Individual Empowerment Research Articles

The role of digital health in modern pharmacy: A review of emerging trends and patient impacts

The integration of digital health into modern pharmacy practices has revolutionized patient care and medication management, ushering in a new era of convenience, accessibility, and personalized healthcare services. This review provides an insightful review of the evolving role of digital health in pharmacy, focusing on emerging trends and their impacts on patients. Digital health technologies, such as telepharmacy services, mobile health applications, and virtual consultations, have transformed the traditional pharmacy model by bridging geographical barriers and expanding access to healthcare services. Pharmacists can now engage with patients remotely, providing medication counselling, monitoring, and adherence support through digital platforms. These innovations enhance patient convenience, empower individuals to take control of their health, and ultimately improve health outcomes. Furthermore, digital health solutions leverage advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to optimize medication therapy and personalize patient care. AI-driven algorithms analyze patient data to identify trends, predict health outcomes, and optimize medication regimens, leading to more effective treatment plans and reduced medication errors. Moreover, digital health fosters greater collaboration and communication among healthcare providers, enabling seamless coordination of care and improved patient outcomes. Through secure electronic health records and interoperable systems, pharmacists can access comprehensive patient information, facilitating informed decision-making and enhanced patient safety. However, the adoption of digital health in pharmacy also presents challenges, including data privacy concerns, regulatory complexities, and disparities in digital literacy among patients. Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensure the ethical and effective implementation of digital health technologies in pharmacy practice. In conclusion, the integration of digital health into modern pharmacy represents a paradigm shift in patient care delivery, offering unprecedented opportunities to enhance accessibility, efficiency, and quality of care. By embracing emerging digital health trends, pharmacists can revolutionize medication management, improve patient engagement, and ultimately contribute to better health outcomes for individuals and communities.

Meta-Education: Reimagining how—and What—we Teach in Business Schools

This paper comments on Wided Batat's thought provoking article on holixec education. Batat's framework offers numerous insights about the integration of holistic practices with execution-oriented strategies and I praise its innovation, iconoclasm, and broad scope. However, my commentary raises concerns about the potential limitations of neglecting theoretical knowledge and the significant demands placed on both instructors and students. Furthermore, my commentary questions the emphasis on secular humanism as a pedagogical philosophy, particularly in the context of spiritual development and individual empowerment. It explores the implications of the Dunning-Kruger Effect for self-directed learning and the potential for incorporating hybrid models that blend theory and practice. Finally, my commentary calls for an increased critical engagement with the broader social and environmental context of business education, advocating for “meta-education” that challenges the status quo and empowers future leaders to address pressing global challenges.

The Effect of Offspring Gender Composition on Modern Contraceptive Uptake Among Married Women of Reproductive Age in Pakistan: A Facility-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: Pakistan is confronted with the formidable challenge of high population growth, which is compounded by cultural norms that prioritize male offspring, leading to adverse implications for family planning efforts and demographic trends. Despite efforts to promote contraception, including a national family planning program, Pakistan continues to struggle with low and stagnant contraceptive prevalence rates among married women. The influence of gender composition on modern contraceptive uptake remains underexplored, necessitating research to elucidate its impact on reproductive behavior. Materials and methods: This study used the dataset of a facility-based cross-sectional survey conducted in six districts of the Sindh and Punjab provinces in Pakistan. A subset of 495 married women of reproductive age seeking health services from March to June 2019 was used for this study. Logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the association between the gender composition of children and modern contraceptive uptake, adjusting for covariates such as province, the age of the women, and the type of health facility. Results: The analysis revealed a significant association between the gender composition of children and modern contraceptive uptake among married women. As the number of daughters increased without sons, the likelihood of contraceptive uptake remained low (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.12; 95% CI: 0.04-0.34; p < 0.000), while having at least one son substantially increased the odds of contraceptive use (AOR: 19.91; 95% CI: 8.00-49.50; p < 0.000). Notably, the gender composition of having one daughter with two sons had the highest level of contraceptive uptake, potentially because of family composition preferences. Discussion: The findings highlight the pervasive influence of gender composition on reproductive decision-making in Pakistan, with a clear preference for sons driving modern contraceptive behavior. These results underscore the need for targeted interventions to address gender norms and biases while promoting equitable access to family planning services. Engaging men in family planning initiatives is crucial for challenging traditional gender norms and fostering informed decision-making regarding contraception. Conclusions: Gender preference influences modern contraceptive uptake among women in Pakistan, with the strong preference for sons driving reproductive behavior. Addressing gender norms and biases while promoting informed, self-determined choice is essential for enhancing modern contraceptive uptake and achieving sustainable population growth. Targeted interventions, including male engagement strategies, are needed to challenge societal gender norms and empower individuals to make autonomous decisions regarding family planning.

Talking Fingers: A Multilingual Speech-to-Sign Language Converter

Communication is a basic human need, but thousands of people with hearing and speech impairments face limitations in everyday communication "Talking Fingers" is a modern assistive technology tool that transfers spoken or written language to Indian Sign Language (ISL). With multilingual capabilities, the tool provides technologies such as Google ML Kit for language recognition, MyMemory API for translation, ISL grammar services for more than one language and several languages accessible at a time Translated ISL will, a it provides a simple and powerful communication channel. The system outlines the ability to blend artificial intelligence (AI) and language generation to promote inclusion and empower individuals with disabilities

How can a spiritual pedagogy in religious education contribute to children’s spiritual growth?

ABSTRACT This paper explores how a spiritual pedagogy in religious education (RE) can contribute to children’s spiritual development to a larger extent than it currently does in the UK and in Norway. Contemporary RE focuses largely on knowledge transmission, but it could be reimagined to empower students to transform their lives by nurturing their spirituality. The paper starts by defining spirituality as a relational experience involving one’s connection with oneself, others, the natural world, and potentially the transcendent. This definition serves as a conceptual framing for the rest of the discussion, clarifying how spirituality is understood and how RE can nurture it. The paper then discusses Biesta’s pedagogical concept of subjectification, which opens up a space in RE to focus more on experiential and relational dimensions and individual empowerment. Empirically, I discuss the opportunities provided by Norwegian and British RE curricula.

Application of Machine Learning Algorithms in Predicting Academic Performance of Students in Higher Education Institutes (HEIs): A Systematic Review and Bibliographic Analysis

Purpose: This study aims to identify trends, key research areas, popular predictive features, machine learning algorithms used, and gaps in the existing literature. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study selected 60 articles published between 2018 and August 31, 2023, from Google Scholar and Scopus databases to address the identified knowledge gap. A systematic literature review and bibliographic analysis were conducted using both quantitative and qualitative approaches, with PRISMA chosen as the reporting format. Findings: The study reveals that machine learning models, particularly Decision Trees, followed by Random Forests, Artificial Neural Networks, Support Vector Machines, and Naïve Bayes, have significantly contributed to predicting student academic performance. The datasets predominantly utilised by researchers include students' academic records, demographics, activities, and behaviour, which are crucial for predicting academic performance and evaluating model effectiveness. Research Limitation: These limitations highlight the challenges in conducting comprehensive reviews of machine learning applications in educational contexts while acknowledging the evolving nature of both technology and educational assessment methods. Practical Implication: This research has the potential to inform evidence-based decision-making, promote personalised learning experiences and enable early interventions for at-risk students Social Implication: The study underscores the potential of machine learning algorithms to promote equity and inclusion, provide targeted student support, empower individuals, raise ethical considerations, foster community engagement, and support lifelong learning initiatives. Originality and Value: This research uniquely explores machine learning applications to predict student academic performance, identifying classroom participation and examination scores as key predictors. It offers a pragmatic approach to educational practice, identifies future research opportunities, and advocates for data-driven decision-making in higher education.

Reducing self-stigma among survivors of childhood maltreatment: Randomized controlled trial of a brief video intervention.

Survivors of childhood maltreatment (CM) often experience self-stigma, the internalization of negative attitudes such as shame, self-blame, and a reluctance to disclose their experiences. These self-perceptions pose a significant barrier to treatment-seeking and may exacerbate psychiatric distress. Prior research indicates that social contact-based interventions are effective in reducing stigma, but no study to date has examined their impact on self-stigma and increasing openness to treatment-seeking among CM survivors. This study assessed the efficacy of a brief video intervention on reducing self-stigma among CM survivors using a randomized controlled trial. We randomly assigned 655 individuals (Mage = 36.7, SD = 11.2) with a history of CM to either an intervention or control video. Participants in the intervention group viewed a 2-min video of an actor describing lifetime hardships resulting from CM and how she benefited from psychotherapy. Control group participants observed a same-length video in which the actress described her daily activities, without any mention of CM. Self-stigma was assessed before, after, and 30 days following the intervention. Mean self-stigma scores significantly decreased from pre- to postintervention in the intervention group, as compared to the control group. Increases in openness to treatment-seeking did not reach significance. We did not find significant differences between the groups at baseline and 30-day follow-up assessments. This is the first study to demonstrate the efficacy of a brief, cost-effective, and easily disseminated video-based intervention to reduce self-stigma among CM survivors. This approach could help empower individuals with a history of CM, potentially encouraging treatment-seeking. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Effect of Educational Package based on Individual Empowerment Model on Self-Efficacy, Self-Esteem and Quality of Life of Menopausal Women.

Effect of Educational Package based on Individual Empowerment Model on Self-Efficacy, Self-Esteem and Quality of Life of Menopausal Women.

An Investigation of the Function of Self-Media in Facilitating the Empowerment of Rural Women

As technology advances, short videos have increasingly become a widely used form of media that has reached even the most remote and underdeveloped areas of China. This has given rural women’s groups a platform to communicate their opinions and perspectives. Due to social, economic, and technological circumstances, the issue of whether the growth of self-media has truly empowered rural women has become increasingly prominent. This phenomenon has not only garnered significant interest from scholars but has also exerted a wide-ranging influence on real-world implementations. To gain a deeper understanding of these challenges and effectively tackle them, this study examines the impact of self-media platforms on the empowerment of rural women. This will be done through the use of case studies and analysis of relevant literature. Through the examination and evaluation of the narratives provided by rural women on prominent self-media platforms like Kuaishou and TikTok, subsequent significant discoveries were obtained: Rural women have utilized self-media platforms to express themselves, sharing their daily experiences and emotions. However, their actions align with the societal expectations of gender roles, reinforcing traditional gender norms. Consequently, their expression remains passive and objective, highlighting the absence of alignment between the collective and individual empowerment of women. This further implies that the process of empowering rural women through online media is not fully achieved and may potentially have negative effects when viewed from a feminist standpoint.

Mereformasi Pendidikan : Mengkaji Rendahnya Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Siswa melalui Pendekatan Pendidikan Kritis Ivan Illich

The lack of critical thinking skills among students is one of the major issues in modern education systems. This study aims to analyze the weaknesses of traditional education systems that fail to provide space for the development of students' critical thinking skills and explore the relevance of Ivan Illich's critical education approach. This research employs a qualitative method with a literature review approach to understand Illich's Deschooling Society concept and connect it to educational phenomena in Indonesia, such as the Merdeka Curriculum, homeschooling, and project-based schools. The findings show that Illich's critical education approach can be applied to modern education systems to create more inclusive, flexible, and empowering learning environments. Illich's learning webs concept is relevant for enhancing student engagement in learning and building their critical thinking abilities. This study recommends educational reform that focuses on individual empowerment, creativity development, and improving analytical skills to face global challenges.

Impact of Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Scholarship Programs on Capacity Building on Developing Countries

The Korean International Cooperation Agency Scholarship Programs significantly contribute to the enhancement of human resource development in developing nations by offering individuals the chance to receive advanced education and professional training in South Korea. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the Korean International Cooperation Agency scholarship programs and their impact on capacity building in developing countries. Since its inauguration, Korean International Cooperation Agency has facilitated numerous scholarship opportunities for individuals from developing nations, focusing on fields such as public administration, healthcare, technology, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. Through these programs, Korean International Cooperation Agency has contributed to the empowerment of individuals, the strengthening of institutions, and the promotion of sustainable development in recipient countries. The review paper explores the objectives of Korean International Cooperation Agency scholarships and the long-term benefits on developing countries in terms of capacity building. Drawing from case studies, articles and program evaluations, this review highlights the role of these scholarships in fostering skilled leadership, enhancing local governance, and facilitating cross-cultural exchange. Ultimately, the paper underscores the importance of international cooperation and capacity building in accomplishing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in education, economic growth, and global partnerships.

Emojis: digital flyers of neoliberal feminism

ABSTRACT Emojis are digital icons incorporated into almost all digital devices and platforms for online text-based interactions. They represent facial expressions, body gestures, different characters, ideas, concepts, and more. This paper scrutinizes the portrayal of female characters in emojis, suggesting that they accord with the principles of “neoliberal feminism.” Neoliberal feminism is a socio-political and economic approach to feminism that emphasizes individual empowerment and market-driven solutions to gender inequality, often critiqued for its potential to prioritize the interests of privileged women while neglecting systemic issues. Neoliberal feminism is closely linked to middle-classness, which is the axis of identity representation in emoji images. The set has been widely described as “universal.” Utilizing Foucauldian discourse analysis, this paper posits that emojis’ depiction of female characters follows a narrow approach. On the one hand, the visage of emoji characters implies the collection’s limitedness to the depiction of identities rooted in Western culture. On the other hand, in its incorporation of femininity, the series is confined to the depiction of women of middle-class backgrounds who are the potential ideals under neoliberal feminism. The paper concludes that the emoji set manifests a picture of equality that could be best explained through the notion of “neoliberal feminism.”

Fertility Decline and its Demographic Impact

This paper examines the global issue of declining fertility rates and its demographic impact, focusing on Europe and Qatar as case studies. Infertility is explored both biomedically and as a social construct, influenced by societal perceptions and individual desires for parenthood. Globally, declining fertility rates pose significant challenges, particularly in developed nations facing aging populations and shrinking workforces. The paper analyzes the intricate relationship between fertility, family planning, and socio-economic development, highlighting how access to information and reproductive choices empowers women and influences family size. Factors affecting fertility, including age-related decline and delayed childbearing, are discussed. The role of gender equality in fertility transitions is emphasized, arguing that more significant gender equity within families is crucial for achieving desired fertility rates. European fertility trends, characterized by below-replacement levels, are analyzed in relation to social security systems, family support policies, and employment policies. Finally, the paper examines Qatar's demographic challenges and aspirations outlined in its National Development Strategy 3 (NDS3), which aims to increase marriage, reduce divorce, and raise fertility rates through various social and financial incentives. Thus, the paper adopts a descriptive-analytical methodology to conclude with recommendations for reform, focusing on work-life balance, family-centered policies, and individual empowerment to address declining fertility rates and promote sustainable demographic environments.

Mindfulness and Voice Behaviour: A Diary Study of Ego Depletion and Work-Related Self-Efficacy Among Nurses.

This study examined how mindfulness affects voice behaviour by altering nurses' daily resource levels. Mindfulness is an essential personal resource; it can enhance the accumulation of resources and empower individuals to engage in adaptive resource regulation. This study suggests that on days when nurses' mindfulness is higher than average, they may accumulate more resources that facilitate their voice behaviour. We employed an intensive longitudinal design in the form of a daily diary. Participants were asked to complete both one-time and daily surveys. We collected data between March and September 2024, and 119 nurses were tracked over seven workdays. We tested the hypothesised relationships using a multilevel analysis. Mindfulness was positively related to nurses' voice behaviour; this relationship was mediated by work-related self-efficacy (WRSE). Moreover, ego depletion and WRSE played a chain-mediating role between mindfulness and nurses' voice behaviour. Mindfulness enhances nurses' voice behaviour as well as an individual's resource level and enables him/her to obtain more resources through voice behaviour. Given the positive impact of mindfulness, we advocate for expanding mindfulness training for nurses to boost their resource levels and consequently encourage voice behaviour. In addition, given the mediating role of ego depletion and WRSE, we emphasise the importance of identifying and mitigating factors that contribute to nurses' ego depletion. Furthermore, we call for training on professional skills to be provided to enhance nurses' confidence in their abilities. There are no patient or public contributions. This study did not involve patients or the public in the design and implementation process because it focused on investigating the work behaviour of nurses, where the involvement of patients and the public may not have been essential.

The Role of Universities in Empowering Individuals and Society in Afghanistan

Universities are not independent entities separate from society; they are influenced by political and social systems and possess significant abilities to influence various sectors. As a decision-making system, universities play a crucial role in creating suitable conditions for nurturing transformative leaders. The institutional foundation of universities aims to address the developmental needs of society. A successful university believes in itself and seeks indigenous solutions to real problems. The primary objective of this research is to examine the role of universities as the highest educational and training institutions in empowering individuals and society. Initially, the study explored the literal and terminological meanings of empowerment. Then, we highlight the most important functions of universities concerning individual and societal empowerment. After clarifying universities’ role as the highest educational and training institutions, we addressed the question of how universities can effectively contribute to the empowerment of individuals and society. This research adopts an analytical approach that examines and analyzes expert opinions, literature reviews, and previous studies.

Autonomy and Care Work in Swiss Social Policy: The Case of the Personal Assistance Allowance of the invalidity insurance

The Swiss personal assistance allowance, introduced in 2012 under the Federal Law on Invalidity Insurance (LAI), aids disabled individuals requiring assistance with daily tasks. Despite its significance, it remains relatively unknown, prompting an analysis of its features and implementation challenges. This article adopts a socio-legal approach to explore this social service’s political motives, unique characteristics, and implementation issues. Drawing from interdisciplinary research conducted between 2022 and 2024, including legal analysis and ethnographic study in the Canton of Vaud, the article examines the personal assistance allowance’s role in promoting autonomy and empowerment for disabled individuals. It also delves into the implications of establishing beneficiaries as employers. While the Swiss personal assistance allowance reflects a broader shift towards recognizing and supporting the autonomy of disabled individuals, its implementation reveals complexities and tensions inherent in navigating legal obligations and ensuring effective support.

O ser-mulher na narrativa seriada mexicana Juana Inés: entre a lógica do empoderamento individual e a construção de identificações latinas

Based on the precept of the dialogical constitution of discourse, we turn to the television miniseries Juana Inés, which portrays the life of the 17th-century Mexican nun and writer to understand which meanings of feminism the production articulates or, better yet, examine the dialogues the miniseries established regarding meanings of feminism. Throughout the seven chapters that make up the miniseries, being a woman plays a central role in the construction of the narrative and the representation of its protagonist. In this context, we note the crossing of an affirmative perspective and the incorporation of the logic of individual empowerment in what is known as “media feminisms” without, however, emptying a political potential and another for Latin identification.

Teachers’ enactment of Freirean democratic pedagogies in primary school physical education

ABSTRACT Background: Despite its ubiquity in education discourses, social justice is a highly contested concept that can be framed in different ways [Dowling, F., H. Fitzgerald, and A. Flintoff. 2012. Equity and Difference in Physical Education, Youth Sport and Health: A Narrative Approach. Routledge]. The ‘social’ element of social justice is always framed by broader cultural and socio-political contexts. Therefore teaching for social justice cannot be conceptualised as a single pedagogy that can be enacted without regard for the learning content and the learning context. Purpose: The rationale for this research is to bridge the gap between advocacy for pedagogies for social justice and practices done in the name. The specific aim of this paper was to explore how specialist primary school physical education teachers in Spain enact democratic practices that promote social justice by engaging students in decision making in ways that ensure their voices are heard and considered. Method: The research was informed by Critical Incident Technique (CIT) methodology. Data were generated through six classroom observations and stimulated recall interviews with three Spanish primary PE teachers. Data analysis was informed by Paulo Freire’s [1970. Pedagogy of the Oppressed. Seabury Press] democratic pedagogy and associated concepts of dialogue, problem posing and critical consciousness. Findings: The findings demonstrate how the teachers’ PE teachers’ practices have strong roots in democratic principles that are consistent with the scholarship of Freire. The two themes; (1) ‘Student-led dialogical encounters’ and (2) ‘Pedagogy of questioning and exploration’ provide insight into how the Spanish primary school PE specialists in this study teach for and about social justice in contextually relevant ways. Discussion: These findings remind us that PE provides a fertile educational context for implementing democratic pedagogies due to its interactive activity-based context and curricular focus on holistic development. The findings provide insight into both how democratic pedagogies in PE are possible even with very young students. Conclusion: We argue that democratic pedagogies are essential to social justice outcomes in school PE. They can enhance student participation, foster relationships, and empower individuals to become active agents of change. Democratic pedagogies in primary schools provide a sound foundation for scaffolding a critical consciousness in secondary school PE contexts.

From Hope to Hardship: Understanding the Impact of Hierarchies and Violence in Medicine

This article is an experience piece reflecting on my journey through medical school rotations, highlighting the pervasive nature of workplace violence (WPV) and its impact on students' motivation and mental health. I discuss the high incidence of mistreatment and its correlation with burnout, imposter syndrome, and decreased academic performance among trainees. I emphasize the importance of recognizing and addressing subtle forms of WPV, including microaggressions and systemic issues, and advocate for proactive measures such as education, training, and fostering cultural change within healthcare institutions. Through reflecting on my experiences and observations, I aim to inspire systemic change and empower individuals to contribute to a healthier, more empathetic medical culture.

CareACT in communities. Theatre interventions for justice-oriented and participatory learning processes in Caring Communities

ABSTRACT This article addresses the question of how theatre interventions as elements of a participatory and action-oriented research design can contribute to justice-oriented Caring Community processes. Caring Communities are local initiatives that strengthen everyday solidarity through civic engagement and neighbourhood support, link informal and formal care and contribute to raising public awareness and alternative ways of dealing with social exclusion, age(ing), vulnerability, loneliness, care, illness, dying, death and mourning. Caring Communities can also be seen as a response to the fragility of current care systems and to the ‘care crisis’ in late-modern societies of the global North. Based on empirical data, the article describes the ongoing project ‘CareACT’ in Austria and focuses on the impact of theatre interventions in the context of the Caring Community process in the Vienna district of Josefstadt as elements of participatory and action-oriented research. We combined participatory theatre interventions and formats with elements of a responsive evaluation approach that is particularly suited to care contexts. This participatory approach intertwines the objectives of knowledge generation, individual and collective empowerment, (self-)development, and system change, as well as evaluation of the process. On a conceptual level, our findings enrich the discourse on the equality-oriented promotion of Caring Communities and a better understanding of their essential characteristics. We also gain new experiences and insights into the methodological potentials and obstacles of theatre interventions in participatory action research processes. On a concrete local level, we show that participatory theatre formats contribute to the further development of the Caring Community in Vienna.