Favorable Disposition Research Articles

Public perception of autonomous vehicles acceptance in Hungary

AbstractThe integration of Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) into our modern society hinges on gaining widespread acceptance from potential road users. To indicate the preparedness of these road users and elucidate their perspectives regarding the use of AVs in future, it is imperative to conduct surveys gauging public acceptance and satisfaction with this emerging mode of transportation. This paper reports the results of a comprehensive questionnaire study involving 1,000 individuals in Gyor City. The survey's primary objective was to assess participants' attitudes and willingness to embrace autonomous vehicles within the city's road networks. The study delved into various socio-demographic factors, such as age, gender, and employment status, while also exploring participants' prior knowledge and opinions regarding the advantages and limitations of AVs. The findings reveal a generally favorable disposition among the public toward the inclusion of AVs in urban traffic, paving the way for the acceptance of mixed traffic patterns. Notably, respondents in younger age groups exhibit greater enthusiasm for incorporating AVs into their daily transportation, whereas individuals aged 65 and above express more reservations, displaying a conservative outlook. Furthermore, participants with prior knowledge and a deeper understanding of AVs exhibit a markedly more positive inclination toward this emerging technology compared to those lacking such familiarity.

An Investigation of Students’ Perspectives on the Application of Chat GPT as an Academic Tool: A Case Study at HIUC

This research dedicates to investigate students' perspectives on the application of ChatGPT as an educational tool. This investigation employs a quantitative methodology using a descriptive study design. The research was conducted on a representative sample of 100 undergraduate students registered at HIUC. This sample included 50 female students and 50 male students. The findings derived from the descriptive statistics analysis suggest a significant degree of favorable disposition towards using ChatGPT as an educational instrument. The present study proposed instructions to promote the adoption of the ChatGPT model among instructors in Iraqi universities.

Language teachers’ awareness of their accents at a Thai university

Abstract The need to incorporate Global Englishes (GE) awareness and informed practices into English language teaching (ELT) has encouraged practitioners to revisit their language curricula and include Other Englishes in their language teaching practices, impacting how language is taught and learned. The present study explores how five non-native English language teachers at a university in Thailand are aware of and view their accents when speaking English and how such awareness is reflected in their language pedagogy for Global English Language Teaching (GELT). Findings from the in-depth semi-structured individual interviews reveal that participants are aware of their accents and have a favorable disposition toward their own accent, linking it to their heightened sense of linguistic ownership based on their nationality and race. In their pedagogical practices, such awareness enables the participants to innovate their language teaching, giving an important implication in integrating GE awareness and informed practices into ELT. The findings also demonstrate how important teachers’ accents are in encouraging and incorporating GE-informed practices into ELT.

Hatha yoga reduces momentary stress but does not impact diurnal profiles of salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase: A randomized controlled trial

Does the practice of yoga impact stress? Various studies have suggested that yoga may reduce both self-reported stress and stress biomarkers, but the evidence for such claims remains inconclusive, especially for yoga styles with a focus on physical postures. In a randomized controlled trial with 98 participants, we therefore examined whether an eight-week Hatha yoga intervention (60 min, 3×/week or more) led to reduced levels of diurnal salivary cortisol (sCort), salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), and subjective momentary stress as compared to a waitlist control group. To ensure the concomitant assessment of self-report and biological measures in an ecologically valid setting, and to capture the diurnal profile of cortisol and alpha-amylase, we employed an ecological momentary assessment approach. Five times per day, participants reported their momentary stress levels on a visual analogue scale and collected saliva samples for the assessment of salivary biomarkers. The intervention led to a significant reduction of subjective momentary stress but there was no change in diurnal sCort or sAA levels. There are several potential explanations for these findings: The intervention may have helped participants to cope better with stress while leaving diurnal levels of stress biomarkers unaffected, or the change may at least not have been reflected in sCort and sAA. Alternatively, there may have been a self-report bias, insofar as a favorable disposition towards yoga may have led participants to report reductions in stress in order to indicate positive effects of the intervention. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the effects of distinct yoga interventions, demonstrating their potential to serve as low-risk stress relief tools.

University Students’ Attitudes toward Artificial Intelligence: An Exploratory Study of the Cognitive, Emotional, and Behavioural Dimensions of AI Attitudes

Artificial intelligence (AI) drives new modes of learning and improves the workflow of instructors. Nevertheless, there are concerns about academic integrity, plagiarism, and the reduction of critical thinking in higher education. Therefore, it is important to record and analyze university social sciences students’ attitudes toward AI, which is a significant predictor of later use of AI technologies. A sample of 190 university students (82.45% female) from a Greek social sciences department was selected. Descriptive statistics revealed that students’ attitudes toward AI were mostly positive. A principal components analysis confirmed a three-component solution of attitudes toward AI, comprising cognitive, behavioral, and emotional dimensions. Comparative analysis of the three components indicated that the emotional dimension was the highest ranked, followed by the cognitive and behavioral dimensions. Pairwise correlation analyses revealed that the strongest correlate of cognitive, behavioral, and emotional components of attitudes toward AI was the future frequency of AI use, followed by general feelings of safety with technology. In conclusion, students display more emotional and cognitive favorable dispositions toward AI. The social background of the students and the prospective future use of AI play a key role in the formulation of attitudes toward AI. University educators need to provide more teaching and learning about AI to improve students’ attitudes toward AI and future AI use.

Assessing the Health Belief Model of Students with Regard to Breast Cancer: A Descriptive Study

Background: Breast cancer continues to be a substantial worldwide health issue, impacting millions of individuals and families annually. Gaining insight into individuals' perception and reaction to the risk of breast cancer is crucial for advancing early detection and successful prevention methods. The Health Belief Model (HBM) is a commonly utilised theoretical framework for examining health behaviours associated with breast cancer. According to the Health Belief Model (HBM), individuals are more inclined to take measures to prevent or manage a health threat if they believe that they are at risk of developing the condition, perceive the condition to have severe consequences, believe that taking action would be advantageous in reducing the threat, and perceive minimal obstacles to taking action. The study seeks to evaluate the Health Belief Model of students in relation to breast cancer. Methods: A descriptive research design was adopted. Self-administered semi-structured questionnaires were used to elicit information from 365 female participants. Purposive sampling approach was used to choose Tamale Girls and Ghana Senior High Schools from the Tamale Metropolis and simple random technique was used to identify the study respondents. Data was analysed using SPSS. Statistics like frequency and percentages were used to represent the findings. Results: The study revealed that students possessed a moderate-to-high level of information regarding the causes, effects, and preventions of breast cancer. This knowledge was mostly influenced by the type or category of learning. Overall, a minimal number of students participated in the screening process for breast cancer. Among the three techniques, breast self-examination was the most commonly utilised, followed by mammography and clinical breast examination. Factors such as age, family size, religion, and social class were found to be associated with breast cancer screening. Conclusion: Students generally exhibited a modest degree of perceived vulnerability to breast cancer. They also demonstrated a favourable disposition towards the advantages of breast cancer prevention and early detection measures.

Evaluation of students’ performance in elective mathematics: The effect of high school students’ perceived difficulty of the subject

Perception has been attributed as a major cause of students' weakness in mathematics. Hence, this study evaluates its effect on student’s performance in the area of mathematics as an elective subject in some selected Senior High School (SHS) in Ghana. Mixed method research design that employed questionnaire with closed-ended and open-ended items were used in the collection of the data. Stratified sampling technique was used in selecting 300 students as sample for the study. Descriptive statistics and Multiple regression were used to analyse the quantitative data. Again, thematic analysis was used for the qualitative data. The findings showed that, SHS students perceived elective mathematics as a difficult subject. Nonetheless, they perceived the teacher-learner activities employed by their teachers in elective mathematics classroom as motivating. Further, they perceived as constructive, the teaching methods used by their elective mathematics teachers. In addition, the study revealed that students’ performance in elective mathematics was not significantly influenced by their perceived difficulty of elective mathematics, teacher motivation and teaching methods although the students expressed favourable dispositions towards these attributes. Thus, the need for Heads of High Schools, to do background check of students’ prior performance, interest and motivation in mathematics as a prerequisite condition for students to pursue elective mathematics is implied in this study. This could stem the tide in the students’ abysmal performance in elective mathematics. Implications for policy, practice and further research are discussed.

Schoolchildren’s Thinking on the Subject and Teachers of Physical Education According to Gender and Educational Grade

The objective of this study was to understand the perceptions of Primary (PrE) and Secondary Education (SE) students in Cantabria about the subject of physical education (PE) and their teachers. A descriptive, comparative relational analytical cross-sectional design was used. A total of 1164 students (387 from PrE and 777 from SE) answered an ad hoc questionnaire on their satisfaction with their PE classes (eight items) and teachers (nine items). The results indicate that the PrE students were more satisfied than the SE students regarding the following statements about PE: more hours per week (p < 0.001); classes and subjects that I like the most (p < 0.001); I enjoy and have fun (p < 0.001); interesting and motivating (p < 0.001); and useful for life (p < 0.001) and easy (p = 0.006). The boys’ responses reflected higher values than the girls’ on all the previous items (p < 0.005). Regarding their thinking about their PE teachers, statistically significant differences were found in the PrE students’ responses compared with those of the SE students for the following: explains well and is easily understood (p = 0.006); stimulates and encourages participation (p = 0.050); cares and is interested in the students (p = 0.031); treat boys and girls the same (p < 0.001); and I prefer a woman because she understands me better (p = 0.021). Therefore, the male and primary-stage students showed more positive attitudes towards PE. In general, there was a favorable disposition towards PE and towards teachers, which must be taken into account to achieve SDG 4.

Tourists’ behavioural intention to participate in marine citizen science: a South African case study

ABSTRACT The increasing demand for coastal and marine tourism and the negative impact of its exploitation call for strategies to promote sustainable forms of marine tourism. Citizen science (CS) as part of the marine tourism experience could support sustainable tourism by providing opportunities for people to learn about the natural environment and take actions that can influence conservation policy and encourage pro-environmental behaviours. The present study assessed marine tourists’ disposition towards marine conservation and their intention to participate in kelp CS in South Africa, using a modified version of the Theory of Planned Behaviour. A total of 250 people participated in a questionnaire survey from 10 August to 24 September 2021, in Simon’s Town, Cape Town. Although the tourists possessed moderate knowledge of kelp forests and a favourable disposition towards the environment, behavioural intention to participate in kelp monitoring/conservation as part of tourism was relatively low. Perceived behavioural control was the only factor influencing behavioural intention. These results offer insight into the drivers and barriers to participation in CS by tourists. There are opportunities for marine tourism businesses and organisations to package forms of CS-based tourism that can be educative and provide opportunities to actively participate in science for marine conservation.

Attitudes of Special Educators Towards Use of Socially Assistive Robots for Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder in Serbia and the United States

Purpose This research explores the initial attitudes of special educators towards socially assistive robots (SAR) and considers how cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds shape these attitudes. Special educators providing services to individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the United States and Serbia were surveyed, representing distinct cultural and socioeconomic contexts. Comparing their attitudes offers valuable insights into facilitating SAR adoption for ASD treatment across different cultural landscapes. Additionally, this study conducts a comparative analysis of cultural dimensions in the two countries to contextualize attitudes toward SAR use in ASD treatment. Methods A nonexperimental quantitative approach was employed utilizing a cross-sectional survey design with purposive samples of special educators who provide services to individuals with ASD in the U.S. and Serbia to establish initial attitudes toward SARs. Results The outcomes derived from this investigation reflect the pervasive influence of the cultural contexts. Apprehension has been identified as a significant factor shaping attitudes toward SAR adoption among the Serbian cohort, while a more favorable disposition towards this technology typifies the U.S. participants. The adoption and utilization of SARs, as reported by participants in the U.S., face relatively fewer attitudinal barriers.

A qualitative approach on long-term indwelling catheter use in an outpatient setting.

A long-term indwelling catheter may be indicated in clinical situations, such as chronic diseases of the genitourinary or neurological systems. In addition to the risks of infection, trauma, and bleeding, a catheter's permanence can affect psycho-emotional and socioeconomic dimensions. We aimed to understand how the need to use a long-term indwelling catheter affects this patient's self-perception, interrelationships, and self-care. We carried out a qualitative, descriptive study based on interviews with 17 patients, and applied thematic analysis and complex thinking. The different prognoses and expectations regarding the catheter influenced self-perception, adaptation, acceptance, or denial. The presence of a catheter, whether as a curative measure or for comfort, can affect self-image and sexuality, and generate insecurities and uncertainties, which require understanding the multidimensionality of situations that suffer interference from the personal, family, and social environment, as well as health systems' capacity to deal with it. Despite the challenges, the majority of participants reported a favorable disposition towards self-care, whether to enable catheter removal or to prevent injuries in lifelong indications.

IMPACTS OF THE TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTANCE MODEL (TAM) ON THE USE OF THE TIKTOK E-COMMERCE APPLICATION AMONG INDONESIAN STUDENTS

The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) explains how people's cognitive perceptions and behavior are formed when they use and accept technology. This study focuses on three main components that influence the acceptance and use of TikTok Shop. These factors are Perceived Usefulness (PU), Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU), and Attitude towards Using (ATU). This study aims to investigate how the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) impacts university students' use of the TikTok Shop feature in Indonesia. Data was collected through a questionnaire sent via Google Forms and included 102 students from various universities throughout Indonesia who had previously used TikTok Shop every day. SmartPLS checks the hypothesis using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The research findings indicated that students' perceptions of the utility of the TikTok Shop are significantly and positively influenced by their perceptions of the shop. Ease of use of the platform substantially influences the usefulness of the platform and students' attitudes towards it. In addition, ease of use of the platform indirectly influences students' perspectives through the influence of perceived benefits. Students' evaluations of the usability and convenience of TikTok Shop significantly influence their attitudes and willingness to use the website. This study also provides insight into the critical components that determine the acceptance and use of e-commerce platforms based on social media. The practical implications of this research relate to suggestions for improving the creation of e-commerce platforms, encouraging a more favorable disposition for their users.

Exploring ChatGPT adoption among business and management students through the lens of diffusion of Innovation Theory

Purpose: this study aims to present an innovative approach (Diffusion of Innovation Theory) to investigate the adoption of ChatGPT by business and management students. The theory emphasizes integrating the variables Viz. relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, observability, attitude, and intention to adopt ChatGPT in the context of management education. Methodology: a non-probability purposive sample of 383 students enrolled in management of Indian public and private institutions was taken to conduct survey to administer questionnaires. Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling was employed to analyze the data using Smart PLS software. Findingsthe findings suggest that students' attitude toward the integration of ChatGPT for educational purposes and knowledge acquisition are overwhelmingly positive. Moreover, relative benefit, compatibility, complexity, trialability, and observability indicate a favorable disposition toward the intention to use ChatGPT among business and management students’ community. Implicationsthe study asserts significant implications for multiple sectors, including global society, businesses, and academia. The application of the Diffusion of Innovation Theory to the examination of management students' attitude towards ChatGPT provides valuable practical and theoretical insights. Originalitythe originality of the study lies in the innovative approach it takes in investigating the utilization of ChatGPT in management education. Hence, the application of the Diffusion of Innovation theory and the inclusion of context-specific characteristics contribute to the uniqueness of the study.

THE EFFICACY OF GAMIFICATION AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN ENHANCING THE MOTIVATION AND EFFICACY OF PRIMARY SCHOOL KIDS IN LEARNING ENGLISH

The current research investigates the influence of gamification and artificial intelligence (AI) on the motivation and efficacy of primary school students in acquiring English language skills. With the increasing prevalence of digital technologies in education, there is a growing need to explore innovative approaches that engage students and foster a positive learning environment. The study hypothesizes that the combination of gamification and AI will positively influence motivation and efficacy in English language learning. The study utilized a mixed-methods research approach, where an experimental group received English language teaching through gamified learning platforms enhanced by AI, while a control group received conventional tuition. The quantitative data obtained from pre- and post-assessments clearly showed that the experimental group shown greater levels of engagement, enjoyment, and intrinsic motivation, resulting in enhanced language proficiency outcomes in comparison to the control group. The qualitative analysis demonstrated that the experimental group experienced heightened self-assurance, a feeling of accomplishment, and a favorable disposition towards learning English. The utilization of gamification, along with the assistance of artificial intelligence, enabled customized learning experiences that were engaging and immersive, promoting motivation and active involvement. The results emphasize the possibility of combining gamification and AI in teaching English to primary school students to improve motivation and effectiveness, underscoring the significance of innovative methods in educational environments.

Perceptions of attitudes toward statistics among medical undergraduates: insights from a regional medical college in China.

Among Chinese medical students, medical statistics is often perceived as a formidable subject. While existing research has explored the attitudes of Chinese postgraduate medical students towards statistics and its impact on academic performance, there is a scarcity of studies examining the attitudes of Chinese medical undergraduates on this subject. This study endeavors to scrutinize the attitudes of Chinese medical undergraduates towards statistics, assessing their ramifications on learning achievements, and delving into the influence of demographic factors. 1266 medical undergraduates participated in this study, completing a questionnaire that included SATS-36 and additional queries. Furthermore, an examination was administered at the end of the medical statistics course. The analysis encompassed the SATS score and exam scores, examining both the overall participant population and specific demographic subgroups. Undergraduate medical students generally exhibit a favorable disposition towards statistics concerning Affect, Cognitive Competence, and Value components, yet harbor less favorable sentiments regarding the Difficulty component of SATS-36, aligning with previous research findings. In comparison to their postgraduate counterparts, undergraduates display heightened enthusiasm for medical statistics. However, they demonstrate a lower cognitive capacity in statistics and tend to underestimate both the value and difficulty of learning statistics. Despite these disparities, undergraduate medical students express a genuine interest in statistics and exhibit a strong dedication to mastering the subject. It is noteworthy that students' attitudes toward statistics may be influenced by their major and gender. Additionally, there exists a statistically significant positive correlation between learning achievement and the Affect, Cognitive Competence, Value, Interest, and Effort components of the SATS-36, while a negative correlation is observed with the Difficulty component. Educators should carefully consider the influence of attitudes toward statistics, especially the variations observed among majors and genders when formulating strategies and curricula to enhance medical statistics education.

The Parliamentary Democracy in Pakistan: 2002-2018

Democracy is widely acknowledged as the preeminent political system in contemporary society. Countries that have successfully implemented a robust democratic system and demonstrate a high regard for their parliamentary institutions are thriving globally. The fundamental components of a democratic system encompass a legislative body, a judiciary that operates autonomously, and an effective executive branch. It is imperative that these three institutions operate within their designated spheres of authority and adhere to the principles outlined in the constitution. In addition, elections that are free from manipulation serve as the fundamental mechanism for guaranteeing the adequate representation of the populace. The democratic system ensures the protection of the well-being of individuals during the legislative process. Pakistan adopted a democratic system of governance within its borders. The Pakistani populace and its political representatives have significantly contributed to the process of democratization. The constitutional history of Pakistan has been marked by the interference of both military and civilian dictators, which has hindered the development of the country's democratic and parliamentary culture. Indeed, it is evident that the prevailing consensus has consistently exhibited a favorable disposition towards military governance, while concurrently acknowledging the recurrent interference of the military in impeding the advancement of civilian-led administrations. This research aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the performance of the Pakistan parliament between 2002 and 2018, with the objective of enhancing democratic processes. This thesis examines the role of democracy and assesses the various factors that have undermined the essence of democracy in Pakistan. Additionally, it provides several recommendations to enhance parliamentary democracy in the country.

Willingness to Pay Estimation for the Restoration of Water Quality of a Eutrophic Lake

Lakes are recognized as highly susceptible to the impacts of various anthropogenic activities, making them one of the most vulnerable aquatic ecosystems. These ecosystems frequently experience degradation due to the lack of policies recognizing the importance of their often overlooked regulating ecosystem services. A contingent valuation approach was employed to assess the stakeholders’ willingness to pay (WTP) for the restoration of the water quality of a eutrophic lake using the case of Tadlac Lake, situated within the municipality of Los Baños, Laguna Province, Philippines. The findings of the study revealed that households in the area expressed a WTP of Php 95.88/household/month or Php 1,150.56/household/year (1 USD=55.89 Php), with 72.30% of respondents indicating their readiness to support efforts to improve the water quality of Tadlac Lake. The likelihood of a positive response significantly varied depending on factors such as the offered price, gender, educational attainment, duration of residency, household size, income, and the method of questionnaire administration (cheap talk vs. non-cheap talk). These results underscore the community’s favorable disposition towards investing in improving Tadlac Lake’s water quality. This valuation study contributes a fresh perspective on lake management strategies. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of environmental education regarding social-ecological dynamics as a crucial requirement for crafting comprehensive policies that will steer sustainable management of natural lake resources.

IMPROVING EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE AS A RESULT OF GROUP COOPERATION, WORK DISCIPLINE, AND INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION

The productivity of employees is impacted by the efficient execution of collective cooperation, professional conduct, and interpersonal interaction. Inherently, when these facets are effectively executed, individuals tend to demonstrate praiseworthy performance and make substantial contributions to the organization, cultivating a favorable disposition towards their job assignments. Utilizing a quantitative methodology, the study sought to ascertain relationships among these characteristics. The study encompassed an extensive sample of 119 employees, employing a saturated sample or census methodology. The findings demonstrated that the collective collaboration, exemplary conduct, and interpersonal discourse had a substantial impact on the efficacy of public servants within the regional secretariat of the Bondowoso Regency administration. Fundamentally, better collective cooperation, professional conduct, and inter-personal correspondence were found to be associated with improved and enduring staff efficiency.

Veganism, cuisine, and class: exploring taste as a facilitator in adopting a vegan lifestyle in Santiago, Chile.

Veganism is a movement that avoids consuming animal products. This lifestyle is commonly represented as elitist despite the broad range of people who follow it. Using Bourdieu's taste theory, this study analyzes how personal culinary tastes of different social classes generate favorable (or unfavorable) dispositions to adopting veganism. We analyzed 73 biographical interviews with 40 young vegans in three different waves. The findings reveal that all social classes exhibit favorable dispositions towards veganism. In upper-class individuals, dispositions to embrace healthy and exotic food facilitate the adoption of new flavors and reflexivity in eating practices. Conversely, lower-class individuals have traditional meatless culinary practices rooted in their restricted budget, facilitating the transition to a plant-based diet. These results demonstrate the relevance of social class in understanding the diversity of vegan practices, and they contribute to breaking stereotypes around this movement.

Analyzing Perceptions of Telecommuting: an Empirical Study in Nepal

Telecommuting, defined as the utilization of computers to execute work remotely or outside the conventional office setting, has become increasingly prevalent in contemporary work environments. This study focused on the feasibility of implementing telecommuting practices in Nepal within the context of a multinational Japanese IT company with branches in Japan, Thailand, and Nepal. In response to the challenges posed by time zone differences, the company had historically employed two to three shift rotations, necessitating early morning and late-night office hours. However, the cultural norms in Nepal, especially concerning late working hours, particularly for female employees, necessitated a reconsideration of the company's operational model. To address this, the organization was contemplating the implementation of telecommuting, a practice already established in IT companies in developed nations. A comprehensive questionnaire was distributed to 85 employees to gauge their attitudes toward telecommuting. The findings indicated a favorable disposition among the majority of employees toward telecommuting, with married, child bearing and female employees displaying a higher preference for this work arrangement. Detailed discussion has been done and conclusion of the findings has been presented based on which change program has been recommended for the organization.