Findings Of Study Research Articles

Role of policyholders’ beliefs in life insurance lapses: a model building approach

Purpose This study aims to understand the lapse behavior of life insurance policyholders. Despite being accessible for nearly two centuries, only a small fraction of individuals purchase such policies and many of those who do let them lapse. The belief hypothesis model (BHM) is introduced to elucidate the correlation between policyholders' beliefs and their decisions regarding life insurance lapses. Design/methodology/approach BHM establishes a comprehensive linkage between core beliefs, external data and the lapse behavior exhibited by policyholders. To derive policyholders’ core beliefs about life insurance lapses, the authors conducted a semistructured, in-depth interview with 42 policyholders and 11 insurance advisors, using a grounded theory approach with zero-order, first-order and second-order coding. Findings The study's findings reveal that policy lapsation is influenced by various factors such as policyholders' beliefs about life insurance, process-related attitudes, trust in insurers and advisors and personal financial viewpoints. Policyholders who consider life insurance unnecessary or misunderstand its purpose are likelier to lapse their policies. Cumbersome documentation processes and technical issues also contribute to policy lapsation, emphasizing the significance of simplified procedures. Trust in insurers and advisors, personal financial literacy and payment preferences influence policy lapsation. Practical implications The findings of this research can be practically applied by companies to improve customer retention and by regulatory bodies to encourage policyholders to honor their insurance commitments. Originality/value Distinguishing itself from conventional hypotheses-driven and factor-centric models, BHM integrates consumer beliefs, thus enriching comprehension and decision-making insights.

Investigating how cultural differences influence the translation process and the strategies used by translators to bridge cultural gaps

This study investigates the impact of cultural differences on the translation process and the strategies used by translators to bridge these cultural gaps. Through qualitative interviews with professional translators specializing in literature, business, legal, and technical translation, the research identifies key strategies employed to address cultural challenges. These strategies include localization, adaptation, the use of cultural equivalents, annotation, and consultation with cultural informants. The findings reveal that these strategies are effective in maintaining both translation accuracy and cultural relevance. Localization tailors content to the cultural context of the target audience, while adaptation handles idiomatic expressions and culturally specific references. Cultural equivalents preserve the emotional and cultural impact of the source text, and annotations provide necessary explanations for cultural references without direct equivalents. Consultation with cultural informants enhances the accuracy and appropriateness of translations, particularly in specialized fields. The effectiveness of these strategies is supported by concrete examples from the translators' experiences, demonstrating successful applications across various fields. The study's findings align with established theories in translation studies, such as those proposed by Venuti, Nida, Baker, and House, reinforcing the importance of cultural competence in translation. This research highlights the complex interplay between language and culture in the translation process and underscores the necessity for tailored strategies to address cultural nuances. The study contributes to the theoretical understanding of cultural translation and offers practical recommendations for translators. As global communication continues to expand, the role of culturally competent translators remains vital in facilitating cross-cultural understanding and interaction. Future research should explore the evolving role of technology in translation and its implications for cultural competence.

Development of the Reporting Infographics and Visual Abstracts of Comparative studies (RIVA-C) checklist and guide

People often use infographics (also called visual or graphical abstracts) as a substitute for reading the full text of an article. This is a concern because most infographics do not...

Design and Development of a Multimedia Reading Application for Pre-schoolers as a Foundation in the Area of TVET

The greatest time for this is during early childhood schooling, when children are just beginning to become aware of their job options and form an imagination about the careers, they are interested in. In order to prepare pre-schoolers for their future employment, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) aims to expand their knowledge and skill sets. Technology development also aids in these preschool students' knowledge and skill development in preparation for their future employment, particularly in TVET. At this preschool stage, their reading skills is essential for learning the TVET sector since it aids in their understanding of the subject that piques their interest. Yet, there are a number of reasons why they can struggle to read, including a lack of prior book experience, speech or hearing problems, and a lack of phonemic awareness. This design and development research (DDR) methodology was chosen to assist pre-schoolers in learning to read as a foundational skill in the field of TVET. The researcher focused on the development of multimedia applications for the teaching and learning process using a quantitative approach through ADDIE Model instructional design. The researcher used a random sampling technique to select three academic staff members with the required TVET educational credentials. This sample includes two academics with experience and skill in multimedia creation, as well as a preschool teacher from an appropriate educational institution, so the feedback gained is adequate to obtain precise comments and points of view. Data were acquired and assessed using frequency and percentage values based on a checklist form that was given. To facilitate data analysis, each item is categorised, and frequency information is quantified as a percentage. Professionals who believe that this multimedia application is useful as one of the self-learning mediums have responded favourably to the study's findings about how this multimedia application functions in terms of assisting pre-schoolers in learning to read from the aspects of content design, interaction, and interface. The study's conclusions can be used as a guide by anyone, especially when it comes to encouraging pre-schoolers’ TVET growth.

Regulatory Challenges in AI/ML-Enabled Medical Devices: A Scoping Review and Conceptual Framework

Abstract Amidst rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning-enabled medical devices (AI/ML-MD), this article investigates the regulatory challenges highlighted in the current academic literature. Using a PRISMA-guided scoping review, 18 studies were selected for in-depth analysis to highlight the multifaceted issues in regulating AI/ML-MD. The study's findings are organized into key themes: adaptive AI/ML, usability and stakeholder engagement, data diversity and use, health disparities, synthetic data use, regulatory considerations, medicolegal issues, and cybersecurity threats. The scoping review reveals numerous challenges associated with the regulation of AI/ML-based medical devices, reflecting various sustainability pillars. The study advocates for integrating sustainability principles into the materiovigilance ecosystem of AI/ML-MD and proposes a novel sustainable ecosystem for AI/ML-MD materiovigilance. This proposed ecosystem incorporates social, economic, and environmental sustainability principles to create a comprehensive and balanced regulatory approach. By presenting a thorough analysis of regulatory challenges, the study provides policymakers with a nuanced understanding of the complex landscape surrounding these technologies. This insight enables the development of informed strategies and solutions to address regulatory gaps and ensure the safe and effective integration of AI/ML-MD into healthcare systems.

Posttraumatic growth among Israeli female combat veterans: The mediating roles of posttraumatic stress symptoms and self‐efficacy

AbstractPosttraumatic growth (PTG) is a possible common reaction to exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) during military service. However, knowledge about correlates of PTG among female combat veterans is sparse. This study examines associations between combat exposure, posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), general self‐efficacy (GSE), and PTG among Israeli female veterans. This is a cross‐sectional studyA volunteer sample of female Israeli combat veterans (n = 616) and non‐combat veterans (n = 484) responded to self‐report questionnaires. Combat veterans reported higher levels of combat exposure, PTSS, GSE, and PTG, as compared to non‐combat veterans. Among combat veterans, combat exposure and GSE were associated with greater PTG. Importantly, PTSS and GSE mediated the link between combat exposure and PTG. The study's findings are among the first to report about possible psychological growth outcomes among Israeli combat veterans. Clinicians treating female veterans coping with combat trauma should be aware of the heterogeneity of reactions to military service challenges and the importance of enhancing veterans' GSE to facilitate PTG.

Environmental Fragility in Commercial Forest Plantations Aiming at Sustainable Management

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the environmental fragility of two landscapes in which there is a predominance of commercial forest plantations, with the aim of analyzing this fragility through multicriterial evaluation, focusing on the planning of forest roads. Theoretical Framework: The theory of environmental fragility, multi-criteria evaluation methods, and principles of landscape management stand out, providing a solid basis for understanding the context of the investigation. These frameworks are crucial for analyzing the impact of forest roads on environmental variables such as water dynamics, sediment production, and soil erodibility. The integration of these theories allows for a comprehensive assessment of environmental fragility, essential for effective forest planning and road maintenance in forested areas Method: The methodology adopted involves a multi-criteria evaluation approach to assess environmental fragility in forest landscapes. Key criteria, including slope, distance from water bodies, soil erodibility, and topographic humidity, were integrated to create fragility maps. Data were collected through geographical and environmental analysis, processed with spatial analysis tools, and supplemented by principal component analysis to identify influential criteria. This approach enabled a detailed assessment of forest roads' environmental impact, supporting informed decisions in road planning and landscape management. Results and Discussion: The results revealed notable variations in environmental fragility. The analysis of forest roads highlighted their varying impact on environmental fragility. These results are framed within the context of environmental fragility and multi-criteria evaluation, emphasizing the role of criteria such as slope, proximity to water bodies, soil erodibility, and topographic humidity in assessing landscape degradation. The study underscores the need for careful forest road planning to mitigate environmental impacts and promotes the use of comprehensive evaluation methods in sustainable landscape management. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied or influence practices in the field of forest management and environmental conservation. These implications could encompass forest road planning, sustainable landscape management, and the development of environmental policies aimed at mitigating the impact of infrastructure on natural ecosystems.The study's findings emphasize the need for incorporating multi-criteria evaluation methods into forest planning processes to identify and mitigate areas of high environmental fragility. This approach can guide decision-makers in prioritizing areas for road maintenance, rehabilitation, or even rerouting to minimize ecological damage. Furthermore, the research underscores the importance of integrating environmental fragility assessments into broader forest management strategies, enhancing the sustainability of commercial forestry operations while preserving essential ecosystem services. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by introducing an innovative application of multi-criteria evaluation in assessing environmental fragility within forest landscapes, specifically in the context of forest road planning. The research combines various environmental criteria into a comprehensive fragility map, offering a nuanced understanding of landscape vulnerability that is less commonly addressed in existing studies. Notably, this methodology focused on forest roads has not been previously explored in the literature, highlighting the unique contribution of this research to the field.The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by its potential to influence forest management practices, particularly in the sustainable planning and maintenance of forest roads.

Impact of Leadership on Employee Behaviour and Attitude in The Ministry of Finance, Ghana

Purpose: This study investigates the influence of leadership on employee behaviour and attitude in the Ministry of Finance in Ghana. It specifically focusses on how leadership practices affect productivity in a public sector setting. The research investigates the adaptive qualities of leadership styles and their efficacy in meeting the varied demands of employees, based on the principles of Situational Leadership Theory (SLT). Methodology: The study utilises a descriptive survey method. The study population consists of all 628 employees of the Ministry, with a sample size of 246 determined through a multi-stage sampling process. Data is obtained by questionnaires. Findings: The findings suggest that leadership roles and practices have a moderate impact on employee behaviour and productivity. Leaders are seen as successful role models, but they are lacking in providing personalised support and effectively communicating goals. The effectiveness of leadership tactics is not considerably influenced by age. The study's findings suggest that implementing leadership development programs, improving communication methods, and providing individualised support mechanisms will promote organisational efficiency and employee engagement in the Ministry of Finance. Policy Implications and Recommendations: Ministries should develop and implement comprehensive training programmes for leaders that focus on enhancing role modeling, setting high performance expectations, and providing effective intellectual stimulation. Governmental ministries should introduce policies and practices that improve the communication of organizational goals and increase employee involvement in the goal-setting process.

BEHAVIOUR BIAS IN INVESTMENT DECISIONS: EMPIRICAL STUDY OF INVESTOR PSYCHOLOGY IN INDONESIA

Investing involves putting money into a variety of asset classes for a predetermined amount of time in the hopes of increasing total value and producing more income. The goals of investments and economics, such as value creation, profit generation, and other related goals, are strongly correlated. It is critical to recognize that investments may include additional financial, social, and spiritual goals. This research aims to assess investor behavior from internal and external perspectives concerning investing decisions. This study employs the Structural Equation Model (SEM) methodology utilizing the Smart-PLS software. This study's findings demonstrate that qualities including anger, anxiety, overconfidence, and self-monitoring positively influence investment decisions. Herding mitigates the adverse impacts of anger, anxiety, overconfidence, and self-monitoring on investment decisions. This research's consequences can assist investors in circumventing irrational risks and yield more objective findings grounded in thorough study. This tendency can result in inefficient market transactions, asset bubbles, and significant volatility. This study arose as a counter to the conventional understanding of exchange markets predicated on the premise of trader rationality. This research identifies that emotional emotions, risk perception, and cognitive biases frequently affect investment decisions by comprehending human nature.

Green Entrepreneurial Intention : The Role of Entrepreneurship Education and Entrepreneurial Self Efficacy

The purpose of this research is to examine how entrepreneurial self-efficacy functions as a mediator in the relationship between green entrepreneurial intention and entrepreneurship education. This research used a survey method with a quantitative approach. A proportionate stratified random sampling method was utilized to calculate the sample for this study, resulting in 305 respondents from various undergraduate programs at Universitas Sebelas Maret and Universitas Negeri Semarang. This study uses data collection techniques using a closed questionnaire in the form of a Likert scale with five alternative answers. IBM SPSS Statistic 26 software was utilized in this work as a statistical analysis tool to examine the mediation effect using route analysis. The study's findings suggest that students' intentions to pursue green entrepreneurship can be influenced by entrepreneurship education, with entrepreneurial self-efficacy acting as a mediator. In order to boost students' entrepreneurial ambitions, university policymakers must incorporate entrepreneurship instruction within the curriculum. Universities should include material on green entrepreneurship in their programs to prepare students to face environmental challenges through business. In addition, it is important to develop training programs that focus on increasing confidence in entrepreneurship, such as through business simulation and mentoring. Policymakers also need to support entrepreneurship education programs that promote sustainable business by providing financial support and supportive policies.

The Precision Resuscitation With Crystalloids in Sepsis (PRECISE) Trial

Intravenous fluids are an essential part of treatment in sepsis, but there remains clinical equipoise on which type of crystalloid fluids to use in sepsis. A previously reported sepsis subphenotype (ie, group D) has demonstrated a substantial mortality benefit from balanced crystalloids compared with normal saline. To test the hypothesis that targeting balanced crystalloids to patients with group D sepsis through an electronic health record (EHR) alert will reduce 30-day inpatient mortality. The Precision Resuscitation With Crystalloids in Sepsis (PRECISE) trial is a parallel-group, multihospital, single-blind, pragmatic randomized clinical trial to be conducted at 6 hospitals in the Emory Healthcare system. Patients with suspicion of group D infection in whom a clinician initiates an order for normal saline in the emergency department (ED) or intensive care unit (ICU) will be randomized to usual care and intervention arms. An EHR alert that appears in the ED and ICUs to nudge clinicians to use balanced crystalloids instead of normal saline. The primary outcome is 30-day inpatient mortality. Secondary outcomes are ICU admission, in-hospital mortality, receipt of vasoactive drugs, receipt of new kidney replacement therapy, and receipt of mechanical ventilation (vasoactive drugs, kidney replacement therapy, and mechanical ventilation are counted if they occur after randomization and within the 30-day study period). Intention-to-treat analysis will be conducted. The PRECISE trial may be one of the first precision medicine trials of crystalloid fluids in sepsis. Using routine vital signs (temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure), available even in low-resource settings, a validated machine learning algorithm will prospectively identify and enroll patients with group D sepsis who may have a substantial mortality reduction from used of balanced crystalloids compared with normal saline. On finalizing participant enrollment and analyzing the data, the study's findings will be shared with the public through publication in a peer-reviewed journal. With use of a validated machine learning algorithm, precision resuscitation in sepsis could fundamentally redefine international standards for intravenous fluid resuscitation. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06253585.

Masquerade of power: women entrepreneurs reshaping gender norms in Kazakhstan's male-dominated sectors

PurposeThis study aims to examine how women entrepreneurs in Kazakhstan's male-dominated sectors utilize the concept of positionality to navigate and redefine gender norms, focusing on their engagement with entrepreneurial masculinities and femininities. It explores the transformative potential of their strategic actions on gender dynamics within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.Design/methodology/approachEmploying qualitative research through 27 in-depth interviews, this study adopts constructivist grounded theory to delve into how women entrepreneurs interact with gender norms within their entrepreneurial context. This approach highlights the dynamic interplay between gender norms and the strategies employed by women entrepreneurs to navigate these challenges.FindingsThe findings reveal that women entrepreneurs actively employ and navigate entrepreneurial masculinities and femininities as strategies to challenge traditional gender roles. Their approaches vary from conforming to, challenging and creatively redefining the gendered expectations encountered in their entrepreneurial journey. This demonstrates their agency in reshaping gender norms and contributing to the diversity of gender performances within the domain of entrepreneurship.Research limitations/implicationsWhile focused on Kazakhstan, the study's findings suggest broader implications for understanding gender dynamics in entrepreneurship across different cultural contexts. Future research could extend this inquiry to varied sociocultural settings, employing post-structuralist and ethnographic methodologies to further explore the performance of gender roles and the negotiation of belonging in entrepreneurial contexts.Originality/valueBy foregrounding the concept of positionality, this study enriches the dialogue on gender dynamics within entrepreneurship, offering fresh perspectives on the agency of women entrepreneurs in male-dominated sectors. It illustrates how gender identities and performances are not fixed but are actively constructed and negotiated, contributing to the evolving landscape of entrepreneurial masculinities and femininities.

Optimization of wear and friction behaviour of fish scale powder filled natural fibre/glass fibre hybrid epoxy composite in dry sliding condition

Abstract The purpose of this research is to look at the wear and friction properties of a unique composite material made up of fish scale powder, natural fibres, and glass fibres embedded in an epoxy matrix. The growing demand in many industries for eco-friendly and sustainable materials has resulted in the development of hybrid composites that combine natural and synthetic reinforcements. The goal of this study is to improve the wear resistance and frictional qualities of composite material under dry sliding conditions. The wear and friction behaviour of the composite is optimized using the Response Surface and Taguchi approach, which entails constructing a set of trials based on a statistical model. The significant components, which include fish scale powder content, natural fibre type and content, and sliding parameters, are carefully varied to determine the best combination that results in the least amount of wear and friction. The accuracy of the regression models exceeded expectations. According to Taguchi's findings, F and V have the largest impact on wear loss and friction, respectively. Fish scale powder has shown great promise as a filler for enhancing the wear resistance of composites, as seen by the study's findings. The optimized composite has exceptional wear resistance and low friction, making it a suitable alternative for dry sliding applications.

Updates on Clinical Language Sampling Practices: A Survey of Speech-Language Pathologists Practicing in the United States.

Language sample analysis (LSA) provides many benefits for assessing, identifying therapy goals, and monitoring the progress of children with language disorders. Despite these widely recognized advantages, previous surveys suggest the declining use of LSA by speech-language pathologists (SLPs). This study aimed to provide updates on clinical LSA use following the recent introduction of two new LSA protocols, namely, the Sampling Utterances and Grammatical Analysis Revised (SUGAR) protocol and the Computerized Language Analysis KIDEVAL program. Survey data from SLPs practicing in the United States (N = 337) were used to examine rates of LSA use, methods, and protocols. Factors predicting LSA use and reported facilitators and barriers were also examined. Results indicated that 60% of SLPs used LSA in the past year. LSA skill level, training, and serving preschool or elementary school children predicted LSA use, whereas workplace, caseload, and years of experience were not significant predictors. Most SLPs reported using self-designed LSA protocols (62%), followed by Systematic Analysis of Language Transcripts (23%) and SUGAR (12%) protocols. SLPs who did not use LSA reported limited time (74%), limited resources (59%), and limited expertise (41%) as barriers and identified additional training on LSA computer programs (52%) and access to automatic speech recognition programs (49%) as facilitators to their adoption of LSA. Reported rates of LSA use and methods were consistent with previous survey findings. This study's findings highlight the ongoing needs for more extensive preprofessional training in LSA.

The impact of negative school experiences on rates of youth delinquency: accounts of incarcerated young people in Türkiye

ABSTRACT The main purpose of this study is to examine the school experiences of incarcerated Turkish young delinquents and reveal how these negative experiences affected their descent into delinquency. In order to carry out the study, official permission to meet with 10 young delinquents, currently being held in the Youth Detention Centre in Ankara (capital of Türkiye) and convicted of various crimes, has been obtained from the Turkish Ministry of Justice. Interviews have been conducted in three separate sessions. Study findings have revealed that the school experiences of young delinquents have been overwhelmingly negative and that they have started committing crimes while still being enrolled in school. Additionally, it has been found that they defied school rules and maintained social connections with individuals engaged in unlawful activities.

Adoption of Advanced Systems for Digital Resource Management in Academic Institutions

In educational organizations, digital resource management refers to the organization and enhancement of electronic resources, including databases, libraries, and digital instructional materials. Excellent administration ensures optimal utilization, improves accessibility, and advances learning objectives. To achieve better institutional results, this approach entails incorporating digital tools, handling issues like data security and user training, and adjusting to new technological developments. Using an emphasis on the integration of digital libraries, e-learning platforms, and research databases, this study investigates the technologies and approaches used in maintaining digital resources within higher education circumstances. Through the use of a survey research design, this study employed a quantitative research methodology. Data gathered from a sample of 250 undergraduate students was utilized in this investigation. This study looks at the connections between teaching profile (TP), technology competence (TC), digital technology awareness (DTA), utility perception (UP), and usage motivation (UM). SPSS was utilized statistically to obtain the outcomes. Descriptive, correlation, and regression analysis were used to obtain the results utilizing data gathered from a sample of university participants. Significant of both conceptual and actual consequences have resulted from the findings.According to the study's findings, efficient use of digital resources in academic institutions greatly improves accessibility and resource utilization, both of which contribute to better learning outcomes.

Why Is Generation Z Motivated at Work? A Qualitative Exploration

ABSTRACTThis article aims to identify and explain the factors leading to work motivation among the Generation Z workforce, using the self‐determination theory (SDT) of motivation as a lens. The study involved 317 respondents and utilized open‐ended questions to gather textual responses through a survey. The responses were analyzed using NVIVO 14. Seven broad themes explained this cohort's work motivation: nature of work, job, support, future opportunities, references, experience, and career. The two most autonomous forms of motivation—intrinsic motivation and identified regulation—significantly explain worker motivation. Theoretically, the study's findings advance the SDT of motivation by applying its principles to an emerging workforce. Additionally, these findings enhance our comprehension of Generation Z workers’ motivation across various industries. From a managerial perspective, the results may inform the development of targeted human resource practices aimed at motivating Generation Z employees within organizations.

Women in mountain tourism: exploring the links between women tourism entrepreneurship and women empowerment in Hunza Valley

ABSTRACT Tourism entrepreneurship is crucial to boosting household income and fostering gender equality in Pakistan. However, the involvement of women in mountain tourism entrepreneurship remains rather limited. This study examines the experiences of women entrepreneurs in the Hunza Valley of Pakistan, highlighting their transformative journey into the tourism market despite facing various obstacles. Through qualitative research involving 24 women-led tourism enterprises, the study illuminates the positive outcomes these women have achieved, including greater control over finances, enhanced decision-making power, boosted self-confidence, expanded networks, and overall societal empowerment. The study also identifies internal and external constraints faced by these entrepreneurs, emphasising the need for immediate policy interventions to support women's entrepreneurship in the region. Recognising the catalytic role these women play in promoting gender equality and social innovation, the study advocates for greater recognition and appreciation of their contributions to inspire other women in the region. Based on the study's findings, a framework for women's tourism entrepreneurship is proposed, emphasising the potential of such initiatives to empower women, drive social change, and foster gender equality in remote mountain regions.

Tailoring optimal KERMA, projected range, and mass stopping power, and gamma-ray shielding capabilities through BaO/ZnO/CdO/SrO incorporation into Na2O–SiO2 glasses

This study explores the radiation shielding potential of Na2O–SiO2 glass matrices doped with BaO, ZnO, CdO, and SrO, analysed across a broad energy spectrum. The research employed various computational tools such as Phy-X/PSD and PAGEX codes to calculate various shielding parameters, including Kinetic Energy Released in Material (KERMA), mass stopping power, fast neutron, and gamma-ray attenuation properties. Among the glass samples, S3, with its BaO content, exhibited the most advantageous properties in terms of radiation attenuation. The results showed that S3 has the lowest Half Value Layer (HVL) of 0.032 cm at 0.015 MeV and the highest KERMA value, peaking at 0.3 MeV with 0.18 MeV/g. The mass stopping power values for alpha particles in the S3 sample showed a pronounced peak at 0.7 MeV, reaching 150 MeV cm2/g, indicating superior energy absorption. The S3 sample, composed of 20% Na2O, 20% BaO, and 60% SiO2, demonstrated the highest density (i.e., 3.225 g/cm³) and effective atomic number (i.e., 17.5), which contributed to its superior shielding performance. The study's findings show that the careful manipulation of glass composition, particularly through the incorporation of high-atomic-number oxides, can significantly enhance shielding effectiveness. It can be concluded that the S3 glass sample would be an optimal configuration for practical applications in radiation protection, where the Na2O–SiO2 glass matrices doped with BaO in terms of optimal material properties.

Two decades of stakeholder voices: Exploring engagement in Romania's FSC forest management certification

Stakeholders' engagement in forest management decision-making is a critical tool for enhancing the business acceptability of the forest sector, and the Forest Stewardship Certification (FSC) scheme proactively involves stakeholders in its implementation. Based on the stakeholder theory, this study examined stakeholder's engagement in the FSC forest management certification in Romania over the past two decades to identify the extent and inputs of their involvement in the process. Using in-depth content analysis and text mining techniques, we explored publicly available information from 209 public reports covering 45 forest management certificates. According to data available in 178 reports, the average number of stakeholders notified per audit was 50.7. However, response evidence was found in 128 reports, with an average of 1.2 responses per audit, suggesting a limited engagement in the process. Additional stakeholders' feedback was received as part of the on-site audits, with an average of 10.2 responses per audit. Given the inconsistencies in the reporting format between certification bodies, we set a structured framework to analyse the findings on stakeholders' engagement from different report sections. The employed analytical framework sheds light on stakeholder and legitimacy theories in forest certification. Our findings highlighted stakeholders' predominantly positive feedback tone, evenly distributed across all stakeholder types and the four analysis domains. Negative feedback accounted for only 9.4% of the findings, highlighting areas for improvement for certificate holders, companies in the timber supply chain and public authorities. This study's findings may assist FSC in refining its stakeholder engagement practices, contributing to enhanced participation and better risk mitigation of non-compliance with standard requirements.