Client Preferences Research Articles

Automating modular open-plan office layouts with performance-based generative design

Space planning, a crucial phase of architectural design, has significantly benefited from recent performance-based generative methods, enabling early discovery of innovative layouts among a wide range of alternatives. The application of generative design in open-office layout, where flexibility to support different work styles is essential, should become more practical. This paper fills gaps in automated space planning for office buildings, presenting a generative algorithm for robust circulation in multi-story modular geometries. By inputting a modular 3D model, the algorithm generates multiple interior configurations using a library of predefined modules adaptable to cube dimensions and client preferences. This facilitates extensive layout options, streamlining decision-making for efficient workstation and corridor designs. The use of a user-friendly visualization platform allows standard drawing modifications by architects with no programming knowledge. The algorithm's effectiveness is proven through application on various 3D geometries, showcasing its potential to improve practical office design.

Factors influencing Customer Purchasing Attitudes towards F-commerce in Bangladesh: Youth Group Perspective

The study's objective is to identify the key factors that influence customers' attitudes towards purchasing on Facebook and establish the relationship between these variables and consumers' buying behavior on f-commerce. A quantitative research design was utilized to accomplish the goal of the study. This study utilized convenience sampling as a non-probability method of sampling. The study was conducted with a sample size of 219 young individuals engaged in online purchasing. In addition, the data was analyzed using the Structural Equation Model (SEM) with the assistance of PLS 4.0. Finally, the results demonstrate the intricate interaction between multiple factors and client preferences. Trust-related concerns, such as protecting sensitive information and online safety, significantly shape buying decisions of young customer groups. This study suggests that sales services, including prompt delivery and promotional activities, affect customers' opinions of f-commerce. F-commerce is also influenced by promotional activities, which in turn shape young consumers' perceptions. The report highlights the importance of companies understanding and addressing these factors in order to enhance customer engagement and achieve success in the digital marketplace. The study's findings will assist f-commerce enterprises in developing customized marketing plans for young customers.

Client perspectives: Telehealth for mental health services.

The COVID-19 pandemic required mental health clinicians globally to transition to the delivery of care via telehealth. This study aimed to gain an understanding of clients' satisfaction with and attitudes towards telehealth mental health services. Seventy adults who had attended a clinic for mood and anxiety disorders, and participated in at least one telehealth consultation with a psychologist or psychiatrist, completed an anonymous online survey. The majority of participants (81.5%) reported satisfaction with telehealth mental health care provided during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, satisfaction overall was significantly higher amongst participants who had received both telehealth and face-to-face mental health care, compared to participants who received care via telehealth only. Advantages of telehealth care reported included convenience and increased access to mental health clinicians. However, disadvantages of telehealth care included greater difficulty developing a rapport with a clinician and expressing oneself via telehealth. Whilst client satisfaction with telehealth mental health care for mood and anxiety disorders is generally high, clinicians should consider the limitations of telehealth from clients' perspectives. In particular, strategies to enhance therapeutic connection during telehealth sessions may be needed, and client preferences for mode of delivery should be taken into consideration when possible.

Elucidating the process-based emphasis in cognitive behavioral therapy

This paper delves into the examination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a therapeutic modality reliant on both longitudinal and cross-sectional biopsychosocial data regarding the client, through the lens of evolutionary language within a process-based therapy (PBT) framework. The exposition commences with an elucidation and delineation of pivotal features and assumptions underpinning CBT, encompassing its philosophical foundations, postulated change processes, and the empirical research substantiating these processes. We posit ideas for clinicians to enhance their case formulation by incorporating process-based principles into CBT, invoking concepts such as variation, selection, retention, and contextual fit. Furthermore, we offer a case illustration and a treatment plan utilizing a network-based approach. In conclusion, we explore potential strengths, barriers, and future trajectories for PBT. Although CBT has predominantly undergone scrutiny as a treatment protocol in group-level outcome studies, we assert that CBT inherently operates as a process-driven model, as evidenced by established metrics assessing therapist competence in its implementation. Specifically, we illustrate how the judicious selection and utilization of specific procedures (techniques) targeting change processes emanate from an individualized and integrative case formulation. This formulation is rooted in the evidence supporting the chosen procedure, aligned with the client's preferences and goals, and embedded within the in-session process of selecting, planning, and reviewing between-session homework. CBT, therefore, emerges as a model for clinical practice and training characterized by inherent pragmatism, integrativeness, and transtheoreticism. It aligns seamlessly with the emphasis on process-informed, person-centered, evidence-based treatment within the PBT framework.

The use of practice evidence by Australian occupational therapists: Perspectives and actions.

Evidence-based practice supports clinical decision-making by using multiple sources of evidence arising from research and practice. Research evidence develops through empirical study while practice evidence arises through clinical experience, client preferences, and the practice context. Although occupational therapists have embraced the paradigm of evidence-based practice, some studies have identified limits in the availability and use of research, which can lead to reliance on other forms of evidence. This study aimed to understand how Australian occupational therapists use practice evidence, manage potential bias, and enhance trustworthiness. Potential use of a critical appraisal tool for practice evidence was also explored. A 42-item questionnaire was developed to address the study aims. It consisted of a 7-point Likert scale, ordinal and free text questions. Likert scales were collapsed into binary scales and analysed using SPSS. Ordinal data were graphed and free text responses were analysed using manifest content analysis. Most respondents (82%) indicated that practice evidence was an important informant of practice and is used alongside research evidence. Almost all respondents (98%) expressed confusion when reconciling discrepancies between research and practice evidence. There was general acknowledgement that practice evidence is prone to bias (82%), yet 92% were confident in trusting their own practice evidence. Most respondents (74.5%) undertook some measures to appraise practice evidence, and almost all respondents (90%) agreed they would refer to a critical appraisal tool that helped them evaluate practice evidence. Occupational therapists in this study routinely use practice evidence arising from their own experience, client perspectives, and their practice context to inform clinical decision-making. While they agreed that practice evidence was prone to bias and misinterpretation, they generally trusted their own practice evidence. Participants indicated they needed guidance to critically appraise their practice evidence and supported the development of a critical appraisal tool for this purpose.

Client preferences for the design and delivery of injectable opioid agonist treatment services: Results from a best-worst scaling task.

Clinical trials support injectable opioid agonist treatment (iOAT) for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) for whom other pharmacological management approaches are not well-suited. However, despite substantial research indicating that person-centered care improves engagement, retention and health outcomes for individuals with OUD, structural requirements (e.g. drug policies) often dictate how iOAT must be delivered, regardless of client preferences. This study aimed to quantify clients' iOAT delivery preferences to improve client engagement and retention. Cross-sectional preference elicitation survey. Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. 124 current and former iOAT clients. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire package and an interviewer-led preference elicitation survey (case 2 best-worst scaling task). Latent class analysis was used to identify distinct preference groups and explore demographic differences between preference groups. Most participants (n = 100; 81%) were current iOAT clients. Latent class analysis identified two distinct groups of client preferences: (1) autonomous decision-makers (n = 73; 59%) and (2) shared decision-makers (n = 51; 41%). These groups had different preferences for how medication type and dosage were selected. Both groups prioritized access to take-home medication (i.e. carries), the ability to set their own schedule, receiving iOAT in a space they like and having other services available at iOAT clinics. Compared with shared decision-makers, fewer autonomous decision-makers identified as a cis-male/man and reported flexible preferences. Injectable opioid agonist treatment (iOAT) clients surveyed in Vancouver, Canada, appear to prefer greater autonomy than they currently have in choosing OAT medication type, dosage and treatment schedule.

Analyzing the Reasons on Decreasing in Sales for Tesla

Since the end of the epidemic, people's travel demand has gradually recovered, and the demand for transportation has greatly increased; however, in this context, Tesla Motors has experienced a decline in sales. The aim of this study was to examine the reasons that contributed to the decrease in Tesla's sales in the first quarter of 2024. This article examines the variables that have contributed to the decline in Tesla's sales by reviewing sales statistics from previous years in Europe, the United States, and China. This study subsequently outlines the three main variables that are responsible for the decrease in sales for Tesla. The reasons include several variables, such as production challenges, increased competition, and a negative shift in client preferences. This article proposes three ideas to tackle the problem of decreasing sales: diversifying the product range, establishing strategic alliances, and enhancing the charging infrastructure. Moreover, this post has greatly advanced the electric vehicle market by clarifying the reasons for its decline and providing helpful suggestions.

The effects of a client's social media disclosure and audience engagement on auditor judgment

The rapid rise of social media enables companies to disclose information to the public instantly. Thus, auditors may initially receive client information via a client's social media account instead of through private, client-to-auditor communication. Drawing on Social Penetration Theory, we conduct an experiment to investigate how a client's initial disclosure via social media (versus private disclosure) and audience engagement of the client's posts (e.g., number of “likes,” “replies,” and “reposts”) affects auditors' perception of the auditor-client relationship and their evaluation of the client-provided information. We find that when auditors initially receive client information via social media with high audience engagement, they are less willing to accept the client's preference than when the same information is disclosed privately or publicly with minimal audience engagement. Our findings are consistent with auditors perceiving client disclosure via social media with high audience engagement as a significant violation of their communication expectations such that their relational closeness with the client weakens and causes them to respond critically. We contribute to the literature on the use of social media for corporate disclosure, which has implications for the auditor-client relationship and audit quality.

Staff and client preferences for the design and delivery of an outcomes monitoring system in a mental health service.

Outcome monitoring can support the delivery of quality service that meets the needs of clients, clinicians and services. However, few studies have examined client or staff perspectives on the design and implementation of outcomes monitoring within a service. Implementation of outcomes monitoring requires understanding the preferences and expectations of relevant stakeholders. Informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, this study aimed to investigate the preferences and priorities of relevant staff, clients and family members to inform the design and implementation of an effective outcomes monitoring system in the context of a mental health service for military veterans and their families. Twenty-nine staff participated across five online focus groups, including clinical staff, peer workers, policy staff and supervisors. Ten clients participated in online or telephone semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was used to develop themes from the data. Clients and staff agreed that outcomes monitoring should cover more than symptoms, particularly by incorporating functional outcomes. Assessing mental health over time was considered a valuable tool for supporting treatment processes and providing actionable information. Challenges identified by clients and staff included the need for efficient processes, ensuring measures are relevant and acceptable, and maintaining client privacy. The ability to personalise data collection and have a streamlined, responsive system were key attributes of a quality outcomes monitoring framework. Findings suggest that an effective outcome monitoring framework should be client-led, tailored to the individual's needs, and provide feedback on progress. Outcomes monitoring should also be efficient, accessible and allow for safe information sharing.

No Man Is an Island: Resiliency Among Older African American Men Living with HIV

ABSTRACT African American men face chronic illness earlier in life and earlier death due to higher severity of illness and poor control of chronic diseases than their white male counterparts. Preexposure and post-exposure prophylaxis PrEP and PREP have improved the odds of survival among those living with HIV. However, the anti-retroviral treatments, though effective, are only as effective as early prevention and detection and in cases where patients can adhere to treatment regimens. The mean age of participants (N = 11) was 56.44 (SD = 5.175, range = 47–63). The current study employs qualitative methodology to propose an ecosystems-driven intersectional model to identify resilience and the influence of personal, social, and societal forces shaping the lives of older African American men living with HIV. Findings determine stigma, community violence, and structural barriers to care as crucial stress areas. Participants discussed self-advocacy and family as constituent elements of resilience. Several implications for practice and research emerged. Practice must design and deploy assessment instruments to include exposure to racism and violence, including emotional and structural violence. Practice must include advocacy at the micro, meso, and macro levels. Assessment must also be self-reflexive. Organizational assessment should involve internal and structural reviews of barriers to meeting client preferences.

A Most Significant Change evaluation of a new co-designed tool to measure holistic well-being in consumers of community aged care services.

To evaluate a Wellbeing Check-in tool and process for use with BlueCare's home care package (HCP) clients by care and well-being practitioners. The tool had been co-designed with HCP clients and trialled with 15 clients. The Most Significant Change (MSC) methodology was used to gather stories from five practitioners, five HCP staff and seven clients. A workshop with senior staff was held to determine themes and whether the tool met its aims. Out of 22 MSC stories, 18 were judged in scope by workshop participants. Eight themes were then identified. Four themes reflected the content of the narratives (i.e. what was discussed): Isolation and connection; Grief; Faith/explicit spirituality; and Client preference. The other four themes reflected the process (i.e. what the discussions meant to participants): Being there/Meaningful conversations; Impact on significant others; New insight; and Purpose of the check-in. These eight themes largely reflected the aims of the Wellbeing Check-in tool in terms of providing a means to optimise connectedness, well-being and spiritual care in accordance with the client's needs, goals and preferences. Unanticipated findings included its benefits for family members and uncertainty about the aim or value of the tool, which highlighted the need for BlueCare to be clear about the purpose of the tool in promoting it to clients and their informal carers. The Wellbeing Check-in tool was found to be fit for purpose. A tool used flexibly to prompt discussion about well-being can be helpful to clients and pastoral care staff.

The influence of the reward culture on client-led service innovation in academic libraries of Uganda

PurposeClient-led service innovation has gained currency in academic libraries owing to ever-shifting client preferences. Library clients are interested in determining which services libraries should offer to meet their information needs. Several studies have investigated service innovation or improvement in libraries with an emphasis on client involvement. However, it is not clear whether the reward culture influences client-focused service innovation in the context of Uganda.Design/methodology/approachThis multiple-case study triangulated data from a survey of 80 staff members, three semi-structured interviews conducted with three library heads, and data from institutional documents. Data were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively.FindingsThe results indicated that the financial reward culture did not influence client-led service innovation in any way; instead, non-financial rewards had an impact. Therefore, library managers need to appreciate that clients are no longer interested in financial rewards, but rather in non-financial rewards that have enduring value.Originality/valueThe study underscores the importance of client-led services in an information environment that has been invaded by industry 4.0 and calls upon librarians to use the opportunity to provide innovative services.

Navigating the Digital Frontier: Exploring the Landscape of Digital Finance in the United States

Driven by technology innovation and digital change, the US financial environment is going through a significant transition. The exceptional accessibility and simplicity of digital finance—which encompasses fintech, bitcoin, and mobile banking—benefits both consumers and businesses. However, regulatory frameworks, consumer behavior, and cybersecurity risks come along with this paradigm shift. Through the integration of contemporary literature studies and empirical data, this study aims to present a comprehensive picture of the digital financial landscape in the United States. We evaluate the revolutionary impact of digital technologies on financial services, client preferences, emerging risks like decentralized finance (DeFi) and cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and regulatory innovations and limits using a systematic evaluation approach. Our findings underscore the multifaceted nature of digital banking and point to important trends, drivers, and stakeholder implications. We suggest enhancing regulatory coordination, fostering financial education and awareness, putting robust cybersecurity measures in place, supporting regulatory innovation, fortifying consumer protection measures, and keeping an eye on and responding to emerging risks to address the opportunities and challenges that have been identified. By putting these suggestions into practice, regulators, legislators, and business stakeholders will be able to handle the complexities of the digital banking ecosystem and fully utilize its potential to promote innovation, financial inclusion, and economic growth.

Client preferences, therapy activities and preference-activity match as predictors of therapy outcome

ABSTRACT Objective: This study investigated whether distinct types of psychotherapy activities, the client’s preference towards these activities prior to therapy, and the degree of match between client preferences and therapy activities, served as predictors of treatment outcomes. Methods: A total of 621 clients (M age = 42 years, 71.7% female) received individual psychotherapy by 54 psychologists. Associations between activity preferences, therapy activities, and preference-activity match as predictors, and symptom change and treatment dropout as outcomes were analyzed using multilevel longitudinal and logistic modelling and polynomial regression models with response surface analysis. Results: No type of therapy activity or activity preference significantly predicted symptom change in therapy, while higher levels of inward orientation therapy activities predicted an increased risk of dropout. Moreover, matching and higher levels of inward orientation and affect expression activities predicted an increased risk of dropout, and matching and higher levels of outward orientation activities predicted a decreased risk of dropout. Finally, a preference-activity mismatch in affect suppression predicted an increased risk of dropout from therapy, both at higher and lower levels of affect suppression. Conclusion: Distinct types of therapy activity preferences may, especially when (mis)matched with similar levels of the same therapy activities, differentially predict particular dropout from therapy. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05630560.

Discontinuation of HIV oral pre-exposure prophylaxis: findings from programmatic surveillance within two general population HIV programs in Nigeria

BackgroundAs oral PrEP scales up in Nigeria, information about uptake, use pattern and client preference in a real-world, implementation setting is invaluable to guide refining service provision and incorporation of oral PrEP and other prevention measures into routine health services. To add to this body of knowledge, our study examines factors associated with discontinuation of PrEP among HIV negative individuals across two large scale programs in Nigeria.MethodsUsing program implementation data from two large-scale HIV projects in Akwa Ibom and Cross River states in Nigeria between January 2020 and July 2021, we used logistic regression to explore factors associated with early discontinuation (i.e., stopping PrEP within one month of starting) among HIV-negative individuals who initiated PrEP in the programs.ResultsOf a total of 26,325 clients; 22,034 (84%) discontinued PrEP within the first month. The odds of PrEP discontinuation were higher among clients who enrolled in community-based distribution sites (aOR 2.72; 95% C.I: 2.50–2.96) compared to those who enrolled in program-supported facilities and never married (aOR 1.76; 95% C.I: 1.61–1.92) compared to married clients. Clients who initiated PrEP because of high-risk sexual behaviour (aOR 1.15, 95% C.I 1.03–1.30) or inconsistent use or non-use of condoms (aOR 1.96, 95% C.I 1.60–2.41) had greater odds of discontinuing PrEPthan those who initiated PrEP because they were in a serodifferent relationship.ConclusionThe behavioural and demographic factors associated with early discontinuation of PrEP suggest that risk stratification of pre-initiation and follow up counselling may be helpful in raising continuation rates. On the service delivery side, strategies to strengthen follow-up services provided by community-based distribution sites need to be introduced. Overall, the low continuation rate calls for a review of programmatic approaches in provision of PrEP services in Nigeria.

Pluralistic psychotherapists' and counsellors' experiences of working with actively suicidal clients: A qualitative interpretative phenomenological analysis

AbstractBackgroundClients presenting as suicidal have been widely recognised as one of the most challenging presenting issues for psychotherapists and counsellors. There is a wealth of literature exploring risk assessment, collaboration, goals, tasks, methods, shared decision making and client preferences employed in therapy with this presenting issue. Yet, no literature explicitly explores combining these approaches or provides a framework that integrates them. Working with actively suicidal clients as a pluralistic psychotherapist and counsellor (PCP) has not been thoroughly examined to date, even though this framework and philosophy for therapy combines many of the aforementioned approaches. Therefore, it is imperative that ways of working safely with this presenting issue, for both the client and the practitioner, are explored and researched through the lens of PCP.ObjectiveTo interpret and explore pluralistic psychotherapists' and counsellors' experiences of working with actively suicidal clients to find what might be added to the body of knowledge.MethodsA qualitative interpretative phenomenological analysis of PCP with actively suicidal clients was conducted via four semi‐structured recorded interviews. Four participants were recruited purposively. Four themes and two subthemes were identified and explored.DiscussionThe findings showed PCP to be a robust holistic approach to actively suicidal clients that is safe for both client and practitioner. Furthermore, the results point towards the need for further research into the idea that PCP is useful when working with actively suicidal clients in line with recommended best practice from the client's perspective.

Performance of Medication Tasks: Relationship Among Patient-Reported Outcomes, Performance-Based Assessments, and Objective Assessments.

Occupational therapy practitioners use standardized assessments to guide their clinical decision-making, but it is unclear how well performance on standardized assessments translates to performance at home. To understand the concurrent and predictive validity of patient-reported outcomes and performance-based assessments for monitoring performance at home within the context of medication management and adherence. Exploratory study. Participants completed standardized assessments in a lab or at home, which were followed by home-based electronic monitoring of medication adherence. Sixty community-dwelling adults with hypertension or stroke who independently took antihypertensive medications. Participants completed the Hill-Bone Medication Adherence Scale, the Hill-Bone Medication Adherence Reasons Scale, the Performance Assessment of Self-Care Skills Medication Management subtask, and the Executive Function Performance Test-Enhanced Medication Management subtest. Then, they used an electronic pill cap to monitor medication adherence at home for 1 month. Patient-reported outcomes and performance-based assessments in the context of medication management and adherence demonstrated poor concurrent and predictive validity to medication adherence at home. There is a gap between what people think they will do, what they can do on a standardized assessment, and what they actually do at home. Future research is needed to strengthen concurrent and predictive validity to clinically meaningful outcomes. Plain-Language Summary: Occupational therapy practitioners should use caution when using standardized assessments to try to predict client performance at home. They should also continue to use a battery of assessments, clinical reasoning, and client preferences to guide their decision-making for monitoring performance at home within the context of medication management and adherence.

Optimizing food pantry stocking through client preferences: a novel elicitation and classification process

PurposeThis study aims to understand client food preferences and how pantry offerings can be optimized by those preferences.Design/methodology/approachThis study develops and administers customized surveys to study three food pantries within the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwestern North Carolina network. This study then categorizes food items by client preferences, identifies the key predictors of those preferences and obtains preference scores by fitting the data to a predictive model. The preference scores are subsequently used in an optimization model that suggests an ideal mix of food items to stock based upon client preferences and the item and weight limits imposed by the pantry.FindingsThis study found that food pantry clients prefer fresh and frozen foods over shelf-friendly options and that gender, age and religion were the primary predictors. The optimization model incorporates these preferences, yielding an optimal stocking strategy for the pantry.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is based on a specific food bank network, and therefore, the client preferences may not be generalizable to other food banks. However, the framework and corresponding optimization model is generalizable to other food aid supply chains.Practical implicationsThis study provides insights for food pantry managers to make informed decisions about stocking the pantry shelves based on the client’s preferences.Social implicationsAn emerging topic within the humanitarian food aid community is better matching of food availability with food that is desired in a way that minimizes food waste. This is achieved by providing more choice to food pantry users. This work shows how pantries can incorporate client preferences in inventory stocking decisions.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature on food pantry operations by providing a novel decision support system for pantry managers to aid in stocking their shelves according to client preferences.

Gender mainstreaming in sweetpotato breeding and dissemination in Ghana and Malawi.

Gender responsiveness in breeding programs to meet client and end user preferences for crops is essential. This case study analyzes the implementation experience of gender-responsive breeding and variety dissemination in Malawi and Ghana, focusing on good practices and challenges encountered. In Malawi, a training-of-trainers approach was employed to share knowledge among trained farmers. In Ghana, a research study was conducted to identify gender-based preferences for sweetpotato to define breeding objectives. The participation of social scientists, food scientists, and sweetpotato breeders in the GREAT (Gender Researchers Equipped for Agricultural Transformation) team provided a multidisciplinary perspective, addressing questions and responses in the field. Research efforts were strengthened by focusing on food quality through the establishment of an analytical laboratory for rapid evaluation of nutrition and food quality, including sugars. This helped develop sensory analytical capacity to better understand quality attributes and market segments, guiding breeding and improving market opportunities for women. Breeding outcomes resulting from gender inclusion led to the release of some sweetpotato varieties meeting end user and consumer preferences, as well as adoption of OFSP varieties by men and women. Other good practices for gender inclusion and responsiveness include providing funds for gender-based research and activities, engaging gender specialists and social scientists in trans-disciplinary teams, designing program activities with gender considerations, and incorporating traits in seed multiplication and dissemination decisions. Application of these gender inclusion practices resulted in adoption and development of acceptable sweetpotato varieties.

Benders decomposition for the discrete ordered median problem

Ordered median optimization has been proven to be a powerful tool to generalize many well-known problems from the literature. In Location Theory, the Discrete Ordered Median Problem (DOMP) is a facility location problem where clients are first ranked according to their allocation cost to the nearest open facility, and then these costs are multiplied by a suitable weight vector λ. That way, DOMP generalizes many well-known discrete location problems including p-median, p-center or centdian. In this article, we also allow negative entries of λ, allowing us to derive models for better addressing equity and fairness in facility location, for modeling obnoxious facility location problems or for including other client preference models. We present new mixed integer programming models for DOMP along with algorithmic enhancements for solving the DOMP to optimality using mixed integer programming techniques. Specifically, starting from state-of-the-art formulations from the literature, we present several Benders decomposition reformulations applied to them. Using these approaches, new state-of-the-art results have been obtained for different ordered weighting vectors.