Findings Of Study Research Articles

Exploring a fuzzy relationships among criteria for the development of community-based tourism in Malaysia: a multi-stakeholder perspective

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to identify and analyze the fuzzy relationships among criteria for the development of community-based tourism (CBT) in Malaysia through a multi-stakeholder lens. By exploring these relationships, the study aimed to provide valuable insights for stakeholders and policymakers to enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of CBT initiatives in Malaysia. The focus was on understanding the interplay between environmental, economic and socio-cultural criteria to guide decision-making and planning processes for sustainable tourism development.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilized a quantitative approach, specifically employing a fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model known as decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL). This methodology allowed for the integration of diverse perspectives from multiple stakeholders involved in CBT in Malaysia. By using DEMATEL, the researchers were able to analyze the complex relationships among sustainable criteria, identify causal factors and assess the interdependencies among environmental, economic and socio-cultural dimensions. The approach aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the criteria influencing the sustainability of CBT development in Malaysia.FindingsThe findings of the study revealed that environmental and economic factors emerged as pivotal causal criteria influencing socio-cultural outcomes in the development of CBT in Malaysia. The research highlighted the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in building sustainability in CBT, emphasizing the need for regular meetings, shared decision-making processes and clear communication channels among all involved parties. These insights empower stakeholders to make informed decisions and prioritize criteria for sustainable CBT development, ultimately contributing to the well-being of communities, preservation of natural and cultural heritage, and long-term environmental sustainability.Research limitations/implicationsThe study's limitations include the focus on CBT in Malaysia, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other contexts. Additionally, the research relied on a quantitative approach, potentially overlooking qualitative nuances in stakeholder perspectives. Future studies could address these limitations by exploring diverse geographical locations and incorporating qualitative methods to capture a more comprehensive understanding of sustainable criteria in CBT development. These implications suggest opportunities for further research to validate and extend the findings in different contexts and with a broader range of stakeholder perspectives.Practical implicationsThe practical implications of the study include providing guidance for tourism policymakers and key stakeholders in developing effective policy interventions for CBT in Malaysia. By understanding the complex relationships among sustainable criteria, stakeholders can make informed decisions to foster environmental, economic and socio-cultural growth in CBT initiatives. The findings offer insights for creating economic opportunities, promoting fair trade practices and enhancing linkages between CBT and local businesses. These practical implications aim to support sustainable decision-making, planning processes and implementation strategies to ensure the long-term success and positive impact of CBT in Malaysia.Social implicationsThe social implications of the study underscore the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in CBT development in Malaysia. By engaging various stakeholders, including host communities, government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and tourists, the research promotes social cohesion, cultural exchange and community empowerment. Enhancing social interactions and mutual understanding among stakeholders can lead to inclusive decision-making processes, equitable distribution of benefits and the preservation of local heritage and traditions. These social implications emphasize the potential for CBT to contribute to social well-being, cultural preservation and sustainable development, fostering positive social impacts and strengthening community resilience.Originality/valueThe originality and value of the study lie in its exploration of the complex relationships among sustainable criteria for CBT development in Malaysia from a multi-stakeholder perspective. By utilizing the DEMATEL method and quantitative analysis, the research offers a novel approach to understanding the causal factors influencing environmental, economic and socio-cultural outcomes in CBT initiatives. The study's findings provide valuable insights for stakeholders and policymakers to make informed decisions, prioritize criteria and develop effective strategies for sustainable CBT development. This original contribution enhances the understanding of sustainable criteria relationships and empowers stakeholders to drive positive change in the tourism sector.

Assessing the impact of consumption values on satisfaction and usage intentions of millet-based food products

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to assess the impact of consumption values on customer satisfaction and intention to consume millet-based foods. This study examines both tangible and intangible values of the millet-based food to the customer.Design/methodology/approachBased on consumption value theory (CVT), the present study evaluates the impact of consumption value factors such as emotional, epistemic, health, price, prestige and taste/quality values on satisfaction and intention to use millet-based foods and develops a unique research model. Later, leveraging a dataset comprising more than 410 responses from Pune city in India, a rigorous empirical examination of the proposed model was conducted employing SmartPLS 4.0 software.FindingsThe study's finding unveils both the significant and insignificant impacts of various consumption values, both from the tangible and intangible consumption value perspectives on satisfaction and intention to consume millet-based foods. The study also provides a validated food consumption model which can be used for other similar food consumption behaviour of the customers.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides insights as to how different consumption values impact the satisfaction of the customers for the millet-based food. This study illuminates additional aspects of the tangible and intangible factors impacting the satisfaction level of customers to consume millet-based products. Also, this is a cross-sectional study, and the respondents are only based in Pune, India. Thus, the study results cannot be generalised.Originality/valueThis study employs CVT to explore the unexplored impact of consumption values on satisfaction and intention to use millet-based foods, which is unexplored in the past literature. Moreover, this study develops a theoretical model with high explanatory power, and the research model adds value to the existing body of literature from areas such as food preference, consumer behaviour and value consumption insights.

Serum Exosomal MiR-874 as a Potential Biomarker for Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Prognosis

AbstractLung cancer, primarily nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), is a leading cause of cancer-related fatalities globally. Due to late detection, the 5-year survival rate for NSCLC remains low. Therefore, the current research aimed to assess the diagnostic and prognostic value of serum exosomal miR-874 levels in NSCLC patients. This study involved 161 NSCLC patients and 80 control subjects. Blood samples were collected from all participants, and serum exosomal MiR-874 levels were quantified using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The study revealed a significant decrease in MiR-874 levels among NSCLC patients compared to controls. The receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated the diagnostic value of serum exosomal MiR-874 in effectively distinguishing NSCLC patients from controls.Furthermore, associations were observed between serum exosomal MiR-874 expression and adverse clinical factors such as young age, male sex, smoking, high tumor grade, squamous cell carcinoma histopathology, advanced tumor stage, and lymphatic involvement. Patients with high levels of MiR-874 had significantly longer overall and disease-free survival compared to those with lower levels. The study demonstrates that levels of serum exosomal miR-874 are considerably lower in NSCLC patients, indicating its potential as a diagnostic biomarker. The study's findings suggest that the expression of MiR-874 may predict the prognosis of NSCLC patients based on clinical features.

Comprehensive assessment of imaging quality of artificial intelligence-assisted compressed sensing-based MR images in routine clinical settings.

Conventional MR acceleration techniques, such as compressed sensing, parallel imaging, and half Fourier often face limitations, including noise amplification, reduced signal-to-noise ratio(SNR) and increased susceptibility to artifacts, which can compromise image quality, especially in high-speed acquisitions. Artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted compressed sensing (ACS) has emerged as a novel approach that combines the conventional techniques with advanced AI algorithms. The objective of this study was to examine the imaging quality of the ACS approach by qualitative and quantitative analysis for brain, spine, kidney, liver, and knee MR imaging, as well as compare the performance of this method with conventional (non-ACS) MR imaging. This study included 50 subjects. Three radiologists independently assessed the quality of MR images based on artefacts, image sharpness, overall image quality and diagnostic efficacy. SNR, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), edge content (EC), enhancement measure (EME), scanning time were used for quantitative evaluation. The Cohen's kappa correlation coefficient (k) was employed to measure radiologists' inter-observer agreement, and the Mann Whitney U-test used for comparison between non-ACS and ACS. The qualitative analysis of three radiologists demonstrated that ACS images showed superior clinical information than non-ACS images with a mean k of ~ 0.70. The images acquired with ACS approach showed statistically higher values (p < 0.05) for SNR, CNR, EC, and EME compared to the non-ACS images. Furthermore, the study's findings indicated that ACS-enabled images reduced scan time by more than 50% while maintaining high imaging quality. Integrating ACS technology into routine clinical settings has the potential to speed up image acquisition, improve image quality, and enhance diagnostic procedures and patient throughput.

Understanding the Interplay between Anxiety and Self-Esteem among School-Going Adolescents: Moderating Role of Emotional Intelligence

Adolescents undergo significant psychological and emotional changes, with factors such as anxiety, emotional intelligence, and self-esteem playing pivotal roles in their regular development, whereas their association is unclear. This study investigates how emotional intelligence plays a role as a moderator between anxiety and self-esteem of Bangladeshi adolescents. The study was conducted by following a cross-sectional study design, whereas a total of 300 high-school students were selected using a random sampling technique. Data were collected using the Bangla version of anxiety, emotional intelligence, and self-esteem measuring questionnaires. The results displayed that in the case of anxiety, emotional intelligence, and self-esteem, no significant differences were found across varied socio-economic statuses, while these three outcome variables were significantly varied due to gender and family types. In addition, the Pearson product-moment correlation explored a significant negative correlation of anxiety with emotional intelligence and self-esteem and a positive correlation between emotional intelligence and self-esteem among students. Furthermore, the hierarchical regression analysis manifested buffering effects of emotional intelligence in the relationship between anxiety and self-esteem. This study's findings emphasize the importance of emotional intelligence in mitigating anxiety and enhancing self-esteem, regardless of varied socio-economic status. Ultimately, the findings would contribute to policy and decision-making regarding improving the well-being of adolescents in Bangladesh. Jagannath University Journal of Science, Volume 11, Number 1, June 2024, pp. 94−105

Assessing the Credibility and Motivation in E-Learning during the Covid-19 Education Shift

The purpose of this study is to assess the complex relationship between e-learning credibility and student motivation during COVID-19. Online education is growing, so educators, institutions, and governments must understand student motivation and e-learning attitudes. The study examines student COVID-19 management to discover crucial components. We explain the difficulty of e-learning credibility and its large impact on student motivation to help educators and scholars. Four research hypotheses guided the investigation; a descriptive survey design and an online questionnaire were utilized to collect data from 480 Saudi higher education students. Because of these factors, this study examines e-learning methods, tools, and approaches in today's complicated landscape. How e-learning systems motivate and engage students depends on interaction, adaptability, and reliability. This case study combines rapid educational technology advancement with pandemic-level disruption. It examines how e-learning will change post-pandemic education. The study's findings are noteworthy given the COVID-19 pandemic's widespread use of e-learning. Politicians and schools utilize them to engage pupils and enhance e-learning amid emergencies. This study may provide teachers, administrators, and instructional designers with confidence in e-learning. It may improve online learning. E-learning credibility and motivation should be studied across institutions and student populations.

Development of An-Nawa Method-Based Learning Module for Basic-Level Quranic Literacy

Learning to read and write the Qur'an is fundamental to Islamic religious education. However, existing teaching methods often need to be more effective in meeting diverse learners' needs. It encourages the development of adaptive modules that meet the needs of students, such as the An-Nawa module, which adapts the Iqra and Ummi methods. This study aims to create an adaptation of the An-Nawa Module of Iqra and Ummi and assess how well it works. The research methodology employs the ten-stage Borg and Gall research and development technique. The research and development study's findings indicate that the following principles developed the An-Nawa module: analysis of educational needs, gathering pertinent data, product design that takes students' needs into account, validation demonstrating the module's viability, design revision, testing, product revision, usage testing, product revision, as well as socialization and implementation. These phases are all essential to developing a module, which also involves implementation, assessment, and revision to guarantee the module's viability and efficacy in raising students' proficiency in reading and writing the Al-Qur'an. The suggestions are to do limited testing, involve experts in the development process, and revise the module continuously to raise its quality. To guarantee that the module positively influences students' abilities to read and write the Al-Qur'an, socialization, and module execution are equally crucial.

The Impact of Job Stress on Job Satisfaction among Nurses during Covid-19 Pandemic: The Moderating Role of Psychological Capital

The COVID-19 disease is a calamity that may leave a dreadful psychological indentation on nurses. Nurses take all the necessary measures to protect themselves physically and psychologically. This global pandemic demands a firmly secured nursing staff engagement in clinical management in pursuance of public safety. In the interest of sustaining psychological and physical well-being, nurses should be entitled to fair compensation, access to counseling for mental health care support, and provide job satisfaction, empowering these professionals to survive this crisis and beyond. This study is proposed to provide baseline information on the impact of job stress on Al Dhafra hospitals nurses' job satisfaction during the covid-19 pandemic and the effect of psychological capital as a moderator. Furthermore, the study will open a new aspect for further research to improve and reduce its adverse effects. In addition, it can be used as a reference to create, improve, or modify guidelines and existing protocols, and it can also serve as a reasonable contribution study for further nursing management in future crises. The study employed a quantitative correlation research design, and an online survey was conducted and participated in by 255 nurses who are in direct contact with COVID-19 patients in Al Dhafra hospitals in UAE. The present study's findings indicate a negative relationship between job stress and job satisfaction; on the other hand, The findings also revealed a positive moderating effect of psychological capital on the relationship between job stress and satisfaction. The current study has important implications for hospitals in developing managerial, training, and strategic policies. According to the findings of this study, job stress has a significant impact on nursing satisfaction. In light of this study, hospitals can improve their job satisfaction. Furthermore, this study can be applied to other cultural and demographic contexts to reduce employee stress.

Digital Equity and Accessibility in Higher Education: Reaching the Unreached

ABSTRACTDigital equity and accessibility for higher education (HE) students have become crucial since the early 21st century, especially for underserved, deprived, marginalised and oppressed students. The present study aimed mainly to reveal the barriers to digital access (BDA) faced by marginalised groups and to find effective strategies for promoting digital inclusion (DI). Another objective of the paper was to provide actionable policy insights (API) to improve DI in Pakistani universities. Participants (students from marginalised groups who face unique barriers to accessing digital education) were selected using a simple random sampling technique from the four provinces of Pakistan (Punjab, Sindh, KPK and Baluchistan). We used a cross‐sectional research design to collect quantitative data from 590 students selected from 12 universities in Pakistan using a self‐developed questionnaire via online platforms. The study's findings revealed a significant difference in digital access for marginalised groups, which contributes to educational inequalities for students in low‐income areas and remote areas facing enormous challenges. We also identified practices to improve digital accessibility, including technology‐based interventions and policy reforms to improve digital infrastructure. Based on preliminary findings, a combined effort toward digital equity can significantly improve educational outcomes for marginalised students, providing a roadmap for universities to bridge the digital divide. The present paper not only highlights the current state of digital equity and accessibility but also focuses on practical insights for policy and teachers and ensures that universities are inclusive and accessible to everyone.

Moderating Role of Corporate Governance on the Effect of Innovation Investment to the Financial Performance among Publicly-listed Software Outsourcing Companies in China

This study examines the relationship between innovation investment, corporate governance, and financial performance among publicly listed software outsourcing companies in China. Utilizing a mixed methods approach, the research integrates quantitative analysis of financial and governance data with qualitative insights from structured interviews with Chief Financial Officers (CFOs). The study explores how various corporate governance factors, such as board size, independence, meeting frequency, CEO duality, and compensation, influence the effectiveness of innovation investments in enhancing company performance. Findings indicate that while there is a positive correlation between innovation investment and financial performance, the relationship is not statistically significant. Moreover, corporate governance factors, except for board size, do not significantly moderate this relationship. The results suggest that aligning innovation strategies with strong corporate governance practices is essential but not sufficient to ensure enhanced financial outcomes. The study's findings have practical implications for industry practitioners, policymakers, and investors, emphasizing the need for optimized governance structures to support sustainable growth in the software outsourcing sector. However, limitations regarding data reliance, sample size, and sectoral focus are acknowledged, with recommendations for future research to address these constraints and explore additional variables influencing the innovation-performance link.

Findings of Using Schema-Building Activities to Improve EFL Learners’ Listening Comprehension

EFL students at a university in Ho Chi Minh City faced some problems in learning listening skills. This study aimed to investigate factors influencing listening learning and whether schema-building activities impact students’ listening comprehension at a private university in Vietnam, which then gave some possible suggestions to improve EFL learners' listening teaching and learning. The study was experimental research, so the researcher employed pre-and post-tests, questionnaires, and class observations to collect the data to address two research questions. A total of 123 students participated in the research, and they were classified into the experimental group (60 students) and the control group (63 students). The findings revealed that schema-building activities had an impact on enhancing EFL students’ listening comprehension. The study's findings contributed some contributions to teaching and learning Second Language (L2) listening skills using schema-building activities. The findings serve as guidelines for teachers and students to teach and learn listening skills and for school managers with material development.

A systematic literature review and plans for further study on smart mobile learning system acceptance

This paper’s aim is to conduct a systematic review of the state of scholarly research on smart mobile learning acceptance (SMLS) and suggest areas for future research. Fifty-five papers from 2019 to 2022 were used for the systematic literature review. The theories of the SMLS acceptance, publication patterns by region, industry, sample type, as well as the study methodology obtained from content analysis are presented. The results revealed about 18 different theories were identified with TAM being the most frequently employed model (n = 23). Three different methods (quantitative, qualitative and mixed-method) were used by the scholars, with questionnaire survey being the main method used to collect data (n = 50). Most of the researchers used structural equation modelling (SEM) to analyse their data. The Asian region has the most studies on SMLS (n = 33), while the education industry happens to be the main focus of the researchers (n = 45). This study's findings may be utilized to enrich theoretical and methodological advancements, as well as to provide important insights for policy creation by developing strategies and frameworks for the acceptance of SMLS. By putting all the relevant knowledge of SMLS together from diverse industries, this study enhances the academic landscape.

Development and Assessment of Herbal Sanitizer Derived from Plant Extract

Introduction: A key component in the prevention, management, and decline of healthcare-acquired illnesses is hand sanitizer. Multi-drug-resistant infections are among the persistent issues related to infections acquired while receiving medical care. Maintaining good hand hygiene can greatly lower the chance of cross-contamination. In recent times, hand sanitization has been increasingly popular as a means of reducing nosocomial infections that a variety of opportunistic bacteria can cause.  Method: Using a methanol solvent and a maceration method, the extract was obtained from the leaves of the neem and tulsi plants. The disc diffusion technique was used to determine and assess the antibacterial activity by measuring the diameter of the zone of inhibition. It was decided to create a herbal hand sanitizer.  Results: According to the study, both Ocimum sanctum and Azadirachta indica include terpenoids, alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, and saponins. All of the studied microorganisms displayed a zone of inhibition in the solvent extract within the 5-23 mm range. It was discovered that the extracts' antibacterial efficacy depended on concentration.  Conclusion: As a platform for further research and the creation of novel therapeutic entities, the study's findings indicate the presence of various phytochemical elements with antibacterial capabilities. We may infer that the stated organisms (S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, &amp; E. coli) are much less susceptible to bacterial growth when exposed to herbal sanitizer. Based on many anti-bacterial tests, it has been shown that the high-concentration formulation (40 mg/ml) is highly efficient in treating bacterial disorders.

Meta-analysis reveals low language capacity in childhood is associated with mental health problems in adulthood.

Children and adolescents with language problems have poorer mental health compared with their non-language impaired peers. Less is known about mental health in adults with a history of language problems. This paper presents a systematic review and meta-analysis that addresses this gap in the literature. Specifically, it summarisesthe results from studies examining anxiety and depression in adults (aged 18 years and over) who were identified with language impairments or problems earlier in development. Five electronic databases (PsycINFO, ERIC, CINAHL, EMBASE and PubMed) were searched for studies comparing anxiety and/or depression in a sample of adults with and without a history of language problems. Nine studies were found that met the inclusion criteria. From each, an odds ratio (OR) was computed measuring the relationship between childhood language problems and anxiety or depression in adulthood. The OR was computed so values > 1 which indicated anxiety/depression were associated with a history of language problems. ORs were averaged using multilevel random effects meta-analysis. Averaging the study's findings across both anxiety and depression outcomes, we found that a history of childhood language problems was associated with poorer mental health in adulthood (OR = 1.79, p = 0.004). The association for anxiety was also significant (OR = 1.80, p = 0.012) and close to statistical significance for depression (OR = 1.60, p = 0.054). This review reveals that adults with a history of language problems are more likely to experience poorer mental health outcomes compared with controls. These findings demonstrate childhood language problems affect not only communication but also mental health and well-being in the long term. What is already known on the subject Prior research examining mental health in children and adolescents with language problems reveals a twofold increased risk of internalisingproblems, including anxiety and depression. However, little is known about mental health outcomes in adults with a history of language problems. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge The main finding was that childhood language problems are associated with increased risk of anxiety and depression in adulthood. What are the practical and clinical implications of this work? First, the study demonstrates childhood language problems increase the risk of poor mental health in adulthood. Second, in adult mental health settings there is a need to screen for language problems and, where applicable, adjust interventions to accommodate communicative needs for patients/clients. Solving these issues requires integration and recognition of the importance of speech-language therapy in the adult mental health system.

Financial Resources and Green Accounting Implementation in Kenyan Manufacturing Enterprises

The objective of this study was to influence of financial resources on the green accounting implementation in Kenyan manufacturing enterprises. Data for the study were collected using a descriptive cross-sectional approach. Data were gathered using questionnaires that the researcher self-administered. The Cronbach's alpha reliability test was applied to evaluate the internal consistency of the measurements. The investigation's primary emphasis was on 1,107 manufacturing firms that are Kenya Association of Manufacturers members. The sample consisted of 294 firms. To ensure that each data stratum was fairly represented in the analysis, stratified random sampling was used in the study. Together with descriptive statistics like means and standard deviations, inferential statistics were also used, such as multiple regression analysis, analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation. The study's findings indicated that financial resources significantly and favorably influence Kenyan manufacturing companies' adoption of green accounting. The findings of the regression and correlation analyses demonstrated that the drivers of green accounting had a major impact on the adoption of green accounting. The study came to the conclusion that manufacturing companies in Kenya ought to embrace and apply green accounting. The study recommended that manufacturing enterprises in Kenya to allocate adequate financial resources to green accounting with intention of achieving best results.

Spatial-temporal graph neural networks for groundwater data.

This paper introduces a novel application of spatial-temporal graph neural networks (ST-GNNs) to predict groundwater levels. Groundwater level prediction is inherently complex, influenced by various hydrological, meteorological, and anthropogenic factors. Traditional prediction models often struggle with the nonlinearity and non-stationary characteristics of groundwater data. Our study leverages the capabilities of ST-GNNs to address these challenges in the Overbetuwe area, Netherlands. We utilize a comprehensive dataset encompassing 395 groundwater level time series and auxiliary data such as precipitation, evaporation, river stages, and pumping well data. The graph-based framework of our ST-GNN model facilitates the integration of spatial interconnectivity and temporal dynamics, capturing the complex interactions within the groundwater system. Our modified Multivariate Time Graph Neural Network model shows significant improvements over traditional methods, particularly in handling missing data and forecasting future groundwater levels with minimal bias. The model's performance is rigorously evaluated when trained and applied with both synthetic and measured data, demonstrating superior accuracy and robustness in comparison to traditional numerical models in long-term forecasting. The study's findings highlight the potential of ST-GNNs in environmental modeling, offering a significant step forward in predictive modeling of groundwater levels.

Predicting the long-term effects of electronic cigarette use on population health: a systematic review of modelling studies

ObjectiveTo systematically review and synthesise the findings of modelling studies on the population impacts of e-cigarette use and to identify potential gaps requiring future investigation.Data source and study selectionFour databases...

Evaluating the adoption barriers of circular business models in the Ghanaian construction industry

PurposeTo transition into a green/circular economy (CE), both academics and industrialists have undertaken research into various areas of circular business models (CBM), yet despite numerous studies conducted, the ensuing discourse contains scant information regarding the barriers to CBM adoption in the built environment. Therefore, this present study explores the critical barriers hindering the adoption of CBM in the Ghanaian construction industry (GCI), establishing the criticality of the principal barriers identified.Design/methodology/approachThe mixed philosophies of interpretivism and postpositivism were adopted to deductively analyse primary data collected via a survey questionnaire. A comprehensive literature review was first conducted to identify the barriers of adopting CBM in the construction industry. Data gathered from professionals with knowledge of CBM and the green/CE were then analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential fuzzy synthetic evaluation.FindingsEmergent barriers to CBM adoption in the GCI were identified as institutional barriers (i.e. inadequate technology development and transfer, insufficient green incentives in the industry and lack of institutional framework that promote); proficiency barriers (i.e. lack of understanding of circular business models, inadequacy of expertise amongst construction professionals, unfamiliar techniques associated with circular business models and fear of greater investment cost) and cultural barriers (i.e. cultural reluctancy of clients to embrace circular urbanization, inadequate measurement tool, lack of a culture that encourages community engagement in environmental decision-making, inadequate performance information and database, lack of prior experience of stakeholders, inadequate government policies, low public awareness and lack of manufacturer and supplier support). The fuzzy synthetic analysis confirmed all the principal barriers as critical. These barriers had a respective criticality index of 3.66, 3.59 and 3.39. Evidently, the CBM adoption in the GCI faces major challenges and consequently, sector stakeholders must strategize their organizational undertakings to transition their traditional business models towards innovative circular ones.Originality/valueThis study provides a novel and thorough evaluation on the barriers to CBM adoption and establishes the criticality of the identified barriers. The study's findings offer essential direction to GCI stakeholders and policymakers to facilitate the shift towards a CE in accordance with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Exploring Implementation Processes of a Multicomponent Family Support Intervention in Intensive Care Units (FICUS) Study: A Mixed-Methods Process Evaluation.

To investigate the experience with and progress of the implementation of a Family Support Intervention (FSI) into adult intensive care units (ICUs) as part of the cluster-randomised FICUS trial. A mixed-methods process evaluation using a multiple case study approach guided by the normalisation process theory. This study took place between June 2022 and July 2023 in eight Swiss ICUs randomised to the intervention arm. A tailored implementation strategy was used to introduce the multicomponent FSI, consisting of a new family nursing role and a family care pathway, into interprofessional ICU teams. Participants were 40 ICU key clinical partners. Qualitative data were collected twice, early (3-6 months) and mid-implementation (9-12 months), using small group interviews. A questionnaire with psychometric measures (Acceptability of Intervention Measure, Feasibility of Intervention Measure, Intervention Appropriateness Measure, Normalisation Measure Development Questionnaire) was administered at mid-implementation. RITA pragmatic rapid thematic analysis and descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. Qualitative and quantitative results were then compared across ICUs (cases). Findings indicated the desired progress of the FSI integration overall and across cases, with high acceptability and appropriateness ratings but only moderate to high feasibility scores. Study-related barriers were noted in all ICUs (i.e., FSI delivery as part of a clinical trial). Implementation barriers included family nurses' limited capacity and clinician's attitudes towards the FSI. Leadership support and interprofessional collaboration were identified as facilitators. Case-based, integrated findings yielded two implementation pathways, namely early and protracted adopters. Implementation barriers were related to the feasibility of FSI delivery within the study context that required a high degree of standardisation and protocol adherence. Implementation progress was shaped by an interprofessional culture of family care, sufficient staff and time resources, and leadership support. The study's findings will inform future implementation of complex health interventions in ICUs. Good reporting of a Mixed-Methods Study (GRAMMS). Within the FICUS trial, a patient and family advisory board with a patient expert, three family members and a patient with own lived experience of critical care collaborate with the research team.

A Descriptive Study on the Phenotypic Variability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Identified by MALDI-TOF

This descriptive study investigates the phenotypic variability of 50 Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonies isolated from wastewater, identified using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The contamination of wastewater by opportunistic pathogens like P. aeruginosa poses significant public health risks due to their potential to cause severe infections and contribute to the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is particularly concerning because of its remarkable adaptability, resilience, and intrinsic and acquired antibiotic resistance mechanisms, including the production of beta-lactamases, efflux pumps, and target site mutations. Our study highlights the phenotypic diversity and antibiotic resistance profiles of P. aeruginosa strains isolated from urban and hospital environments. Using MALDI-TOF MS, we rapidly and accurately characterized these strains, providing species-level identification within minutes. This technology surpasses traditional biochemical methods in speed and accuracy, revolutionizing microbial diagnostics by offering a high-throughput, cost-effective, and reliable tool. By analyzing the phenotypic traits and resistance mechanisms of these strains, we aim to provide critical insights into their ecology and inform strategies to mitigate the risks associated with their presence in the environment. The antibiotic resistance profiles revealed varied susceptibility among the strains, with notable resistance to drugs such as erythromycin, cefoxitin, and tetracycline. The study's findings underscore the importance of integrating advanced diagnostic technologies like MALDI-TOF MS into routine environmental monitoring and public health strategies to address the challenges posed by P. aeruginosa in wastewater. Ultimately, this research contributes to understanding the dynamics of contamination and resistance in urban environments. By detailing the methodology used for the identification and characterization of the strains, as well as the results obtained, this publication aims to provide a valuable database for researchers and practitioners engaged in combating nosocomial infections and environmental pollution by P. aeruginosa. This study highlights the need for effective management measures to control the dissemination of this pathogen in aquatic systems, promoting public health and environmental safety.