Greater Expectations Research Articles

Greater Expectations: An Appreciative Inquiry into How UK Home-Educating Families Support Their Children’s Learning

Elective home education is a significant aspect of the UK educational system, yet dedicated research on this topic is limited. This study, employing Appreciative Inquiry, explored the best practices perceived by 90 UK home-educating parents. It uncovered diverse strategies, emphasising the importance of resources such as technology, curricula, and collaborative efforts within home education co-operatives. Parents stressed the value of flexible learning environments and strong family commitment, envisioning a future with an enhanced home learning atmosphere and government and school support. They recommended concrete guidance for prospective home-educating parents, focusing on comprehensive child development. Ultimately, families aspired to shape a future for home education that prioritises enriched learning environments, broader societal recognition, and practical support for those embarking on the home education journey. The study’s findings have implications for children’s development, facilitating collaboration between homes and schools, as well as partnerships between families and educators.

Still face in pet dogs (Canis familiaris).

Dogs are able to cooperate in reciprocal exchange with humans but little is known about the extent of these abilities (Range & Virányi, 2015). In the Still Face paradigm, infants reply to a sudden nonreciprocal facial expression with gaze aversion and an increase in re-engagement and distress behaviors (E. Tronick et al., 1978). We directly adapted this method; the dog's owner talked to the dog, then abruptly switched to a still, neutral face, maintaining eye contact. In Study 1 (N = 20), we found that dogs showed a significant decrease in the amount of looking at the owner in the Still Face phase, paralleling the results found in gaze aversion in infants, and they performed fewer pawing and vocalizations toward the person in the Still Face phase. In Study 2 (N = 60), we included one condition of continuous physical contact, and one condition that was a direct replication of the initial study without physical contact. Similar to human infants, we found a significant decrease in looking from the Interaction phase to the Still Face phase. However, in contrast to human infants, re-engagement and stress behaviors were higher in the Interaction phase than the Still Face phase. Looking and re-engagement behaviors differed based on the condition, with a smaller difference between phases in the Petting condition. These results suggest that dogs are capable of perceiving these small changes in human affect. However, unlike human infants, dogs seem to have greater expectations about physical interactions than verbal interactions, as they reacted more strongly to an Interaction phase without physical contact than the Still Face. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Differential sensitivity to adversity by income: Evidence from a study of Bereavement

Adverse life events are often understood as having negative consequences for mental health via objective hardships, which are worse for persons with less income. But adversity can also affect mental health via more subjective mechanisms, and here, it is possible that persons with higher income will exhibit greater psychological sensitivity to negative events, for various reasons. Drawing on multiple sociological literatures, this article theorizes potential mechanisms of increasing sensitivity with income. The proposition of differential sensitivity is tested using the strategic case of spousal and parental bereavement among older US adults. The analyses find consistent evidence of increasing sensitivity of depressive symptoms with income. A series of robustness checks indicate that findings are not due to endogenous or antecedent selection. Further, exploratory analyses of mechanisms suggest that higher sensitivity among the affluent was driven by greater expectations and better relationship quality with the deceased. These findings problematize the conceptualization and assessment of human suffering in economically stratified societies.

Earnings string breaks, accounting litigation risk and audit fees

PurposeThis study aims to investigate whether accounting-related litigation is associated with a break in the client’s earnings string and the auditor’s response to a break in the earnings string.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use regression models on a sample of publicly-traded USA companies with earnings strings.FindingsThe authors find that clients’ earnings string breaks are associated with increased accounting litigation risk and audit fees. The results are more prevalent for larger breaks.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings suggest auditors anticipate string breaks by clients which implies that audit fee research should consider earnings string characteristics in the fee models.Practical implicationsThe auditor’s access to private information allows them to anticipate string breaks and potential increase in litigation risk.Originality/valueAn earnings string break represents a convergence of concerns highly relevant to the auditor: more users relying on the financial statements with greater expectations, increased likelihood of losses to those users, an environment where the likelihood of misstatement may increase, and explicitly stated professional responsibilities in response to the latter. Despite that, and a rich earnings string literature, prior studies have not directly examined auditors’ response to a client’s string break.

#3213 PATIENT ACTIVATION STATUS AND PATIENT PERCEIVED FUNCTION IMPAIRMENT IN CKD: A ROUTE TO OPTIMISING LIFE PARTICIPATION THROUGH ENHANCED SELF-MANAGEMENT?

Abstract Background and Aims Chronic kidney disease (CKD), even at earlier stages where kidney replacement therapy is not required, is associated with significant health and symptom burdens which negatively impact on an individual's functional status and ability to fully engage with work, leisure, and social activities. Life participation can be maximized with optimal day-to-day management of CKD. A strong partnership between the healthcare team and patient is required to support effective self-management. Central to this partnership is patient activation, defined as the knowledge, skills, and confidence to manage one's own health. Individuals who are highly activated take an active role in their health, whilst those with low activated have a more passive role. Higher activation is associated with better clinical outcomes. As part of a wider survey in people living with non-dialysis CKD (ND-CKD), we explored the relationship between patient activation and perceived functional impairment as a result of CKD. Method 14 hospital sites across England invited patients with ND-CKD to complete a survey on health and lifestyle factors including demographic and clinical information, the SF-12 health-related quality of life (QoL) questionnaire, Chalder Fatigue Scale, Patient Activation Measure (PAM-13), and Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS). Participants were classified as having ‘low’ or ‘high’ activation based on their PAM-13 level (Levels 1&2 ‘low’; 3&4 ‘high’). Higher WSAS scores indicated greater perceived functional impairment due to CKD. To compare perceived impairment in WSAS domains between low and high activated participants, Mann-Whitney tests were conducted. To determine the relationship between participant characteristics (i.e., age, gender, ethnicity, eGFR, patient activation, fatigue, physical and mental QoL) and WSAS score, linear regression was performed. Results 828 ND-CKD patients completed the survey [mean age 67.9 (±13.8) years, 60% (n = 501) male, 92% White British (n = 771), eGFR 33.1 (±19.7) ml/min/1.732, total number of additional comorbidities 2.0 (±1.5)]. 64% (n = 529) of participants were classified as having ‘low’ activation. The mean WSAS score was 7.8 (±9.9) indicating mild functional impairment. Both high and low PAM groups perceived social and leisure activities (with other people e.g., outings/dating/parties) to be their most impaired functional activities, and close relationships with others as least impaired. Low activated participants perceived greater impairment on work (P = 0.035), home management (P<0.001), social leisure activities (P<0.001), private leisure activities (P<0.001) and close relationships (P<0.001) as a result of their CKD compared to those with higher activation. Individuals who perceived greater functional impairments were younger (P<0.001), had lower levels of activation (P = 0.036), poorer physical (P<0.001) and mental (P = 0.043) QoL, and greater levels of fatigue (P = 0.001). Conclusion People with lower patient activation perceived greater functional impairment to work, leisure, and social activities as a result of their CKD. Younger people may have greater expectations as to what they can functionally achieve and the marked impact in comparison to their peers without CKD may be greater and more prominent. Conversely, older individuals may be more likely to attribute functional impairments to other age-associated comorbidities or to the effects of aging itself than to CKD. Interventions designed to increase patient activation and improve psychosocial adjustment have the potential to help individuals manage their CKD and reduce the perceived impairment on life participation.

Greater expectations or less sugar-coating? Perceptual underpinnings of constructive patriotism.

In order to clarify the perceptual underpinnings of critical national attachment, we examined the links between constructive (critical) and conventional patriotism, and evaluations of the actual and ideal representations of the country. Across four studies conducted on US and Polish samples (total N=3457), perception of a discrepancy between the actual and the ideal representations of the country was positively linked to constructive but negatively to conventional patriotism. Moreover, constructive patriotism was linked positively and conventional patriotism negatively with being critical of the actual functioning of the country. However, both constructive and conventional patriotisms were positively linked with the height of expectations of how the country should function. Additionally, we showed that discrepancy may motivate constructive patriots to be civically engaged (Study 4). Overall, the findings suggest that the difference between constructive and conventional patriots lies principally in how they evaluate the actual state of the country rather than in the degree to which they set high expectations or standards for the country.

Managing geotechnical uncertainty and risk in mining

The science of soil mechanics is 100 years old, and rock mechanics is about 80 years old. While methods of analysis and design have been developed and have evolved over time, these are relatively young sciences. The rapid increases in computing power and new technologies have enabled more sophisticated modelling and monitoring. However, there are still many aspects of soil and rock mechanics that are not well understood. Geotechnical failures, which have major consequences, still occur. These consequences may include environmental damage, major production holdups and associated loss of revenue, damage to infrastructure, and loss of life. High-consequence events, which are rare, are more difficult to anticipate and to design for, because by their nature they involve extraordinary circumstances or conditions, often geological in nature. The risks are usually mitigated by conservative designs and monitoring. Detailed geotechnical investigations help us to understand the natural variability of soil and rock masses and identify unusual or unexpected conditions. Investigating and researching major geotechnical failures is essential to enable these unusual circumstances to be anticipated. In the past, severe unanticipated events may have been treated as natural events or 'acts of God'. However, society now has much greater expectations and it is essential to have policies and procedures in place that enable appropriate management of these rare, high-consequence risks. A good example is the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), which was introduced after the catastrophic dam collapse at Vale's Corrego de Feijao mine in Brumadinho, Brazil. The address will explain the concepts of uncertainty and variability, and how they should be taken into account in geotechnical design. The challenges facing geotechnical engineers, mine owners, and managers will be discussed. referencing a number of real case studies. Keywords: uncertainty, variability, risk, consequences, environmental, social, production, revenue, damage, geotechnical, soil mechanics, rock mechanics, design, mine layouts, GISTM, tailings dam, pillar, failure, mechanism, model, seismic, rockburst.

Greater expectations: meeting clinical needs through broad and rapid genomic testing.

Cancer describes a group of diseases driven by genetic and genomic changes that can occur across hundreds of different genes. Knowledge of the specific variants present in a patient's cancer can help to predict response to different treatment options, confirm disease diagnosis, andunderstand a patient's prognosis and risks, which ultimately leads to improved survival outcomes. The advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology has allowed pathologists to simultaneously profile the sequences of many genes in a single reaction, but not all NGS assays are built the same. While those used for broad genomic profiling are useful to probe large regions of the genome and gather more information about a patient's tumor, it comes at the cost of relatively long turnaround times (TAT), which may be detrimental to patient care. Conversely, NGS assays used for rapid genomic profiling provide faster results, but may miss detection of variants that are clinically informative. Determining which type of genomic profiling to order depends on a number of factors including the severity of a patient's illness, standard of care paradigms, and success or failure of previous therapies. Ultimately, the ideal clinical diagnostic laboratory will be able to offer both options to best meet the clinical needs of its patients.

Which Skills Are the Most Absent among University Graduates in the Labour Market? Evidence from Slovakia

The most important purposes of Slovakian universities are research and education. The main goal of university education is to prepare highly skilled graduates to be employed in the labour market either at home or abroad. To achieve this goal, universities need to receive feedback from their graduates as to whether they are satisfied with their education and whether their employers are satisfied with their skills. The results obtained in this study show that, except for graduates from technical sciences, most graduates of Slovakian universities are not satisfied with the study programmes they chose. There are various factors affecting the satisfaction of graduates with their study programme; however, the most important ones were related to their employability and their employment in their field of study. Moreover, potential employers have greater expectations in relation to soft skills than graduates have acquired. The greatest differences between the required and acquired skills were seen in soft skills, such as the ability to take responsibility, to communicate with people, to negotiate, and to adapt to change, regardless of the field of study. Other than foreign language skills, the level of required hard skills was only slightly higher than the level acquired. According to these results, we make recommendations for universities, politicians, and potential employers; however, only reasonable cooperation among them can lead to graduates being satisfied with their chosen study programme.

CSR Disclosure and Internationalisation: The Missing Elements Between Earnings Management and the Ma (WITHDRAWN)

This paper explores the relationship between earnings management and firms’ value through the moderating effect of two missing elements—corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure and internationalisation. The main argument of the paper is that CSR disclosure can be used as a mitigating mechanism to weaken the negative relationship between earnings manipulation and market value. We tested our hypotheses on panel data for 223 publicly listed Russian firms for the period 2012–2018. Supported by legitimacy and stakeholder theory, we observed that firms that disclosed more CSR information experienced a weaker negative relationship between earnings management and market value because investors positively perceived their attempts to improve their socially responsible image. This negative effect was even weaker for firms that internationalised and had larger numbers of stakeholders, which placed greater expectations on firms to be transparent and responsible. Our results provide new insights into earnings management, CSR disclosure, and the internationalisation of emerging-market firms.

Water governance on the streets of Scotland: How frontline public workers encounter and respond to tensions in delivering water services with communities

AbstractWe explore the activities of frontline workers situated in public bodies responsible for water service provision. We use Scotland as a case study. Here, like in other parts of Europe, there are greater expectations and responsibilities placed on communities to tackle water concerns. In this context, frontline workers are required to collaborate closely with communities to encourage their involvement in public services whilst being more attentive to their needs and concerns. Doing so brings the relationship between frontline workers and communities into focus. In water services, a research gap exists as to how frontline workers interact with communities and influence engagement. Although frontline workers in water services have a highly influential role, evidence of how they perform their daily duties remains limited. This gap hinders understanding the challenges that frontline workers experience and how they can be overcome. Responding to this gap, we look to administration and policy studies, where a tradition of studying frontline workers exists in diverse public policy areas. Using the concepts of biasing, aligning and negotiating, we explore the activities of frontline workers. Using interview and observational data, we demonstrate how they (i) bias services to limit and control engagement, (ii) align resources and people to enhance opportunities for engagement and (iii) negotiate with colleagues and communities to deliver goals. We unpack the role of frontline workers and explore their pertinent position in water governance as they work inside and outside their organisations. We finish with conclusions and future avenues for research.

The effect of FinTech investments on listed banks: Evidence from an Italian sample

This paper analyses whether and how investments in financial technology (FinTech) affect performance, risk, and value of listed Italian banks. This paper tests the effect of return on equity (ROE) and capital asset pricing model (CAPM) Beta coefficient — and, secondly, of the price-to-book value (PBV) ratio, on a sample of 17 Italian listed banks from 2013 to 2019, representing the largest institutions operating in the Italian banking industry. The FinTech variable is declined into two different statuses: digital active banks and digital-focused banks. The study adds useful insights to the positive effects of innovation on banks’ value, in a market, like the Italian one, where investments in FinTech have spread in recent years. Controlling for other financial statements and market variables, the presence of FinTech investments does not affect the CAPM Beta coefficient, while the relationship is positive and significant with ROE for digital active banks only, and with the PBV for digital-focused banks. These results confirm a positive effect on performance for banks investing in FinTech, while greater expectations from investors and a positive effect on bank value creation are significant for digital-focused banks only.

Stereotypes of Older Adults, Older Men, and Male Leaders Predict Expectations, Stance, and Voting Intentions

The 2020 U.S. Presidential Election offered a unique opportunity to examine how stereotypes of older adults, older men, and male leaders impact expectations of candidate job performance and intentions to vote for Biden or Trump. This online study involved 500 college students from two universities from September 30th until November 3 (Election Day). A Biden and Trump model were tested for the relationships among (a) stereotypes from public discourse with (b) expectations of candidates/ presidential performance with (c) voting stance (pro- and anti-Biden vs pro- and anti-Trump) and (d) intentions to vote for Biden/Trump. As expected, for the Biden model, endorsement of older adult (lesser endorsement of senile, unhealthy), male leadership (greater endorsement of assertive and collaborative, lesser endorsement of uncaring), and older male stereotypes (greater endorsement of elder statesman and family-focused) predicted greater expectations of Biden’s performance, which predicted pro-Biden and anti-Trump stances and ultimately voting intentions for Biden. As expected, for the Trump model, endorsement of older adult (lesser endorsement of senile), male leadership (greater endorsement of assertive, collaborative, lesser endorsement of immoral and uncaring), and older male stereotypes (greater endorsement of elder statesman) predicted greater expectations of Trump’s performance, which predicted pro-Trump and anti-Biden stances and ultimately voting intentions for Trump. Taken together, these results suggest examining relevant categories of stereotypes associated with candidates and voting stances provides a fuller picture of voting behavior toward multiple candidates vying for office in addition to political ideology and voting intentions.

643 How the Straight Leg Raise and Crossed Straight Leg Raise Sign Influence Patient Reported Outcome Measures in Patients with a Lumbar Disc Herniation

Abstract Aim Low back pain (LBP) with associated lumbar radiculopathy is common. Clinical assessment utilises the straight leg raise (SLR) test and the more specific crossed straight leg raise (XSLR) test. Patient reported outcome measure (PROMs) scores can assess the contributary biopsychosocial factors to pain. Evidence shows links between radiculopathy and psychosocial issues, but little has assessed them in relation to clinical examination. The aim of this study was to assess the significance of the SLR and XSLR sign on PROMs in patients with an MRI-confirmed lumbar disc herniation. Method Patients with an MRI-confirmed lumbar disc herniation who presented with LBP and lumbar radiculopathy were identified. Collected data included the clinical examination outcome, level and side of disc prolapse, interventions and PROMs scores (VAS, ODI, EQ5D, GAD7, PHQ9). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. Results 216 patients were included in this study (mean age 50.4, 41% female, 59% male), 102 had negative straight leg raise (NSLR), 94 had positive SLR and 20 had both a positive SLR and positive XSLR. Patients with a positive clinical test on examination had ‘worse’ PROMs scores, with a positive XSLR sign associated with the ‘worst’ PROMs scores. For each PROM, t-test analysis reported a significant difference between the NSLR and SLR groups and NSLR and XSLR groups (P < .01). Conclusions PROMs scores indicating a lower health-related quality-of-life, increased levels of disability, pain, anxiety and depression and greater expectations are associated with a positive SLR or XSLR test.

Comparative analysis of information tendency and application features for projection mapping technologies at cultural heritage sites

With the rapid development of interactive technologies using projection mapping (PJM), these digital technologies have introduced new interpretative possibilities for the presentation of cultural heritage sites. PJM attracts more visitors with greater expectations to cultural heritage sites through its excellent visual effects and guidance capabilities. In the past decade, especially after 2015, design events have frequently introduced digital projections to cultural heritage sightseeing spots worldwide. However, this trend has also led to the emergence of many digital projection events that merely exhibit beautiful projection effects on buildings and neglect to show the history and value of the cultural heritage site. Based on this phenomenon, this study compiled and analyzed 45 related cases of PJM applications at cultural heritage sites around the world from the past 5 years. These 45 examples were studied by disassembling the projection content, analyzing the information characteristics exhibited in each projection video, and arranging the obtained data on a timeline chart for analysis. According to the data, two information characteristics of PJM at cultural heritage sites can be observed: “the relationship between projection content and heritage” and “information tendency.” The advantages and limitations of these characteristics were distinguished and suggestions for the application of PJM on cultural heritage sites were derived. These results can be used as a reference for other research studies on visitors to cultural heritage sites and improving digital interpretation and presentation designs.

Who is more likely to adopt and comply with the electronic patient-reported outcome measure (ePROM) mobile application? A real-world study with cancer patients undergoing active treatment.

This study aims to identify factors associated with the adoption and compliance of electronic patient-reported outcome measure (ePROM) use among cancer patients in a real-world setting. This prospective cohort study was conducted at the Samsung Medical Center in Seoul, Korea, from September 2018 to January 2019. Cancer patients aged 18years or older who owned smartphones and who were receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy were eligible for this study. Patients were asked to use the app to report their symptoms every 7days for a total of 21days (3weeks). Logistic regression was performed to identify the factors associated with the adoption and compliance. Among 580 patients, 417 (71.9%) adopted the ePROM app and 159 (27.4%) out of 417 had good compliance. Patients who had greater expectations regarding the ease of use (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.67, 95% CI: 1.28-5.57) and usefulness (aOR 1.69, 95% CI: 1.05-2.72) of the ePROM app were more likely to adopt the app than those who did not. Patients who had greater satisfaction with usefulness (aOR 1.89, 95% CI 1.10-3.25) were more likely to comply with using the app, but satisfaction with ease of use was not related to the compliance. While expectation regarding the ease of use and usefulness of the ePROM app was associated with the adoption of the app, satisfaction with ease of use was not related to compliance with the ePROM app. Satisfaction with usefulness was associated with the compliance of ePROM app use.

A qualitative exploration of health-related quality of life and health behaviours in children with sickle cell disease and healthy siblings

Objectives This study explored the health-related quality of life (HRQL) and health behaviours of children with sickle cell disease (SCD) and healthy siblings, drawing on Gap theory, which suggests HRQL is the discrepancy between current and ideal selves. Design Thirty-two interviews, facilitated by children’s drawings of their current and ideal selves were thematically analysed. Results Two themes were identified. First, limitations of SCD and adjusted expectations. Children with SCD report some discrepancy in HRQL as they would like to participate in more physical activity, but overall, they appear to have normalised their condition and adjusted their expectations in the context of the limits of their condition. Healthy siblings worry about their sibling and have greater expectations about engaging in adventurous activities and for their future. Second, coping with SCD. Children have limited social support, although children with SCD seek support from their mothers. They also modify health behaviours, like reducing exercise to help prevent and cope with sickle-related pain. Conclusion Children have some discrepancies in their HRQL but adjusted expectations among children with SCD may reduce discrepancy. Adapting health behaviours may help to cope with SCD but it is important that reductions in physical activity do not impair HRQL.

‘Our striking results demonstrate …’: Persuasion and the growth of academic hype

Academics today are working in a time of intense pressure in research publishing, with greater expectations, more explicit incentives and fiercer competition than ever before. In this paper we explore whether this has led authors to rhetorically ‘sell’ or ‘hype’ their studies. Based on a corpus of 360 articles in leading journals in four disciplines at three periods over the past 50 years, we trace the use of 400 ‘hyping’ words which seek to promote, embellish or exaggerate aspects of research papers. Our results show a massive increase in these items with twice as many hypes in every paper. We also show that increases are most marked in the hard sciences and that hyping displays a greater willingness by authors to display positive attitude, underline their contribution and to hype research primacy, methods and the author's prior research. We discuss these findings in the context of current career pressures on academics.

Mitos y realidades sobre la inclusión de migrantes en aulas chilenas: El caso de la escritura

El crecimiento de la inmigración en Chile durante la última década ha desafiado un sistema escolar altamente segregado. Si bien Chile suscribe el cuarto Objetivo de Desarrollo Sostenible de la ONU para una educación inclusiva, equitativa y de calidad, la estructura del sistema escolar chileno y la falta de una política educativa intercultural constituyen obstáculos para asegurar el derecho a la educación. Este artículo busca aportar evidencia sobre las condiciones en que aprenden los estudiantes inmigrantes en Chile, por medio de la indagación de desempeños en escritura y barreras de aprendizaje asociadas (creencias, actitudes y expectativas docentes), así como aspectos del bienestar socio-emocional estudiantil. El desempeño escrito es relevante pues constituye un potencial mediador (u obstáculo) para los aprendizajes escolares. Los resultados muestran dos grupos de desempeño dentro de los estudiantes migrantes, y que los estudiantes migrantes enfrentan barreras diferentes según su origen. Quienes provienen de Haití, Bolivia y República Dominicana se encuentran más vulnerados; mientras que estudiantes de Perú, Venezuela y Colombia obtienen un mejor rendimiento en escritura, presentan mayores niveles de autoestima y autoeficacia, y reciben mayores expectativas docentes que sus pares, lo que sugiere indagar en las intersecciones de lengua y raza que se vinculan con discriminación y prejuicios.

Personality and Sexting: The Relationship Between Sexting Behaviors, Sexting Expectations, and the Big Five

Sexting is a common practice in intimate relationships; however, little research has investigated the role that sexting plays in adult relationships. The authors surveyed 356 individuals about their sexting behaviors and expectations and personality factors. Results indicated extroversion and openness are associated with greater arousal expectations for sending sexts and lower negative expectations for receiving sexts. Agreeableness is associated with lower negative expectations for sending sexts. Neuroticism is associated with lower arousal expectations and greater negative expectations for sending sexts. Individuals who are cohabitating sext more frequently than individuals who are dating, single, or married.