Greater Autonomy Research Articles

Greater autonomy through closer relations with China? Revisiting the Turkey-China engagement

China se ha convertido en un importante proveedor de recursos para los países en desarrollo, abarcando capital, conocimientos técnicos y experiencias. China también ha trabajado activamente para fortalecer los lazos diplomáticos con las regiones en desarrollo desde principios de la década de 2000. En este contexto, los gobiernos de muchos países en desarrollo han tomado medidas para incorporar a China como un factor importante en sus consideraciones geopolíticas y geoeconómicas. Bajo el gobierno del Partido Justicia y Desarrollo (Adalet ve Kalkınma Partisi, AKP), Turquía también ha buscado fomentar las relaciones con China, particularmente desde principios de la década de 2010. Esta búsqueda se ha visto impulsada aún más por las tensas relaciones de Ankara con Estados Unidos y la Unión Europea. El liderazgo político turco veía a China como un socio potencialmente crucial que podría mejorar la autonomía del país en relación con Occidente. Si bien esta expectativa no se ha materializado del todo hasta ahora, hay un debate en curso sobre hasta qué punto China puede ser potencialmente un actor transformador en la posición de Turquía dentro del orden internacional. Este artículo contribuye a este debate al ubicar la relación entre Turquía y China en un contexto más amplio del poder y la influencia de China en el mundo en desarrollo. El documento sugiere que es probable que el potencial de cooperación de Turquía con China siga siendo relativamente limitado en el futuro previsible. Esto no se debe solo a los vínculos profundamente arraigados de Turquía con Occidente, sino también a la naturaleza del poder global de China, que es más parcial y menos profunda de lo que comúnmente se supone.

Navigating Uncharted Waters: Exploring Leaders’ Challenges in the Era of COVID-19 and the Rise of Telework

This paper presents a systematic literature review of the challenges faced by managers during COVID-19, with a focus on teleworking. The study consists of an analysis of 53 articles published in the period 2020–2023 in journals indexed in the Elsevier’s Scopus and Clarivate Analytics’ Web of Science databases. The inclusion criteria were: (1) peer-reviewed articles; (2) empirical articles; (3) written in English. Five themes were identified: Leadership Styles, Organizational Support and Communication, Telework Productivity, Challenges Related to Telework, and Leaders’ Attitudes Towards Telework. The positive results show that telework can improve work performance with the right equipment, training, and leadership. Telework can also improve sustainability by limiting commuting and providing decent work with greater autonomy and flexibility. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research on this topic.

Human Resource Management Practices and Employee Performance of Kenya Reinsurance Corporation, Nairobi City County, Kenya

Organizations are seeking to gain a competitive advantage via increased employee performance as the business environment becomes more volatile and unpredictable than ever before. To achieve this, businesses are increasingly focusing on human resources practices using more innovative techniques. The current study's objective was to determine how employee performance in Kenya's reinsurance business is impacted by HRM practices. The research explicitly examined the influence of selected practices on overall employee performance. The study utilized a descriptive research design with a case study of Reinsurance Cooperation. The target population was employees of Reinsurance industry in Kenya in Nairobi City County. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the effect of training and development, performance appraisal, reward and compensation, and employee empowerment on employee performance at Kenya Reinsurance Corporation. The study was underpinned Ability, Motivation, Opportunity Theory; Resource Based Theory; and Best Fit Theory. The target audience was all employees of the Reinsurance Corporation in Nairobi City County. The target population will be 149 employees and the study employed the target population census since some other departments had less responses. Both qualitative and quantitative data approaches will be utilized in the study's data collecting. Tables, graphs, and charts were employed to display the results of the data analysis and summary utilizing both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found that training and development, performance appraisal, reward and compensation and employee empowerment had a positive significant influence on employee performance of Kenya Reinsurance Corporation, Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study concludes that training and development helps companies gain and retain top talent, increase job satisfaction and morale and improve productivity. Performance evaluation measures an employee’s contribution in terms of increased company revenue and job performance, compared to industry standards and employee return on investment. A rewarding compensation and benefits plan can attract loyal, motivated and engaged candidates and may reduce the turnover rate of people in a company and empowering employees through greater autonomy has been directly linked to increased employee motivation.

Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes: Is Age at Onset a Determining Factor in Advanced Hybrid Closed-Loop Insulin Therapy?

The integration of continuous glucose monitoring systems with insulin infusion pumps has shown improved glycemic control, with improvements in hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, Hb1Ac, and greater autonomy in daily life. These have been most studied in adults and there are currently not many articles published in the pediatric population that establish their correlation with age of debut. Prospective, single-study. A total of 28 patients (mean age 12 ± 2.43 years, 57% male, duration of diabetes 7.84 ± 2.46 years) were included and divided into two groups according to age at T1D onset (≤4 years and >4 years). Follow-up for 3 months, with glucometric variables extracted at different cut-off points after the start of the closed-loop (baseline, 1 month, 3 months). Significant improvement was evidenced at 1 month and 3 months after closed-loop system implantation, with better glycemic control in the older age group at baseline at TIR (74.06% ± 6.37% vs. 80.33% ± 7.49% at 1 month, p < 0.003; 71.87% ± 6.58% vs. 78.75% ± 5.94% at 3 months, p < 0.009), TAR1 (18.25% ± 4.54% vs. 14.33% ± 5.74% at 1 month, p < 0.006; 19.87% ± 5.15% vs. 14.67% ± 4. 36% at 3 months, p < 0.009) and TAR2 (4.75% ± 2.67% vs. 2.75% ± 1.96% at 1 month, p = 0.0307; 5.40% ± 2.85% vs. 3% ± 2.45% at 3 months, p < 0.027). the use of automated systems such as the MiniMedTM780G system brings glucometric results closer to those recommended by consensus, especially in age at T1D onset >4 years. However, the management in pediatrics continues to be a challenge even after the implementation of these systems, especially in terms of hyperglycemia and glycemic variability.

How professional training impacts teaching innovation among ideological and political teachers: the mediating and moderating role of basic psychological needs satisfaction.

The aim of this study is to explore the impact of professional training on teaching innovation among senior high school ideological and political teachers. By introducing the concept of basic psychological needs satisfaction as a mediating factor, the study seeks to uncover the mechanisms and patterns that manifest in teaching innovation within the Chinese cultural context. To gather empirical data, a questionnaire survey was administered to a sample of 780 teachers in this specialized field. The results showed that providing more professional training is an effective way to enhance teaching innovation. Drawing on Self-Determination Theory, the satisfaction of basic psychological needs (competence, relatedness, and autonomy) was found to play an important role in this process. Competence need satisfaction and relatedness need satisfaction played a mediating role, while autonomy need satisfaction played a moderating role. Based on these findings, several recommendations are provided to support the professional training of senior high school ideological and political teachers and enhance their innovation, including providing personalized training programs, building a mentor system, and allowing greater autonomy in school management.

Remote auditing and its impacts on auditors’ work and work-life balance: auditors’ perceptions and implications

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the impacts of remote auditing on auditors’ work and work-life balance.Design/methodology/approachThis paper adopted a qualitative online survey approach using open-ended reflections from 98 highly experienced auditors. The survey design aligns with a “Big Q” approach to qualitative data. The reflections were interpreted through the theoretical lens of the social presence theory.FindingsAuditors underscore that remote auditing has improved their work-life balance since it offers flexibility, greater autonomy and efficient use of time. However, they believe less social contact due to remote auditing can hurt their work.Research limitations/implicationsThis study aimed to holistically comprehend the concept of work-life balance in a remote auditing setting. Therefore, the study refrained from making comparisons based on demographic information (e.g. gender, experience and type of audit firm).Practical implicationsThe findings highlight the need for adopting flexible work arrangements that prioritise auditors’ well-being. This is critical for making the audit profession attractive and enhancing overall audit quality. Updated regulatory guidance and controls are needed concerning the use of technologies in remote auditing to ensure high-quality audits.Social implicationsThe findings of this study can positively reshape public perception of the audit profession. Firstly, enhanced work-life balance can improve audit quality. Secondly, incorporating emerging technologies in auditing can result in society perceiving auditors as adaptive to innovation and technological advancement that has been touted for their potential for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of audit and audit quality, potentially enhancing societal trust in auditing.Originality/valueThe findings of this study complement the auditing literature that has mainly focused on the traditional work paradigm, requiring in-person presence. The authors identify potential challenges emanating from auditors’ remote work and propose solutions for audit firms to improve work-life balance in a remote work setting.

The impact of a changed writing environment on students' motivation to write

IntroductionThe act of writing is widely acknowledged to be a complex and challenging activity, and in parallel, we know that student motivation to write is a predictor of writing performance. So understanding what characteristics of the writing classroom support or foster motivation remains a salient concern. Research has shown that UK teachers are more likely to see themselves as readers than writers, which may affect how they teach writing.MethodsThis paper reports on student focus group interview data from a study which sought to strengthen teachers' sense of themselves as writers, and to examine the impact of this on students' classroom experience of writing and their writing outcomes. The participant teachers experienced a creative writing residential, which established a writing community led by two professional writers, with the goal of changing teachers' professional practice in their own writing classrooms. The study was mixed methods, comprising a randomized controlled trial and a comprehensive qualitative dataset collating data from both the residential and the classroom. This paper presents the qualitative analysis of 32 interviews with 16 student focus groups, exploring their responses to their teachers' changed practices and how it connected with their motivation to write.ResultsThe interview analysis shows how many students responded positively to new teaching practices which gave them greater autonomy and choice, and established a more collaborative way of working. This led to increased confidence in and motivation to write.DiscussionThe study highlights the importance of the classroom environment in supporting and sustaining motivation to write, and underlines that motivation is not simply an internal characteristic of an individual but is situated within the context of a community of writers.

Work Emails at the Breakfast Table: Proximity of Labour and Capital as an Unexamined Difficulty for the (Just) Distribution of Discretionary Time

ABSTRACTThis article examines an omission in the study of discretionary time that bears on proposals currently being evaluated in this part of political philosophy. Specifically, this is the tendency in many jobs for work time to bleed into what is meant to be protected or discretionary time. I refer to this phenomenon as the relative proximity of labour and capital, which has become more prevalent in the labour market due to increased use of mobile communications technology. Ignored by the literature is the fact that whether a job exhibits a high degree of proximity of labour and capital will influence workers' access to their discretionary time entitlements, including policies such as workplace flexibility and the four‐day week. To account for this, I provide a descriptive and normative account of the proximity of labour and capital, in response to which I propose a remedial policy that provides workers with greater autonomy over how and when they take up their discretionary time entitlements.

The Relationship Between Psychosocial Factors and Student Success in Athletic Training Students

Context Many athletic training programs are not meeting accreditation standards involving measures of student success, causing programs to be noncompliant with these standards and showing current and prospective students that their program may not prepare them for a successful career. Studies have shown that psychosocial factors, including psychological needs and measures of student motivation, may be related to student success. Objective To examine the relationships between psychological needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness), measures of student motivation (controlled and autonomous motivation, self-efficacy, and academic and athletic trainer identity), and measures of student success (persistence, intention to leave, perceived academic performance, and grade point average [GPA]) in athletic training students. Design Cross-sectional. Setting Entry-level master’s athletic training programs. Patients or Other Participants Ninety-seven current entry-level master’s athletic training students who held a noncertified student National Athletic Trainers’ Association membership in 2020. Data Collection and Analysis Responses to surveys were estimated using a path model, in which 4 measures of student success were specified to be predicted by psychological needs directly and indirectly through measures of student motivation. Results Persistence was positively predicted by autonomy and autonomous motivation. Intention to leave was positively predicted by controlled motivation. Perceived academic performance was positively predicted by competence and autonomous motivation. Finally, GPA was predicted positively by academic identity and negatively by athletic trainer identity. Findings also showed an indirect relationship between competence and GPA through academic identity. Overall, findings showed that autonomy, competence, autonomous motivation, and academic identity were important predictors of student success. Conclusion(s) Athletic training students should be provided opportunities to practice athletic training skills and knowledge and to make choices regarding patient care in real-life situations and regarding their learning environment. These opportunities for independence may result in greater autonomy, competence, autonomous motivation, and academic identity, and, in turn, greater student success.

Novices can assess microsurgery performance, and this is enhanced using the Manual Suture Parameters for Training and Assessment (M-SParTA) scoring system

This study explores how novices could effectively evaluate the quality of microsurgical suturing. That would be enhanced with using a novel Manual Suture Parameters for Training and Assessment (M-SParTA), which supported novices with guidance on the objective parameters, in order to increased the accuracy of scoring ability. We also propose the following initial framework to train novices in microsuturing using a standardised task: 1) Exposure; 2) Assessment; 3) Hands-on and self-assessment. The independent learning cycle with targeted supervision provides novices with greater autonomy and a less stressful environment that could enhance skills training.

Autonomy in work location decision and burnout in behavioral health providers: Lessons learned from COVID-19

ObjectiveThe ability to choose one's work-location can influence burnout from employment. We sought to evaluate potential associations between autonomy in work-location decision and burnout. MethodsWe used 2020 Veterans Health Administration Annual All Employee Survey data from behavioral health providers at 129 medical facilities. Based on responses to items in a COVID-19 module related to teleworking frequency and reasons for not teleworking both pre- and during COVID-19, we generated six groups representing potentially differing levels of work-location decision autonomy. We hypothesized that greater autonomy is associated with less burnout. ResultsPsychologists reported highest burnout (40.1%, 1801/4494), followed by psychiatrists (35.6%, 703/1976) and social workers (31.0%, 3421/11,051). Adjusting for covariates including workload, providers newly approved for telework during COVID-19 showed 1.28 (95% CI=1.03–1.59), 1.71 (1.25–2.35), and 1.35 (0.86–2.12) times higher odds of burnout among social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists, respectively, compared to providers chose not to telework during COVID-19. ConclusionsProviders who chose to keep coming into work in person reported less burnout than providers who previously could not telework and are teleworking during the pandemic. Greater autonomy in work-location decision might have greater importance in reducing burnout in behavioral health providers than having the ability to telework per se.

Older person’s experience of PT4Ageing—A programme on self-management «support» in chronic illness

ObjectiveThis study sought to describe the experience of a group of older adults who participated in a chronic illness self-management program. MethodsThe study employed a qualitative phenomenological approach. Participants were eight elders and data collected using semi-structured interviews Data was analysed using thematic analysis. ResultsFive themes emerged from the analysis: (1) Tips to improve our daily lives, (2) I was always motivated, (3) Sharing and mutual help, (4) They made us believe we were capable (5). It would be great if it did not end here. Globally, the participants of the program described their experience as very positive. They identified gains from participating in the program, such as learning strategies to help them cope with their health problems, improving their ability to manage their illnesses more autonomously and building social support, that even persisted after the conclusion of the intervention. ConclusionThe findings of this study provide insight into how older adults experience a program for the self-management of chronic illness. For the development of future programs, support building must be considered. Older adults who participate in self-management programmes exhibit improved self-efficacy in relation to the management their chronic illnesses and greater autonomy in self-care.

Reading in Uncertain Times

Reading in Uncertain Times

Blindness in Adult Dogs: Owners’ and Dogs’ Reactions and Changes in Human–Animal Interaction

ABSTRACT This research aimed to investigate owners’ reactions to the occurrence of blindness in their dogs, how they supported their pets, and how their dogs adapted to the new situation. We conducted a questionnaire survey of people whose dogs had become blind in adulthood. To reach the audience, we contacted international associations (roughly 41,000 members) whose primary scope was to inform and support the owners of dogs with impaired vision. Participation was anonymous and resulted in 398 returned questionnaires. The research showed that owners’ first reactions included mainly negative emotions, such as anxiety, sadness, anger, and unacceptance. However, 44% of the respondents accepted the diagnosis and actively explored tools, supplies, and techniques suitable to help their dog cope with the new situation. Only four dogs were euthanized; most owners (99.9%) refused to put their dogs to sleep, even those who stated they were initially unable to accept their dog's blindness. Canine responses to blindness were depression, increased dependency on their owner, changing postural behavior, and relying on different senses (mainly smell and hearing). Blind dogs maintained their usual daily behaviors (such as walking leash-free) except for engaging in sports, with 49.5% unable to deal with previous activity anymore. Owners found new ways to help their dogs stimulate or maintain their cognitive skills: they started guiding them through voice, little bells, and olfactory toys, exercising for mental stimulation, and finally restructuring their home space to make it easier for the dogs to orientate themselves. The improvements were valuable in reducing symptoms of depression in the dogs, helping them function with greater autonomy and independence. Finally, 89% of the respondents thought their dog was happy despite its blindness. The overall results of our research show that dog owners and their dogs adapt well to dog blindness in adulthood.

If it Bothers Someone it’s a Mistake! How Chinese College Students Conceptualize Transgressions

Given that college-attending emerging adults have greater autonomy and thus may be engaging in behaviors they later find problematic, there is a need to investigate how they make sense of transgressions. The present study investigated through six focus groups ( N = 40) how Chinese college students ( M age = 19.6, SD = 1.41, 60% women) made sense of social and moral transgressions (i.e., mistakes) and the strategies they use to self-correct. Mistakes were conceptualized to include violating standards (moral, social, personal) as well as negatively influencing others (causing harm, but also “being a bother” as part of communal living). Participants reported using strategies (mindfulness, seeking assistance) which required making additional effort in everyday life to self-correct. These findings have implications for considering the important role of community and social support in assisting the promotion of college students’ moral agency, so that they may learn from their mistakes.

The Intervention of Physiotherapy in the improvement of facial mimicry in a Peripheral Facial Palsy associated with a Preg-nancy: A Case Report

Peripheral Facial Palsy is a peripheral paralysis of the facial nerve that results in muscle weakness on one side of the face. Patients develop unilateral facial paralysis within one to three days with involvement of the facial musculature associated or not with neurological alterations, the best-known being Bell's Palsy. Symptoms usually peak in the first week and then gradually subside over three weeks to three months. In this context, a female patient with the clinical Diagnosis of Peripheral Facial Paralysis, was subjected to an intervention plan in Physiotherapy lasting 4 months (sessions of 45 minutes at a frequency of 3 times a week), with the particularity of be 28 weeks pregnant at the start of the sessions. After the end of the sessions, there was a considerable improvement in facial movements, translating into considerable functional changes. The patient acquired greater motor recruitment in flaccid muscles, greater facial symmetry, and consequently greater autonomy in eating, chewing, containing liquids and intraoral sensibility.

Rompiendo barreras, el inglés como herramienta para los profesionales de la salud

One of the objectives of the UNAM School of Medicine is to offer its students the tools and preparation to advance in the command of the English language, which empowers them and allows them to interact in a greater number of contexts, besides covering the characteristics established in the profile of graduates of the Medical Doctor Degree. Due to this, the School of Medicine, through its General Secretariat, SUAyED and the English Program evaluated the existing programs for teaching English used until 2016. Based on these results, a plan was established in which new courses were designed following the level structure of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, which would allow the students to advance from level 0 to B2, that is, an upper intermediate level. The results of these proposals demonstrate a significant advance in the command of the English language, as well as students with greater autonomy and self-confidence. Keywords: English reading comprehension; medical texts; CEFR, Common European Framework of Reference; B2 level; english courses; Medicine.

CORSICAN SEPARATISM IN THE FACE OF SOCIO-LEGAL CHALLENGES. ANALYSIS OF THE PROBLEM ON THE BASIS OF FRENCH, INTERNATIONAL AND EUROPEAN LAW

The paper relates to the separatist tendencies in Corsica. Following the victory of separatists in the local elections in 2017 and 2021, this issue remains one of the most current problems regarding the territorial situation in France. Firstly, the historical background showing the distinctiveness of the indigenous inhabitants of the island is analysed. Subsequently, the main problem is presented in the legal context. The basis for the analysis is the national (French), international and regional (EU) law. The attention is also focused on how the regulations are implemented in practice, particularly regarding their recognition. Although the right to self-determination does not seem to involve the right to secession due to the lack of outright effect of international law, the greater autonomy is not only possible but also desirable. The aim of the paper is to present different aspects of Corsican separateness, to examine the legal framework, and to assess the chances of Corsicans for changing their future.

Physiotherapeutic resources used in the prevention of falls in the elderly

Introduction: The aging process undergoes important physiological changes such as decreased muscle strength, loss of balance, cognitive and functional deficit, which directly affect locomotion, making the elderly person a pre-disposition to falls. Objective: This study aims to use physical therapy resources used to prevent falls in the elderly. Materials and Methods: This is a literature review. Studies published between 2016 and 2021 were chosen. The following databases were searched: Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS) via the Virtual Health Library (VHL); Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO); Science direct; Cochrane Brazil; Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) and Pubmed. Results: 455 titles and abstracts were found using the keywords. Therefore, 443 were excluded for fleeing from the theme and design of the study. Twelve studies were selected to be read in full, of these 5 articles were later excluded. Final considerations: Physical therapy is considered essential to prevent falls in the elderly, which includes diversified exercises focused on improving the musculature both on the ground, as well as making the elderly individual better adapted to the environment in which they live and with greater autonomy, and in the aquatic environment, acting to minimize the reduction in functional capacity.

Food Knowledge for Better Nutrition and Health: A Study among University Students in Portugal.

When students enter university, they suffer adaptations, including, usually, greater autonomy and responsibility for the choices they make. Therefore, it is crucial that they are well informed so as to make healthier food choices. The aim of this study was to determine whether sociodemographic characteristics, academic performance and lifestyle (tobacco and alcohol consumption) interfere with food literacy in university students. A quantitative, analytical, descriptive, transversal and correlational study was carried out, using quantitative data obtained through a questionnaire survey applied to a sample of 924 university students in Portugal. Food literacy was assessed through a scale of 27 items, distributed in three dimensions: D1-Literacy about food nutritional value and composition, D2-Literacy about labelling and food choice and D3-Literacy about healthy eating practices. Results showed no differences in food literacy according to sex or age. However, food literacy varied significantly with nationality, either globally (p = 0.006) or in the different dimensions evaluated (p-values of 0.005, 0.027 and 0.012 for D1, D2 and D3, respectively). In terms of academic achievement, the results showed no significant differences according to self-reported academic performance or even to the average classification obtained in the course. Regarding lifestyle variables, it was observed that alcohol consumption or smoking are not associated with food literacy, that is, food literacy does not vary significantly with these two lifestyle variables. In conclusion, food literacy in general and the dimensions evaluated are essentially constant among university students in Portugal, only varying for students from abroad. These results help to better perceive the food literacy levels for the population under study, university students, and that can be a valuable tool to better increase food literacy at these institutions as a way to better prepare for a healthier life and proper food habits that can enhance health in the long term.