Contextual Factors Research Articles

Impact of institutional change programs on digital and sustainable public sector governance

PurposeInstitutional change (IC) programs in the public sector are often driven by sustainability and digitalisation as contextual factors, contributing to the development of digital and sustainable governance (DSG) systems. This study aims to explore the longitudinal impact of ICs on DSG advancements.Design/methodology/approachWe collected and analysed data of 200 public sector organisations in two European countries and conducted a longitudinal analysis, focusing on the impact of European Union-funded IC programs.FindingsResults show that steps towards digital governance (DG) are demonstrably linked to environmental efforts, and EU-funded IC programs could have a long-term positive impact on digital and environmentally sustainable governance in Europe. Findings, however, highlight the unbalanced nature of sustainability governance, as environmental and policy-related conditions and activities seem to be overemphasised.Practical implicationsEnvironmental policy seems to be established, but future DG initiatives should consider more environmental polity conditions and activities (e.g. dedicated departments), as well as economic and social sustainability to ensure well-balanced governance systems.Originality/valueTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that explores empirically how prior IC programs affect future DSG in the public sector.

Performance of spondyloarthritis-specific health utilities based on ASAS Health Index: an ancillary analysis from ASAS-HI validation study.

To compare the utility values of Spondyloarthritis (SpA)-specific ASAS Health Index (U-ASAS-HI) to generic utilities and to understand the contribution of health outcomes, personal- and country-level factors to the U-ASAS-HI. Ancillary analysis of the ASAS-HI international validation study. SpA patients who completed the ASAS-HI, 5-level EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D-5L) and Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaires were selected, and utilities calculated. Correlations between U-ASAS-HI and generic utility values were tested. Potential explanatory variables were evaluated in a linear multivariable mixed-effects model analysis with multilevel modeling fitted by country. 1425 patients were included, with a mean age of 42 (Standard Deviation, SD : 13.5) and 65% male. The mean utility scores were EQ-5D-5L 0.75 (SD : 0.11), SF-6D 0.72 (SD : 0.24), and U-ASAS-HI 0.42 (SD : 0.29). Correlation between U-ASAS-HI and EQ-5D-5L and SF-6D was strong (r = 0.75 and r = 0.72; p< 0.001, respectively). The linear mixed-effects model showed that worse disease activity (ASDAS) and lower physical function (BASFI) were associated with lower U-ASAS-HI. Additionally, younger age, female gender, higher comorbidity score, and symptoms of depression were associated with lower U-ASAS-HI. SpA subtype had no influence on health utility. The random effects model indicated an intercept SD : 0.045 with a 5.5% variance ratio between countries and the total U-ASAS-HI variation. The U-ASAS-HI captures the physical and mental impact of SpA, as well as personal contextual factors such as age, gender, and comorbidities. The influence of the country of residence seems negligible. The U-ASAS-HI algorithm has sufficient support to be used in health economic evaluations for SpA patients across different countries.

Mapping employability: a decade of trends and insights from higher education through bibliometric analysis (2014–2024)

Purpose This study aims to investigate the evolution of employability research within higher education from 2014 to 2024, using the career capital framework to provide a multifaceted perspective on employability. Design/methodology/approach The data set, comprising 468 documents from 1,170 authors, was analyzed using VOSviewer and the Bibliometric package in R, which enabled the visualization of bibliometric networks and the identification of significant research trends and influential publications. Findings Key findings emphasize the critical role of higher education in developing employability and the impact of various forms of graduate capital. The study reveals a shift from a narrow focus on job attainment to a broader perspective that includes long-term career sustainability and adaptability. Research limitations/implications Future research should explore contextual factors and develop holistic employability models. Interdisciplinary approaches and policy-informing studies are also recommended to enhance graduate employability in a dynamic global labor market. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of employability, supporting the development of effective strategies for preparing individuals for successful and adaptable careers. Originality/value This study integrates the component of graduate capital with employability, providing a more sophisticated comprehension of employability that surpasses conventional measurements. Having this viewpoint is crucial for higher education institutions to provide graduates with the necessary skills for long-term professional success and flexibility in a continuously changing job market. Furthermore, it provides valuable insights for the creation of educational programs and career services that can effectively equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the intricacies of the contemporary labor market.

Exploring variation in the six-month review for stroke survivors: a national survey of current practice in England

BackgroundThe Six-Month Review (6MR) was introduced in the United Kingdom to provide a holistic, systematic review of the ongoing needs faced by stroke survivors. However, a theoretical underpinning regarding how it should work is lacking, potentially leading to wide variation in service provision. This study aimed to understand the current degree of variation in 6MR delivery across England and explore the potential driving factors.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted via an online survey distributed to 6MR services within England. Data were collected over 12 weeks in 2023. Descriptive statistics were used to demonstrate the degree of variation in service delivery, and associations were explored between features of the 6MR service and contextual factors.ResultsNinety-two responses were received, representing approximately 53% of 6MR services in England. Wide variation was observed in relation to service structure, content and processes, and in how outcomes, experience and effectiveness are measured. A number of significant associations were observed between features of the 6MR and contextual factors, most commonly, in relation to the provider organisation.ConclusionsThis study highlights the degree of variation in 6MR delivery across England. The provider organisation may be a driving factor for this variation that warrants further investigation. Future research should focus on understanding how, and under what circumstances, the 6MR works so that its effectiveness can be evaluated and best practice established.

Meeting Parents' Health Literacy Needs-Designing and Feasibility Testing of a Three-Step Intervention in the Childhood Epilepsy Context.

(1) To codesign a health literacy intervention within a specialist healthcare setting to help the parents of children with epilepsy access, comprehend, use and communicate information and (2) to assess the intervention's feasibility by exploring stakeholders' perspectives on its usefulness, ease of use of trial methods and contextual factors impacting its execution. A codesign participatory approach followed by a feasibility approach inspired by the OPtimising HEalth LIteracy and Access to Health Services (Ophelia) process for health literacy intervention development. (1) The codesign approach included workshops with (a) multidisciplinary personnel (n = 9) and (b) parents (n = 12), along with (c) an interview with one regional epilepsy specialist nurse (n = 1). The participants discussed parents' health literacy needs on the basis of vignettes and brainstormed service improvements. A three-step intervention was subsequently designed. (2) The intervention's feasibility was assessed via interviews with six parents (n = 6), a focus group interview with study nurses, a short doctors survey and a log of time spent testing the intervention. (1) The parents of first-time admitted children to a specialist epilepsy hospital were targeted for the intervention. Nurse-parent consultations were central to the intervention, activating parents in codeveloping and executing a tailored education plan. (2) Feasibility: parents (n = 6) experienced consultations and education plans that were beneficial for enhancing their self-efficacy in managing the child's condition. The study nurses (n = 3) acknowledged positive outcomes in streamlining patient education but felt that their training on the intervention methods was insufficient. Both parents and nurses identified limited personnel resources as a significant barrier to executing the intervention. The codesigned intervention engaged nurses and parents in HL development despite system barriers. The parents experience enhanced self-efficacy in managing their child's condition. However, needs refinements and further feasibility tests are needed before future implementation. The Consort Statement 2010 extension for reporting non-randomised pilot and feasibility studies was used to ensure the methodological quality of the study. A Consort Statement 2010 checklist is provided as an additional file. The collaboration of parents within the target group, the providers involved and the project's steering committee was crucial in codesigning and evaluating this three-step intervention. Parents and multidisciplinary providers actively contributed through workshops, interviews and in discussion meetings. The study nurses testing the intervention played a key role in defining the documentation process for the codeveloped education plan. This three-step health literacy intervention can positively impact parents' self-efficacy in managing their child's condition. Enhancing nurses' communication skills is essential for improving parents' health literacy, making it crucial to allocate resources for such training. The intervention content and strategies to meet parents' health literacy needs require refinement, with more provider involvement to better adapt it to the context. Future studies should focus on further feasibility testing by considering a more flexible time frame. Open Science Framework: https://osf.io/fg9c7/.

Self-Management Strategies for Low Back Pain Among Horticulture Workers: Protocol for a Type II Hybrid Effectiveness-Implementation Study.

Low back pain (LBP) is highly prevalent and disabling, especially in agriculture sectors. However, there is a gap in LBP prevention and intervention studies in these physically demanding occupations, and to date, no studies have focused on horticulture workers. Given the challenges of implementing interventions for those working in small businesses, self-management offers an attractive and feasible option to address work-related risk factors and manage LBP. This study will (1) investigate the effectiveness of self-management strategies for nursery and landscape workers by comparing within-subject control and intervention periods and (2) determine if adoption and effectiveness differs between participants randomly assigned to review self-management videos only and those who also receive multimodal implementation support. We will also identify contextual factors impacting effectiveness and implementation. A pragmatic, mixed methods, hybrid effectiveness and implementation design will be used to compare back pain with work tasks, disability, medication and substance use, and psychological factors between a baseline control and intervention periods. We aim to recruit 122 English- and Spanish-speaking horticulture workers with back pain, 30 supervisors, and 12 focus group participants. Participants will review short video modules designed to increase awareness of opioid risk and introduce self-management and ergonomic choices and use 1 self-management and 1 ergonomic strategy for 10 weeks. They will be randomly assigned to 2 implementation groups: video modules only or video + multimodal personalized support (checklist guidance, review of video feedback for ergonomic problem-solving, and text message reminders). Questionnaires will be administered at 3-month time points: baseline, pre- and postintervention, and at 3 and 6 months. Qualitative analysis of field notes, open-ended comments, and focus groups will expand understanding of results with comprehensive documentation of the context, barriers and facilitators, and reasons for adoption. The project was funded on September 29, 2023 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety, CDC NIOSH; U54OH011230-07S1), as a core research grant for the Southeast Coastal Center for Agricultural Health and Safety. The design, creation, and editing of English and Spanish videos was completed in June 2024 after comprehensive formative evaluation. Enrollment began in June 2024 with anticipated completion in 2027. We hypothesize that both self-management interventions will result in reductions in work task pain and disability and that the video enhanced with multimodal personalized support will result in greater reductions than the video alone. If self-management is effective, mitigating pain positively impacts quality of life, productivity, and retention, while increasing the use of nonpharmacological alternatives to opioids addresses an important public health issue. Implementation aims will help inform reasons for results, barriers and facilitators, and potential for similar interventions in these and similar industries with physically challenging outdoor work. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06153199; http://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06153199. DERR1-10.2196/64817.

Selection and Success in Badminton: The Role of Lobs and Smashes in Junior Athletes' Performance

The purpose of the study. This study examines the effectiveness and tactical implications of lob and smash strategies in competitive badminton among junior athletes. Materials and methods. Through quantitative analysis of 32 junior players (16 males, 16 females, aged 14-18 years), we investigated shot frequency, success rates, and contextual factors influencing strategy selection. Results. Results indicate that lobs constituted 18.3% (±3.2%) of total shots with a 62.1% (±5.7%) success rate, while smashes accounted for 12.7% (±2.8%) of shots with a 71.4% (±6.3%) success rate. Logistic regression analysis revealed that court position, rally length, and score difference significantly influenced shot selection (p &lt; 0.001). Smashes were predominantly used from the forecourt (OR = 3.842, p &lt; 0.001), while lobs were more frequent in longer rallies (OR = 1.180 per additional shot, p &lt; 0.001). Gender differences were observed, with female players using lobs more frequently than males (19.5% ±3.0% vs. 17.1% ±3.4%, p = 0.037). Two-way ANOVA revealed a significant interaction between shot type and rally length on success rate (F(3, 124) = 7.936, p &lt; 0.001, partial η² = 0.161). Conclusions. These findings provide insights into optimal shot selection and its impact on game outcomes among junior badminton players. The study contributes to the development of effective training programs and tactical approaches, emphasizing the importance of contextual factors in strategic decision-making. Future research directions include longitudinal studies of tactical development and investigation of these strategies in doubles play.

Cultural Authority and (Non)Compliance with Public Health Directives: The Effect of Legitimacy and Values on Behavior during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, the success of public health authorities' strategies to curb the spread of the virus hinged on individuals' voluntary compliance with their directives. This study considers how two components of the cultural authority of public health influenced compliance with health guidelines during the pandemic: (1) individuals' views of public health officials as legitimate and (2) the shared value of health. I also examine the influence of other basic values, alongside health, on pandemic behavior. Data come from an original survey of 1,356 U.S. adults collected online in spring 2022. Findings reveal the pivotal role of perceived legitimacy of public health authorities in motivating compliance, even when considering perceived threat of the virus, political orientation, and other contextual factors. Results provide insight into why people complied with health guidelines by indicating how variation in individuals' value priorities influenced behavior.

Factors Influencing Telemedicine Adoption Among Health Care Professionals: Qualitative Interview Study.

Telemedicine is transforming health care by enabling remote diagnosis, consultation, and treatment. Despite rapid adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine uptake among health care professionals (HCPs) remains inconsistent due to perceived risks and lack of tailored policies. Existing studies focus on patient perspectives or general adoption factors, neglecting the complex interplay of contextual variables and trust constructs influencing HCPs' telemedicine adoption. This gap highlights the need for a framework integrating risks, benefits, and trust in telemedicine adoption, while addressing health care's unique dynamics. This study aimed to adapt and extend the extended valence framework (EVF) to telemedicine, deconstructing factors driving adoption from an HCP perspective. Specifically, it investigated the nuanced roles of perceived risks, benefits, and trust referents (eg, technology, treatment, technology provider, and patient) in shaping behavioral intentions, while integrating contextual factors. We used a qualitative research design involving semistructured interviews with 14 HCPs experienced in offering video consultations. The interview data were analyzed with deductive and inductive coding based on the EVF. Two coders conducted the coding process independently, achieving an intercoder reliability of 86.14%. The qualitative content analysis aimed to uncover the nuanced perspectives of HCPs, identifying key risk and benefit dimensions and trust referents relevant to telemedicine adoption. The study reveals the complex considerations HCPs have when adopting telemedicine. Perceived risks were multidimensional, including performance risks such as treatment limitations (mentioned by 7/14, 50% of the participants) and reliance on technical proficiency of patients (5/14, 36%), privacy risks related to data security (10/14, 71%), and time and financial risks associated with training (7/14, 50%) and equipment costs (4/14, 29%). Perceived benefits encompassed convenience through reduced travel time (5/14, 36%), improved care quality due to higher accessibility (8/14, 57%), and operational efficiency (7/14, 50%). Trust referents played a pivotal role; trust in technology was linked to functionality (6/14, 43%) and reliability (5/14, 36%), while trust in treatment depended on effective collaboration (9/14, 64%). Transparency emerged as a critical antecedent of trust across different referents, comprising disclosure, clarity, and accuracy. In addition, the study highlighted the importance of context-specific variables such as symptom characteristics (10/14, 71%) and prior professional experience with telemedicine (11/14, 79%). This study expands the EVF for telemedicine, providing a framework integrating multidimensional risks, benefits, trust, and contextual factors. It advances theory by decomposing trust referents and transparency into actionable subdimensions and emphasizing context-specific variables. Practically, the findings guide stakeholders: policy makers should prioritize transparent regulations and data security, health care organizations should provide training and support for HCPs, and technology developers must design telemedicine solutions aligning with trust and usability needs. This understanding equips health care to address barriers, optimize adoption, and leverage telemedicine's potential for sustainable clinical integration.

A Systematic Review of Trust Assessments in Human–Robot Interaction

The integration of robots into daily life has increased significantly, spanning applications from social-care to industrial settings with collaborative robots. Ensuring a safe, secure environment and equitable workload distribution in human-robot collaborations is crucial. Trust is a key factor in these environments, essential for enhancing collaboration and achieving tasks while maintaining safety. Under-trusting robots can hinder productivity, while over-trusting them can lead to accidents. A comprehensive literature review of 100 publications from 2003 to 2023 analyzes trust and its influencing factors in industrial and social-care contexts. Findings reveal that in industrial settings, robot-related factors are more influential, whereas in social-care, human and environmental factors play a significant role. Furthermore, the review delves into gauging trust through observable behavior, while also exploring various trust evaluation methodologies. Results show that trust can be gauged through human behaviors, physical cues, and physiological measurements. Concerning trust evaluation methodologies, traditional questionnaires have limitations, opening new opportunities for machine learning and sensor-based approaches to real-time trust evaluation, as trust is a dynamic cognitive value that evolves over time. Notably, 97% of the reviewed articles were published in the last decade, underscoring a growing interest in human–robot interaction and trust within the scientific community.

A Systematic Review of the Literature on Risk Factors for Intimate Partner Violence From 2012 to 2023

The increasing body of studies on intimate partner violence (IPV) and its’ high prevalence worldwide signify heightened scholarly and societal interest. This is especially pertinent as IPV has recently penetrated broader contexts, including the digital world, and manifested in more diverse and complex forms. Building on Capaldi et al. (2012), this review aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of emerging IPV risk factors by reviewing studies published from 2012 to 2023. We systematically reviewed 156 peer-reviewed articles published in English-speaking Western countries, utilizing a dynamic developmental systems perspective. The risk factors of IPV were organized into three domains: (a) contextual and demographic factors, such as age, gender, SES, and community contexts; (b) developmental characteristics, including family risk factors, history of IPV, peer-related factors, school- and work-related factors, psychological and behavioral factors, and cognition; and (c) relational characteristics, including relationship discord, conflict, and interactional patterns. This review expands on Capaldi et al.’s (2012) previous work by adopting more inclusive approaches, examining both perpetration and victimization, including sexual minority participants, incorporating technological forms of IPV, and utilizing comprehensive measures to provide a more thorough understanding of IPV. Furthermore, this review provides recommendations and future directions for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers working to address IPV.

Loneliness experience among college students with neurodevelopmental disorders: hope, intolerance of uncertainty and anxiety as serial mediators

ABSTRACT Research has demonstrated that college students with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) such as specific learning disorders (SLD) and/or attention deficit disorders (ADHD) often experience higher levels of loneliness compared to their peers. However, only a few studies have explored the contextual factors that predicted this disparity. This study aimed to identify predictors of risk factors (i.e. anxiety and intolerance of uncertainty), and protective factors (i.e. hope and college support) related to their social distress. A total of 690 Israeli college students participated in the study (542 females − 78.6%). Among them, 436 students (63.2%) reported having SLD, and/or ADHD. Participants assessed their levels of loneliness, general anxiety, and intolerance for uncertainty, college support and hope. The results identified a serial mediation model, in which anxiety and intolerance of uncertainty (as risk factors), along with college support and hope (as protective factors) mediated the relationships between NDD and loneliness. Additionally, students with NDD reported higher levels of anxiety and intolerance of uncertainty, as well as lower levels of hope than did the comparison group. These results highlighted the need for comprehensive college-based intervention programmes to meet the special needs of these students.

A mixed-methods observational study of strategies for success in implementation science: overcoming emergency departments hurdles

BackgroundHeart failure is a major public health concern, affecting 6.7 million Americans. An estimated 16% of emergency department (ED) patients with acute heart failure (AHF) are discharged home. Our Get with the Guidelines in Emergency Department Patients with Heart Failure (GUIDED-HF) toolkit aims to improve AHF self-care and facilitate safer transitions in care for these patients. We describe implementation barriers and facilitators, and the selection and refinement of implementation strategies, to facilitate future GUIDED-HF implementation.MethodsA mixed-methods cross-sectional observational study was conducted in four United States EDs in two diverse healthcare systems in the Pacific West and Midwest. Data were collected using a survey and interviews with ED providers, nurses, and leaders. The survey assessed the ED context using the context scale of the Organizational Readiness to Change Assessment (ORCA). The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research informed interviews. Quantitative data were summarized using medians (interquartile ranges) or percentages (frequencies). Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to assess differences in the healthcare system and profession. Qualitative data were analyzed and summarized using rapid qualitative analysis. Convergence of quantitative and qualitative data was used to inform specific refining of implementation strategies to the local context (e.g., who should serve as champions, how best practice alerts should be implemented).ResultsParticipants were predominately white (76%) with median (IQR) age 37.0 (32.0, 41.0). ED leaders/administrators, providers, and nurses comprised 15%, 55%, and 29% of participants, respectively. Sites reported an ORCA context scale score of 3.7 [3.4, 4.0] (scale of 1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree). Comparison of scores by profession showed a significant difference in the context score among providers (3.9 [3.5, 4.0]), leaders (3.7 [3.5, 4.0]), and nurses (3.6 [3.0, 3.9]) (p = 0.048). Qualitative data indicated implementation barriers (e.g., resource limitations, patient health literacy), facilitators (e.g., GUIDED-HF is patient-centric; site and intervention congruent values, norms, and goals), and site-specific needs due to contextual factors (e.g., education needs, feedback mechanisms, champions).ConclusionsSpecific determinants of implementation exist in ED settings and require the refining of implementation strategies to overcome site-specific barriers and enhance facilitators.Trial registrationn/a.

Indications for surgical treatment of traumatic fractures of the thoracic spine and lumbar spine

Fractures of the thoracic (Th) and lumbar (L) vertebrae are among the most frequent fracture entities in Germany and particularly affect the thoracolumbar junction (TLJ; Th11-L2). Based on expert recommendations and consensus meetings, the thoracolumbar AOSpine injury score was established for patients with healthy bone and the osteoporotic fracture (OF) score for geriatric patients with the respective classifications for treatment decisions. In both cohorts, the treatment decision is based on the fracture morphology, neurological status and patient-specific contextual factors. In terms of fracture morphology, surgical treatment is generally indicated for distraction and rotation/translation injuries. The treatment decision for compression fractures is more complex as additional factors must be taken into consideration. The decision in patients with healthy bone is primarily influenced by imaging morphological criteria (deformity and destruction) whereas in osteoporotic patients the decision is influenced by individual criteria, such as the general condition, the possibility of low pain mobilization and concomitant diseases. Overall, the treatment decision for fractures of the TLJ is not dogmatic as individual factors must be considered and high-quality studies are lacking.

Facilitators and barriers in the implementation of patient-centred care interventions among general practitioners: a systematic review protocol

BackgroundChallenges in the patient–provider relationship are prevalent, underscoring the importance of patient-centred care, which is respectful and responsive to patients’ needs. General practitioners (GPs), also known as family doctors, serve as gatekeepers in primary care and are well positioned to deliver this type of care. However, effectively implementing patient-centred care remains a challenge. While behaviour change interventions have been developed to enhance patient-centred care in general practices, a comprehensive understanding of the facilitators and barriers to their implementation is lacking. This review aims to examine contextual factors of implementing interventions for patient-centred care by GPs. Implementation research analyses all aspects of application, including factors influencing it, processes involved and outcomes achieved within different contexts. The review will use the updated Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR 2.0) to analyse influential factors and the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) to define interventions to promote behaviour change in patient-centred care.MethodsThis systematic literature review will adhere to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive search of five databases (Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science) will be conducted to identify barriers and facilitators for implementing interventions in promoting patient-centred care by GPs. The CFIR 2.0 framework will guide the categorization and synthesis of barriers and facilitators, while the BCW will be employed to define the interventions. Two independent reviewers will conduct study screening, data extraction, quality appraisal and data analysis. Any disagreements between the reviewers will be resolved through the involvement of additional reviewers.DiscussionThis protocol outlines a systematic review utilizing an updated framework-based approach to identify and synthesize evidence on barriers and facilitators to implementing behaviour change interventions by GPs. The findings will provide insights into the effectiveness of these interventions in enhancing patient-centred care and will inform future research and clinical practice. This review will identify gaps and challenges in existing studies and propose strategies for the effective implementation of behavior change interventions among GPs. Additionally, it will inform clinical practice by refining behaviour change interventions to enhance the delivery of patient-centred care by GPs.Trial registration: PROSPERO: CRD42023485014.

Computer science identity development among black and latinx males

ABSTRACT Background The growing importance of the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, accompanied by the rapid advancement of computer science (CS), has positioned these domains as cornerstones of modern education and the global workforce. That there is underrepresentation of students of colour in these fields, particularly Black and Latinx males, is well-documented, often resulting from deeply rooted systemic and institutional challenges influenced by historical inequities, structural racism, and institutional practices. This underscores a need for better understanding of the development of STEM/CS identities and career interests among these students, in order to overcome barriers and foster their inclusion in twenty-first-century career pathways. Purpose This study aimed to explore the experiences of Black and Latinx male students in one all-male Exploring Computer Science (ECS) class in the United States of America (USA). The goal was to understand how these students begin to develop their STEM/CS identities and career aspirations within the classroom context. Method The research used a qualitative research methodology involving semi-structured interviews with 12 students enrolled on the ECS course. It focused on identifying the pedagogical, familial, and contextual factors that shape students’ identity formation and career interests in STEM and CS. Findings Analysis of the students’ narratives highlighted the importance of culturally relevant pedagogy, teacher support, peer collaboration, and industry role models in fostering STEM/CS identity development. Student autonomy and exposure to relatable guest speakers were also influential in shaping their perceptions and aspirations within these fields. Conclusions Early exposure to STEM/CS through supportive and affirming educational environments can play a critical role in shaping STEM/CS identities and career interests among Black and Latinx students. Implications for educators and policymakers include promoting inclusive pedagogy, early exposure, and meaningful mentorship to support the development of diverse talent in STEM/CS fields.

Voluntary and collective payment intentions for sustainable island tourism: an investigation using an extended value-belief-norm theory

ABSTRACT This study expanded the value-belief-norm theory by incorporating affective attitude and environmental sensitivity to predict voluntary and collective payment intentions for sustainable island tourism. The results supported the proposed hypotheses except for the effect of altruistic value on the new ecological paradigm. Furthermore, the influence of ascribed responsibilities on the sense of obligation was stronger for the traveler group, which had a higher environmental sensitivity than it was for the group that had a low environmental sensitivity. Sense of obligation was also more effective in promoting willingness to pay for conservation measures in the high environmental sensitivity group than it was for the low environmental sensitivity group. The current study offers novel findings to integrate the cognitive and affective factors in the island tourism context, which sheds light on several academic and managerial implications.

Financial incentives for physical activity in adults: Systematic review and meta-analysis update.

To update the evidence on the effects of financial incentives (FI) on physical activity (PA) in adults. A systematic search of nine databases (Medline, EMBASE, PsychINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, EconLit, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane) was conducted to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and pilot RCTs published between June 1, 2018 and March 31, 2024 examining FI-for-PA interventions. 'Vote counting' and random-effects meta-analyses assessed short- (<6 months) and long-term (≥6 months) FI effects, as well as impact during follow-up (incentive withdrawal). Meta-regressions examined moderator effects. Twenty-nine studies (n = 21 RCT, n = 8 pilot RCTs; median FI size = $1.19 USD/day) involving 9604 participants were included (60.8 % female, mean age = 42.7 years). 17 of 21 studies reported positive short-term effects. 5 of 5 and 3 of 8 studies, respectively, reported positive long-term and follow-up effects. Among the 15 studies included in daily step count meta-analyses (most commonly reported PA outcome), FI had a moderate effect during short-term interventions (standardized mean difference [SMD] [95 % CI] = 0.52 [0.25-0.78], p < 0.001) and a small effect in follow-up (SMD [95 % CI] = 0.20 [0.01-0.40], p = 0.04). Too few long-term studies reported daily step count to conduct pooled analyses (n = 1). Meta-regressions suggest study length, incentive size, wearable device-use, and goal setting moderate FI effects (p < 0.05). Twenty-nine studies were identified over a 6-year span. Short-term FI interventions increase PA. The impact on daily step count is clinically significant (≥1000 steps/day). Key contextual factors moderate effects. Evidence is limited regarding long-term and follow-up effects.

Domestic work and girl child school drop outs: A case study of selected secondary schools in Kyamuhunga town council Bushenyi district

This study explores demographic and contextual factors influencing educational participation, with a focus on gender disparities and causes of girl child school dropouts. A significant gender imbalance was observed, with 93% male respondents and only 7% female, reflecting patriarchal societal norms that restrict female participation. Age distribution highlighted a concentration of respondents aged 20–30 years (34%), aligning with the study’s emphasis on educational challenges among youth. Marital status data showed a predominance of unmarried respondents, correlating with the high student population. Religious affiliation revealed a Catholic majority (80%), with implications for education access shaped by religious norms. Key causes of girl child school dropouts were identified as poverty (100%), lack of girl-specific needs (97%), early marriages (67%), and peer pressure (40%). Poverty emerged as the dominant factor, supported by UNICEF findings, while unmet needs like menstrual hygiene supplies and early marriages significantly impacted education continuity for girls. Additionally, domestic work was shown to adversely affect girls’ academic performance and psychological well-being. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions, including empowering students, motivating teachers, and enhancing learning resources. While consistent with existing research, addressing gender imbalances and incorporating perspectives from parents and teachers could enrich understanding and inform inclusive strategies. Keywords: Gender Disparities, Girl Child Dropouts, Educational Barriers, Poverty and Education, Domestic Work Impact

PM2.5/PM10 ratios in southernmost Brazilian cities and its relation with economic contexts and meteorological factors.

The PM2.5/PM10 ratio is a metric used to distinguish the primary sources of particulate matter (PM) within a given environment. Higher ratios often indicate significant contributions from anthropogenic sources, while smaller ratios suggest a substantial influence from natural origins. However, various contextual factors can influence this ratio. Our study aimed to investigate the PM2.5/PM10 ratio in four distinct Brazilian cities, each characterized by varying levels of urbanization and primary economic activities. Additionally, we explored meteorological variables that may influence PM behavior across the years and different seasons. Our main finding reveals an association between the spatial distribution of PM and the primary economic activities in the investigated cities, with the highest PM2.5/PM10 ratio observed in the city engaged in coal activities, even though it did not exhibit the highest levels of PM. Conversely, coastal cities showed the lowest ratios. Furthermore, we observed that meteorological conditions also play a significant role in influencing PM behavior, with wind speed and the UV index emerging as the most influential meteorological parameters affecting this ratio. A subtle increase in PM2.5/PM10 ratios was noted in the fourth and fifth years of investigation across all cities, suggesting a potential impact from the restriction measures and the subsequent resumption of activities related to the COVID-19 pandemic in the region. However, these ratios stabilized in the post-pandemic years, returning to patterns similar to those observed pre-pandemic. Moreover, winter consistently exhibited the highest PM2.5/PM10 ratio across all cities, also being the season with the highest levels of both PM10 and PM2.5. Beyond providing important information about PM behavior in the evaluated scenarios, our findings emphasize the necessity of considering meteorological and economic factors in studies of this nature.