scholarly journals MULE TALES: AN EXPLORATION OF MOTIVES AMONG FEMALE DRUG SMUGGLERS

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Melvina T. Sumter ◽  
Dianne Berger-Hill ◽  
Ingrid P. Whitaker ◽  
Frank R. Wood
Keyword(s):  
Rational Choice ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Drug Smuggling ◽  
Drug Culture ◽  
Insight Into

This study is an exploration of motives among female drug smugglers held under custodial control in a Caribbean prison. This exploratory study provided some insight into why women engaged in the risk associated with smuggling drugs. While past research has primarily focused on the economic hardships women tried to address by engaging in drug smuggling, other research has emphasized the glorification of drug culture in some communities, past victimization and abuse, and the need to improve one’s status. This research revealed some additional reasons that are not typically examined in extant research. In particular, some women rather than making a rational choice to smuggle drugs, were simply tricked or bamboozled into schemes to smuggle and that in many instances, women became involved in smuggling because of their desire to please or help a male figure in their lives.

Death and Disposal Locations of Serial Homicides: The Effect on Recovery Timeframes

2021 ◽  
pp. 108876792110068
Author(s):  
Brendan Chapman ◽  
Cody Raymer ◽  
David A. Keatley
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Serial Killers ◽  
Disposal Site ◽  
Time Since Death ◽  
Forensic Evidence ◽  
Hostile Environments ◽  
Case Data ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Homicide Case

Many factors affect the solvability of homicides, including body disposal location and time between death and recovery. The aim of this exploratory study was to probe a number of spatiotemporal variables for trends across a subset of solved homicide case data from 54 North American serial killers, active between 1920 and 2016 (125 solved cases) to identify areas for further research. We investigated murder site and body disposal site as location variables with eight subcategories across eight discrete time series, seeking insight into how these factors may affect the early stages of an investigation and (therefore by inference) solvability. The findings showed that bodies recovered after 48 hours are more likely discovered outdoor while those discovered within 24 hours, within the victim’s residence. This has implications for the ability to recover forensic evidence when bodes are located after a prolonged time since death as well as in more hostile environments.

scholarly journals New Insight into the Prevalence and Risk Factors for Three Distinct Hoof Conformation Traits in UK Commercial Sheep Flocks

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 176
Author(s):  
Caroline M. Best ◽  
Janet Roden ◽  
Kate Phillips ◽  
Alison Z. Pyatt ◽  
Malgorzata C. Behnke
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Global Health ◽  
Prospective Studies ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Predisposing Factors ◽  
Farm Level ◽  
Time Points ◽  
First Time ◽  
Insight Into

Lameness in sheep continues to be a global health, welfare and economic concern. Damaged, misshapen or overgrown feet have the potential to cause lameness either directly, or indirectly. There is a lack of understanding of the predisposing factors for different hoof conformation traits in sheep. Our exploratory study aimed to investigate the prevalence of, and risk factors for, three distinct hoof conformation traits relating to the sole and heel, hoof wall, and hoof wall overgrowth. Feet of 400 ewes from four UK commercial sheep farms were inspected at four time points across 12 months. For each conformation trait, a four-point ordinal system was used to score each individual claw, and foot-level scores were calculated. We present 92.4% of foot-level observations to be affected by ≥1 conformation traits. Whilst hoof conformation traits were correlated to some degree, a unique set of sheep-, foot- and farm-level factors were associated with each distinct conformation trait. We provide, for the first time, key insight into the multifaceted and multifactorial aetiology of hoof conformation in sheep, building upon previous landmark studies. Our results inform hypotheses for future prospective studies investigating the risk factors for adverse hoof conformation in sheep.

scholarly journals A Content Analysis of Blog Posts on Angry Library Patrons

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Iris Marigold Operario
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Research Problem ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Problem Library ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Blog Posts

<p>Research Problem: This exploratory study looks into what is written in blogs regarding angry library patrons. It aims to provide insight on angry library patrons by identifying the themes/issues in the blog posts, the reasons for anger of the library patrons, and to describe the characteristics of the blog post authors. Methodology: A qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the blog posts. The blog search engine Google Blogs was used to search for the relevant blog posts. A sample of 92 individual and organisational blog posts were read and analysed. Results: Three main themes emerged in the analysis of the blog posts: 1) the causes of anger which can either be library-related or due to other patrons; 2) how anger was displayed; and 3) the sentiments of the library staff members towards angry patrons. The blog authors mostly come from North America and have a library background. Implications: Analysing these blog posts provides further insight into angry library patrons which might not otherwise be found in existing anger studies in a library setting and problem library patron research. Uncovering what is said in the blogosphere about angry library patrons will give a picture of a wide range of anger issues which may be relevant for library staff members as they try to better understand angry library patrons. While this study was not able to retrieve as much blog posts from an angry library patron’s perspective as originally planned, a study noting the key difference of opinions between angry library patrons and library staff members could be investigated in the future</p>

Determinants of the Use of Knowledge Sources in the Adoption of Open Source Server Software

2012 ◽  
pp. 287-304
Author(s):  
Kris Ven ◽  
Jan Verelst
Keyword(s):  
Open Source ◽  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Knowledge Sources ◽  
External Knowledge ◽  
Capacity Theory ◽  
Knowledge Barriers ◽  
Server Software ◽  
Use Of Knowledge ◽  
Insight Into

Previous research suggests that the adoption of open source server software (OSSS) may be subject to knowledge barriers. In order to overcome these barriers, organizations should engage in a process of organizational learning. This learning process is facilitated by exposure to external knowledge sources. Unfortunately, this leaves open the question of which factors determine which knowledge sources are used by organizations. In this study, the authors have performed an exploratory study on the determinants of the use of knowledge sources in the adoption of OSSS. The conceptual model developed in this study was based on the absorptive capacity theory. Data was gathered from 95 organizations to empirically investigate this model. Results provide a quite consistent view on how external knowledge sources are used by organizations in the adoption of OSSS. Moreover, results provide more insight into the context in which the adoption of OSSS takes place.

scholarly journals Small Houses, Big Community: Tiny Housers’ Desire for More Cohesive and Collaborative Communities

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 16
Author(s):  
Chelsey Willoughby ◽  
Severin Mangold ◽  
Toralf Zschau
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Systematic Research ◽  
Community Characteristics ◽  
Theoretical Understanding ◽  
Quantification Analysis ◽  
The Individual

Past research on the tiny house movement has primarily focused on understanding the individual motivations behind adopting the tiny house lifestyle. While some studies have suggested that tiny housers do entertain an interest in community, no systematic research exists that examines the actual complexities of this phenomenon. To make first inroads into this body of literature, twenty-four community-oriented tiny housers were interviewed about their ideal community. Interview questions ranged from definitions of community to specific ideas of the nature of community characteristics. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and then coded in NVivo 12.0. Four main themes and eleven subthemes emerged from the qualitative content analysis. Select themes were then subjected to a subsequent quantification analysis in order to refine and deepen the theoretical understanding. The findings of this exploratory study suggest that a majority of tiny housers desire to be part of more cohesive and collaborative communities. While stressing the importance of community, tiny housers also expressed concerns over privacy. To explain the findings, the paper offers a set of arguments situated in the broader socio-cultural texture of our time.

ERP Usage in Practice

2011 ◽  
pp. 21-42
Author(s):  
Mary C. Jones ◽  
Randall Young
Keyword(s):  
Enterprise Resource Planning ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Resource Planning ◽  
Organizational Changes ◽  
Erp Systems ◽  
Fortune 1000 ◽  
Organizational Configuration ◽  
Erp Software ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
The Way

This study presents the results of an exploratory study of Fortune 1000 firms and their enterprise resource planning (ERP) usage, as well as benefits and changes they have realized from ERP. The study empirically examines ERP in these organizations to provide insight into various aspects that firms can use to evaluate how they are managing their ERP systems. Findings provide information about functionality implemented, extent to which benefits are realized, extent of ERP-related organizational changes firms have realized, and the way firms measure ERP success. The study also addresses the extent to which various types of ERP software have been implemented and whether there is a relationship between type of software and benefits. Finally, it examines ERP-enabled change in light of organizational configuration.

scholarly journals The International wheelchair basketball federation’s classification system

Kinesiology ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 117-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bartosz Molik ◽  
James J. Laskin
Keyword(s):  
Classification System ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Elite Athletes ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Functional Classification ◽  
Wheelchair Basketball ◽  
Current Classification ◽  
Survey Responses ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Current Classification System

The purpose of this exploratory study was to evaluate opinions of elite athletes, coaches and classifiers regarding the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation’s (IWBF) functional classification system. We were also interested in the athletes’ perspective regarding potential changes to the classification system. In addition, we compared the generalized opinions reported by the athletes to those of coaches and classification officers. This survey was administered during the Wheelchair Basketball Gold Cup (Amsterdam, 2006). Seventy-nine athletes, 50 men and 29 women, as well as 12 coaches and 14 classifiers completed the survey. The first part of the survey addressed demographic characteristics of the participants. The second part focused on their opinions regarding the current classification system. Based on the survey responses, athletes reported that the IWBF classification system is generally satisfactory. However, athletes as well as coaches and classification officers did report some specific concerns about this classification system. These concerns included changes in an athlete classification, athlete cheating and communication between classifiers and athletes. Athletes, coaches and classifiers, as the wheelchair basketball’s primary constituent groups, have a vested interest in the evolution of the game and should be included in the evaluation and modifications to the functional classification system. This study has demonstrated that a classification specific survey could&nbsp;provide useful information and insight into the perspectives of these constituent groups.

In sickness and in health: The strains and gains of caring for a chronically ill or disabled spouse

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 75-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria L Solomi ◽  
Rachel E Casiday
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Subjective Experience ◽  
Marital Relationship ◽  
Chronically Ill ◽  
Subjective Experiences ◽  
Relational Experiences ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Insight Into

Objectives To examine the subjective experiences of spousal carers, focusing on positive, negative, and relational aspects of this role. Methods Mixed-methods exploratory study involving questionnaires ( N = 40) and in-depth interviews ( N = 8) with spousal carers in the southwest of England. Results Participants used a combination of negative and positive terms to describe their experiences, with the cared-for spouse's mental acuity, behavior towards the carer, and amount of care required, impacting on carers' subjective experience. Women were more likely to report neglecting their own health because of being a carer ( p = 0.02). The marital relationship itself was highly significant, and many carers took special measures to maintain and develop their marital bonds. Carers adapted to their roles in various ways, with those finding acceptance of their situation and accessing support appearing to cope best with the demands of the role. Discussion This study, though based on a small and geographically restricted sample, offers insight into the positive, negative, and relational experiences of spousal carers. Support that encourages carers to engage in health-promoting activities, and ideally provides opportunities for both partners to be involved in such activities together, may be particularly beneficial.

Favorite Activity Interview as a Window into the Identity of People with Parkinson's Disease

2006 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 56-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily J. DeGroat ◽  
Kathleen Doyle Lyons ◽  
Linda Tickle-Degnen
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Personal Identity ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Verbal Communication ◽  
Activity Participation ◽  
Verbal Content ◽  
Identity Expression ◽  
Insight Into

The purpose of this study was to document the degree to which a brief segment of an occupational therapy interview about favorite activities served as a window into personal identity and experience in clients with Parkinson's disease. Two-minute segments of videotaped interviews of 12 participants with Parkinson's disease were transcribed and analyzed. A verbal content measure was developed, its reliability tested, and its items correlated with participants' self-rated personality and mood. Overall, the inter-rater reliability for this verbal content measure was acceptably high, and many expected associations between participant verbal content and participant identity as related to personality and mood were found. The results tentatively suggest that the client's discussion of favorite activity participation, as well as the tone and frequency of the client's verbal communication, can provide insight into the identity of the client, and this information is available to the practitioner even for clients who have difficulty expressing their identities nonverbally. This exploratory study establishes a foundation for further research in the area of identity expression through verbal content in individuals with diminished nonverbal expressiveness.

Does this Smile Make me Look White? Exploring the Effects of Emotional Expressions on the Categorization of Multiracial Children

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 218-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven O. Roberts ◽  
Kerrie C. Leonard ◽  
Arnold K. Ho ◽  
Susan A. Gelman
Keyword(s):  
Facial Expressions ◽  
Person Perception ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Emotional Expressions ◽  
Cultural Implications ◽  
Multiracial Children ◽  
Insight Into

Abstract Previous research shows that Multiracial adults are categorized as more Black than White (i.e., Black-categorization bias), especially when they have angry facial expressions. The present research examined the extent to which these categorization patterns extended to Multiracial children, with both White and Black participants. Consistent with past research, both White and Black participants categorized Multiracial children as more Black than White. Counter to what was found with Multiracial adults in previous research, emotional expressions (e.g., happy vs. angry) did not moderate how Multiracial children were categorized. Additionally, for Black participants, anti-White bias was correlated with categorizing Multiracial children as more White than Black. The developmental and cultural implications of these data are discussed, as they provide new insight into the important role that age plays in Multiracial person perception.

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