Emergent Themes Research Articles

Decolonizing Academic Funding: An Evaluation of an Indigenous Collaborative Funding Initiative

In 2020 an innovative Indigenous community-led internal funding initiative was undertaken at a major university in Canada, followed in 2022 by a qualitative study of its inaugural round. This funding initiative is unique in that each research project was first identified by an Indigenous community/organization through a Canada-wide outreach process. The outreach process involved reaching out to over 700 Indigenous communities and organizations, via email or telephone, to ask if they would be interested in participating in a funded research project they identified as important and beneficial. The role of the university academic research partners was that of mentor rather than principal investigator for each project. Nine community-led research projects were funded and are currently underway. In this paper the authors outline the process of developing the initiative, its components, and findings from the study. Successes and challenges of the funding model are identified followed by a discussion of emergent themes. One of the key themes that emerged is that although there are aspects of this initiative that met its intended goals, it highlights a barrier in meeting one of the objectives, contributing to Indigenous research governance and self-determination.

이혼한 어머니의 아동학대와 중단, 자녀관계 재구성에 대한 해석현상학적 분석

This study employs interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to investigate the experiences, causes, cessation triggers, relationship recovery strategies, and outcomes associated with child abuse from the perspective of divorced mothers. The researcher applied a double hermeneutic approach within IPA to explore participants' subjective experiences and meanings empathetically. Five divorced mothers participated, with data collected through one-on-one semi-structured interviews. These interviews were analyzed following the procedures for IPA outlined by Smith, Flowers, and Larkin (2009). The analysis identified 74 emergent themes, which were then grouped into 15 subordinate themes and subsequently synthesized into six superordinate themes. These superordinate themes offer insight into the participants' lived experiences, with discussions and implications derived from the findings.

Perceptions of Multicancer Detection Tests Among Primary Care Physicians and Laypersons: A Qualitative Study.

Multicancer detection tests (MCDs) are blood-based tests designed to detect multiple cancer types. It is currently unclear whether these cancer screening tests improve mortality. To understand awareness of MCDs among providers and patients, as well as explore how they perceive the benefits, harms, and acceptability of MCDs, we have undertaken a focus group study in primary care physicians (PCPs) and laypersons to explore knowledge, attitudes, and expectations of cancer screening using MCDs. We conducted six focus groups with 45 PCP participants and 12 focus groups with 80 layperson participants. Participants were identified via a consumer research firm and found eligible following the completion of a screener survey. Moderators used a semi-structured guide containing open-ended questions and prompts to facilitate the discussion. Recordings were transcribed and coded line by line using a codebook developed based on questions and emerging discussion concepts, and emergent themes were identified. Both PCP and layperson participants felt the that benefits of MCDs included ease of use and potential ability to detect cancers early. However, they felt that additional data is needed to overcome some of the concerns related to MCDs. PCP participants expressed concerns related to lack of practice guidelines, cost of diagnostic follow-ups, privacy and insurance issues, fear/anxiety related to confirmation of MCD results, and malpractice liability related to perceived false negative test results. Layperson participants expressed concerns related to costs, insurance coverage, and privacy, as well as anxiety over the confirmation of a positive test result. There is a major need for more rigorous data regarding MCDs to inform the development of guidelines for use as cancer screening tools.

Public Sector Financial Reforms and Performance of Government Entities in Nigeria

A few scholars have remarked that public agencies in Nigeria are typified by corrupt activities, as well as a slew of other issues. Surprisingly, despite the fact that all succeeding Nigerian politicians and bureaucrats also acknowledge that corruption is a barrier to national growth, the bulk of them assume office as doctors but exit as patients. As a result, Nigerian Government has introduced various economic reforms to boost the performance of government entities in the country. Therefore, this study examined the effects of public sector financial reforms on performance of government entities in Nigeria. Specifically, this study examined the effects of anti-graft reforms, information technology based reforms and financial planning reforms on performance of government entities in Nigeria, The study employed survey research design to collect data from 306 personnel across 188 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA) in Nigeria. Ordered logistic regression and ordinary least square (OLS) regression were employed for data analysis. The study found that anti-graft reforms (Anti-Graft agencies), information technology based reforms (IPPIS and GIFMIS), and financial planning reforms (Budgetary control) significantly enhanced the financial performance of government entities in Nigeria. Likewise, the study revealed that anti- graft reforms (Anti-Graft agencies), information technology based reforms (IPPIS), financial planning reforms (Budgetary procedure) and financial reporting reforms (IPSAS) had significant positive effects on non- financial performance of government entities in Nigeria. Overall results revealed that anti-graft reforms (Anti-Graft agencies, anti-graft legal framework), information technology based reforms (IPPIS and GIFMIS), and financial planning reforms (Budgetary procedure) significantly boosted the financial performance of government entities in Nigeria. The study concluded that public sector financial reforms boosted the performance of government entities in Nigeria, and recommended that the Nigerian government strengthen the agencies implementing public sector financial reforms to boost the performance of government entities better.

Identifying stakeholder preferences for communicating impact from medical research: a mixed methods study

BackgroundDocumentation of research outcomes using impact case studies (ICS) is increasingly required to demonstrate the wider societal benefits of research. However, there is limited evidence of the best way to communicate research outcomes using ICS, especially when highlighting research impact that is not part of a research assessment programme. This study aims, for the first time, to analyse expectations, and methods of communicating impact from medical research across a varied set of stakeholders relevant to the Medical Research Council (MRC).MethodsImpact narratives about outcomes and impact from MRC research were evaluated using an online survey and in depth semi-structured interviews. Participants were recruited from internal MRC databases and included early career and senior management academics as well as representatives from industry, healthcare, charities, and the government. Informed consent was gained prior to data collection and the study was approved by the university’s research ethics committee. Qualitative and quantitative analysis determined stakeholder preferences for ICS content, language and presentation as well as capturing themes and perspectives on the concept of research impact.Results193 participants responded to the online survey exploring definitions of impact and methods of communicating medical research outcomes. The work uncovered expectations of improved health and wellbeing as well as knowledge generation via publications and citations. In depth interviews with sixteen participants demonstrated preferences for clear, easy to read content that focused on facts and evidence and avoided both academic and hyperbolic language. Emergent themes from this work revealed that ICS need to quickly capture imagination and grab attention, while the views and expectations are quite different to press releases and are audience specific.ConclusionsThe content of ICS often focuses on non-academic impacts; however this work highlighted that evidence of academic impacts were outcomes highly valued by stakeholders relevant to the MRC. This work examined a new typology of ICS attributes, which emphasised that the language and presentation of impact narratives can influence the perception of research outcomes, providing useful information for individuals and organisations using ICS to showcase their research. It also shows that if ICS attempt to communicate challenges and issues around achieving impact from research, they may be more credible and useful to their intended audience.

Bridging the Gap: Culturally Responsive Strategies for NIH Trial Recruitment

Abstract Objective To enhance recruitment and participation rates of non-Hispanic Black (NHB) and Hispanic adult patients in a NIH-funded clinical trial studying an emerging health technology. Data Sources and Study Setting This study includes primary data collected in Los Angeles, California from November 2020 through November 2023. Study Design To improve the representation of NHB and Hispanic patients in a NIH-funded (NCT04409353) trial on virtual reality for chronic lower back pain (cLBP), we conducted a multi-phase study utilizing a mixed-method approach. First, we conducted focus groups with NHB and Hispanic cohorts aged 18 and older; based on the feedback, we culturally adapted recruitment materials and study correspondences concordantly. Additionally, a cohort builder was used to filter the electronic medical record to isolate non-Hispanic Black (NHB) and Hispanic patients with cLBP for micro-targeted recruitment. These changes were collectively integrated when the parent NIH study had recruited 222 of its 385 final samples (57.7%), creating a pre-post comparison timepoint (May 17, 2022). Quantitative analysis was performed to assess the efficacy of the modified recruitment strategies by comparing the number of recruited and randomized NHB and Hispanic patients pre- and post-intervention. Data Collection/Extraction Methods Semi-structured focus groups were conducted with NHB and Hispanic patients and community members (age 18 and older). The focus groups were conducted online and recorded with participant consent; transcripts of the recording underwent inductive thematic analysis. Emergent themes directed the modification of study materials, including revised language and imagery, targeted outreach, and incorporation of treating physicians, were implemented in the second half of the study. Quantitative analyses were conducted following parent study completion by comparing records added to the screening database following the implementation of new recruiting methods (5/17/2022) to those added before. Principal Findings Thematic analysis of focus groups identified four key themes: mistrust, lack of interest, culture, and communication. Modifications to recruitment methodology resulted in statistically significant increases in the pre- to post-randomization success rate for the overall study population (p < 0.001), the NHB population (p = 0.011), and the Hispanic population (p < 0.015). When looking at each cohort at different points in the recruitment process before and after the intervention, in the Hispanic population, we saw significant increases in the number approached (p < 0.001) and number randomized (p < 0.001) and statistically insignificant increases in the NHB population approached (p = 0.067) and randomized (p = 0.295). Similarly, we saw that the changes in the recruitment letter led to a statistically significant increase in Hispanic recruitment (7.0 to 39.1%, p < 0.001) but not the NHB cohort (19.6 to 35.8%, p < 0.065). Conclusion This study introduces several culturally sensitive considerations and possible approaches for the design of recruitment materials, addressing mistrust, lack of interest, culture, and communication for use in NHB and Hispanic populations. Similarly, the described microtargeting techniques leverage the technological advancements in cohort building to improve the reach and efficiency of the randomization rate of underrepresented groups thereby enhancing clinical trial diversity.

Endogenous decisions on acceptable worker-job mismatch level and the impact on workers’ performance

This study examines the endogeneity of a worker’s acceptable level of job mismatch and its impact on worker performance. First, we construct a theoretical model that depicts the tendency of a potential worker to take a job offer if the firm is “attractive” for some reason, even when he or she knows that their personality does not align with the firm’s characteristics. According to this model, a strong tendency for this behavior yields a positive relationship between a worker’s acceptable mismatch level and the firm’s attractive characteristics. Given the positive relationship, an instrumental variable estimation confirms that higher mismatch significantly lowers worker performance. Since “attractive” firms tend to be generally large firms with a major influence on the economy, the lowered performance due to these mismatches can hinder economic strength and hamper national growth. Resolving this issue may avoid further losses.

Smart Irrigation System using IOT

The majority of nations rely heavily on agriculture to power their economies. A nation's growth is mostly dependent on agriculture, notably for people's livelihood and the production of food and other raw resources. The rise of agriculture is the main driver of a nation's economy. One type of irrigation system that is frequently utilized in the agricultural industry is the smart irrigation system. In areas of farming where water is scarce, irrigation is used. This intelligent irrigation system is designed with farmers in mind. In this paper, the proposed smart irrigation system uses NodeMCU ESP8266. This system reads the values using sensors and waters the plants based on those values. Also, the system will send notification as well as email to the owner for a certain interval of time depending on the owner specification. The owner can also remotely monitor values by using the mobile application or web application. It is very easy to implement, and will save manpower, leading to a cost-effective solution for efficient water management in agriculture. This system harnesses the power of a microcontroller to monitor and control irrigation process, ensuring optimal water usage.

Provider Perspectives on Healthcare System Barriers to Engaging Caregivers of Rural US Veterans in Firearm Suicide Prevention.

Firearms account for the majority of US Veteran suicides. Studies demonstrate that secure firearm storage can decrease risk of suicide. Veterans prefer to have discussions about secure firearm storage with familiar individuals, such as their caregivers. Providers in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are well-positioned to engage caregivers of Veterans in firearm suicide prevention; however, challenges remain. Elucidate healthcare system barriers to caregiver engagement in firearm suicide prevention, as seen by Suicide Prevention and Caregiver Support Program staff, to inform development of an intervention to increase involvement of caregivers in efforts to reduce Veteran firearm suicides. An Advisory Board consisting of key stakeholders provided input regarding study methods and interpretation of findings. Participants included 16 Caregiver Support Program and 14 Suicide Prevention staff recruited from 8 geographically diverse rural VA medical centers. Interview topics and data analyses were guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Rapid analysis and a team-based approach were employed to identify key barriers; emergent themes were mapped onto relevant constructs of the CFIR inner setting domain. Healthcare system barriers included structural characteristics (e.g., understaffing and heavy workloads), relational connections and communications (e.g., poor channels of communication between Caregiver Support Program and Suicide Prevention staff), culture (e.g., lack of recipient-centered care), and access to knowledge and information (e.g., lack of training in how to incorporate caregivers in Veteran care). The present study provides much needed perspective from VA staff in Suicide Prevention and Caregiver Support programs regarding barriers to involving caregivers in firearm suicide prevention efforts within the VA healthcare setting. Identifying these barriers and potential solutions is a critical step towards increasing engagement of caregivers in reducing firearm suicide among Veterans.

Empirically exploring the association of health literacy with schoolchildren’s health behaviours

Abstract Background Health literacy (HL) is a modifiable factor contributing to the promotion and maintenance of health and well-being throughout an individual’s life. Identified as a priority in Wales, UK in 2010, progress has since stalled despite health and education as national policy priorities and international policy growth. There is a gap in understanding of children in Wales’ HL needs, particularly below adolescent age ( < =11 years). Methods This study aimed to scope a measure of children’s HL to be integrated into the existing HAPPEN Cohort Study survey, which collects self-reported health behaviours of children aged 8-11. A review identified the Health Literacy of School-Aged Children (HLSAC) tool which conceptualises health literacy as a learning outcome. A convenience sample of n = 15 primary schools were recruited in April 2023 through HAPPEN and n = 669 school children n = 669 completed the online survey between May-June 2023. Results Preliminary data using sum HLSAC scores show a proportion of children with low (20.5%), moderate (52.8%) and high HL (26.8%). Independent samples t-tests comparing mean HLSAC scores with binary self-reported health behaviours show higher HL scores for weekly behaviours (p < 0.05); feeling less tired (0-4 days: 15.1+-4.1, > =5 days 14.5+-3.4), can concentrate (0-4 days: 14.3+-3.6, > =5 days: 15.5+-4.0) and consume less fizzy drinks (0-4 days: 15.0+-3.9, > =5 days: 14.0+-3.8). Further, for can ride a bike (no: 14.3+-4.0, yes: 15.0+-3.9), can swim 25m (no: 14.6+-3.7, yes: 15.1+-4.0), someone active in the household (no: 14.3+-3.8, yes: 15.2+-4.0) and higher health well-being (<7/10: 13.9+-3.5, > =7/10: 15.3+-3.9). This preliminary data will be strengthened with further analyses including regression. Conclusions Associations appear between various important health behaviours spanning physical activity, nutrition, cognition and wellbeing. Capturing children’s HL and health behaviour needs enables targeted health promotion and education activities.

Beyond the Ire of Flames: Work Experiences of Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Station Chiefs

Fire occurrences have significantly risen in recent years. These fires endanger lives, cause economic damage, and harm the environment. Uncontrolled fires are a major reason for building collapses and injuries. Building fires cause trauma due to the loss of belongings and the building itself. Existing fire safety systems are failing due to unaddressed factors causing building fires (Rathnayake et al., 2020). This study explored the experiences of the station chiefs of the Bureau of Fire Protection in Iloilo Province, Philippines, through a qualitative research method. The participants of this study were the selected ten (10) BFP station chiefs. All participants were subjected to an individual in-depth interview. The findings of this study are described in emergent themes. Six (6) emergent themes described the positive and negative experiences of the informants in the performance of their duties. For the positive experiences, two (2) emergent themes were developed, namely Personal Satisfaction Through Job Fulfillment and Workplace Camaraderie and Support. For the negative experiences, four (4) emergent themes were also developed, namely: Inadequate Resources and Financial Challenges, Complexity of Leadership and Personnel Management, Bombarded with Public Dissatisfaction, and Operational Delays and Equipment Failures. Meanwhile, three (3) emergent themes were formulated to explain how the participants address the challenges encountered in the performance of their duties, namely: Empowering Collaboration and Support Networks, Bolstering Preventive Measures and Education, and Embodying Resilience and Adaptability. Finally, three (3) emergent themes were created to express the aspirations of participants to improve the quality of their services, namely Continuous Training and Professional Development, Adequate Fiscal Allocation and Service Facilities, and Improvement of Personnel and Staffing Issues. Based on the emergent themes identified, it is recommended that the fire station chiefs be enhanced by providing them with specialized training and career development programs. This can be accomplished by the successful integration of the latest firefighting technologies in the specialized training to enhance the response effectiveness of their station.

Beyond the Bullet Proof Vest: Untold Stories of Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP SAF) Commandos

The ever-changing demographics of society, the rise in terrorism and its complexity, as well as agitations, violent protests, a variety of political activities, left-wing terrorism, insurgency, and militancy, as well as the enforcement of economic and social laws, have all contributed to the difficulty of achieving the peaceful society that we all desire. This study explored the lived experiences of Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) Commandos in Negros Island, Philippines through a qualitative research method. The participants of this study were the selected ten (10) PNP-SAF commandos. Four (4) participants were subjected to individual in-depth interviews, while the other six (6) participants were subjected to a focus group discussion. The findings of this study are described in emergent themes. Six (6) emergent themes described the positive and negative experiences of the participants in the implementation of counterterrorism programs. For the positive experiences, three (3) emergent themes were developed, namely: Personal Satisfaction and Job Fulfillment, Recognition from the Community, and Influence on Community Peace and Order. For the negative experiences, three (3) emergent themes were also developed, namely: Financial Constraints and Limited Resources, Familial Longings while on Mission, and Infiltration in Hotspot Areas. Meanwhile, two (2) emergent themes were formulated to explain how the participants address the challenges encountered in the implementation of counterterrorism programs, namely Coordination and Collaboration with Other Agencies and Community Engagement and Trust-Building Programs. Finally, two (2) emergent themes were created to express the aspirations of the participants to improve the implementation of counterterrorism programs, namely Continuous Training and Skills Development and Adequate Financial and Logistical Support. Based on the emergent themes identified, it is recommended that the PNP-SAF commandos be exposed to continuous training and ongoing collaboration between agencies and partners to ensure an efficient response to counterterrorism and counterinsurgency incidents. By allocating an appropriate budget and implementing the requisite enhancement training and programs, the SAF commandos may be able to increase their effectiveness in implementing these initiatives.

ÁUSTRIA: POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS DE INOVAÇÃO NOS ÚLTIMOS 50 ANOS

This article explores the significance of innovation policies as an essential component of public policy for national development and growth. Focusing on Austria, one of the most developed and innovative countries in Europe, we analyze the historical developments that contributed to its success, including the legacy of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the impact of the Marshall Plan, and membership in the European Union and OECD. We discuss the innovation policies implemented in Austria, emphasizing research funding and collaboration between academia and the private sector. Additionally, we examine the long-term effects of these policies on the economy and society, as well as the current challenges faced by the country. The study offers valuable lessons for developing nations, highlighting the need for a strategic and sustainable approach to innovation.

Individual Resilience among Adult Children of Parents with Bipolar Disorder in Chinese Society: An Inductive and Deductive Content Analysis Approach.

Nurses can help children of parents with mental illness discover their resilience. However, previous studies have focused on their experience in Western settings and have limited understanding of a Chinese cultural context. This study aims to explore individual resilience emerging from adult children's experience of living with parents with bipolar disorder in Chinese society within the framework of character strengths and possible cultural components. A content analysis with both inductive and deductive approaches. Twenty adults participated in this study. Interviews were conducted while the participants' parents were hospitalized in an acute psychiatric hospital ward. The framework of character strengths confirmed five emergent themes of individual resilience in this study: courage, temperance, humanity, knowledge and wisdom, and transcendence. Character strengths are an adequate framework for understanding of individual resilience. Chinese adult children develop resilience by regulating their emotions, respecting their parents, engaging in self-discipline, and positively interpreting adversity.

World War I and World War II: Their Effects on the Islamic World and Afghanistan

The tremendous effects that World War I and World War II had on the Islamic world are investigated in this research, with a particular focus on Afghanistan. The aftermath of World War I resulted in the breakup of empires, most notably the Ottoman Empire, as well as the restructuring of political boundaries. The study aims to explore and analyze the far-reaching impacts of World War I and World War II on the Islamic world, with a particular focus on Afghanistan. The study seeks to examine how these global conflicts reshaped political, social, and economic dynamics in Muslim-majority regions, leading to the disintegration of empires, the rise of nationalism, and the realignment of power structures. The significance of this study lies in the fact that it shades light on a relatively unexplored facet of world history, namely the manner in which the Islamic world, and Afghanistan in particular, was impacted by the two World Wars. Specifically, it sheds light on the growth of nationalism, decolonization, and geopolitical competition, all of which played a role in shaping the position of Afghanistan, Central Asia, and the Middle East within the global system. This work employs the doctrinal research methodology along with descriptive, explanatory, and analytical research approaches. It is worth mentioning that this research study is entirely based on library sources. Most of the sources are reputable and trustworthy textbooks, scholarly published and unpublished journal articles, law reports, and online websites related to the research area. One of the main findings is Both World Wars accelerated the disintegration of Islamic empires, notably the Ottoman Empire, and paved the way for European colonial powers to carve out new territories in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Afghanistan’s strategic position made it vulnerable to foreign influence, particularly from Britain and Russia. After World War I, Afghanistan gained greater autonomy, but it became a battleground for influence between the Soviet Union and the West following World War II, especially during the Cold War. It is recommended that further research and documents are needed the Islamic world’s experience during both World Wars, which has often been overlooked in global history. Incorporating these perspectives into academic curricula could help reshape understanding of global conflicts from a non-Western perspective.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy helped to normalise feeding problems and gastrointestinal symptoms in Silver-Russell syndrome.

This study evaluated feeding problems and gastrointestinal symptoms in children with Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS), which is a rare epigenetic disorder. It also compared the symptoms experienced during different feeding methods, including percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). The national expert team for children with SRS at Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Gothenburg, studied 46 referrals (63% male) who were born with SRS in Sweden from 1984 to 2018. Patient data were extracted from the Paediatric National Growth Hormone Registry. The medical records covered a median of 68% of the time of the patients' childhood, with a median follow-up of 9 years. Their symptoms were most prevalent during infancy and decreased when they were toddlers. Feeding problems and gastrointestinal symptoms were reported in 91% of the 46 patients, with vomiting in 57% and constipation in 46%. There were 19 children who relied on enteral feeding for their nutrition and 13 of those received PEG. Their body mass index (BMI) increased significantly 2 years after PEG started (p = 0.005). Feeding problems and gastrointestinal symptoms were very common in children with SRS, but partly disappeared during childhood. Providing treatment, such as PEG, normalised the BMIs of children with SRS and reduced their symptoms.

An exploratory study of perceptions and utilization of genetic information in the intended parent experience of oocyte donor selection.

Utilization of oocyte donation has become an increasingly common practice in assisted reproductive technology (ART). Since the introduction of larger carrier screening (CS) panels and extended family medical histories (EFMH), studies have not examined how this information factors into the oocyte donor selection process. This exploratory, qualitative study provides further insight into what role, if any, donors' available genetic information (e.g., larger CS panels and EFMH) plays in selecting an oocyte donor. An online screening survey was distributed to individuals who have undergone or are currently in the process of selecting an oocyte donor through the RESOLVE network and Mayo Clinic's Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility clinic. From 13 survey respondents, six oocyte recipients subsequently participated in semi-structured telephone interviews and discussed their experiences as oocyte recipients including their perceptions of donors' available genetic information and process in choosing an oocyte donor. Genetic information was seen as valuable and reassuring for participants, particularly EFMH, but did not play a significant role in the selection process for these participants. Supplemental emergent themes provide context on the psychosocial complexities of the oocyte recipient experience and possible explanations for why genetic information is not a decisional priority. Participants indicated genetic information was not extensively discussed or fully explained by providers. Results demonstrate how genetic counselors can be more involved in the pre-selection process to discuss the utility and limitations of genetic information, as well as address psychosocial issues common to the oocyte recipient experience.

Sizeism Among Fat and Big Men: A Phenomenological Study

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to capture the lived experiences of sizeism, or size discrimination, for fat and big men. The intention of this study was to identify the essence of fat and big men’s experience of sizeism to more adequately understand how sizeism may impact the lives of these men to assist with the creation of more culturally competent psychological services and interventions for this population. A total of 10 participants were included in this study. Participants self-identified as fat or big, cisgender, and varied in race/ethnic identity and age (from 25 to 44 years). Data analysis of their experiences revealed five emergent themes: (a) accessing masculinity, (b) navigating thin privilege, (c) psychological consequences of living in fat male bodies, (d) sexual capital, (e) and fat/big as identity.

Embracing Culinary Tourism as a Strategy for Boosting Regional Development: Bangka Belitung Case Studies

Both regional and national growth are aided by culinary tourism. Every region needs to have an appropriate strategy in place to compete with the others in order to maximize development. Creating a supply-demand-driven culinary tourism strategy is the aim of this study. Hybrid technique was employed in this investigation. Participants in this study included chefs, tour operators, owners of agricultural tourism firms, local government representatives in the tourism sector, and operators of restaurants and hotels. SWOT analysis was conducted using the results of visitor surveys, aerial observations, focus group discussion, and secondary data. Suggested course of action: Priority plans are selected by government officials and executives of travel industry associations, and AHP is used to process them. Product, pricing, marketing communication, and collaboration are the recommended areas of concentration. To increase price competitiveness, culinary products from upstream to downstream must work together. Among the goods that must be created are facilities, culinary festivals and events, culinary-related activities, and organizations dedicated to culinary tourism. Collaborative marketing communications are needed to maximize culinary tourism-related media and messaging. There are restrictions on research involving horizontal stakeholders. Future research needs to look at the various ways that stakeholders collaborate.

Experiences of LGBTQ+ graduate students in research-focused doctoral programs: a scoping review

Students of sexual and gender minority (SGM) identities have long been underserved in higher education, and the limited research thus far has focused on undergraduates. There is a large gap in understanding the outcomes and experiences of LGBTQ+ graduate students, particularly in STEM. We undertook the first scoping review to examine the available literature on LGBTQ+ student experiences in research-focused doctoral programs. A scoping review methodology was utilized to compile a broad set of publications for a narrative review of emergent themes. A comprehensive search of 5 bibliographic databases yielded 1,971 unique studies, which were screened by two independent reviewers for data on LGBTQ+ doctoral students in non-clinical fields. Eighty-two publications were included in the analysis, over half of which were published in the past 5 years. Thirteen themes emerged from analyzing the included publications. LGBTQ+ ientities can continue evolving during graduate school, and some students incorporated SGM identities in their research (“mesearch”). Though students expected academia to be welcoming, many encountered repeated anti-LGBTQ+ bias that impacted their perceived safety for coming out. Nearly half of the studies mentioned intersectionality with other marginalized identities, including race/ethnicity, religion, disability, and others. Based on the information presented, we outline recommendations for practitioners to improve doctoral education, such as preparing teaching assistants to manage discriminatory classroom conduct.