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Latina women living in the USA experience disproportionately higher rates of psychological distress compared to their non-Latina White counterparts. Poor maternal mental health during pregnancy can contribute to intergenerational mental health disparities. Through this pathway, mothers experiences, environments, and exposures (henceforth exposures) during pregnancy become biologically embodied and can negatively affect the fetus and life-long developmental trajectories of her child. One of the exposures that can affect mother-offspring dyads is the neighborhood. With the goal of integrating anthropological and sociological theories to explain mental health disparities among pregnant Latina women, we explored how perceptions of neighbor attitudes may influence mental health during pregnancy. We analyzed self-reported responses from 239 pregnant Latina women in Southern California (131 foreign-born, 108 US-born) on their mental health and perceived attitudes of their neighbors using multiple linear regression models. Among foreign-born Latina women, living in neighborhoods with more favorable views of Latinos was associated with lower depression scores (pooled β =  - .70, SE = .29, p = .019) and lower pregnancy-related anxiety scores (pooled β =  - .11, SE = .05, p = .021), but greater state anxiety scores (pooled β = .09, SE = .04, p = .021). Among US-born women, there were no associations between neighbor attitudes and mental health. Overall, results suggest that social environments are correlated with mental health and that foreign-born and US-born Latinas have varied mental health experiences in the USA. Our findings highlight the importance of improving aspects of neighborhood cohesion as part of maternal-fetal care management.

BACKGROUND: Improving shared decision-making using a treat-to-target approach, including the use of clinical outcome measures, is important to providing high quality care for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We developed an Electronic Health Record (EHR) integrated, patient-facing sidecar dashboard application that displays RA outcomes, medications, and lab results for use during clinical visits (RA PRO dashboard). The purpose of this study was to assess clinician perceptions and experiences using the dashboard in a university rheumatology clinic. METHODS: We conducted focus group (FG) discussions with clinicians who had access to the dashboard as part of a randomized, stepped-wedge pragmatic trial. FGs explored clinician perceptions towards the usability, acceptability, and usefulness of the dashboard. FG data were analyzed thematically using deductive and inductive techniques; generated themes were categorized into the domains of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). RESULTS: 3 FG discussions were conducted with a total of 13 clinicians. Overall, clinicians were enthusiastic about the dashboard and expressed the usefulness of visualizing RA outcome trajectories in a graphical format for motivating patients, enhancing patient understanding of their RA outcomes, and improving communication about medications. Major themes that emerged from the FG analysis as barriers to using the dashboard included inconsistent collection of RA outcomes leading to sparse data in the dashboard and concerns about explaining RA outcomes, especially to patients with fibromyalgia. Other challenges included time constraints and technical difficulties refreshing the dashboard to display real-time data. Methods for integrating the dashboard into the visit varied: some clinicians used the dashboard at the beginning of the visit as they documented RA outcomes; others used it at the end to justify changes to therapy; and a few shared it only with stable patients. CONCLUSIONS: The study provides valuable insights into clinicians perceptions and experiences with the RA PRO dashboard. The dashboard showed promise in enhancing patient-clinician communication, shared decision-making, and overall acceptance among clinicians. Addressing challenges related to data collection, education, and tailoring dashboard use to specific patient populations will be crucial for maximizing its potential impact on RA care. Further research and ongoing improvements in dashboard design and implementation are warranted to ensure its successful integration into routine clinical practice.

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BACKGROUND: Effective primary care necessitates follow-up actions by the patient beyond the visit. Prior research suggests room for improvement in patient adherence. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to understand patients views on their primary care visits, the plans generated therein, and their self-reported adherence after 3 months. METHODS: As part of a large multisite cluster randomized pragmatic trial in 3 health care organizations, patients completed 2 surveys-the first within 7 days after the index primary care visit and another 3 months later. For this analysis of secondary outcomes, we combined the results across all study participants to understand patient adherence to care plans. We recorded patient characteristics and survey responses. Cross-tabulation and chi-square statistics were used to examine bivariate associations, adjusting for multiple comparisons when appropriate. We used multivariable logistic regression to assess how patients intention to follow, agreement, and understanding of their plans impacted their plan adherence, allowing for differences in individual characteristics. Qualitative content analysis was conducted to characterize the patients self-reported plans and reasons for adhering (or not) to the plan 3 months later. RESULTS: Of 2555 patients, most selected the top box option (9=definitely agree) that they felt they had a clear plan (n=2011, 78%), agreed with the plan (n=2049, 80%), and intended to follow the plan (n=2108, 83%) discussed with their provider at the primary care visit. The most common elements of the plans reported included reference to exercise (n=359, 14.1%), testing (laboratory, imaging, etc; n=328, 12.8%), diet (n=296, 11.6%), and initiation or adjustment of medications; (n=284, 11.1%). Patients who strongly agreed that they had a clear plan, agreed with the plan, and intended to follow the plan were all more likely to report plan completion 3 months later (P

This paper aims to contribute knowledge about the influences of leaders' perceptions of digitalisation on arrangements for leading the expansion of access to and application of digital technologies in K–12 education. Supporting the digitalisation of K–12 education requires digital competence. School organisers' and school leaders' digital competence and perceptions of digitalisation contribute to how digital technologies are employed in schools. Survey and participant observations were used to investigate leaders' perceptions of digitalisation in K–12 education. The data were analysed using thematic analysis and theory of practice architecture. The results show that perceptions of digitalisation in K–12 education influence arrangements by allowing opportunities for enhanced quality in teaching and equality within and among schools. Further, collaborations between leaders, sharing ideas and experiences, and enhancing leadership are elements that contribute to the shaping of leaders' perceptions of digitalisation in schools. This paper contributes to the knowledge of leaders' perceptions of expanding the access to and application of digital technologies in schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Weight stigma refers to the social rejection, discrimination, and ideological devaluation of individuals because of body size and is a direct result of weight bias and anti-fat attitudes. Individuals with higher weight may be less likely to seek healthcare due to weight stigma, and if or when they do present for care, medical providers with weight bias may fail to provide high quality care. Little, however, is known about the intersectionality of weight stigma and perceptions of healthcare interactions as experienced by individuals who also binge eat. Methods: Community-based adults completed online self-report questionnaires regarding generalized weight stigma (Attitudes Towards Obese Persons1), healthcare interaction quality (Patient Perceptions of Healthcare Provider Interaction Quality; PPH), and disordered eating (Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire) via Amazon's Mechanical Turk platform. For this cross-sectional study, participants were categorized by the presence and absence of regular binge episodes. Pearson's correlations, T-tests, ANOVA/ANCOVA, and a multivariate regression were used to examine relationships among demographic variables, weight stigma, disordered eating, and the PPH. Results: Participants (N = 648) primarily identified as female (65.4%) and White, non-Hispanic (72.7%). Participants' average age and body mass index (BMI) were 37.5 (SD = 12.3) years old and 27.3 (SD = 6.9) kg/m2, respectively. Higher healthcare provider interaction quality ratings (PPH) were significantly related to lower BMI (r(648)=-0.098,p = 0.012), less weight stigma (r(648) = 0.149,p < 0.001), and identifying as a woman (t(514) = 2.09, p = 0.037, Cohen's d = 0.165) or White, non-Hispanic (t(646)=-2.73, p = 0.007, Cohen's d=-0.240). Participants reporting regular binge eating endorsed significantly worse perceptions of healthcare provider quality than those who did not, even after accounting for BMI, F(1, 645) = 8.42, p = 0.004, η2 = 0.013. A multivariate linear regression examining the PPH as dependent, and weight stigma and binge eating as independent, variable/s, was significant even after accounting for covariates (sex, race, BMI), F(95, 640) = 7.13,p < 0.001, R2 = 0.053 (small effect). Conclusions: More negative experiences with healthcare providers was associated with worse weight stigma, higher BMI, regular binge eating and overall disordered eating, and for participants identifying as male or a Person of Color. These data have implications for non-clinical community populations and are particularly important as experiencing poorer quality of interactions with healthcare providers may decrease individuals' likelihood of seeking needed care for both disordered eating and health-related concerns. Trial Registration: N/A. Plain English summary: Weight stigma refers to the discrimination towards individuals because of body size. Individuals who identify as a Person of Color and who experience binge eating may experience additional discrimination, resulting in barriers to receiving healthcare. To examine these relationships, a community-based sample (N = 648) completed health- and eating-related questionnaires online. Participants who had higher weight rated their perceptions of their interactions with healthcare providers as lower quality. People of Color and men reported lower quality of perceptions of their healthcare provider interactions compared to White, non-Hispanic and female participants, respectively. Participants reporting less weight stigma also reported more positive interactions with their healthcare providers. Participants who reported regular binge eating episodes reported worse quality of interactions with their healthcare providers compared to those who did not report regular binge eating, regardless of their weight. Participants endorsing more stigmatizing views of individuals with higher weight and those reporting regular binge eating were more likely to report poorer perceived quality of interactions with healthcare providers, regardless of their weight, race/ethnicity, or sex. These findings are of particular importance as experiencing poor quality interactions with healthcare providers may be a barrier to receiving needed healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Prostate cancer (PCa) is a major health issue among men, with risk factors such as age, family history, genetics, and race being well known. However, the impact of lifestyle choices has often been overlooked. This study aimed to understand health professionals' perceptions of PCa risk factors to design a questionnaire applicable to the male population. Three focus groups were conducted to discuss topics, such as the impact of diet, physical activity, alcohol consumption, smoking, sexual health, and screening and treatment methods. Although healthy lifestyles can generally improve PCa outcomes, no specific lifestyle change has been identified as a preventive measure, particularly for older adults. Lycopene, present in tomatoes, was highlighted for its antioxidant benefits. This study demonstrates the necessity for additional research on how lifestyle affects PCa and emphasizes the importance of health professionals in encouraging the adoption of healthier habits. It also suggests exploring non-invasive screening through urine and innovative treatment methods to reduce false positives and side effects, respectively. Prostate cancer (PCa) accounts for 20% of new cancer cases and 10.5% of cancer-associated mortality in Portugal. Associated risk factors include advanced age, family history, genetic alterations, and race/ethnicity. However, the role of lifestyle factors is often underestimated. To explore health professionals' perceptions of PCa risk factors, a qualitative study with three focus groups (FG), with a total of twenty-one general practitioners and urologists, was conducted via videoconference between February and April 2023. Seven themes emerged, including general perceptions of PCa; PCa risk factors; nutritional impact; the role of physical activity; alcohol consumption and smoking; sexual activity and sexually transmitted diseases roles in PCa; and screening, diagnosis, and treatment methods. Despite agreeing that healthy lifestyles could promote better PCa outcomes and quality of life, participants did not specify any lifestyle factors that could promote or prevent this disease, posing challenges to lifestyle changes, particularly among older adults. Non-invasive screening methods, such as biomarkers and alternative treatments, are crucial for future research. This study underscores the need for further investigation into the correlation of lifestyle factors with PCa and highlights the necessity of health professionals in encouraging their patients to adopt healthier lifestyles, while offering important insights into awareness, prevention, and alternative screening, diagnosis, and treatment methods, which could help reduce false positives and treatment side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to explore the perceptions of frontline Healthcare Workers (HCWs) towards managing COVID-19 in Tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. Method: This qualitative exploratory study was conducted from January to May 2021 at a Tertiary care hospital designated for COVID-19 patients in Rawalpindi Pakistan. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted from twenty six HCWs. To acquire a sample that was diverse in terms of professional capacity, degree of experience and exposure, purposive sampling technique was used. After thematic analysis, themes were generated by identifying patterns among codes. Results: Five themes emerged. All HCWs experienced significant amount of negative emotions including fear, uncertainty, imposing social distancing and workload. There were also positive experiences such as rewarding, call of duty and professional growth. HCWs experiences related to personal protective equipment (PPE) were communication issues, physical and dermatological issues, reuse and working confidently while wearing PPE. HCWs were buoyed by cooperation and facilitation, trainings and health education from administration. Coping mechanisms were used such as seeking team support, adjusting cognition to deal with reality and resorting to religion. Conclusion: Negative emotions predominated in the beginning and positive emotions emerged gradually. PPE and administrative support played significant role. HCWs’ mental health was maintained in part by their self-coping styles. The findings of this study can be employed to inform and enhance future pandemic response initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Massive waste generation linked to overconsumption is considered one of the most significant socio-ecological issues today, becoming a challenge for health and well-being and a barrier to achieving sustainability. Education is key to raising awareness and involving citizens in the adoption of responsible consumption habits, facilitating the recognition of the relationship between our daily activities and the production of waste. The aim of this exploratory study is to analyse the perceptions and commitments of future secondary school teachers (FTs) toward this issue and to explore the educational approaches they propose to address it in the classroom (n = 138). In this work, a mixed-methods approach was used based on quantitative and qualitative data collected through a questionnaire. The results show that FTs have difficulties in recognising the different factors involved in the problem of massive waste generation. However, they incorporate the health and ecological vision, which is close to the holistic vision of the One Health approach. The majority of them take personal responsibility for the problem, although they opt for low-effort options. Regarding the educational proposals they design, only a minority can do it following a commitment-oriented approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a lack of standardized measurement tools globally to assess knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of expecting women toward prenatal screening. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify reasons women pursue or decline prenatal screening and compare the strengths and limitations of available measurement tools used to assess pregnant women's perceptions, knowledge, and attitudes toward prenatal screening. This review followed the five-step York methodology by Arksey and O'Malley and incorporated recommendations from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis checklist for the extraction, analysis, and presentation of results. The five steps consisted of: (1) identification of the research questions; (2) searching for relevant studies; (3) selection of studies relevant to the research questions; (4) data charting; and (5) collation, summarization, and reporting of results. Four online databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) were selected after the librarian's development of a detailed search strategy. The Rayyan platform was used between June 2023 and August 2023 to epitomize the articles produced from our search. A total of 68 eligible studies were included in the analysis. The top five major reasons for declining prenatal screening uptake included (1) being unsure of the risk of prenatal screening and harm to the baby or miscarriage (n = 15), (2) not considering action such as termination of pregnancy for prenatal screening to be considered as necessary (n = 14), (3) high cost (n = 12), (4) lack of knowledge about testing procedures and being anxious about the test (n = 10), and (5) being worried about probability of false negative or false positive results (n = 6). Only 32 studies utilized scientifically validated instruments. Difficulties in capturing representative, adequately sized samples inclusive of diverse ethnicities and demographics were pervasive. Findings highlight the need for rigorous validation of research measurement methodologies to ensure the accuracy and applicability of resulting data regarding the assessment of prenatal screening perceptions, knowledge, and attitudes across diverse female populations. Registration: N/A. Plain Language Summary: Measurement tools used to assess knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of pregnant women toward prenatal screening The following systematic review provides a comprehensive summary and quality evaluation of measurement tools used globally to assess the role of knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of pregnant women in seeking prenatal tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psychiatry is a branch of medicine that focuses on mental, behavioral and emotional well-being. Complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine has been an increasingly popular choice for patients with psychiatric disorders, therefore our study aimed to explore the perceptions of psychiatry researchers and clinicians on the use of CAIM. Methods: We conducted an online, anonymous, cross-sectional survey for researchers and clinicians who have published their work in psychiatry medical journals that are indexed in MEDLINE. 42,667 researchers and clinicians were sent the link to the survey after extraction of their email addresses from their respective publications. Respondents were asked numerous multiple-choice questions regarding their perceptions on various CAIM therapies, followed by an open-ended question where they could include any additional thoughts. Results: The survey was completed by 987 respondents, with a majority identifying as a researcher (n=447, 46.51%), or as both a researcher and a clinician (n=368, 38.29%) within the field of psychiatry. Most respondents (n=629, 78.04%) perceived mind-body therapies such as meditation, biofeedback, hypnosis, and yoga to be the most promising CAIM therapy for the prevention, treatment, and management of psychiatric diseases. Many participants said that they agree (n=285, 38.14%) that most CAIM therapies in general are safe, however, many disagree that CAIM therapies are effective (n=245, 32.93%). Respondents indicated that there is value to conducting research on CAIM therapies (n=356, 47.91%), and that there should be more funding allocated to researching these therapies (n=265, 35.71%). Respondents were also in agreement that clinicians should receive training on CAIM therapies through formal education (n=295, 39.76%) or supplementary education (n=380, 51.28%). Conclusion: The findings from this study showed that there is great interest and potential in researching CAIM within the field of psychiatry. This information can be used as a basis for further research and to develop tailored educational resources for researchers and clinicians in psychiatry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective solutions to biodiversity loss are multidimensional, requiring engagement from diverse stakeholders across various sectors and commitment levels. In this context, voluntary actions from community members emerge as a valuable addition to the large‐scale nature conservation activities conducted by states and municipalities. Such actions complement biodiversity protection measures and legal requirements aimed at companies. This article delves into the rescaling of biodiversity offsetting to the community members level and explores it from the perspective of community members. Through workshops organized in four Finnish municipalities, participants were prompted to reflect on biodiversity offsetting in their daily lives. The results show community members' limited resources to conduct pro‐biodiversity actions and highlight their diverse interpretations of the topic. Beyond direct biodiversity‐enhancing action, like maintaining rural biotopes, eradicating alien species, or protecting forests, workshop participants called for indirect actions. These included education, eco‐taxes, and the development of sharing economies. Thus, rather than solely focusing on biodiversity offsetting or the mitigation hierarchy, these suggestions underscore the need for diverse pro‐biodiversity actions at the community member's level. Furthermore, the results highlight the need for support that enables community members and communities' work for biodiversity. Introducing the concept of nature amends addresses this need, enhancing the mitigation hierarchy's capacity to incorporate community members in nature conservation endeavors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Globally, the majority of kindergarten-aged children face obesity issues and insufficient physical activity (PA) engagement. Regular PA participation can provide various health benefits, including obesity reduction, for kindergarten-aged children. However, limited studies have investigated the factors influencing kindergarten-aged children's PA engagement from the perspective of their teachers. This qualitative study aimed to identify factors that could help promote PA among kindergarten-aged children from teachers' perspectives, including facilitators, barriers, and teachers' recommendations. Methods: Fifteen kindergarten teachers (age range: 28–50 years; mean age: 38.53 years) with teaching experience ranging from 2 to 31 years (mean: 16.27 years) were recruited from Shanghai municipality, Henan, and Jiangsu provinces in China. One-on-one semi-structured interviews were conducted via face-to-face (n = 7) or telephone (n = 8) to gather insights into factors influencing PA promotion among kindergarten-aged children. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using a constant comparison approach based on grounded theory, which involved open, axial, and selective coding processes. Results: The study revealed mutual theoretical support between themes and the social-ecological model (SEM), as factors identified in the study are distributed at various levels of the SEM. Twelve factors were identified at four levels of the SEM: (1) intrapersonal level (children's personality and skills), (2) interpersonal level (family, peers, and teachers influence), (3) organizational level (school environment and resources, opportunities for kindergarten teachers' training and children's PA, design and organization of PA, and PA that children need), (4) community level (family-school partnerships). Conclusion: Various factors at different levels can influence kindergarten-aged children's PA. The study's findings revealed that these factors are distributed across the first four levels of SEM, with the majority being at the organizational level. These multilevel findings are expected to assist in developing and implementing more effective PA interventions for kindergarten-aged children. Future research is warranted to identify strategies for promoting PA among kindergarten-aged children at the policy level of the SEM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to explore maternity care providers' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions about the use of calcium supplements during pregnancy for the prevention of preeclampsia in three hospitals from Metropolitan Buenos Aires, Argentina. We conducted semi-structured interviews and followed a thematic analysis framework. Maternity care providers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding calcium supplementation during pregnancy are linked to barriers to the potential implementation of calcium supplementation. Free provision of calcium supplements by the government, coupled with training that reinforces the scientific evidence supporting their use to prevent preeclampsia, along with documented recommendations from credible sources, would be crucial to ensure that health providers adopt the use of calcium supplements in antenatal care. Future studies should assess pregnant women and policymakers' perceptions about calcium supplementation during pregnancy, as well as local infrastructure to provide access to free-of-charge calcium supplements in antenatal care settings. Economic evaluation with local information could inform policymakers and advocate for the implementation of strategies to reduce preeclampsia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare necessitates understanding the perspectives of future practitioners. This study investigated the perceptions of German-speaking medical and dental students regarding the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in their future practices. Methods: A 28-item survey adapted from the AI in Healthcare Education Questionnaire (AIHEQ) and the Medical Student's Attitude Toward AI in Medicine (MSATAIM) scale was administered to students in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland from April to July 2023. Participants were recruited through targeted advertisements on Facebook and Instagram and were required to be proficient in German and enrolled in medical or dental programs. The data analysis included descriptive statistics, correlations, t tests, and thematic analysis of the open-ended responses. Results: Of the 409 valid responses (mean age = 23.13 years), only 18.2% of the participants reported receiving formal training in AI. Significant positive correlations were found between self-reported tech-savviness and AI familiarity (r = 0.67) and between confidence in finding reliable AI information and positive attitudes toward AI (r = 0.72). While no significant difference in AI familiarity was found between medical and dental students, dental students exhibited slightly more positive attitudes toward the integration of AI into their future practices. Conclusion: This study underscores the need for comprehensive AI education in medical and dental curricula to address knowledge gaps and prepare future healthcare professionals for the ethical and effective integration of AI in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies benefit learners with complex communication needs (CCN) by allowing them to participate, interact and learn. AAC is realised in the South African Education policy; however, research indicates that many teachers still have limited AAC knowledge. With this study we aimed to describe the effect of a newly developed evidence-based AAC training programme on special school teachers' perceptions of their own abilities related to teaching learners with CCN as well as their perceptions of the general academic, communication, and classroom interaction skills of learners with CCN and finally the teachers' perceptions of the inclusion of learners with CCN. A quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test group design with a non-randomised control group was used, employing a standardised measuring instrument, with 5 subscales, namely the modified teachers attitude scale (MTAS). The sample size included 58 teachers who participated: 6 in the pilot, 34 in the experimental and 18 in the control group. The brief AAC training session of 4 hours had a positive, statistically significant effect on several items on the subscales measuring teachers' perceptions of their abilities related to teaching learners with CCN, as well as their perceptions of the communication of learners with CCN, classroom interaction skills, and teachers' perceptions on the inclusion of learners with CCN. AAC training is recommended for special school teachers to enhance their own knowledge and to enhance the academic and social skills of learners with CCN. Furthermore, future studies are recommended to determine the prevalence of learners with CCN to influence the planning of services for this population in this context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are widely promoted as effective tools for conserving biodiversity and safeguarding ecosystem services. However, MPA success can be hindered by a lack of legitimacy and low social support because of perceived negative effects on ecosystem services and human well-being. Despite these social challenges, the social dimensions of marine conservation, such as the effects of MPAs on coastal livelihoods and local communities' perceptions of these effects, are often overlooked in conservation initiatives. In this study, we use a mixed methods approach, combining qualitative thematic analysis and quantitative network analysis derived from interviews and focus group discussions, to examine the perceptions of key stakeholder groups about the Litoral Norte MPA in Portugal. Our findings reveal that most stakeholder groups hold more negative than positive views about the governance and management of the MPA. Key concerns include unsatisfactory participation in MPA decisions and perceptions that the MPA fails to deliver positive social and ecological outcomes, such as increased community involvement, fair income distribution, and enhanced fish abundance. Policy makers and managers need to address these negative perceptions to improve conservation governance and management. By considering the stakeholder feedback presented in this study, such as fostering better engagement with the local community and transforming conflicts into opportunities for co-developing new conservation actions with local resource users, policy makers and managers can increase support for Litoral Norte and enhance the social and ecological outcomes of the MPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To investigate potential equine clients' perceptions of equine veterinarians based on attire. SAMPLE 763 horse owners/lessees. METHODS Participants were invited to complete a survey shared mainly via equestrian social media pages between August and October 2022.1-3 Survey participants were shown pictures of a male veterinarian and a female veterinarian in 7 outfits ranging from casual to business attire and were asked to score the veterinarian on 7 traits: easygoing attitude, friendliness, compassion, trustworthiness, professionalism, competence, and cost of services. The survey asked which of the traits were most valued in an equine veterinarian, as well as whether various aspects of appearance including tattoos, piercings, and hair dyed a nonorganic color were acceptable for equine veterinarians. RESULTS Of the 2,655 individuals who opened the survey, 763 responses were included. Respondents were predominantly female (743/763 [97.4%]) from rural areas (493/763 [64.6%]). Only 37.1% (283/763) of respondents agreed that what a veterinarian wears influences their confidence in them. The highest-ranked traits in an equine veterinarian were knowledge/competency (mean ± SD, 1.46 ± 0.98), followed by trustworthiness (2.34 ± 1.08) and compassion (3.50 ± 1.20), with coveralls and scrubs being the preferred attire clients associated with these attributes (with the exception of compassion, for which polo shirt/jeans was the preferred attire). T-shirt/jeans was consistently ranked lowest by respondents in association with these attributes, except in the area of compassion, where polo shirt/black pants was ranked lowest. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Our findings suggested the attire and appearance of equine veterinarians can impact client perceptions, with veterinarians wearing scrubs and coveralls associated with higher competency and trustworthiness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Emergency Department (ED) has seen increased patient attendance and difficulty meeting demands. New healthcare professions such as Physician Associates (PAs) are being utilised to complement the existing medical workforce. Despite the growth of their professions in the United Kingdom, little evidence is available about the perceptions of their roles. Objective: This study aims to provide evidence of doctors', PAs' and patients' perceptions of the PA role in the UK ED. Methods: A mixed methods approach consisted of the following: 1.An online exploratory survey of ED doctors at one English ED over 1 month (February–March 2022).2.Post consultation semi‐structured patient questionnaires over 2 weeks (April 2022).3.Semi‐structured virtual interviews with ED consultants across the four regions of the United Kingdom (3 months in 2022).4.Semi‐structured virtual interviews with ED PAs across the four regions of the United Kingdom (3 months in 2022). The analysis methods that were used included frequency counts and percentages from closed questions, and hybrid thematic analysis of free text and interview transcripts. Results: Four ED consultants and four ED PAs across the United Kingdom were interviewed. Twenty‐eight ED doctors participated in the online survey. Fifty‐seven patients completed the post consultation questionnaire. Four main themes (PAs being fit for purpose; patient recognition of PAs, PAs providing continuity of care, and future PAs and regulation) were deduced as per the General Medical Council, Good Medical Practice domains (knowledge, skills and development; patients, partnership and communication; colleagues, culture and safety; and trust and professionalism). Other subthemes were induced via hybrid thematic analysis. In this study, doctors and patients had mixed comments about the role of PAs. Most of them were positive as doctor participants perceived PAs to be knowledgeable, highly skilled, with mostly good communication skills, team players, providing continuity of care and overall being fit for purpose. However, some doctor participants commented negatively about PAs for providing little quality healthcare and being inexperienced. There was a desire for career progression among the PA participants and a need to work to their full potential. Although the clinicians of this study displayed a clear understanding of the PA role in the ED, a high frequency of surveyed patients mistook PAs for doctors. It was suggested that future PAs could complete a postqualification programme in emergency medicine, combine roles, be paid on an alternative scale and be formally regulated. Conclusion: In this study, mixed views were expressed by ED consultants, ED junior doctors and patients regarding the role of the PA in the ED. Stakeholders can use the information presented to develop a better understanding of the perceptions of the PA role within the UK ED. Patient or Public Contribution: The Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) group, led by Healthwatch, made significant contributions to the study's design by providing valuable feedback on the information sheets and consent forms utilised. The patients' responses helped guide the study's direction and shape its future work. As part of the dissemination activities, the study findings was shared with both the PPIE team and Healthwatch media production team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public satisfaction is an important indicator of the success of environmental policies and management practices. China's sponge city development (SCD) initiative was launched in 2014 and has received international attention for its technical advancements and environmental achievements. Public satisfaction, however, has not been fully investigated in cities transformed by SCD. This study uses public surveys and structural equation modeling to evaluate people's satisfaction with SCD in four pilot sponge cities, and how familiarity with SCD, perceived benefits, concerns about adverse effects, and trust in government influence satisfaction levels. The results show that people in the four cities were, on average, slightly satisfied with SCD. Familiarity, perceived benefits, and trust in government were significant determinants of public satisfaction. On the contrary, concerns about the adverse effects of SCD did not significantly influence people's satisfaction. Moreover, a mismatch was found between government-led evaluation outcomes and satisfaction measured here. This study highlights the importance of social and perceived values in shaping people's satisfaction with SCD and provides suggestions for management strategies for enhancing public satisfaction, ultimately supporting the long-term effectiveness of urban stormwater management programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ultra-processed food (UPF) is currently not included in most countries' dietary guidance. However, there may be growing public interest and consumer avoidance of UPF due to media reporting of studies on the negative health outcomes associated with UPFs. Methods: We surveyed 2386 UK adults (M age = 45 years, 50% female) during February–April 2024. Participants completed measures on awareness of the term UPF, whether the UPF status of foods affects their dietary decision-making, and confidence in identifying UPFs. Participants categorised a list of 10 foods (5 UPFs and 5 non-UPFs) as UPF vs. not, before rating whether information about studies linking UPF to worse health impacts on their negative affect and acts as a deterrent to consuming UPFs. Results: Most participants (73%) were aware of the term UPF and 58% reported that their food choices are determined by whether they believe a food is ultra-processed or not. Participants with the highest income and education levels were most likely to report both being aware of, and, avoiding consuming UPFs. Most participants could not accurately categorise whether foods were UPFs. Some sociodemographic groups (e.g., higher education levels) were more likely to accurately categorise UPFs but were also more likely to incorrectly believe that non-UPFs were UPFs. Participants tended to report that UPF-health risk information increases negative affect and acts as a deterrent to consuming UPFs. Conclusions: In this study, a large number of UK adults reported avoiding consuming UPFs. This was particularly pronounced among those with the highest education and income levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With the ever‐increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into health care, it becomes imperative to gain an in‐depth understanding of how health care professionals, specifically nurse practitioners, perceive and approach this transformative technology. Objectives: This study aimed to gain insights into nurse practitioners' perceptions and attitudes toward AI adoption in health care. Methods: This qualitative research employed a descriptive and phenomenological approach using in‐depth interviews. Data were collected through a semi‐structured questionnaire with 37 nurse practitioners selected through purposive sampling, specifically Maximum Variation Sampling and Expert Sampling techniques, to ensure diversity in characteristics. Trustworthiness of the research was maintained through member checking and peer debriefing. Thematic analysis was employed to uncover recurring themes and patterns in the data. Results: The thematic analysis revealed nine main themes that encapsulated nurse practitioners' perceptions and attitudes toward AI adoption in health care. These included nurse practitioners' perceptions of AI implementation, attitudes toward AI adoption, patient‐centered care and AI, quality of health care delivery and AI, ethical and regulatory aspects of AI, education and training needs, collaboration and interdisciplinary relationships, obstacles in integrating AI, and AI and health care policy. While this study found that nurse practitioners held a wide range of perspectives, with many viewings AI as a tool to enhance patient care. Conclusions: This research provides a valuable contribution to the evolving discourse surrounding AI adoption in health care. The findings underscore the necessity for comprehensive education and training in AI, accompanied by clear and robust ethical and regulatory guidelines to ensure the responsible integration of AI in health care practice. Furthermore, fostering collaboration and interdisciplinary relationships is pivotal for the successful incorporation of AI in health care. Policymakers should also address the challenges and opportunities that AI presents in the health care sector. This study enhances the ongoing conversation on AI adoption in health care by shedding light on the perspectives of nurses, thereby shaping future strategies for AI integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large number of non‐native trees (NNTs) have been introduced globally and widely planted, contributing significantly to the world's economy. Although some of these species present a limited risk of spreading beyond their planting sites, a growing number of NNTs are spreading and becoming invasive leading to diverse negative impacts on biodiversity, ecosystem functions and human well‐being. To help minimize the negative impacts and maximize the economic benefits of NNTs, Brundu et al. developed eight guidelines for the sustainable use of NNTs globally—the Global Guidelines for the Use of NNTs (GG‐NNTs).Here, we used an online survey to assess perceptions of key stakeholders towards NNTs, and explore their knowledge of and compliance with the GG‐NNTs.Our results show that stakeholders are generally aware that NNTs can provide benefits and cause negative impacts, often simultaneously and they consider that their organization complies with existing regulations and voluntary agreements concerning NNTs. However, they are not aware of or do not apply most of the eight recommendations included in the GG‐NNTs.We conclude that effectively managing invasions linked to NNTs requires both more communication efforts using an array of channels for improving stakeholder awareness and implementation of simple measures to reduce NNT impacts (e.g. via GG‐NNTs), and a deeper understanding of the barriers and reluctance of stakeholders to manage NNT invasions. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As part of the fight against coronavirus disease, Nigeria received nearly 4 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine via the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) Facility, marking a historic step towards equitable global distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. Although evidence exists on COVID-19 hesitancy in Nigeria, yet, we are unaware of any study on the optimization of COVID-19 vaccination from the lenses of the mobile teams. Objective: This study seeks to explore the perceptions and experiences of mobile teams in selected communities during the implementation of COVID-19 vaccination in Benue and Niger. Methods: An exploratory approach was adopted, and the study was conducted in Niger and Benue states based on poor performance in COVID-19 vaccination. Focus Group Discussions (FDGs) were conducted among 12 mobile vaccination teams from 12 LGAs. The recorded discussions were transcribed and coded (inductively and deductively) using Dedoose software (v9.0). Four themes and seven sub-themes were generated from the participants' responses. Results: Seventy-two (72) health workers including vaccinators, validators, Electronic Management of Immunization Data (EMID) recorders, social mobilizers, and paper recorders participated in this study. Health workers' perceptions and experiences were thematized using the health building blocks. The mobilization teams in Benue and Niger states perceived that their mobilization efforts contributed to improved coverage, increased accessibility, and reduced hesitancy among the community dwellers. Challenges reported by the teams were vaccine misconceptions, requests for incentives in exchange for vaccine uptake, poor network services, distance to communities, and vaccine stockout. Conclusion: This study concluded that social mobilizers play key roles in vaccine uptake, especially at the community level. Their roles in creating awareness, sensitization, and bringing the vaccine closer to hard-to-reach communities contributed to the success attained in the fight against COVID-19 in both states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pharmacogenomics (PGx) constitutes an important part of personalized medicine and has several clinical applications. PGx role in clinical practice is known, however, it has not been widely adopted yet. In this study, we aim to investigate the perspectives of Greek physicians regarding the implementation of PGx testing in clinical practice and the key issues associated with it. Methods: Fourteen interviews were conducted with physicians of various specialties for which PGx applications are available. A semi-structured interview guide was utilized based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) context and the Diffusion of Innovation model. Transcripts were coded independently and compared by two members of the research team. Descriptive statistics were generated using Microsoft Excel. Results: Six main themes emerged: awareness and use of PGx testing; source of information; key stakeholders of the PGx supply chain, their interactions and change agents; clinical benefit and significance of PGx testing; barriers and lack of reimbursement; and recommendations to boost the PGx adoption rate. Most respondents were aware of PGx applications, but only three had already recommended PGx testing. Peer-reviewed journals along with clinical guidelines were regarded as the most used source of information while stakeholders of the PGx supply chain were discussed. PGx was considered that promote patient-centered care, enhance medication clinical effectiveness, decrease the risk of side effects, and reduce healthcare costs. Lack of reimbursement, scarcity of resources, and high PGx cost were the foremost barriers affecting PGx adoption. Conclusions: It was concluded that if case PGx testing is reimbursed and physicians' training is reinforced, PGx implementation will be boosted and improved shortly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Heightened scrutiny surrounds the inappropriate use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) due to concerns regarding potential serious adverse effects (AEs). Understanding the impact of these AEs on real-world practice is crucial. This study aimed to assess physicians’ perceptions, experiences, awareness, and beliefs regarding published data on potential AEs associated with PPIs. Additionally, it sought to determine alterations in PPI prescribing patterns resulting from these AEs, explore attitudes towards PPI use, and ascertain recommendations for PPI use in clinical scenarios with varying levels of risk for upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). Method: A quantitative, cross-sectional study utilized a self-administered questionnaire, inviting 282 physicians from 55 primary healthcare centers and 334 internal medicine physicians from seven governmental hospitals to participate. Results: With a response rate of 87.8% (541/616), 74% (95% CI: 70.2–77.7) of respondents were somewhat or very familiar with published data on PPI AEs. Among the familiar, 69.5% (CI: 65.2–73.5) had somewhat or very much changed their PPI prescribing patterns. General concerns about AEs when prescribing PPIs were reported by 62% (CI: 56.7–65.1). Respondents displayed awareness of a median (IQR) of 15 (9) different AEs associated with long-term PPI use, including osteoporosis or osteopenia (90.2%), hypomagnesemia (81.5%), vitamin B12 deficiency (80.6%), and bone fracture (80.0%). Respondents believed that PPIs elevate the risk for a median (IQR) of 7 (6) different AEs, with osteoporosis or osteopenia (81.8%) being the most common, followed by hypomagnesemia (67.1%), and vitamin B12 deficiency (62.3%). The most common strategies for PPI de-escalation were PPI discontinuation (61%) and using PPI on-demand/as needed (57.9%). The majority (87.4%) agreed or strongly agreed that PPI overuse is prevalent in Kuwait and 78.2% emphasized the necessity for large-scale education on rational PPI use for medical staff and the public. In the UGIB prevention scenarios, 43.6% recommended appropriately the PPI discontinuation in the minimal-risk scenario, while 56% recommended appropriately the PPI continuation in the high-risk scenario. Associations and comparative analyses revealed predictors influencing physicians’ practices and attitudes toward PPI usage. Conclusion: These findings lay the foundation for future research and targeted interventions aimed at optimizing PPI prescribing practices and ensuring patient safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective/context: In 2020, Ucayali was the Peruvian region with the highest loss of Amazonian forest (47,267 hectares). Measures have been taken regarding climate commitments and environmental governance, but the results continue without notoriety, and mitigation actions are limited. From a subnational approach, the article seeks to analyze the perceptions of brokers and actors involved about the implementation of forest policies in the Ucayali region. Methodology: Based on a qualitative strategy that included semi-structured interviews and a co-construction workshop to evidence the perceptions of the actors involved, with direct knowledge of the territory and implementation, and intermediary agents (brokers), the latter with the capacity to influence the decisions made regarding the formulation of action plans. Conclusions: The results demonstrate the existence of a structural difficulty in achieving short- or long-term change actions. There are institutional limitations but also a lack of support from civil society. Originality: Considering the type and limited number of studies on perceptions of climate change-oriented policies, the results obtained allow for generating relevant evidence for policy formulation processes and articulation between different levels of government. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Gender-based dating violence is common among adolescents. This violence has global repercussions and can have immediate and delayed consequences on health. Also, cases of dating violence and sexual abuse using technology are increasing. The aim of this research is to describe and understand the perceptions and experiences of Spanish university students aged 18 to 22, about gender-based dating violence and its perpetuation through social media. (2) A qualitative descriptive study was used, following the five consolidated criteria for reporting and publishing COREQ qualitative research. (3) The inductive analysis of the data obtained in the focus group session and the individual interviews of the twelve participants was organised into three major themes: the concept of gender violence that Spanish youth have, the education they have received on gender-based violence and whether they consider that social media are a way to exercise this type of violence. (4) Spanish youth have a broad vision of the attitudes and behaviours that make up gender-based dating violence in an affective relationship. The education received at home is of vital importance for young people, but not all receive it. Social media are frequent tools through which many young people perpetuate controlling partner violence and normalise aspects and situations of gender violence, making it necessary to stress them in prevention programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the article is to identify the perceptions, meanings, and resignifications that the inhabitants of Sígsig canton, Azuay province (Ecuador), assign to archaeological heritage. It also attempts to explain how these ways of understanding and using such heritage come into conflict and friction when managed exclusively within a legal and institutional framework. To analyze the ambiguities arising from the dichotomy between public management and the local populations' uses and meanings of heritage, this study employs the theoretical frameworks of public archaeology and the methodological approach of participatory cartographies. By analyzing national and local heritage regulations and conducting interviews and mappings with actors from the educational, political, and general society sectors, it is suggested that institutional management views heritage as an identity, historical, and economic resource through tourism. Additionally, this management is characterized by a fiscalizing, regulatory, and sanctioning logic, while the inhabitants understand, incorporate, and use archaeological objects and vestiges in their daily lives. This usage fosters a direct connection with oral traditions, intangible aspects, and, above all, with nature. Thus, frictions were identified between the social and political uses of heritage, which regularly involve themes such as gold, mining, and water, within a framework of collective imaginaries and discourses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Higher education institutions continuously seek ways to improve teaching methods and enhance student learning experiences by leveraging emerging technologies in the classroom. One such technology is ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence (AI) application. The integration of AI technology in aviation education has the potential to transform teaching and learning experiences. This study aims to investigate the acceptance and integration of ChatGPT in aviation education and understand the benefits and challenges associated with integrating such technology. The study employs a mixed methods approach, combining qualitative focus group discussions with aviation professors and a quantitative survey administered to students. The study included 50 participants. The qualitative sample consisted of four aeronautical science professors with varying course expertise. The study's quantitative portion comprised 46 undergraduate students enrolled in the aeronautical science degree program. The participants were selected from two upper-level writing-intensive courses, aviation legislation and the senior capstone course. The qualitative findings highlight the potential benefits of AI, including personalized learning experiences, exposure to diverse educational resources, enhanced research capabilities, and interactive learning opportunities. However, concerns were raised regarding the dependency on AI, the limitations of AI-generated feedback, and the potential reduction of individualized guidance from educators. The quantitative results indicate a significant positive impact of AI on students' learning experiences, critical thinking skills, and learning outcomes. Students reported that AI-assisted learning enhanced their engagement, comprehension, and ability to synthesize large amounts of data. However, some students expressed reservations about overreliance on AI and the potential limitations and biases associated with AI systems. This study highlights the need to strike a balance between the benefits of AI and the preservation of meaningful instructor-student interactions. Future research directions include investigating the long-term impact of AI integration in aviation education, examining the alignment of learning outcomes with AI implementation, and redefining instructional strategies to integrate AI tools effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence demonstrating the essential role of human service nonprofits in restoring justice to communities has led to an increased need in understanding how these nonprofits view their service delivery role in relation to the state in a restorative justice context. Despite the increase in funding dedicated to restorative justice programs and increased collaborations between states and nonprofits, few studies have explored perceptions of collaborative restorative justice roles in state-led initiatives. This exploratory qualitative study uses semi-structured interviews to understand how leaders in these programs view their organization's roles in restorative justice implementation. The analysis evaluates the variations in perceptions among nonprofits leaders as well as the differences in perceptions between nonprofit versus public managers/policy makers. Results indicate that nonprofit leaders and public managers/policy makers view nonprofits as pivotal to restorative justice policy implementation given their capacity to engage in grassroots problem-solving and develop strengths-based programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Physical agent modalities (PAMs) are used by occupational therapists to prepare for or facilitate participation in purposeful activities. However, little has been published in the last quarter century regarding how U.S. occupational therapists use and are prepared to use of PAMs in contemporary clinical practice. In this study, U.S.-based occupational therapists were surveyed regarding their use of PAMs, preparation for use, and perceptions of that preparation. Methods: Survey data was collected from a purposive sample of 141 U.S.-based occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants as part of this exploratory-descriptive, mixed-methods study. Thematic and descriptive statistical analyses were completed using quantitative and qualitative data. Results: Quantitative data provided a current profile of types, frequency, and settings in which PAMs are used, along with sources and perceptions of training. Qualitative data yielded three themes, including (a) benefit of experiential learning, (b) benefit of continuing education, and (c) relative adequacy of entry-level training. Conclusions: Findings from this study serve as an initial step in understanding contemporary use of PAMs in clinical occupational therapy practice. Further study is needed to expand the knowledge base in the profession and support an evidence-informed approach to care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Despite the development of national recommendations and training programs for effective leadership, junior and senior medical leaders often find themselves ill-prepared to take on these new responsibilities. This study aimed to explore physicians' perceptions, feelings, and beliefs regarding leadership and to provide recommendations regarding appropriate training and institutional post-training support. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study at the Geneva University Hospitals. A purposeful sample of residents (R), fellows (F), attending physicians (A), and chairpersons (CP) were invited to participate in focus groups (or semi-structured interviews) between April and June 2021. We investigated their understanding of leadership, self-perception as leaders, difficulties, and paths to improvement in their leadership skills. Focus groups were transcribed verbatim and analyzed both inductively and deductively using Fishbein's model of behavior prediction and Irby's professional identity formation framework. Results: We conducted ten focus groups (R=3; F=4, A=2, and CP=1) and one interview (CP). Physicians expressed poor self-efficacy at all hierarchical levels: feelings of insecurity and confusion (R and F), frustration (A), and feeling stuck between divisional and institutional governance (CP). Such negative feelings were nurtured by personal beliefs with an intuitive and idealized representation of leadership. Beliefs focused more on personal characteristics rather than on skills, processes, or perceived institutional norms. Unclear expectations regarding physicians' role as leaders, overemphasis on academic achievement, and silo professional organizations fueled their feelings. Participants reported developing their leadership through trial and error, observing role models, and turning to personal resources rather than formal training. Conclusion: Our results show that physicians' leadership skills are still mainly acquired intuitively and that institutional norms do not encourage clarification of leadership roles and processes. Physician training in leadership skills, together with more explicit and clear institutional processes, may help to improve physicians' self-efficacy and develop their identity as leaders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Settlement expansion and commercial agriculture affect landscape sustainability and ecosystem service provision. Integrated landscape approaches are promoted to negotiate trade-offs between competing land uses and their reconciliation. Incorporating local perceptions of landscape dynamics as basis for such negotiations is particularly relevant for sub-Saharan Africa, where most people depend on natural ecosystems for livelihoods and well-being. This study applied participatory scenario building and spatially explicit simulation to unravel perceptions of the potential impact of rubber and settlement expansion on the provision of selected ecosystem services in southwestern Ghana under a business-as-usual scenario. We collected data in workshops and expert surveys on locally relevant ecosystem services, their indicator values, and the probable land-use transitions. The data was translated into an assessment matrix and integrated into a spatially explicit modeling platform, allowing visualization and comparison of the impact on ecosystem service provision of land-use scenarios under rubber plantation and settlement expansion. The results show the capacity of current (2020) and future land-use patterns to provide locally relevant ecosystem services, indicating a decline in capacity of ecosystem service provisioning in the future compared to the 2020 land-use patterns, a threat to the benefits humans derive from ecosystems. This highlights urgent need for policies and measures to control the drivers of land-use/land-cover change. Furthermore, the results emphasize the importance of diversifying land-use/land-cover types for sustainable landscape development. The paper contributes new insights into how spatially explicit and semi-quantitative methods can make stakeholder perceptions of landscape dynamics explicit as a basis for implementing integrated landscape approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a landscape, perceptions can influence people's actions and behavior toward natural resource use. Improving landscape governance, therefore, requires understanding the different concerns of stakeholders operating within the landscape. This paper analyzes the perceptions of local stakeholders—local landscape users, practitioners engaged in conservation and sustainable resource use, and private actors—regarding the landscape governance system, using the Q-methodology to identify common concern entry points for the implementation of a landscape approach in the Western Wildlife Corridor (WWC) in northern Ghana. To this end, individual interviews and focus groups were conducted with local communities and organizations operating in three Community Resource Management Areas (CREMAs). They identified destructive livelihood activities, constrained livelihoods, and a weak governance system as the main challenges, and the need to balance livelihoods with conservation, strengthening landscape governance through the CREMA initiative, and awareness raising as the main solutions. Thus, the Q-method allowed identifying common concern entry points regarding landscape challenges, governance issues, and potential solutions. I argue that consensus among stakeholders regarding these challenges and solutions could lay the groundwork for a multi-stakeholder process in the area, which could help foster the implementation of an integrated landscape approach in the WWC landscape. It is crucial to support the livelihoods of local people to reduce pressures on natural resources. It is also important to strengthen the functioning of local CREMA management bodies with technical, logistical, and financial support. Implementing a participatory monitoring and evaluation mechanism is critical in this regard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Pedagogía Social is the property of Pedagogia Social and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Perceptions of law enforcement shape a willingness to report crime and are particularly important for sex crimes and among groups oppressed or neglected by the legal system. We examine three types of perceptions of justice—the fairness of outcomes (distributive), procedures (procedural), and victim treatment (interpersonal). We expect each measure of justice perceptions to increase the likelihood of reporting, or recommending a friend report, a hypothetical sexual assault to police. Our survey of 18- to 24-year-old women (N = 1,414) oversampled women of color and stratified the sample by educational attainment. In a series of path analyses, we find full support for our hypotheses about reporting one's own sexual assault and partial support for encouraging a friend to report based on perceptions of three forms of justice. In addition, we examined indirect effects of sexual identity and race on reporting intentions and discuss how those patterns are partially driven by negative perceptions of justice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores EFL teachers’ perceptions of the language learning plateau and identifies the recommendations teachers have for overcoming it. Thematic analysis is used to analyse the data from ten English teachers who teach students from intermediate to advanced levels. The findings show that there is a lack of awareness of the term among EFL teachers, yet the idea of the plateau is familiar. Surprisingly, some teachers are found to be in the plateau themselves. This study also discusses the issues teachers are struggling with, and some useful strategies they use to help students move beyond the plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Illegal river sand mining in regions like the Limpopo Province poses severe threats to ecosystems and communities. Nevertheless, the community's perspectives concerning these effects have not been determined. Thus, the aim of the investigation was to assess community perceptions regarding the environmental consequences linked to river sand mining in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study employed mixed methods to acquire the primary data. The quantitative data were acquired using questionnaires; meanwhile, the qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews from various respondents. The demographic profile of the respondents indicated a predominantly male population, with a majority lacking formal qualifications. Additionally, the prevalence of very high unemployment rates in the area seemed to influence participation in the activity. Consequently, some perceived it as an economic opportunity to generate income for their sustenance. It has been found that as developments increase, the demand for river sand increases as well, leading to a high extraction rate of sand. Lastly, the extraction of the resources was found to be un-regulated or controlled; therefore, it is concluded that unregulated extraction of these resources resulted in a high extraction rate and environmental crises such as un-rehabilitated pits, water pollution, land pollution, among others. It is therefore recommended that collaborative efforts among relevant authorities to enforce stringent regulations and penalties. Equally vital are public awareness campaigns, which can play a pivotal role in educating communities about the environmental repercussions of illegal sand mining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Profile: Issues in Teachers' Professional Development is the property of Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Facultad de Ciencias Humanas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: This study aims to analyze radiologic technology student's perceptions of artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in radiology. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted. A pre-validated survey questionnaire with 17 items related to students perceptions of AI and its applications was used. The sample included radiologic technology students from three universities in Saudi Arabia. The survey was conducted online for several weeks, resulting in a sample of 280 radiologic technology students. Results: Of the participants, 63.9% were aware of AI and its applications. T-tests revealed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0471) between genders with male participants reflecting slightly higher AI awareness than female participants. Regarding the choice of radiology as specialization, 35% of the participants stated that they would not choose radiology, whereas 65% preferred it. Approximately 56% of the participants expressed concerns about the potential replacement of radiology technologists with AI, and 62.1% strongly agreed on the necessity of incorporating known ethical principles into AI. Conclusion: The findings reflect a positive evaluation of the applications of this technology, which is attributed to its essential support role. However, tailored education and training programs are necessary to prepare future healthcare professionals for the increasing role of AI in medical sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In the current technological era, the implementation and use of information and communication technology are crucial for productivity and organizational management in the health sector. This study aimed to investigate factors influencing staff acceptance of the Hospital Management System (HMS) using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) in a private hospital in Selangor, Malaysia. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and administrative staff, to explore their experiences and perceptions of the HMS. Data collection was performed through interviews and observations and analyzed using thematic analysis with ATLAS.ti. Results: The study identified five key themes influencing HMS acceptance: performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, and behavioral intention. Participants emphasized the importance of system reliability, speed, and user-friendly interfaces for efficient workflow. Peer support and a technology-promoting organizational culture positively influenced system use. Comprehensive training and continuous technical support were crucial for user confidence. Despite recognizing the system's benefits, participants highlighted challenges such as inadequate system integration and the need for simultaneous digital and traditional record-keeping. Conclusion: Addressing these issues and tailoring the HMS to meet specific departmental needs can enhance user satisfaction and system effectiveness. The study underscores the importance of understanding user needs and providing robust support systems to facilitate the successful implementation and adoption of HMS in healthcare settings.

Abstract Landslides are a major concern for hilly regions worldwide, claiming lives and livelihoods. Early detection and warning systems are crucial in mitigating the impact. This paper aims to identify and analyse the existing landslides early warning systems (LEWS) by analysing the community awareness and assessing the perception of the respondents toward the effectiveness of existing warning systems in Bududa District, Uganda. LEWS are integrated systems designed to monitor, assess, and provide timely alerts about potential landslides. Through mixed methods with sample size of 199 participants, the study revealed that majority of the respondents’ (48.2%) lacked awareness about existing landslide early warning systems, while 28.2% were none committal, with only 23.7%, indicating awareness of some of these systems. Further identified that weather stations were the most popular (44.9%), and community radios (41%). Additionally, majority of the respondents (51.3%) ranked the systems effectiveness in terms of providing early detection and timely warning at 25%, and only 9.6% of the respondents ranked their effectiveness at 75%. The study recommends that Bududa district officials should increase community awareness of the installed landslide early detection and warning systems through sensitization programs, the Government should develop customized landslide detection and early warning system.

Abstract This paper aims to contribute knowledge about the influences of leaders’ perceptions of digitalisation on arrangements for leading the expansion of access to and application of digital technologies in K–12 education. Supporting the digitalisation of K–12 education requires digital competence. School organisers’ and school leaders’ digital competence and perceptions of digitalisation contribute to how digital technologies are employed in schools. Survey and participant observations were used to investigate leaders’ perceptions of digitalisation in K–12 education. The data were analysed using thematic analysis and theory of practice architecture. The results show that perceptions of digitalisation in K–12 education influence arrangements by allowing opportunities for enhanced quality in teaching and equality within and among schools. Further, collaborations between leaders, sharing ideas and experiences, and enhancing leadership are elements that contribute to the shaping of leaders’ perceptions of digitalisation in schools. This paper contributes to the knowledge of leaders’ perceptions of expanding the access to and application of digital technologies in schools.

This study aims to explore the role of multiple leadership styles in bank performance, with disruption as a moderator in Indonesia. The study uses a probability sampling technique with random sampling types. The main data source was the distribution of questionnaires. 300 bank employees were targeted, and 450 data inputs were received upon completion of the survey. The data were processed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) with Partial Least Square Structural Software. The data analysis obtained a construct and discriminant validity value of 0.7 and achieved an R-Square of 0.743. The results of this study showed that multiple leadership styles, consisting of transformational leadership style, ethical leadership style, and servant leadership style, influence bank performance (P-Value 0.000). Disruption also influences bank performance (P-Values 0.000); however, disruption does not moderate the influence of leadership styles on bank performance (P-Value 0.993). This study emphasizes the importance of multiple leadership styles that combine transformational leadership style, ethical leadership style, and servant leadership style in managing banking business performance. This study significantly contributes to leadership development initiatives in the dynamic Indonesian banking industry and offers future research directions. AcknowledgmentWe thank all respondents that participated in the survey. Data availability can be found in https://bitly.cx/uuN0l

Abstract Background Weight stigma refers to the social rejection, discrimination, and ideological devaluation of individuals because of body size and is a direct result of weight bias and anti-fat attitudes. Individuals with higher weight may be less likely to seek healthcare due to weight stigma, and if or when they do present for care, medical providers with weight bias may fail to provide high quality care. Little, however, is known about the intersectionality of weight stigma and perceptions of healthcare interactions as experienced by individuals who also binge eat. Methods Community-based adults completed online self-report questionnaires regarding generalized weight stigma (Attitudes Towards Obese Persons1), healthcare interaction quality (Patient Perceptions of Healthcare Provider Interaction Quality; PPH), and disordered eating (Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire) via Amazon’s Mechanical Turk platform. For this cross-sectional study, participants were categorized by the presence and absence of regular binge episodes. Pearson’s correlations, T-tests, ANOVA/ANCOVA, and a multivariate regression were used to examine relationships among demographic variables, weight stigma, disordered eating, and the PPH. Results Participants (N = 648) primarily identified as female (65.4%) and White, non-Hispanic (72.7%). Participants’ average age and body mass index (BMI) were 37.5 (SD = 12.3) years old and 27.3 (SD = 6.9) kg/m2, respectively. Higher healthcare provider interaction quality ratings (PPH) were significantly related to lower BMI (r(648)=-0.098,p = 0.012), less weight stigma (r(648) = 0.149,p

Green infrastructure has emerged as an opportunity to balance sociocultural and ecological benefits, alongside the potential for biodiversity conservation in cities. However, key design challenges that remain unsolved including 1) how to effectively balance biodiversity conservation and sociocultural benefits, and 2) how user's perception and knowledge may affect the acceptance of conservation interventions in parks. In this study, we used a mixed methods approach in which focus groups were used to explore users' perceptions of landscape attributes, their benefits, biodiversity, climate change, and conservation interventions in parks. This was followed by face-to-face interviews with the broader general public to quantitatively assess perceptions and acceptability for conservation interventions in parks. While plant density and functional diversity were identified as key landscape attributes, trade-offs may occur with other attributes such as multi-functionality and the order of the vegetation. Most conservation interventions had high acceptance levels, where the decrease of grass in parks was the most controversial attribute. All interventions were correlated with the importance of landscape attributes and climate change concerns, but poorly associated with knowledge of native biodiversity. The results support 1) increasing the functional diversity of plants in parks as a way to balance environmental and sociocultural benefits and promote the acceptability of conservation interventions, however such an increase should be linked to designs that respect notions of order and other park uses, and 2) environmental education based on climate change may be the key to improving acceptability of these initiatives.