Exploratory Study Research Articles

IJCM_66A: Beliefs, perceptions, and practices of mothers of under-five children towards control of childhood anemia in selected urban and rural areas of Puducherry – An explanatory mixed methods study.

Background: Anaemia is a significant public health issue that affects different age groups, mainly children under five. A mother’s knowledge, attitudes, and practices are often associated with the health status of children Objective: The study aimed to assess mothers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards childhood anaemia control, the status of IFA consumption among under-five children in Puducherry, and explore socio-cultural beliefs and perceptions about childhood anaemia. Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in selected urban and rural areas, where Anganwadi centres were selected through simple random sampling. A pre-validated semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from mothers of children under five. In-depth interviews were conducted to explore socio-cultural beliefs and perceptions of childhood anaemia. Results: According to the study, the majority of participants were aware of the causes (89.5%) and symptoms (90.3%) of anaemia, as well as the consequences during pregnancy (80.7%) and child growth risks (72.3%). However, the knowledge of health risks to the child if the mother is anaemic during pregnancy was known to only 64.0% of mothers. While most participants were aware of iron-rich foods, the knowledge of the practice of providing these foods was less widespread. Additionally, only 28.4% of children receive adequate IFA supplements. Conclusion: Though knowledge, attitude, and practices have improved, they are still inadequate to reduce the anaemia burden. Only one in three children received adequate IFA supplements. Adherence to the correct dosage of IFA supplementation needs further awareness and emphasis.

Secondary School Teachers’ Conceptions of Teaching Science Practical Work through Inquiry-Based Instruction

Contemporary science teaching pedagogy in Namibia places a strong emphasis on fostering inquiry-based instruction and practical work in secondary school science education. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need to move beyond traditional, rote-based methods towards more learner-centred approaches that encourage active inquiry and critical thinking. Teachers are encouraged to design lessons that promote inquiry, where learners actively investigate scientific phenomena, ask questions, and develop solutions through hands-on experimentation. Science practical work, which involves conducting experiments and investigations, is considered a cornerstone of this approach as it provides learners with opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge, develop laboratory skills, and gain a profounder understanding of scientific concepts. This sequential explanatory mixed methods study explored Namibian secondary school teachers’ conceptions of teaching science practical work through inquiry-based instruction to provide a comprehensive understanding of teachers’ perspectives and practices. Findings from this study revealed that many teachers held traditional views of science practical work, emphasizing cookbook-style experiments and memorisation. These teachers often faced challenges in implementing inquiry-based instruction due to a lack of training and resources to facilitate science practical work. However, a subset of teachers who embraced inquiry-based methods reported increased learner engagement, critical thinking, and in-depth understanding of scientific concepts. Additionally, the findings underscored the importance of aligning teacher conceptions with contemporary pedagogical approaches for effective secondary science education in Namibia. The study thus, highlighted the need for professional development and support to help more teachers transition to inquiry-based instruction and improve science education in Namibian secondary schools.

Correlation Analysis between T790M Status and Clinical Characteristics of Patients with EGFR-sensitive Mutation Advanced NSCLC who Progressed after the First-line EGFR-TKIs Administration: A Real-world Exploratory Study.

The present study is to investigate the association between T790M status and clinical characteristics of patients with EGFR-sensitive advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who progressed the initial epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) administration. A total of 167 patients with EGFR-sensitive mutations advanced NSCLC who had successful genetic tests and progressed the initial EGFR-TKI treatment were included in this study retrospectively. The clinical and demographic characteristics of these patients were collected, which were manifested as pathological type, metastasis location, initial biopsy method, initial genetic test specimens, and baseline gene mutations status. Correlation analysis between T790M status and these characteristics was performed and prognostic analysis regarding the different subgroups was carried out accordingly. The prevalence of secondary T790M after resistance to initial EGFR-TKIs among the 167 patients was 52.7%. Correlation analysis indicated that the median progression-free Survival (PFS) to initial EGFR-TKIs >12 months were more likely to develop secondary T790M in univariate analysis. However, the conclusion failed to show statistically significant in multivariate analysis. Additionally, patients with intracranial progression of initial EGFR-TKIs therapy were associated with secondary EGFR-T790M. However, it should be noted that those whose best overall response was partial response (PR) during the EGFR-TKI therapy were relevant to secondary T790M. Furthermore, The median PFS of the initial EGFR-TKIs administration was longer among patients with T790M positive mutation and patients with PR reaction than those without T790M mutation and patients with stable disease (SD), respectively (median PFS: 13.6 vs 10.9 months, P=0.023) and (median PFS: 14.0 vs 10.1 months, P=0.001). This retrospective study highlighted the real-world evidence that the best efficacy and intracranial progression with initial EGFR-TKIs therapy among patients with advanced NSCLC might be the promising indicators to predict the occurrence of EGFR-T790M. Patients with PR reaction and T790M positive mutation conferred longer PFS of the initial EGFR-TKIs administration. Also, the conclusion should be confirmed in more patients with advanced NSCLC subsequently.

Exploratory study of the role of outgroup emotional display on anger and emergency intentional helping behaviour in an immersive virtual environment.

Exploratory study of the role of outgroup emotional display on anger and emergency intentional helping behaviour in an immersive virtual environment.

Top-Ranked Higher Education Institutions: An Investigation of the Sport Management Academic Discipline

The current exploratory study determined the prevalence of the sport management academic degree being offered in top-ranked institutions as based on U.S. News & World Report rankings. A focus on the differences of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees being offered, or not offered, was placed on national universities and liberal arts colleges because of the prevalence of these institution types and their educational settings. Additionally, the study aimed to determine if relevant indicators predicted a sport management degree being offered at a top-ranked national university and liberal arts college. Results indicated significant differences, with sport management degrees being offered at a higher frequency in national universities than liberal arts colleges. However, the sport management degree was largely not offered by the majority of top-ranked institutions. Notably, ranking, enrollment, and public/private institutional status did not predict sport management degree offerings at a liberal arts college. However, a national university had an increased likelihood of offering a sport management degree as enrollment increased and ranking increased (i.e., moved closer to 150). Altogether, the project highlighted that while the sport management academic discipline has certainly grown since its inception, growth has not really occurred at top-ranked higher education institutions, especially liberal arts colleges.

The intersection of adverse childhood experiences and neighborhood determinants of health: An exploratory spatial analysis.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with elevated risk for poor physical and psychological health outcomes. Nearly all of the literature on the association between ACEs and poor health focuses on the individual and family level; the potential role of neighborhood environment is overlooked. Understanding the relationship between ACEs and characteristics of the neighborhood environment is a necessary first step in determining if and how place-based, trauma-informed interventions might mitigate the negative effects of ACEs. The purpose of this exploratory study was to describe the neighborhood environment of adults who have experienced ≥ 4 versus ≤ 3 ACEs. An exploratory secondary analysis of cross-sectional and geospatial data was conducted during 2021. Data sources included 2011/2012 Philadelphia ACE Survey data, a telephone survey of 1,784 randomly sampled Philadelphia adults, linked with geospatial data on 21 neighborhood-level determinants of health. Neighborhood was defined as participant's home census tract at the time of survey. The sample for this secondary analysis included the 1,679 Philadelphia ACE Survey participants for whom home census tract was available. Bivariate logistic regression examined differences between groups (≤ 3 ACEs vs. ≥ 4 ACEs). Individuals with ≥ 4 ACEs lived in neighborhoods with higher neighborhood poverty rates, less socioeconomic resources, worse food access, poorer perceived physical and mental health, more substance overdose deaths, higher crime, and less green space. Findings suggest future work may benefit from considering neighborhood environments when examining and intervening upon the association between ACEs and poor physical and psychological health. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Brief Report: Relationship Between Adiposity and Biomarkers of Aging and Frailty Among Adults Aging With HIV.

This study examined the relationships among adiposity, handgrip, physical function, inflammation (ie, senescence-associated secretory phenotype chemokines as biomarkers of aging and frailty), and sex hormones in aging people with HIV. This cross-sectional exploratory study included 150 people with HIV aged ≥40 years (67.3% of participants were male). Our measures included (1) body mass index and waist circumference as measures of adiposity; (2) handgrip as a measure of muscle strength; (3) short physical performance battery as a measure of physical function; (4) interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor II, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, C-X-C motif chemokine 10, and C-X3-C motif chemokine ligand 1 also known as fractalkine as senescence-associated secretory phenotype chemokines; and (5) free testosterone, estradiol, sex hormone-binding globulin, and dehydroepiandrosterone as sex hormones. Quantile regression analyses were used to identify relationships among inflammatory markers and hormones with age, adiposity, handgrip, and physical function. Overall, 74% (n = 111) of participants were classified as overweight or obese and 53.3% (n = 80) presented with abdominal obesity. After controlling for age and sex, body mass index was positively associated with estradiol (β = 0.043, P < 0.01), and waist circumference was positively associated with high sensitivity C-reactive protein (β = 2.151, P < 0.01). After controlling for sex, age was positively associated with C-X-C motif chemokine 10 (β = 0.024, P = 0.03) and tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor II (β = 2.205, P = 0.01). After controlling for age and sex, short physical performance battery was negatively associated with dehydroepiandrosterone (β = -0.004, P = 0.01); no statistically significant associations were observed for handgrip. Adiposity levels and aging were associated with inflammation (ie, C-X-C motif chemokine 10, tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor II, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein) among people with HIV aged 40 years and older.

Dual Method P6 Acupressure Therapy for Nausea and Vomiting during Early Pregnancy in Indonesia: A Mixed Method Study

INTRODUCTION: Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (NVP) are not only considered to be a sign of discomfort both culturally and clinically but also seen as potential safety risks for mothers and their unborn children. One of the non-pharmacological complementary therapies was the use of acupressure. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness, safety, and satisfaction of the dual method of P6 acupressure as an intervention in affected pregnant women to reduce NVP and explore the method P6 acupressure perception as the intervention of choice in the treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A mixed-methods sequential explanatory study was conducted which consisted of two phases: quantitative followed by qualitative. The first phase involved the recruitment of 120 pregnant women with moderate to severe NVP symptoms. Six participants were in the intervention group qualitative phase. RESULTS: The Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis PUQE scores of participants in the intervention group were lower compared to that of the control group after the intervention period (p=&lt;0.01). The PUQE score was found to be reduced in the intervention group of having severe into having mild symptoms. There were no adverse effects reported after the intervention. Majority of the participants were satisfied after using the dual P6 acupressure method (Z=1830). Meanwhile, during the qualitative phase, six themes emerged. CONCLUSION: A dual method of P6 acupressure therapy could be effective, safe, and satisfactory in relieving NVP. Therefore, Maternity care providers may consider using this method as a therapeutic alternative for the management of NVP.

Exploring vocational outcomes, quality of life, and social inclusion in patients with spinal cord injuries following vocational rehabilitation in India

Study designWe conducted a mixed-methods sequential explanatory study. In India, most spinal cord injuries (SCI) occur within low socioeconomic status populations, typically resulting in poor vocational outcomes post-injury and difficulty reintegrating into the community. This study will increase our understanding of how vocational rehabilitation affects patients with SCI.ObjectivesThis study aims to understand the factors affecting vocational outcomes, quality of life and social inclusion for patients who have completed the Amar Seva Sangam (ASSA’s) rehabilitation program, by examining both quantitative and qualitative measures.MethodsConducted at the University of Toronto, we used self-administered questionnaires via REDCap for quantitative data collection and semi-structured interviews for qualitative data collection to capture aspects of lived SCI experience for five participants.ResultsThirty-two participants completed the quantitative phone questionnaire of which 17 were paraplegic and 15 were quadriplegic. Four themes emerged including physical barriers to employment, social inclusion of SCI patients, low income, and state of mental health.ConclusionThis study provided a detailed examination of demographic information and lived experiences of ASSA participants. The findings will be relevant and applicable to both clinical and public health sectors in SCI rehabilitation in India and other low- and middle-income countries by directing rehabilitation programs to better address areas of function that allow patients to find success following rehabilitation.

Emotional fatigue, academic engagement, and satisfaction with studies during the return to post-pandemic university attendance

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has significantly transformed various sectors, including higher education, exposing structural weaknesses and fostering the adoption of innovative teaching methods. This situation has created the need to understand how these changes have affected the academic satisfaction, academic engagement, and mental well-being of university students during the return to in-person education at universities.MethodsIn this explanatory study, 1,321 Peruvian university students (52.1% women) aged between 18 and 35 years old (M = 20.16, SD = 3.04) participated. Participants were selected through a non-probabilistic convenience sampling method, recruited from the 3 regions of Peru (88.7% from the highlands, 76.2% from private universities), from faculties such as business sciences, humanities and education, engineering, and health sciences. Data were collected using the Emotional Exhaustion Scale (EES), the Brief Scale of Satisfaction with Studies (BSSS), and the Academic Engagement Scale (UWES S9).ResultsThe model relating the study variables showed an adequate fit: χ2(4) = 31.5, p &amp;lt; 0.001, CFI = 0.986, RMSEA = 0.072, SRMR = 0.017. The hypotheses were supported, showing the effect on satisfaction with studies both from emotional exhaustion, β = −0.11, p &amp;lt; 0.001, and from academic engagement, β = 0.61, p &amp;lt; 0.001. Additionally, a 43% variance was explained in satisfaction with studies.ConclusionThis study evidence that, in the post-pandemic context, emotional exhaustion is a negative predictor of academic satisfaction, while academic engagement is positively associated with it. These findings suggest the need for educational strategies that mitigate emotional exhaustion and promote academic engagement to improve student satisfaction and well-being in the new educational normality.

MouseClicker: Exploring Tactile Feedback and Physical Agency for People with Hand Motor Impairments

Assistive technology (AT) design is critical in enabling functionality for people with disabilities, blending essential elements of both practical utility and user experience. Traditionally, AT has successfully addressed core functional needs, such as enabling cursor movement and clicking actions with devices like computer mice. However, a comprehensive approach to AT design also necessitates a thorough consideration of sensory feedback, including tactile sensations, ergonomics, and auditory cues like button click sounds. These aspects are not merely supplementary but are integral to the device’s functionality, enhancing user interaction and long-term comfort, especially for individuals with motor impairments. In this work, we present MouseClicker, a mechatronic AT to surrogate physical agency over a computer mouse and to foster the haptic sensory experience of clicking on it tailored specifically for an individual with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) who faces challenges in using a standard mouse due to severe hand motor impairments. Our design aims at replicating the holistic experience of clicking a mouse, from its functional mechanical actions to its nuanced tactile and auditory feedback. This work details the MouseClicker’s design and reports on an exploratory user study aimed at identifying optimal vibrotactile feedback parameters – such as location, and intensity – that represent mouse button clicks. MouseClicker presents a step forward in AT design by integrating the functionality, sensory feedback, and the overall experience of taking control over non-AT devices.

Health Data Visualization Literacy Skills of Young Adults with Down Syndrome and the Barriers to Inference-making

As health management becomes more intertwined with data, an individual’s ability to read, interpret, and engage with personal health information in data visualizations is increasingly critical to one’s quality of care. People with Down Syndrome already experience greater health disparities than their typically developing peers. Inaccessible health information and technologies have the potential to magnify inequities further. Inaccessible health data can be an additional barrier to people with Down Syndrome’s ability to adopt and use health systems or devices, make informed decisions about their bodies, and advocate for themselves in health contexts. By examining their underlying data visualization literacy skills, our exploratory study involving ten young adults with Down Syndrome identifies several design opportunities to improve the accessibility of health data visualizations (HDVs) by addressing the cascade of negative effects caused by inference-making barriers in HDVs.

Improving maternal and neonatal outcomes for women with gestational diabetes through continuity of midwifery care: A cross-sectional study

ProblemGestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a complication of pregnancy which may exclude women from midwife-led models of care. BackgroundThere is a paucity of research evaluating the safety and feasibility of continuity of midwifery care (CoMC) for women with GDM. AimTo investigate the impact of CoMC on maternal and neonatal outcomes, for otherwise low-risk women with GDM. MethodsThis exploratory cross-sectional study observed maternal and neonatal outcomes including onset of labour, augmentation, labour analgesia, mode of birth, perineal trauma, gestation at birth, shoulder dystocia, infant birth weight, neonatal feeding at discharge. FindingsParticipants were 287 otherwise low-risk pregnant women, who developed GDM, and either received CoMC (n=36) or standard hospital maternity care (non-CoMC) (n=251). Women with GDM who received CoMC were significantly more likely to experience an spontaneous onset of labour (OR 6.3; 95% CI 2.7–14.5; p<.001), labour without an epidural (OR 4.2; 95% CI 2.0 – 9.2,<0.001) and exclusively breastfeed (OR 4.3; 95% CI 1.26 – 14.32; p=0.02). DiscussionReceiving CoMC may be a public health initiative which not only improves maternal and neonatal outcomes, but also long-term morbidity associated with GDM. ConclusionFindings provide preliminary evidence suggesting CoMC improves maternal and neonatal outcomes and is likely a safe and viable option for otherwise low-risk women with GDM. Larger studies are recommended to confirm findings and explore the full impact of CoMC for women with GDM.

Effectiveness of Contextualized Marungko Approach-Based Supplementary Reading Material

Acquiring solid reading skills is significant in education as it is the cornerstone for academic success and lifelong learning. This sequential explanatory mixed-methods study investigates the effectiveness of a contextualized Marungko approach-based supplementary reading material in improving the reading performance of Grade 1 pupils. In the pre-experimental phase the Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA) tool was utilized to measure the reading skills of the twenty four (24) Grade 1 pupils in terms of identifying letter sounds, identifying initial sounds, reading familiar words, reading invented words, and reading oral passages before and after the implementation of the contextualized Marungko approach-based supplementary reading material. Findings revealed a significant improvement in the early reading skills of Grade 1 pupils after using the supplementary reading material. This indicated that the reading material effectively enhanced the Grade 1 pupils’ reading performance. The responses of the five (5) participants in the qualitative phase, which were examined following Braun and Clark (2013) analysis, yielded two (2) themes. It is recommended that educational institutions and policymakers should consider incorporating the Marungko Approach into their reading instruction programs to enhance alphabet knowledge, phonemic awareness, word recognition, decoding, and oral reading fluency.

Institutionalizing Projectification—The Case of Kyrgyzstan

The extent to which projects are established as an organizational form in society to cope with various challenges has been analyzed extensively in research under the term ‘projectification’. However, it remains unclear how the projectification at the level of society begins and which actors are involved in its institutionalization. Drawing on an explanatory case study in post-Soviet Kyrgyzstan, responses are provided to these questions and propositions for further research. The country is undertaking reforms as part of its ongoing transformation, which includes the professional implementation of projects, particularly in the public sector. These activities are, to some extent, based on the developments in project management in neighboring Kazakhstan, where a presidential decree also constituted a first step towards the institutionalization of projectification. It later found its way into relevant sectors and to key actors via the presidential administration, primarily through regulative and normative institutions. Because of increased international cooperation, the number and importance of projects in Kyrgyzstan will continue to increase in the coming years, requiring greater emphasis on projectification. The results are informative for research into projectification and for those involved in countries with comparable situations.

Analyzing the training of PAs in ophthalmology.

This study sought to determine the role of physician associates/assistants (PAs) in ophthalmology, the balance between barriers and facilitators in training, and optimal training for PAs in ophthalmology. In this explanatory qualitative case study, 17 of the 94 PAs in ophthalmology in the United States participated in qualitative, semistructured interviews. Qualitative interviews were conducted using a validated interview guide. Interpretational data analysis methods helped in the development of various themes. Themes suggest that PAs play a unique role in assisting ophthalmologists in surgery, performing procedures autonomously, and evaluating and treating patients autonomously. PAs in ophthalmology reported current training programs as unfavorable, reported satisfaction in their careers, and identified formal postgraduate training programs as optimal training for PAs. Findings of this study suggest that formal postgraduate training programs can help PAs gain the necessary skills to successfully fulfill their roles in ophthalmology.

The Beneficiary's Perception of their Awareness of Delay in Payment in Social Security Benefits in Tanzania

The study investigates beneficiaries' perceptions of their awareness of social security benefit delays, the relationship between employers' responsibility and social security benefit delays, and the effects of persistent NSSF bureaucracy on social security benefit delays in Tanzania. An explanatory study design was employed in this study with the use of a mixed quantitative and qualitative approach. The study included 150 NSSF customers and 5 key informants from employers. Data collection was conducted using a questionnaire and interview guide, respectively. This study examined NSSF beneficiaries' perceptions in Tanzania regarding delays in social security benefit payments. It reveals that a substantial proportion of customers attribute delays to employer actions, such as failures in timely contributions and inactivity in following up. The study underscores shared responsibility among customers, employers, and the system. It is concluded that addressing customer views through increased communication, employer engagement, and streamlined processes is critical for improving NSSF system efficiency and customer satisfaction. The study recommended that to improve the efficiency of benefit payments within Tanzania's National Social Security Fund (NSSF), it is advised to increase employer engagement and education, strengthen communication with stakeholders, revise policies to hold employers accountable, streamline bureaucratic processes, modernize operations, and investing in employee training

Plasma beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate availability after enteral administration during critical illness after trauma: An exploratory study.

During critical illness skeletal muscle wasting occurs rapidly. Although beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) is a potential treatment to attenuate this process, the plasma appearance and muscle concentration is uncertain. This was an exploratory study nested within a blinded, parallel group, randomized clinical trial in which critically ill patients after trauma received enteral HMB (3 g daily) or placebo. Plasma samples were collected at 0, 60, and 180 min after study supplement administration on day 1. Needle biopsies of the vastus lateralis muscle were collected (baseline and day 7 of the HMB treatment intervention period). An external standard curve was used to calculate HMB concentrations in plasma and muscle. Data were available for 16 participants (male n = 12 (75%), median [interquartile range] age 50 [29-58] years) who received placebo and 18 participants (male n = 14 (78%), age 49 [34-55] years) who received HMB. Plasma HMB concentrations were similar at baseline but increased after HMB (T = 60 min: placebo 0.60 [0.44-1.31] µM; intervention 51.65 [22.76-64.72] µM). Paired muscle biopsies were collected from 11 participants (placebo n = 7, HMB n = 4). Muscle HMB concentrations were similar at baseline between groups (2.35 [2.17-2.95]; 2.07 [1.78-2.31] µM). For participants in the intervention group who had the repeat biopsy within 4 h of HMB administration, concentrations were greater (7.2 and 12.3 µM) than those who had the repeat biopsy >4 h after HMB (2.7 and 2.1 µM). In this exploratory study, enteral HMB administration increased plasma HMB availability. The small sample size limits interpretation of the muscle HMB findings.

Will Ecotourists Pay Premium Prices? An Explanatory Study on Motivations, Ecotourism Intention and Willingness to Pay Premium for Ecotourism

Purpose: Recent literature emphasizes that there is an ambiguity on ecotourism consumption as actual environmentally friendly behaviors deviate from the intentions. Further, it is identified that ecotourism offerings are higher in price and discourage consumption. Hence, this study examined ecotourism consumer behaviors focusing on motivation, ecotourism intention, and willingness to pay premium for ecotourism. It also aims to investigate the mediating effect of ecotourism intention between motivations and willingness to pay premium.&#x0D; Design/methodology/approach: The study undertook a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional design. Self-administrated questionnaires (online) were distributed employing purposive sampling technique to young domestic travelers who had purchased green travel products in the last six months in Sri Lanka. A total of 212 responses were analyzed by PLS-SEM approach using SmartPLS 4.0 software.&#x0D; Findings: The findings revealed that intrinsic motivation significantly influenced the willingness to pay premium whereas the impact of extrinsic motivation on willingness to pay premium was insignificant. Additionally, this study proved that ecotourism intention partially mediated the relationship between intrinsic motivation and willingness to pay premium while ecotourism intention fully mediated the relationship between extrinsic motivation and willingness to pay premium.&#x0D; Originality: This research contributes to extending knowledge of tourism consumer behaviour in the context of ecotourism. Moreover, this study examined how an individual is motivated towards ecotourism consumption and their willingness to pay premium for such consumptions. Thus, the present study integrates the actual behavior, willingness to pay premium to further explain the self-determination theory. Thus, it empirically contributes to broadening the understanding of comprehensive ecotourism consumer behaviour that has been paid little attention.&#x0D; Implications: The findings offer important practical implications for ecotourism providers, marketers, policymakers, and other decision-makers for planning and developing ecotourism offerings, effective marketing and promotion to encourage and ensure sustainable tourism consumption.&#x0D; Keywords: Ecotourism, Ecotourism Intention, Extrinsic Motivation, Intrinsic Motivation, Willingness to Pay Premium

Explainable Origin-Destination Crowd Flow Interpolation via Variational Multi-Modal Recurrent Graph Auto-Encoder

Origin-destination (OD) crowd flow, if more accurately inferred at a fine-grained level, has the potential to enhance the efficacy of various urban applications. While in practice for mining OD crowd flow with effect, the problem of spatially interpolating OD crowd flow occurs since the ineluctable missing values. This problem is further complicated by the inherent scarcity and noise nature of OD crowd flow data. In this paper, we propose an uncertainty-aware interpolative and explainable framework, namely UApex, for realizing reliable and trustworthy OD crowd flow interpolation. Specifically, we first design a Variational Multi-modal Recurrent Graph Auto-Encoder (VMR-GAE) for uncertainty-aware OD crowd flow interpolation. A key idea here is to formulate the problem as semi-supervised learning on directed graphs. Next, to mitigate the data scarcity, we incorporate a distribution alignment mechanism that can introduce supplementary modals into variational inference. Then, a dedicated decoder with a Poisson prior is proposed for OD crowd flow interpolation. Moreover, to make VMR-GAE more trustworthy, we develop an efficient and uncertainty-aware explainer that can provide explanations from the spatiotemporal topology perspective via the Shapley value. Extensive experiments on two real-world datasets validate that VMR-GAE outperforms the state-of-the-art baselines. Also, an exploratory empirical study shows that the proposed explainer can generate meaningful spatiotemporal explanations.