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This paper explores how the OECD acts a broker of knowledge-making in the development of PISA, the most widely known International Large-Scale Assessment. Drawing on the work of Bandola-Gill, Grek, and Tichenor (2022) and analysing empirical data gathered through interviews with OECD staff and PISA contractors and experts, the paper analyses how the OECD brokers the making of comparative knowledge on learning outcomes. The paper does this by unpacking what counts as expertise in the making of PISA, and how the OECD manages and uses this expertise. Exploring the ways that international organizations broker experts and utilize expertise reveals how IOs first select experts and then delegate their expert-brokering role; they then seek to share the delegated process; and finally, take back expert-brokering and knowledge-production by creating, or decreeing, consensus. The paper also shows how expertise – beyond informing on a technical level – is used to shift scientific responsibilities and build global consensus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Moral injury is a potentially debilitating outcome of exposure to events involving transgressions against an individual's moral code. It is often observed in the context of PTSD; however, treatments that do not differentiate the two are often ineffective for moral injury, suggesting different mechanisms contribute to the conditions. The most widely accepted model of moral injury proposes an important role for self-discrepancy processes in generating and maintaining event-related distress, but this has yet to be examined. Methods: This study recruited 172 adults online who had been exposed to a potentially morally injurious event in the previous 5 years. Participants completed measures of event-related distress, PTSD, depression, and anxiety, as well as a self-discrepancy task involving subjective representations of their ideal, ought, and feared selves. Results: Multiple regression analyses found a small but significant relationship between self-discrepancy and event-related distress, with higher levels of ought self-discrepancy independently predicting higher event-related distress scores. Conclusions: This study provides the first empirical evidence of the relationship between self-discrepancy and moral injury. We identified the ought self as a domain of self-discrepancy salient to moral injury, further differentiating moral injury from PTSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patterns of cohort decline are key demographic traits that provide a unique temporal perspective vital to understanding population dynamics. The discovery of multidecadal lifespans in tropical surgeonfishes in the 1990s created a paradigm shift to the notion that they are highly vulnerable species with low population recovery rates; however, research into the mortality patterns of surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae) has been sparse until recently. Recent studies on this family have demonstrated an unusual (possibly unique), two‐phase pattern of adult catch‐at‐age, whereby there is a population‐level shift from higher‐than‐expected rates of decline early in life to lower‐than‐expected decline rates for the remainder of the lifespan. To examine the geographic and phylogenetic ubiquity of this pattern, we compiled age‐based information from demographic samples of 70 populations of 25 tropical species spanning the Indo‐Central Pacific and Central‐Western Atlantic. Overall, we found that 79% of populations exhibited strong biphasic patterns, including 88% of populations across the Indo‐Central Pacific. By accounting for empirical relationships instead of using linear catch curves or classical assumptions of natural population decay based on lifespan, we demonstrate that surgeonfishes have turnover times that are two to four times faster than previously believed. Faster turnover times may suggest a higher level of sustainability for surgeonfish fisheries throughout the global tropics than previously estimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We experience the present as a continuous stream of information, but often experience the past in parcels of unique events or episodes. Decades of research have helped to articulate how we perform this event segmentation in the moment, as well as how events and their boundaries influence what we later remember. More recently, neuroscientific research has suggested that the hippocampus plays a role at critical moments during event formation alongside its established role in enabling subsequent recall. Here, we review and explore the relationship between event processing and recall with the perspective that it can be uniquely characterized by the contributions of the hippocampus and its interactions with the rest of the brain. Specifically, we highlight a growing number of empirical studies suggesting that the hippocampus is important for processing events that have just ended, bridging the gap between the prior and current event, and influencing the contents and trajectories of recalled information. We also catalogue and summarize the multifaceted sets of findings concerning how recall is influenced by event structure. Lastly, we discuss several exciting directions for future research and how our understanding of events might be enriched by characterizing them in terms of the operations of different regions of the brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate statistical properties of the optimal value of the Sample Average Approximation of stochastic programs, continuing the study (Krätschmer in Nonasymptotic upper estimates for errors of the sample average approximation method to solve risk averse stochastic programs, 2023. Forthcoming in SIAM J. Optim.). Central Limit Theorem type results are derived for the optimal value. As a crucial point the investigations are based on a new type of conditions from the theory of empirical processes which do not rely on pathwise analytical properties of the goal functions. In particular, continuity or convexity in the parameter is not imposed in advance as usual in the literature on the Sample Average Approximation method. It is also shown that the new condition is satisfied if the paths of the goal functions are Hölder continuous so that the main results carry over in this case. Moreover, the main results are applied to goal functions whose paths are piecewise Hölder continuous as e.g. in two stage mixed-integer programs. The main results are shown for classical risk neutral stochastic programs, but we also demonstrate how to apply them to the Sample Average Approximation of risk averse stochastic programs. In this respect we consider stochastic programs expressed in terms of absolute semideviations and divergence risk measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate midwives' level of stress and burnout during the COVID‐19 Omicron phase in Italy. Secondary aims were to explore the impact of the pandemic on midwives' personal dimensions and professional activities and potential supporting strategies. Design: A mixed‐methods study was undertaken from July to December 2022. Methods: Data were collected using a national online observational survey. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed to evaluate stress, burnout and the impact of the pandemic on personal and professional dimensions. A deductive qualitative approach was used to analyse open‐ended responses, that were merged with quantitative data following a convergent mixed‐methods approach. Results: A total of 1944 midwives participated in the survey. The stress summary score mean was 10.34, and 562 midwives (28.91%) experienced burnout. The intention to reduce working hours was reported by 202 midwives (10.39%), with 60.40% (n = 122) of them experiencing burnout. The intention to leave clinical practice within the following 2 years was reported by 239 (12.29%), with 68.20% (n = 163) of them experiencing burnout. All the personal dimensions and professional activities considered were defined by more than half of midwives as being impacted 'Moderately' or 'To a great extent' by pandemic. Stress and burnout frequencies increased when the midwives' perception of the pandemic effects was higher. Potential supporting strategies described by midwives as the most important in increasing their ability to cope with the pandemic were 'Women's awareness of the midwives' role' (n = 1072; 55.14%) and 'Family and friends' emotional support' (n = 746; 38.38%). Conclusion: Our findings suggested strategies to support a positive and safe working environment for midwives during a pandemic emergency, with potential transferability to similar contexts when human resources are lacking. It is recommended that maternity services provide the necessary resources for a safe and supportive working environment to prevent high stress levels and chronic burnout. Impact: Studies conducted during the first COVID‐19 pandemic wave showed an increased level of stress, anxiety, burnout, post‐traumatic stress disorder and depression experienced by healthcare professionals; moreover, midwives experienced drastic changes in care pathways and policies with struggles identified when providing high‐quality woman‐centred care following pandemic restrictions. Although it is recommended, there is lack of knowledge about long‐term psychological effects of COVID‐19 for midwives. Our study highlights that during the Omicron wave midwives experienced a high level of stress and burnout with an impact on individual dimensions and professional activities. Their stress and burnout were influenced by several factors, including restrictions in place, lack of organizational acknowledgement, work overload and need for extra childcare cover. Maternity services should provide the necessary resources for a safe and supportive working environment to prevent high stress levels and chronic burnout. Recommendations on how to facilitate this are suggested. Reporting Method: During the writing process, we referred to 'The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies Epidemiology Statement', the guidelines for reporting observational studies from the Equator network. Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution. What does this paper contribute to the wider global clinical community?: Work overload conditions negatively impacted on the quality of maternity services. Improving organizational aspects, reducing working hours, promoting family and friends' emotional support and improving women's awareness of midwife's role were the main strategies reported by midwives. These suggestions for ensuring a positive and safe working environment for midwives during a pandemic emergency could potentially be applied to similar situations where human resources are lacking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This article presents the findings of a qualitative study focusing on the experiences of people aged over 70 years in the interpersonal nurse–patient care relationship in hospital settings during and after the COVID‐19 pandemic. The aim was to analyse different aspects of this relationship, including nurses' behaviour and caring attitudes, the person‐centred model of care, patients' involvement in their own care and communication in the hospital context. Design: An exploratory qualitative study was conducted on the basis of an interpretative framework. Methods: Six focus groups were conducted. A total of 34 participants were purposively recruited from three nursing homes in Spain, Italy and Portugal. Specific inclusion criteria were used to select participants. Results: Five main categories were identified. Analysis revealed the importance of empathy and sensitivity in caring relationships, as well as the need for personalized and patient‐centred care. The importance of effective communication and recognition of ageist behaviour by professionals was highlighted. In addition, independent of the pandemic, situational factors in the hospital environment were identified that influence the interpersonal care relationship. Conclusions: The study highlights the need to promote a person‐centred model of care that takes into account the specific preferences and needs of older people. This is achieved by identifying elements of the interpersonal nurse–patient relationship. In addition to highlighting the disparity of opinion regarding an active or passive role in self‐care and decision making, the importance of addressing ageism and improving communication is emphasized. What problem did the study address?: The importance of the patient–nurse relationship in hospital care has been highlighted in previous studies.Critical elements of the patient care experience have been identified as empathy and effective communication.Ageism in healthcare has been recognized as a potential barrier to patient‐centred care. What were the key findings?: The main findings highlight the importance of empathy and personalized care, emphasize the importance of effective communication and address ageist behaviours in the nurse–patient relationship. Where and who will the research impact?: By highlighting the need for person‐centred care and improved communication strategies, particularly in the context of caring for older patients during and after the COVID‐19 pandemic, this research will have an impact on healthcare professionals, policy makers and carers. Reporting Method: The COREQ guideline was used. Patient or public contribution: This study adopted a collaborative approach to ensure that patient perspectives were integrated into the research process. We organized regular focus groups. Patients were actively involved in shaping the research questions, refining the study design and interpreting the emerging findings. Their valuable input helped us to understand the nuances of their experience and to prioritize the aspects that were critical to their well‐being. In addition, their insights guided the development of practical recommendations aimed at improving the interpersonal care relationship between nurses and patients in hospital settings, ensuring that their voices were heard and reflected in the proposed interventions. This patient‐centred approach fostered a sense of empowerment among the participants. It reinforced the notion that their experiences and opinions are integral to shaping healthcare practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Like online dating sites, mobile dating applications are popular technologies for navigating the dating market, whether for seeking romantic relationships or sexual partners. The searching-matching-interacting (SMI) framework describes mate selection in the dating market and how mediated market intermediaries (e.g., dating apps) can aid these functions. We conducted in-depth interviews (N = 37) to explore dating app use during relationship initiation and relationship escalation, examining the SMI framework. For searching and matching, perceptions of affordances such as visibility, searchability, and locatability governed participants' selection and use of apps. Examining the interacting function, our findings provide some of the first empirical support for modality weaving during relationship development. Rather than a simple modality switch from app to face-to-face, participants reported integrating multiple interpersonal and masspersonal channels, including social media, texting, and video. Channel transitions were made based on goals (e.g., relationship escalation, verification, uncertainty reduction) and perceived affordances (e.g., synchronicity, editability, bandwidth, accessibility). Notably, participants' evaluations of the advantages and disadvantages of dating apps revealed several tensions and paradoxes among beliefs and behaviors. These paradoxes indicate why many users may not satisfy interpersonal goals such as hookups or long-term romantic relationships through mobile dating apps. Our findings support the viability of the SMI framework, and we extend its theorizing for studying relationship initiation and relationship development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schools and friendships represent important but distinct contexts for adolescent identity development. However, research has yet to explore the long-term interplay between these factors on ethnic/racial identity (ERI). This study included a sample of 640 adolescents from 9 public high schools in a diverse United States metropolis (Mage = 14.50, SD = 0.67; 44% Asian, 20% Black, 36% Latinx; female = 68%, male = 32%, non-binary = 0%). Latent growth curve modeling was conducted to investigate longitudinal associations in friendship ethnic/racial composition and ERI exploration. From the 9th–11th grades, same-race friends and ERI exploration increased linearly whereas friendship ethnic/racial diversity decreased linearly. Adolescents attending more ethnically/racially diverse schools maintained more ethnically/racially diverse friends over time but did not differ in changes in ERI exploration compared to adolescents in less diverse schools. There was no association between the rates at which adolescents' friendship ethnic/racial composition and ERI changed over time. More ethnically/racially diverse friends in the 9th-grade predicted faster increases in subsequent ERI exploration. The findings highlight important differences in the roles of friendship and school contexts on ERI, suggesting that friendship ethnic/racial diversity, but not school ethnic/racial diversity, facilitated ERI exploration over time. School ethnic/racial diversity did facilitate a slower decline in friendship ethnic/racial diversity, emphasizing the importance of school integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, we surveyed forensic interviewers (N = 137) on their note-taking practices, perceptions of note-taking, and note-taking training. Many forensic interviewers surveyed (81%) reported that they take notes during forensic interviews. Of those, the most common reason for note-taking was to assist with remembering what the interviewee reported during the interview (89%) and to guide the formulation of follow-up questions (87%). Note-taking style was also reported upon, with most respondents indicating that they write down keywords that may be used again in the interview (78%), as well as short utterances or sentences related to the presenting narrative (61%). Finally, the majority (50%) of respondents who take notes reported always taking notes, although 29% reported taking notes most of the time. Of those respondents who reported not taking notes during forensic interviews, the majority listed the reasons as being that it distracts the child from the interview (85%) and causes them to break eye contact with the child (46%). Overall, many respondents endorsed the benefits of note-taking to the interviewing process, whereas a small minority reported some perceived risks or concerns with note-taking during interviews. Perhaps most notably, forensic interviewers, both of whom take notes and those who do not, reported low rates of note-taking training and a desire for more information on note-taking practices within the field. These results underscore the need for further research and best practice guidelines regarding note-taking during forensic interviews. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pakistan has a significant occurrence of both consanguineous marriages and intimate partner violence (IPV), which may be interlinked. The practice of consanguineous marriages could potentially influence women to rationalize and accept instances of IPV. Such attitudes perpetuate a culture of violence against women, creating difficulties for victims to reject or escape from it. Pakistan has high prevalence rate of consanguineous marriages and IPV. However, no research has been done to explain the difference in acceptance of IPV between women in consanguineous and non-consanguineous marriages. This study used Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey data and applied association tests, logistic regression, and the Fairlie decomposition analysis. The Fairlie decomposition helps us identify the relative contribution of different socioeconomic factors in the inequalities in IPV between the two types of marriages. Five dimensions of wife-beating justification are used as outcome variables. Age, education, and empowerment of women, husband education, woman witness parental violence, region, place of residence, and household wealth status are used as independent variables. The logistic regression results indicated that women in consanguineous marriages of younger age and who witnessed parental violence are more likely to justify wife-beating than those who belong to wealthy households and enjoy more empowerment. Compared to the Punjab province, women residing in Sindh and Baluchistan are less likely and in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province are more likely to justify wife-beating. The Fairlie decomposition analysis shows that household wealth status, woman education, and empowerment are the main contributors in explaining the gap between the wife-beating justification of the two groups. The IPV gap can be reduced up to 77% if the distribution of women in different wealth quantiles of the consanguineous marriage group is identical to the non-consanguineous marriage group. Furthermore, woman education level is the second highest contributor. Consanguineous marriages are a prevalent cultural practice in Pakistan and are associated with several negative health and social outcomes. Addressing this issue requires a sustained and comprehensive effort by the government, civil society, and international partners, with a particular focus on women from poor households with less education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Parental combinations determined by genomic estimated usefulness and parental contributions of the lines in bridging population can enhance the genetic gain of traits of interest in maternal haploid inducer breeding. Parent selection in crosses aligns well with the quantitative trait performance in the progenies. We herein take advantage of estimated genetic values (EGV) and usefulness criteria (UC) of bi-parental combinations by genomic prediction (GP) to compare the empirical performance of doubled haploid inducer (DHI) progenies of eight elite inducers crosses in a half-diallel. We used parental contribution and discovery of superiors from elite-by-historical bridging populations to enhance genetic gain for long-term selection. In this empirical study, the narrow-sense heritabilities of four traits of interest (Days to flowering, DTF; haploid induction rate, HIR; plant height, PHT; Total primary branch length, PBL) in DHI population were 0.81, 0.71, 0.45 and 0.46, respectively. The genomic estimated EGV_Mid/Mean and EGV/UC_Inferior was significantly correlated with the sample mean of progenies and inferiors in four traits in the breeding and bridging population. EGV/UC_Superior were significantly correlated with the mean of superiors in DTF, PHT, and PBL in breeding and bridging populations. The genomic estimated parent contributions in DH progenies of bridging populations enabled discovery of favorable genome region from historical inducers to improve the genetic gain of HIR for long-term selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-dimensional viscoelastic-viscoplastic constitutive model is presented for predicting the dynamic mechanical behavior of an epoxy resin at low-to-medium strain rates. The model utilizes the generalized Maxwell model, incorporating two Maxwell elements in parallel with a nonlinear spring to represent the viscoelastic response at low and medium strain rates. By utilizing an empirical logarithmic relationship to predict the material properties at different strain rates, a nonlinear exponential relation based on overstress concepts is proposed for modeling the viscoplastic behavior. Comparing the tensile and shear stress–strain curves predicted by the proposed model with the experimentally measured curves, a good agreement is observed. Implementing the viscoelastic-viscoplastic model in commercial finite element software, a three-dimensional numerical discretization is performed. Through simulations of stress-relaxation and loading–unloading tests at various strain rates using the proposed material model, relaxation and hysteresis responses are analyzed. The model successfully predicts the experimentally measured hysteresis response of a specific epoxy resin during the loading cycle, consistent with other nonlinear viscoelastic models. This material model not only well replicates the nonlinear viscoelastic responses below the yield strain but also captures plastic nonlinearities at different strain rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to reshape a fast-jet electronics pod's external geometry to ensure compliance with aircraft pylon load limits across its carriage envelope while adhering to onboard system constraints and fitment specifications. Design/methodology/approach: Initial geometric layout determination used empirical methods. Performance approximation on the aircraft with added fairings and stabilising fin configurations was conducted using a panel code. Verification of loads was done using a full steady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes solver, validated against published wind tunnel test data. Acceptable load envelope for the aircraft pylon was defined using two already-certified stores with known flight envelopes. Findings: Re-lofting the pod's geometry enabled meeting all geometric and pylon load constraints. However, due to the pod's large size, re-lofting alone was not adequate to respect aircraft/pylon load limitations. A flight restriction was imposed on the aircraft's roll rate to reduce yaw and roll moments within allowable limits. Practical implications: The geometry of an electronics pod was redesigned to maximise the permissible flight envelope on its carriage aircraft while respecting the safe carriage load limits determined for its store pylon. Aircraft carriage load constraints must be determined upfront when considering the design of fast-jet electronic pods. Originality/value: A process for determining the unknown load constraints of a carriage aircraft by analogy is presented, along with the process of tailoring the geometry of an electronics pod to respect aerodynamic load and geometric constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While there exists a rich array of matrix column subset selection problem (CSSP) algorithms for use with interpolative and CUR‐type decompositions, their use can often become prohibitive as the size of the input matrix increases. In an effort to address these issues, in earlier work we developed a general framework that pairs a column‐partitioning routine with a column‐selection algorithm. Two of the four algorithms presented in that work paired the Centroidal Voronoi Orthogonal Decomposition (CVOD; Centroidal Voronoi Tessellation Based Proper Orthogonal Decomposition Analysis, 2003, 137–150) and an adaptive variant (adaptCVOD) with the Discrete Empirical Interpolation Method (DEIM; SIAM J. Sci. Computer. 38 (2016), no. 3, A1454–A1482). In this work, we extend this framework and pair the CVOD‐type algorithms with any CSSP algorithm that returns linearly independent columns. Our results include detailed error bounds for the solutions provided by these paired algorithms, as well as expressions that explicitly characterize how the quality of the selected column partition affects the resulting CSSP solution. In addition to examples involving matrix approximation, we test several of our partition‐based constructions on tasks commonly encountered in model order reduction (MOR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An air-entraining vortex begins to form when the submergence of an intake is not adequate and less than the critical value known as critical submergence. In the present study, critical submergence for a laterally placed single rectangular intake under a uniform approach flow in an open channel was investigated experimentally. Analysis of the data collected in the present study reveals that critical submergence is significantly influenced by intake size, intake aspect ratios, approach Froude number, intake Froude number, intake Reynolds number, and Weber number. However, intake Froude number and intake aspect ratio were found to be the most sensitive parameters that affect critical submergence. An empirical relationship for critical submergence has been developed using collected data used to compute the critical submergence within an error of ±20%. The findings of this investigation is advantageous for hydraulic engineers when designing lateral rectangular intakes to prevent the formation of an air-entraining vortex. Practical Applications: Insufficient water cover over the hydraulic intakes causes an air-entraining vortex formation in the vicinity of the intake. The formation of such an air-entraining vortex results in significant hydraulic issues, structural damages, etc. Ensuring enough submergence for the intake during its operational period is necessary to evade such problems. The submergence at which the air-core tail of the surface vortex reaches the intake initiating air-entrainment is called critical submergence. Critical submergence is an important parameter for the design of intakes and is widely used as a parameter to determine an incipient state for which no air is entrained by intake vortices. This paper discusses the experimental investigation of critical submergence for single lateral rectangular intakes concerning significant geometrical parameters, such as intake aspect ratio, approach Froude number, intake Froude number, etc. The proposed empirical equations in this study are helpful to hydraulic engineers when computing critical submergence to fix the invert level of a lateral rectangular intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores EU sectoral integration in the Eastern Neighbourhood. It shows that extant approaches to explaining EU meso-level engagement with third countries – differentiated integration and functional cooperation – fall short of capturing all dynamics at play. Drawing on the literature of 'Europeanisation,' it develops a novel conceptual framework for the study of EU sectoral integration entailing four avenues – rules, institutions, practices and knowledge – and two features – local ownership and cross-fertilisation. Through an in-depth empirical study of Frontex-Moldova relations, the article demonstrates that engagement in border management remains below the threshold of differentiated integration by precluding institutional inclusion but reaches beyond functional cooperation through combining integration concerning practices and knowledge. Furthermore, unlike differentiated integration, it allows for local ownership, and contrary to functional cooperation, it enables cross-fertilisation, even if these features are absent from the macro-level cooperation context. Thus, the article contributes to the refinement of the theoretical framework of European integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Scientia Iranica. Transaction E, Industrial Engineering is the property of Scientia Iranica 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.)

• A subset of youth experiences a return of anxiety following CBT. • We developed a remote-delivered single session booster to address return of anxiety. • Clinical response to the booster in three youths was mixed and varied by informant. • Boosters can be an efficient tool to help youth who experience a return of anxiety. There is a subset of youth who, despite responding well to CBT, experience a return of anxiety in the years after treatment ends. Although empirical research and clinical recommendations have described approaches to prevent a return of anxiety following CBT, to our knowledge, no empirical or clinical articles have evaluated approaches to help youth who have experienced such a return. In this article, we take an initial step toward providing clinical guidance on addressing recurrence in youth with anxiety disorders by describing the development of an approach, a booster session delivered remotely using telehealth, and by presenting promising preliminary data in a case series among three youths who experienced a return of anxiety following CBT. Participants were N = 3 youths ages 10 to 15 years (M = 12 years; 33% male, 33% female, 33% nonbinary) who previously completed a full CBT protocol for anxiety disorders as part of outpatient clinical services in an urban area of the southeastern United States. Parent- and youth-report on youth anxiety severity were assessed pretreatment and posttreatment. Clinical response to the booster among these three families was mixed and varied by informant source, with an overall positive response according to parent ratings and a smaller response according to youth ratings. This case series represents an important first step toward addressing the return of anxiety in youth following CBT, and findings provide the impetus for further development and evaluation work of single session boosters. Limitations and implications of the findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finding pathways to enable values-for-sustainability transformation is crucial. Despite the emergence of strategic insights and theoretical frameworks like the Four Perspectives, there remains a scarcity of empirical work to directly engage with values for pragmatic learning. We address this gap by presenting an empirical case study of an intervention designed to move two groups from non-collaborative to collaborative on the basis of newly found shared values. By conceptualizing values as tacit knowledge and employing the Knowledge Creation Theory, our intervention facilitated the development of cross-group shared values through Externalization and Combination modes. Our results demonstrate empirical evidence of values-engagement processes including Surfacing and Negotiation from Four Perspectives (i.e. Surfacing values, Negotiating values, Eliciting values, Transforming through values), and informs their sequence of appearance. We highlight the importance of a pool of shared experiences as basis for Surfacing, and demonstrate the utility of the SECI (Socialization, Externalization, Combination, Internalization) model to plan the utilization and sequencing of values-engagement processes towards achieving sustainability transformations. The findings suggest that starting with participants having shared experiences facilitates Surfacing and Negotiation of values, and enables developments of cross-group collaboration valuable for providing preparedness for a diversity of sustainability transformation contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to discover the factors that influence the acceptance of electronic learning media and its effect on the effectiveness of digital instruction. The study involved a learning management system and online tutorials using management system (MS) teams from various faculties at the Universitas Terbuka. These include the Faculty of Economics and Business, the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, the Faculty of Science and Technology, and the Faculty of Law, Social Sciences, and Political Sciences. also conducted in three regional offices in Ambon, Gorontalo and Makassar, which were selected through purposive sampling. Primary data sources include participant questionnaires and interviews. Analytical methods include correlation and multiple regression analysis, with descriptive statistics used to summarize the dataset. Variable selection involves reliability and validity tests and classical assumption tests like multicollinearity. The F-test demonstrates a statistically significant and beneficial influence of utilizing e-learning media and individual ability, training, and intention to use it for digital learning success. The results of ttests and regression models provide empirical evidence supporting the significant effect of e-learning media and intention to use on the effectiveness of digital learning. However, variables related to training and ability do not show any significant influence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of the empirical stage statistically proved that phototherapy is one of the effective tools of psycho-pedagogical assistance to adolescents who experience difficulties associated with emotional identification. We diagnosed the level of formation of this phenomenon within the sample of 240 respondents who are university and school students aged 17 to 20 years female and male. A number of psycho-diagnostic methods were used in the study: the method 'Toron to alexithymia scale (TAS-26)" and the questionnaire "self-attitude." Summarizing the results, we state that most of the studied sample is in a state of emotional well-being but emotional discomfort occurs among some respondents with certain levels of propensity for alexithymia (22.5%). The research proves the positive impact of phototherapy on adolescents' emotional identification development through photographing and creating visual pictures or direct perception and interpretation of images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to analyze the role of teacher learning agility in supporting the success of Islamic education in Indonesia. Researchers used a survey method distributed via a Google Form questionnaire. The population of this study were elementary, middle school, high school, bachelor's and master's level teachers, and a sample of 517 people was obtained, taken using random sampling techniques with the classification of 150 elementary school teachers, 135 middle school teachers, 148 high school teachers, 85 undergraduate lecturers, and 53 master level lecturers. The data were analyzed descriptively and measured using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test assisted by the SPSS 22 program. The results of the research show that outstanding educators in Indonesia have high learning agility at work. More than 50% of respondents respond to current developments and apply learning agility in the workplace. Based on job classification, lecturers have higher learning agility with an overall average of above 4.20. Meanwhile, based on gender, women are superior to men in its application. Educators with learning agility display maximum work performance, are able to draw lessons from work experience, adapt to change with full awareness and enthusiasm for learning to improve their skills, knowledge and competence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Small Business & Entrepreneurship is the property of Routledge 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.)

Shear strength of sandy gravel with cobbles is difficult to determine for usually an in situ test needs to be performed. Six group of in situ tests were conducted to investigate the shear strength of sandy gravel with cobbles. However, the inner friction angle was highly underestimated compared with those from the other methods. This failure result could be explained comprehensively. The strength parameters were also investigated using a DCP test, an experimental method and a theoretical method. Moreover, a numerical simulation method was also used to determine the failure mode of the in situ test. Through comprehensive comparison of these results, the soil failure mechanism in the tests did not follow the direct shear failure but did follow the bearing-capacity failure model. The bottom boundary could not provide enough capacity during the test; hence, the shear strength was underestimated. Moreover, the in situ test results could be explained through the Meyerhof bearing-capacity theory on shallow foundations subjected to inclined loads. With increasing normal load, the horizontal force decreased, resulting in a small inner-friction angle. The theoretical result of the inner-friction angle of sandy gravel with cobbles was 42 ~ 47.5° in these test, which coincided with the numerical simulation and empirical methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visualization and argumentation are central processes in the learning of geometry, giving rise to specific lines of research in mathematics education. However, it is worth asking whether they should be developed independently or if it is possible and in what way an articulation between them can be promoted. The objective of this paper is to search for this articulation within the most recent advances in empirical research on the teaching and learning of geometry in Spain. The analysis is approached through the tasks used in research employing two theoretical frameworks which have been developed in Spain, the Onto-Semiotic Approach and Configurational Reasoning. Two main types of task were found in the selected studies: visual tasks and conjecture-and-proof tasks. The results show that in visual tasks the articulation between visualization and argumentation is only necessary in some tasks, in which argumentation aims to justify or to describe the external representation provided as a solution. However, in conjecture-and-proof tasks the articulation between visualization and argumentation must always be present to resolve the task. Analyzing this articulation helps to detect and gain a better understanding of the difficulties that students encounter in solving these types of task. In visual tasks, argumentation helps to understand difficulties associated with the use of visualization. In conjecture-and-proof tasks, visualization determines the argumentation followed, in such a way that many of the difficulties originate more from the visualization than from the process of argumentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As artificial intelligence (AI) advances rapidly, it has been incorporated into formal education to facilitate subject-based learning. Integration of AI technologies to support learning requires teachers to intentionally design AI-assisted learning. However, there have been a limited number of empirical studies investigating teachers' behavioural intentions to design AI-assisted learning. To explore the predictors of teachers' behavioural intentions to design AI-assisted learning and examine the structural relationships among these factors, the authors constructed a structural model of AI literacy, Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK), technostress, school support, teacher agency, teacher autonomy and behavioural intentions. Data from 312 K–12 in-service teachers in China were analysed. The results suggest that TPACK, school support, teacher agency and teacher autonomy positively predict teachers' behavioural intentions to design AI-assisted learning. However, AI literacy and technostress were not statistically associated with teachers' behavioural intentions. On the other hand, TPACK significantly mediated AI literacy and teachers' behavioural intentions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proactive personality and behavior are frequently studied constructs in the organizational behavior and industrial-organizational psychology literatures. While much is known regarding main effects, mediators, and moderators, there are opportunities for further empirical work to develop and advance theory in these areas. In this editorial, we provide a brief overview of the theoretical foundations of both literatures and offer guidance for theory refinement consistent with the mission of the Journal of Management Scientific Reports. Topics covered are (1) opportunities for empirical research that tests, extends, or refines existing theory on proactivity; (2) empirical research aimed at enhancing the precision of measurement and rigor in proactivity research; and (3) using meta-analysis to improve theoretical understanding of proactivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The retention of human capital remains a vital point of interest for both organizations and scholars today, as it has for over a century. While many models of voluntary turnover exist, we identify two turnover theories, Steel's (2002) Evolutionary Job Search Model of Turnover and Lee and Mitchell's Unfolding Model of Turnover, that we believe offer significant opportunities for future research. In this editorial, we review these two theories, highlighting the impact of each and offering several recommendations for future replication. Specifically, after reviewing 183 articles that cited Steel, we found that only a few of these directly tested the core propositions of the model, likely due to the complexity of the challenges of sufficiently capturing the dynamic components, and none have fully tested the model. Additionally, despite being published only six years prior, we identified 748 articles that cited Lee and Mitchell, yet we found that only 127 empirically examined the model, with most focused on specific components of the model, and only 15 attempted to test the entire model. We provide several methodological and theoretical suggestions for progressing these two models towards a better understanding of voluntary turnover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this editorial, we identify three approaches to corporate purpose that shed light on distinctive aspects of corporate purpose and organizational life. The statement-centric approach focuses on how purpose can send (or not) credible signals to specific audiences. The experience-based approach highlights the heterogeneity in firm members' perceptions and understandings of corporate purpose. The decision-making approach proposes that corporate purpose alters decision-making within firms in predictable ways. This editorial contributes ideas for future empirical research. We believe current approaches to corporate purpose should both acknowledge their unique contributions and build on their methodological strengths in order to develop a meaningful understanding of organizations and provide concrete evidence of the impact of corporate purpose on organizational outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Value capture theory, or the application of cooperative game theory to theory and pedagogy in strategic management, has been growing in influence, but its potential for empirical research is underexploited. I briefly review value capture theory and then offer thoughts on how it may motivate and inform empirical research that both tests specific elements of value capture theory and uses insights and econometric models based on value capture theory to deepen our understanding of many topics of interest to strategy scholars and practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global work—any work arrangement that spans multiple countries and involves employees who are collaborating with one another, are culturally diverse and often are geographically dispersed—is a fascinating and timely research domain given the current social, technological, and geopolitical landscape. It may therefore be particularly tempting to explore novel theories and phenomena, and we have indeed seen a proliferation of new theories over recent years. However, we argue the global work domain needs to balance new theory development more carefully with theory testing and replication if it is to build cumulative scientific knowledge. In this editorial, we review established models and newer theories of global work that offer opportunities for theory testing, including (a) expatriate adjustment and adaptation theories, (b) models of global leadership effectiveness and expatriate managerial behavior, and (c) frameworks of global career consequences. We also identify existing empirical studies, whose replications would help advance the global work domain. This involves (a) deductively testing inductively developed models, (b) expanding existing studies to other types of global workers or adding meaningful new variables to a conceptual model that was examined, (c) using alternative methodological approaches to assess the predictions or research questions, or (d) adopting novel measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the evaluation of multi-step point forecasting models. Currently, deep learning models for multi-step forecasting are evaluated on datasets by selecting one error metric that is aggregated across the time series and the forecast horizon. This approach hides insights that would otherwise be useful for practitioners when evaluating and selecting forecasting models. We propose four novel metrics to provide additional insights when evaluating models: 1) a win-loss metric that shows how models perform across time series in the dataset , allowing the practitioner to check whether the model is superior for all series or just a subset of series. 2) a variance weighted metric that accounts for differences in variance across the seasonal period. It can be used to evaluate models for seasonal datasets such as rush hour traffic prediction, where it is desirable to select the model that performs best during the periods of high uncertainty. 3) a delta horizon metric measuring how much models update their forecast for a period in the future over the forecast horizon. Less change to the forecast means more stability over time and is desirable for most forecasting applications. 4) decomposed errors that relate the forecasting error to trend, seasonality, and noise. Decomposing the errors allows the practitioners to identify for which components the model is making more errors and adjust the model accordingly. To show the applicability of the proposed metrics, we implement four deep learning architectures and conduct experiments on five benchmark datasets. We highlight several use cases for the proposed metrics and discuss the applicability in light of the empirical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What happens to democratic administration when populists come to power? This article depicts the contours of the debate within the discipline of Public Administration (PA) about populist attempts to transform the state bureaucracy. It presents the results and limitations of recent empirical research about populist public administration policies and discusses the options for generating more systematic insights. The argument is that populist public administration research needs to improve on three fronts. First, more comparative research is needed in order to identify and explain similarities and differences across affected administrative systems. Second, the threat of democratic backsliding requires scholars to revisit questions about the ethical basis of public administration. Third, as populist backsliding endangers the survival of liberal democracy, PA needs to provide pragmatic and concrete answers as to how administrative systems can be made resilient against threats of illiberal state transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homelessness and rough sleeping are currently on the rise in England. Literature evidences an empirical relationship between substance use disorders and offending behavior within homelessness. This qualitative study explores this relationship from the perspective of those currently experiencing homelessness and substance use disorders, with an offending history. Thematic analysis identified substance use disorders as the dominant factor in the continuous relationship between three. Furthermore, when discussing their experiences of prison, participants did not identify prison as a deterrent from committing offenses. Feelings of stigmatization and marginalization from mainstream society were also identified, but participants expressed feelings of social inclusion within their marginalized groups. These findings, and their implications for support services in the community, are discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IMPACT: This article presents a tool to assess levels of financial information (FI) use by politicians—the FIU Index. The index provides a multidimensional perspective, whereby items of information used are combined with the main types of meetings where FI is discussed (annual budgets and accounts), and also with members of political bodies (local council, parliament, executive, government, political committee, etc.) in which FI is used. Entities may be ranked as below or above the average of those considered for the analysis each year. The FIU Index evidences the need for improvement, so that politicians can make the best use of FI to improve decision-making and dialogue with various stakeholders. The importance of making financial information (FI) available to politicians is well recognized. However, despite the recent attention by scholars to the use of FI in political contexts and by politicians, empirical research has failed to produce accurate tools to assess the degree to which politicians make use of FI. This exploratory study proposes a new tool to analyse levels of FI use—the FIU Index. The level of use is assessed by the number of times an FI term is mentioned by politicians. A test case using the new index in Portuguese municipalities illustrates its potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing literature on meeting science has begun to offer numerous best practices for designing and facilitating team meetings. However, similar considerations are limited for meetings that take place within multiteam systems (MTSs). These MTSs require meetings to occur both within and between teams to achieve both proximal and distal goals. Accordingly, the unique attributes of and challenges faced by MTSs may impact meeting inputs, processes, outcomes, and performance in these complex systems. In this review, we integrate core theoretical and empirical evidence from the meeting science, teaming, and MTS literature to inform the development of key propositions. Specifically, these propositions address how the design, facilitation, and effectiveness of MTS meetings may be influenced and impacted by core linkage attributes of MTSs. We conclude with a discussion of theoretical and practical implications as well as of future avenues for research that further explores and refines our understanding of meetings in MTS contexts. Plain Language Summary Title: Towards an Understanding of Multiteam System Meeting Design, Facilitation, & Effectiveness Plain Language Summary: Multiteam systems are unique organizational structures where at least two teams must cooperate to achieve interdependent goals. MTSs face unique challenges that come along with the need for between- team and within-team collaboration in complex, dynamic environments. Meeting science has contributed theoretically-informed research to provide best practices in meeting design and facilitation. However, there is a lack of research considering meetings that occur within the MTS context, and involve members from multiple teams. The current effort draws conclusions based on existing research from the meeting, teaming, and MTS sciences to generate theoretical propositions regarding MTS meeting issues that are in need of further exploration in future research. Overall, this review provides a foundation to begin understanding how MTS attributes may uniquely impact meeting facilitation, design, and effectiveness in such systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of European Journal of Social Work is the property of Routledge 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.)

A better understanding of the implementation of design thinking (DT) as a means to increase the assimilation of its practices is an important concern for R&D and innovation managers because more frequent use of DT practices raises organizational innovative capabilities. Introducing DT practices in workshops is a common, but also challenging approach to learning DT. Participants often have little to no prior encounters with the tools, techniques and principles used to practice DT and often mistrust or misinterpret the DT concept after a bad experience during the first exposure. For that reason, a suboptimal experience in introductory workshops can prevent or reduce the assimilation of DT practices. This study investigates how participant experience during first exposure as a vital precursor to the assimilation of DT practices can be improved via the organization of introductory workshops. We examine flow as the core experience measure in a quantitative‐inductive, quasi‐experimental study of two 3‐day DT workshops and compare periods with step‐by‐step acquisition of DT practices under guidance, periods of flexible, independent application of DT practices and periods of recovery. Our research employs a segmented time series analysis on more than 1100 real‐time observations collected with the experience sampling method (ESM). This study contributes to the scarce empirical research on improving the implementation of DT practices by indicating that a positive initial experience depends on workshop length, the logic of guided periods, the combination of guided and unguided periods, timing and type of recovery, as well as on team formation. Our results lead to five organizing principles, which can be used as testable propositions for future research, as well as in the planning and execution of (introductory) DT workshops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of New Architecture is the property of New Architecture Editorial Office 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.)

This study identifies the risks entailed in a service-oriented supply chain. By employing supply chain mapping, contingency, and Risk Breakdown Structure (RBS) theories to elaborate a picture of the current knowledge, we were able to summarise and categorise the various risks into three main levels of cause. Next, these literature-based risks were narrowed down into a specific industry context and were then tested and confirmed using exploratory factor and confirmatory factor analyses to form an industry-oriented RBS for the construction business. The data were collected from 195 firms who participated in a large-scale survey sponsored by the Japanese Government to promote sustainable socio-economic development for the ASEAN region. As a result, seven risk categories related to demand, supply, operations, information, finance, time (delays) and external sources (human-made or natural-related) were identified and will be a valuable reference for researchers and practitioners. Furthermore, the relationship between identified risk and supply chain performance was explored. This paper is the first to introduce the concept and characteristics of a service-oriented supply chain by using a systematic review combined with a bibliometric mapping of the literature and an empirical study to generate both generic and industry-oriented RBSs in a single study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents and elaborates on empirical methods and approaches used to identify Zero-Dose (ZD) and Under-immunized (UI) children as well as the communities that these children reside in within Bangladesh. This paper also describes demand- and supply side-barriers that lead to children being ZD and UI in the country. Time period for the study was December 2022—May 2023. The study methodology encompassed secondary data analysis using data from national surveys, primary data collection and analysis via a lot quality assurance sampling (LQAS) survey and also, qualitative data collection and analysis. Study population included caregivers of children aged 4.5 months (4 months 15 days) to 23 months for the LQAS survey. The qualitative component included policymakers, program managers and service providers working in immunization as well as mothers in the selected study areas who had a living child aged less than 2 years as the study population. Our data analysis confirms existence of ZD and UI children in areas which were categorized into haor (wetlands), hilly, char (sandy/silty land surrounded by water), coastal, plain land and urban slums. Determinant analysis showed that the mother's level of education, antenatal visits made, and access to media were significantly associated with children being ZD or UI. Reproductive autonomy emerged as a key factor that had prominent impact on a child being ZD. The qualitative analysis indicated the importance of population migration, health workforce shortages and lack of access to transportation as prominent barriers to immunization. Notably, the methods and approaches used in this study are both effective and easily replicable to identify ZD and UI children. The drivers of ZD and UI along with the barriers to immunization provide potential areas for intervention by policy-makers and can apprise about interventions to be tested in future implementation research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyber victimization is a growing global concern, impacting both the physical and mental well‐being of individuals. Some empirical studies have declared that cyber victimization is considered as an important factor in the emergence of symptoms of social anxiety. Whereas other studies still show inconsistency regarding the relationship. According to the PRISMA method, the present study used a three‐level meta‐analysis to obtain reliable estimates of effect sizes and examined a range of moderators. Based on 43 studies, a total of 115 effect sizes and 41,313 participants were retrieved through systematic literature searches. The meta‐analysis revealed a statistically significant positive correlation between cyber victimization and social anxiety. Furthermore, significant moderating effects were found in the study. The correlation is stronger between cyber victimization and social anxiety in children compared to adolescents. Additionally, victims exhibited heightened fear of negative evaluation from peers (FNE) among significant social anxiety variables. Notably, effect sizes were significantly larger when social anxiety was assessed using the Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents (SASA), as opposed to the Social Anxiety Scale for Children‐Revised (SASC‐R). The current findings contribute to a deeper understanding and underscore the importance of personalized interventions aimed at mitigating cyber victimization and preventing social anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the proliferation of help options for computer‐based second language (L2) listening comprehension, little attention has been given to a comprehensive understanding of the pedagogical effects. To gain a thorough understanding of the overall and moderator effects, drawing on the activity theory (AT), this study conducted a meta‐analysis of 33 valid independent studies on help options for computer‐based L2 listening comprehension with 3697 participants involved. Results demonstrated that (a) compared with those traditional methods, help options are found to be more facilitative for L2 listening comprehension with a small‐to‐moderate effect of g = 0.449, 95% CI [0.303, 0.596]; and (b) the effects of help options for computer‐based L2 listening comprehension are moderated by option types, feedback types, language distance types, intervention durations and learning activity types. Motivated by the results obtained, this study also discussed pedagogical implications for future studies. Practitioner notes What is already known about this topic The improved pedagogical effects of help options for computer‐based second language (L2) listening comprehension have been well‐documented. A large number of studies on the use of help options for computer‐based L2 listening comprehension have been published. There has been no research aggregating the overall effects of help options for computer‐based L2 listening comprehension. Some potential factors that may moderate the effects of help options for computer‐based L2 listening comprehension remain underexplored. What this paper adds This paper aims to aggregate the overall and moderator effects from the existing publications of help options for computer‐based L2 listening comprehension. Compared with those traditional methods, help options are found to be more facilitative for L2 listening comprehension with a small‐to‐moderate effect of g = 0.449. The effects of help options for computer‐based L2 listening are moderated by option types, feedback types, language distance types, intervention durations and learning activity types. Implications for practice and/or policy Help options have been confirmed to facilitate computer‐based L2 listening comprehension, especially among learners of primary and secondary levels. Call for more empirical studies investigating how different types of options, feedback, language distance and intervention durations along with learning activity moderate the effectiveness. Further attempts should investigate help options for computer‐based L2 listening comprehension with the integration of generative AI, large language model (LLM) and natural language processing (NLP) techniques. What is already known about this topic The improved pedagogical effects of help options for computer‐based second language (L2) listening comprehension have been well‐documented. A large number of studies on the use of help options for computer‐based L2 listening comprehension have been published. There has been no research aggregating the overall effects of help options for computer‐based L2 listening comprehension. Some potential factors that may moderate the effects of help options for computer‐based L2 listening comprehension remain underexplored. What this paper adds This paper aims to aggregate the overall and moderator effects from the existing publications of help options for computer‐based L2 listening comprehension. Compared with those traditional methods, help options are found to be more facilitative for L2 listening comprehension with a small‐to‐moderate effect of g = 0.449. The effects of help options for computer‐based L2 listening are moderated by option types, feedback types, language distance types, intervention durations and learning activity types. Implications for practice and/or policy Help options have been confirmed to facilitate computer‐based L2 listening comprehension, especially among learners of primary and secondary levels. Call for more empirical studies investigating how different types of options, feedback, language distance and intervention durations along with learning activity moderate the effectiveness. Further attempts should investigate help options for computer‐based L2 listening comprehension with the integration of generative AI, large language model (LLM) and natural language processing (NLP) techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the aging population, the financial burdens associated with chronic diseases continue to escalate. Among various management strategies, family physician contracting stands out as a significant initiative aimed at addressing this challenge, officially introduced in China in 2016. However, current research has given relatively little attention to the economic benefits of family physician contracting in developing countries. This paper evaluates the economic effect of family physician contracting by employing microdata of patients with chronic diseases at the Yuyuantan Community Health Service Center, Haidian District, Beijing, from January 2019 to May 2021. This research contributes to the theoretical discourse in healthcare services by introducing a modified Anderson model. The empirical findings demonstrated that family physician contracting effectively reduced healthcare costs for patients with chronic diseases. Notably, the effect of family physician contracting on healthcare costs was more pronounced among patients with chronic diseases aged less than 65 years. At the same time, it is inferred that expediting the reform of the health insurance payment system, coupled with the promotion of family physician contracting services, would enhance the wellbeing of patients with chronic diseases. This research offers valuable insights into the ongoing and future development of family physician contracting in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a distinct rural flavour to contemporary political discontent. Studies in the United States have found that rural populations feel politically neglected and resentful of city dwellers, resulting in significant partisan cleavages. Rural discontent and difference are enduring features of Australian federal politics, with rural populations often frustrated by their treatment from policy-makers in Canberra. To understand better contemporary rural discontent this article considers the views of those elected to represent rural people, rural MPs. It presents findings of an empirical study into how Australian federal rural MPs understand their role, their constituents, and the issues they face. Interviews reveal that the role of a rural MP is shaped by distance, by diverse people and localities, and by a sense that their constituents are misunderstood by urban Australians and policy-makers. The article considers how these interpretations of rural MPs intersect with sentiments of rural discontent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marker variables provide an efficacious means of post hoc detection of common method variance (CMV) in data. These variables are measured in the same way as substantive variables, but because they are conceptually unrelated to the variables of interest, they are believed to be a proxy for CMV. Although marker variables have demonstrated effectiveness, questions remain as to what they actually measure, and thus, why they work. This lack of knowledge prevents researchers from choosing appropriate marker variables to include in same source surveys. The purpose of this research is to determine how four different marker variables account for common rater effects which can cause CMV. A metacognitive approach is used to develop an empirical study using two samples, with a focus on the specific rater effects of mood state, transient mood, consistency motif, and illusory correlations. Findings indicate that these marker variables elicit similar respondent reactions and do not create a notable psychological separation between substantive variables. Additionally, there is evidence that respondents' use of consistency motifs and illusory correlations influence substantive variable relations. Finally, using the confirmatory factor analysis marker technique, data from two samples indicate the presence of CMV, but not bias from CMV, indicating that the problem of artificially inflated results due to CMV may be overstated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Yangtze River Economic Belt, as a core economic region in China, is facing the dual challenges of an aging population and growing healthcare demand, and the balanced development and optimal allocation of nursing human resources is crucial to the region's healthcare system. An in-depth study of the regional differences and convergence of nursing human resources in the region will provide a key basis for policy makers to achieve equity and efficiency in healthcare services and meet the growing demand for healthcare. Aim: To analyze the regional differences and convergence characteristics of nursing human resource levels in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, and to provide scientific references for optimizing regional nursing human resource allocation. Methods: Based on the panel data of 107 cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2010 to 2020, the regional differences and their sources were analyzed by using Dagum's Gini coefficient, and the convergence characteristics were examined by the coefficient of variation and spatial convergence model. Results: The average value of the number of nursing human resources in the Yangtze River Economic Belt is 2,132,300 people, with obvious regional differences, and the hypervariable density difference (53.01%) is the main source of the regional differences; there are obvious trends of σ-convergence and conditional β-convergence of the level of nursing human resources in the overall and the three major regions of the upstream, midstream, and downstream, and different factors have different moderating effects on the speed of spatial convergence in the other areas. Conclusion: The implementation of precise policies for nursing human resources in different regions of the Yangtze River Economic Belt steadily reduces the regional differences between the upper, middle, and lower reaches and enhances the spatial linkage between regions of nursing human resources to improve the quality of nursing human resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The jump in the value of the stock may result in a corresponding escalation of risk associated with the stock market. When a jump occurs in any particular market, such a risk can spread to other markets. This paper examines realized volatility and risk contagion of the jump between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong market utilizing realized volatility and three realized jump separation methods. Correspondingly, the Markov regime‐switching approach is employed to exhibit the contagion effect of the jump risk in two economic states. This study employs the Shanghai–Shenzhen 300 Index and the Hang Seng Index as empirical research subjects. The results show that the Hong Kong market has a higher frequency of jumps compared to the mainland market. The MedRV method is found to be effective in identifying more jumps, while the mainland market displays a unidirectional contagion effect on Hong Kong. Under such circumstances, the risk associated with a continental market jump exhibits an unevenly contagious effect on the Hong Kong market. In conclusion, China needs to enhance its financial market risk management in order to avert the spread of escalating risk across markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyses the emergent field of Muslim chaplaincy research by reviewing English-language publications in this growing area of professional religious work, especially in Europe and the United States. After presenting the method of our enquiry, we provide a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the literature reviewed. We then focus on three key topics in Muslim Chaplaincy Studies that derive from our quantitative and qualitative research. These are: the training of Muslim chaplains, which is strongly linked to professionalisation, the vocabulary and sources that underpin Muslim chaplaincy and, finally, the significance of the increasing involvement of Muslim women in this area of professional religious work and leadership. Having identified exactly 100 publications related to the development of Muslim chaplaincy, many of them arising from empirical research, serious practitioner reflections located in peer-review publications, and a small number of articles that are explicitly devoted to methodological considerations, we are suggesting in this article that a distinctive sub-field of Muslim Chaplaincy Studies can now be identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]