Different Types Of Participants Research Articles

Multiplicities and fluidity in the networked relationships of migrant academics in Britain

AbstractIncreasing internationalization and marketization of higher education, global research collaboration, and staff mobility place academics' networking practices at the centre of higher education systems. Migrant academics are conceptualized with different network types including personal, local and transnational family and friendship networks. However, this research aims to understand the boundaries between different types of participants' networked relationships. The data of this paper comes from a larger research project on transnational family relationships of migrant academics conducted between 2018 and 2022. Life story interviews with 45 migrant academics from 27 different national backgrounds working at British universities were conducted. Additionally, sociogram maps are used as embedded in qualitative interviews. Migration background (as European or non‐European countries); gender; age; the length of the stay in the UK; academic position/contract type; annual income level and marital/relationship status were considered while forming the sample. The findings reveal that network forms and structures do not determine the resources and benefits of relationships; rather, individuals' actions over a time period and the meanings they attribute shape the positions of an alter (other actors that the focal person have connection with) within the personal network structure. As such, actions and meanings regarding those actions can bring one forward or backward in the personal network hierarchy. The boundaries regarding the content of these networks are usually blurred in relation to time, relationality and human agency attributing specific sets of meanings to certain relationships. The findings of this research translate into specific contributions to the discussions in migration and social network research. That is, research findings emphasized that different types of networks shaping participants' lives and migratory experiences are far from being stable and fixed, rather, they are characterized by being transmissive and dynamic. It is revealed that none of the network categories are homogenous, stable and fixed in terms of the content of the relationships. This adds to Emirbayer and Goodwin's (1994) discussions around the ‘form’ and the ‘content’ of networks. This paper underscores the significance of the historical settings, dynamism and the content of each relationship in understanding individual networks.

The impact of COVID-19 on tourism expenditures: A Quasi-DiD analysis

We investigate the impact of COVID-19 on tourism expenditures by analyzing survey data collected from participants of one of the major amateur cycling races in Italy—the Nove Colli. We gathered information from different types of participants (tourists, residents, day-trippers) about their travel expenses, accommodation, food and beverage, and side goods such as sports equipment. The survey covers three race editions: pre-COVID-19 in 2016, post-lockdown in 2021, and post-COVID-19 in 2022, for a total of 2734 respondents. Using a quasi-difference-in-differences approach, we find a significant increase in total tourism expenditures due to COVID-19, primarily driven by a substantial increase in side goods expenses, which more than doubled the rise in food and beverage expenses. This result can be partly explained through revenge spending as a form of compensatory consumption behavior and inform policy-makers on how individuals’ spending patterns may change in the aftermath of an exogenous shock.

Dashboards to Support Implementation of the Quebec Alzheimer Plan: Evaluation Study With Regional and Professional Considerations.

Health organizations face the critical task of executing and overseeing comprehensive health care. To address the challenges associated with this task, evidence-based dashboards have emerged as valuable tools. Since 2016, the regional health organizations of Quebec, Canada, have been responsible for ensuring implementation of the Quebec Alzheimer Plan (QAP), a provincial plan that aims to reinforce the capacity of primary care services to detect, diagnose, and treat persons with dementia. Despite the provincial scope of the QAP, the diverse material and human resources across regions introduce variability in the interest, utility, and specific needs associated with these dashboards. The aim of this study was to assess the interest and utility of dashboards to support the QAP implementation, as well as to determine the needs for improving these aspects according to the perspectives of various types of professionals involved across regions. An evaluative study using qualitative methods was conducted within a collaborative research approach involving different stakeholders, including the ministerial advisor and the four project managers responsible for supporting the implementation of the QAP, as well as researchers/scientific advisors. To support these organizations, we developed tailored, 2-page paper dashboards, detailing quantitative data on the prevalence of dementia, the use of health services by persons with dementia, and achievements and challenges of the QAP implementation in each organization's jurisdiction. We then conducted 23 focus groups with the managers and leading clinicians involved in the implementation of the QAP of each regional health organization. Real-time notes were taken using a structured observation grid. Content analysis was conducted according to different regions (organizations with university mandates or nearby organizations, labeled "university/peripheral"; organizations for which only part of the territory is in rural areas, labeled "mixed"; and organizations in remote or isolated areas, labeled "remote/isolated") and according to different types of participants (managers, leading clinicians, and other participants). Participants from organizations in all regions expressed interest in these dashboards and found them useful in several ways. However, they highlighted the need for indicators on orphan patients and other health care providers. Differences between regions were observed, particularly in the interest in continuity of care in university/peripheral regions and the need for diagnostic tools adapted to the culture in remote/isolated regions. These dashboards support the implementation of an Alzheimer Plan and contribute to the emergence of a learning health care system culture. This project allows each region to increase its monitoring capacity for the implementation of the QAP and facilitates reflection among individuals locally carrying out the implementation. The perspectives expressed will guide the preparation of the next iteration of the dashboards.

Effects of statin therapy on diagnoses of new-onset diabetes and worsening glycaemia in large-scale randomised blinded statin trials: an individual participant data meta-analysis

Previous meta-analyses of summary data from randomised controlled trials have shown that statin therapy increases the risk of diabetes, but less is known about the size or timing of this effect, or who is at greatest risk. We aimed to address these gaps in knowledge through analysis of individual participant data from large, long-term, randomised, double-blind trials of statin therapy. We conducted a meta-analysis of individual participant data from randomised controlled trials of statin therapy that participated in the CTT Collaboration. All double-blind randomised controlled trials of statin therapy of at least 2 years' scheduled duration and with at least 1000 participants were eligible for inclusion in this meta-analysis. All recorded diabetes-related adverse events, treatments, and measures of glycaemia were sought from eligible trials. Meta-analyses assessed the effects of allocation to statin therapy on new-onset diabetes (defined by diabetes-related adverse events, use of new glucose-lowering medications, glucose concentrations, or HbA1c values) and on worsening glycaemia in people with diabetes (defined by complications of glucose control, increased use of glucose-lowering medication, or HbA1c increase of ≥0·5%). Standard inverse-variance-weighted meta-analyses of the effects on these outcomes were conducted according to a prespecified protocol. Of the trials participating in the CTT Collaboration, 19 trials compared statin versus placebo (123 940 participants, 25 701 [21%] with diabetes; median follow-up of 4·3 years), and four trials compared more versus less intensive statin therapy (30 724 participants, 5340 [17%] with diabetes, median follow-up of 4·9 years). Compared with placebo, allocation to low-intensity or moderate-intensity statin therapy resulted in a 10% proportional increase in new-onset diabetes (2420 of 39 179 participants assigned to receive a statin [1·3% per year] vs 2214 of 39 266 participants assigned to receive placebo [1·2% per year]; rate ratio [RR] 1·10, 95% CI 1·04-1·16), and allocation to high-intensity statin therapy resulted in a 36% proportional increase (1221 of 9935 participants assigned to receive a statin [4·8% per year] vs 905 of 9859 participants assigned to receive placebo [3·5% per year]; 1·36, 1·25-1·48). For each trial, the rate of new-onset diabetes among participants allocated to receive placebo depended mostly on the proportion of participants who had at least one follow-up HbA1c measurement; this proportion was much higher in the high-intensity than the low-intensity or moderate-intensity trials. Consequently, the main determinant of the magnitude of the absolute excesses in the two types of trial was the extent of HbA1c measurement rather than the proportional increase in risk associated with statin therapy. In participants without baseline diabetes, mean glucose increased by 0·04 mmol/L with both low-intensity or moderate-intensity (95% CI 0·03-0·05) and high-intensity statins (0·02-0·06), and mean HbA1c increased by 0·06% (0·00-0·12) with low-intensity or moderate-intensity statins and 0·08% (0·07-0·09) with high-intensity statins. Among those with a baseline measure of glycaemia, approximately 62% of new-onset diabetes cases were among participants who were already in the top quarter of the baseline distribution. The relative effects of statin therapy on new-onset diabetes were similar among different types of participants and over time. Among participants with baseline diabetes, the RRs for worsening glycaemia were 1·10 (1·06-1·14) for low-intensity or moderate-intensity statin therapy and 1·24 (1·06-1·44) for high-intensity statin therapy compared with placebo. Statins cause a moderate dose-dependent increase in new diagnoses of diabetes that is consistent with a small upwards shift in glycaemia, with the majority of new diagnoses of diabetes occurring in people with baseline glycaemic markers that are close to the diagnostic threshold for diabetes. Importantly, however, any theoretical adverse effects of statins on cardiovascular risk that might arise from these small increases in glycaemia (or, indeed, from any other mechanism) are already accounted for in the overall reduction in cardiovascular risk that is seen with statin therapy in these trials. These findings should further inform clinical guidelines regarding clinical management of people taking statin therapy. British Heart Foundation, UK Medical Research Council, and Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.

Cognitive Testing and Piloting of the Bangla Version of the Washington Group Short Set Questionnaire on Functioning Among Adolescent Girls and Women With Disabilities in Selected Sub-districts of Bangladesh.

Introduction This study focuses on the cognitive testing and piloting of the Bangla version of the Washington Group Short Set Questionnaire on Functioningamong adolescent girls and women with disabilities in selected sub-districts of Bangladesh. The Washington Group on Disability Statistics developed the questionnaire as a tool to assess the functioning and disability status of individuals. The adaptation of this questionnaire to Bangla is crucial for capturing accurate data on the experiences of adolescent girls and women with disabilities in Bangladesh. Materials and methods The research employs a two-phase approach, starting with cognitive testing to ensure the linguistic and cultural relevance of the translated questionnaire. This phase involves engaging with a sample of the target population to assess the comprehension, clarity, and appropriateness of the questions. Subsequently, a pilot study was conducted in selected sub-districts to evaluate the feasibility and validity of the Bangla version of the Washington Group Short Set Questionnaire on Functioningin real-world settings. Both of the tests were conducted in March 2023. Results There were different types of participants with different types of disabilities. Information processing, meaning, understanding the questions, thinking, and answering speed or time were different between groups, even though they were different from person to person.The initial assessments indicate strong consistency in responses. Participants demonstrated a favorable response rate, indicating potential effectiveness for broader implementation. Conclusion The current study aims to contribute to disability data collection methodologies, particularly in the context of adolescent girls and women in Bangladesh. The research seeks to empower policymakers, researchers, and advocacy groups with a robust instrument of disability screening. Researchers and clinicians may rely on our accurate and validated Washington Group Short Set Questionnaire on Functioningtranslation into Bangla when working with adolescent girls and women with disabilities.

(272) Botulinum Toxin Injection in Vulva and Vagina: Evidence from a Literature Systematic Review

Abstract Introduction Vaginismus, vulvodynia and chronic pelvic pain are a group of pain syndromes that may have, in addition to pain, other types of symptoms. Often no specific etiology can be identified, and the choice of treatment is complicated. Although several treatment methods have been proposed, evidence-based therapies are limited. Therapies can be classified in medical, surgical and interventional treatment. Interventional therapy contemplates injection therapy with botulinum toxin, proposed in 1997 Objective To evaluate the BoNT injection in the comprehensive care of vaginismus, vulvodynia and chronic pelvic pain and to enhance the impact on the sexual arousal. Methods 1108 patients, Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT) were 7. The Retrospective Studies Without a control group were 4, With a control group: 1. Besides, the Prospective Studies Without a control group were, . 2 patients were With a control group. The BoNT Dosage Range was: Minimum: 12 UI Maximum: 500 UI Types of BoNT Products: Botox® (onabotulinumtoxinA): 14 Xeomin® (incobotulinumtoxinA): 3 Dysport® (abobotulinumtoxinA): 3 Unspecified BoNT Product: 1 EMG-Guided Injection: 5 I used as BoNT Administration Techniques, the Digital Palpation: 12, the unspecified Injection Procedure: 4. My methods were 17 patients in Intramuscular Injection, 3 patients with Vaginal Submucosal Plane, and one patient with Subcutaneous Injection. Results For Vaginismus, Significant improvement in sexual and orgasmic dysfunction Successful intercourse Reduction of vaginal muscle resistance Improved sexual function (evaluated by Female Sexual Function Index) Pain reduction and improved quality of life (Short-Form Health Survey) BoNT reduced muscular hyperactivity. Both BoNT and placebo improved sexual pain, function, and distress for patients with vulvodynia, Significant improvement in pain 4, improved quality of life 2 and increase of sexual activity due to the reduced pelvic hypertonicity. Other Study Results: Significant improvement in pelvic pain [22, 23, 31, 32] Reduction of vaginal pressure [32] Improvement in quality of life, sexual activity, and reduced pelvic floor muscles myoelectrical activity [31] Conclusions Different endpoints and different methods of analysis. Different types of participants. Various techniques and timing. Adverse events. For this reason, even though BoNT seems a promising treatment, a clear standardization in clinical guidelines is still lacking. A clear standardization is needed for practical guidelines. Future perspectives should address reproducible protocols for BoNT administration. Disclosure No.

What Mental Health and Wellbeing Interventions Work for Which Children and Young People in Care? Systematic Review of Potential Outcome Inequities

AbstractChildren and young people with care-experience (e.g. foster, kinship and residential care) report poorer mental health and wellbeing than the general population. Despite an emerging evidence-base for intervention, it is not clear if current approaches create, exacerbate or mitigate outcome inequities between different types of participants. We conducted a systematic review of international interventions targeting mental health, subjective wellbeing and suicide-related outcomes amongst care-experienced children and young people aged up to 25 years old. The review included a narrative synthesis of intervention inequities, exploring if they were more or less effective for different participant groups. Eight interventions, with 14 study reports, presented relevant data. Overall, there was no clear evidence that intervention participation could lead to inequitable impacts, being more or less effective for different groups. However, there was some tentative indication that individuals with lower exposure to maltreatment, fewer care placements, and increased baseline mental health problems, might be more responsive to intervention than other participants. There was limited evidence for wellbeing and no data availability for suicide. Future intervention evaluation should focus on assessing if there is potential to create, sustain or exacerbate inequities, and how approaches may be designed to mitigate this risk.

Distributed energy storage participating in power trading mechanism for power system flexibility

In the paper of the participation of multiple types of market members, such as photovoltaics, wind power, and distributed energy storage, in market-based trading, the development of new power systems hinges on strengthening the adaptability of power systems to accommodate various types of market participants and improving their flexibility. The establishment of a modern power system also faced major challenges. Such as how to achieving collaborative operation between the main grid, regional distribution networks, and distributed power generation and consumption devices, and how to improving the flexibility of grid operation, and how to increasing device utilization, and reducing operating costs. In view of above-mentioned issues, this study proposed employing the traceability and anti-tampering features of blockchain technology tackle the issue of establishing mutual trust among different types of market participants and, considering the high volatility of new energy output, studies the configuration of a flexible power system in response to output deviations resulting from day-ahead forecasting-intraday operation (DAF-IDO). A market-based trading mechanism involving multiple types of market participants has been established to smooth out the deviation in output from different types of participants, improving the economic benefits of system operation. This study has made innovative contributions as follows: First, this study employed blockchain technology to enable the participation of various types of market participants in trading activities together. Second, this study proposed a method for determining DAF-IDO energy storage action deviations to allow regional distribution networks based on distribution network operators to quantitatively calculate their energy storage supply and demand, providing crucial methodological support for their participation in market trading in the future. Third, the study developed a trading mechanism based on combinatorial auctions for multiple types of market participants, and incorporated an valley compensation mechanism into the pricing mechanism to encourage active and autonomous participation of users, while also considering the economic benefits of all parties involved. Ultimately, numerical simulations were conducted to verify the feasibility and rationality of the trading mechanism, taking into account the DAF-IDO energy storage action deviations while multiple regional networks are participating.

Teaching LGBTQ+ Health, a Web-Based Faculty Development Course: Program Evaluation Study Using the RE-AIM Framework.

Many health professions faculty members lack training on fundamental lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) health topics. Faculty development is needed to address knowledge gaps, improve teaching, and prepare students to competently care for the growing LGBTQ+ population. We conducted a program evaluation of the massive open online course Teaching LGBTQ+ Health: A Faculty Development Course for Health Professions Educators from the Stanford School of Medicine. Our goal was to understand participant demographics, impact, and ongoing maintenance needs to inform decisions about updating the course. We evaluated the course for the period from March 27, 2021, to February 24, 2023, guided by the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework. We assessed impact using participation numbers, evidence of learning, and likelihood of practice change. Data included participant demographics, performance on a pre- and postcourse quiz, open-text entries throughout the course, continuing medical education (CME) credits awarded, and CME course evaluations. We analyzed demographics using descriptive statistics and pre- and postcourse quiz scores using a paired 2-tailed t test. We conducted a qualitative thematic analysis of open-text responses to prompts within the course and CME evaluation questions. Results were reported using the 5 framework domains. Regarding Reach, 1782 learners participated in the course, and 1516 (85.07%) accessed it through a main course website. Of the different types of participants, most were physicians (423/1516, 27.9%) and from outside the sponsoring institution and target audience (1452/1516, 95.78%). Regarding Effectiveness, the median change in test scores for the 38.1% (679/1782) of participants who completed both the pre- and postcourse tests was 3 out of 10 points, or a 30% improvement (P<.001). Themes identified from CME evaluations included LGBTQ+ health as a distinct domain, inclusivity in practices, and teaching LGBTQ+ health strategies. A minority of participants (237/1782, 13.3%) earned CME credits. Regarding Adoption, themes identified among responses to prompts in the course included LGBTQ+ health concepts and instructional strategies. Most participants strongly agreed with numerous positive statements about the course content, presentation, and likelihood of practice change. Regarding Implementation, the course cost US $57,000 to build and was intramurally funded through grants and subsidies. The course faculty spent an estimated 600 hours on the project, and educational technologists spent another 712 hours. Regarding Maintenance, much of the course is evergreen, and ongoing oversight and quality assurance require minimal faculty time. New content will likely include modules on transgender health and gender-affirming care. Teaching LGBTQ+ Health improved participants' knowledge of fundamental queer health topics. Overall participation has been modest to date. Most participants indicated an intention to change clinical or teaching practices. Maintenance costs are minimal. The web-based course will continue to be offered, and new content will likely be added.

Optimal commissions and subscriptions in mutual aid platforms

AbstractThis paper investigates an operation mechanism for mutual aid platforms to develop more sustainably and profitably. A mutual aid platform is an online risk-sharing platform for risk-heterogeneous participants, and the platform extracts revenues by charging participants commission and subscription fees. A modeling framework is proposed to identify the optimal commissions and subscriptions for mutual aid platforms. Participants are divided into different types based on their loss probabilities and values derived from the platform. We present how these commissions and subscriptions should be set in a mutual aid plan to maximize the platform’s revenues. Our analysis emphasized the importance of accounting for risk heterogeneity in mutual aid platforms. Specifically, different types of participants should be charged different commissions/subscriptions depending on their loss probabilities and values on the platform. Participants’ shared costs should be determined based on their loss probabilities. Adverse selection occurs on the platform if participants with different risks pay the same shared costs. Our results also show that the platform’s maximum revenue will be lower if the platform charges the same fee to all participants. The numerical results of a practical example illustrate that the optimal commission/subscription scheme and risk-sharing rule result in considerable improvements in platform revenue over the current scheme implemented by the platform.

The Personalised Randomized Controlled Trial: Evaluation of a new trial design.

In some clinical scenarios, for example, severe sepsis caused by extensively drug resistant bacteria, there is uncertainty between many common treatments, but a conventional multiarm randomized trial is not possible because individual participants may not be eligible to receive certain treatments. The Personalised Randomized Controlled Trial design allows each participant to be randomized between a "personalised randomization list" of treatments that are suitable for them. The primary aim is to produce treatment rankings that can guide choice of treatment, rather than focusing on the estimates of relative treatment effects. Here we use simulation to assess several novel analysis approaches for this innovative trial design. One of the approaches is like a network meta-analysis, where participants with the same personalised randomization list are like a trial, and both direct and indirect evidence are used. We evaluate this proposed analysis and compare it with analyses making less use of indirect evidence. We also propose new performance measures including the expected improvement in outcome if the trial's rankings are used to inform future treatment rather than random choice. We conclude that analysis of a personalized randomized controlled trial can be performed by pooling data from different types of participants and is robust to moderate subgroup-by-intervention interactions based on the parameters of our simulation. The proposed approach performs well with respect to estimation bias and coverage. It provides an overall treatment ranking list with reasonable precision, and is likely to improve outcome on average if used to determine intervention policies and guide individual clinical decisions.

Practice and Enlightenment of China's Aerospace Complex System Management in the National System

Aerospace engineering is characterized by its huge scale, technological complexity, high standards of quality and reliability, tremendous cost, and long R&amp;D cycle. It is closely tied with national politics and defense security, and may indirectly provide socioeconomic benefits. To organize and implement a complex aerospace project, it is necessary to make innovations in technologies, schedules, qualities, and facilit ies construction management measures and establish an aerospace engineering management system adaptive to the high-complexity feature, based on the management models of the traditional aerospace system engineering. Different types of participants play different functions in project decision-making. The expert group participates in the whole process of the formulation and decision-making of the schemes, providing decision support for each system and the general department. This study describes the implications for the space domain of China’s deployment of the state-owned enterprises (SOEs) as power projection vehicles to advance Beijing’s national strategy. In order to provide reference for the application of model-based systems engineering (MBSE) in the aerospace field, suggestions and conclusions on the development of MBSE application in China were provided.

Networking Actors in Private Public Management Tourism Development Partnership

The management of public-private partnership tourism development should put a substantial focus on networking the many stakeholders that are participating in the project. There are many different types of participants that might be connected via a network. Some examples include the government, the private sector, local communities, and non-governmental groups. Actors need to share information and work together in order to successfully network, which is why public-private partnerships are so important to tourism industry growth. Networking players may be able to aid in increasing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the project by raising the amount of coordination and collaboration that happens among the numerous stakeholders participating in the project. Actor networking may also help to reduce disagreements and encourage community participation in project planning and implementation, both of which are desirable results.

Just Enough Information? The Contingent Curvilinear Effect of Information Volume on Decision Performance in IS-Enabled Teams

Information, which is the critical resource provided by information systems (IS), is available in increasing volumes due to rapid technological progress. This causes a tension between the cognitive limitations of individuals and their access to large volumes of information. This tension is important not only for individuals but also for teams, which are increasingly making important organizational decisions. Recognizing this tension, this paper investigates the relationship between information volume and decision performance in IS-enabled teams. We use information processing and schema theories to develop a contextualized theoretical model, wherein information volume has a curvilinear (inverted U-shaped) effect on decision performance, and this effect is moderated by three context-relevant attributes of the team members: computer self-efficacy, computer anxiety, and learning goal orientation. We conducted two complementary studies, with similar experimental contexts and procedures but different types of participants and different tasks. In these studies, 236 individuals in 118 dyads (Study 1) and 200 individuals in 60 small teams (Study 2) made decisions over time using an enterprise resource planning system for a competitive virtual firm in a business simulation. We used objective data on system use and decision outcomes, along with survey data, to test the theoretical model. The two complementary studies find consistent results supporting the curvilinear relationship between information volume and decision performance and find that this relationship is flattened by high computer self-efficacy. Study 1 also supports the hypothesized steepening effects of high computer anxiety and learning goal orientation on the curvilinear relationship. Study 2 does not support these effects of computer anxiety and learning goal orientation but highlights some boundary conditions for them. Together, the studies provide insights into how information volume affects decision performance in IS-enabled teams, and how context-relevant team member attributes moderate this relationship and themselves affect decision performance.

Exploring Infant Mortality Drivers in Alachua County Florida: A Qualitative Study

Infant mortality serves as a major health indicator for both developed and developing countries. Currently, Alachua County, Florida carries an infant mortality rate over a third greater than the Florida state average rate, with the African American infant mortality rate being over double the Florida state average rate. This study explores expert attitudes and opinions of those working in the field of maternal/infant health and related fields through in-depth interviews conducted via zoom/by phone. By method of qualitative content analysis, major themes were identified by researchers regarding the drivers of infant mortality, solutions/barriers to solutions, and racial inequalities. Themes were then compared among different types of participants (physicians, educators, and community workers) to identify similar/dissimilar perceptions based on occupation. Significant findings indicate the following themes of racial disparities, preterm birth, healthcare access, insurance coverage/income inequality, and lifestyle factors regarding the drivers of infant mortality. Other major themes were identified for solutions/barriers to solutions and racial inequalities. Our findings indicate issues pertaining to Alachua County itself, such as healthcare access, along with societal issues such as the U.S. healthcare system and healthcare inequities experienced by minority groups.

Exploring the use of 3D printing in mathematics education: A scoping review

Thanks to the fourth industrial revolution, 3D printing has become a fast-emerging technology that is widely applied across industries. In mathematics education, 3D printing is an innovative way to visualize mathematics concepts (e.g., geometry, calculus) that enables students to develop mathematical and design thinking, as well as digital skills and mindsets. Through digital maker education, students can apply multidisciplinary knowledge to build prototypes and create 3D objects that bring many new opportunities in mathematics formal/informal learning. However, to our knowledge, there is no existing review summarizing the existing evidence of how 3D printing has been applied in mathematics education. As such, this review aims to give a synthesis of the up-to-date literature in the burgeoning topic of using 3D printing in mathematics education. A systematic review was conducted to examine the thematic and content analysis of 30 empirical papers from 2015 to 2022. The review aims to evaluate and analyze different types of participants, methodological approaches, challenges, pedagogies, and technologies used in the selected studies. Although 3D printing has a bright prospect to revolutionize mathematics education, there are still many challenges such as hardware and software optimization, processing, formatting, printing, and maintenance issues. After all, a set of recommendations were listed to guide future researchers and educators to use 3D printing effectively in mathematics education.

The Effectiveness of Competence-Based Training Program in the Technical Implementation Unit (UPT) of Job Training Center Pasuruan

In the free labor market, workers are required to have adequate skills in a particular field so that they can be applied in their work. UPT Job Training Center Pasuruan is one of the public organizations or government agencies under the auspices of the Department of Manpower and Transmigration of East Java Province. Its mission is to improve the competence of the workforce and establish partnerships in order to meet the needs of the labor market. The existing data show that the absorption of labor has not been optimal. So, it is necessary to know whether or not the implementation of the program is effective. The methods for data collection were qualitative research methods. With qualitative method, it is stated how effective the implementation of competency-based training programs is and what are the supporting and inhibiting factors in the process of implementing competency-based training programs at UPT Job Training Center Pasuruan. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The effectiveness implementation of training program is measured using three variables according to Sandfort and Moulton (2015); (1) the context which can influence change, (2) open priority programs, (3) face technical and adaptive challenges to create change, applying analytical inquiry and social skills. The inhibiting factors for the program were found to be different types of participants, participants educational background, trainer skills in training participants with disabilities, changes in budget or training packages. The solution to these obstacles requires creativity in applying the supporting factors are resources (human resources, financial resources, facilities and infrastructure), and cultural values.

Introduction to 2021 special issue of JAC on art in public spaces

ABSTRACT The Introduction outlines the thematic framework of this special issue of Journal of Aesthetics & Culture. It begins by identifying some of the common concerns and leitmotifs that interconnect the individual articles. It then gives summaries of the individual contributions and situates them within the common thematics of this special issue. The articles examine some recent changes to the ways in which contemporary art and curating operate in various kinds of public spaces and engage different types of participants and publics. The articles explore how these changes are linked, on the one hand, to migration-induced transformations to society, and, on the other, to transformations endemic among the arts. The latter include a turn in art institutional and cultural policies towards a participatory agenda. They also involve a reorientation in politically engaged art and curating towards art activism, (radically) democratic forms of participation and alternative models of co-production and coexistence.

Increasing Participation in a Mobile App Study: The Effects of a Sequential Mixed-Mode Design and In-Interview Invitation

Abstract Mobile apps are an attractive and versatile method of collecting data in the social and behavioral sciences. In samples of the general population, however, participation in app-based data collection is still rather low. In this article, we examine two potential ways of increasing participation and potentially reducing participation bias in app-based data collection: (1) inviting sample members to a mobile app study within an interview rather than by post and (2) offering a browser-based follow-up to the mobile app. We use experimental data from Spending Study 2, collected on the Understanding Society Innovation Panel and on the Lightspeed UK online access panel. Sample members were invited to download a spending diary app on their smartphone or use a browser-based online diary to report all their purchases for one month. The results suggest that inviting sample members to an app study within a face-to-face interview increases participation rates but does not bring in different types of participants. In contrast, the browser-based alternative can both increase participation rates and reduce biases in who participates if offered immediately once the app had been declined. We find that the success of using mobile apps for data collection hinges on the protocols used to implement the app.

Understanding affordances and limitations in a language MOOC from an activity theory perspective

In the last decade, Language MOOCs have attracted a lot of interest for their potential to enhance language learning. However, how learners engage with MOOC environments and realise their benefits, remains unclear. The current study adopts activity theory (Engeström in J Educ Work 14:133–156, 2001) as a lens to comprehend the affordances and limitations in an LMOOC dealing with English presentation skills called Presentation@work. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews with 22 participants. The data were then analysed using thematic content analysis and triangulated with the participants’ profiles using learning analytical procedures. The results showed that peer learning, personalisation, and social interaction opportunities were perceived as affordances by the participants, while lack of proficiency, lack of affinity, course content, and lack of teacher presence were seen as limitations. Relationships between the perceived affordances and limitations and different types of participants were also found. The findings demonstrate that the LMOOC activity system is dynamic and complex and that the learners play a central role in interacting with different aspects of the system. We conclude with a number of suggestions and implications for future LMOOC design, implementation and research.