care, especially those who are vulnerable, in order to assert their right to health. A good starting point to achieve this would be as professionals to understand what the vulnerability category means. Because the literature indicates that health is a concept that has been used interchangeably, without understanding how complex and subjective it is. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the definition of vulnerability from the scientific publications made in the period of 2010-2020. To achieve this, an integrative literature review was carried out, this was completed using different databases: SciELO, Dialnet, Ebsco, Redalyc, Isis, Scopus, Proquest, PubMed and Google Scholar, using the DeCS terms: Health Vulnerability, Disaster Vulnerability, Social Vulnerability, Research and Biomedical Research and their corresponding terms in Spanish, obtaining 60 original articles from the mentioned period. The data analysis was carried out in three phases: data reduction, data display, and data comparison. From the results emerged the category vulnerabilities, this is defined from the risk, the susceptibility, the autonomy and the social-cultural dimension of the human being. The trends and gaps in this review indicate the need to reconstruct the concept from the vision of those who are vulnerable, in order to understand their health care requirements and make it possible to overcome the stigmas that have been formed around it. It is concluded that it is a notion that still needs to be explored from a comprehensive perspective and through dialogue with other disciplines.

ABSTRACT. Introduction: In the past, people living with dementia (PlwD) were often excluded from qualitative research and their perspectives disregarded due to a primarily cognitivist understanding of dementia. However, a change in thinking has set in and PlwD are increasingly included as research participants. Numerous research studies and methodological papers give hints on how qualitative data collection can be realized with PlwD. Less information is available on how to analyze and interpret data originating from PlwD. Goals and Methods: The literature review investigates which methods of analysis and interpretation are used in qualitative health research with PlwD, how the underlying methodological decisions are justified and how methodologically relevant characteristics of the participant group PlwD are reflected. The aim is to give an overview of methodological decisions in qualitative studies with PlwD and to identify and discuss possible gaps. A systematic search is conducted in MEDLINE and PsycINFO using search terms relating to dementia, first-person perspective, and qualitative methods. Two independent reviewers screen the search results by applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data extraction focuses on methods of analysis, methodological argumentation, and reflexivity regarding the participant group. Results are presented in a narrative synthesis. Results: A research gap is assumed regarding adequate methods for the analysis of qualitative data originating from PlwD, which becomes apparent in the fact that studies either focus on reporting the data collection or do not reflect on analytically relevant characteristics of the participant group in detail. Conclusion: The results indicate the research gap and serve as a starting point for methodological discussions on the extent to which particular qualitative analysis methods can be used in research with PlwD, how they may need to be adapted and further developed. Theoretical considerations are initiated, e.g., on the possibility of interpreting the meaning of data originating from PlwD.

ABSTRACT. 1. Introduction

While qualitative and quantitative techniques are often considered as separate approaches, we present qualitative experiments as an alternative methodological solution that combines an open qualitative approach, and a structured and controlled experiment.

The qualitative experiment is the intervention in a social/psychological situation for exploratory purposes. When compared with experiments, qualitative experiments are exploratory and heuristic. They are based on “experiments” and “observation”. They differ from systematic observations in that the analysis remains discovery-based and introspective, and differ from traditional qualitative methods in that they allow a controlled and systematic study of patterns. They are especially suitable to discover qualitative relations such as structures, processes or structural changes.

While the term has been coined by three authors before, we argue that qualitative experiments can benefit from validity criteria and techniques in quantitative research.

2. Method

We used three qualitative experiments (two between- (N1=16; N2=15), and one within-subjects (N3= 15) in the field of consumer behavior (1: consumer learning, 2: decision-making, and 3: video content marketing) to which we applied validity criteria from the qualitative and quantitative literature. Each study used a traditional approach (in-depth interviews) preceded by a qualitative experiment. First, we used a thematic analysis (open/axial coding) for the analysis of each approach independently. Next, we compared the findings from the in-depth interviews and the experiment to derive the benefits and risks of each approach.

3. Results

We present a framework for conducting qualitative experiments based on three validity criteria (internal, external, interpretivist), including recommendations about the artificial scenarios, sampling principles and control for environmental factors. We highlight the benefits, risks and biases for interpretivist research.

4. Conclusions

This research offers a primer view of modern qualitative experiments combining qualitative and quantitative principles. We suggest an alternative technique to explore patterns using an open but controlled research environment.

ABSTRACT. In divergent ecosystems around the world, there is a desire for visible, integral ecological transformation. A lack of ecological transformation is found within various domains beginning with the self, team, organisation and society, and is partly influenced by the loss of identity both within and without the larger ecology. Notably, the issue of identity and transformation remains a burning platform within the African context, for which the researcher proposes a solution grounded in the Southern relational path of community and reason (Schieffer & Lessem, 2014). In the context of this study, the researcher was invited to lead and transform a wealth banking business unit that had become a liability to the larger banking brand, reflecting the lowest engagement scores at the time.

The research design applied was Integral Research Approach (IRA). IRA enables one to ground through an experience which engages auto-ethnography. Kothari (2009) stated that “Research methods refer to the behavior and instruments used in selecting and constructing research technique.” In simple terms, this means that research methods refer to the methods the researchers use in research operations.” The applicable ontology was phenomenology, adopting Southern, communal frames from which to drive inclusive transformation, and the epistemology was feminism, encompassing integral research and participatory action research (PAR) as part of the Southern path.

Data was gathered by qualitative means such as participative observations, community engagements, discussions and interviews. The researcher analyzed the gathered data by measuring its quality in terms of valuable and truthful results of REBIRTH data analysis.

ABSTRACT. This paper examines how the translation services, as articulated in the language policy and plan of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, is used as a language policy implementation strategy and in facilitating public participation. The development of South African official languages is seen as critical in ensuring participatory democracy, where citizens are expected to participate meaningfully to ensure equity of access (South African Municipality Systems Act of 2000). Whereas the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality has done some noticeable work about the promotion of multilingualism and the usage of official languages within the City, lack of visibility of translated documents amongst residents and in its offices needs to be revisited. The key question that this paper asks is ‘whether citizens can access or are provided with information they need in the language they understand so that they can take part in the public decision-making in a meaningful way’.

The key question is answered by analysing data from the various interviews conducted with the residents from the various regions of the municipality and staff in the language unit of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan municipality and document analysis of the various language documents. Some of the key findings in the paper indicate that translation is not properly used as a tool to facilitate equitable access to municipal information and services. The findings of this paper give policymakers and those tasked with language policy implementation in municipalities proper guidance on how to assess and determine the extent to which translation activities contribute to corpus planning thus ensuring the right of citizens to participate in, and contribute to the social, cultural, economic and political life of South African society.

ABSTRACT. Continuing Professional Teacher Development (CPTD) is empowerment and enhancement of professionalism and competence of Educators within the education system, whether public or private sector. The Department of Basic Education implemented a standardized CPTD program throughout the schooling system, which is monitored and managed by a statutory body known as South African Council of Educators (SACE). This study sought to describe lived experiences of educators in relation to implementation of CPTD in Johannesburg West District.

Educators were selected purposively for interviews, which were recorded with permission from the participants. The research question was, “What are the lived experiences of the educators within Johannesburg West District High Schools?” The study found out that as much as educators were aware of the existence of CPTD, its benefits were not experienced and no value-add could be realised. Findings were themed as follows: (1) Mentorship Vacuum, (2) Disinterest and unwillingness and (3) Leadership Support. These themes are substantiated by significant lack of interest for CPTD. It was further found that Educators who were in or close to retirement age were hesitant to partake in CPTD, as they felt there was no more need for them to enhance any career prospects. The study concluded that, the manner in which CPTD is rolled-out currently excludes incentivising and justifying the rational of the implementation to its targeted beneficiaries. As the results of this exclusion, most educators who participated in this study could not see value and justification for their participation. It is further concluded that CPTD implementation needs more of leadership support from the district office in particular and the Department of Basic Education in general.

ABSTRACT. In most cases chronically-ill patients, the disabled and old persons are discharged from healthcare facilities to their families who have inadequate knowledge and skill. They may not be familiar with the kind of care expected to provide. The healthcare system does not provide continuity of care, especially to the family caregiver. The family caregiver is left to attend to the physical, economical, psychological needs of the patient with limited to no support from the healthcare system. The role of the caregiver in a patient’s health is often overlooked or underestimated in the South African health system, as a result, the caregiver is not recognized as part of the health system policy and financial inclusions. The aim of this study is to conduct a Qualitative Systematic Review of the conditions of service for family caregivers across four dimensions namely: Challenges, burden, intervention and outcome, in South Africa. A Qualitative Systematic Review was conducted, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) methodology on Google Scholar database, and retrieved articles from 1994 to 2020. Following Boolean operators: “AND”, “OR” and “NOT”, were used, to search key terms “family caregiving in South Africa”, “primary caregiving” or “informal caregiving”. Rigor was determined and documented throughout in order to allow readers to access its completeness. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were clearly outlined. Criteria for evaluating primary studies were clearly defined at the beginning of undertaking research. 1810 articles, reports and dissertations were retrieved and only 85 studies were included in the review. Studies were critically appraised using WebQDA software. Both the burden and challenges of caregiving experienced were categorized as problems, which came out 82 times (68%) compounding the role that they play. Other categories that emerged from the studies were Intervention and outcome which came out 53 and 13 times respectively.

ABSTRACT. THE RATIONALE FOR BEHAVIOUR PATTERNS OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN BY THEIR INTIMATE PARTNERS King Costa* and Violet Shai** Global Centre for Academic Research Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract The problem of Gender Based Violence and the complexity of its multi-perspectival and multi-layered description within social sciences has become a major concern in South Africa and the world at large. Organisations such as the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) are amongst many global leading advocacy voices against gender based violence, especially intimate partner violence. This study was focused on the rationale for behavioural patterns of intimate partner violence and intimate partner homicide. The units of analysis of this study involved male perpetrators who were incarcerated across four maximum correctional centres in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. A total of 12 inmates were selected purposively as interview participants in the study. The ontological position of this study was within interpretivist tradition with phenomenological epistemological approach. Interpretive methods of enquiry are located within the broad qualitative research methods, which was the foundation to this particular investigation. The semi structured questionnaires were constructed along the philosophical and scientific prescripts of philosophical research. . Findings established that the rationale for intimate partner violence and intimate partner femicide are the anger, lack of communication, social constructs and toxic behaviour as the causes of violence in intimate relationships. This was reflected by participants as the contributing factor to their violent behaviour. Theories of intimate partner violence also explain most of the behaviour related patterns are associated with the stress. Cultural norms and societal expectations were found to influence the behaviour pattern of perpetrators.

ABSTRACT. The construction sector is one of the fundamental pillars in Ecuador's national economy, because it works at various economic levels and involves a large number of people who benefit directly and indirectly from the activity. Currently, due to the COVID-19 virus, this important sector has had to cease its activities. Reactivating construction activities will require the creation of biosecurity protocols, which have to take into account many variables involved to avoid or minimize the biological risks that have, in many cases, been lethal to the population.

The purpose of this research is to create actions using qualitative methods, i.e., to solve problems and improve specific practices. This methodology has been used to support the technique of participatory observations and structured interviews, which, are processed by ATLAS, whose charge is to expose the results obtained. In addition, irrigation and vulnerability matrices are applied, allowing an in-depth analysis of the obtained data and establishing the relevant recommendations.

The research has resulted in a set of recommendations that will create improved biosecurity protocols to be established in the construction industry of Ecuador. It would ensure a strong economic reactivation and safety within workers of the construction sector.

Regarding international context, it is noted that France, Germany and other countries, have re-considered the restrictions on the regrowth of the COVID-19. In Ecuador, if there is non-compliance of the biosecurity protocols, the activities of the construction sector would become paralyzed again, and possibly there would be further problems in the national economy, including collapse of the national health system. Herein lies the importance of this research.

ABSTRACT. Chronic diseases such as HIV infection or diabetes increases the risk of developing comorbidities earlier than the general population. In turn, it can anticipate the onset of disability and increase a social and psychological vulnerability. Aging also tends to be linked to social vulnerability, and situations of discrimination. Aging, disease and discrimination can lead to a deteriorated identity, discredit and isolation, which can increase people's fragility, understood as a multidimensional entity that includes the physical, physiological, psychological and social dimensions. The research on people living with HIV was conducted in France, and coordinated by Rommel Mendes-Leite. Data collection was carried out in 2013 at three hospitals in the Lyon region, where 45 peoples, women and men aged 50 years or more were interviewed. Data analysis followed the Grounded Theory method. The research on people living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes was conducted by me in Lisbon, Portugal, in a hospital and in a health center. I conducted 30 semi-directive interviews between 2018 and 2020. A content analysis was carried out, following the Grounded Theory. Looking at the results, there are several points in common, related to the issues of limitations and suffering caused by chronic diseases and aging: social isolation, impoverishment, the importance of medical monitoring and relationships with professionals health, and the therapeutic management needed in long-term illnesses. The management of chronic diseases is linked to the: socioeconomic status, education level, living environment, gender, place of residence, etc. These factors have varying importance depending on the baggage of values, beliefs and knowledge each individual carry. The result is a set of representations and ways of doing that have a subjective side but that are also defined by the context of life. This work was developed within the framework of the strategic plan of ISCTE-IUL, CRIA, UIDB/ 04038/2020.

ABSTRACT. It is evident that the consequence generated by the Urban Heat Island (UHIE) in medium-sized cities with a population greater than 600,000 inhabitants generates a decrease in comfort for the user of the road network due to the increase in temperature and the difficulty of dissipating it. In the city of Cuenca there are a large number of urban roads that are rigid pavement and construction and maintenance projects are currently being generated for them, so it is necessary to find solutions in the execution of concrete to reduce the UHIE effect. Research in a comprehensive manner has two approaches qualitative and quantitative - experimental. In the qualitative approach, the method of systematic review supported by meta-analysis of data is used to contrast information from secondary sources of case studies worldwide on Urban Heat Island, and through a forest plots the most common methods will be exposed. appropriate to reduce the effects of the object of study. Later this defined methodology will be put to the test through experimentation. The result that is expected to be obtained is a method of analysis and experimentation to be applied in the context of the city of Cuenca, which allows us to determine the effects of radiation on rigid pavement construction materials, defining construction strategies and aggregate dosages. for concrete whose what will reduce the UHIE effect. The city of Cuenca accumulates large amounts of heat during the day and has difficulty dissipating it at night, so this research seeks to propose constructive alternatives and possible environmental solutions to avoid or counteract the impact produced by the heat island through the most appropriate method.

ABSTRACT. This study aimed to identify the best practices of a high-achieving Teacher Education Institute (TEI) in Asia. This premiere institution is considered high-achieving due to its standing in the World University Rankings through the years. Piaget's theory of Constructivist learning has had wide ranging impact on learning theories and teaching methods in education and is an underlying theme of many education reform movements. Using a qualitative descriptive research design, data were gathered through one-on-one in-depth interviews with 10 participants: one dean of teacher education, four faculty, three students and two alumni. Participants were purposively sampled through the indicated profile, willingness and availability. Interview data were transcribed and analyzed accordingly utilizing Seidel’s qualitative data analysis model. Findings show five best practices of the TEI, namely: empowerment of the teaching profession, implementation of a balanced program, contextualization and diversity of practice, application of a highly constructivist pedagogy and openness to multiple perspectives. These findings imply that the essence and relevance of quality teacher preparation through instructional quality, service learning and overseas exposure can in no way be undermined. It is thus recommended that educators see how such best practices can be functionally applicable in the context of countries with emerging economies like the Philippines.

ABSTRACT. This study does a systematic literature review on visual narratives, in the educational context. The research focuses on articles published in English in scientific journals, between 1999 and 2020, available in the Scopus and Web of Science databases. The goal was to understand how the scientific community has been working on this theme. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, nineteen articles were selected from both databases. All articles should focus on the study of visual narratives to promote learning. Three different kinds of visual narratives were identified in the studies: comic-strip, comics, and animated cartoon. The objective of these studies was to verify if the students understood the information more effectively and if there was an engagement in that process. We concluded that visual narratives have the potential to explain complex concepts and to keep students interested in the learning process. Also, the importance of fully understanding the context of the application of these resources is emphasized to be successful in planning actions in the educational context.

This work is financially supported by National Funds through FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, I.P. under the projoect UIDB/00194/2020

ABSTRACT. Introduction: Cancer survivors represent a growing population with very specific physical and psychosocial needs. Nowadays most delivery models of care do not integrate comprehensive cancer rehabilitation services into the oncology care continuum, and when present, they are significantly underused. The nurse´s intervention is focused on the management of symptom burden and challenges due to cancer, on treatment-related morbidities, on the maximization of independence and the improvement of the quality of life of cancer patients. Objective: Identify the different specific rehabilitation interventions delivered by nurses in response to physical, psychological and cognitive impairments that may be experienced by cancer patients, and to understand whether these interventions are preferably implemented at a specific phase of the cancer care. Methods: A Scoping Review, following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, was performed. Two independent reviewers analyzed the relevance of the studies (obtained from January 2019 to April 2019). The results were extracted using an adapted extraction tool from JBI and have been presented narratively and by using tables to support the text. Results: A total of 53 studies were included yielding 3 nurse-led intervention categories of exercise, psychoeducational and/or counselling meetings and complementary and alternative medicine therapies. Considering the Orem´s Self-care deficit nursing theory, the role of nurses in cancer rehabilitation is mainly supportive-educative. The majority of nurse-led interventions were delivered after cancer surgery or in survivorship. Outcomes were mostly symptom-focused and frequently included quality of life. Many interventions provided beneficial physical and psychological outcomes or showed a positive trend. Conclusions: Scientific publications concerning nurses as cancer rehabilitation providers still come as a relatively new approach. Further research and tailored interventions are needed to help nurses in decision-making and evidence-based practices.

ABSTRACT. The onslaught of COVID-19 pandemic required health safety protocols such as social distancing and caused schools worldwide to shift to alternative teaching and learning modalities. Since the pandemic is causing 1.6 billion children and youth to be out of school in 161 countries (Saavedra, 2020), the shift has called for seemingly disruptive innovations suited to individual schools’ profile, context, and goals, particularly in the Philippine educational system. Anchored on Design Thinking Framework by Brown (2008), this study showcases the capacities overlooked by conventional problem-solving practices through the presentation of odd-defying practices of two faith-based academies in the Philippines. The purpose of the study was to identify the individual and school practices which contribute to the schools’ resilience in overcoming pandemic-related challenges. Recognizing that an increased student enrolment is an outcome of strategic planning and action, what did these academies do? What do they continue to do to defy the odds of delivering distance learning modalities? Using a descriptive case study design, data were gathered through interviews, pictures, and field notes. Data were analysed using Franks and Cleaver’s (2007) Analytical Framework. Overall, the odd-defying practices of these academies are the following: a) intentional-multimodal promotional activities, b) judicious determination of mutually beneficial learning delivery modality, c) intensive teacher training on module writing, d) empowerment of missionary spirit and collaborative atmosphere, e) visionary school leadership, f) collaboration with other faith-based school teachers, g) development, refinement, and delivery of learning modules with integrated faith-based philosophy, and h) strong linkages with stakeholders. These findings affirm the key role of committed and competent educational leadership which translates into prompt action in addressing challenges such as teacher training, paradigm shift, clear modality direction, collaboration with the target community stakeholders, and intentional activities to keep teachers, parents, and children rooted in the redemptive purpose of Adventist education.

ABSTRACT. Introduction: Despite the evidence of effectiveness of the Case Management model in health outcomes, experiences of implementation and evaluation of the effectiveness of the case management model in the Colombian Health System have not been found in the scientific literature. Objective: to understand the experience of nurses in the implementation of the case management model, for the care of people with multiple pathologies and their family caregivers. Methods: Qualitative descriptive research. Field diaries were made that recognized the significant experiences of the Case Management Nurses during the intervention. Six case management nurses participated, with a mean age of 31.8, with more than 2 years of experience in the clinical or community setting, all of them had postgraduate training and either specialized or master's degrees. The Case Management process was developed over 12 months through four components: 1. Identification of the case; 2. The personalized evaluation; 3. Design, execution and evaluation of the case management plan; and 4. The closing of the case. A content analysis was carried out following the proposal of Taylor and Bogdan. The present study is considered to be of minimal ethical risk to the life and integrity of the research subjects. Results: The emerging categories were: 1. Nursing perception of the subject of multiple pathological care and their social environment; 2. Experience of nursing care in case management: role, contributions and difficulties. Conclusions: The perception of the multi-pathological patient, although it focuses on the physiological aspects, allows the integration of the spiritual, psychological and social dimensions both in the assessment process and in the intervention. Keywords: case management, pluripathology, care, family caregivers, qualitative investigation.

ABSTRACT. Reducing early school leaving rates is one of the challenges of European policy agendas, which have established that all Member States are not to exceed the 10% barrier by 2020. The European project - Orienta4Yel - developed by 5 countries (Spain, Portugal, Germany, Romania and the United Kingdom), was created with the purpose of contributing to the reduction of the percentages of school dropout through the development, implementation and evaluation of innovative methods and practices. In Portugal, the study, with qualitative characteristics, was carried out in seven schools with professional courses in the region of Leiria, and data were collected through individual and group interviews to elements of the directions/boards, teachers and students. Through this methodology, we sought, among other objectives, to understand the risk factors for the early school leaving of these young people and/or their peers and find out about the possibilities of promoting the re-entry of young people in professional courses. The content analysis shows that the factors that most contribute to the risk of early school leaving are related to family issues (structured families, low incomes and low academic level), personal issues (low self-esteem, demotivation and lack of interest and life goals of students) and structural issues (poorly adequate curricula, excessive workload and high theoretical component of the courses). Participants also identify the existence of structural, institutional, social, family and personal factors that can stimulate the desire of young people to re-enter education, namely the need to adapt training pathways according to the specificities and needs of young people, which promote a closer approach to school, as well as the crucial role of the family in bringing young people closer to school life.

ABSTRACT. Until the beginning of 2020, the world panorama of tourism had enormous growth potential. There was an increasing pressure on tourist infrastructure and related services, so that competitiveness in the travel and tourism sector was seen both as a powerful economic tool and a driver of growth, and as a risk to the continued development of the industry if it were not to be managed in a sustainable way. In this context, it was (and it still is) important to understand and analyse the differentiating and enhancing factors of the competitiveness of a tourist destination, in this case of Oporto. Faced with the difficulty of applying theoretical models to analyse the competitiveness of tourism destinations, it was decided to deepen the study of those models and, with the support of a panel of experts, we’ve created the “4C's Tourism Destination Competitiveness Matrix”. This article addresses, from the point of view of theoretical context, the issue of the competitiveness of tourism destinations, Oporto as a tourism destination and qualitative research in the tourism sector. Then, the creation of the 4 C's Tourism Destination Competitiveness Matrix is synthetically introduced and, finally, we present the results of the content analysis of the results of the convenience sample (that supported the validation of the new Matrix) – using webQDA. The use of the qualitative analysis software, webQDA, made it possible to obtain clues or trends of opinion about the competitiveness of the destination 'Oporto', allowed to demonstrate the potential of the tool, and to infer that it will be possible to obtain important and significant data in a larger sample

ABSTRACT. This study is part of the ongoing post-doctoral research, linked to the Postgraduate Program in Education. Its justification is to identify and analyze the developments that the Coronavirus pandemic, Covid-19, brought to Brazilian education, identifying the public policies developed with regard to education, as well as verifying “if” and “how” they were implemented. The general objective is, therefore, to demonstrate aspects of the discussion, implementation, and possible consequences of the teaching modality, called remote classes, adopted to face the difficulties and restrictions imposed by Covid-19. On a more specific plane, in the wake of the aforementioned research, this study will seek to reflect on the phenomenon of education, from a historical perspective, covering objects related to the history of educational practices that are related to it, in order to contribute to the knowledge of history education, promoting initiatives aimed at preserving the memory of education. As a result from the educational policies implemented, identify and analyze organizations, proposals and action plans at the national, state and local levels, and the historical subjects who are involved in the instituted and instituting social processes. Methodological procedures involve the verification of Brazilian legislation and regulations on the subject, in addition to observation and analysis of the specific case. The research will be based on the case study, as a qualitative research method. There is no way to foresee results because we are under the effects of the recent event. We are still at the stage of knowing what we are facing, although many measures have already been taken and many others are already being implemented.

ABSTRACT. Knowledge production is one of the prime missions of higher education whether private or private universities. Such expectations place increasing demands on faculty to balance teaching and research. Both environmental and personal characteristics contribute to research productivity of faculty in HE, based on the theories of cognitive motivation and social motivation. The purpose of the study is to examine these individual and institutional conditions that positively or negatively impact faculty research productivity, and to discover how faculty balance research productivity and teaching. Using a qualitative case study, the mechanisms used by the faculty of a private institution of higher in South-east Asia, in coping with research production is explored. The focus or the case in the study is the process of managing two of the primary professional responsibilities of faculty members: research productivity and teaching. The bounded system consists of the institution, the faculty, and pertinent documents and artefacts. Data collection tools are (a) an open-ended online survey of ten items and five background questions, to all the faculty of the institution who consented to respond, (b) two individual face to face interviews (unstructured) with faculty members who have demonstrated high research productivity, and (c) two focus group discussions, one group composed of high research productivity faculty members and the other of less research productivity. The data obtained from the online open-ended survey is analyzed using the content analysis and data condensation procedure. The data from the individual interviews and the two FGDs are analyzed using the constant comparative analysis. The results of the study contribute in creating an advantageous combination of individual and institutional conditions that will result in greater faculty research productivity in higher education.

ABSTRACT. The lack of effective communication between clients and contractors at the time of construction of a home, leads to a series of problems in the progress of construction, since communication constitutes a universal component that operates permanently in all societies; It is necessary to establish an effective communication system that allows control and monitoring in the planning and construction stages of houses, through a digital application. The research has two phases, the first of a qualitative nature and the second of an experimental nature. In the first phase, the universe of analysis is made up of construction professionals and clients who are in the planning and construction stages of housing in the city of Cuenca. The qualitative research design corresponds to the phenomenological one because through the structured interview and the life stories, the experiences that will be transformed into the variables of effective communication will be established that will allow in the programming phase to create the architecture of the digital application, the same that will serve to achieve effective communication between the two parties. The expected results in this phase correspond to a set of qualitative variables, the result of experiences, which will allow the creation of the programming architecture of a digital application, to guarantee effective communication between the client and the architect. By creating a digital application, it will improve communication between the client and the contractor in the construction process, reducing the probability of cost increases, deadlines and improving the quality of the work at the time of project delivery.

ABSTRACT. Introduction: The study on the mandatory nature of Higher Education was remotely at a time when teachers and students were psychologically fragilized (if not physically) and where the E@D theme was not dominated by academia, in the first wave of pandemic Covi-19 time in Portugal. Goals and Methods: Given the object of study, we opted for a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive study. The webQDA software was used to analyze videos of recorded distance learning classes on a digital platform of four Curricular Units from three Portuguese Higher Education Institutions: two of a private nature and one public, from the North of the country. The main goals are: a) to identify which teaching strategies teachers use in distance education classes; and b) understand if the learning strategy is more centred on the student or the teacher. Ethical procedures have been taken into account. The anonymity and confidentiality of the data were ensured, and the data were coded without identifying the source. Results: The results were included in five categories: Fundamentals; Deductions; Examples; Challenges and Problems. It was found that the majority of teachers, both in public and private institutions, used traditional teaching strategies and a small minority used student-centred learning strategies. Conclusions: Many studies have shown that the implementation of active learning strategies is one of the most effective solutions to: actively engage students in their learning processes and to contribute to more creative professionals. We are in the middle of the second pandemic Covid-19’s time the second wave. What was done? What is there to do? Time, interruptions, changes in education are very significant facts for individuals and groups. This is not a futurological job, although we need to continually prepare for the future - or futures, as several futures are likely, depending on the actions.

ABSTRACT. In the last few decades, distance learning at the college level has been changed and updated to meet the demands of the 21st century student. Beginning with paper materials and mailed in assignments, asynchronous learning now features virtual platforms where students log in, access materials electronically, and engage in an online learning community. Now, entire degree programs are online, including both undergraduate and graduate levels. Parallel to the increased demand for online learning opportunities is the demand for these educational opportunities to be affordable for today’s student. There are various ways professors can work to make their courses more accessible and affordable; one of these is by using affordable learning materials. In this presentation, we discuss the use of affordable learning materials in teaching a masters level College of Education course on research methods. The authors of this presentation obtained a grant to convert their courses to use all affordable materials. To accomplish this goal, the authors compiled course materials that were entirely free for students via their university’s library, online educational resources, and those of their own creation. They made a virtual repository for students of required readings, required viewings, and supplemental resources for students to use to individually learn more about topics of interest. Students were required to discuss the use of course materials in discussion posts. This presentation will offer insight from the examination of these discussion posts to understand which materials were most helpful to students in learning about research. The presentation will end with a discussion of how to use discussion posts to further teaching and research and the benefits of using affordable learning materials in teaching.

ABSTRACT. Introduction. Artificial intelligence (AI) are systems that demonstrate intellectual behavior by analyzing the environment and making partially independent decisions to achieve the goal. Such systems can be software-based and operate in a virtual world. Examples of such systems include voice synthesizers, image analysis software, search engines, speech, and facial recognition systems. This study seeks to answer the question - i) how AI could be applied in social studies and specifically – in education and media and communication research? and ii) what multidisciplinary challenges face a social researcher seeking to empower AI methods?

Goals and Methods. Since the topic is very new, a literature review was chosen as the best methodological tool to provide answers to the research question and an overview of a certain research field. This literature review inspired a new AI research agenda; helped to identify the gaps in AI research and strengthened multidisciplinary discussion.

Results. Relatively few scientific articles analyzing applications of AI have been found. This study examining the challenges of AI in education, media, and communication fields. The results have shown that AI is a rapidly evolving technology that can be applied to qualitative research in data collection and processing. AI is already applied in heuristic function construction, discrete and continuous space or randomized search; natural language processing; knowledge representation and reasoning; planning and scheduling; computer vision, and other areas of data analysis. Qualitative researchers should pay special attention to ethical; political and policy; technological; and social AI challenges.

Conclusions. AI is a branch of computer science focused on developing technologies that can imitate intelligent behavior. Artificial intelligence systems can perform tasks related to the human mind, such as image perception, voice recognition, decision making, and language translation. This study continues the discussion on the applications of AI and raises new scientific challenges.

ABSTRACT. The construction sector contributes 8.17% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Ecuador, ranking fifth in active economic contribution, however the process faced by construction professionals to start their consulting and construction companies is complex, due to the various variables that intervene in the process, for this reason it is important to know the relationship that exists between the consolidation of a profitable construction company and the management of the processes that they handle from the consulting stage to construction, applying BIM processes (Building Information Modeling).

Considering that construction professionals start their activity with the creation of their own businesses and their growth depends on the management models they implement, in this research a qualitative analysis of the management models used in architectural projects by SMEs is carried out. (Small and Medium Enterprises) of construction in the City of Cuenca- Ecuador, through a qualitative research design using cross-sectional and ethnohistorical ethnography, the instruments used for the collection of information is the semi-structured interview and the meta-analysis.

The expected results consist of a set of experiences that are translated into a methodological management process supported by the application of technological tools such as BIM (Building Information Modeling), which SMEs can use to enhance their activities and profitability in increased construction projects. the contribution of GDP in the country.

It is important to know the professional experiences, to abstract the concepts, methodologies, processes, technological tools that make it possible to adapt to the contexts of the professional work of SMEs and increase their capacities by better facing architectural projects in the country.

ABSTRACT. The management of employees in various professional fields has a great impact on the growth of an organization. This activity evolves with technology, and in the area of construction it is no exception. In the city of Cuenca, Ecuador, masonry attendance control faces a challenge, since it cannot adapt to its respective new trends. However, its difficulty seems to be not only technical, but also cultural, due to the discordance of the users’ behavior regarding to sundry existing solutions. The dilemma in question gives origin to the current article where we present a project which focuses on personal authentication technologies used with construction workmen and their acceptance. In this document we present the project and some results. In order to determine the most appropriate technical tool for personnel registry and its relationship with the cultural context of the users, the project's methodology has two phases: The state of the art of access control systems for construction employees, and the determination of the local labor reality regarding the use of such technologies. For the first phase, a classification of the indexed academic contributions and the marketplace offer is elaborated along with a basic meta-analysis of the regional scientific documentation. Secondly, local data collection through questionnaires will be carried out, jointly with the review of related undergraduate and graduate projects. As a conclusion, based on the results of both methodological stages, we intend to demonstrate the dependence between the social circumstances of the workers for the inclusion of an adequate attendance control tool.

ABSTRACT. In the context of this research will try to minimize and eliminate processes and activities disconnected from each other, such as the use of technological tools for the development of engineering involved in the development of a road project, as well as increase the use of standards and methodologies to reduce problems in the implementation, during the last decade the BIM methodology has been progressively incorporated in different countries as part of the mandatory standards for the implementation of engineering projects, in Ecuador is not yet mandatory use of these standards. Since there are no mandatory rules in Ecuador for the use of BIM tools due to the lack of statistical data that proves the effectiveness of this planning methodology, we focused the research on the experience of construction companies in Latin America and Spain, using the narrative design of qualitative research as a method of data collection, the techniques used are: focus group and life stories, the data obtained is analyzed by ATLAS TI. This allows us to establish the methodological patterns that companies use to better direct road planning in their different projects. The results that are intended to obtain from the studied experiences of large construction companies are the methodological processes that they employ using BIM in road planning, which makes it possible to establish a feasible and adaptable methodological proposal for projects in Ecuador. The technological development is undoubtedly facilitating the development of humanity under the context of construction management in road projects. The BIM allows to reduce losses in materials, facilitates the monitoring of work and ensures the profitability of a project. The success of large construction companies in the world is largely due to the planning method they use, the BIM concept being the best option in most of them.

ABSTRACT. Introduction: Considering the concept of autonomy, multidimensional, as it covers skills such as: cognitive capacity, intellectual capacity, emotional intelligence, social situation and physical capacity, it is understood the importance of their understanding on the part nurses. The latter are responsible for promoting and maintaining the autonomy of the elderly, through diagnosis, implementation and evaluation of interventions that respond to the needs that autonomy addresses. Objectives and methods: this study aimed to describe the perception that specialist nurses have about practices in promoting the autonomy of the elderly. A descriptive phenomenological study was carried out. Eighteen nurses were recruited for convenience at a hospital in Portugal. The data were collected through individual interviews and the analysis and interpretation of the information obtained was carried out through thematic content analysis according to the method of Bardin. ATLAS-ti software version 8.4 was used to systematize and catalog the analyzed material. Results: eight categories emerged from the data analysis: use of instruments, use of theoretical framework, nursing focus, nursing diagnosis, prescription of interventions, execution of interventions, nursing records and working conditions. Conclusions: the study made it possible to understand how nurses in clinical practice work on the elderly's autonomy. Specialist nurses essentially promote physical autonomy, however, they recognize that working conditions are conditioning factors for this promotion. An important limiting factor in this promotion is information systems, as they only allow the promotion of physical autonomy, since other nursing focuses, diagnoses and interventions that cover the scope are not parameterized within the scope of autonomy of this concept.

ABSTRACT. Introduction:

Quality of learning outcomes is positively related to the teaching and learning approaches. However, Hong Kong nursing teachers seldom evaluate their teaching approaches. Through appropriate and well-adjusted teaching and learning strategies, the learning experiences of nursing students can be improved, which will eventually enhance the critical thinking abilities of students and safeguard patient safety.

Goals:

The goals of this study are to explore the learning experiences of nursing students and the teaching theories of nursing teachers who are working in private institutes of higher education (HEIs) in Hong Kong. The results serve as a knowledge base of reflections on how to better implement a student-centred learning approach in nursing education.

Methods Study design:

The study is a qualitative research with hermeneutic phenomenological approach. Participants are invited by snowballing strategy. Learning experiences from two focus groups of nursing graduates have been explored. Moreover, their learning experiences are used for the formulation of interview questions for exploring teaching theories of nursing teachers. With the use of five scenarios, the teaching theories of twelves Chinese nursing teachers have been explored through in-depth interviews.

Data Analysis:

The narratives collected are explored through thematic analysis, classifying the teaching theories and learning issues into different themes with critical analysis. The factors contributing to the teaching theories and the challenges of teaching practices have been primarily explored.

Results and Conclusion:

The preliminary results indicate that students are dissatisfied of the learning experiences. Moreover, nursing teachers are employing vague personal teaching theories which are basically a teacher-centred learning approach. Their personal teaching theories are inheritably driven by professional and administrative bases. Most teachers espouse theories of student-centred learning but still employing Instructivism through traditional classroom teaching.

ABSTRACT. Introduction: The concept of autonomy is composed by several components, making it a multidimensional concept. This covers skills that involve cognitive ability, intellectual ability, emotional intelligence, social situation and physical capacity. It is up to health professionals to fully understand this concept, since it depends on the quality of life and the motivation for it, on the part of those who have it. Recognizing the role of nurses, the promotion / maintenance of autonomy, they diagnose, implement and evaluate interventions capable of responding to needs in this area. However, in order to make this fact possible, this professional must understand its scope. Objectives and methods: This study aimed to describe the perception that specialist nurses have about the concept of autonomy for the elderly. A descriptive phenomenological study was carried out. Eighteen nurses were recruited for convenience at a hospital in Portugal. The data were collected through individual interviews and the analysis and interpretation of the information obtained was carried out through thematic content analysis according to the method of Bardin. Atlas-ti software version 8.4 was used to systematize and catalog the analyzed material. Results: six categories emerged from the data analysis: ability to do, ability to solve, decision ability, cognitive ability, social integration and emotional intelligence. Conclusions: the study allowed us to understand how nurses perceive the concept of the elderly's autonomy. Most professionals perceive the concept as the ability to carry out activities of daily living and the ability to make decisions, especially with regard to informed consent. Thus, the importance is emphasized, both in the implementation of in-service training projects and in the Nursing Degree Course.

ABSTRACT. Introduction. Competency frameworks became increasingly popular to define what graduates should be able to do in practice. The paradigm of collaborative health care delivery drove the development of interprofessional competency frameworks (ICFs). The Train4Health project, funded by the Erasmus+ program, aims to improve healthcare students’ competences for behaviour change to support self-care in chronic diseases. As part of this project, we surveyed the landscape of ICFs in health. Goals. Our aim was to characterize ICFs in health and its translation into learning outcomes embedded in academic curricula. Methods. Integrative review, conducted between March and September 2020. A search was performed in EBSCO, B-On, Scopus, Web of Science and Joanna Briggs Institute databases. Eligibility criteria included interprofessional frameworks with a link to learning outcomes. Results. Four articles were eligible, describing ICFs in different domains in health, such as digital healthcare environment, simulation and genetic health. The participants were from distinct fields of study (twelve), nursing and medicine students in particular (four/three, respectively). Generally, ICFs were planned and developed by a committee, involving several institutions, as well as appropriate experts and stakeholders. Students were involved in all four ICFs. Interviews, consensus meetings and peer discussions were some of the activities undertaken to define ICFs. These frameworks supported learning outcomes-based curricula, organized in a tiered or straightforward structure, with different learning outcomes regarding their complexity and specialization level. Documents defining professional competences were often used as a basis for ICFs. Conclusions. Despite the overlap in some areas across health professions, we found only four ICFs that can guide collaborative education and are linked to learning outcomes. Pursuing this integrated approach, ideally resorting to structured scientific methods may facilitate competences attainment and merits further attention.

ABSTRACT. ELEVATE project (Horizon2020) aims to test a new cervical cancer screening (CCS) strategy including HPV self-sampling test and a portable screening tool, targeting hard-to-reach women in Belgium, Brazil, Ecuador and Portugal. In order to understand knowledge, barriers and facilitators regarding CCS among hard-to-reach women and explore acceptability of self-sampling test, a focus groups (FG) study is being conducted in each country with health professionals (HP), community workers and hard-to-reach women. Due to social-distancing mandates caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, presential research activities have been affected worldwide. We aim to discuss the strategies used to collect qualitative data during the pandemic, focusing on its advantages and disadvantages. Three presential FGs with HP and three online FGs (two with HP and one with women) were conducted. Two complementary in-depth interviews were conducted online with HP. In presential FGs, group dynamics were easier to establish; however, it required physical distance between participants, and the masks hindered assessing facial expressions and seldom understanding audibly the participants. In online FGs, although it required less participants, many may feel more open to intervene in a private space. Yet, the virtual setting limited group dynamics and assessment of non-verbal cues, demanding more stimulus for discussion and encouraging equal participation. Online data collection was occasionally disturbed due to technical failure and poor internet signal. Difficulties of some HP and women in using digital tools were also observed. Challenges in conducting presential and online qualitative data collection in physical-distancing times must be addressed. Although collecting data online is a useful strategy it requires reflexivity and adjustment, including innovative strategies to facilitate dynamic group interactions and attention to digital literacy of participants. Research advancing knowledge on online methodologies’ opportunities, challenges and solutions is needed to enhance its potential in qualitative research. (ELEVATE is supported by the European Union’s Horizon2020, n.825747)

ABSTRACT. Dealing with trauma involves reassessing traumatic events and incorporating them into existing cognitive patterns. It can be done by cognitive processing which is the process of integrating information about an experienced event with existing, previously shaped cognitive patterns. Research shows that the use of insight verbs and causation words when describing the past, suggests the active process of reappraisal of the traumatic event and incorporate it into existing cognitive patterns. Existing ICT tools which enable to do automatic narratives’ analysis count words not meaning. Polish is a polysemous language in which words can have different meanings varying and depending on the context. It influences the results of analyzes because not each meaning in narratives is the indicator of a specific phenomenon. The aim of this research is to create a category of words’ meanings which indicates the presence of reappraisal process understands as positive cognitive processing of trauma. It is done with the usage of Polish WordNet which construction resolves the problem of recognizing meaning in narratives. The created category includes two subcategories: insight and causation. The process of category creation consists of two stages. In the first stage of work, three competent judges chose 101 words’ meanings for Insight and 15 words for Causation category from a corpus of 162 texts containing a narrative about a crisis or traumatic event. Inter-rater agreement Fleiss kappa coefficient is .607. In the second stage, Insight category is extended with 55 hyponyms, 83 hypernyms and 33 synonyms with usage of a semantic network reflecting the Polish lexical system. The results of the work are categories containing 272 meanings of 223 words. Subcategory insight contains 272 meanings of 208 words. Subcategory Causation consists of 15 words. Replication of this process enables researchers analyzing their qualitative material with automatic text analysis with including words’ meanings.

ABSTRACT. Introduction: This research paper explores the communication between national public police and the media. Police communication is vital as it’s the way to thrive among the audiences to fulfill their mission. The communication must be rigorous, strategic and able to create a clime of trust, good neighborliness and stability among police and media. Evidence suggests that communication problems included a non-effectively plan that might infatuate the disproportionate and unexpected, views of the media coverage of police activity and public security. These problems limited the success of pro-active police communication, perpetuating the asymmetrical power towards the media perceptions of the actions, rather than to the exo facto of police actions.

Goals and Methods: The objective is to entrench elements to build a grounded Police plan of communication. This includes the fairness of communication, legitimacy, truthfulness, and representation of media, to support the change in the grindstone of improper understanding of police mission. Thus, in this exploratory study, with an applied purpose, 29 questionnaires (police officials and journalists), were conducted. The Delphi method allowed consensus and a synthesis about the subject. Therefore, it was possible to learn and access institutional objectives for communication, and the plan needed.

Results: The analysis of the data revealed that the media are not satisfied with the current communicative performance of the Police since their needs are not met. The need to improve and the lack of adequacy of timing is the common element. To avoid misinterpretations, the expert’s perceptions asserts that press releases and a common platform of data are the most reliable mode for Police communication.

Conclusions: The planning of communication is essential. The infusion of media perceptions in a new communication plan in Police represents one procedure to overcome the communicative obstacles, disruption of media power and is more effective by minimizing inefficiency.

ABSTRACT. Introduction: Hemato-oncological diseases are chronic, serious and carry the experience of several problems. Its therapies include aggressive and prolonged treatments, which lead to frequent and long hospital stays. These aspects, which generate discomfort, led to the implementation of the intervention project: the comfort of the person with hemato-oncological disease: nursing interventions. Objectives and methods: This research aims to contribute to improving the quality of nursing care for people with hemato-oncological disease in hospital in the area of promoting comfort. To answer the research question, which nursing interventions promote comfort in the person with hemato-oncological disease, in a hospital inpatient service, nurses were asked about the comfort promoting interventions mobilized in clinical practice and the person's comfort was evaluated with hemato-oncological disease with the application of the Hospice Comfort Questionnaire-Portugal-Chronic Patients©. Results: The analysis of the findings reveals that the nursing interventions that promote comfort to the person with hemato-oncological disease can be grouped in the physical, psycho-spiritual, sociocultural and environmental contexts, as stated in Kolcaba's Theory of Comfort (2003). These patients have good comfort levels, with higher comfort values in the state of tranquility (39%) and lower in the state of relief (26%). In comfort contexts, the values indicate greater comfort in the socio-cultural context (30%) and lower in the physical and psycho-spiritual (23%). Conclusions: Nurses develop nursing interventions that promote physical relief, acting in accordance with the lowest levels of comfort manifested by people with hemato-oncological disease. The nursing interventions that promote comfort, listed by the nurses participating in this study, were categorized according to Kolcaba's Comfort Theory (2003) and synthesized in a clinical guidance standard.

ABSTRACT. Introduction In January 2020, the WHO - World Health Organization made public that the outbreak of the disease caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) constitutes a public health emergency of the highest alert level of the organization. In March / 2020 COVID-19 was characterized as a pandemic, that is, the disease spread to all continents. In civil construction, construction companies needed to adapt to measures to combat the Corona Virus, in order to protect the category of this terrible pandemic in addition to all those involved in the sector. On 10/06/2020, worldwide, “35,347,404” cases of contamination by COVID-19 and “1,039,406” deaths were confirmed.

Goals and Methods This document was prepared using the qualitative research method using data collection through documentary analysis. The purpose of this article is to bring in-house procedures that assist construction companies in fighting Coronavirus, thus minimizing the rate of contaminants and preventing the stoppage of activities.

Results and Conclusions Therefore, it was necessary to create a protocol to be followed by employees to combat COVID-19, providing, among other controls: the monitoring of symptoms at the arrival and departure of workers at the construction site and office, the dissemination and training of cleaning and personal hygiene, restriction of agglomeration of employees and suppliers, care during work activities, actions to be taken in refectory and administrative areas. The created protocol observed the determinations of the civil construction category Syndicate, as well as the recommendations of the health authorities, in addition to those suggested by the WHO and the municipal, state and federal legislation.

ABSTRACT. Abstract: In 2018, 14928 voluntary termination of pregnancy (VTOP) were carried out in Portugal, 95.8% at the option of women. The main cause invoked was the incorrect use, dissatisfaction and discontinuity of the contraceptive method. The scientific evidence that the ideal time to adhere to a contraceptive is during the experience of VTOP, since women are more receptive to contraceptive counseling and because they do not want to repeat the experience of abortion. Objectives: To know the impact of contraceptive counseling on the choice of contraceptives by women undergoing VTOP. Method: Literature review carried out from 1 to 31 January 2020, according to the guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute and the question “What is the impact of contraceptive counseling performed on women undergoing VTOP in the choice of method?”. Inclusion criteria were defined: a) all types of study design; b) strategies aimed at women aged 16 and above; c) on disciplines applied by health professionals; d) on contraceptive counseling during the IVG process; e) on methods of family defense provided by hospitals, clinics or community care; f) without time limit; g) in Portuguese, English or Spanish. The EBSCO platform and CINAHL, MedicLatina and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were used. Results: 11 studies were elected, between 2014 and 2020. All in English and none conducted in Portugal. Counseling favors the choice and adherence to contraceptive methods, being influenced by the qualification of professionals, accessibility and free availability of contraceptives. A qualitative analysis of the studies, allowing a better understanding of the psychosocial aspects of women in the process of VTOP.

ABSTRACT. Introduction: Information and communication technologies (ICTs) enable the generation of a large volume of information and knowledge. In the health professions, especially in the medical area, information and knowledge are produced at very high speeds, requiring permanent updates to the professional training process. This study aimed to analyzed the use of ICTs by federal medical school professors in the teaching-learning process. Methodology: this is a case study with a qualitative approach. The sample consisted of 22 professors who completed a semistructured questionnaire containing 12 open questions on their use of ICTs in the teacher-learning process, and five on participant characterization. Results: most of the participants used ICTs such as blogs, chats, emails, cell phones, Skype, portfolio, Word and PowerPoint. They considered ICTs to be extremely important in daily pedagogical practices, thereby contributing to the teaching-learning process. The participants suggested the implementation of continuing education policies in terms of technology training, since they acknowledge their efficiency in constructing scientific knowledge. Conclusion: Technologies are part of the daily practice of medical school professors and are deemed to be relevant pedagogical tools in the teaching-learning process.

ABSTRACT. Introduction: The training of health professionals requires professors to have pedagogic knowledge and skills. In the work dimension of professors, assessment integrates the teaching-learning process, in addition to providing information that contributes to improving their performance. Objective: Analyze the effectiveness of blended learning as an assessment learning teaching strategy for graduate students. Methodology: This is an intrinsic educational single case study with a qualitative approach, in which professors from the Health Education graduate course provided assessment training to 20 graduate students (teachers and preceptors) from the Health Teaching Assessment discipline. For teacher development in assessment learning, a hybrid approach was adopted involving in-person activities interspersed with moments of on-line production. The in-person activities initiated with three workshops using the station rotation strategy based on Miller’s pyramid. The virtual activities were characterized by the production of texts on student assessment methods. The following research instruments were used: a structured questionnaire with open-ended questions, Kirkpatrick’s training evaluation model and the professor’s diary. The data obtained were submitted to content analysis. Results: Only 20% of the graduate students reported previous knowledge of assessment. All the individuals considered the strategy used to be adequate and relevant for the teaching of the proposed content, promoting the acquisition of knowledge, skills and attitudes, which they used in their work (Kirkpatrick level 3). Final considerations: The transformation of practices depends essentially on teacher training in assessment methods. This qualitative case study demonstrated that active methodologies make it possible to solidify the desired content and provide greater team interaction in an academic setting.

ABSTRACT. The COVID-19 pandemic has restricted opportunities for traditional qualitative field research. In an ongoing study led by a team at USC’s Center for Economic and Social Research, we have been studying the personal financial management practices and preferences of low-income women in Kenya, through in-depth interviews and focus groups. Recognizing the significant economic challenges now facing households with low and uncertain incomes globally, we added a new module to our study to examine how women are coping financially on a day-to-day basis with the health and economic emergency unleashed by the pandemic. In order to comply with social distancing guidelines, we deployed a solicited diaries approach to data collection. Solicited diaries aim to elicit every-day experiences on particular themes, and allow the capture of in-depth personal perspectives in the context of day to day activities, emotions and interactions. Specifically, we used “audio recorded diaries”, an adapted diary approach to account for literacy constraints and limited access to personal computers. A sample of twenty of our existing sample of women were asked to submit entries every day for a total of one week. The diaries helped us understand what financial services women still use or rely on during this time, what barriers they may experience to accessing financial services and products, and what supporting intervention they may benefit from. Two follow-up interviews provided additional opportunity to delve into diary entries in greater depth. In addition to outlining our findings, the presentation will discuss the audio-recorded diary approach, challenges and opportunities faced in its deployment in our study setting, adaptations, and lessons for use in Kenya and elsewhere.

ABSTRACT. Abstract: Readmission to the emergency department after discharge is high, having presented itself as a problem in our reality. In this sense, an attempt was made to understand which nursing interventions, described in the literature, are necessary to ensure continuity of care after discharge from this service, in order to avoid this phenomenon. Objective: To identify the risk factors for readmissions to the emergency department and describe the interventions that guarantee continuity of care after discharge from the Emergency Department, and select which of these are shown to prevent readmission. Methodology: Integrative literature review, following protocol in the search engines Medline Complete, CINAHL Complete and gray literature. The final bibliographic sample for analysis consists of a total of 7 articles. Results: They demonstrate that it is necessary to first correctly identify a set of risk factors, these being personal history, polymedication, the current life situation, age, level of dependence, risk of falling and cognitive function, with scales such as ISAR, ESI, Katz showing that help assist nurses in decision making. Nursing interventions should also focus on follow-up telephone calls, where a nurse is responsible for promoting the management of the therapeutic regime, helping with the management of the disease and symptoms, carrying out a general assessment of the state of the person, although in the literature it was especially the existence of an expert nurse in the transition of care that accompanies that person at home that led to better results. Conclusion: The evidence recommends that the existence of structured interventions and an effective articulation of care between the Emergency Department and the Community are good practices to implement and bring health gains in the studied population, reducing readmission to the ED, however there is a need to deepen research at this level, and to implement transitional care programs.

ABSTRACT. Conducting qualitative research has drastically changed during this pandemic. Not only have conceptualizing and designing become challenging practices, but also dealing with the processes of data collection and analysis have presented challenges. The extension project titled “Diagnosis of the linguistic needs of San Ramón de La Virgen de Sarapiquí”, aimed at collecting qualitative data during 2020 to determine the linguistic needs of the community. The main goal was to contribute to the design of an exclusive English Program to empower the members of the community to better deal with entrepreneurial projects based on rural tourism. The data of this exploratory study were collected and triangulated through a focus group interview, an online survey, and document gathering, and used thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006; Clarke & Braun, 2013) to organize the linguistic needs. WebQDA (Costa & Souza, 2019) was used to conduct digital semantic coding for the data collected during the focus interview. As the study took place amid the pandemic, some methodological adaptations took place to carry out data collection under the “new normality”. The extension group reflected and designed specific protocols for the community members to engage them into technology use and present the results as comprehensive descriptions of the linguistic needs of the rural community. Nowadays, qualitative research should become a more reflective practice, and the participants -as well as their contexts- must be considered, as this pandemic is changing the way qualitative research is perceived and conducted.

ABSTRACT. Introduction Pediatric surgery restarted at Hospital del Mar in 2019 after being stopped since 2013. Most surgeries are ambulatory major surgeries and children are accompanied by their parents until the entrance to the surgical block. From June 2020 and after the Covid-19 pandemic where all pediatric activity at the center was stopped, it was decided to restart surgery and improve the process so that one of the two parents can accompany the child until anesthetic induction in the operating room itself. In this way, the child should not be separated from parents so kids, parents and professionals have the opportunity to live the experience calmly and safely. Goals Humanize and increase the quality of the pediatric surgical process so that parents, children and professionals enjoy a calmer and safer environment that helps the procedure. Methods Satisfaction questionnaires are conducted on parents and children undergoing surgery. Professionals who experienced the previous and current processes are interviewed about their feelings. Results Surveys of relatives and children show acceptance and satisfaction in this process. Professionals report a high degree of satisfaction avoiding the separation between children and parents, detecting a decrease in the need for premedication / sedation and greater safety in the surgical process. Conclusions The fact that parents accompany children to the operating room is a positive experience in all the issues involved: parents, children and professionals.

ABSTRACT. Introduction Our deliberations are primarily meant for all researchers who are just trying to implement their own research projects using programs from the CAQDA family. In their case, it may be a good idea to have free software distributed under an open license.

Goals Our intention is first of all to present free and fully functional tools. We would like to share our experiences and comments, giving a concise description of several exemplary programmes, as well as to assess their utility assets and present useful tips on how to select the most appropriate program for a given researcher.

Methods Our speech is of a reviewing and explanatory nature. It is based on observations made during our workshops and classes, as well as our personal experience as CAQDAS users. In the methodological layer, it combines the ethnographic and self-ethnographic dimensions.

Results When conducting classes or workshops, we often hear repeated questions: “Is CAQDAS worth using and why?” and “Which program to choose?”. After collecting extensive experience, we can say that using CAQDAS makes the process of data analysis more systematic and transparent which contributes to continuous thinking about data and an in-depth analysis. However, the choice of a given programme is an individual matter. Much depends on what the needs of a particular researcher are, and this in turn depends on the methods they use, the issues they undertake and their personal preferences.

Conclusions Selecting a program we should think about the software functions we will actually use. It is also worth testing various programs. At the same time, using CAQDAS requires a certain amount of effort to learn about the environment of given software but also to change habits regarding organization of a researcher’s workshop.

ABSTRACT. Background: Oncological computerized clinical decision support systems to facilitate workflows of multidisciplinary team meetings (MDTMs) are currently being developed in the Netherlands. To reach successful implementation of these CDSSs in MDTMs, this study aims to: a) identify barriers and facilitators for successful implementation for the use case of lung cancer; and b) provide actionable findings for an implementation strategy. Methods: The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Science was used to create an interview protocol for CDSSs in lung cancer MDTMs and to analyze the results. Semi-structured interviews were conducted among various health care professionals involved in these MDTMs. A total of 26 professionals participated in the interviews. The transcripts were analyzed using a thematic analysis following a deductive approach. Results: The main facilitator for implementation of the CDSS was considered to be easy access to well-structured patient data, and the resulting reduction of MDTM preparation time and of duration of MDTMs. Less impact of the CDSS was expected on the quality of lung cancer services generated by MDTM decision making. Main barriers for adoption included incomplete or non-trustworthy output generated by the system and insufficient adaptability of the system to local and contextual needs. Actionable findings for an implementation strategy were a usability test involving key users and a validation study in the organization’s real-life setting prior to roll out. Conclusion: Using this CDSS in lung cancer MDTMs was expected to increase efficiency of workflows. Successful implementation is dependent on the reliability and adaptability of the CDSS and involvement of key users in the implementation process.

ABSTRACT. Borne out of my doctoral thesis, this paper adds to the methodological nuances within feminist epistemology by illustrating the use of feminist phenomenology as primary methodological paradigm to research rural women. The paper describes the research process undertaken within a research paradigm constructed at the intersection of feminism and phenomenology. Bringing feminist lens to do a phenomenological study that describes plural experiential accounts of women from their individual socio-spatial standpoints, it argues that using feminist phenomenology allows describing and analysing the common and differential lived experiences of the participants in the study. Additionally, the paper brings to attention the significance of the relationship between the situatedness (socio-economic and cultural standpoints) of the researcher and the researched in capturing reflexivity. It is argued that knowledge is not created in vacuum and the ways in which researcher and researched interact with each other lead to continued construction of the research process and results in knowledge construction that is informed by dialogical and dialectical interaction with no hierarchical position given to researcher. By giving power and preference to the words of the participants, feminist phenomenology gives authority to women over knowledge construction about them. Overall, the paper argues that knowledge construction is not the realm of only researcher herself but is result of an interactive journey undertaken by both researcher and participants, both of whom are conscious of their lived realities and identities. Therefore, the knowledge created about the experience of a common experience may be similar in some parts for participants and also differential for others.

ABSTRACT. The search for the connection between experience, studying environment and the change in practical activity has been based on the provisions of the representative of pragmatism Dewey (1959), who says that learning process is determined by problematic situations, when the existing experience is not sufficient and there is no knowledge how to deal with them. Thus the search for the best ways of reaction to a new situation has been carried out. With the aid of e-diary the students are encouraged to tell their daily experiences which are being analysed and discussed later. Identification and analysis of the problematic situations provide the students with the assumptions to reflectively evaluate their practical activity, to modify it and not to repeat the same mistakes in the future. Thus with the aid of e-diary the student are provided with the possibility to go through all stages of experiential learning model (Kolb, Fry,1975): The transition from one stage to another is strongly influenced by existing cooperation relations in online learning. E-diary is the means of student’s communication both with the teachers and with other students. The response of the teacher or other students to the situation which has occurred in practice becomes a stimulus to go from one stage of experiential learning to another. Online cooperation plays an important part in gaining the experience, analyzing it, searching for solutions and receiving a constructive feedback from other team members.

ABSTRACT. This investigation demonstrates the outcome of the rigour cycle in pragmatics design science research framework, where cyber-ethnography integrated into Hevner design science research framework. The study aims to identify issues in the employment selection process, understanding both sides of the story Jobseeker and Managers, employing qualitative interpretivism ethnography study merged with cyber ethnography or net ethnography. So the data collections depend on several sources, includes, observation, survey, online ethnographic interview, online media, like YouTube, Facebook, etc. until methodological saturation reach. An increasing number of groups (e.g. feminist, LGBT, black life movement, etc.) have rightly argued that they are victims of discrimination as a result of bias. So, allowing biases to continue in employment selection is illegal; this is an area that needs to be better understood and managed by businesses leaders. Hence, the outcome of this study considers as a catalogue/manual of biases that have an impact on employment selection. The identified biases through ethnographic study have been verified if they existed, first in a peered review articles. Otherwise, triangulated with different sources of data. This step is eliminating the researcher and method biases because of ethnography methods prone to bias due to participant observation. The outcome of the study reveals that seventy-two biases have a direct and indirect impact on the employment selection process. Additionally, the current employment selection process and principle is a legacy process required modification. Bair in mind this part of the study aims to identify issues and generalised them under biases name, not to theorise or hypotheses. Later this list will be used in the design science phase. Finally, the process revolutionises the ethnographic study from fieldwork to office work depends on technology which is the tools in COVID-19 times.

ABSTRACT. Chronic diseases such as HIV infection or diabetes increases the risk of developing comorbidities earlier than the general population. In turn, it can anticipate the onset of disability and increase a social and psychological vulnerability. Aging also tends to be linked to social vulnerability, and situations of discrimination. Aging, disease and discrimination can lead to a deteriorated identity, discredit and isolation, which can increase people's fragility, understood as a multidimensional entity that includes the physical, physiological, psychological and social dimensions. The research on people living with HIV was conducted in France, and coordinated by Rommel Mendes-Leite. Data collection was carried out in 2013 at three hospitals in the Lyon region, where 45 peoples, women and men aged 50 years or more were interviewed. Data analysis followed the Grounded Theory method. The research on people living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes was conducted by me in Lisbon, Portugal, in a hospital and in a health center. I conducted 30 semi-directive interviews between 2018 and 2020. A content analysis was carried out, following the Grounded Theory. Looking at the results, there are several points in common, related to the issues of limitations and suffering caused by chronic diseases and aging: social isolation, impoverishment, the importance of medical monitoring and relationships with professionals health, and the therapeutic management needed in long-term illnesses. The management of chronic diseases is linked to the: socioeconomic status, education level, living environment, gender, place of residence, etc. These factors have varying importance depending on the baggage of values, beliefs and knowledge each individual carry. The result is a set of representations and ways of doing that have a subjective side but that are also defined by the context of life. This work was developed within the framework of the strategic plan of ISCTE-IUL, CRIA, UIDB/ 04038/2020

ABSTRACT. In our study we will know the experiences of the working life conditions of the musicians of a Symphony Orchestra of Ecuador, due to their national and international cultural significance, who are immersed in some risk factors. The need to promote the design and implementation of public policies is considered imperative. The objective is to understand the working life conditions of the musicians of the symphony orchestra. The study methodology is qualitative with a phenomenological design. A perspective that goes etic and emic is employed. Results, the analysis of qualitative data was obtained through three phases: description, reduction or theming, and interpretation. Conclusions, that the relationships lived as a family are the main axis of cultural heritage, and with their coworkers, coexistence translates into joys, emotions, competition, ego, fame and above all sacrifice. In the lived space they are rehearsals and concerts, in which they have dedicated many hours to their profession, sacrificing normal situations at their age from a very young age. Findings, of working life conditions, are the ergonomic risk factors predominantly due to the presence of injuries due to osteomucular disorders frequently noted, which lead to absenteeism from work, for recurrent periods. However, the codes that emerge in the in-depth interviews, It is the love of music, regardless of its sacrifice and the discipline that its profession implies.

ABSTRACT. Education, especially at the university level, should be in line with the reality experienced by the population, notably in terms of training professionals to treat patients with special needs. The Home Care Service, Ordinance no. 825/2016, provides healthcare to individuals in their home and involves a series of health promotion measures, in addition to disease prevention and treatment. Analysis of Dentistry courses reveals curriculum gaps, primarily in training professionals to treat patients with special needs. The present study proposes to contribute to implementing home care in dental course curricula. This is an educational action research (teaching-research) with dental students concluding the tenth period of the course (supervised internship) at a health unit of a municipality in Northeastern Brazil. The students were initially submitted to a semistructured interview to determine their level of understanding about dental home care. Next, they took part in group discussions with the supervising team for instruction on dental home care in patients with disabilities. At the end of the internship, participants underwent a second interview for assessment of the intervention executed. Content analysis was used to evaluate the interviews. Final considerations: the results of this action research demonstrate the possibility of including home care in the dental course curricula and the contribution of the internship to the future performance of dental surgeons. Qualitative analysis showed that the students were able to value the practical experience and understanding of the social reality acquired in the service, but these perceptions caused concern due to the lack of theoretical knowledge, which is not part of the dental curriculum.

ABSTRACT. A residency is a specialization in medical training that requires teacher training in the content of the discipline, the ability to prepare students to learn, interact with other health professionals and understand the situation of the National Health System (SUS). A well-prepared process is an effective tool to guarantee the competence of the future specialist and ensure teaching quality. Objectives: Analyze the medical resident assessment system, with a view to promoting teacher training in assessment methods. Methodology: This is an educational action research (teaching-research) conducted with pediatric medical resident teachers/preceptors in a university hospital. The stages consisted of: 1) Identifying the assessment methods used in the medical residency, applying a structured questionnaire to the teachers and preceptors; 2) Creating the intervention (workshop on assessing clinical skills and feedback); and 3) Assessing the intervention. Data analysis consisted of simple statistics and content analysis based on Kirkpatrick´s method. Results: There was collective concern among participants about the assessment methods of the residents. None of the teachers/preceptors used systematized assessment of clinical, psychomotor or affective skills of the medical residents, and none of the preceptors were formally trained in assessment. The workshop developed as a training strategy in assessment, with a focus on the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) method, obtained a positive reaction from the participants and all were willing to use it with the residents. Final comments: In order to solidify the assessment system, continuous training must be offered, and in this respect, educational action research proved to be a valuable contribution. Instituting systematized assessment with feedback makes it possible to identify and correct any skill deficiencies in the residents. In addition, preceptors must be made aware of their role as educators and assessors.

ABSTRACT. Introduction: This study does a systematic literature review on visual narratives, in the context of education. The research focuses on articles published in scientific journals, in the English language, between the years of 1999 and 2020, available in the Scopus and Web of Science databases. Goals and methods: The objective of the study was to understand how the scientific community has been working on this theme, regarding the potential of using these resources in education. It was necessary to conceptualize and characterize the didactic resources associated with visual narratives, as well as to understand the objectives and main results of studies that explore this thematic. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, nineteen articles were selected from both databases. All articles should focus on the study of visual narratives to promote learning. Results: The results show varied disciplinary areas, but there is a predominance of Biology and Health using these kinds of resources for learning. As for the objectives and main results of the studies, the focus is on verifying if the students understood the information more effectively, and if there was an engagement in that process. In addition, the awareness of values and the development of competencies were also important aspects of these studies. Conclusions: It was concluded that visual narratives have the potential to explain complex concepts and keep students interested in the learning process. In addition, the importance of fully understanding the context of the application of these resources is emphasized in order to be successful in planning actions related to didactics and the verification of their educational impact. This work is financially supported by National Funds through FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, I.P. under the projoect UIDB/00194/2020

ABSTRACT. Abstract: The inclusion of people with disabilities in the labor market is now understood as a key aspect for social inclusion, economic independence and the resulting valuation and personal fulfillment of these people. In this assumption, due to the scarcity of existing studies and in view of the disadvantage experienced by people with disabilities in inclusion in the labor market, we tried to explore and understand how the labor market welcomes them, what emotions are felt and how they manage them during the journey and to know how to communicate in this context. The adopted methodology is of qualitative nature and design of case study, having as participants fifty workers with disabilities, who interact in a concrete scenario, the workplace, more specifically a hypermarket. Of the total, thirty are male (60%) and twenty female (40%), with ages mostly between 40-49 years (46%) and between 30-39 years (28%). With regard to the type of disability, about half of the participants have Mental or Intellectual Disabilities (50%); followed by participants with physical or motor disabilities (32%); with Visual Impairments (10%) and Hearing Impairments (8%). The disabled worker needs assistance in their integration, so it is essential that the internal communication transmits to the worker in question and his colleagues, positive feelings towards the organization, making them understand that inclusion also depends on the actions of each one.

ABSTRACT. (Introduction) The decolonial perspective emerged towards the end of the 20th century, faced with the need to generate a collective production for the analysis of particularities of a Global South colonized by a Global North in constant expansion. The concepts of Global North and Global South are used to recognize differences in between epistemes, using the South like a “metaphor for human suffering systematically caused by colonialism and capitalism. It is a South that also exists in the global geographic North. The geographic Global South contains not only the systemic suffering caused by global colonialism and capitalism, but also local practices of complicity with them” (De Sousa Santos 2009, p. 12). This “decolonial turn” has been producing theoretical-methodological, ethical-political and epistemological-ontological tools from a Global South in the process of deconstruction of the analytical imperatives of knowledge, power and being imposed by the Global North.. (Objectives) In this sense, this work aims to generate a collective reflection around other ways of analyzing social phenomena, focusing on the analysis of discourses. (Methods) Being a purely theoretical presentation, the methodological specificities will be part of the methodological-epistemological deconstruction of the decolonial perspective. This “turn" used for the analysis of discourses, offers the possibility of understanding sensations, emotions and perceptions of people while the words arise in interviews, participant observation, motivational groups, etc. (Results) The awakening of the Global South to the internalized ideologies of the Global North generates new ways of understanding reality and working on it. It is a struggle against the required oblivion of subjects relegated to non-existence in this modern / colonial world. Discourses analysis from decolonial perspective gives the possibility to stress absolute truths, and ways of qualifying and classifying the social frames from the knowledge production of the Global North. (Conclusions) The pluriversality, questioning of universality, promotes the analysis and understanding of other societies, such as those of the Global South, towards new horizons of meaning.

ABSTRACT. Abstract. Introduction: Myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the main cardiovascular complications and immediate treatment is essential, since delayed care is associated to a worse prognosis. The search for health care by people who have suffered a heart attack is related to the way they experience and understand the illness and how much it affects their daily lives. Objectives: Relate the knowledge and care taken by people who have suffered AMI with health literacy. Method: Qualitative descriptive study conducted in February- May 2018 with 12 young adults aged 18-65 who suffered acute myocardial infarction. For data collection, a semi-structured questionnaire, an interview guide and a field diary were used. After the interviews were transcribed and read in full, the statements were returned to the participants for approval; for lexical analysis, the participants' reports were read and the text corpus was created, and for insertion of data in the analysis software, the software interface de R pour les Analyzes multidimensionneles de Textes et de Questionnaires (IRAMUTEQ_0.6-alpha3)^(R) was used, and content analysis was later performed. The statements were analyzed according to the following steps: pre-analysis, exploration of the material or coding and treatment of the results, and interpretation. The characterization of the participants was presented in tables and analyzed using descriptive statistics, with the aid of Microsoft Excel (R) 2010. Results: Six classes were then generated and the class named “(Un) knowledge and (Un) care regarding Health Literacy was selected for presentation. Conclusions. Low health literacy is directly related to people's understanding of their illness and their relationship with care, which influences the perceptions of these individuals about disease severity and, consequently, the search for health services.

ABSTRACT. Introduction: Breast cancer is the most frequent in Spanish women. Addressing the disease and its consequences depends on the woman's ability to cope. Objective and Method: The objective of this study was to understand the evolution of coping strategies throughout the disease process and its effect on the adaptation of women to breast cancer. A phenomenological and interpretive study was carried out. 13 women diagnosed with breast cancer during 2016 were interviewed in a hospital in Barcelona. The audios of the interviews were transcribed verbatim and in their original language. A thematic content analysis was carried out on them with the support of the Nvivo v.12 program. Results: The main categories identified were eight coping strategies and three phases of the disease. Women's perception of breast cancer changes over time, which is related to the evolution of women's coping strategies. In the acute, diagnostic phase, there are multiple coping strategies used, and the acceptance of responsibility is exclusive to this phase. In the extended phase, during treatment, social support, distancing and planning strategies predominate. Finally, in the permanent phase, during the follow-up, distancing strategies stand out and positive reassessment is appreciated as a strategy typical of this phase. Conclusions: The evolution of coping strategies is associated with the resignification that the disease receives in each phase. The particular use of each strategy will allow the woman to adapt to the disease over time. The qualitative methodology allows us to delve into the meanings that each woman attributes to the disease and the particular use of coping strategies to achieve adaptation to the disease.

ABSTRACT. Introduction The adoption of unhealthy diets is related to the appearance of metabolic alterations, a factor that contributes to the high rate of comorbidities among people with severe mental illness. Knowing the conditioning factors allows the development of food education programs adapted to the needs of the person; Goals Explore and contrast the opinions of professionals and users of mental health services in relation to the factors that determine the adoption and maintenance of eating habits in people with severe mental disorder, and identify the most efficient strategies for changing habits; Methods Descriptive study through data collection and qualitative analysis. The data was obtained by conducting 6 discussion groups, two semi-structured scripts were used. A thematic analysis was carried out. The coding process was carried out independently by two researchers; Results 23 people related to mental health services and 30 professionals from different care areas participated. Six main themes come off: 1) Knowledge about healthy eating against eating practices, 2) Association between healthy eating and health, 3) Factors that condition positively the acquisition of healthy eating habits, 4) Factors that condition negatively the acquisition of healthy eating habits, 5) Efficient educational strategies, 6) Complexity of food approach; Conclusions Users and professionals identify various conditioning factors in changing habits, related to the behavior and capacities of the person, to factors inherent to the disorder, and with external attributes related to the social and community environment. Professionals and users agreed on the need to promote healthy eating. Knowing the predisposition and the conditioning factors to adopt a behavior change is essential for the design of efficient health interventions.

ABSTRACT. Introduction: The knowledge of the educational processes and mechanisms resulting from training in Civil Protection in higher education in Portugal constitutes the referential framework of this article. Goals and Methods: Centered on the analysis of Civil Protection courses at ISEC Lisboa, the study seeks to measure the impacts on the professional activities of the graduated students. Methodologically, the research work is based on an extensive analysis, favoring, in an integrated way, qualitative methods, evaluating the perceptions and social representations of students and employing institutions, and statistical information of sociographic, socioeconomic and socio-functional character of a representative sample of the study universe, students with a degree in Civil Protection Engineering and a Master in Risks and Civil Protection. Results: As expected results, it is intended to develop a theoretical-analytical model, framing and comparing a professional appraisal of the qualifications and skills of graduates, with the corresponding assessment of the programmatic and thematic contents of the courses. Know the strengths, and weaknesses, that the professionals with qualifications acquired in these courses present, in order to better adapt the training contents to the demands of the labor market, in this vital area of the safety of people, goods, vital infrastructure and environment, is the purpose of this investigation. Conclusions: In the case of an evaluative incursion of teaching models, it is expected, and desirable, that the results to be achieved will allow the definition of guidelines and improvement of the curricula of the courses, adapted to the realities they feed and, concomitantly, can reflect a greater proximity between academic and scientific knowledge and technical and operational practice.

ABSTRACT. This work attempts to present the process and the results of the content analysis of 27 Bologna Reform Implementation Reports of 8 Portuguese Higher Education Institutions (PHEI) aiming the identification of procedural standards in the adequacy of the Institutions to the various lines of action established by the Bologna's political-educational Reform and the knowledge of the extent of the adequacy they carried out. Accordingly, the work assumes the following sectioned structure: 1) the objectives set for the study and for the analysis; 2) the theoretical framework which supported the analysis; 3) the methodological design of the analytical project; 4) The main evidences found. Based on the assumptions of the humanistic-interpretative methodology and theoretically indebted to Laurence Bardin's theoretical conceptualization on the principles and procedural phases involved in content analysis, this work additionally highlighted the advances of the computer-assisted qualitative data analysis movement (CAQDAS) and had NVivo 10.0 software to aid the analysis. The partial results show common trends or patterns and subtle differences in the adequacy undertaken by the various PHEI and in the various teaching subsystems, denoting the focus of their narratives on the impacts experienced in the teaching-learning processes, and the changes which were introduced in their institutional structures.Keywords: Content analysis, CAQDAS, NVivo, Bologna Reform, Higher education.

ABSTRACT. COVID-19 emerged at the end of 2019 and represents a serious global threat, with an impact on public health, in the search for vaccine and treatment, in strategies to prevent the spread of infection, in travel, in business, at work and social behaviors. In order to collect relevant scientific information about coronavirus research fronts, this article presents a scientometric analysis of data collected from Scopus. An exploratory analysis was carried out, based on the metadata of 20,438 documents (articles, reviews, conference papers and conference reviews), from 1951 to March 2020. The data were treated with the support of CiteSpace that allowed us to obtain a global view of the evolution of publications, the co-citation point for further exploration. The following research fronts have been identified: middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome corona, murine coronavirus spike protein, sars-cov main protease, human coronaviruses, epidemic diarrhea virus, human enteric coronaviruses, dromedary camel, other species, neurotropic coronavirus, transmissible gastroenteritis virus. However, a new survey was conducted in August 2020, revealing an impressive increase in the number of publications, 48,185 documents. In 2020 and 2021, 27,957 documents (articles, reviews, conference papers and conference reviews) were indexed, more than all the literature previously published. United States, China, Italy and United Kingdom presented the largest number of documents. The main subject areas are: Medicine (48,1%), Biochemistry, Genetic and Molecular Biology (7,9%), Social Sciences (6,3%), and Immunology and Microbiology (6,0%). Now, the main research fronts identified by the analysis of the document co-citation network, supported by Citespace, are: pharmacological treatment, chest computer tomography, cov-2 spike protein, mesenchymal stem cell, lymphocyte subset, wastewater surveillance, venous thromboembolism, pregnant women, neurological manifestation, mental health, covid-19 pandemic. It’s concluded that a disruptive phenomenon like Covid-19, imposes a quali-quanti approach for a more precise identification of the research fronts.

ABSTRACT. Introduction - The development of science and technology introduced significant changes in the health area and constitute a challenge for the provision of nursing care. In the training of nurses, various types of educational equipment and technologies are used, with emphasis on information and communication technologies (ICT), whose objective is to facilitate the teaching-learning process, complementing traditional teaching methods. Nursing schools aim to prepare future nurses qualified to use the new emerging technologies and work in diverse contexts. Aim – This research intended to understand the importance that nursing students attach to ICT in the learning process. Methods - Qualitative exploratory and descriptive study was developed. Participants were selected intentionally. The sample consists of 12 nursing students from a Portuguese Nursing School. Individual interviews with nursing students were conducted, and for the treatment of the data was used content analysis. Results - The results revealed that students recognize the advantages of ICT in their learning as future health professionals. They mainly use the computer and mobile phone with the aim of conducting research, communicating and conducting an autonomous study, which facilitates the teaching-learning process. E-learning method is considered by students as a facilitator in the acquisition of fundamental theoretical knowledge and technical-scientific skills for nursing practice. The ICT also allows improved decisions in health care , promote a better communication between health care professionals and promote a continuity of nursing care. Conclusions - Nursing students consider ICT as facilitating tools not only in the academic context, but also in clinical practice.

ABSTRACT. Introduction: The development of research and the evidence-based practice paradigm require the pursuit of critical thinking, problem solving and clinical reasoning in nursing education. The active participation in research projects and the interaction with other disciplines during the undergraduate degree can reduce the translational gap and foster research learning. Goal: To identify what nursing students learn from being involved in research projects during their undergraduate degree. Methods: Integrative review, carried out according to a six-phase protocol, including a search strategy and eligibility criteria informed by PICo (e.g. inclusion of primary studies and literature reviews concerning undergraduate nursing students only). Data sources were searched using EBSCO, JBI and Scopus. Extracted data were synthesised qualitatively. Results: Five heterogeneous non-experimental studies, mainly with a quantitative design (n=4), were included. Studies offered evidence of students’ involvement in all phases of the research process. Regardless of the involvement modality, the main outcomes identified were gaining research knowledge and skills, as well as perceived self-efficacy in translating knowledge into clinical practice. Increased awareness and attention in clinical practice, along with constructive criticism and the ability to work with interdisciplinary teams, were also highlighted. Students’ participation increased their motivation to conduct research and contributed to the development of a role as researchers. Other benefits identified were optimization of communication, evaluation, clinical observation, data analysis and project implementation skills. The role of the supervisor in guiding students in research projects was described as central. Conclusions: Participating in research projects during the undergraduate nursing degree seems to contribute to significant learning, with an apparent impact on future professional competences. The curriculum should offer other strategies than classroom education to develop research knowledge, skills and attitudes. Further research with sounder designs is required to support these findings.

ABSTRACT. Higher Education Institutions (HEI) are currently immersed in a change of paradigm whose aim is to include the values of equity and inclusion into the diversity agenda. In this study[1],[2], we contribute to the development of these agendas but from the point of view of the case of disability policies within universities. Our aim is to understand how national legislation is institutionally developed within universities and how it is perceived by their major representatives (University Rectors) in the fields of access, university life and students’ progress, teaching staff and non-academic staff. We understand that the study of University leaders’ speeches is relevant on account of their capacity to construct dominant speeches and their influence on university life. To do so, a qualitative approach is being used through Political Discourse Analysis, which will be based on: (1) the analysis of data extracted from the institutional websites of the ten public universities in Andalusia, concretely the specific institutional documentation of disability approved by its Government Councils; (2) semi-structured interviews for subsequent coding by means of the programme ATLAS.ti v.8.3. Results show heterogeneity and emerging concretion of the institutional disability policy. Students are the focal point of the speech in terms of access to university, university life, and employability. In relation to non-academic staff members with disabilities, the findings show a lack of mechanisms that allow them to access to such posts. With regards to faculty staff with disabilities, it is evident both in the regulations and in the discourse that such difficulties are not yet resolved in terms of access and development. In conclusion, the findings allow for closer understanding of the complexity of inclusive policies, creating new challenges. __________________ [1] Project funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economics, Industry and Competitiveness, entitled “Managing Diversity and Inclusive Education within Universities. Diagnosis and evaluation of institutionalisation indicators”. Ref. EDU2017-82862-R. [2] University Teacher Training Grant (FPU-2018) awarded by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Professional Training.

ABSTRACT. From an interdisciplinary approach, we propose a process to estimate the actual level of privacy and security of Facebook users. It was based upon a document research, regarding the causes of cyber risks within Facebook and a structured interview in order to systematize two crucial factors: the risk level, which may be generated depending on psychosocial behaviours on Facebook; and the user’s level of culture in terms of security and privacy. This process was then applied to a sample of Facebook users and, when comparing their actual level of awareness, related to security and privacy, with their hypothetical level of awareness (that is the one presumed by them); three options were obtained: hypothetical level = actual level, for the 41.15% of the interviewees; hypothetical level < actual level for the 20.35% of the interviewees; and, hypothetical level > actual level for the 38.50% of the interviewees. Conclusions: 1) The iterative application of the guidelines, provided by the Grounded Theory along with Hermeneutics (in assistance with the ‘Atlas.Ti’ software), allowed to structure a solid foundation for a conceptual model of causes of cyber risks which may be encountered within the Facebook environment. 2) The process is valid and authentically reflects the reality of the Facebook users into three possible scenarios: whether they can have a hypothetical level that coincides with their actual level of awareness; or, they can have a hypothetical level which may be underestimated or overestimated when comparing to their actual level of awareness. Under this context, the risk level for users, who present an overestimated hypothetical level of awareness, may increase when they interact within the social network. 3) The process provides with complementary data which may also contribute to a safer experience for users within the social network.

ABSTRACT. The theme of Learning Assessment is relevant at research and educational policy levels.  Because ensuring global access to education is not enough, we must go beyond by implementing Learning Assessment, with its multiple dimensions, without forgetting the main objective of evaluation: to improve learning, skills and citizenship. This exploratory article intends to map scientific production, in English, on this theme in the Web of Science (WoS) referential base, focusing on the last decade (2010-2020). Starting on bibliometric analysis of the information collected, relevant results were obtained for the identification of review articles, articles with strong semantic and co-citations. From the metadata of these documents, an analysis was made of the co-occurrence of the keywords and the co-citation of these documents. The data were analyzed with the support of various software that allowed us to obtain significant results, in order to select a sample of relevant articles. The main result is a mapping of the theme structure. With this map visualization we can have a big picture and also we can develop a tree diagram to help in organizing categories (and subcategories) into a hierarchical structure approach.  The strategy adopted and the results are valuable to locate research topics, within the area of learning assessment. Linking quantitative and qualitative analysis can be maximize with a group of expertize on learning assessment theme. This future collaborative work can bring reach results and build guidelines to make a strong literature review by integrate explicit knowledge (articles content and bibliometric analysis) with tacit knowledge (expert researchers and practices on Learning Assessment). 

ABSTRACT. In 2013, the Youth Guarantee scheme was created in France. It is a response to the European Youth Guarantee, which aims to enable young people under the age of 25 to find a quality job, training or internship quickly. Indeed, at European level, young people and more particularly the NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) are a target of public policies.

Since the Youth guarantee scheme is recent, only a few studies have been carried out. Our problem is set in a context where several studies have shown that employers are increasingly interested in social skills (Robles, 2012). Thus, the aim will be to observe whether there is a direct effect of the Youth Guarantee on social skills, and whether these social competences play a role in professional and social integration.

We propose a mixed method. Firstly, a qualitative method based on a longitudinal follow-up with 23 young beneficiaries of the scheme. Then, a quantitative method with recruiters. On the one hand, the young people are questioned about their life course but also about ten social skills considered fundamental according to the literature, such as communication, autonomy, teamwork and risk aversion. On the other hand, recruiters are asked for their opinion on the integration of young people but also on the skills they expect to have when hiring them. Our analyses will be based on several softwares such as NVIVO and SPSS.

The expected results are diverse. As far as young people are concerned, we assume that through the Youth Guarantee they will acquire new social skills. However, some young people who are referred to as 'blocked pathways' (Loison-Leruste, 2016) will not manage to improve their situation. Finally, as far as recruiters are concerned, we believe that the expected skills depend on the business sector.