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Background: Real-world evidence (RWE) can reinforce clinical trial evidence in health technology assessment (HTA). Objectives: Review HTA bodies’ (HTAbs) requirements for RWE, real uses, and acceptance across seven countries (Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom) and outline recommendations that may improve acceptance of RWE in efficacy/effectiveness assessments and appraisals processes. Methods: RWE requirements were summarized based on HTAbs’ guidelines. Acceptance by HTAbs was evaluated based on industry experience and case studies. Results: As of June 2022, RWE methodological guidelines were in place in three of the seven countries. HTAbs typically requested analyses based on local data sources, but the preferred study design and data sources differed. HTAbs had individual submission, assessment, and appraisal processes; some allowed early meetings for the protocol and/or results validation, though few involved external experts or medical societies to provide input to assessment and appraisal. The extent of submission, assessment, and appraisal requirements did not necessarily reflect the degree of acceptance. Conclusion: All the countries reviewed face common challenges regarding the use of RWE. Our proposals address the need to facilitate collaboration and communication with industry and regulatory agencies and the need for specific guidelines describing RWE design and criteria of acceptance throughout the assessment and appraisal processes.

The aim of this paper is to investigate the role of deontic modality as a strategic means of mitigating evaluative meanings within and across texts. Evaluative meanings concern the function of language as used to express the speaker’s or writer’s subjective opinions, and such meanings have been extensively analysed through Appraisal framework. The framework has been used to account for evaluative/attitudinal meanings in texts, as well as dealing with the interaction of voices as one way through which speakers and writers can attribute evaluations to third parties in order to downplay or distance themselves from the evaluations that are expressed. Within the literature on Appraisal, however, the potential for deontic modality to mitigate subjective evaluation in texts has largely been overlooked and, thus, under-analysed. In this paper therefore, we develop a systems network for analysing the role of deontic modality and its interaction with other features as a tool for text analysis. We illustrate the distinctions in the network with examples of contrasting values from hard news stories that covered the 2011 public sector workers’ strike in Botswana and finish up with a short textual analysis to demonstrate how the consideration of deontic modality as a strategy of mitigation can not only enhance our understanding of how evaluative meanings are downplayed or overridden in texts, but also of how the distinctions between text types themselves can be blurred.

Abstract Background Preterm birth is a leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality and a defining event for pregnant people, infants, and whānau (extended families). Recommendations have been made for a national preterm birth prevention initiative focusing on equity in Aotearoa New Zealand, including the development of a national best practice guide. An understanding of the number and quality of guidelines, and consideration of their suitability and impact on equity is required. Methods Guidelines were identified through a systematic literature search, search of professional bodies websites, and invitation to regional health services in Aotearoa New Zealand. Obstetric and midwifery clinical directors were invited to report on guideline use. Identified guidelines were appraised by a 23-member trans-disciplinary Review Panel; quantitatively using the AGREE-II instrument and qualitatively using modified ADAPTE questions. The quality of guidelines available but not in use was compared against those in current use, and by health services by level of maternity and neonatal care. Major themes affecting implementation and impact on equity were identified using Braun and Clarke methodology. Results A total of 235 guidelines were included for appraisal. Guidelines available but not in use by regional health services scored higher in quality than guidelines in current use (median domain score Rigour and Development 47.5 versus 18.8, p

This qualitative study was conducted to assess the performance appraisal on employee’s productivity at the Department of Basic Education in Limpopo, South Africa. Performance appraisal refers to the methods and processes that organisations use to evaluate their employees' level of performance. This usually entails assessing employees' performance and offering them with feedback on both the quantity and quality of their work. The study examined the kind of tool Department of Basic Education utilize and the effects of performance appraisal on employee’s productivity. The researchers adopted a qualitative approach in this study in order to better understand performance reviews and employee experiences. Data was gathered through interviews with senior/junior managers purposively chosen. Additionally, subordinates selected from a simple random sample based on their responsibilities, backgrounds, and experience. As a result, the study used a verbatim transcription to capture every detail of the interview. The data was then analysed using thematic mapping. The research findings demonstrated the inefficiency of the current performance management and development method. The study also shows that workers are unmotivated and no longer have faith in the evaluation process. The findings further show that supervisors' management and implementation of the system are prejudiced, which demotivate employees as a result. According to the study, the current system has to be changed or revised in order to address the gaps and issues that have arisen as a result of prejudice and ineffective execution. The study also suggests that in order for the system's goals to be met, managers need acquire the right training, and staff should receive training as well to have knowledge about the system.

In the context of natural disasters, the leader’s attitude undoubtedly has a significant impact on the victims. The use of language in responding to such disasters is one manifestation of the leader’s attitude, which is also inseparable from interpersonal functions. The discourse employed by leaders must be carefully crafted to prevent the emergence of negative stigmas among the public and to build effective leadership. Therefore, this qualitative descriptive research aims to investigate how leaders respond to natural disasters in North Sumatra, Indonesia. The leader’s discourse is utilized as research data, extracted from five selected speeches by Edy Rahmayadi retrieved from mass media official YouTube. This data is then analyzed using appraisal analysis. The results indicate that Edy’s discourse contains sources of positive, negative, and neutral attitudes. He presents resources of positive, negative, and unbiased attitudes as a leader. Additionally, he tends to involve various contextual domains that influence why his lexical choices are perceived as positive, negative, or even neutral, such as social relationships (tenor), religious factors, and humanitarian considerations. The result reveals the nuanced role of language in shaping public response and leadership effectiveness. Understanding how leaders’ linguistic choices—shaped by their personal and cultural backgrounds—can influence both immediate reactions and long-term perceptions. This research underscores the broader significance of effective communication in crisis management, relevant to international contexts where leadership and language intersect in disaster response.

AbstractThis paper aims to assess the level of awareness of safety precautions in the use of extension cords in Ho Municipality in Ghana. The relevance of this study is to provide an understanding of the awareness level of safety measures likely to lead to a significant reduction in incidents of domestic fire outbreaks when using an extension cord. A cross-sectional research was carried out in the Ho Municipality between February and April 2022. Six hundred and one (601) individuals were chosen from houses using a random selection method. A standardised questionnaire was used to gather data, and then entered and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) V.16. Descriptive statistics, Binary logistic regression analysis with a 0.05 p-value and the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI), Relative Importance Index (RII), and the Sample T-test were used to examine the significance of connections. Among the participants, there is a low level of awareness of extension cord ratings and standard labels from autonomous testing facilities. The participants’ knowledge of awareness was significantly related to gender; [0.722 (95% (CI): 1.476 – 2.869), p = 0.001 < (0.05)]. Again, most participants overload the extension cord during usage and practice poor safety measures that could result in a fire outbreak. The study suggests that users should purchase extension cords that have been endorsed by an autonomous testing laboratory and fully be educated on the safety procedures that will aid in safeguarding lives and property by both government and non-governmental agencies.

Background and Aim: The quality of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for the management of antithrombotic agents in patients undergoing gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy has not been systematically appraised. The goal of this study was to evaluate the methodological quality of CPGs for the management of antithrombotic agents in periendoscopic period published within last 6 years. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed and Embase databases was performed to identify eligible CPGs published between January 1, 2016, and April 14, 2022, addressing the management of antithrombotic agents in the periendoscopic period. The quality of the CPG was independently assessed by six reviewers using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument. Domain scores were considered of sufficient quality when > 60% and of good quality when > 80%. Results: The search yielded 343 citations, of which seven CPGs published by the gastroenterology associations in Asia (n = 3), Europe (n = 2), and North America (n = 2) were included for the critical appraisal. The overall median score for the AGREE II domains was 93% (interquartile range [IQR] 11%) for scope and purpose, 79% (IQR 61%) for stakeholder involvement, 79% (IQR 36%) for rigor of development, 100% (IQR 14%) for clarity of presentation, 32% (IQR 36%) for applicability, 93% (IQR 29%) for editorial independence, and 86% (IQR 29%) for overall assessment. Conclusions: The findings show that the overall methodological quality of the CPGs for the management of antithrombotic agents in the periendoscopic period varies across the domains. There is significant scope for improvement in the methodological rigor and applicability of CPGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports the results of a longitudinal study conducted between December 2019 and December 2022 (35 waves) with 979 participants in Germany. Based on event, transition, and adaptation theories, trajectories of subjective wellbeing (i.e. life satisfaction, positive affect, negative affect) were hypothesized and tested across multiple national lockdown and restriction periods. In addition, based on the transactional stress model, this study examined how individuals' stress appraisals (i.e. threat, challenge) and coping strategies (i.e. active coping, behavioral disengagement) moderate trajectories of subjective wellbeing. There was evidence for some relatively weak lockdown effects on wellbeing and for subsequent recovery effects. Evidence for moderating effects of stress appraisals and coping strategies was mixed. Overall, findings suggest that national lockdowns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic had negative, albeit on average relatively weak, effects on subjective wellbeing. Moreover, certain stress appraisals and coping strategies might help individuals maintain wellbeing in times of crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current research study was carried out as an approach to examine the mediating effect of IT infrastructure on the relationship between strategic human resource management (SHRM) (Compensation planning, Recruitment, Succession planning, and Employee development) and organizational performance. Quantitative approach was adopted and an online questionnaire was filled by a convenient sample of (193) human resource managers in chemical and pharmaceutical industries organizations in Jordan. SPSS was used in order to screen and analyze gathered primary data; results of study accepted the hypothesis arguing that strategic human resource management has the ability to influence organizational performance through the mediating influence of IT infrastructure, what is meant by that is SHRM is stronger and more able to perform its tasks with a well-built IT base in the organization which can lead to better managing of employees, and as a results better performance of employees which in its turn helps in increasing the efficiency of organizational performance. Study recommended implementing a human resource management system that is effective and efficient and able to track employee performance and provide feedback. Originality of current research lies in the fact that strategic human resource management effect on organizational performance varies depending on the specific organization and its specific needs. However, some key factors that may influence the impact of HRM on organizational performance include the extent to which SHRM is integrated into the overall business strategy, the extent to which SHRM is focused on developing and managing talent in a costeffective way and the extent to which HRM is aligned with the company's overall mission and vision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research is to determine the correlation between supply chain visibility, supply chain sustainability and the implementation of new technologies in the supply chain domain. Its significance is huge as it opens new roads of understanding the above correlation in order to assist supply chain managers to adapt to more sustainable supply chain operations This research is following the systematic literature review approach. Therefore, is following specific methods/frameworks that include a systematic screening process with inclusive/exclusive criteria, the implementation of the SALSA method, the CASP checklist, the PRISMA 2009 statement checklist with 3 items, while the findings were divided into 4 major thematic categories. The findings highlighted a strong indirect correlation between supply chain visibility and supply chain sustainability. This correlation is facilitated via the implementation of new technologies, like RFIDs, blockchain, A.I. etc. Although a lot have been written in terms of supply chain visibility and sustainability and of course, about the new technologies, their combination in the light of the strong correlation between visibility and sustainability in a supply chain have not been discussed a lot till now. The implications of the research, from a managerial point of view, are huge as they can be the springboard for the development of new approaches/operational frameworks towards more sustainable supply chains. Until now, supply chain visibility, although was a priority for supply chain professionals, was not implemented with an eye in supply chain sustainability, but instead was focused more on operational aspects. Now, with the use of new technologies, both are possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Understanding people's response to the pandemic needs to consider individual differences in priorities and concerns. The present study sought to understand how individual differences in cognitive-appraisal processes might moderate the impact of three COVID-specific factors—hardship, worry, and social support—on reported depression. Methods: This longitudinal study of the psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic included 771 people with data at three timepoints over 15.5 months. Participants were recruited from panels of chronically ill or general population samples. Depression was measured by an item response theory validated depression index created using items from existing measures that reflected similar content to the Patient Health Questionnaire-8. COVID-specific factors of hardship, worry, and social support were assessed with items compiled by the National Institutes of Health. The Quality of Life Appraisal Profilev2 Short-Form assessed cognitive appraisal processes. A series of random effects models examined whether appraisal moderated the effects of hardship, worry, and social support on depression over time. Results: Over time the association between low social support and depression was greater (p = 0.0181). Emphasizing the negative was associated with exacerbated depression, in particular for those with low social support (p = 0.0007). Focusing on demands and habituation was associated with exacerbated depression unless one experienced greater hardship (p = 0.0074). There was a stronger positive connection between recent changes and depression for those people with higher worry scores early in the pandemic as compared to later, but a stronger positive correlation for those with lower worry scores later in the pandemic (p = 0.0015). Increased endorsement of standards of comparison, emphasizing the negative, problem goals, and health goals was associated with worse depression scores (all p < 0.0001). People who were younger, disabled, or had greater difficulty paying bills also reported worse depression (p < 0.0001, 0.0001, and 0.002, respectively). Conclusion: At the aggregate level, COVID-specific stressors changed over the course of the pandemic, whereas depression and social-support resources seemed stable. However, deeper analysis revealed substantial individual differences. Cognitive-appraisal processes showed considerable variability across individuals and moderated the impact of COVID-specific stressors and resources over time. Future work is needed to investigate whether coaching individuals away from maladaptive cognitive-appraisal processes can reduce depression and lead to better overall well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Preterm birth is a leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality and a defining event for pregnant people, infants, and whānau (extended families). Recommendations have been made for a national preterm birth prevention initiative focusing on equity in Aotearoa New Zealand, including the development of a national best practice guide. An understanding of the number and quality of guidelines, and consideration of their suitability and impact on equity is required. Methods: Guidelines were identified through a systematic literature search, search of professional bodies websites, and invitation to regional health services in Aotearoa New Zealand. Obstetric and midwifery clinical directors were invited to report on guideline use. Identified guidelines were appraised by a 23-member trans-disciplinary Review Panel; quantitatively using the AGREE-II instrument and qualitatively using modified ADAPTE questions. The quality of guidelines available but not in use was compared against those in current use, and by health services by level of maternity and neonatal care. Major themes affecting implementation and impact on equity were identified using Braun and Clarke methodology. Results: A total of 235 guidelines were included for appraisal. Guidelines available but not in use by regional health services scored higher in quality than guidelines in current use (median domain score Rigour and Development 47.5 versus 18.8, p < 0.001, median domain score Overall Assessment 62.5 versus 44.4, p < 0.001). Guidelines in use by regional health services with tertiary maternity and neonatal services had higher median AGREE II scores in several domains, than those with secondary level services (median domain score Overall Assessment 50.0 versus 37.5, p < 0.001). Groups identified by the Review Panel as experiencing the greatest constraints and limitations to guideline implementation were rural, provincial, low socioeconomic, Māori, and Pacific populations. Identified themes to improve equity included a targeted approach to groups experiencing the least advantage; a culturally considered approach; nationally consistent guidance; and improved funding to support implementation of guideline recommendations. Conclusions: We have systematically identified and assessed guidelines on preterm birth. High-quality guidelines will inform a national best practice guide for use in Taonga Tuku Iho, a knowledge translation project for equity in preterm birth care and outcomes in Aotearoa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different from previous linguistic studies on rhetoric, which primarily concern the ideational semantics and the logic of sentences, this article attempts to deal systematically with the interpersonal semantics of rhetoric by drawing on the comprehensive appraisal framework of systemic functional linguistics (Martin and White 2005) and explores the mechanism of rhetorical persuasion in science communication via appraisal through a case study of the gene-modification (GM) debate in China. It first examines the rhetorical appeals of the subsystems of appraisal and then based on a self-constructed and coded corpus of GM debate discourses, it compares how institutional (the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and the Greenpeace Organization) and individual stakeholders (Cui Yongyuan and Fang Zhouzi) of different ideological interests in the GM debate mobilize the interpersonal semantic resources to rhetorical effects to persuade the audience of the safety/danger of the GM technology and products. The analysis reveals that while the opinion leaders choose 'soft' persuasion by heavily using affect and judgement resources, the institutions opt for 'hard' persuasion by utilizing more appreciation resources. The four parties all prefer contracting resources over expanding resources of engagement, which restricts the space of negotiation. Their communicative motives are interpreted through the lens of the rhetoric theory, and the implications and consequences for science communication in the post-truth era are discussed. Theoretically, the paper contributes to understanding the persuasion mechanism of appraisal and to understanding the science vs. society, and government vs. citizens relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digitally enabled circular models represent one new phenomenon that heavily rely on the power of computing and advanced digital technologies. Digital Circularity implies digitally supported day-to-day practices, more complex IT landscapes as well as higher monitoring and management skills from both users and customers. Although the literature on consumers in circular models has looked into the incentives and drivers of adopting circular consumption, little is known about their perception of the digital technologies that support the circular business models. Building both on IS research on the digitisation of the individual and the analysis of 20 interview data provided by knowledge workers, the paper provides an original take-on the negative sentiments that consumers in circular models are likely to develop toward such technologies. We propose an application of the results of our data from organisational contexts to CE environments and further discuss how exploring consumers' perceptions of IT-mediated actions is crucial to the success of the transition to CE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conducting a netnography of affect from a participatory interface on bilibili.com, this article explores emotion transmission in an interpreting task. A parallel corpus was transcribed from an interpreting assignment in a press conference led by a China–WHO joint expert team during COVID-19. Drawing on the appraisal model proposed by Martin and White, I compare the speaker's and the interpreter's attitudinal lexis, and conduct an ethnographic study of online viewers' affective comments. The findings reveal that the interpreter accentuates the force and focus of emotions in her renditions through intensification and quantification, triggering ripple emotions manifest in onscreen remarks. To understand such affect, the study examines the semiotic resource of Danmu (live comments) on the participatory website along three affect dimensions. Drawing on the audience's verbalized emotions, this research demonstrates that the interpreter foregrounds her visibility and effectively affects audience by performing as affective labor. This study contributes to empirical studies in interpreting reception by categorizing affect and broaden its application in the field of communications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatment for people with aphasia mainly concentrates on facilitating the communication of needs or providing facts. This focus is in danger of downplaying the significance of the expression of attitudes and emotion. Evaluative expression is critical for recreating identity and social interaction. However, the linguistic expression of emotions following aphasia has been insufficiently explored. This study aimed to determine which semantic-lexical devices people with aphasia used to express their opinions and views about their clinicians and rehabilitation. In-depth interviews with 50 people with aphasia describing their emotions during their rehabilitation were analyzed using the appraisal framework comprising appreciation, affect, and judgment. Speakers also graded their attitudes toward people, things, or events. Almost half of instances expressed appreciation, over one-third expressed judgment, and about 16% expressed affect. Amplification of emotions was used frequently, in over 40% of instances. Affective difficulties following aphasia and other brain injuries are among the most important factors for rehabilitation, social reintegration, and the burden on family members. To ameliorate these issues, the focus of rehabilitation in aphasia needs to shift from expressing needs toward facilitating the expression of opinions and feelings and providing people with aphasia with the opportunities and means to express their views on their healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on theories of emotion contagion and social appraisal in interpersonal affect transfer and the control-value theory of achievement emotions, the present study examined associations between students' perceptions of peer emotions and their own self-perceived emotions in English as a foreign language (EFL) classrooms. Data were collected from 103 seventh to ninth grade classrooms (n = 3,643) using self-report questionnaires. Doubly latent multilevel structural equation modeling showed that perceived peer enjoyment, anxiety and boredom, and students' corresponding emotions for language learning, were positively related and that the effects of perceived peer enjoyment, anxiety and boredom on corresponding student emotions were mediated by control and value appraisals at the individual level. At the class level, however, the mediation effects were only significant for control appraisal as a mediator of effects on anxiety and value appraisal as a mediator of effects on boredom. Effects were robust across grade level, gender and previous language achievement. The discussion centers on the practical implications of peer emotion interactions for promoting foreign language development in classroom instruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative study was conducted to assess the performance appraisal on employee's productivity at the Department of Basic Education in Limpopo, South Africa. Performance appraisal refers to the methods and processes that organisations use to evaluate their employees' level of performance. This usually entails assessing employees' performance and offering them with feedback on both the quantity and quality of their work. The study examined the kind of tool Department of Basic Education utilize and the effects of performance appraisal on employee's productivity. The researchers adopted a qualitative approach in this study in order to better understand performance reviews and employee experiences. Data was gathered through interviews with senior/junior managers purposively chosen. Additionally, subordinates selected from a simple random sample based on their responsibilities, backgrounds, and experience. As a result, the study used a verbatim transcription to capture every detail of the interview. The data was then analysed using thematic mapping. The research findings demonstrated the inefficiency of the current performance management and development method. The study also shows that workers are unmotivated and no longer have faith in the evaluation process. The findings further show that supervisors' management and implementation of the system are prejudiced, which demotivate employees as a result. According to the study, the current system has to be changed or revised in order to address the gaps and issues that have arisen as a result of prejudice and ineffective execution. The study also suggests that in order for the system's goals to be met, managers need acquire the right training, and staff should receive training as well to have knowledge about the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High levels of stress can result in college athletes experiencing symptoms of burnout and electing to terminate their sport participation. Research suggests there may be a relationship between athlete burnout and one's view of stress (Avery et al., 2022). The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between stress mindset and burnout in college athletes, while controlling for gender, coping self-efficacy, and perceived stress. College athletes (N = 118) completed measures of stress mindset, athletic burnout, coping self-efficacy, and perceived stress via online survey software. Non-parametric partial correlations were conducted to determine relationships between variables while controlling for coping self-efficacy, perceived stress, and gender. The results revealed a significant negative correlation between stress mindset and total burnout score, and the burnout subscale of reduced sense of accomplishment. Further research could examine the effectiveness of a stress mindset intervention on reducing burnout symptoms in college athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helping acts, however well intended and beneficial, sometimes involve immoral means or immoral helpers. Here, we explore whether help recipients consider moral evaluations in their appraisals of gratitude, a possibility that has been neglected by existing accounts of gratitude. Participants felt less grateful and more uneasy when offered immoral help (Study 1, N = 150), and when offered morally neutral help by an immoral helper (Study 2, N = 172). In response to immoral help or helpers, participants were less likely to accept the help and less willing to strengthen their relationship with the helper even when they accepted it. Study 3 (N = 276) showed that recipients who felt grateful when offered immoral help were perceived as less likable, less moral, and less suitable as close relationship partners than those who felt uneasy by observers. Our results demonstrate that gratitude is morally sensitive and suggest this might be socially adaptive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is an attempt to explore the depiction of racism in the era of emancipation by reviewing two representative texts: Of Our Spiritual Strivings by W. E. B. Du Bois, and The Jim Crow Laws and Racism in United States written by David Fremon, and telefilm The Birth of a Nation directed by D. W. Griffith. After the official abolition of slavery by 13th Amendment of the Constitution, the problem of racism not only emerged but reached to its peak in that epoch in United States. It adversely affected both the black and white races for a period of almost one hundred years. Racism divided social milieu in US based on skin color. Dogmatically the darker in color would mean the cursed. The hatred against Blacks was institutionalized. Racially biased laws called Jim Crow Laws were enacted by many southern states. Private gangs such as Ku Klux Klan were formed who would find excuses for lynching and killing the blacks. The blacks were marginalized up to a limit which shook their souls and called ‘double consciousness’ by W.E.B. Du Bois. The essay tries to reconnoiter the traces of miseries of blacks from slavery towards racism through interdisciplinary critique of selected writings and a film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has affected nearly every facet of life, constituting a “new normal” and prompting an ongoing collective psychological crisis. People’s ways of coping with the pandemic and corresponding well-being are of particular research interest; however, these constructs have largely been examined using deductive quantitative approaches, deficit-based lenses, and mononational samples.MethodsThe current mixed-methods study used inductive-sequential (QUAL → QUAN) approaches to explore positive coping strategies (approach coping style and COVID-related connection appraisal) and well-being (loneliness, distress, and happiness) across individuals from the United States, Japan, and Mexico. Qualitative data were gathered from N = 141 U.S., Japanese, and Mexican adults to examine how people perceived connection during the pandemic.ResultsQualitative analyses illuminated common themes in which people appraised the pandemic as an opportunity for connection and strengthened interpersonal relationships. Quantitative measures, including a newly-developed questionnaire on COVID-related connection appraisal, were then administered to a separate sample of N = 302 adults in the U.S, Japan, and Mexico to assess associations among approach coping style, COVID-related connection appraisal, and well-being outcomes (loneliness, distress, happiness). Quantitative analyses found significant associations among approach coping style, COVID-related connection appraisal, and all well-being outcomes. Of note, these associations did not differ by country. COVID-related connection appraisal mediated the relationship between approach coping style and two well-being outcomes (loneliness and happiness).DiscussionFindings point to approach coping style and connection appraisal as pathways for resilience and growth in the face of global suffering.

Suffering and misfortunes of other people are often portrayed in the media. Recipients react to these portrayals with different emotions. This article elucidates and clarifies schadenfreude (pleasure at the misfortune of others) and sympathy (feeling concern or sorrow over another person’s distress) in media experiences. A thorough literature review provides in-depth insights into the formation of affective dispositions and schadenfreude from various psychological perspectives. This conceptual analysis leads to the “Model of Individual and Social Appraisals of Misfortunes of Others” (MISAM) which first reveals the determining intrapersonal factors within the emotional experience of schadenfreude and sympathy. Second, it discloses the social component vital for understanding the construction and regulation of these emotions. The model combines individual and social appraisal processes and identifies the factors involved in the elicitation and regulation of schadenfreude and sympathy in the media reception of misfortunes. With the aim of integrating different perspectives, we incorporated Affective Disposition Theory and recent work from social psychology and used an appraisal framework. The MISAM opens the path for further investigation of schadenfreude and sympathy in media reception, beyond entertainment experiences.

The convergence of researchers in the fields of flourishing, moral psychology, and social–emotional studies has reached a stage where developing a theory that connects emotional regulation and flourishing is meaningful. This theoretical investigation aims to uncover insights from the research of Magda B. Arnold, renowned for her theory of emotions, and lesser-known for her notion of the self-ideal, regarding the relationship between emotional regulation and flourishing. Our initial hypothesis posits that Arnold’s concept of self-ideal provides a framework for understanding how to foster emotional regulation in individuals by directing it toward constructive life objectives. To achieve this, we explore the current state of emotional regulation and flourishing and the relationship between these concepts; we consider the interconnectedness of emotion and self-ideal within Arnold’s theory and analyze its potential to serve as a foundation for building a theory relating flourishing and emotional regulation. We find in Arnold’s theory substantial ideas about the relationship between emotional regulation, flourishing, and self-ideal, as well as emerging empirical research relating to these themes. We conclude that Arnold’s research can serve as a catalyst for developing psychological intervention models that enhance emotional regulation and promote a flourishing life.

IntroductionProfessional classical musicians operate within a highly demanding environment, which includes organizational, social, and emotional demands. When not effectively coped with, these demands may cause stress and negatively impact well-being. This qualitative study explored the perceived stress and well-being experiences of professional classical musicians through a transactional theory of stress. The study employed a double hermeneutic interpretation of the lived experiences of the perceived demands faced, stress appraisals made, resources used, and the influence on well-being.MethodsSix professional classical musicians were purposefully selected for participation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and participants reflected on two events: one they perceived as a positive experience and one that was negative. Transcripts were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and Group Experiential Themes emerged.ResultsThree Group Experiential Themes were identified: (a) Performance Demands; (b) Organizational Demands; and, (c) Relationship Demands. Participants predominantly appraised demands as a threat. A small number of demands were appraised as a challenge or benefit, and the fewest demands were appraised as causing harm or loss. Participants’ appraisals were informed by underlying properties of stress appraisal such as self and other comparison, and preparation. Participants often relied on personal resources as opposed to available workplace resources. They perceived well-being to relate to stress appraisals with participants experiencing acute and long-term outcomes.DiscussionThis study offers insight into the lived experience of the occupational stress process within professional classical musicians. The findings demonstrate that organizational interventions targeted at continuing professional development and social support are appropriate to help musicians cope more effectively with demands.

ABSTRACT The paper proposes a brief analysis of the main elements that, on a theoretical, normative and situational basis, affect the value of properties placed as collateral for loans, with particular reference to the value they assume in the event that they are affected by an enforced procedure instead of being subject to normal sale, in free market conditions. Starting from the classic analytical estimate of the fair market value of a real estate asset in free market conditions, the paper will quantify the value that the asset should have when the appraiser has to indicate the value from which to start the judicial auction. Considering the regulatory mechanisms in place in Italy, the paper will put in evidence how a value calculated for an execution sale of a property occurring in a foreclosure process is considerably far from its fair market value and even more from its final judicial value, considered as the amount that will be recovered at the end of the sale of the property by judicial auction. For both debtors and creditors, the significant differences between fair market, execution and judicial values become an increasingly topical issue in the face of the growing number of default and distress of loans.

Microplastics (MPs) are being released into the environment in large quantities, especially in less developed parts of the world. This group of pollutants is mostly leached into the environment through heavy plastic dumpsites, pharmaceutical and personal care product containers, hospital wastes, plastic package accessories, and litter from food packaging. Consequently, these compounds are found in different compartments of the ecosystem, such as soils, sediments, biota, and, surprisingly, drinking water. The present study systematically appraised recent studies on MP pollution in the Asian and African environments. It also summarized the trends in the methods for the environmental monitoring of MPs and the removal strategies that have been employed. From the data gathered, the two key instrumentations involved are the microscopes for visualization and the Fourier transform-infra-red (FT-IR) spectrometer to classify or characterize the MPs. Based on the surveyed works of literature, China and South Africa have relatively more information on MP contamination of diverse matrices within their countries. Meanwhile, studies on the status of MP contamination should be conducted across all countries. Hence, this study becomes an eye-opener regarding the commencement of research works on the MP contamination of the environment, especially in other Asian and African countries with little or no information. Furthermore, the literature on ecotoxicity studies of MPs was investigated to ascertain the toxic nature of these compounds. This aspect of research is vital because it serves as a prerequisite for the remediation of these compounds. Microplastics have been declared lethal to biotic components, so all hands must be on deck to continuously remove them from the environment.

Abstract Objectives Clinical research is the bedrock of clinical innovation, education and practice. We characterized and critically appraised physiotherapy clinical research to avoid implementing misleading research findings into practice and to task the Nigerian physiotherapy societies on responsible conduct of clinical research. Methods This is a systematic review of articles published in English between 2009 and 2023. We started with 2009 because at least few Nigerian Physiotherapy school had commenced postgraduate (research) training by then. We searched Pubmed, Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Academic Search Complete, PsycINFO and African Journal Online, and reference lists of relevant articles. We Data were selected and extracted according to predesigned eligibility criteria and using a standardized data extraction table. Where appropriate, the Pedro and Cochrane ROBINS1 were used to examine the risk of bias. Results A total of 76 Nigerian studies were included in this study. The mean age of the study participants was 46.7 ± 8.6 years. Approximately, 45% of the participants were males. Of the clinical experiments, the randomized controlled trial (RCT) was the most common design (87.5%). Musculoskeletal conditions (39.3%) were the most studied disorder. Approximately 86% of the RCT had studies possessed fair to good quality. Interventions constituted exercise therapy (76.3%), manual therapy (8.5%) and electrotherapy (8.5%). More than half (67.8%) of the studies recorded medium to large effect sizes. A fair proportion (48.2%) of the studies had a confounding-by-indication bias. Approximately 43% of the clinical experiments were underpowered, and a few studies conducted normality tests (10.9%) and intention-to-treat analysis (37.5%). Conclusions RCT is the most frequent clinical experiment, with majority of them possessing fair to good quality. The most important flaws include improper computation of sample size, statistical analysis, absent intention-to-treat approach, among others. The magnitude of effects of Physiotherapy interventions varies from nil effect to large effect. Musculoskeletal condition is the most prevalent disorder and exercise is the most important intervention in Nigerian physiotherapy practice. Trial registration We registered the protocol with PROSPERO. The registration number: CRD42021228514.

В данной работе осуществляется анализ экспрессивных и оценочных конструкций, объективирующих разные интенции и эмоции в русской разговорной речи. Средства и способы выражения эмоций у людей разнообразны. Эти различия наблюдаются не только у представителей разных народов, но и у представителей одной и той же нации. Экспрессивные и оценочные конструкции рассматриваются в качестве важных особенностей русской коммуникативной культуры. Актуальность данной работы заключается в необходимости изучения способов выражения эмоций, оценки экспрессивности русской разговорной речи в иранской аудитории, так как без знания вербальных форм эмоционального взаимодействия в обществе изучение русского языка, можно сказать, немыслимо. Эмоции являются неотъемлемой частью человеческой личности и определяют национально-культурное своеобразие и уникальность данной личности. Исходя из этого, одновременно с изучением эмоционального слоя русского языка происходит и усвоение иранскими студентами информации, касающейся особенностей языкового сознания и культуры русского народа. Студенты, изучающие русский язык, осваивают новую для них лингвокультуру, постигают эмоциональный язык и, можно сказать, эмоциональную картину мира в процессе обучения. Актуальность работы также определяется задачами и целями не только обучения русскому языку как иностранному в иранской аудитории, но также активного и правильного владения данным языком в неязыковой среде. Цель настоящей работы состоит в выявлении экспрессивных и оценочных конструкций, обозначающих разные интенции и эмоции в разговорной речи в русском языке и их аналогов в персидском языке. Контексты получены из системы «Национальный корпус русского языка». Анализ показал, что экспрессивные конструкции разговорной речи могут выражать различные интенции и эмоции в русском языке: удивление, согласие, возражение, предположение, отказ, сожаление, восхищение, возмущение, радость, огорчение, которые характерны и для персидского языка, но вследствие национального своеобразия в персидском языке данные интенции и эмоции имеют свои способы и средства выражения. Теоретическая и практическая значимость работы заключается в том, что результаты настоящей статьи могут быть полезными для переводчиков, а также служить дополнительным материалом на занятиях для студентов, обучающихся на кафедрах РКИ иранских вузов по соответствующим учебным дисциплинам.

This study examined the influence of performance management on teacher effectiveness in primary schools in Bulaago Coordinating Centre, Bulambuli District, Uganda. Informed by the Goal Setting Theory, the measures of performance management were goal setting, performance appraisal, and career development. The measures of teacher effectiveness were content knowledge, personal conduct, pedagogical effectiveness, professional effectiveness, and classroom management. This study employed a correlational research design with a sample of 102 teachers. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). PLS-SEM results revealed that while goal setting and career development had a positive and significant influence on teacher effectiveness, performance management appraisal had a positive but insignificant influence on teacher effectiveness. The study concluded that goal setting is important for teacher effectiveness, improper implementation of performance appraisal makes it fail to enhance teacher effectiveness, and career development is necessary for teacher effectiveness. The recommendations of the study are to the effect that administrators should emphasise goal setting in the management of schools, should improve the way of implementing appraisal, and the Ministry of Education and Sports, and school administrators should support teacher career development to enhance their effectiveness.

Abstract Background and objective The living systematic review (LSR) approach is based on ongoing surveillance of the literature and continual updating. Most currently available guidance documents address the conduct, reporting, publishing, and appraisal of systematic reviews (SRs), but are not suitable for LSRs per se and miss additional LSR-specific considerations. In this scoping review, we aim to systematically collate methodological guidance literature on how to conduct, report, publish, and appraise the quality of LSRs and identify current gaps in guidance. Methods A standard scoping review methodology was used. We searched MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), and The Cochrane Library on August 28, 2021. As for searching gray literature, we looked for existing guidelines and handbooks on LSRs from organizations that conduct evidence syntheses. The screening was conducted by two authors independently in Rayyan, and data extraction was done in duplicate using a pilot-tested data extraction form in Excel. Data was extracted according to four pre-defined categories for (i) conducting, (ii) reporting, (iii) publishing, and (iv) appraising LSRs. We mapped the findings by visualizing overview tables created in Microsoft Word. Results Of the 21 included papers, methodological guidance was found in 17 papers for conducting, in six papers for reporting, in 15 papers for publishing, and in two papers for appraising LSRs. Some of the identified key items for (i) conducting LSRs were identifying the rationale, screening tools, or re-revaluating inclusion criteria. Identified items of (ii) the original PRISMA checklist included reporting the registration and protocol, title, or synthesis methods. For (iii) publishing, there was guidance available on publication type and frequency or update trigger, and for (iv) appraising, guidance on the appropriate use of bias assessment or reporting funding of included studies was found. Our search revealed major evidence gaps, particularly for guidance on certain PRISMA items such as reporting results, discussion, support and funding, and availability of data and material of a LSR. Conclusion Important evidence gaps were identified for guidance on how to report in LSRs and appraise their quality. Our findings were applied to inform and prepare a PRISMA 2020 extension for LSR.

Purpose: Several clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have been produced to optimize the diagnosis and management of pediatric foreign body aspiration and ingestion. However, to date there have been no critical evaluations of their methodological rigor or quality. Herein, we address this need via the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) instrument. Methods: A literature search of Embase, MEDLINE via PubMed, and Scopus was performed up until February 25, 2021. Identified CPGs were then assessed by four independent reviewers trained in AGREE II. A scaled domain score of >60% was indicated as satisfactory quality. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to assess inter-reviewer agreement. Results: 11 guidelines were assessed with only one being classified as high quality and others being either average (two) or low quality (eight). Domain 4 (clarity of presentation) achieved the highest mean score (66.41 ± 13.33%), while domain 5 (applicability) achieved the lowest score (10.80 ± 10.37%). ICC analysis revealed generally strong agreement between reviewers with a range of 0.60–0.98. Conclusion: Quality appraisal using the AGREE II instrument suggests that the methodologic rigor and quality of current guidelines for the diagnosis and management of pediatric foreign body aspiration and ingestion need significant improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industry is the primary application for induction machines. As such, it is essential to calculate the induction devices' electrical properties accurately. With DC testing, no-load rotor tests, and locked rotor tests, one may empirically evaluate the electrical variables of induction motors. These tests are expensive and difficult to conduct, however. The information supplied by machine makers can also be used to accurately approximate the equivalent variables of the circuits in induction machines. This article has successfully predicted motor reactance (Xm) for both double- and single-cage models using artificial neural networks (ANN). Although ANNs have been investigated in the literature, the ANN structures were trained to use unmemorized training. Besides ANN, six other approaches have been suggested to address this issue: heap-based optimization (HBO), leagues championship algorithm (LCA), multi-verse optimization (MVO), osprey optimization algorithm (OOA), cuckoo optimization algorithm (COA), and sooty tern optimization algorithm (STOA). The efficaciousness of the suggested approaches was compared with each another. Regarding the obtained outcomes, the suggested MVO- multi-layer perceptron (MLP) technique performed better than the other five methods regarding reactance prediction, with R2 of 0.99598 and 0.9962, and RMSE of 20.31492 and 20.80626 in the testing and training phases, respectively. For the projected model, the suggested ANNs have produced great results. The novelty lies in the mentioned methods' ability to tackle the complexities and challenges associated with induction motor reactance optimization, providing innovative approaches to finding optimal or near-optimal solutions. As researchers continue to explore and refine these techniques, their impact on motor design and efficiency will likely grow, driving advancements in electrical engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Performance appraisal (PA) is commonly used to manage as well as to measure employees' performance at various organisations. Large or small organisations are always seeking much better ways to effectively enhance and improve employee performance thus maximising profit. The main aim of the study was to investigate the effect of PA on employee performance at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). The hypothesis for this study was that the PA process will have a positive impact on employee performance at the UKZN while the null hypothesis was that the PA process will not have any impact on employee performance at the UKZN. The study employed a quantitative research method. The study also used a descriptive research design to help the researcher describe the characteristics of the population in an accurate and systematic approach. A stratified random sampling technique was employed, employees were divided and categorised into groups representing departments or schools they belong to, and then a simple random sampling in each group was applied. The sample size was determined to be 225 academic and support staff. Findings showed that PA has a positive impact on employee performance at UKZN. The study recommends that managers and supervisors must continue to set clear work goals and work targets for their employees as it is noted that employees are more effective and highly motivated when they know what is required from them and their work target. Appraisers must give frequent feedback to employees and help them improve in areas where they are lacking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Evaluating employee performance is important for organisational success however, limited research exists across the allied health workforce. Objective: This study investigated allied health clinician and manager experiences and perceptions of the appropriateness of the performance and development (PAD) framework. Design: A mixed methods design with purposive sampling was conducted in a medium size hospital and health service in regional Queensland to investigate the appropriateness of the PAD framework. A 29 item online survey collected likert scale and open ended responses. Identified respondents also completed a semi‐structured interview. Aggregated satisfaction scores identifying PAD alignment, processes, education, resources and perceptions were analysed to identify organisational PAD appropriateness. Themes from interviews provided concurrent experiential data. Findings: Eighty‐five respondents completed the online survey and 20 interviews were conducted. A Chi‐Square Goodness of Fit test revealed a significant (p < 0.05) clinician (n = 75) response of moderate dissatisfaction (36%) for the PAD framework, while managers (n = 10) were neither dissatisfied nor satisfied (50%) or moderately satisfied (40%). Clinician aggregated agreement responses were significantly (p < 0.05) higher for PAD alignment (45%), processes (63%), education (49%) and lower for feedback (33%) and resources (28%). Manager aggregated agreement responses were high for PAD alignment (85%), processes (55%), education (57%), feedback (65%) and perceptions (50%). Interviews (n = 20) revealed three themes: uncertainty around PAD framework; expectations for experienced leadership and importance of discipline specific knowledge. Discussion: This study draws on both clinician and manager input to assess the overall PAD framework with responses favouring clinician dissatisfaction to the current process. Conclusion: The PAD framework is valuable for staff development when there is positive rapport and discipline alignment between both clinician and manager. Successful staff appraisals require efficient and appropriate documentation that promotes individual development, clinical performance and organisational priorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Timber sales from the US National Forest System (NFS) can provide ecological and economic benefits. Unsold ("no-bid") offerings can result in delays, additional costs, and missed targets. We used mixed methods, including analysis of administrative data, synthesis of research, and semi-structured interviews to understand situations considered "no-bid" offerings by different stakeholders. We measured prevalence, identified causes, and generated a framework for communicating interlinkages. From 2007 to 2020, the volume not sold at first offering was 11.9% nationally. However, a substantial amount is sold subsequently, leaving 2.7% never sold. Regions with the highest percentage never sold include Alaska, Southwestern, and Pacific Southwest. A new conceptual framework developed from a literature review and interviews with NFS and industry employees identified proximate causes and underlying factors. Proximate causes include road construction, equipment requirements, and timber condition; whereas underlying factors include staffing, communication, and appraisal methods. These insights can aid communication and help develop future strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Military-themed videogames are significant cultural artifacts that shape popular geopolitical narratives and venerate dominant post-9/11 War on Terror discourses. Overwhelmingly resonant with the Military Entertainment Complex, these artifacts, not excluding America's Army (2002–2013), envision the world through a Western lens. Over the past decades, America's Army has come to challenge dominant orthodoxies and ideological presuppositions, disseminating new configurations of power. The article argues that the latest installment of the game, America's Army: Proving Grounds (2013), marks a paradigmatic shift from the post-9/11 discourse permeating most military-themed videogames. Taking past scholarship on geopolitics and multimodal legitimation as points of departure, the current study unfolds the militarized aesthetics and politics of gameplay unique to America's Army: Proving Grounds in its capacity to promote redefined ideals of hegemonic masculinity, on the one hand, and substantiate US universal legitimacy, on the other. To this end, the research endeavor proposes a more nuanced multimodal legitimation analytical framework in an attempt to capture the full spectrum of the semiotic affordances instilled in the gaming space. Key convergent discourses and practices of hegemony emerge therein, fundamentally: proficiency, efficiency, virtuosity, agility, nobility, solidarity, precision, stoicism, and aggression. The spatio-temporal shift away from post-9/11 discourses reifies new militaristic representations of hegemonic masculinity symbiotically entangled with futuristic and non-contemporary ideological war narratives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The global or multinational scientific evidence on the distribution of opioid fatality is unknown. Hence, the current study collects epidemiological characteristics to shed light on the ongoing global or multinational opioid crisis and to promote the development of public health prevention/management strategies. Method: All documents on PRISMA standards were retrieved via electronic databases. Results: Among the 47 articles relevant to our studies, which depict a total population size of 10,191 individuals, the prevalence of opioid fatal overdose was 15,022 (14.74%). Among the 47 articles, 14 of them reported the gender of the participants, with 22,125 (15.79%) male individuals and 7,235 (5.17%) female individuals, and the age distribution of the participants that was most affected by the overdose was as follows: 29,272 (31.13%) belonged to the 18-34-yearold age group and 25,316 (26.92%) belonged to the less than 18-year-old age group. Eighteen studies qualified for the meta-analysis of the multinational prevalence of fatal opioid overdose, depicting an overall pooled prevalence estimate of 19.66%, with 95% CIs (0.13-0.29), I2 = 99.76% determined using the random-effects model, and Q statistic of 7198.77 (p < 0.0001). The Egger test models of publication bias revealed an insubstantial level of bias (p = 0.015). The subgroup analysis of the study design (cohort or other) revealed that others have the highest prevalence estimate of 34.37, 95% CIs (0.1600-0.5901), I2 = 97.04%, and a sample size of less than 1,000 shows the highest prevalence of 34.66, 95% CIs (0.2039-0.5234), I2 = 97.82%, compared to that of more than 1,000 with a prevalence of 12.28, 95% CIs (0.0675-0.2131), I2 = 99.85%. The meta-regression analysis revealed that sample size (less-than or greater-than 1,000), (p = 0.0098; R2 = 3.83%) is significantly associated with the observed heterogeneity. Conclusion: Research-based findings of fatal opioid overdose are grossly lacking in middle- and low-income nations. We established that there is a need for opioid fatality surveillance systems in developing nations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Clinical research is the bedrock of clinical innovation, education and practice. We characterized and critically appraised physiotherapy clinical research to avoid implementing misleading research findings into practice and to task the Nigerian physiotherapy societies on responsible conduct of clinical research. Methods: This is a systematic review of articles published in English between 2009 and 2023. We started with 2009 because at least few Nigerian Physiotherapy school had commenced postgraduate (research) training by then. We searched Pubmed, Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Academic Search Complete, PsycINFO and African Journal Online, and reference lists of relevant articles. We Data were selected and extracted according to predesigned eligibility criteria and using a standardized data extraction table. Where appropriate, the Pedro and Cochrane ROBINS1 were used to examine the risk of bias. Results: A total of 76 Nigerian studies were included in this study. The mean age of the study participants was 46.7 ± 8.6 years. Approximately, 45% of the participants were males. Of the clinical experiments, the randomized controlled trial (RCT) was the most common design (87.5%). Musculoskeletal conditions (39.3%) were the most studied disorder. Approximately 86% of the RCT had studies possessed fair to good quality. Interventions constituted exercise therapy (76.3%), manual therapy (8.5%) and electrotherapy (8.5%). More than half (67.8%) of the studies recorded medium to large effect sizes. A fair proportion (48.2%) of the studies had a confounding-by-indication bias. Approximately 43% of the clinical experiments were underpowered, and a few studies conducted normality tests (10.9%) and intention-to-treat analysis (37.5%). Conclusions: RCT is the most frequent clinical experiment, with majority of them possessing fair to good quality. The most important flaws include improper computation of sample size, statistical analysis, absent intention-to-treat approach, among others. The magnitude of effects of Physiotherapy interventions varies from nil effect to large effect. Musculoskeletal condition is the most prevalent disorder and exercise is the most important intervention in Nigerian physiotherapy practice. Trial registration: We registered the protocol with PROSPERO. The registration number: CRD42021228514. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attitudes in the Flemish Political Climate Debate: A Linguistic Analysis This study investigates the climate communication by the main political parties in Flanders. Its aim is to describe explicit and implicit evaluations that parties make about climate change and climate-related policies in the communication on their websites. To analyse parties' opinions on climate action, the study uses the system of Appraisal (Martin & White, 2005), which provides a framework for interpreting expressions of attitude as a social tool to engage with others. The results show that the climate communication by Flemish political parties strikes an overall positive note. Differences in emphases aside (e.g., on quality of life vs. financial profitability), there seems to be a consensus on the need for, and value of, climate action. The communication by Vlaams Belang stood out as an exception: its negative tone, and critical content, gives signs of climate scepticism, forming a counterposition in the political climate change debate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]