Perceptions Of Benefits Research Articles

Factors Shaping Public Support for More Carbon Capture and Storage Projects in the United States.

This study contributes to the literature examining public acceptance of carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects in the US. The examination of factors that shape public support for CCS projects provides policymakers with insights to address public concerns, balance CCS development with public sentiments, and make informed decisions about optimal locations and timing. Based on a nationally representative survey on 1850 respondents, the study finds that in the US, there is very low familiarity (6.4%) regarding CCS technology and some limited opposition (11.5%) to increased CCS development. Regression results suggest that support for increased CCS projects in the US is influenced by perceptions of technical and social risks (leakage and community danger, respectively) but not cost of living risks, perceptions of environmental and economic benefits, familiarity with the technology, confidence in government regulations, and a desire for the US to lead in CCS. We fail to find the 'Not-in-My-Backyard' effect, and individuals supporting the development of more CCS in their states also support it at a national level. Understanding these factors helps policymakers anticipate challenges in implementing CCS initiatives and allows for the development of strategies to address concerns.

Analysis of one-year outcomes after cochlear implantation in adults with single-sided deafness

Objectives: To investigate the outcomes of cochlear implantation in Mandarin-speaking cochlear implant (CI) users with single-sided deafness (SSD). Methods: This study was a single-center prospective cohort study. Eleven Mandarin-speaking adult SSD patients who underwent CI implantation at Capital Medical University Beijing Tongren Hospital from August 2020 to October 2021 were recruited, including 6 males and 5 females, with the age ranging from 24 to 50 years old. In a sound field with 7 loudspeakers distributed at 180°, we measured root-mean-square error(RMSE)in SSD patients at the preoperative, 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month after switch-on to assess the improvement of sound source localization. The Mandarin Speech Perception (MSP) was used in the sound field to test the speech reception threshold (SRT) of SSD patients under different signal-to-noise locations in a steady-state noise under conditions of CI off and CI on, to reflect the head shadow effect(SSSDNNH), binaural summation effect(S0N0) and squelch effect(S0NSSD). The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used to assess changes in tinnitus severity and tinnitus loudness in SSD patients at each time point. The Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale(SSQ) and the Nijmegen Cochlear Implantation Scale (NCIQ) were used to assess the subjective benefits of spatial speech perception and quality of life in SSD patients after cochlear implantation. SPSS 19.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: SSD patients showed a significant improvement in the poorer ear in hearing thresholds with CI-on compared with CI-off; The ability to localize the sound source was significantly improved, with statistically significant differences in RMSE at each follow-up time compared with the preoperative period (P<0.05). In the SSSDNNH condition, which reflects the head shadow effect, the SRT in binaural hearing was significantly improved by 6.5 dB compared with unaided condition, and the difference was statistically significant (t=6.25, P=0.001). However, there was no significant improvement in SRT between the binaural hearing condition and unaided conditions in the S0N0 and S0NSSD conditions (P>0.05). The total score of THI and three dimensions were significant decreased (P<0.05). Tinnitus VAS scores were significantly lower in binaural hearing compared to the unaided condition (P<0.001). The total score of SSQ, and the scores of speech and spatial dimensions were significant improved in binaural hearing compared to the unaided condition (P<0.001). There was no statistical difference in NCIQ questionnaire scores between preoperative and postoperative (P>0.05), and only the self-efficacy subscore showed a significant increase(Z=-2.497,P=0.013). Conclusion: CI could help Mandarin-speaking SSD patients restore binaural hearing to some extent, improve sound localization and speech recognition in noise. In addition, CI in SSD patients could suppress tinnitus, reduce the loudness of tinnitus, and improve subjective perceptions of spatial hearing and quality of life.

Teacher and Parent Perception of Biophilic Conditions in Primary-School Environments and Their Impact on Children’s Wellbeing

The term “biophilia” refers to the intrinsic affinity that humans have towards nature, natural elements and natural processes. Biophilic design theories suggest that the introduction or representation of natural characteristics or elements into the built environment can help enhance people’s health and wellbeing. Primary school buildings are important environments where children spend considerable time. However, there is limited evidence on the impact of their biophilic features on the children themselves and on perceptions of important facilitators of children’s wellbeing, such as teachers and parents. This research aims to investigate whether teachers and parents perceive children to have a preference or desire for specific biophilic characteristics in their school’s physical environment; and whether teachers perceive some biophilic characteristics as having an effect on children’s performance and behaviour. A framework for evaluating biophilic characteristics in primary schools was developed. Two case study primary schools in London and Bath (England, UK) were audited against this framework, and teachers and parents were surveyed. The results suggest that children do have a preference towards the specific biophilic features studied, which is stronger and more demanding when the exposure is higher. For some aspects, teachers’ perception of benefits is also susceptible to the quality of the environment itself.

Unlocking the Future: Exploring Librarian’s Perspectives and Readiness for Artificial Intelligence Integration in Eswatini Libraries

This study aims to explore the perception and readiness of librarians in Eswatini regarding the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in libraries and provide recommendations to assist librarians in effectively embracing AI technologies in their library services. The study’s specific objectives were to determine the level of awareness, examine the perception, assess the level of readiness and provide practical recommendations. Data was collected through a questionnaire administered to a purposive sample of librarians in Eswatini. The study revealed varying levels of awareness among librarians regarding AI integration in libraries. Librarians generally held a positive perception of AI's potential benefits, including improved information retrieval and enhanced user services. However, there were concerns about privacy and data security. The study also identified areas where librarians felt less prepared, such as acquiring programming skills and dealing with ethical considerations. The study recommends training and professional development opportunities to enhance librarians’ skills, establishing clear guidelines and policies to address privacy and data security concerns, and promoting collaborations and knowledge sharing among librarians. The recommendations offer practical guidance for librarians to successfully incorporate AI technologies into their library services, ultimately enhancing the quality and efficiency of library operations.

Factors affecting Bangladeshi high school students' practices of sanitation and hygiene

Background: Better sanitation and hygiene standards are beneficial for preventing infections, limiting the spread of pathogens, and fostering overall health in educational environments. On the other hand, not much is known about school-student's hygiene and sanitation habits. The purpose of this study is to identify and comprehend the variables that affect students' behavior related to sanitation and hygiene in classrooms. Method: This study was carried out at the Katiadi Government High School, a high school in a Bangladeshi upazilla town. An exploratory qualitative study design, based on the Integrated Behavioral Model for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (IBM-WASH) was used. Before utilizing them, the effectiveness and clarity of the semi-structured interview guides were tested, which included questions about behavior, access, and practices related to sanitation and hygiene. Result: The students had quite low sanitation and hygiene practices despite having a reasonable level of awareness and knowledge. Sanitation and hygiene practices were influenced by a wide range of interrelated factors, which also affected one another. Contextual factors (lack of upkeep and cleanliness, availability of sanitary products), socio-behavioral factors (norms, peer influence), and individual factors (gender awareness, perception, and sense of health benefits). Conclusion: To advance improved sanitation and hygiene practices among school students, multi-level interventions such as regular delivery of WASH-related materials and agents, promotion of low-cost WASH interventions, quality cleaning services improvement, close observation of cleaning activities, individual hygiene behavior promotion, and introduction of gender-sensitive WASH infrastructure and construction may be helpful.

Life Experiences of Patients Using Oral Anticoagulant

Objective: The aim of the study is to examine the life experiences of individuals receiving oral anticoagulant therapy. Material and Methods: The research was carried out with face-to-face semi-structured interviews (n = 16) using the qualitative research method from the qualitative research design. All interviews were recorded by the mobile phone audio record programme and the interviews were transcribed into the text and evaluated in the Nvivo 8.0 packet program. Results: The average age of the participants in the study was 58 ± 10.56 years. In the research, themes related to drug use knowledge and awareness, drug benefit perception, drug harm perception, treatment satisfaction, and its effect on daily life were determined. Conclusion: Awareness/knowledge, benefit and harm perception, impact on daily life and treatment satisfaction were defined within the scope of five main themes. It is recommended that healthcare professionals consider these themes determined in the training programs they will plan for patients.

At the intersection of multiliteracies and glocalisation: a case study in a university in Taiwan

ABSTRACT This study introduces a pedagogical framework incorporating multiliteracies, a new literacy concept proposed by the New London Group (1996, A pedagogy of multiliteracies: Designing social futures. Harvard Educational Review, 66(1), 60–92. https://doi.org/10.17763/haer.66.1.17370n67v22j160u), and glocalised marketing, the adaptation of marketing strategies to fit local markets, within an English for Specific Purposes (ESP) setting. The article first reviews ESP research that adopts a multimodal approach and outlines the main features of a multimodal pedagogical framework, which is then expanded to encompass a pedagogy of multiliteracies and glocalised marketing for an English for advertising and marketing curriculum. In doing so, the framework is further connected with disciplinary literacy, a subject-specific skill set combining knowledge construction and language communication that can be cultivated through the pedagogy. The study presents findings from multimodal projects and surveys completed by 28 university students from a university in Taiwan. Using case study analysis, the study investigates the effectiveness of the pedagogical framework in promoting multimodal meaning-making practices and assesses participants’ perceptions of the learning benefits of this approach. The study hopes to provide pedagogical insights for ESP teachers to cultivate learners’ communicative competence in a digitalised and globalised society.

Black/African American participation in cancer clinical trials: A qualitative study of community members, patients with cancer, and survivors (Detroit, MI) using CBPR.

e13743 Background: Black/African Americans (B/AA) have a disproportionate cancer burden and the highest mortality rates of any racial/ethnic group for most cancers. Racial/ethnic variation in cancer burden reflects health inequities, differences in risk factors, heredity and genomic diversity, and lack of access to and participation in cancer prevention, screening, treatment, and clinical trials. Twelve percent of the United States population are B/AA; however, only about 5% B/AA participate in clinical trials. As a result, data regarding tumors from B/AA are not equally represented in new drug discovery efforts. Methods: Participatory Action for Access to Clinical Trials (PAACT) used a Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach to support a partnership between Henry Ford Health (HFH) and eight African American, Caribbean, and continental African community-based organizations (CBOs). Focus group data were collected in-person and virtually with representatives from the CBOs and HFH cancer survivors. CBOs participated in Steering Committee meetings throughout the project and two community forums to obtain feedback on recommendations identified through the qualitative data. Results: Factors contributing to participation in cancer clinical trials included systemic issues related to racism, health disparities and trust in government, health systems, and clinical research. Other factors included personal experiences with healthcare systems, healthcare provider-patient communication, socio-economic barriers (e.g., time away from work, family), and perceptions of future benefits from trials for B/AA communities. Recommendations included: 1) on-going health system outreach to B/AA communities regarding cancer prevention and treatment, as well as clinical trials. 2) B/AA community liaisons and cancer survivors as providers of information related to clinical trials; 3) two-way provider-patient communication to address questions and concerns about treatment options and trial information; 4) monetary compensation for indirect trial costs; 5) information on the importance of diversity within trials; and 6) ensuring information is provided to patients’ support networks. Conclusions: CBPR is effective in the identification of factors that influence participation in clinical trials. Building trust between patients and the healthcare system begins before patients walk into a clinic and every interaction contributes to institutional worthiness of community and patient trust. It is possible and imperative for health systems to work with B/AA communities and jointly identify and implement recommendations to ensure informed decision-making regarding trial participation. We are currently designing intervention strategies based on the recommendations for implementation at HFH.

Analysis of Workers’ Perception and Demographic Factors - An Insight Into the Slovenian Gig Economy

Abstract This study examines the gig economy in Slovenia, with a particular emphasis on the perceived benefits and challenges for gig workers within this emerging labour model. The research aims to capture the implications of flexible, project-based employment in a smaller European context, as this trend becomes increasingly prevalent globally. A quantitative approach was employed to survey 34 gig workers in Slovenia. The survey analysed their demographic characteristics, reasons for engaging in gig work, and the benefits and challenges they experience. In the findings, 64% of respondents specifically identified schedule flexibility as a predominant benefit of gig work. However, it also uncovers substantial challenges, including increased market competition and a lack of social benefits. Moreover, the research suggests that perceptions of the gig work benefits are widely acknowledged across various age groups and educational levels, with no significant variation. Nevertheless, the findings indicate a gender disparity in gig work perceptions, with males perceiving higher levels of financial freedom and professional development than women. This research suggests the need for policies aimed at ensuring equity and further research into harmonizing gig work with supportive labour market policies.

Welcomed Pregnancies: Characteristics and Patterns of Adjusting to Unwanted, Unplanned, Untimely or Otherwise Difficult Pregnancies.

Background Women facing problematic pregnancies, defined as "unplanned, mistimed, unwanted, or otherwise difficult," either have abortions or make adjustments to welcome these pregnancies. These adjustments are understudied. Pregnancy resource centers that provide counseling and services to assist in the process of welcoming pregnancies have been the focus of controversy due to their refusal to counsel or refer for abortions. This survey of a national population of women seeks to quantify changes in attitudes toward problematic pregnancies that are not aborted and to gauge levels of contact with pregnancy help centersand perceptions of harm or benefits attributed to those contacts. Methodology A national research firm was enlisted to obtain 1,000 surveys completed by female residents of the United States aged 41-45, inclusive. Women reporting a history of abortion were surveyed along one path. For those who did not have abortions but reported a problematic pregnancy, questions were presented to assess changes in attitude toward their pregnancy from the date they first learned they were pregnant to 90 days later, their considerations of abortion, whether they had contact with a pregnancy help center, and their assessment of that contact on either harming or improving their lives. Results Among 275 respondents who had no history of abortion but had ultimately welcomed a problematic pregnancy, 112 (40.7%) had been at higher risk of abortion. Positive attitudes toward their pregnancies increased most rapidly for women who had been at higher risk of abortion but were lower on the day they first learned they were pregnant. Overall, 34 (12.4%) reported they had contacted a pregnancy help center that did not refer for abortions. Another 37 (13.5%) were uncertain if they had contacted an organization fitting that description. Both groups reported the contact improved their lives, on average. Negative assessments were uncommon and all were of a small degree. Conclusions Women facing problematic pregnancies who did not choose abortion experienced rapid improvements in feelings of wantedness, timeliness, acceptance, welcoming, and desirability toward the pregnancy. The rate of improvement was most rapid among those who had investigated and considered abortion. Women reporting contact with pregnancy help centers almost always assess it as having improved their lives.

Valuing urban green spaces for enhanced public health and sustainability: A study on public willingness-to-pay in an emerging economy

Statement of problemRapid urbanization threatens urban green spaces (UGS), impacting ecological sustainability and public health. Research gapThere is a notable research gap in understanding public willingness to pay (WTP) for UGS in developing countries, including Brazil, which this study addresses. PurposeThis study aims to explore the association between public WTP for UGS and the recognition of their health benefits in Brazil, contributing to urban sustainability and public health. MethodEmploying a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates statistical quantitative analysis of WTP through surveys with qualitative insights into public perceptions of UGS benefits. Results and conclusionsThe findings reveal a significant willingness among the public to pay for UGS, driven by the recognition of their health benefits. The study underscores the importance of UGS for urban well-being and sustainability, highlighting a strong correlation between health benefits recognition and WTP. Practical implicationsThe results inform urban planners and policymakers of the critical value placed on UGS by the public, suggesting the need for inclusive urban development policies that prioritize green space accessibility and maintenance. Future directionsFurther research is recommended to explore innovative funding mechanisms for UGS to ensure equitable access and sustainability, alongside the impact of educational programs on public support for UGS.

Advancing breast cancer care for underserved women: A study of the Pink Ribbon Mammogram Program in Oakland County.

11053 Background: The Pink Ribbon Mammogram program, a non-profit initiative in Oakland County, Michigan, aims to provide free breast cancer screening (BCS) to underserved and uninsured women, in partnership with Trinity Health Oakland. The program has served approximately 1500 women since 2009. This study aims to highlight the program’s effectiveness in providing free BCS and gather participant feedback to address challenges and improve its operational efficiency. The study also aims to evaluate the factors associated with participants' perceptions of BCS using the Revised Champion’s Health Belief Model scale (RCHBMS) and open-ended questions. Methods: A survey with open- and close-ended items was conducted among 253 women who participated in the program from 2019-2023 via structured telephone interviews. The RCHBMS, a validated tool, was used to measure participants’ perceptions of breast cancer susceptibility and screening benefits and barriers using a 5-point Likert scale (1=strongly disagree, 5=strongly agree). SPSS 28 was used for analysis, with a p-value&lt;0.05 indicating statistical significance. Results: Over the last 5 years, the program has conducted 363 mammograms, 59 ultrasounds, and 2 biopsies, leading to 1 confirmed and treated case of breast cancer. Among 253 individuals with valid contact details, 96 consented to participate in the survey. Participant demographics are as follows: mean age 50 years; 80% Hispanic, 15% White, 5% Black; 76% primarily Spanish-speaking; all are uninsured or with high copay. The main reasons for participating included the benefit of free coverage (32.3%) and reassurance of being breast cancer-free (31.3%). 44% reported no issues in attending their appointments, while 8.4% faced logistical challenges, equally divided between work commitments and transportation issues, which were the main causes for missed appointments. The primary motivation for 81.3% of participants undergoing mammogram screening was early breast cancer detection. Using RCHBMS, the study also revealed a correlation between participants’ perceived susceptibility for breast cancer and their attitudes toward mammogram screening. Those who felt more susceptible to breast cancer also perceived greater barriers and lesser benefits to screening (p&lt;0.05). Factors such as younger age, disability, and having private insurance with high copay were associated with increased perceived susceptibility to breast cancer (p&lt;0.05). Conclusions: This study serves as an important evaluation of a community-driven BCS initiative, highlighting its successes and areas for improvement to better serve underserved populations. This program can serve as a model to increase BCS nationwide. Insights into factors influencing screening perceptions among underserved women offer valuable guidance for healthcare providers and policymakers to improve screening outcomes in similar communities.

MSME Accounting Revolution from Perceptions, Challenges, Solutions

This study investigates the perceptions of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) regarding accounting practices, focusing on Citra Pertiwi Farm and SUGOfreshmilk. Using a qualitative approach with interviews, observations, and documentation, the research identifies positive perceptions of accounting's benefits while noting shortcomings in inventory recording and accounts payable management. The study concludes that the current accounting practices in these MSMEs do not fully align with accounting standards for MSMEs. The findings suggest a need for improved accounting systems in MSMEs to enhance financial management and sustainability. Highlight: MSMEs' perceptions of accounting practices. Benefits and shortcomings in MSMEs' accounting. Emphasizes need for improved accounting systems. Keyword: MSMEs, Perception, Accounting, Improvement, Financial Management

Generating customer wealth by mobile-based agricultural extension services: BOP farmers in the emerging markets

Purpose This research was motivated by the recognition that the use of mobile-based agricultural extension services (AES) applications has become increasingly popular among the bottom of the pyramid segment in recent years. However, users’ adoption is determined not only by their perception of the technology but also by its perceived wealth. In other words, even though a technology may be perceived as advanced, if it does not fit users’ wealth perception benefits, they may not adopt it. Using an extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) perspective, this study aims to explore potential predictors of behavioral intention toward AES such as effort expectancy, performance expectancy, customer wealth (CW), social influence and perceived characteristics of innovation. Design/methodology/approach Potential causal connections between key UTAUT factors and users’ intentions to use the services are hypothesized. An integrated theoretical model was developed and tested against the empirical data collected from 336 AES users. A measurement model and structural equation model were tested using AMOS 22.0 and confirmed all 14 hypothesized relationships. Findings The results were consistent with the recent literature on mobile technology acceptance, confirming an unmoderated relationship between CW and the adoption of mobile-based AES. This research proposes a mobile AES user adoption model by integrating CW with the unified theory of acceptance and usage of technology (UTAUT). Originality/value This study establishes CW as an outcome of various relationships.

#3078 The utility and cost-effectiveness of embedding geriatric expertise in a tertiary referral renal clinic

Abstract Background and Aims The demographic of people receiving dialysis is changing with an increasing prevalence of frailty, co-morbidity and geriatric syndromes. To address this, we initiated routine, embedded, consultant geriatric review of a selected group of patients (frail/living with frailty syndromes, age&amp;gt;80 preparing for dialysis, undecided between treatment options, patient/family judged by MDT to have unrealistic perception of treatment benefit) in our renal low clearance (pre-dialysis) clinic alongside our already-established palliative care service to support decision-making about treatment options for end stage kidney disease Method Starting in 2018, 77 patients were reviewed before suspension enforced by the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020 and a further 56 since resumption between July 2021 and January 2023. We present the short-term results of all 133 patients immediately following geriatric review, plus long-term outcome data for the first 77 patients for whom we have 3 years’ follow up, including health economic analysis and ANOVA of frailty and treatment choice. Results Initially the cohort included 10 patients who had already chosen conservative management (CM) of their renal failure, but after one PDSA cycle only patients choosing dialysis or undecided about treatment choices underwent review in the service (mean age 78 [range 62-92]; 70% male). Following geriatric review, the number of patients uncertain about their future renal treatment plan changed from 43 to 3; the number choosing to have dialysis reduced from 80 to 44 and the number choosing CM increased from 10 to 74. The number of advance care plans made among the group reviewed by the geriatrician increased from 0 to 77, and the number of DNACPR records increased from 6 to 43; there were increased referrals to falls, memory and continence clinics. Overall, 57% of patients left clinic with a different management plan. 36 months after geriatric review, the survival rate in the group choosing dialysis was 46% and in the CM group was 33%; the majority of deaths were unrelated to renal failure. ANOVA indicated that clinical frailty scores impacted outcome more than treatment choice; health economic analysis showed the costs of providing this review (average 193 GBP per patient) were highly likely to be more than off-set by reductions in unnecessary fistula formation alone (average 288 GBP per patient) Conclusion Routine, protocol-supported geriatric review in a tertiary referral renal service is cost effective and associated with increased dialysis decision-making, reduced dialysis uptake, increased advance care-planning, increased CPR decision-making plus recognition and appropriate referral of geriatric syndromes. Outcomes in the group suggest little difference in survival among those choosing dialysis vs CM, and that frailty is more indicative of prognosis than treatment choice.

The Ecological Benefits of Positive Public Perception on Public Access Ecological Restorations

The Ecological Benefits of Positive Public Perception on Public Access Ecological Restorations

College students' perceptions of electronic cigarette risks and benefits: a concept mapping study.

The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) is on the rise among young adults, with higher public acceptance than traditional tobacco. A study in Taiwan employed concept mapping to explore risk and benefit perceptions of e-cigarette use among college students. The study involved 100 college students from 11 Taiwanese universities, with 50 being e-cigarette users and 50 non-users. Data collection and analysis were done with the GroupWisdom™ platform. Participants engaged in brainstorming, rating and sorting their perceptions, which were analyzed using multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analyses. The participants' mean age was 19.24 years, and 55% were male. This process resulted in the identification of 10 clusters encompassing 64 statements, with 3 clusters focused on risk perceptions, 6 on benefit perceptions, and 1 dealing with e-cigarette regulations. Notably, risk perceptions were rated higher than benefit perceptions. Non-users held significantly higher risk perceptions and lower benefit perceptions across the nine clusters related to e-cigarette use. Concept mapping proved to be an effective tool for understanding college students' perceptions. These findings can assist health educators in comprehending college students' viewpoints on e-cigarette use and in developing targeted interventions. Additionally, exploring benefit perceptions may enhance students' critical thinking skills regarding e-cigarette advertising.

What determines local attitudes towards Jordan’s renewable energy transition? Evidence from household surveys

ABSTRACT The potential for renewable energy to encourage sustainable development raises high hopes for the future among countries in the Global South. However, there has been less research on how energy transitions are perceived outside of the Global North and democratic contexts. This paper explores attitudes towards the energy transition in Jordan, where expert interviews reveal that a strong renewable energy industry has emerged from top-down government efforts to reduce energy dependency and costs. We perform an in-person household survey with 320 respondents in areas with different transition risks and benefits, and then test a series of hypotheses using regression analysis. In the four communities surveyed, income stress and climate concern influence attitudes, as well as perceptions of community benefits. National-level concerns also matter, including energy dependency and energy costs for all Jordanians. Our results highlight the importance of context: findings from the North are not universal and understanding transitions in the Global South requires studying them in their own right. Policy insights Jordanian policymakers should reverse their policy of blocking renewables to avoid public backlash. Jordanian policymakers and funders should promote projects in communities with high economic dependence on the fossil fuel industry to ensure local support in areas facing transition risks. Policymakers should highlight collective, not just individual benefits of transitions, as perceptions of community and country benefits increase support. Policymakers in highly energy-dependent countries like Jordan should frame renewables as an answer to local and national challenges such as high energy prices. Actors wishing to promote clean energy support in different contexts should investigate local dynamics to build communication strategies that frame transitions appropriately.

School-to-school partnerships: an approach to improving Syrian schools in post-conflict recovery

PurposeThis research seeks to highlight school partnerships as an approach to improving schools and halting the deterioration of their performance in an environment that has suffered from the consequences of conflict for more than a decade.Design/methodology/approachThe research used the qualitative method, and the data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 20 school leaders and teachers.FindingsThe results showed the presence of positive attitudes toward inter-school partnerships and their perception of many benefits, the most prominent of which was increasing social cohesion in school and surrounding communities that suffer from divisions resulting from conflict. A set of obstacles includes legislative obstacles, a low degree of autonomy, low competency of school leaders, a lack of trust and incentives.Originality/valueThis study proposes a range of solutions to address the challenges associated with building partnerships. The research emphasizes the significance the school-to-school partnerships and their positive role in improving the performance of schools in developing countries, especially in environments suffering from the consequences of civil wars and social divisions.

Changes in the perception of benefits and risks of antidepressive pharmacotherapy

Antidepressive pharmacotherapy has undergone various phases in its history. The euphoria of the early years on the relief of depressive symptoms was followed by a long period of clinical experience and intensive scientific work resulting in a more balanced perspective. Current debates circle around the actual effectiveness, especially with respect to long-term treatment, the prevention of suicide and the sequelae of discontinuation of an antidepressant. The evaluation of antidepressants as a group and often also the risk-benefit ratio of an individual treatment change over time. Antidepressants are typical for many forms of psychiatric treatment which, in a term from Hanfried Helmchen, are just as Janus-faced as psychiatry in a general sense is as a science and as a clinical discipline.