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The paper deals with the poetics of the novels of the Peruvian writer Mario Vargas Llosa and the evolution of his style. To solve research problems, it is used the Delta method which is the most authoritative and reliable stylometric tool that allows you to compare texts based on the distribution of most frequent words. The work poses three questions: 1) Do Vargas Llosa's early total novels The Time of the Hero, The Green House, and Conversation in the Cathedral differ at the level of style from the later novels, forming a separate group, as the literary hypothesis claims? Answer: the hypothesis is confirmed; 2) Is it possible to divide the fifteen texts of the second period into smaller groups based on stylistic similarities? Answer: novels of the second period are divided into three large groups. Moreover, an interesting correlation is revealed: the novels grouped into separate groups have similarities not only at the level of style, but also at the level of themes, composition and narrative features; 3) Whether the “boom” is a stylistically isolated period in the poetics of its key authors? Answer: the novels written by Latin American authors during the boom period (1960–1970s) are not stylistically isolated: the authorial signal is stronger, and the case of Vargas Llosa with a clear differentiation of groups of novels is unique.

In Sweden, as in many European countries, the involvement of for-profit and non-profit actors in complex welfare services such as housing services for persons living in homelessness has raised concerns regarding contradictory aims, quality control and a lack of insight into publicly financed services. This paper uses data from Statistics Sweden Business Register to explore how housing services for persons living in homelessness were expanded and changed from 2011 to 2018 as well as how they varied between different types of municipalities. The analysis explores how these factors relate to the number of persons who receive housing due to homelessness as well as the threshold for entry to local rental housing markets across Swedish municipalities. Preliminary findings suggest that there is a mix of for-profit and non-profit actors involved in homeless housing services and that municipalities are still a major provider of services in Sweden. The results suggest that the availability of housing through public housing companies positively affects the number of actors involved in local housing services for persons living in homelessness. As a case study, these results could provide useful insights for cross-national European comparative research of the changes and effects of different types of actors’ involvement in the local housing services for persons living in homelessness.

Purpose: The main aim of this paper is to present and discuss the application of Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) in accounting research. Following an overview of the terminology, statistical concepts, and software used in SEM, the results of a systematic review of the accounting literature are presented, with a focus on the benefits and challenges identified in prior studies. Methodology/approach: This paper is based on a traditional literature review, which helps to demonstrate SEM as a research technique. It is also based on a systematic literature review, which is used to present previous applications of SEM in accounting studies. Findings: SEM offers the possibility to model statistically complex theoretical issues using specialised software. It is a flexible and universal approach used by quantitative accounting scholars to test and develop theories. SEM research is heterogeneous and encompasses different research strategies, theories tested, branches of accounting, data collection methods, and types of statistical analyses. Research limitations/implications: The main limitation of this study is that the complexity of SEM statistical analyses cannot be discussed in detail within the scope of this paper. Originality/value: SEM is gaining popularity among accounting scholars; however, it is not widely used by Polish researchers. Therefore, this paper is a kind of invitation to quantitative scholars to examine SEM and its potential. It is also a contribution to the current discussions on the automation of research processes.

The article is devoted to the analysis of the current state of the methodological debate. This is a classic debate, which, however, should not be oversimplified: methods, paradigms, and research strategies form systems that go beyond the qualitative vs. quantitative dichotomy. The debate is in the center of attention, because, firstly, empirical texts are now written, read and cited more often than theoretical ones, secondly, new data and methods of their analysis appear, and thirdly, there is a simultaneous emergence of common ground and deepening methodological contradictions.One of the key differences between qualitative and quantitative proponents is the paradigms that underpin their work. However, the correspondence between the paradigm and the method is not always universal: for example, in qualitative methodology, both interpretive and post-positivist trends can be observed, and some quantitative researchers are close to the ideas of author's reflection and standpoint.Tools based on artificial intelligence can simplify the work of a researcher by solving some of the routine tasks, while the availability of big data allows you to go beyond survey and statistical databases and analyze new fields. However, the development of new tools leads to a number of problems. These are issues related to digital literacy and skills inequality, ethics and non-transparency of data production. Collaborative methodological work may be able to mitigate these kinds of difficulties and strengthen the position of sociology in an era of changing data and competing approaches.

The promotion of entrepreneurship is a priority objective for the European Union. Each country develops the most appropriate instruments for its economic structure; however, its effects are different depending on the conditions of its environment. The objective of this work is to study whether there are significant differences among European countries depending on whether or not they belong to the Eurozone. A panel data regression model is used to assess the contribution of the different policies to the rate of entrepreneurial activity. The results show that the experts’ evaluations of the implemented policies are higher in the member states of the monetary union. Policies with a negative impact are recurring demands from employers (bureaucracy, tax barriers, improve physical infrastructure).

Purpose: To examine the workplace experience of physical education teacher educators while accounting for gender and institution type. Method: Participants included 286 U.S. faculty members (151 females and 135 males). Data were collected using an online survey that included measures of negative (i.e., marginalization, isolation, role stress, emotional exhaustion) and positive (i.e., perceived mattering, perceived organizational support) workplace experiences. Primary analyses began with a multivariate analysis of covariance followed up by univariate analyses of covariance to examine the differences in study variables based on gender and institution type. Results: Doctoral institution faculty members reported higher marginalization and lower perceived mattering and organizational support. Female faculty members reported higher role overload and emotional exhaustion. Discussion: Results highlight differences in the faculty experience across institution types as well as gender disparities. Recommendations are provided for improving the faculty experience as well as for future research in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Construction accidents pose significant risks to workers and the public, affecting industry productivity and reputation. While several reviews have discussed risk assessment methods, recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, and real-time decision support systems have created a need for an updated synthesis of the quantitative methodologies applied in construction safety. This study systematically reviews the literature from the past decade, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A thorough search identified studies utilizing statistical analysis, mathematical modeling, simulation, and artificial intelligence (AI). These methods were categorized and analyzed based on their effectiveness and limitations. Statistical approaches, such as correlation analysis, examined relationships between variables, while mathematical models, like factor analysis, quantified risk factors. Simulation methods, such as Monte Carlo simulations, explored risk dynamics and AI techniques, including machine learning, enhanced predictive modeling, and decision making in construction safety. This review highlighted the strengths of handling large datasets and improving accuracy, but also noted challenges like data quality and methodological limitations. Future research directions are suggested to address these gaps. This study contributes to construction safety management by offering an overview of best practices and opportunities for advancing quantitative risk assessment methodologies.

Abstract Objective Diagnosis of small airway disease on computed tomography (CT) scans is challenging in patients with a history of chemical warfare exposure. We developed a software package based on different methodologies to identify and quantify small airway disease in CT images. The primary aim was to identify the best automatic methodology for detecting small airway disease in CT scans of Iran-Iraq War victims of chemical warfare. Methods This retrospective case–control study enrolled 46 patients with a history of chemical warfare exposure and 27 controls with inspiratory/expiratory (I/E) CT scans and spirometry tests. Image data were automatically segmented, and inspiratory images were registered into the expiratory images' frame using the locally developed software. Parametric response mapping (PRM) and air trapping index (ATI) mapping were performed on the CT images. Conventional QCT methods, including expiratory/inspiratory mean lung attenuation (E/I MLA) ratio, normal density E/I (ND E/I) MLA ratio, attenuation volume Index (AVI), %low attenuation areas (LAA)

For sexual minority men (SMM), attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance are evidenced to predict poor mental health (e.g., depression and anxiety). While mindfulness is known to mediate this relationship among the general population, it has yet to be examined among SMM. This study examined the interaction of attachment anxiety and avoidance, and the mediating effect of mindfulness, in predicting symptoms of depression and anxiety among a sample of gay and bisexual men (GBM) in the U.S. We used regression-based path analyses to test the interaction of attachment anxiety and avoidance on symptoms of anxiety and depression. Attachment anxiety and avoidance were positively associated with mental health symptoms. In the model predicting anxiety, we found a significant interaction, indicating that individuals high in attachment anxiety and avoidance had the highest BSI scores. In model 2, direct effects for attachment anxiety and avoidance remained significant, and mindfulness was negatively associated with both mental health symptoms. Significant indirect effects from attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance, through mindfulness, to both depressive and anxiety symptoms were observed. No evidence of mediated moderation was found. Our findings show that attachment is an important predictor of mental health among GBM and support previous research on the mediating role of mindfulness in this association.

Higher degree research students in education are largely underprepared for understanding or employing statistical data analysis methods. This is despite their need to read literature in their field which will indubitably include such research. This weakness may result in students choosing to use qualitative or interpretivist methodologies, even though education data are highly complex requiring sophisticated analysis techniques to properly evaluate the impact of nested data, multi-collinear factors, missing data, and changes over time. This paper describes a research methods course at a researchintensive university designed for students in a thesis-only degree program. The course emphasizes the logic and conceptual function of statistical methods and exposes students to hands-on tutorials in which students are required to conduct analyses with open-access data. The first half of the 12-week course focuses on core knowledge, normally taught in first-year probability and statistics courses. The second half focuses on introducing and modeling advanced statistical methods needed to handle complex problems and data. The course outline is provided along with descriptions of teaching and assessments. This exemplar functions as a potential model of how relative novices in statistical methods can be introduced to a conceptual use of statistical methods to raise the credibility of research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantitative arguments from order examine similarities in the sequencing of textual parallels to strengthen broader arguments for a literary relationship between two texts. However, criteria have rarely been offered for distinguishing between coincidental and significant agreement in order. Data analytics software allows us to create probability distributions to determine minimum thresholds for significant agreement. This study uses these distributions to test arguments from order for Q as a unified source text of material that is unique to Luke and Matthew. After building on Tripp 2013 to discuss problems with the argument from order as it appears in Q scholarship, we nevertheless find (in contrast to my earlier study) that agreements in the sequencing of the double tradition are significant, which is consistent with the Q hypothesis. However, the agreement is not strong enough to rule out alternative hypotheses such as one Gospel's direct dependence on the other or, on the assumption of Matthew's and Luke's independent adaptation of Mark, dependence on multiple smaller source texts. Additional arguments are needed to confirm that Q is best understood as a single text before trying to reconstruct it. Finally, we make suggestions for how these distributions may be used to assess arguments from order across biblical scholarship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article empirically assesses competing perspectives of the relationship between democracy and political trust. We conduct multilevel analyses on a cross-national panel dataset of 82 countries for the period 1990–2020. The findings suggest that there is a strong, negative relationship between democracy and political trust that cannot easily be dismissed as an artifact of model misspecification or response bias. Moreover, we re-examine the critical citizens thesis by disaggregating political trust into trust in partisan and "non-partisan" institutions to test the claim that well-functioning democracies contain and channel distrust into the more partisan political institutions to keep distrust from generalizing to the entire political system. The results fail to find a statistically significant difference of the effect of democracy on trust between partisan and non-partisan institutions, suggesting that low political trust within democracies may be a more acute problem than much of the literature suggests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Communication scholars have studied the persuasive power of humor messages, but research provides mixed results. Also, the literature has been slow in demonstrating the practical effects of humorous messages on desired outcomes (e.g., organization–public relationships). Through an online experiment in the context of weather messages with samples of U.S. adults residing in the Southeastern U.S. (N = 209), we compared a humorous social media message designed to build relationships with the public to a non-humorous message in predicting OPRs and perceived community resilience when there is no high-impact weather on the horizon. Compared to a humorous message, a non-humorous message appeared to be more effective in increasing perceived community resilience and three dimensions of positive OPRs – trust, control mutuality, and commitment. The effects were more robust for community members with low to moderate levels of weather salience (i.e., the psychological value and importance that people have for the weather). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study intends to extend the work of ecological predictors of tolerance of deviance to state terror. Utilizing a multilevel model and a cross-national survey of 125,129 respondents from 72 countries, this study finds that state terror and a worse perception of human rights correlates with a lower tolerance of deviance in line with Rational Choice Deterrence Theory (RCDC). The effect of state terror on tolerance of deviance is moderated by perception of human rights with those perceiving a worse respect for human rights in milieus of higher state terror are less open to deviance in line with RCDC. Further support for RCDC comes from those living in over policed neighborhoods being less open to deviance when they perceive a worse respect for human right. However, lower confidence in security services and greater interference by the same predicts greater tolerance of deviance. Support for Weberian legitimacy also comes from higher country level corruption, more terrorism incidents in a country, greater fear of crime and crime victimization of respondent or immediate family predicting greater justifiability of deviance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In India, even with planned health services, it is difficult to reach the health goals without community participation. While Community needs assessment approach (CNAA) tools like Focussed group Discussion (FGD), Village mapping and matrix ranking have been effective in quickly gathering information, surveys have been conventionally preferred. Aim & Objective: The present study compares qualitative and quantitative methods t o understand feasibility of using CNAA tools in place of survey as an alternative tool Methodology: Mixed Method research employing Survey and CNAA methods of FGD, Village Mapping, transect walk and Matrix ranking score was carried out as a part of academic activity of National Service Scheme(NSS). Data was represented in form of percentages and frequency tables. Association was measured using Chi Square using Epi Info TM version 7.2.1software. Results: Using quantitative survey, we found that 71% used piped supply and 93.1% of the households used toilets. But 6.9% of them still preferred open fields for defecation. Amongst the participants of FGD, it was found that 90% participants preferred going to government hospitals. Comparable data found for variables like Maternal and child health indicators, Sanitation practices and burden of Non communicable diseases. Partially comparable results were found for burden of communicable diseases. Conclusion: CNAA research tools demonstrated comparability with survey in most areas of health concern and reduced the time required for conducting research without compromising the quality of results [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Cognitive and physical functions are both associated with disability and death. Recent studies have addressed the relationship between cognitive declines and physical declines; however, whether various facets of cognition are diversely associated with specific physical functions is yet to be ascertained. The present work examines the longitudinal associations between fluid and crystallized cognitive functions (Gf and Gc) and physical functions. Methods The sample consisted of 863 community-dwelling older adults (baseline age 60–79 years) from the National Institute for Longevity Sciences-Longitudinal Study of Aging. The participants were tested on a set of Gf and Gc tests and physical tests (grip strength and gait speed). We ran a series of Multivariate Latent Growth Curve models. Specifically, we tested the relationship between cognitive and physical functions in terms of baseline performance (intercept) and rate of change (slope). Results The slope–slope correlations between Gf and physical function were large (grip strength r = 0.64 and gait speed r = 0.68, p s <.001). By contrast, the slope correlations between Gc and physical functions were weak (r s ≤ 0.31) and barely or marginally significant (p s ≤.06). Discussion The results show that distinct domains of cognitive functions have different associations with physical functions. Namely, the aging-associated declines in the tested physical functions are robustly correlated with the declines in Gf , but are only weakly correlated with the declines in Gc. Therefore, Gc measures may be poor proxies for the patient's frailty and should be considered with caution in clinical assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to develop a valid and reliable scale to measure Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction for Technology Use (BPN-TU). According to the self-determination theory, satisfaction of the Basic Psychological Needs (BPNs) for Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness is crucial to well-being and autonomous motivation. Research into the role of BPN Satisfaction in technology use is scarce, partly due to a lack of appropriate measuring tools. To develop a pool of original BPN-TU scale items, we held 10 interviews. Based on these items, we conducted four validation studies with four independent samples (total N = 821), collecting user responses to different technologies: digital voice assistant, exoskeleton, chatbot, and social robot. Good model fit was supported by confirmatory factor analyses for a twelve-item scale, containing three items each for satisfaction of users' Autonomy, Competence, Relatedness to Others, and Relatedness to Technology. The scale was validated in English and German. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Matica Srpska Journal of Slavic Studies / Zbornik Matice Srpske za Slavistiku is the property of Matica srpska 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.)

The internet provides opportunities for social interactions which first occur in an online environment that can lead to meeting up in real life. However, growing concerns around safety and privacy warrant greater study of this modern-day phenomenon. Using a longitudinal dataset of approximately 4,300 20-year-olds in Ireland, this study finds one-in-three report meeting someone from online. Multiple regression reveals that females are less likely to engage in such behaviour, while the trait of 'openness', spending more time on the internet, being non-heterosexual, using dating apps, and being sexually active at 17 years are positively associated. Early exposure to information and communication technologies, as indicated by mobile phone ownership at 9 years, is also associated with online-to-offline encounters. A range of policy considerations are discussed, including the continued need for education in e-safety and cyber safety awareness from a young age through young adulthood, particularly for groups such as LGBT communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to review and reflect upon the qualitative and quantitative methods applied and lessons learned in the process of completing the project "Creating accessibility and usability of digital library (DL) guidelines to support blind and visually impaired (BVI) users." This study focuses on the following issues: 1) The recruitment of BVI users, scholars/experts, and DL developers and associated challenges and solutions; 2) The use of data collection methods for diverse DL stakeholders and associated challenges and solutions; 3) The application of data analysis techniques and associated challenges and solutions. It is a challenge to recruit large numbers of BVI participants, and it is an effective approach to establish connections with trusted organizations and institutions - particularly BVI-related organizations - to promote the studies. Multiple data collection methods (questionnaires, think-aloud protocols, transaction logs, diaries, interviews, and focus groups) were used throughout the research project. As BVI users utilize screen readers to understand DL interfaces and simultaneously express their actions and thoughts, the challenge associated with think-aloud protocols can be resolved by offering orientation training and clear instructions. Both quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods were used throughout the project. Descriptive analysis is the most commonly employed quantitative method since statistical analysis cannot be performed due to small sample size. For qualitative analysis, it is critical for sighted researchers to understand BVI users by collaborating with blind researchers and carefully reviewing the video and transcript data to enhance the open coding process. Future research on the methodology applied in BVI-related studies is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

News reporting has long been seen as involving a form of storytelling but techniques for revealing narrative constructions in audiovisual news remain limited. As the forms of expression mobilised for news become ever more diverse and multimodal, the challenges posed for analysis grow accordingly. The present paper asks to what extent we can pursue more differentiating accounts of the increasingly diverse audiovisual features employed in news video by employing recent advances in multimodal discourse analysis. Specifically, we explore how to recognise storytelling strategies deployed in audiovisual news reporting both more reliably and in ways that complement conventional journalistic labels, such as those discussed in research into news sensationalism. As an illustration, we offer a contrastive analysis of the specific reporting strategies of 'individualisation' employed in 166 news reports from two leading German news channels, Tagesschau and Bild TV, produced between 1 January 2022 and 15 March 2022. We show how we scale analysis methods to achieve greater coverage of data and discuss how this meets several recurring challenges for multimodal analysis more generally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For sexual minority men (SMM), attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance are evidenced to predict poor mental health (e.g., depression and anxiety). While mindfulness is known to mediate this relationship among the general population, it has yet to be examined among SMM. This study examined the interaction of attachment anxiety and avoidance, and the mediating effect of mindfulness, in predicting symptoms of depression and anxiety among a sample of gay and bisexual men (GBM) in the U.S. We used regression-based path analyses to test the interaction of attachment anxiety and avoidance on symptoms of anxiety and depression. Attachment anxiety and avoidance were positively associated with mental health symptoms. In the model predicting anxiety, we found a significant interaction, indicating that individuals high in attachment anxiety and avoidance had the highest BSI scores. In model 2, direct effects for attachment anxiety and avoidance remained significant, and mindfulness was negatively associated with both mental health symptoms. Significant indirect effects from attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance, through mindfulness, to both depressive and anxiety symptoms were observed. No evidence of mediated moderation was found. Our findings show that attachment is an important predictor of mental health among GBM and support previous research on the mediating role of mindfulness in this association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Living donor discussions in which kidney transplant candidates discuss living kidney donation with their social network are an important step in the living donor kidney transplant process. No prior research has investigated whether who initiates discussion or influences evaluation agreement rates or how these processes may contribute to disparities. Research Questions: This study aimed to determine how common candidate- and potential-donor-initiated discussions were, at what rate each discussion type resulted in agreement to be evaluated for living donation, and what sociodemographic characteristics predicted living donor discussion and agreements. Design: A 2015 cross-sectional survey at a single, large Southeastern US transplant center measured kidney transplant candidates' social networks, including whether they had a donor discussion, who initiated it, and whether the discussion resulted in the donor evaluation agreement. Candidate-network member pairs' probability of having a candidate-initiated discussion, potential-living donor-initiated discussion, or no discussions were compared in multinomial logistic regression, and the probability of the discussion resulted in evaluation agreement was evaluated in multinomial logistic regression. Results: Sixty-six kidney transplant candidates reported on 1421 social network members. Most (80%) candidate/network-member pairs did not have a living donor discussion, with candidate-initiated discussions (11%) slightly more common than potential-donor-initiated discussions (10%). Evaluation agreement was much more common for potential-donor-initiated (72%) than for candidate-initiated discussions (39%). Potential-donor-initiated discussions were more common for White candidates (16%) than for Black candidates (7%). Conclusion: Potential-donor-initiated discussions resulted in evaluation agreement much more frequently than candidate-initiated discussions. This dynamic may contribute to racial living donation disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Renal allograft hypothermic machine perfusion results in a decreased incidence of delayed graft function compared with static cold storage. Ensuring perfusate temperatures remain within the target range of 4-10 °C may impact delayed graft function rates. Project Aims: To identify whether this target was achieved and, if not, whether higher perfusate temperature was associated with delayed graft function. Design: In this retrospective cohort study, transplanted grafts from deceased donors placed on hypothermic machine perfusion pump from June 2019 to August 2020 were analyzed. Measurements were recovered after 5, 15, 60, and 180 min of perfusion. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify predictors of delayed graft function. Results: A total of 113 grafts from 94 donors were analyzed. Of these, 21 (19%) developed delayed graft function. On univariable logistic regression, variables associated with delayed graft function included older donor age (OR 1.08, P =.002), higher Kidney Donor Profile Index score (OR 1.03, P =.024), and higher 5-min perfusate temperature (T5 min; OR 1.49, P =.014). A higher T5 min was also associated with delayed graft function in multivariable logistic regression models (OR 1.58, P =.005; OR 1.37, P =.08). Grafts with T5 min >10 °C were more likely to experience delayed graft function than those with T5 min <10 °C (OR 4.5, P =.006). Conclusion: Higher early perfusate temperature was an independent predictor of delayed graft function and may be due to inadequate cooling of the circuit prior to placing grafts on pump. Quality improvement initiatives targeting early perfusate temperatures of ≤10 °C may reduce delayed graft function incidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Organ recovery facilities address the logistical challenges of hospital-based deceased organ donor management. While more organs are transplanted from donors in facilities, differences in donor management and donation processes are not fully characterized. Research Question: Does deceased donor management and organ transport distance differ between organ procurement organization (OPO)-based recovery facilities versus hospitals? Design: Retrospective analysis of Organ Procurement and Transplant Network data, including adults after brain death in 10 procurement regions (April 2017-June 2021). The primary outcomes were ischemic times of transplanted hearts, kidneys, livers, and lungs. Secondary outcomes included transport distances (between the facility or hospital and the transplant program) for each transplanted organ. Results: Among 5010 deceased donors, 51.7% underwent recovery in an OPO-based recovery facility. After adjustment for recipient and system factors, mean differences in ischemic times of any transplanted organ were not significantly different between donors in facilities and hospitals. Transplanted hearts recovered from donors in facilities were transported further than hearts from hospital donors (median 255 mi [IQR 27, 475] versus 174 [IQR 42, 365], P =.002); transport distances for livers and kidneys were significantly shorter (P <.001 for both). Conclusion: Organ recovery procedures performed in OPO-based recovery facilities were not associated with differences in ischemic times in transplanted organs from organs recovered in hospitals, but differences in organ transport distances exist. Further work is needed to determine whether other observed differences in donor management and organ distribution meaningfully impact donation and transplantation outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Little is known about COVID-19 impact on patient medication management. Research Question: The aim was to describe medication management, healthcare team interactions, and adherence during the COVID-19 pandemic in kidney transplant patients and those on the kidney transplant wait list. Design: Using a descriptive, correlational design 340 adults from a midwestern US transplant program were recruited. The Managing Medications in the Midst of a Pandemic Survey measured healthcare team encounters and medication management. The Basel assessment of adherence to medications scale measured medication adherence. Results: The response rate was 35% (119/340). During the pandemic, 88% had practiced/were currently practicing socially distancing, 85% had worn/were currently wearing a face mask in public, 18% had been/were currently diagnosed with COVID-19 and 82% received the vaccine. Medication management: 76% planned and organized their own medications. Healthcare team interactions: 89% met in the office, 20% via phone, 12% telehealth, and 13% delayed seeing a healthcare provider because of COVID-19 concerns. Pharmacy interactions: 11% changed their method of obtaining medications from pharmacy due to social distancing. Medication adherence implementation was problematic with 19% missing a dose; results from the binary logistic regression suggested that those with higher levels of education were more likely to report missing a dose. Conclusions: Patients acted to prevent COVID-19 but some still contracted the virus. The pandemic changed healthcare team medication management interactions. Adherence implementation problems were nearly 20%. Findings are relevant to the transplant healthcare team to understand the impact of a pandemic on patient/team interactions and medication adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of GeSec: Revista de Gestao e Secretariado is the property of Sindicato das Secretarias e Secretarios do Estado de Sao Paulo (SINSESP) 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.)

Involving patients as co-leaders and co-creators in research is key to reflecting the patient's voice in decision-making. However, co-creation of patient-centered data to inform decisions is rare, especially in early drug development where patient input is critical to prioritizing patient-relevant outcomes and endpoints for use in clinical trials. Despite the industry's growing commitment to patient centricity, most patients are excluded from sharing their expertise in research; more inclusive methods of engaging patients as research partners are needed. We describe a collaboration between a pharmaceutical company and a patient organization in co-leading and co-creating a program to understand priorities of patients and caregivers for treatment features and outcomes in sickle cell disease to inform endpoint selection in clinical development. The results of this program will be used as a basis for continued interaction between patients and the sponsor and to inform ongoing clinical development and evidence-generation activities. This case study demonstrates an approach to meaningful collaborations between patient organizations and pharmaceutical companies aimed at including the patient's voice early in the medical product lifecycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of optimal forest rotation in a nonstationary environment can, in general, not be solved analytically. Even qualitatively characterizing how the solution changes over time is only possible in some special cases. In this paper, we consider an approximation of the true solution to the nonstationary problem. We derive an approximate harvesting rule by solving a sequence of stationary problems that assume the growth conditions at that point in time will prevail indefinitely. Each such problem can be solved using the classic Faustmann rule. We numerically compare this approximate solution to the true solution, both in terms of the harvesting rule and the resulting expected profits, for a wide range of scenarios. We find that the harvesting rules are very similar (mostly <1 $\lt 1$% difference) and the profit losses associated with following the approximate rule are very small (less than 0.3%). Recommendations For Resource Managers: We consider a forest‐rotation decision when climate change, or technology, change the growth of trees. Recommendations for forest owners or managers may include: Taking climate change and technology into account is important for forest managers' decision of when to harvest.Predicting precisely how climate change will change future forest growth is probably not important for the rotation decision.But observing the changes in forest growth without too much delay is most likely very important.Our results pertain to the forest‐rotation decision and do not take into account, for example, thinning, changing tree species, or selling the land for other use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research article examines the use of quantitative methods in decision-making processes in public industrial sector companies in Iraq. The findings indicate that these companies do not currently utilize quantitative methods, highlighting the need for a central supporting unit to implement these methods. The article emphasizes the importance of quantitative methods in making objective economic decisions and reducing uncertainty in local markets. It also discusses the challenges faced by these companies and suggests the involvement of experts in management sciences and economics to overcome these challenges. The article concludes by recommending the establishment of training programs and specialized technical departments to improve decision-making. [Extracted from the article]

Antenna selection is a decision-making problem involving multiple factors, some of which may be at odds. This study aimed to develop a model for optimizing the design process for GSM mobile phone antennas. A 3.5GHz and 5.5GHz onchip circularly polarized (C.P.) artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) based Vshaped stepped multiband 25x25mm2 antenna has been designed and fabricated. The proposed antenna's profile height is much lower than antennas supported by traditional perfect electric conductor (PEC) ground planes due to careful tuning of the AMC reflector's reflection properties through optimization technique. According to simulated and observed data, the antenna presented in the proposal has the potential to achieve an impedance bandwidth of more than 45% (VSWR less than 1.8) while maintaining consistent radiation patterns across the frequency ranges 3.4 GHz to 5.86 GHz, 10.28 GHz to 11.86 GHz, and 13.69 GHz to 14.69 GHz. Measured analysis includes gain, radiation pattern, Axial Ratio, and return loss(S11). The proposed antenna can be recommended for use in micro base station systems is suitable for this application because it possesses a low profile structure, an advantageously broad bandwidth, and the ease with which it can be manufactured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the challenges and potentials of integrating critical theories of racism with quantitative methods in the German context, where the term “racism” has only recently gained broader acceptance in social and political discourse. The paper examines how recent quantitative studies, including survey-based approaches and field experiments have contributed to understanding racism while highlighting the limitations of focusing on attitudes and overt behaviour. Drawing on critical race theory and materialist perspectives, the paper argues that quantitative methods can align with structural approaches when conceptualised as tools to reveal the relational and institutional dimensions of racism. Examples include the rationality embedded in discriminatory practices or the heuristic use of group identities in decision-making. Ultimately, the paper advocates for a methodological synthesis that leverages the strengths of both critical and empirical traditions. It concludes by proposing a framework for using quantitative research to address the institutional and structural dimensions of racism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RationaleQuantitative health disparities research has increasingly employed intersectionality as a theoretical tool to investigate how social characteristics intersect to generate health inequality. Yet, intersectionality was not designed to quantify, predict, or identify health disparities, and, as a result, multiple criticisms against its misapplication in health disparities research have been made. As such, there is an emerging need to evaluate the growing body of quantitative research that aims to investigate health disparities through an intersectional lens.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review from earliest records to January 2020 to (i) describe the scope of limitations when applying intersectionality to quantitative health disparities research, and (ii) identify recommendations to improve the future integration of intersectionality with this scholarship. We identified relevant publications with electronic searches in PubMed and CA Web of Science. Studies eligible for inclusion were English-language publications that used quantitative methodologies to investigate health disparities among adults in the U.S. while explicitly claiming to adopt an intersectional perspective. Out of 1279 articles reviewed, 65 were eligible for inclusion.ResultsOur review found that, while the value of intersectionality to the study of health disparities is evident, the existing research struggles with meeting intersectionality's fundamental assumptions. In particular, four limitations were found to be widespread: narrowing the measurements of intersectionality, intersectional groups, and health outcomes; placing primacy on the study of certain intersectional groups to the neglect of others; overlooking underlying explanatory mechanisms that contribute to the health disparities experienced by intersectional groups; and, lacking in the use of life-course perspectives to show how health disparities vary across different life stages.ConclusionIf the goal of health equality is to be achieved among diverse intersectional groups, future research must be assisted by the collection and examination of data that overcomes these limitations.

Background. The special status of social psychology, due to its emergence at the intersection of sociology and psychology, gives rise to the need to search for new methodological solutions for research problems. Today in psychology there is a tendency to overcome the qualitative-quantitative dichotomy and a growing interest in “mixed” methods of research. In this regard, it is relevant to review existing works on mixed methods strategies and systematize the knowledge gained in the context of the identified issues. In order to include mixed strategies in research practice, it is essential to analyze the types of design that combine different types of research methods. Objective. The study had its purpose to conduct a comparative analysis of the mixed methods designs proposed by foreign researchers in the field of social sciences, as well as to develop an optimal mixed methods design model applicable to socio-psychological research. Method. The types of mixed methods design proposed by Morgan, Magetti, Cresswell and Clark were compared according to the following criteria: the stages of mixing qualitative and quantitative approaches, the time sequence of their application within the same research project, and the emphasis on the task specifics depending on the approach. Results. Based on the theoretical material and the results of a comparative analysis of the existing classifications, a mixed methods design model has been developed, which includes five types of design differing in the sequence of methods used, their priority, and the nature of the tasks solved: searching, constructing, generalizing, explanatory (quality-oriented and quantity-oriented). Conclusion. The proposed model of mixed methods design can be advantageous for socio-psychological research, since it allows to implement both objective and subjective data, combining them depending on the study objectives.

Problem statement. Azerbaijan is making a lot of efforts to reduce the impact of dangerous geological processes on natural geosystems, but they still cause huge damage. To a greater extent, the region of the Greater Caucasus, namely the southern slope, is subject to such processes, where the whole range of dangerous geological processes occurs: earthquake (7-8 b and above), landslides, landslides, screes, mudflows, etc. All of them are large-scale processes in terms of damage - they affect large areas and lead to economic losses. Purpose - to identify the main factors of the formation and spread of landslides in the basin of one of the most mudflow-bearing rivers not only in Azerbaijan, but also in the South Caucasus - the Agsuchay river, identify the conditions for their formation, assess the risk of the territory's susceptibility to landslide processes, as well as ways to prevent and protect. Research method. To assess landslide susceptibility and create maps of the potential development of landslides in the basin of the Agsuchay river we used the Frequency Ratio method (FR). Research results. For minimize damage from landslides on the example of the Agsuchay river basin a detailed study of the factors (hypsometry, slope angles (slope steepness) was carried out by us. Also slope exposure, geological structure (lithology), distance from faults, average annual precipitation, distance to the erosion network, distance to roads and land use) that determine the development of landslide processes with taking into account the mechanism of their development, as well as an analysis of the obtained values of landslide susceptibility and their potential development was studied. In the ArcGIS software environment, using the “Raster Calculator” spatial analysis tool, summing up each landslide factor multiplied by its weights, a map of the landslide susceptibility of the Agsuchay river basin was obtained. In the river basin Agsuchay we identified over 120 landslide areas. Most of the landslides were recorded along the Baskal tectonic cover, the Steppe Plateau, as well as on the slopes of the Langyabiz ridge, and also partially on the slopes of the Nialdag ridge. Conclusion. Using the natural boundary classification method in the ArcGIS software environment, the study area was divided into five landslide potential zones: very low, low, medium, high, and very high. The result of the analysis showed that zones with very low, low, medium, high and very high landslide development potential are: 13.75; 24.48; 31.51; 20.51 and 9.74% of the study area, respectively. Ultimately, the reliability of the obtained models was evaluated using AUC ROC (area under the error curve) analysis, which showed high performance of the method used (82%). Due to the high reliability, the method used can be used to assess the landslide susceptibility not only of the territory of Azerbaijan, but of similar regions of the Alpine-Himalayan belt.