Favorable Opinion Research Articles

Healthcare professionals’ preferences for the specialist pharmacy service medicines advice clinical enquiry service: a discrete choice experiment

Abstract Introduction The Specialist Pharmacy Service Medicines Advice (SPS-MA) service answers enquiries from primary care professionals in England. The preferences of service users for the way this service is provided (e.g. opening hours, speed and route of reply, amount of detail in answer etc.) are unknown. Such information would be useful to ensure the service meets the needs of users as well as possible within the constraints of available resources. Aim To determine healthcare professionals’ preferences for the Specialist Pharmacy Service Medicines Advice clinical enquiry service using a discrete choice experiment (DCE). Methods International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research good research practices were used to conduct a DCE1. Previous literature2, documentary analysis of SPS-MA policies, and interviews with four SPS-MA enquirers and three SPS-MA service providers/managers identified seven key attributes of the clinical enquiry service. Each attribute could be defined using one of 2-3 descriptions (‘levels’). A D-efficient experimental design generated 20 pairs of potential clinical enquiry service variants, each described by one level linked to each of the seven attributes. These 20 pairs were blocked into two online surveys (10 pairs per survey), which asked participants to choose which service from each pair they would prefer to contact. The 1669 SPS-MA clinical enquiry contacts with a recorded email in the year to November 2023 were randomised to receive an email invitation to complete one of the survey variants. Preferences for each attribute level were estimated using conditional logit regression. Using the HRA decision tool, this project was not considered research by the NHS. It was given a favourable opinion by the University of Bath ethics review process on 27th November 2023 (reference 1153-2222). Results 236 participants completed a survey (52% GP pharmacists, 26% other pharmacists, 22% other professional; median 15 years’ experience). Weekend opening and opening hours did not significantly affect preferences (p≥0.226). All other attributes did significantly affect preferences (p≤0.015). An answer within one hour or two days was most valued (preference weightings (95%CI) relative to five days: 0.89 (0.76-1.03) and 0.58 (0.45-0.72), respectively). Communication by email was highly valued (preference weighting: 0.62 (0.47-0.77) relative to telephone only). The availability of a website of frequently asked questions was also valued (preference weighting: 0.48 (0.31-0.64) relative to no website). Answering the telephone within 20 seconds and a detailed response were valued, but to a lesser degree. Sub-group analysis found that participants qualified for <15 years valued email communication and detailed responses more strongly than other participants (p≤0.035). Discussion / Conclusion Where clinically appropriate, the SPS-MA clinical enquiry service should prioritise speed of reply, communication by email and a website of frequently asked questions. Longer opening hours are not required. This is the first study to use of a DCE to investigate professional enquirers’ preferences for a medicines information/advice service. This allowed analysis of the strength of preferences and how they were traded off. Due to the small number of non-pharmacist enquirers to the SPS-MA service, it was not possible to investigate how professional background influences preferences.

Strategi Memikat Hati Publik; Membentuk Citra dan Opini Publik di Lembaga Pendidikan Islam

In an increasingly complex digital era, Islamic educational institutions face the challenge of building a positive image and favorable public opinion. This study aims to analyze effective strategies for shaping the image and public opinion of Islamic educational institutions, with the research questions: what is meant by building image and public opinion in the context of Islamic educational institutions, and what strategies can be implemented to foster public trust? The methodology employed is a literature review, including tool preparation and critical analysis of relevant literature. The findings indicate that building a positive image requires high integrity, quality service, trusted leadership, and the application of educational exhibitions as an effective communication medium. Six main strategies that can be implemented include honesty in communication, provision of quality services, strengthening leadership, developing human resources, applying competitive strategies, and utilizing educational exhibitions. Success in building a positive image not only enhances the institution's reputation but also contributes to increased attractiveness and public trust, enabling Islamic educational institutions to establish harmonious relationships with the community and support sustainable institutional growth. This research is expected to provide insights for the managers of Islamic educational institutions in implementing appropriate strategies.

Cross-country comparison of depressive symptoms and social-emotional aspects in university students from Brazil and Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic: results from two cross-sectional surveys.

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected students' mental health, increasing pre-existing psychosocial vulnerabilities. University students worldwide have presented differences in their mental health status; however, cross-country studies comparing students' mental health during the pandemic are lacking. To investigate potential differences between university students from Brazil and those from Germany with respect to (a) depressive symptoms and alcohol and drug consumption, (b) social and emotional aspects (loneliness, self-efficacy, perceived stress, social support and resilience) and (c) attitudes towards vaccination. Two online cross-sectional studies were conducted with university students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil (November 2021 to March 2022) and in Germany (April to May 2022). Depressive symptoms, alcohol consumption, loneliness, self-efficacy, perceived stress, social support, resilience, sociodemographic information and attitudes towards vaccination were assessed. Data were analysed using univariate and bivariate models. The total sample comprised N = 7911 university students, with n = 2437 from Brazil and n = 5474 from Germany. Brazilian students presented significantly more depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts, higher levels of perceived stress, higher frequency of drug or substance consumption, and lower levels of perceived social support and resilience than German students, whereas German students presented higher levels of loneliness than Brazilian students. A more favourable opinion towards vaccinations in general was found among Brazilian students compared with German students. In both countries, low-threshold (online) counselling targeting university students is needed. The differences between the samples could indicate country and/or cultural differences which justify further research in this area.

A Novel French-Style Salad Dressing Based on Pickering Emulsion of Oil-Water Lycopene from Guava and Cellulose Nanofibers.

The objective of this research was to assess the potential of a Pickering emulsion based on lycopene extracted from guava by sunflower oil-water and cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) isolated from banana residues as a novel ingredient for a French-style salad dressing. The aim was to determine the impact of this emulsion on the stability and rheological properties of the dressing as well as ascertain the presence of lycopene in the final product. The particle size distribution, rheological properties, and emulsion stability of the Pickering emulsion and salad dressing were evaluated. The sample exhibiting the optimal stability condition contained 0.5 wt.% of CNFs (EPI0.5). In order to prepare the French salad dressing based on this Pickering emulsion, three concentrations of vinegar were analyzed. All samples contained white salt and sugar. The findings suggest that alterations in emulsion stability may be influenced by the vinegar content and the presence of salt, particularly during the storage period, which also affects the concentration of lycopene. Notwithstanding these findings, the untrained panelists expressed a favorable opinion and acceptance of the dressings, indicating that the product could serve as an alternative means of enriching food through the incorporation of beneficial substances such as lycopene.

An mHealth App to Support Caregivers in the Medical Management of Their Child With Cancer: Beta Stage Usability Study.

Previous research demonstrated that caregivers of children with cancer desired a mobile health (mHealth) tool to aid them in the medical management of their child. Prototyping and alpha testing of the Cope 360 app (Commissioning Agents, Inc) resulted in improvements in the ability to track symptoms, manage medications, and prepare for urgent medical needs. This study aims to engage caregivers of children with cancer in beta testing of a smartphone app for the medical management of children with cancer, assess acceptance, identify caregivers' perceptions and areas for improvement, and validate the app's design concepts and use cases. In this pilot, study caregivers of children with cancer used the Cope 360 mHealth app for 1 week, with the goal of daily logging. Demographics and a technology acceptance survey were obtained from each participant. Recorded semistructured interviews were transcribed and analyzed iteratively using NVivo (version 12, QSR International) and analyzed for information on usage, perceptions, and suggestions for improvement. A total of 10 caregivers participated in beta testing, primarily women (n=8, 80%), married, with some college education, and non-Hispanic White (n=10, 100%). The majority of participants (n=7, 70%) had children with acute lymphocytic leukemia who were being treated with chemotherapy only (n=8, 80%). Overall, participants had a favorable opinion of Cope 360. Almost all participants (n=9, 90%) believed that using the app would improve their ability to manage their child's medical needs at home. All participants reported that Cope 360 was easy to use, and most would use the app if given the opportunity (n=8, 80%). These values indicate that the app had a high perceived ease of use with well-perceived usefulness and behavioral intention to use. Key topics for improvement were identified including items that were within the scope of change and others that were added to a future wish list. Changes that were made based on caregiver feedback included tracking or editing all oral and subcutaneous medications and the ability to change the time of a symptom tracked or medication administered if unable to do so immediately. Wish list items included adding a notes section, monitoring skin changes, weight and nutrition tracking, and mental health tracking. The Cope 360 app was well received by caregivers of children with cancer. Our validation testing suggests that the Cope 360 app is ready for testing in a randomized controlled trial to assess outcome improvements.

Public Perception of Citizen Science in Spain: Sociodemographic Analysis

This study analyzes the public’s view of citizen science based on survey respondents’ expressed knowledge, attitudes, and motivations. The questionnaire was answered by 1,002 residents of 48 Spanish cities. The study population was 50% female and spanned various age groups, occupations, and levels of education. The results indicate that although the population has a quite favorable opinion of citizen science, people feel underinformed about it. Very few respondents consider it to be negative and many expect it to have a positive impact over the coming decade. While both men and women exhibit intrinsic motivations to participate in citizen science, women specifically exhibit social motives for contributing. The data reveal differences in respondents’ attitude to citizen science depending on gender, age, level of education, and occupation. The data suggest that incorporating a balanced and representative sample of the public into scientific endeavor will require greater institutional intervention in coming years.

Where you stand depends on where you sit: The effect of status and evaluative identities on human rights perception

What shapes an individual’s perception of domestic human rights conditions? Although scholars have begun to examine public perception of human rights in recent years, existing literature has not adequately considered that one’s perception of human rights conditions is closely tied to one’s lived experiences within society. We argue that individuals’ perceptions of domestic human rights conditions are shaped by their relative socio-economic status within their society (status identity) and their self-assessment of well-being (evaluative identity). Using data from the World Value Survey Wave 7 (2017–2022), we find that individuals who are at a relatively higher standing in society are more likely to have a positive perception of domestic human rights conditions. This article contributes to the literature on human rights perceptions and improves our understanding of individuals’ assessment of human rights. The article also has important policy implications for international institutions and nongovernmental organizations aiming to improve human rights situations. An example is to potentially differentiate strategies among different segments of the population for more effective advocacy and to create favorable public opinion toward human rights causes.

Appraisal Attitude Analysis of Korean Expatriates' Cross-Culture Experience in Indonesia: The Implication for BIPA Teaching

AbstractThis research investigates the appraisal attitude framework to identify the level of attitude (affect, judgment, and appreciation) in Korean expatriates in Indonesia in their reflective journals (R.J.). The research uses the grant theory proposed by (J.R Martin & White, 2005; Oteíza, 2017). The study employed a descriptive qualitative method. This article describes their cultural competence and its implication for Indonesian language teaching for foreign speakers (BIPA ). Eight Korean expatriates wrote their R.J.s. The data in this study were lexical resources and phrases for appraisal attitudinal framework. The data is obtained from the expatriates' journals analyzed by U.A.M. Copus, and their appraisal of Indonesian culture is used as the data for the BIPA program. It was also taken from interviews and small surveys about their cultural experience to enrich the data. The results indicate two findings. Firstly, the appraisal attitude analysis of Korean expatriates' cross-cultural experience in Indonesia in their reflective journal showed affect (24.2%%), judgment (52.6%), and appreciation (23.2%). Most Korean expatriates express more positive (47.7%) than negative judgments (30.5%). Second, the system amplification text analysis reveals that the writer primarily uses other people's perceptions (judgments) rather than their own (affect). Lastly, text analysis based on the source of attitude indicates that the writer is the primary source of attitude, meaning that they are primarily responsible for assessing the subject matter they write about, which is Indonesian culture concerning time concepts and religion. In conclusion, it might be said that the expatriates have a more favourable opinion of Indonesian culture. Secondly, the implication of BIPA teaching (Indonesian language teaching for foreign speakers) can be implemented into the curriculum for their training.

Exploration of patients’ and healthcare professionals’ perspectives on kidney failure risk and the use of the kidney failure risk equation in MULTIPle lOng-term condItions aNd frailTy (MULTIPOINT) study: a qualitative interview and focus group study protocol

IntroductionClinical guidelines recommend the use of the kidney failure risk equation (KFRE) to guide the referral of individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to secondary kidney care services. People living...

Preterm birth as a determinant of neurodevelopment and cognition in children (PRENCOG): protocol for an exposure-based cohort study in the UK

IntroductionPreterm birth (PTB) is strongly associated with encephalopathy of prematurity (EoP) and neurocognitive impairment. The biological axes linking PTB with atypical brain development are uncertain. We aim to elucidate the...

Fostering a Culture of Engagement and Leadership Competence in Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs) in South Cotabato

The study explores how leadership competence fosters participation in ISO-accredited private higher education institutions (PHEIs) in South Cotabato. It analyzes how leadership impacts institutional climates by assessing the effect of strategic planning, decision-making, professional development, and empowerment on workers' communication, commitment, collaboration, and recognition systems. Employing descriptive-correlation and comparative research design, data was acquired through standardized Likert scale questionnaires from 45 administrators and 126 employees in two PHEIs. The findings reveal a generally favorable opinion of leadership qualities and engagement in cultural activities, with the highest marks on professional progress. Nevertheless, the correlation study found a very weak correlation between leadership competence and cultural participation, suggesting that other factors might affect this interaction. However, results indicated a significant difference in the leadership competence and culture of engagement among employees when categorized by private higher education institutions. The study asserts that while leadership competence is crucial, we must also consider other elements to understand and fully foster cultural engagement.

De las políticas de mano dura a la política del estado de excepción en El Salvador

This article analyzes the process of deterioration of democracy in El Salvador, in the context of the exceptional regime imposed by the government of Nayib Bukele. Paradoxically, this is one of the governments in the post-conflict period with the highest level of citizen approval, according to public opinion polls (IUDOP, 2023). The study is based on historiographic research that analyzes the main impacts of the failure of the security policies of the ARENA and FMLN governments on democratic institutionality, combined with the statistical analysis of a national survey on the level of approval or rejection of the Bukele government and its security strategy, materialized in the emergency regime. It shows that the confluence of the unsatisfied security demands of the citizenry in the face of the problem of violence and the failure of the political opportunism of the ARENA and FMLN governments in security matters have contributed to the imposition of the exception regime by the government of Nayib Bukele, whose reduction in the homicide rate and victimization have generated a majority favorable opinion among the citizenry. This despite the risks posed by the authoritarian drift of the current regime and the restriction of certain democratic attributes in the relationship between the State and society. In summary, this research invites us to think about the complex connection between authoritarian populism, political culture and democracy. ECA Estudios Centroamericanos, Vol. 79, No. 774, 2024: 13-46.

SIGNET: protocol for a multicentre, single-blind prospective, group sequential, randomised controlled trial to evaluate the benefits of a single dose of simvastatin given to potential organ donors declared dead by neurological criteria on outcomes in organ recipients

IntroductionSuccessful organ transplantation in patients with end-stage organ failure improves long-term survival, improves quality of life and reduces costs to the NHS. Despite an increase in the number of deceased...

Trial to compare mixed-use (multi-use and single-use) intermittent catheter management with single-use management over 12 months (The MultICath Trial): protocol for a non-inferiority randomised controlled trial

IntroductionEvaluating the safety and acceptability of reusing catheters for intermittent catheterisation (IC) is one of the top 10 continence research priorities identified by the UK James Lind Alliance Priority Setting...

Diploma Students’ Perceptions Regarding the Effectiveness of Using an English-Speaking Practice Application on Their Primary Skills

This paper endeavored to examine the validation of the English-Speaking Practice Application in developing the speaking skills of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. According to the author, the Desuggestopedia teaching method—which strives to establish a comfortable and relaxing learning environment that improves language acquisition—is the basis for this program. Forty-four diploma candidates from Saudi Arabia's Qassim University participated in the study. Over 12 weeks, they spent 30 minutes a week using the app. Using a survey questionnaire, they were asked to rate the app's usefulness, efficacy, and motivational effects. The internal consistency of the questionnaire was high (Cronbach's alpha = 0.89). According to the study's findings, EFL diploma students had a favorable opinion of the English-Speaking Practice App in terms of its usefulness, efficacy, and motivational influence. This study advances the field of language instruction and emphasizes the possibilities of technology-enhanced language learning. The findings of this study can help practitioners and educators create and apply useful tools and techniques to enhance the speaking abilities of EFL students.

Project-Based Learning Model: Its Implication in The Initial Training of Mathematics Teachers

Objective: The objective of the study was to analyze the benefits of a study curriculum under the competency-based approach and to analyze the implications of the implementation of the project-based learning model in the initial training of mathematics teachers in the context of university higher education. Theoretical Framework: The concepts related to the project-based learning model, its characteristics, its phases and educational competencies in the twenty-first century are systematically addressed. The relevance of the curriculum under the competency approach in university education is also analyzed from a critical perspective. Method: The research approach was mixed, non-experimental design, 30 teachers and 54 students in initial training for mathematics teachers participated in the study; the data were collected through a Likert questionnaire, the analysis and interpretation of the results was carried out with the Minitab software, complemented with the information from the semi-structured interview applied to the teachers. Results and Discussion: On average, more than 77% of teachers and more than 72% of students who attended the study have a favorable opinion about the implementation of project-based learning (PBL) in university education; therefore, it favors and strengthens the development of mathematical skills and competencies in the initial training of mathematics teachers based on the realization of mathematicsof tasks and problem solving through collaborative activities for efficient learning of mathematical concepts and procedures. Research Implications: This research highlights the importance of the project-based learning model from the theoretical and practical perspective of competency-based curricular implementation. Theoretically, the concepts of project-based learning are deepened and contextualized, while the practical implication translates into collaborative work between students and the teacher in problem solving. Originality/Value: The findings value the PBL model as a viable alternative for the efficient initial training of secondary school mathematics teachers, with a broad mastery of conceptual, procedural and digital technology knowledge in problem solving.

Early access programs for medical devices in France: Overview of recent reforms and outcomes (2015-2022)

The medical technology sector is characterised by a constant influx of innovations with the potential to revolutionise patient care. In France, there are several pathways for medical devices to enter the market, from diagnosis-related group tariffs to reimbursement lists. However, traditional regulatory pathways can delay market access for innovative technologies. In response, France has established Early Access Programs to expedite patient access to medical devices. This paper looks at three of these Early Access Programs for medical devices. Innovation Funding, introduced in its final version in 2015, provides temporary coverage for innovative devices and facilitates data collection for informed funding decisions. Transitional Coverage (PECT), established in 2021, targets CE-marked devices for rare or serious conditions. Transitional coverage for digital health applications (PECAN), introduced in 2022, covers digital medical devices, either therapeutic or for patient monitoring. Innovation funding has been granted to 16 technologies out of 35 applications (46%) since 2015. 6 technologies out of 11 (64%) applications benefit from PECT. PECAN, in its first year, has granted a telemonitoring solution with a favourable opinion. The French experience could provide valuable lessons for the development of a harmonised European framework to ensure that innovative medical technologies benefit those who need them, while maintaining high safety standards.

Protocol for a randomised controlled unblinded feasibility trial of HD-DRUM: a rhythmic movement training application for cognitive and motor symptoms in people with Huntington’s disease

IntroductionHuntington’s disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disease causing progressive cognitive and motor decline, largely due to basal ganglia (BG) atrophy. Rhythmic training offers promise as therapy to counteract BG-regulated...

STUDENTS’ PERCEPTION OF DIGITAL TEXTS READING: A CASE STUDY AT THE ENGLISH EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF STKIP PGRI BANGKALAN

This study investigated what students' perceptions of reading digital texts and students' preferences for digital text reading. Data was gathered through observation, interviews, and documentation to accomplish this purpose. The interview aims to gather qualitative information about the participants' motivation and interests, the effectiveness of reading digital texts, any difficulties they may have had reading them, and whether they preferred reading print or digital texts. Four students enrolled in five semesters of the English Language Education Department at STKIP PGRI Bangkalan during the academic year 2023/2024 participated in this study. The results showed that the participants had a favorable opinion of reading digital materials because digital texts are more engaging and inspiring, and follow the standard reading format. The main obstacle for students in using digital texts is the less text displayed at once due to the limitations of smartphone screens.

NUAM-Net: A Novel Underwater Image Enhancement Attention Mechanism Network

Vision-based underwater exploration is crucial for marine research. However, the degradation of underwater images due to light attenuation and scattering poses a significant challenge. This results in the poor visual quality of underwater images and impedes the development of vision-based underwater exploration systems. Recent popular learning-based Underwater Image Enhancement (UIE) methods address this challenge by training enhancement networks with annotated image pairs, where the label image is manually selected from the reference images of existing UIE methods since the groundtruth of underwater images do not exist. Nevertheless, these methods encounter uncertainty issues stemming from ambiguous multiple-candidate references. Moreover, they often suffer from local perception and color perception limitations, which hinder the effective mitigation of wide-range underwater degradation. This paper proposes a novel NUAM-Net (Novel Underwater Image Enhancement Attention Mechanism Network) that addresses these limitations. NUAM-Net leverages a probabilistic training framework, measuring enhancement uncertainty to learn the UIE mapping from a set of ambiguous reference images. By extracting features from both the RGB and LAB color spaces, our method fully exploits the fine-grained color degradation clues of underwater images. Additionally, we enhance underwater feature extraction by incorporating a novel Adaptive Underwater Image Enhancement Module (AUEM) that incorporates both local and long-range receptive fields. Experimental results on the well-known UIEBD benchmark demonstrate that our method significantly outperforms popular UIE methods in terms of PSNR while maintaining a favorable Mean Opinion Score. The ablation study also validates the effectiveness of our proposed method.