Current Context Research Articles

Purchase Intention of Healthy Foods: The Determinant Role of Brand Image in the Market of a Developing Country.

In the current consumer context, the trend towards a healthy lifestyle has significantly increased the demand for healthy foods. This study aims to identify the relationship between the brand image (BI) and purchase intention (PI) of these products and how variables such as perceived brand quality (BPQ) and brand satisfaction (BS) influence brand trust (BT) and brand loyalty (BL) in this relationship. The methodology includes a quantitative approach, using non-probability convenience sampling. Using an online survey, data were collected from 637 consumers. Analyses were performed using structural equation modeling (SEM-PLS). The results show no significant correlation between BI and PI, but BI significantly impacts BPQ, BS, BT, and BL. Furthermore, BPQ positively influences BS, BT, and BL, but it does not have a direct influence on PI. The findings suggest that a positive brand image satisfies consumers and generates long-term trust and loyalty. However, perceived quality does not always translate into purchase intention due to various barriers. Practical implications highlight the importance of building a strong and positive brand image to encourage demand for healthy products.

Change and Challenge: Constructing a New Typology for Deviance and Crime

ABSTRACT Defining crime and deviant behavior is challenging, especially in today’s rapidly changing society. Norms are frequently violated and redefined, while new ones struggle to take hold, creating a state of anomie. Technological advancements further complicate these shifts, accelerating change and presenting new challenges. This research reviews traditional models of deviance and crime, revealing their limitations in the current context. It introduces a new model that focuses on provable harm and affirmative consent as key criteria for defining deviance and crime. By using these criteria, the model seeks to reduce cultural bias and encourage consensus. The note concludes by exploring how this model helps us understand deviance and crime today, particularly in relation to the impact of technology on societal norms.

Combining satellite and field data reveals Congo's forest types structure, functioning and composition

AbstractTropical moist forests are not the homogeneous green carpet often illustrated in maps or considered by global models. They harbour a complex mixture of forest types organized at different spatial scales that can now be more accurately mapped thanks to remote sensing products and artificial intelligence. In this study, we built a large‐scale vegetation map of the North of Congo and assessed the environmental drivers of the main forest types, their forest structure, their floristic and functional compositions and their faunistic composition. To build the map, we used Sentinel‐2 satellite images and recent deep learning architectures. We tested the effect of topographically determined water availability on vegetation type distribution by linking the map with a water drainage depth proxy (HAND, height above the nearest drainage index). We also described vegetation type structure and composition (floristic, functional and associated fauna) by linking the map with data from large inventories and derived from satellite images. We found that water drainage depth is a major driver of forest type distribution and that the different forest types are characterized by different structure, composition and functions, bringing new insights about their origins and successional dynamics. We discuss not only the crucial role of soil–water depth, but also the importance of consistently reproducing such maps through time to develop an accurate monitoring of tropical forest types and functions, and we provide insights on peculiar forest types (Marantaceae forests and monodominant Gilbertiodendron forests) on which future studies should focus more. Under the current context of global change, expected to trigger major forest structural and compositional changes in the tropics, an appropriate monitoring strategy of the spatio‐temporal dynamics of forest types and their associated floristic and faunistic composition would considerably help anticipate detrimental shifts.

Differential associations between experiences of contraceptive care and subsequent contraceptive access and preferences among family planning patients by racial and ethnic identity: Evidence from Arizona, Iowa, and Wisconsin.

While many frameworks exist for building person-centered and equitable systems of contraceptive care, evidence indicates that the reality of patients' experiences of care is often not in alignment with these ideals. Historical and current contexts of racism in the healthcare system contribute to negative perceptions and experiences of care, as well as reduced care-seeking behavior, for those who identify as Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC). Our objective in this analysis is to examine whether people's past experiences of contraceptive care are a driver of subsequent barriers to contraceptive access, and whether this relationship differs across racial and ethnic identity. We draw on panel data from five waves of surveys collected between 2018-2023 among patients ages fifteen and older seeking family planning care at sites that receive public funding for these services in Arizona, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Overall and stratified by race/ethnicity, we examine cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between patients' experiences of high-quality, person-centered contraceptive care and three contraceptive access outcomes: use of preferred contraception, satisfaction with contraceptive method, and experience of no barriers to accessing preferred contraception. We find longitudinal associations between patients experiencing higher-quality, more person-centered contraceptive care and subsequent satisfaction with contraceptive methods. Among non-Hispanic white-identifying patients, we find similar associations between shifting to higher-quality contraceptive care and use of preferred contraception, but we find no statistical relationship between experiencing higher-quality care and subsequent contraceptive outcomes for patients who identify as Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color (BIPOC). Highlighting the dissonance between clinical guidance for quality contraceptive care and patient experiences of care, and especially whether similar experiences across racial and ethnic identity lead to differential outcomes, is a crucial step toward bringing contraceptive care systems into alignment with principles of sexual and reproductive health equity.

Revealing Goal-Directed Neural Control of the Pharyngeal Phase of Swallowing.

Swallowing is considered a three-phase mechanism involving the oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal phases. The pharyngeal phase relies on highly coordinated movements in the pharynx and larynx to move food through the aerodigestive crossing. While the brainstem has been identified as the primary control center for the pharyngeal phase of swallowing, existing evidence suggests that the higher brain regions can contribute to controlling the pharyngeal phase of swallowing to match the motor response to the current context and task at hand. This suggests that the pharyngeal phase of swallowing cannot be exclusively reflexive or voluntary but can be regulated by the two neural controlling systems, goal-directed and non-goal-directed. This capability allows the pharyngeal phase of swallowing to adjust appropriately based on cognitive input, learned knowledge, and predictions. This paper reviews existing evidence and accordingly develops a novel perspective to explain these capabilities of the pharyngeal phase of swallowing. This paper aims (1) to integrate and comprehend the neurophysiological mechanisms involved in the pharyngeal phase of swallowing, (2) to explore the reflexive (non-goal-directed) and voluntary (goal-directed) neural systems of controlling the pharyngeal phase of swallowing, (3) to provide a clinical translation regarding the pathologies of these two systems, and (4) to highlight the existing gaps in this area that require attention in future research. This paper, in particular, aims to explore the complex neurophysiology of the pharyngeal phase of swallowing, as its breakdown can lead to serious consequences such as aspiration pneumonia or death.

Code Completion Using Markov Chains

Modern software engineers use many tools to speed up the development process. Many of them use integrated development environments (IDEs), which provide services such as text editors, debuggers and even intelligent code completion. This paper is dedicated to the development of a model for predicting variants of program source code termination. To improve the accuracy of the model, we used combinations of Markov chains constructed using different ways of calculating the current context of the program: linear and with AST. The linear way of computing the context is an analysis of the tokenized representation of the source code. The second method, on the other hand, uses a representation of the source code in the form of an abstract syntax tree. Combining the different models preserves more semantic information about the code, also adding the ability to support custom code writing style features. In order to compare the different models, a new dataset has been created specifically for the Pascal language. A detailed comparison of the working mechanisms as well as the prediction accuracy on the collected data is given. The proposed model showed high enough accuracy of predictions with minimal computation costs, which allows using it in integrated development environments.

Strength and durability of indirect protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection through vaccine and infection-acquired immunity.

Early investigation revealed that COVID-19 vaccines confer indirect protection to fully susceptible and unvaccinated persons, defined as a reduced risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among social contacts of vaccinated individuals. However, indirect protection from infection-acquired immunity and its comparative strength and durability to vaccine-derived indirect protection in the current epidemiologic context of high levels of vaccination, prior infection, and novel variants are not well characterized. Here, we show that both infection-acquired and vaccine-derived immunity independently yield indirect protection to close social contacts with key differences in their strength and waning. Analyzing anonymized data from a system-wide SARS-CoV-2 surveillance program of 177,319 residents across 35 California state prisons from December 2021 to December 2022 in a case-control design, we find that vaccine-derived indirect protection against Omicron SARS-CoV-2 infection is strongest within three months post-vaccination [30% (95% confidence interval: 20-38%)] with subsequent modest protection, whereas infection-acquired immunity provides 38% (24-50%) indirect protection to roommates for 6 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection, with moderate indirect protection persisting for over one year. Variant-targeted vaccines (bivalent formulation including Omicron subvariants BA.4/BA.5) confer strong indirect protection for at least three months [40% (3-63%)]. These results have important implications for understanding the long-term transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 and can guide vaccine policy and public health measures, especially in high-risk environments such as prisons.

Investigation of the impact of dual inoculations of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria on drought tolerance of maize grown in a compost-amended field under Mediterranean conditions.

In the current context of rapid climate change, water scarcity and soil poverty are becoming increasingly alarming, leading to growing losses of 30-50% of global agricultural production. It is imperative to find environmentally-friendly approaches for improving plant tolerance to drastic conditions, particularly in arid and semi-arid Mediterranean regions. Biostimulants based on symbiotic microbes are emerging as effective strategies for improving tolerance and agricultural productivity. This study aims to evaluate the effects of single and double inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (My) and plant growth-promoting bacteria (Ba) on the growth, physiological and biochemical traits of maize crop grown in compost (Co) amended soil under two irrigation regimes: well-watered (WW: 100% of crop evapotranspiration [ETc]) and drought-stressed (DS: 50% ETc) using drip irrigation system. Reducing irrigation to 50% reduced shoot dry weight (SDW), root dry weight (RDW), 1,000-grains weight (TGW) and grain yield (Y). However, Ba alone increased SDW by 63%, while CoMyBa improved RDW, TGW and Y by 197, 43 and 175%, respectively compared with the control under DS conditions. Dual inoculation boosted root colonization intensity, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), total chlorophyll and leaf area of maize seedlings in compost-amended soil, compared to the controls. The application of Ba significantly reduced hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde by 46%, in maize seedlings grown in compost-amended soil, compared to the controls under DS. Our results indicated that My and Ba significantly boost the ability of maize to tolerate drought by improving water supply and physiology and stimulating the accumulation of organic and inorganic osmolytes, as well as improving the properties of soils such as cation exchange capacity particularly amended by Co. The dual inoculations were the most effective and represent an environmentally-friendly and relatively inexpensive approach to optimizing agricultural production and soil restoration programs in Mediterranean regions.

Optimalisasi Kandungan Al-Qur’an Dalam Menghadapi Wabah Penyakit

This article is the result of research based on the current reality regarding the handling of disease outbreaks, and linking it to the verses of the Qur'an. In the Qur'an, disease outbreaks are mentioned several times, which shows the potential for science that can be explored to be applied in the present era. Since early 2019, the world has been hit by a major outbreak caused by a small creature called a virus. Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) has become a major threat that has an impact on life without discrimination; anyone is at risk of contracting this infectious disease. The COVID-19 outbreak was first detected in Wuhan City, China, at the end of 2019 and has spread to almost 200 countries around the world, including Indonesia. The Qur'an is a source of knowledge that contains various aspects of life, such as history, health, and exemplary behavior. Methods for dealing with various problems can also be taken from the information contained in the Qur'an. Therefore, as Muslims, we have an obligation to explore and understand how the knowledge contained in the Qur'an can be implemented in the current context.

Affective Experiences of U.S. School Personnel in the Sociopolitical Context of 2021: Reflecting on the Past to Shape the Future

This study aims to explore the self-reported affective experiences of U.S. school personnel during 2021. This year found school personnel balancing remote learning, health emergencies, a global pandemic, and intense political upheaval. We contextualize school personnel experiences within the current sociopolitical context. In this sample, school personnel (n = 8052) represent all U.S. states and territories alongside representation of diverse racial and ethnic identities (n = 1901). Participants were surveyed before completing a free virtual course on emotion management. The survey included open-ended questions and scale items. Participants reported primary feelings, sources of stress and joy, and perceptions of personal and social and emotional support for themselves and students. Findings are presented in five cohorts of school personnel across the year. The primary feelings were being anxious, stressed, and overwhelmed, the stressors were lack of support, time, and resources, as well as COVID-19, and workload, and the sources of joy were students, coworkers, and teaching. Anxiety and gratitude decreased throughout the year while happiness increased. Responses differed across time and between racial groups, with Black and African American participants reporting the highest percentages of being stressed by COVID-19 and community fluctuated over time as a source of joy. Implications for the education system and opportunities for emotion management are discussed.

Re-arquitecturar los territorios, un desafío ineluctable para la sostenibilidad compartida

The dynamic - historical reading of the planning, andthe balances of what we consider as a structural “bad urbanrural development” of the territories (at least since the 60s), is essential. This position, although open to debate, has become evident taking into account the also dynamic reading of the great challenges of sustainable transitions and "resilience”, that have marked planning and management intentions in Central American planning history. This statement necessarily leads torethinking global architectures inherited (built form, forms of management and planning, governance) to define the intensities of the changes. Moving towards this, implies to define the method and the transition system to be implemented, and to define the instruments that allow rehabilitating, reconstructing,remodeling, “re-architecturing” territories and institutions inherited. However, the re-architecture proposed will depend on the collective clarity, first of the pasts carried over, and second the desired futures. Accounting for the "arts" or the "politicalsocialinstitutional techniques" that created (and continue to do) the "metropolitan areas", is today an essential stage to be able to move towards new development models. Indeed, many local and metropolitan challenges, such as the “right to sustainable housing for all” (which has a high component of physicalconstructive design), contain high probabilities of never being effective in the current and trending context. Given that the current political, institutional, economic and social capacities, to make considerable changes in the management of the territories, seem to be compromised. Forging new capabilities and new abilities (financial, environmental, social, and including technical-constructive) is a collective challenge. And collectively conceiving a new urban planning and territorial planning (corrective – preventive and collaborative) is an urgency. ILIA: Investigaciones Latinoamericanas en Ingeniería y Arquitectura, No. 01, 2024: 167-173.

Communicating blood test results in primary care: a mixed methods systematic review.

Background Test result communication is important for patient-centred care, patient safety and primary care workload. Evidence is needed to ensure that test results are communicated safely and efficiently to patients in primary care. Aim To summarize existing evidence for blood test result communication between primary care providers and their patients and carers. Design and setting Mixed-methods systematic review Methods Medline, Embase, PsycINFO (Ovid); CINAHL (ESCOHost); and the Cochrane Library were searched from 2013 to September 2023. Primary studies of any design that provided information on the communication of blood test results by primary care staff to adult patients and carers were eligible for inclusion. Results There were 71 included studies, including 10 experimental studies and no randomized controlled trials. Study quality was mostly poor and risk of bias was high, partly due to a lack of reported information. Patients want more information about their blood test results, particularly in terms of 'what next', and prefer results to be provided quickly. Electronic methods such as online access or text messages were generally well accepted but not by everyone, and not for all results. Clinicians' opinions were mixed as to whether more information and direct release of test results to patients without clinician input was beneficial or could cause problems, such as increased workload. Conclusions We have identified a range of evidence on patient and clinician preferences, barriers and facilitators to test communication, which is particularly important in the current NHS context of a move towards patient online access.

What animals live there? Exploring the factors influencing primary school children’s awareness of native and exotic fauna

ABSTRACT Education can help combat the current biodiversity crisis, particularly in Western societies where citizens often lack knowledge about biodiversity. This study investigates the factors affecting the low awareness of native species. Primary school students (ages 6–12; n = 960) from northern Spain were shown a photograph from a local temperate forest and another from an exotic African savannah, and were asked to mention what animals they thought might live there. Listings for the exotic biome were overall longer, included more animals correctly belonging to the biome in the picture, and displayed a finer taxonomic resolution level. Children mentioned TV, internet and books as the main sources of information regarding exotic fauna, whereas the most chosen source for local fauna was their families. Both interest in nature and in animals were positively related to greater knowledge about fauna, especially from the exotic biome, which was also linked to students’ educational level. It was also found that the smaller the student’s hometown, the greater their knowledge about local fauna. The implications of the results for the education community as well as for traditional and online media are discussed, and some educational strategies, adjusted to children’s current cultural context, are proposed.

Meningkatkan Kreatifitas Peserta Didik Dengan Menerapkan Pbl Dalam Pembelajaran Pakbp Kelas III Tema 1 Sub 1 Materi 1 Sekolah Dasar Negeri 101857 Gunung Rintih

This study aims to explore and analyze the application of problem-based learning (PBL) models in improving the creativity of grade 3 students at SDN 101857 Gunung Rintih. In the current educational context, it is important for students to not only receive information, but also develop critical thinking skills and creativity that can help them face challenges in the real world. The PBL model is designed to invite students to be actively involved in the learning process by identifying real problems that are relevant to life. Through a series of structured activities, students are encouraged to work in groups, discuss ideas, and find solutions together. This approach not only strengthens students' analytical abilities but also builds social and collaborative skills that are important for their development. In this study, data collection methods will involve observation, interviews, and questionnaires to assess the increase in students' creativity and problem-solving skills. It is hoped that the results of this study will show that the application of PBL can significantly improve students' creativity and facilitate their growth in academic and social aspects. These findings are expected to contribute to the development of more effective curriculum and learning practices at the elementary education level.

Computer Simulation and Simulation of Mechanical and Electrical Equipment based on Artificial Intelligence Algorithms

The computer in mechanical and electrical equipment can now detect equipment faults through simulation thanks to the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, which makes it convenient to monitor mechanical and electrical equipment. This paper begins with a quick introduction to Agent and the Agent system, explains how Agent is applied in the current context, then analyzes the hierarchical fault diagnostic model, identifies its flaws, and suggests improvement techniques. To increase the model’s accuracy and speed of operation, the contract net model and D-S (Dempster-Shafer) evidence theory are then incorporated. Finally, simulation experiments are used to confirm the accuracy and consistency of this model. According to the experimental findings, this optimization model runs at a pace that is noticeably faster than that of other models when subjected to the same workload, demonstrating the model’s efficacy. Models 1, 2, and 3 are put side by side to demonstrate how clearly multi-task processing may cut down on the model’s running time. In the second experiment, samples of mechanical and electrical equipment defect data are taken from two groups. The results of the comparative experiments demonstrate that the optimized model in this work can be reliable up to a maximum of 0.91 and a minimum of 0.63. It is demonstrated that the model in this work is rational by the fact that among the four types of fault prediction, the optimized model’s reliability is significantly greater than the traditional model’s. The research described in this publication therefore has some reference value for computer simulation of electromechanical equipment.

Drive sustainable business performance with humane entrepreneurship, knowledge management: the mediation of sustainable business advantage and sustainable business model innovation

PurposeThis study evaluates the important role of humane entrepreneurship (HE) on sustainable business advantage (SBA) and sustainable business performance (SBP) by exploring the mediating role of sustainable business model innovation (SBMI) under the influence of knowledge management (KM) in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Encouraging businesses to implement a combination of KM and HE facilitates the implementation of SBMI that brings value to businesses, communities and the environment in emerging economies.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses an empirical quantitative research method using primary information based on data collected by questionnaires. The study sample resulted in 424 valid responses (66.77% response rate). The target audience of the study is middle and senior managers in SMEs. This study aims to perform structural modeling analysis with the maximum likelihood estimates method to examine structural relationships.FindingsThis study found a positive relationship between KM and HE to SBMI. At the same time, SBMI plays an important role for businesses to achieve SBA and SBP. Similarly, a positive relationship was also found between HE to SBA and SBP. And SBA strongly promotes SMEs to achieve SBP. In addition, the mediating role of SBMI and SBA is clarified to have a positive impact between HE–SBP and SBMI–SBP. HE plays an important role in motivating businesses to innovate sustainable business models, making it easier to gain sustainable competitive advantages, thereby bringing sustainable business results.Practical implicationsThis research helps SMEs realize the importance of KM and HE in SBMI. At that time, SMEs take advantage of internal and external information sources and innovate their business models based on HE mechanisms. Applying HE mechanisms will allow businesses to innovate their business models by combining concerns between stakeholders and the social environment for sustainable development. Therefore, businesses will achieve their SBA toward SBP.Originality/valueThe present literature shows that there are few empirical studies on the mechanism mediating SBMI in the relationship between HE and SBP; and SBA in the link between SBMI and SBP. In addition, the impact of KM and HE on SBMI is also very important in the current context. The study's findings could have huge implications for entrepreneurs and senior managers in SMEs in emerging economies. Help them realize the importance of KM and HE for SBMI, thereby building strategic perspectives that help businesses achieve sustainable competitive advantages and increase SBP for businesses.

Analisis Pembentukan Akhlak Anak Melalui Media Sosial pada Siswa Kelas 1 di MI/SD

Social media is a social structure that comes from individuals and organizations that are bound by the similarity of its users. Social media is an online media that is used as a means of social interaction online on the internet. On social media, users can interact with each other, communicate, share networking and various other activities online. Social media is made to meet human requirements because humans as social beings, are created to socialize. Because the development of the era is increasingly advanced, the main purpose of which is to facilitate users of social media so that they can connect with someone in one country, even between countries or between continents, making it easy for users to socialize. However, in today's modern era, social media does not only function as usual, it turns out that social media has influences on the character education of students who use it. Talking about strengthening the formation of student character through character education in the current context is very relevant to overcoming the moral crisis that is happening, especially in schools. Whether it is recognized or not, there is currently a real crisis that is worrying in the school environment involving students.

A Study on Impact of Persistent Inflation on Stock Valuations in Current Context

A Study on Impact of Persistent Inflation on Stock Valuations in Current Context

Recontextualising the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) Framework to Higher Education Online Marking

The Higher Education (HE) sector has faced an exceptional period of complex and fast-moving change, meaning staff have had to quickly adjust their teaching delivery, reconsider how learning outcomes are assessed, and adopt new technologies. Despite significant efforts by HE staff across these areas, the willingness to adopt new tools and technologies is not consistent across all staff cohorts and indeed some researchers suggest that this willingness, or readiness to adopt emerging technologies and educational tools can be shaped by individual differences, attitudes, and social norms.This study focuses on education technology acceptance in HE via a specific university and explores the use of technology enhanced feedback and marking tools, such as online embedded rubrics. Underpinned by the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), this research project aims to explore the perceptions of staff towards online feedback and marking practices. In turn, the research project considers the relevancy of the UTAUT model in differing / current contexts. Contribution manifests through a) the methodological choice of qualitative semi-structured interviews to explore the UTAUT dimensions, b) the deep contextual understanding of the challenges HE staff face in adopting and implementing new technologies, c) suggested adaptations to UTAUT, and c) recommendations for HE practice.

Preface

The Second Edition of the International Congress on: Environment and Natural Resources: Challenges and Solutions (ENRSC2023) 30-31th, May 2023, Khenifra, Morocco About the ENRSC2023 Anthropogenic activities have progressed considerably over the last century, especially after the 1950s. The growth of the world population, industrialization, new technologies, the extension of agricultural activities at all levels due to the growing needs of the world population, the overexploitation of natural resources in different environments, etc., have been and remain the driving force behind an unbalanced model of development that has a negative impact on the environment and on natural resources. Indeed, the world is currently facing challenges at all scales, from micro- to macro-environmental issues. The serious challenges to be taken up are major concerning all physical environments - air, soil, and water. The degradation of habitats by various anthropogenic and/or natural activities has a direct impact on biodiversity and consequently on socio-economic development. The International Conference on Environment & Natural Resources: Challenges and Solutions allowed scientists from different universities and institutes to exchange and debate different themes on the environment and natural resources, their challenges, and probable solutions to reduce the environmental impact and suggest better natural resources management practices. Finally, the current global context proves to us, every day, that we must contribute each from one’s position to the mitigation of negative impacts, and that the urgency is to set up concrete and sustainable-integrated actions. After the success of the first edition of the International Congress: Environment and Natural Resources: Challenges and Solutions (ENRSC2021), the coordinating committee has decided to organise the second edition of the Congress 30-31th, May 2023. List of Congress Chairs, Keynote speakers, Organizing Committee, Scientific Committee and ENRSC2023 souvenirs are available in this Pdf.