Search

Eating psychopathology symptoms are common in athletes; however, it is unknown which symptoms are detected and to what extent by sport professionals. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a self-report questionnaire to explore which features of eating psychopathology in athletes are detected by sport professionals, and how observation of these symptoms might vary. Thirty-one questions were developed and 232 sport professionals (56% male) participated in the study. Exploratory Factor Analysis revealed a 20-item, five-factor solution (Negative Affect, Dieting Practices, Fear of Eating in Social Contexts, Bingeing and Purging, and Compulsive Exercise). Participants most frequently reported observing athletes' dieting practices, while symptoms of a fear of eating in social contexts were observed least frequently. This study has developed and preliminarily tested the Athlete Eating Psychopathology Observation Questionnaire (AEPOQ), which now requires further validation. The findings provide important directions for education initiatives with sport professionals regarding identification of eating psychopathology symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Assessing self-efficacy in evidence-based practice (EBP) is crucial for identifying training needs, evaluating the effectiveness of educational programs, and assessing the overall application confidence of EBP in healthcare professions, including occupational therapy (OT). Thus, the objectives of this study were to cross-culturally adapt the Evidence-Based Practice Confidence Scale (EPIC) for Spanish-speaking OT students and professionals and to evaluate its internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and construct validity. Methods: A professional translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the EPIC was developed, including a pilot study that resulted in the EPIC Spanish version. A total of 260 OT students and 202 professionals completed the Spanish EPIC at baseline, with 177 (68.1%) students and 129 (63.9%) professionals participating in the test–retest reliability assessment two weeks later. The EPIC's internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha. Test–retest reliability was assessed using Spearman's correlations and intra-class correlations (ICC). Known-groups validity hypothesis based on participants' roles (students, diploma/bachelor's, master's, and doctorate) was explored using ANOVA. Finally, an exploratory factor analysis with oblique Promax rotation was conducted to examine the EPIC factor structure. Results: Cronbach's alpha for the total EPIC score was excellent in both OT professionals (α = 0.91) and students (α = 0.90). For OT students, Spearman's correlation was 0.67 (p < 0.001) for the total score, and the ICC was 0.66 (95%CI 0.57–0.73). Conversely, for OT professionals, test–retest reliability showed a Spearman's correlation of 0.87 (p < 0.001) for the total score, and the ICC was 0.87 (95%CI 0.81–0.90). The highest scores were observed in professionals with a doctorate followed by those with a master's degree (p < 0.001). The exploratory factor analysis yielded a 3-factor solution that explained 71% of the observed variance, with item-level loadings ≥ 0.35. Conclusions: The EPIC scale showed excellent internal consistency, strong test–retest reliability, and adequate construct validity for evaluating EBP self-efficacy among Spanish-speaking OT professionals using the total score. However, test–retest reliability was moderate among Spanish-speaking OT students, indicating that changes in EBP confidence assessed with the EPIC scale in this group should be interpreted with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Navigating whether to prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT) requires that health practitioners approach a woman's individual life circumstances, and early menopause (EM) as a particularly intricate experience and condition. Drawing on qualitative interviews with 16 practitioners in Australia, this article examines the modalities of care that emerge in the nexus of EM and HRT. Early menopause emerges in participants' narratives as far from a 'unitary' medical condition, but rather one that reaches across other embodied changes for women which may be moderated by HRT. Thus, different modes of care and tensions surface, and we suggest that these constitute an oscillation between 'caring for' and 'caring with' in medical practice. This oscillation combines experimentation with and adjustment of HRT, while contending with responsibility, risk and choice, and shared, knowledgeable care. Our goal is not to neatly split 'caring for' from 'caring with'. Rather, we discuss how ambiguities of care circulate through a complex diagnosis and its treatment options. We argue that care, in this context, manifests as potentiality and as a set of flexible practices that at times cannot be fully disentangled from issues of choice and control, and HRT itself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The three of us met in 2014 through our shared interest in adult literacy. We are colleagues as practitioners and as researchers; altogether, we have been in the field of adult literacy in Canada since the 1980s. Our experiences working with learners come from our role as volunteer tutors and paid staff in provincially funded programs and grassroots initiatives funded only through private donations. Over the years, we have worked with learners who have diverse physical, mental and cognitive abilities. For many of these learners who have to contend with day-to-day challenges and discrimination stemming from their (dis)abilities, their learning is further compounded with their struggle with poverty due to the paltry financial support from the government. As we develop and evolve our approaches to support learners in their goals, we put into practice the principles from New Literacy Studies (Gee, 2020; Papen, 2023; Street, 1997) to connect literacy education with the social and historical contexts and to support learners in defining their own literacy. In this paper, each of us shares a story from our own practice to highlight how we offer a learner-centred approach to build a social practice of literacy for both the learners and ourselves as educators. While we use our stories to challenge the dominant narrative of literacy education for employment as seen in government policies (Elfert & Walker, 2020; Elias 2023; Walker & Rubenson, 2014), we also share our own learning, unlearning and relearning of how we define adult literacy as educators. The learner-centred approach in literacy education may not appear especially radical on its own; however, under the increasing pressure from the state to use adult literacy as a labour market tool, the possibility of pursuing learning outcomes other than employment could challenge the deficit narratives that are far-too-often attached to literacy learners with (dis)abilities (Elias et al., 2021). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field research is an important site for engagement between academics and practitioners, and a stepping stone for collecting data, publishing outputs, and fostering impact. Despite a long-standing recognition that academic research should be relevant for practitioners, academic–practitioner relationships have been stymied through stereotypes around the binary expectations of both groups. Drawing on rich illustrations from a global research project, we show some of the challenges that can characterize field research. We illustrate how academic and practitioner tensions can become salient at different stages and impact on the trajectory of a research project. We argue for a dynamic rather than a binary perspective to manage academic–practitioner relationships. This highlights how tensions emerge between academics and practitioners, and offers lessons and reflections on how they can be overcome to achieve mutual positive outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Holistic approaches, such as the Biopsychosocial model, have become mainstream frameworks for organizing mental health services in recent decades. However, little research has explored how frontline social workers embrace and synthesize the different dimensions within this holistic approach. This paper uses semi-structured interviews to investigate diverse conceptualizations of mental health issues among frontline social workers. Fourteen social workers from Hong Kong and twelve from Sydney were interviewed. Three prevalent positions were identified: prioritizing chemical imbalance, questioning the concept of illness, and refusing a fixed understanding of mental health issues. The analysis also reveals how these understandings influence frontline social work practice, uncovers broader socio-cultural influences through s cross-cultural lens, and highlights implications for social work education for navigating the inclusivity of holistic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cannabis use can generate potential avoidable harms, hence the need for effective preventive measures and treatment. Studies show the efficacy of harm reduction (HR) in minimizing undesirable consequences associated with this use. Despite its proven efficacy, HR in cannabis use remains poorly applied by many health and social services (HSS) practitioners, especially with young people. However, knowledge regarding the underlying reasons for this is limited. To fill this gap, we aimed to identify facilitators of and obstacles to HSS practitioners' adoption of HR in cannabis use across OECD countries. Methods: We conducted a scoping review, guided by Arksey and O'Malley's model. The search strategy, executed on health databases and in the grey literature, captured 1804 studies, of which 35 were retained. Data from these studies were extracted in summary sheets for qualitative and numerical analysis. Results: Facilitators and obstacles were grouped into four themes: stakeholders' characteristics (e.g., education, practice experience); clients' characteristics (e.g., personal, medical); factors related to HR (e.g., perceived efficacy, misconceptions); factors related to the workplace (e.g., type of workplace). Data were also extracted to describe the populations recruited in the selected studies: type of population, clientele, workplace. Conclusion: Several factors might facilitate or hinder HSS practitioners' adoption of HR in cannabis use. Taking these into consideration when translating knowledge about HR can improve its acceptability and applicability. Future research and action should focus on this when addressing practitioners' adoption of HR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recognition of the important physical and ecological roles played by large wood in channels and on floodplains has grown substantially during recent decades. Although large wood continues to be routinely removed from many river corridors worldwide, the practice of wood reintroduction has spread across the United States, the United Kingdom and western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. The state‐of‐science regarding working with wood in rivers was discussed during a workshop held in Colorado, USA, in September 2022 with 40 participants who are scientists and practitioners from across the USA, UK, Europe, and Japan. The objectives of this paper are to present the findings from the workshop; summarize two case studies of wood in river restoration in the western United States; and provide suggestions for advancing the practice of wood in river management. We summarize the workshop results based on participant judgements and recommendations with respect to: (i) limitations and key barriers to using wood, which reflect perceptions and practicalities; (ii) gaps in the use of large wood in river management; (iii) scenarios in which wood is generally used effectively; and (iv) scenarios in which wood is generally not used effectively. The case studies illustrate the importance of the local geomorphic context, the configuration complexity of the wood, and the potential for modification of river corridor morphology to enhance desired benefits. Moving forward, we stress the importance of collaboration across disciplines and across communities of research scientists, practitioners, regulators, and potential stakeholders; accounting for stakeholder perceptions of the use of large wood; and increasing non‐scientist access to the latest state‐of‐science knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Mining activities can promote development despite issues of environmental and social impact; however, corporate social responsibility (CSR) implementation is still an issue in the industry, which has received little attention in the literature and almost none to the operational level. This paper aims to address this gap by adopting the perspective of CSR practitioners to explore the way mining companies implement CSR at site level. Design/methodology/approach: This paper uses an exploratory approach with in-depth interviews to investigate site-level CSR implementation and challenges in the context of mining in Brazil. Findings: This study identifies primary challenges in CSR implementation and several ways in which they might be addressed. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this paper identifies for the first time two implementation-hindering aspects of the routine of CSR practitioners – excessive time spent at the office as opposed to in the field engaging in the community and a disproportionate amount of time spent on complaint management. In addition, this paper demonstrates the applicability of stakeholder theory in the CSR field, highlighting the need for increased collaboration among internal and external stakeholders to advance CSR implementation. Originality/value: This study adopts the perspective of CSR practitioners, who are key stakeholders in CSR implementation, working in mining sites in Brazil, as the impact of mining can be especially marked in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an empirical study on key competencies of experienced sustainability professionals. We use an elaborate action research approach to collect and analyze qualitive data from sustainability professionals in Belgium (Wallonia). The iterative action-reflection process included a written assignment, an interactive workshop, qualitative data analyses, focus-group discussions, and the corroboration of findings through participant feedback. The 18 participating sustainability professionals had on average 24 years of work experience out of which 17 years in the field of sustainability. Our analysis provides strong empirical evidence for the existence of Sustainability Intervention Competencies which is a cluster of six key competencies, namely interpersonal collaboration competency, capacity building competency, intrapreneurial competency, strategic competency, political competency, and implementation competency. Together with a set of basic sustainability competencies they enable the profound analysis and understanding of sustainability issues, the co-creation of innovative solutions, and the facilitation of transition processes toward a sustainable future. Furthermore, we present empirical evidence for an integrated learning competency which binds two complementary forms of knowledge together, namely topical knowledge and lived experience. This study contributes to the newly forming empirical research stream on competencies of sustainability professionals in Sustainability Science. We outline implications for Human Resource Management as well as Higher Education and Vocational Training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article uses selected findings from a small-scale research project entitled 'Exploring early childhood practitioners' perceptions of empathic interactions with children and families'. The project used an Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) methodology to explore data from a small number of early childhood practitioners working in nurseries and preschools in the UK. Participants completed diaries, reflecting on empathy throughout their working week; this was followed by a semi-structured interview to further discuss the diary content. This article focuses on findings demonstrating emotion within close empathic relationships with children, indicating that the inherent emotional labour has the potential to cause stress and burnout, although empathic satisfaction can counter this to some extent. The findings of the project call for improved reflective supervision for early childhood practitioners who report an impact upon their own well-being daily. There are potential opportunities for applying findings to international contexts and to parallel roles in working with children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores how practitioners of creative bibliotherapy utilise diverse approaches and understand the therapeutic possibilities of their practice. Creative bibliotherapy involves the therapeutic use of literature by a non-clinical facilitator working with groups or individuals. It is distinct from clinical bibliotherapy as a therapeutic approach, which generally works with non-fiction self-help texts in clinical contexts. While clinical bibliotherapy has been well-studied, there is a paucity of research on creative bibliotherapy, which only gained momentum in Australia in the 2010s. Based on in-depth qualitative interviews with bibliotherapists in Australia we explore differences in the practitioners' methods, approaches and backgrounds as well as the ideas of literature and wellbeing underpinning the practice. An inductive thematic analysis identified three key areas of difference: the therapeutic intentions of the practitioners, the diversity of the people they work with and their understanding of the role of literature in the bibliotherapeutic process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic, which brought about unprecedented changes globally, shed light on the significant disparities faced by persons experiencing homelessness (PEH). These individuals faced an elevated risk of contracting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) due to factors such as lack of safe housing, limited access to hygiene and sanitation, and communal living situations. The unique challenges, vulnerabilities, and effects of COVID-19 on PEH is discussed, as well as lessons learned from these experiences, recommendations for practitioners, and the ongoing implications for addressing homelessness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Cannabis use can generate potential avoidable harms, hence the need for effective preventive measures and treatment. Studies show the efficacy of harm reduction (HR) in minimizing undesirable consequences associated with this use. Despite its proven efficacy, HR in cannabis use remains poorly applied by many health and social services (HSS) practitioners, especially with young people. However, knowledge regarding the underlying reasons for this is limited. To fill this gap, we aimed to identify facilitators of and obstacles to HSS practitioners’ adoption of HR in cannabis use across OECD countries. Methods We conducted a scoping review, guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s model. The search strategy, executed on health databases and in the grey literature, captured 1804 studies, of which 35 were retained. Data from these studies were extracted in summary sheets for qualitative and numerical analysis. Results Facilitators and obstacles were grouped into four themes: stakeholders’ characteristics (e.g., education, practice experience); clients’ characteristics (e.g., personal, medical); factors related to HR (e.g., perceived efficacy, misconceptions); factors related to the workplace (e.g., type of workplace). Data were also extracted to describe the populations recruited in the selected studies: type of population, clientele, workplace. Conclusion Several factors might facilitate or hinder HSS practitioners’ adoption of HR in cannabis use. Taking these into consideration when translating knowledge about HR can improve its acceptability and applicability. Future research and action should focus on this when addressing practitioners’ adoption of HR.

Abstract Background The use of finished herbal products (FHPs) among Malaysians today is expanding rapidly leading to a huge market of FHPs in the country. However, the mass production of FHPs in today’s market is alarming due to safety-use issues that could lead to serious adverse effects. Nevertheless, demands are still high for FHPs as most consumers perceived it as safe to consume as it is made from natural substances as the active ingredients. This study aims to explore the safe use elements of FHPs identified by two stakeholders: consumers and practitioners in Malaysia and further compare these elements with the current regulations. Methods As an exploratory study, its approach is to investigate at an in-depth level of understanding of safe use elements from the involved stakeholders: consumers and practitioners. We had a total of 4 focus group discussion sessions (1 FGD session with consumer and 3 FGD sessions with practitioners) as a method of collecting data from the participants. The FGDs were conducted in local native Malaysian and then being translated by researchers without changing their meanings. Thematic analysis was done which involves methodically reading through the verbatim transcripts and consequently segmenting and coding the text into categories that highlight what the participants have discussed. Results From the result, we found that both practitioners and consumers agreed a safe FHP must be in compliance with the guidelines from the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH). There are other safe use elements highlighted including halal certification, trusted over-the-counter outlets, and published reports on the safety, efficacy, and quality. Conclusions In conclusion, both practitioners and consumers agreed that the most important safe-use element is compliance with MOH guidelines, but the depth of discussion regarding the safety elements among these stakeholders holds a very huge gap. Thus, initiatives must be planned to increase the knowledge and understanding about the MOH guidelines towards achieving a sustainable ecosystem in the safe use of FHPs.

Objective. To determine the level of knowledge of doctors on the rational use of antimicrobial drugs in clinical practice and to compare with data of the previous stage of the study and results obtained from students in a parallel project. Materials and Methods. A multicenter questionnaire survey of practitioners with analysis of results – stage of KANT project (full name of the project – «Physicians’ (Students’) knowledge in antimicrobials usage») conducted in 2020–2023. Results. A total of 336 participants were surveyed in 5 centers (10 Russian regions: Belgorod, Novosibirsk, Rostov, Voronezh, Lipetsk, Sakhalin, Primorsky, Krasnodar, and Krasnoyarsk regions, Republic of Tatarstan). The average level of correct answers (LCA) for the whole questionnaire was 47.5% (taking into account the extended analysis of sub-items questions No. 8 and 9 – 46.8%). Doctors showed the best results in answering questions about the time interval during which the effectiveness of antimicrobial therapy is evaluated (LCA – 84.2%); about choosing the most rational action if antimicrobial therapy (AMT) has a positive clinical effect, but requires a long course of therapy (LCA – 72.6%); selection of rational diagnostic/treatment action in the diagnosis of acute tonsillitis or pharyngitis, in a case where etiologic diagnosis is required (LCA – 63.1%). The worst results were recorded in answering to the following questions: indication of the antimicrobial drug of choice in the treatment of various infections (LCA – 29.1%); the choice of auxiliary drugs in addition to the justified appointment of antimicrobial drugs in the treatment of bacterial infections of the respiratory tract for the entire period of the disease or in certain phases (LCA – 26.6% – 35.1%); indication of a combination of antimicrobial drugs that is irrational to prescribe in clinical practice due to a similar mechanism and/or spectrum of activity against pathogens (LCA – 24.4%). Significant differences were found between centers in a number of questions, between physicians in KANT-III and KANT-IV projects (p < 0.001), and between physicians and students in a parallel project (KANT-IV students, LCA – 42.6%, p < 0.001). Conclusions. An unsatisfactory level of physicians’ knowledge of AMT and choice of adjuvant agents, as well as appropriateness of antimicrobial combination was found. The authors believe there is a need for making more efforts in areas of increasing physicians’ compliance to clinical recommendations, expertise and quality control of pharmacotherapy, recruitment of clinical pharmacologists; to optimize the educational process in universities, to expand the scope and availability of additional educational programs within the system of continuous education, as well as to train physicians in using modern sources of scientific medical information.

As urbanization accelerates and climate change intensifies, cities are increasingly facing risks from natural disasters and human activities. Enhancing urban resilience and strengthening cities' ability to adapt and recover from disasters have become hot topics globally. Although urban resilience evaluation has been studied from different dimensions, the study of urban resilience from a practitioner's perspective has received less attention. In this study, based on 1464 valid samples of practitioners in Huangshi City, a structural equation model (SEM) was applied to evaluate urban resilience. The evaluation indicators framework was selected from the economy, ecology, society, and infrastructure dimensions. The findings show that (1) the SEM model provides a scientific basis for establishing an index system for the comprehensive evaluation of urban resilience, and the corresponding correlation coefficients help determine the relative contribution of each indicator. (2) Social resilience accounts for the largest proportion of the entire evaluation system, followed by infrastructure resilience, ecological resilience, and economic resilience. (3) Taking Huangshi City as an empirical research case, the results show that the resilience assessment method based on SEM is feasible, with the resilience of Huangshi City showing an upward trend from 2013 to 2022. Finally, some plausible measures to improve urban resilience based on the evaluation results are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As cultural carriers of intangible cultural heritage (ICH), practitioners are key stakeholders in its inheritance and tourism use. Master-apprentice transmission is a major mechanism of generational inheritance. This paper examines ICH masters and apprentices at the Arts & Crafts Museum of Hangzhou, China, and analyzes the cultural composition of handicraft ICH and its intergenerational evolutionary mechanisms. Semi-structured interviews with two generations of practitioners and participant observation were undertaken. Research results reveal that intergenerational evolution involves multifaceted stakeholder interactions centred on practitioners with the support of government, management of the museum and participation of visitors. With patterns of family and master-apprentice inheritance, two generations of practitioners facilitate the evolution of handicraft ICH though both co-creations and conflicts. Second, six cultural attributes for handicraft ICH as of material, pattern, shape, technique, image and system are identified to visualise the process of intergenerational evolution. Third, driven by internal and external factors, ICH evolves through tracks of inheritance, selection and variation as presented through the above six cultural attributes. Moreover, the interdependence of cultural elements highlights the heritage framework of handicraft ICH and reflects the fluidity of authenticity. Accordingly, theoretical contributions and future research directions are offered for the sustainable development of handicraft ICH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomimicry creates designs inspired by nature and uses ecological benchmarks to assess their sustainability. It is believed that biomimicry can help society produce and consume in more sustainable ways, as well as address some of the key challenges facing the world today. However, research into the applications of and possible barriers to using biomimicry for creating more sustainable Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) projects is still limited. This paper addresses this gap by undertaking and analysing twelve semi-structured interviews with leading global experts and practitioners in the field of biomimicry as applied to the built environment industry. The study identifies substantial potential in the use of biomimicry in AEC projects, including the following: adopting circular approaches; enhancing interactions between human and natural infrastructure; optimising material and energy use; recycling and re-use of materials; reducing time and costs; plus more collaborative and interdisciplinary working. However, a wide range of multifaceted barriers also exist that are currently hindering the exploration and exploitation of this potential, including the following: lack of knowledge; insufficient research and testing at the scale of AEC projects; fragmentation, poor communication and traditional nature of the industry; perception of high risks and costs; as well as outdated and unsuitable legislation and planning processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The configuration of economic development, through complexity, rhythm, and amplitude, imposed Industry 4.0 as a new industrial paradigm characterized by advanced digitalization and automation. Appropriate behavior of organizations from a sustainable perspective and the expansion of performance evaluations by considering economic–financial, social, and environmental aspects supposed the reconsideration of the role of accounting in reporting, advice on risk management, and determination of organizational policies. The application of digital technologies in sustainability accounting and reporting requires mapping the attributes of Industry 4.0 and the collection, processing, and reporting of financial and non-financial information. The purpose of this research consists of a correlative analysis of the impact of sustainable development constraints and Industry 4.0 on sustainability accounting and reporting. To collect information, we developed a semi-structured questionnaire, distributed to the members of The Romanian Chamber of Fiscal Consultants. The data have been processed using correlation and regression analysis. The odds of achieving a higher quality of information provided to stakeholders are greater for those interested in digital transformation, sustainable accounting and reporting digitization, while ensuring data protection and security. In the case of cloud computing users, the digitalization of sustainability accounting and reporting were identified as key factors in the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The increasing worldwide worry about dental waste stems from the widespread use of materials in dental treatments. Therefore, it was crucial to conduct a comprehensive analysis to evaluate how dental waste is handled by dentistry professionals and students, resulting in important discoveries. Objectives: This study seeks to investigate dental waste management procedures among dental students and practitioners while assessing the various forms of dental waste produced in different departments. Moreover, it aims to explore possible strategies for improving the handling and disposal of dental waste. Methods: Students, interns, teachers, and practitioners completed an online questionnaire to provide primary data. A survey was conducted using random sampling procedures to obtain a sample of 406 persons from different dental institutions and hospitals. Results: The research findings indicated that a significant percentage of staff members and students exhibited awareness of appropriate disposal techniques for different categories of dental waste. The Department of Oral Medicine & Radiology faculty members have shown exceptional skill. In general, the participants demonstrated a significant understanding of proper disposal methods, especially for items linked to dentistry. However, there were differences in knowledge levels across other departments, as shown by a greater proportion of skilled staff in departments like Oral Pathology & Oral Microbiology and Orthodontics compared to the students in such departments. Conclusion: This research highlights the need to include thorough waste management education in dentistry schools to tackle the increasing environmental and health issues related to dental waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of finished herbal products (FHPs) among Malaysians today is expanding rapidly leading to a huge market of FHPs in the country. However, the mass production of FHPs in today's market is alarming due to safety-use issues that could lead to serious adverse effects. Nevertheless, demands are still high for FHPs as most consumers perceived it as safe to consume as it is made from natural substances as the active ingredients. This study aims to explore the safe use elements of FHPs identified by two stakeholders: consumers and practitioners in Malaysia and further compare these elements with the current regulations. Methods: As an exploratory study, its approach is to investigate at an in-depth level of understanding of safe use elements from the involved stakeholders: consumers and practitioners. We had a total of 4 focus group discussion sessions (1 FGD session with consumer and 3 FGD sessions with practitioners) as a method of collecting data from the participants. The FGDs were conducted in local native Malaysian and then being translated by researchers without changing their meanings. Thematic analysis was done which involves methodically reading through the verbatim transcripts and consequently segmenting and coding the text into categories that highlight what the participants have discussed. Results: From the result, we found that both practitioners and consumers agreed a safe FHP must be in compliance with the guidelines from the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH). There are other safe use elements highlighted including halal certification, trusted over-the-counter outlets, and published reports on the safety, efficacy, and quality. Conclusions: In conclusion, both practitioners and consumers agreed that the most important safe-use element is compliance with MOH guidelines, but the depth of discussion regarding the safety elements among these stakeholders holds a very huge gap. Thus, initiatives must be planned to increase the knowledge and understanding about the MOH guidelines towards achieving a sustainable ecosystem in the safe use of FHPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores how community engagement practitioners understand their knowledge production work in facilitating and choreographing dialogical spaces (Freire, 2005) within which "organic intellectuals" (Gramsci, 1971) and "alternative" knowledge emerge. Using a qualitative, phenomenological research strategy, data were generated through semi‐structured interviews with community engagement practitioners in Scotland. Practitioners emphasize the importance of equity in the relationship with project participants in knowledge production. Practitioners' narratives reveal how those relationships are realized and how these inform their own and the museum institutions' practice. We acknowledge that community‐based project participants' expertise is prioritized by practitioners as critical to effective community engagement. We argue for a nuanced conceptualization—and appreciation—of the complexities inherent in museum community engagement practice, which is often absent in museum studies work. This conceptualization is embedded in practitioners' subjective experiences and reflections, as well as structural contexts, which simultaneously enable and constrain meaningful community engagement work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the early 2000s, plant closures have been a significant concern in Ontario, Canada. Scholars and policymakers alike aim to investigate the causes of plant closures and determine how to mitigate their impacts. Despite the large body of literature on plant closures, local economic development practitioners' perspectives and experiences have been neglected. To fill this gap, this paper interviewed twenty-two practitioners from various cities in Ontario to understand how practitioners perceive and respond to plant closures. The findings provide a comprehensive overview of the various dynamics of plant closures. Also, based on the findings, seven policy recommendations are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid advancement of digitalization has significantly impacted various aspects of accounting professions, particularly in taxation. Tax digitization offers numerous advantages, including streamlining tax processes, reducing administrative burdens, increasing efficiency, and enhancing data security. While tax practitioners in advanced economies have embraced digitalization, their Malaysian counterparts are still in the early stages of transitioning to a modern digital system. This situation has prompted researchers to predict factors that could accelerate the adoption of tax digitalization among Malaysian tax practitioners. Emulating the Unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), this study investigates the adoption of tax digitalization with performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions. The researchers distributed 200 questionnaires to Malaysian tax practitioners. However, only 142 proceeded for further analysis. Results from multiple regression using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) 3 indicate that all variables: effort and performance expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions exhibit a significant relationship with tax digitalization adoption. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, tax authorities, and professional bodies in developing strategies and initiatives to promote the adoption of tax digitalization among practitioners. Embracing digitalization is crucial for transforming the profession and fostering efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gender representations in mainstream media could transform how people perceive gender inequality in society. While research into gender inequality in advertising has been long established, limited studies have investigated the issue from the advertising media practitioner's perspective. This study explores external factors (organizational, clients, and customers) and internal factors (background, family, and gender stereotypes) in driving advertising media practitioners' decisions to develop their advertising concepts. A series of in-depth interviews with 20 C-level advertising media practitioners were conducted in Vietnam based on the two themes: brand-cause fit, and person-cause fit. These fits result in different strategies that advertising media practitioners leverage to deal with gender issues, ranging from ignoring gender issues to challenging the current perspectives. Accordingly, we developed four typologies of advertising media practitioners in addressing gender stereotypes: Cavalier, Trend follower, Compromiser, and Activist. While some professionals perceive themselves as actors who work under business pressure and operate within broader cultural discourses, some look for every chance to adhere to gender equality messages in this progressive industry. Implications for brands and media agencies to deal with different types of advertising media practitioners are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an empirical study on key competencies of experienced sustainability professionals. We use an elaborate action research approach to collect and analyze qualitive data from sustainability professionals in Belgium (Wallonia). The iterative action-reflection process included a written assignment, an interactive workshop, qualitative data analyses, focus-group discussions, and the corroboration of findings through participant feedback. The 18 participating sustainability professionals had on average 24 years of work experience out of which 17 years in the field of sustainability. Our analysis provides strong empirical evidence for the existence of Sustainability Intervention Competencies which is a cluster of six key competencies, namely interpersonal collaboration competency, capacity building competency, intrapreneurial competency, strategic competency, political competency, and implementation competency. Together with a set of basic sustainability competencies they enable the profound analysis and understanding of sustainability issues, the co-creation of innovative solutions, and the facilitation of transition processes toward a sustainable future. Furthermore, we present empirical evidence for an integrated learning competency which binds two complementary forms of knowledge together, namely topical knowledge and lived experience. This study contributes to the newly forming empirical research stream on competencies of sustainability professionals in Sustainability Science. We outline implications for Human Resource Management as well as Higher Education and Vocational Training.

Traditionally, every practicing hakim used to have a group of students, most of whom lived in the compound of the hakim, witnessed and learnt the intricacies of 'hikmat', as well as preparation of different pharmaceutical products from raw materials. Once, they acquired a certain level of proficiency, they were allowed to leave and start their own practice. Same routine used to be followed by other branches of medicine. As the number of medical practitioners grew, their links to the teaching side got weaker or mostly ceased to exist, and with it the opportunities to learn. A debate has been generated whether the diagnostic proficiency and the clinical acumen of a non-teaching clinician can be considered equivalent to the one who is a teaching clinician actively engaged in teaching and grooming full classes of his or her students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundThe Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) compilation includes 73 defined implementation strategies clustered into nine content areas. This taxonomy has been used to track implementation strategies over time using surveys. This study aimed to improve the ERIC survey using cognitive interviews with non-implementation scientist clinicians.MethodsStarting in 2015, we developed and fielded annual ERIC surveys to evaluate liver care in the Veterans Health Administration (VA). We invited providers who had completed at least three surveys to participate in cognitive interviews (October 2020 to October 2021). Before the interviews, participants reviewed the complete 73-item ERIC survey and marked which strategies were unclear due to wording, conceptual confusion, or overlap with other strategies. They then engaged in semi-structured cognitive interviews to describe the experience of completing the survey and elaborate on which strategies required further clarification.ResultsTwelve VA providers completed surveys followed by cognitive interviews. The "Engage Consumer" and "Support Clinicians" clusters were rated most highly in terms of conceptual and wording clarity. In contrast, the "Financial" cluster had the most wording and conceptual confusion. The "Adapt and Tailor to Context" cluster strategies were considered to have the most redundancy. Providers outlined ways in which the strategies could be clearer in terms of wording (32%), conceptual clarity (51%), and clarifying the distinction between strategies (51%).ConclusionsCognitive interviews with ERIC survey participants allowed us to identify and address issues with strategy wording, combine conceptually indistinct strategies, and disaggregate multi-barreled strategies. Improvements made to the ERIC survey based on these findings will ultimately assist VA and other institutions in designing, evaluating, and replicating quality improvement efforts.

The Safe System approach is a commonly adopted approach internationally to address road traffic injuries. Existing research has identified that the approach has multiple descriptions, and there have been noted difficulties associated with implementation. Practitioners have an important role in rolling out road safety interventions, and thus are a key point for translating Safe System into practice. However, there has been limited investigation of how practitioners view and understand Safe System. Of particular importance is practitioners' interpretation of Safe System's purpose and the facilitators and barriers to application. Four hundred and sixty-nine respondents completed an online survey which investigated perceptions regarding Safe System's purpose.The results highlight that practitioners view Safe System as being multidimensional, with a range of ideas about what the overall purpose is. Safe System was perceived as both visionary and practical, with the majority of respondents reporting that it defines a broad outcome for road safety and provides direction on how to respond to road traffic injury. Additionally, two thirds of respondents identified that they applied Safe System to the last project or program they worked on and were broadly supportive of the approach. However, multiple impediments to application were identified, with these barriers effected by the practitioners' demographics, role and organisation. For practitioners, Safe System represents a complex approach that aims to reduce injury and deaths, however, effective application can only occur when barriers are reduced.

PurposeMethodsResultsConclusionTo examine current practices and recommendations regarding clinical supervision from the perspective of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) practitioners in Australia.A qualitative study design consisting of semi-structured interviews with 14 PBS practitioners.Positive supervision experiences revealed the importance of “a supportive relationship”, “supporting reflective practice”, and “different supervisors fulfilling different needs.” Challenges experienced included “a focus on operational matters’, “lack of clinical PBS expertise” and “sourcing and funding own supervision”. Recommendations included the need for supervision standards and trained supervisors with PBS expertise and knowledge of registration requirements and practice obligations. Questions were also raised to whether specific supervision training should be mandated.Clinical supervision provides critical oversight to ensure quality PBS practices, especially given research reporting inexperienced, unregulated, and untrained behaviour support practitioners in Australia. Results suggest, however, that some clinical supervisors have limited PBS expertise, and that further practice standards and guidance are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Primary care practitioners are crucial to engaging people in Australia's national cervical screening program. From July 2022, practitioners have been able to offer all screen‐eligible people the choice to collect their own self‐collected sample; an option introduced to increase equity. This study explored how practitioners are intending to incorporate universal access to self‐collection into their clinical care. Methods: Semi‐structed interviews with 27 general practitioners, nurses, and practice managers from 10 practices in Victoria, Australia conducted between May and August 2022. Interviews were deductively coded, informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. The Diffusion of Innovations theory was used to categorise intention to provide self‐collection. Results: Participants were supportive of universal access to self‐collection, citing benefits for screen‐eligible people and that it overcame the limited adaptability of the previous policy. Most participants' practices (n = 7, 70%) had implemented or had plans to offer the option for self‐collection to all. Participants deliberating whether to provide universal access to self‐collection held concerns about the correct performance of the self‐test and the perceived loss of opportunity to perform a pelvic examination. Limited time to change practice‐level processes and competing demands within consultations were anticipated as implementation barriers. Conclusions: The extent to which self‐collection can promote equity within the program will be limited without wide‐spread adoption by practitioners. Communication and education that addresses concerns of practitioners, along with targeted implementation support, will be critical to ensuring that self‐collection can increase participation and Australia's progression towards elimination of cervical cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planning sustainable and liveable communities requires considering residents' perceptions and preferences. However, practitioners' values and preferences can also determine the development of neighbourhoods, which has rarely been recognized. Thus, we compared if residents' and practitioners' perceptions match regarding 1) factors they considered valuable for neighbourhoods and 2) the development needs of specific neighbourhoods. We studied three Finnish suburbs using practitioner workshops and residential surveys. In general, the practitioners' and residents' values matched well. Both groups rated cleanliness, non-traffic related safety, essential services, and green spaces as the most important factors. However, residents valued traffic safety and lighting of routes more than practitioners. The practitioners and residents mostly agreed on how to develop the neighbourhoods in the future. The resident views not fully considered in the practitioners' development objectives were noise disturbances, and infill development as a threat to green spaces. This study underlined the importance of considering safety and access to green spaces in planning and developing suburbs. The study also revealed the complexity of integrating different aspects of liveability on an individual and neighbourhood/city scale. The integration of different dimensions of liveability in planning may require the use of participatory planning-support tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities have the right to access appropriate and comprehensive sexuality and relationship education (SRE), but face a long history of exclusion from SRE in the USA due to myths about the sexuality of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, biases against people with disabilities, and segregationist educational policies. Additionally, people with autism/autistic people are more likely to report having an LGBTQIA+ identity, and need comprehensive SRE content to become socially competent members of their communities. Teachers and other practitioners are often placed in the uncomfortable position of addressing many SRE topics while feeling unprepared, trying to stay aligned with educational policies, managing caregiver expectations, and providing scientifically accurate fact-based information in an increasingly politicised social climate. This paper provides recommendations on how to teach about LGBTQIA+ issues to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities including recommendations for modifying existing SRE curricula, identifying effective instructional strategies, and outlining a process for including LGBTQIA+ identities in SRE content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Although vulnerability is a somewhat nebulous concept, the term is widely used in child protection, and child protection workers often refer to vulnerability when describing the situations of families they work with. Because perceiving families as vulnerable or as living in vulnerable conditions may impact interventions, it is important to know what child protection workers mean when they talk about vulnerability. To this end, we explored community family workers' conceptions of the vulnerability of families involved with Quebec's child protection system for reasons of child neglect. Thematic analyses of semistructured interviews with nine community family workers revealed two main components to their conceptions of vulnerability: (1) a distinction between vulnerability, viewed as an intrinsic characteristic of all human beings, and (2) a heightened vulnerability caused by the cumulative effect of lacking resources in several domains. We discuss the impact of these conceptions of vulnerability on community family workers' perceptions of families and of the child protection system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anti-trafficking programmes in Italy have been implemented for more than two decades. Yet, little empirical evidence is available regarding their functioning. This paper draws on 56 semi-structured interviews carried out in the period of 2019–2021 with practitioners and beneficiaries of the N.A.Ve anti-trafficking programme. The interviews focused on practitioners' experience working with Nigerian women and on Nigerian women's experiences of the programme upon completion. By building on critical anti-trafficking studies and the autonomy of migration perspective, this contribution looks at the relationship between practitioners and Nigerian women admitted to the programme by addressing the following questions: what is the experience of practitioners and beneficiaries in the N.A.Ve programme? To what extent is the structural violence of the counter-trafficking apparatus reproduced in the relational dynamics between practitioners, particularly Case Managers, and beneficiaries? How do beneficiaries cope with such violence? I argue that the Case Managers' approach builds on "stratified layers of institutional knowledge" and that this concept is useful to highlight how their knowledge derives both from the counter-trafficking apparatus and their social work background. Furthermore, I present evidence that such an approach reproduces structural violence through processes of "conditional inclusion". Nigerian women denounced this violence but also seized the relational capital grown from rapport, calling for more engagement with people rather than programme objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Safe System approach is a commonly adopted approach internationally to address road traffic injuries. Existing research has identified that the approach has multiple descriptions, and there have been noted difficulties associated with implementation. Practitioners have an important role in rolling out road safety interventions, and thus are a key point for translating Safe System into practice. However, there has been limited investigation of how practitioners view and understand Safe System. Of particular importance is practitioners' interpretation of Safe System's purpose and the facilitators and barriers to application. Four hundred and sixty-nine respondents completed an online survey which investigated perceptions regarding Safe System's purpose. The results highlight that practitioners view Safe System as being multidimensional, with a range of ideas about what the overall purpose is. Safe System was perceived as both visionary and practical, with the majority of respondents reporting that it defines a broad outcome for road safety and provides direction on how to respond to road traffic injury. Additionally, two thirds of respondents identified that they applied Safe System to the last project or program they worked on and were broadly supportive of the approach. However, multiple impediments to application were identified, with these barriers effected by the practitioners' demographics, role and organisation. For practitioners, Safe System represents a complex approach that aims to reduce injury and deaths, however, effective application can only occur when barriers are reduced. • Safe System application continues to be a challenge. • Practitioner interpretation of the purpose of Safe System has been under researched. • A forty-item survey explored practitioners' perspectives of Safe System. • The majority of respondents reported that Safe System had multiple purposes. • Putting Safe System into practice requires a clearer concept and policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the Italian practitioners' perspective on the inclusion of children with disabilities in ECEC. Historically, Italy had a split system (0–3 and 3–6 divisions); only recently was the ZeroSix Integrated System established. Seven 0–3-division educators and seven 3–6-division teachers were interviewed. Their responses were analysed through a deductive content analysis, based on the eight dimensions of inclusion proposed by the European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education (2017). The themes which were mainly mentioned as crucial for promoting inclusion were a child-centred approach; inclusive teaching and learning environment; inclusive social environment; and family-friendly environment. These same dimensions were also said to be challenging, together with the implementation of materials for all children. The strengths and weaknesses in inclusive processes partly differed between the two divisions. This study enriches the literature investigating how practitioners implement inclusive practices in ECEC, also analysing the differences between the 0–3 and the 3–6 divisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The UN Sendai Framework recognized the need for making our communities safer and more resilient to disasters by shifting policy goals from "managing disasters" to disaster risk reduction (DRR) and building resilience. For DRR and building community resilience to disaster shocks, this study posits that social learning, a process of mutual development and sharing knowledge through iterative reflections on experience, is key to changing the conventional linear logic‐based, reactive framework into one based on learning‐by‐doing (adaptive management). Toward this end, a three‐round Policy Delphi process was pursued with a combination of 18 international DRR and SES (social–ecological systems) resilience scholars, practitioners, and public officials. Weak policy frameworks; operational, cultural and educational/training silos; and domination of technical knowledge were identified as major challenges in knowledge and learning transmission. Balancing technical knowledge with social science, and working toward transdisciplinary approaches and transformative practices should, therefore, be nurtured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economic resilience focuses on how localities react and respond to shocks. A recent conceptual advancement, known as the agency perspective and rooted in evolutionary thinking, highlights that economic actors (e.g., practitioners, firms, and institutions) play an essential role in localities' resilience. However, empirical investigations into the role of economic actors have been scarce. To address this shortcoming, in this study we conducted in‐depth interviews with 22 practitioners (economic development officials) from various cities in Ontario, Canada. Through an evolutionary lens, we examine practitioners' perceptions of and responses to endogenous shocks—notably, major industrial plant closures over the past 20 years. We find that practitioners influence localities' resilience through each dimension of the resilience process. Most notably, they support their localities' adaption through various short‐ and long‐term adaptive strategies. Also, we find that economic actors have different capacities and resources at their disposal to respond to shocks depending on the size of their city and its geographical location. Regarding the latter, we reiterate a commonly noted north‐south divide in the province. In addition, we find that economic actors are constrained by multi‐scalar policies, and thus operate in the confines of existing power and political structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Active recreation spaces provide important contexts for physical activity that can contribute to positive physical and mental health outcomes. However, individuals often face constraints which can limit their participation in active recreation. Although some constraints can be negotiated at the individual level, organizations may also take actions to facilitate participation. Extensive research has examined individual constraints to active recreation and constraint negotiation strategies, but there is a lack of research on how recreation agencies and organizations work to facilitate participation in active recreation. Recognizing this gap, we sought to understand facilitators of physically active recreation at the contextual level, with a larger goal of identifying the organizational facilitators that recreation providers use to encourage participation. This qualitative study of recreation providers included semi-structured focus groups conducted online with staff and program leaders at recreation organizations providing physically active programming in a college town in the northeastern United States. Focus groups were transcribed verbatim, coded both deductively and inductively using thematic analysis, and validated with qualitative techniques (e.g., consensus across coders). Results aligned with four themes: philosophy/ culture, staff/volunteers, marketing, and program actions. These themes illustrate the actions taken by providers to encourage and support participation across various levels of their organizational operations. Our data provide evidence of specific facilitation strategies used by recreation providers, aligning with constraints and constraint negotiation strategies identi- fied in previous research, as well as with business practices not typically viewed through this lens. The present study highlights the need for better integration of individual- and organizational-level research. By better understanding constraints faced by current and potential participants, providers can be more intentional in aligning their practices with the facilitation of participation. Recreation providers can use the facilitation strategies identified in this study to support constraint negotiation and better enable engagement in active recreation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing literature on the intersection of environmental sociology (ES) and natural resource sociology (NRS) suggests that a better understanding of the diverse perceptions, experiences, and practices of individual researchers in these subfields are informative in understanding the trajectory of environmental and natural resource sociologies including where more convergence might occur. We present the descriptive results of an online survey of members of relevant domestic and international professional societies or networks to gauge scholars' perspectives on these two subdisciplines of sociological studies of society–environment relationships. Our results show that while some distinctions persist in levels of analysis and geographic foci, several common assumptions, such as stark differences in theoretical and interdisciplinary orientations of the two subfields, are not as prevalent as widely assumed. We hope this effort to map out individual scholars' perspectives on ES and NRS can stimulate further thoughts and interactions among colleagues of all persuasions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]