Active Participation Research Articles

Global pandemic, social media, and fake news: FoMO, need for connectivity and compulsive buying

ABSTRACT In recent years, the effects of the global pandemic have increased the widespread use of social media, which has significantly influenced consumer behaviors and led to phenomena such as compulsive buying behaviors (CBB). Understanding the dynamics of these behaviors, antecedents, outcomes, and broader societal impacts is critical for communities, academics, and marketers. This study examines how consumers’ basic needs (e.g., autonomy, competence, and relatedness) translate into the need for online connectivity and FoMO, leading to active social media participation and CBB. The results support that connectivity and FoMO positively enhance customers’ active participation in social media, while active participation strengthens the effects of these elements on compulsive buying behaviors. In addition, low-resilience consumers with a high need for connectivity exhibit increased CBB when their tendency to share fake news is high. This research provides valuable insights into the complexities of consumer compulsive behavior and presents actionable implications for social media stakeholders.

Factors associated with insufficient outdoor play and physical activity participation among Chinese children aged 6–10 years: evidence from a two-wave survey

PurposeThis study investigated the risk factors associated with insufficient engagement of Chinese early school-aged children in outdoor activities, including play and physical activities.MethodsData were gathered from two waves of parent-proxy surveys. The analysis involved 1612 children (46.15% girls; mean age = 7.83 years) who had participated in outdoor activities. Responses were analyzed using Generalized Estimating Equations to identify relevant correlates impacting children’s outdoor play or outdoor physical activities. Children were assessed on their outdoor activities’ levels, and variables were analyzed for their impact on these levels.ResultsMaternal outdoor activity (< 1 h/day) and less clear requirements for outdoor activity are correlated with children’s outdoor play time (< 2 h/day) (p < 0.05). The number of outdoor playfields was also significantly associated with insufficient outdoor play, particularly on weekends (p < 0.05). For outdoor physical activities (< 1 h/day), the male gender of the child was a protective factor (OR = 0.33, p < 0.001), while paternal outdoor activity time (< 1 h/day) and unclear outdoor activity requirements were risk factors (p < 0.01).ConclusionsThe risk factors of insufficient engagement of Chinese early school-aged children in outdoor pursuits included the lack of time parents spend on outdoor activities, their unclear requirements, and the limited availability of outdoor spaces. Specifically, mothers’ outdoor activities time is linked to children’s outdoor play, while the male gender of the child and fathers’ outdoor activities are associated with children’s outdoor physical activities participation.

Wholesome Lunch to the Whole Classroom: Short- and Longer-Term Effects on Early Teenagers' Weight.

Previous studies on the effect of school lunch programs on child obesity have been hampered by effect heterogeneity, self-selection, and stigma-induced under-reporting, having produced mixed findings. Its potential long-lasting effect has also been debated. We study the body-weight effect of a Japanese school lunch program, which provides nutritional lunch to all students at participating municipal junior highs. The lack of means testing and individual participation choice offers causal estimates of actual participation for a diverse and representative group of children. By exploiting almost universal school lunch coverage for elementary school children nationwide, we construct a difference-in-differences (DID) framework. Using the 1975-1994 National Nutrition Survey, a nationally representative household survey with measured height and weight, we find a regressive benefit of school lunch: while no statistically significant effect is found for the full sample, we find significant obesity-reducing effects for the subsamples of children with low socioeconomic backgrounds. This obesity-reducing effect remains at least a few years after graduation, implying effect through not only nutritional contents but also guiding healthy eating behavior. We find little evidence that school lunch reduces underweight. Propensity score weighting, the DID analysis for percentiles, and various falsification tests confirm the robustness of our estimates.

Indigenous African Philosophy as a Paradigm for Health and Social Care Research: A Philosophical and Methodological Discussion.

The growing demand for research that is culturally sensitive and contextually relevant is leading to a greater acceptance of indigenous paradigms. Despite this, African philosophy, with its rich cultural and ethical dimensions, is still developing as a field. This paper delves into the philosophical concepts of Ubuntu, Ukama and Consciencism, exploring the ontology, epistemology, axiology and methodology of indigenous African philosophy. It highlights the importance of relationships, community, interconnectedness and a holistic understanding of human existence and experiences. Indigenous African philosophy presents itself as an alternative framework for addressing health and social issues through co-creation, active participation and empowerment. Ontologically, it focuses on relativism and individuals defined by their social and relational contexts. Epistemologically, it values the social construction of knowledge, which should be shared for the benefit of others. Relational ethics are central to African axiology. Together, the ontological, epistemological and axiological basis of African philosophy form a unique paradigm that emphasize community and examine phenomena in both physical and spiritual contexts to achieve a comprehensive understanding.

The role of sustainable energy and climate action plans (SECAPs) in urban energy transition.

Holistic energy and climate planning are prominent issues for Sustainable Land Management (SLM). This paper critically evaluates existing data of Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAPs), focusing on medium-sized Spanish cities within the framework of the 1ISECAP project under the H2020 program, as Spain stands out as the EU country with the most energy plans implemented in this range of cities. The study assesses the potential for creating synergies through SECAPs, highlighting challenges and potential contributions to local energy governance. SECAPs were selected based on previous studies, targeting cities with exemplary plans due to their specific implementation, integration with other urban and territorial plans, or success as examples of good practices. The goal is to reconnect land use planning with energy planning, fostering synergies that enhance sustainable energy planning and execution while engaging civil society in the energy transition. Results reveal the interplay between SECAPs and other urban planning tools, emphasizing their role in building synergies across spatial, sectoral, and governance dimensions through a comparative approach. Key success factors include spatial integration, diversification of funding sources, and collaborative frameworks. Overall, SECAPs are essential instruments for local energy governance, with their effectiveness closely tied to the degree of synergy achieved between public and private actors, convergence with other urban plans, and active citizen participation. However, in some cases, SECAPs are used to access external funding without achieving the desired level of coordinated management, limiting their impact.

A Strategic Study on the Integration of Chinese Culture into the Course of "College English Audiovisual and Speaking" under the Background of Cultural Self-confidence

This paper discusses the importance and implementation strategies of integrating Chinese culture into College English Audiovisual and Speaking Course under the background of cultural confidence. By analyzing the role of traditional Chinese culture in English teaching, this paper emphasizes the importance of integrating Chinese culture into teaching to expand students' knowledge, improve comprehensive quality, cultivate cultural self-confidence, enhance cultural communication and improve teaching level. This paper diagnoses the problems existing in the current English audio-visual speaking course, including the lack of understanding of traditional Chinese culture, ignoring language and cultural differences, and the lack of confidence in traditional culture among college students. In response to these problems, this paper proposes a series of improvement strategies, including integrating more cultural factors into teaching, strengthening teachers' cultural sensitivity training, student-centered promotion of cultural self-confidence, active participation of families, and clarifying the goals and contents of cultural self-confidence in teaching. This study aims to provide theoretical basis and practical guidance for English education practice, promote the inheritance and development of traditional Chinese culture, enhance students' cultural self-confidence, and effectively improve the quality of English teaching

The Role of the Case Method in Improving the Effectiveness of Biochemistry Education for Medical Students: a Comparative Study

A study focused on evaluating the effectiveness of using the case method in teaching biochemistry to medical university students. It explores the use of this approach as a means of integrating theoretical knowledge with the practical skills essential for the professional activities of future doctors. Within the framework of the experiment, the academic performance of two groups was compared: an experimental group using the case method and a control group studying with traditional methods. The analysis of students' academic performance was based on a comparative study of the results from these two different teaching approaches. The first group of students was taught using the innovative case method, which involves active student participation in solving practical problems and integrating theoretical knowledge with professional skills. The second group followed traditional teaching methods, primarily focused on lectures and standard exercises. The comparative analysis was conducted based on the results achieved at the end of the module, with an emphasis on identifying differences in academic performance levels between the two groups. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test. Despite methodological limitations, including the lack of randomization and potential differences between the groups, the study results remain reliable within the scope of the research objectives. The reliability of the findings is supported by the use of statistical methods and an objective approach to data interpretation. The conclusions of the study have significant practical value and open avenues for further scientific exploration in this area. The article highlights the importance of additional research aimed at investigating the mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of the case method and developing recommendations for its optimization and implementation in the teaching of biochemistry at medical universities.

People’s participation in local government at the grassroots level in Bangladesh: An exploratory analysis

An efficiently managed local government is characterized by active citizen participation and competent leadership that effectively steers the institutions under its jurisdiction toward their primary goal. In its pursuit of establishing itself as the economic center of South Asia, Bangladesh is diligently striving to establish a robust and dynamic municipal government. A new paradigm centered on grassroots democracy is supplanting the traditional mode of public participation in governance via elected officials. This research aims to identify the many avenues via which individuals from underrepresented groups might engage in local government in Bangladesh. It also seeks to evaluate the extent to which each of these avenues contributes to the empowerment of these groups. To gain a thorough grasp of the dynamics of participation without resorting to direct primary data collection, this study utilizes secondary data to conduct a qualitative investigation into people's involvement in grassroots local government in Bangladesh, specifically in the context of the Union Parishad. The study reveals that while Bangladesh’s local government mechanisms promote public participation, engagement remains largely symbolic due to limited influence over decision-making. Despite efforts like elections and community meetings, active involvement is minimal. The results highlight a disconnect between the established public participation mechanisms and citizen engagement in Bangladesh. Despite efforts like local elections and public forums, participation remains largely symbolic due to a lack of perceived influence. This suggests a need for reforms to foster meaningful public involvement and strengthen local governance.

Features of anesthesiological support during mechanical thrombectomy: preoperative assessment and pain management strategies

Mechanical thrombectomy is acknowledged as one of the most effective treatments for acute ischemic stroke, as it facilitates the rapid restoration of blood flow to the affected brain regions. Timely execution of this procedure is critical for reducing neurological deficits and improving patient prognosis. In situations where the speed and precision of intervention can determine treatment success, the role of the anesthesiologist becomes indispensable. Anesthesiological support during mechanical thrombectomy not only ensures patient monitoring but also involves active participation in risk management throughout and after the procedure. Adherence to modern anesthesiological protocols not only increases the likelihood of successful outcomes but also allows for the adaptation of treatment to the specific needs of patients, particularly those with less favorable clinical indicators. In this context, it is essential not only to explore optimal anesthesia approaches but also to investigate the physiological factors influencing anesthesiological support. Furthermore, developing effective strategies for postoperative pain management is necessary. Raising awareness about these aspects will contribute to improving clinical outcomes, reducing the risk of complications, and enhancing the overall quality of life for patients following thrombectomy.

Analysis of the market drivers of carbon emissions for REITs in Hong Kong, China

ABSTRACT The construction industry is the world’s largest consumers of energy and the largest emitters of greenhouse gases. The potential long-term benefits created by the carbon reduction behaviors of enterprises can be perceived by the market as a means of obtaining a higher premium and economic motivation to implement the carbon reduction strategy. This paper analyzes the correlation between carbon emission performance and the financial performance of Hong Kong real estate investment trusts (REITs) to study the economic incentives for carbon emission reduction actions in the construction industry. The results show that (1) operating margin and Tobin’s Q Ratio are positively correlated with carbon emission performance indicators; (2) the greater the amount of carbon emissions, the better the financial performance − the carbon reduction of related REITs does receive the economic incentive of improving financial performance; (3) the reasons for the lack of carbon emission market drive are the different quality information disclosures of different REITs and the lack of public awareness of carbon emission; and (4) it is necessary to promote the driving force of the REIT carbon emission market through the guidance, incentive, and promotion of government and regulatory agencies and the active participation of micro subjects.

The role of society and family in adolescents’ disaster resilience: A qualitative study

BackgroundResilience is a person’s ability to adapt to life problems and crises and is influenced by many factors. Due to the increase in the number and severity of disasters, disaster preparedness policies should be developed at different levels and among multiple groups. More attention should be given to vulnerable groups. The aim of the present study is exploring the role of society and family in adolescents’ disaster resilience.MethodsThe present study was conducted using a qualitative method with content analysis approach. The participants were 28 high school teachers in Bam city, who were selected based on the purpose, to be the least 10 years of age at the time of the Bam earthquake, willingness and ability to provide experiences, active participation in this study and filling the written consent form. Sampling was continued until data saturation. The data were collected via in-depth and semi-structured interviews and analyzed with the steps suggested by Granheim and lundman method.ResultsThe data analysis revealed 452 open codes, 192 conceptual codes after integration, 14 subcategories, and 4 categories of factors affecting resilience against disasters. The categories included resilience strengthening and restraining factors in the family and society.ConclusionThe results of the present study revealed the importance of family and society function in adolescent resilience, which can be used to help crisis management practitioners and decision makers plan community preparedness and improving Support Systems especially in schools, before disasters or Situational and predictable crisis.

Exploring the influence of online media on political participation in a postcolonial multi-ethnic context: evidence from Bolivia

ABSTRACT Limited research attention was given to the impact of online media on political participation in Latin American countries that face acute social tensions stemming from colonial histories and multi-ethnic societies. This study addresses this gap by examining a national sample of 1945 Bolivians. Primarily drawing on social identity theory, it investigates how informational online media use influences political participation, the pathways of influence, and the specific role of perceived indigeneity. A moderated serial mediation analysis reveals a significant positive direct, alongside two significant negative indirect effects of online media use on political participation, including a specific indirect effect through perceived government performance and a serial mediation indirect effect through perceived government performance and political trust. Furthermore, the data highlights that indigenous people exhibit higher levels of satisfaction with government performance, greater political trust, and more active political participation. This study contributes to the existing literature on the effects of online media and offers new perspectives on political communication studies in multi-ethnic postcolonial nations.

The Implementation of Yogurt-Making Machine in Dairy Product to Support Self-Reliance of Residents in Batujajar Transit Apartment, Bandung

This community service proposes the application of a yogurt-making machine for dairy products as a strategy to support residents' self-reliance at the Batujajar Transit Apartment in Bandung. Through modern technology in the milk production process, this community service aims to increase the added value of local dairy products and encourage the active participation of residents in production activities. Community service methods involve surveys, interviews, and direct observations of apartment residents. The number of participants in this training was 20, dominated by housewives, with 62% being aged 20‒25. Based on the analysis, 69.5% of the participants positively assessed this community service activity, including aspects of learning materials, speakers, facilities, satisfaction, and expectations. This implementation also opens up new opportunities for local and regional marketing, increases product competitiveness, and creates an environment that supports economic independence of the farmers. In conclusion, applying a yogurt-making machine for dairy products at the Batujajar Transit Apartment in Bandung is an innovative step toward increasing the economic independence of residents. This community service contributes to developing local products, residents' self-reliance, community empowerment, and regional economic growth.

Social robots as conversational catalysts: Enhancing long-term human-human interaction at home

The integration of social robots into family environments raises critical questions about their long-term influence on family interactions. This study explores the potential of social robots as conversational catalysts in human-human dyadic interaction, focusing on enhancing high-quality, reciprocal conversations between parents and children during dialogic coreading activities. With the increasing prevalence of social robots in homes and the recognized importance of parent-child exchanges for children’s developmental milestones, this work presents a comprehensive empirical investigation involving more than 70 parent-child dyads over a period of 1 to 2 months. We examined the effects of three robot interaction styles—a passive robot listener, an active robot with a fixed behavior strategy, and an active robot with a strategy-switching mechanism—on parent-child conversational dynamics. Our findings reveal that a robot’s active participation enhances the quality of parent-child dialogic conversations. The influence of robot facilitation varied on the basis of parental English proficiency. Strategy-switching robots provided greater benefits to non–native English–speaking families, whereas dyads with native English–speaking parents benefited more from fixed-strategy robots. Overall, this study highlights the promise of social robots that empower parents in fostering their children’s dialogic development—a contrast with the prevalent design of educational robots that primarily target children. It provides critical insights into the equitable, nuanced design of long-term family-robot interactions at home, especially in supporting diverse family backgrounds.

Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Character-Based Education: Strengthening Teachers with the Tamansiswa Approach in Indonesian Schools Kota Kinabalu

Rapid technological advances, especially in Artificial Intelligence (AI), have brought significant changes to the education sector. This community service program aims to improve the effectiveness of learning at the Kota Kinabalu Indonesian School (SIKK) in Malaysia by integrating AI and anticipating its impact by strengthening character through the Tamansiswa educational philosophy. The method used in this program applies Community-Based Learning (CBL), which encourages active participation in identifying and solving educational challenges. The implementation stages include pre-observation, initial observation, problem formulation, preparation, program implementation, and evaluation. This initiative was carried out through academic collaboration between the University of Malaysia Sabah, Sarjanawiyata Tamansiswa University (UST) Yogyakarta in collaboration with the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) Kota Kinabalu, and SIKK to deepen substantial discussions and expand the scope of program implementation. The results of the activity show that the integration of AI in education improves the efficiency of learning at SIKK, while maintaining the values embedded in the Ki Hadjar Dewantara Among System. The output of the activity shows a high level of participant participation. The evaluation noted that the majority of participants felt helped in understanding the application of AI and Tamansiswa in education, while SIKK recommended further development so that the benefits of the program could be sustainable.

QUESTIONING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF POWERPOINT AND LECTURE METHODS IN TEACHING QOWAIDUN NAHWI

PowerPoint has become a highly popular teaching medium in recent years, supported by various studies showing its high effectiveness in the learning process. However, the opposite has been observed in the teaching of Qowaidun Nahwi at Ma'had Tahfidzul Qur'an al Firqoh an Najiyah Putri. Therefore, this study aims to explain and thoroughly map students' responses and perceptions regarding the use of PowerPoint and the lecture method in Qowaidun Nahwi instruction at the school. This research employs a qualitative approach, with data collection methods including interviews and questionnaires administered to both teachers and students. The findings indicate that, although most students do not find PowerPoint boring, support and interest in this medium are relatively low, with only 58.3% supporting and 61% showing interest. Students tend to better understand the material through direct lectures, which are deemed more effective, with 81% of students viewing PowerPoint as merely a supplementary tool rather than the primary medium. On the other hand, the lecture method supported by the use of a whiteboard garnered higher support, with 73% of students in favor and 83% showing high interest. This method is considered more effective in facilitating the comprehension of complex material like Qowaidun Nahwi, although the integration of interactive methods such as discussions is still necessary to encourage more active student participation in the learning process.

Assessing The Effectiveness of CSR Initiative on Brand Reputation and Business Performance: Case Study of Trade Kings Group of Companies

This study examines the effectiveness of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives on brand reputation and profitability within the Trade Kings Group of Companies. Although CSR practices are increasingly adopted by companies in Zambia, the specific impact on brand perception and financial performance remains underexplored. With 78% of Zambian consumers willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly products, yet only 45% trusting companies to act responsibly, there is a pressing need to understand how CSR initiatives influence consumer trust, brand image, and profitability. This research uses a mixed-methods approach, including surveys and interviews with 50 stakeholders—managers, employees, and consumers—to evaluate how CSR initiatives and stakeholder engagement impact brand reputation and market performance. Key findings reveal that 72% of respondents view budget allocation as essential for CSR success, while 68% consider strong management support vital. Challenges identified include resource constraints (60%) and issues with aligning CSR activities with business goals (54%), along with insufficient stakeholder engagement (62%). Qualitative insights further reveal difficulties in sustaining CSR initiatives, measuring their outcomes, and balancing regulatory requirements with strategic goals. These findings underscore the importance of aligning CSR with business strategies, fostering active stakeholder participation, and ensuring adequate resource allocation. Recommendations for Trade Kings include increasing CSR budgets, enhancing management involvement, and strategically focusing CSR efforts to improve both brand reputation and profitability. By addressing the identified challenges and leveraging CSR as a strategic asset, companies can create a competitive advantage, thereby contributing to sustainable business growth and positive societal impact.

Determinants of Performance Arena of Ḍeuḍā and their Cultural Implications

This article explores Ḍeuḍā, a traditional folk song prominent in Sudurpashchim province, emphasizing its cultural significance and the pivotal role of performance in realizing its essence. The performance arena of Ḍeuḍā transcends mere location, encompassing the interplay of performers, audience, and contextual conditions. It posits that Ḍeuḍā achieves its fullest expression through active performance, with the performers’ skill, the audience’s engagement, and the setting collectively shaping the experience. The study reflects upon the performance theory and attempts to make an assessment of it in relation to the Deudā song that adopts qualitative research method, using observations and interviews as data collections tools. This study examines Ḍeuḍā performance as a socially situated art, involving the active participation of both performers and audience to co creates meaning. The study also investigates the three primary theaters where Ḍeuḍā is performed: intimate (natural spaces), private/domestic (family-centered), and public (festivals and fairs), each contributing distinct dynamics to the performance styles and themes. The article delves into how these arenas influence the performance’s thematic expressions ranging from love and personal reflection to communal values and social commentary. By situating Ḍeuḍā within its cultural, social, and performative frameworks, the study underscores its role as an aesthetic and communicative medium, deeply rooted in the collective identity and traditions of Sudurpaschim. The findings of the study reveal that the performance arena of Ḍeuḍā serves as the focal point where the event takes place. The song achieves its full expression through performance, meaning it may be best understood and appreciated when performed. The interplay between the performer, the art form, the audience, and the setting are essential for Ḍeuḍā performance. The performance arena of Ḍeuḍā encompasses the location or setting, the events, personal and collective conditions, and the nature of its genesis.

Gallery walk as research method in information science

Introduction. This paper argues that the gallery walks, a pedagogical technique traditionally used in educational settings, is an effective qualitative data collection strategy. Its interactive format stimulates discussion and ensures active participation, making it suitable for qualitative research. Background. Common qualitative methods like interviews, focus groups, and observations have limitations. The gallery walk technique leverages movement and interaction to deepen understanding, making it an effective tool for comprehensive and inclusive educational engagement. Gallery walk as research method. The gallery walk enhances data collection by balancing individual and group insights, encouraging participants to use their expertise and engage in meaningful discussions. This approach captures detailed information from each participant. Case study. We implemented the gallery walk in a study with 14 experts in satellite image analysis. Over two days, participants engaged with six thematic stations, discussing and annotating posters. The discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed, providing a rich dataset of individual and collective insights. Discussion and Conclusion. Our findings demonstrate the gallery walk's utility as a qualitative research method. Its structured yet flexible format enhances participant engagement and data richness. The gallery walk is particularly effective for studies involving expert participants, offering a comprehensive understanding of research topics.

Estrategias didácticas para fomentar la participación activa en entornos virtuales mediante paisajes de aprendizaje

This article explores the impact of learning landscapes as a teaching strategy to promote active student participation in the Pedagogical Praxis module of a graduate program. The study highlights how learning landscapes can address educational diversity by integrating multimedia resources, interactive activities, and a reflective approach that promotes collaboration and active participation. The exploratory, qualitative research research was conducted in four stages: design of the learning landscape, implementation in a virtual environment, data collection through pre- and post-implementation surveys, and analysis of interactions on digital platforms. Nine students from the module participated, and the data were analyzed qualitatively to understand the perceptions and experiences of the students. The results showed that learning landscapes significantly improved active participation, increased motivation and interest in the content, and facilitated self-regulation. Additionally, the importance of integrating innovative strategies to personalize learning and foster collaborative interaction in digital environments was emphasized. This study concludes that learning landscapes are an effective tool for transforming educational dynamics in graduate virtual environments.