Higher Academic Qualifications Research Articles

Exploration of preschool hearing screening at primary healthcare centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

The hearing status of children should be examined throughout early childhood, even if they have passed the newborn hearing loss because hearing loss can occur at any time and may affect their ability to learn. Preschool hearing screening (PHS) is vital to continue screening throughout early childhood. The current practice of PHS in the primary healthcare centers (PHCs) in Saudi Arabia is unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate PHS in the PHCs. This cross-sectional descriptive study used an in-person-administered questionnaire to collect data. A total of 106 out of 120 participants (male = 61; female = 45) representing the PHCs in Riyadh were interviewed. Most of the participants were aged 31–40 years and held a bachelor's degree as the highest academic qualification with limited years of experience. PHS was mostly performed through subjective measures by asking the parents (71.7%) and the child (65.1%). The audiometric evaluation was conducted for preschool children in only half of the PHCs. General practitioners and nurses usually perform PHS. Substantial gaps in the practice of PHS were identified. The lack of training and appropriate instruments and the need for audiological services were the main challenges. Incorporating robust and objective protocols for PHS into the educational system is a valuable strategy for identifying hearing loss early and reducing its impact through the establishment of effective intervention plans.

The Role of Empathy and Relationship Quality in Building Customer Loyalty in Community Pharmacies: Evidence from Jordan

Aim: This study explores how pharmacist empathy influences customer loyalty through the mediating role of relationship quality in community pharmacies. Methodology: A cross-sectional study utilizing a web-based questionnaire and convenience sampling was conducted in Jordan. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Results: A total of 536 responses were gathered and analyzed from all Jordanian regions. The gender distribution was balanced, with 261 males (48.7%) and 275 females (51.3%). The age distribution was concentrated in the 35-44 age group (29.3%), followed by 25-34 (25.6%). The majority had a high level of education, with 323 (60.3%) holding a Bachelor's degree or higher academic qualification (19.0%). Most participants visited pharmacies at least once every six months (50.6%), primarily using independent community pharmacies (52.1%). The study findings highlight a significant positive impact of pharmacist empathy on the three key dimensions of pharmacist-patient relationship quality (trust, satisfaction, and commitment). Furthermore, a significant positive relationship was found between the relationship quality dimensions and both customer loyalty dimensions (attitudinal and behavioral loyalty). Conclusion: The study findings highlight the central role of pharmacist empathy in establishing a strong and enduring pharmacist-patient relationship quality, which in turn, enhance consumers loyalty, which is essential for thriving and surviving in today's competitive market.

Cross-Sectional Analysis of Demographic Factors Influencing Health Research Utilization in Nigeria

Health research utilization is essential for evidence-based policymaking and the implementation of effective health interventions. This cross-sectional study analyzes demographic factors influencing the utilization of health research in Nigeria, focusing on public health professionals and policymakers. The study employed a cross-sectional descriptive design and used a purposive sampling method to recruit participants from various public health and health policy platforms. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire administered via Google Survey. The study reveals a predominant participation of female respondents (56.5%) and a mean participant age of 41.5 years, with a significant concentration in the 41-50 years age group. The majority hold a master’s degree in public health (58.5%), reflecting the high academic qualifications within the sector. Despite this, the perceived utilization of research findings is overwhelmingly poor, highlighting a substantial gap between research production and practical application. The study finds significant relationships between age and perceptions of research utilization, suggesting that mid-career professionals may have different views on the challenges and opportunities for integrating research into health policy. These findings underscore the need for targeted strategies to enhance the practical application of health research, emphasizing the importance of improving access to research findings and ensuring their relevance to local contexts. This research contributes to understanding the barriers to effective knowledge translation and suggests avenues for fostering a more evidence-based approach to public health in Nigeria.

Exploring teachers' artificial intelligence awareness

The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) technological advancements is reshaping various aspects of our daily lives, including education. Integrating AI in education offers advantages such as personalized learning and operational efficiency. However, educators need to be aware of AI's implications in education. Teachers must enhance their awareness and knowledge levels to adapt to the educational environment where AI technologies are becoming increasingly prevalent. Therefore, this research aims to assess teachers' AI awareness levels and investigate whether AI awareness varies based on age, graduation status, and years of experience. This study used data collected from 147 educators using the Teachers' Artificial Intelligence Awareness Scale. The results indicated that teachers' AI awareness was at a moderate level. Additionally, the study examined teachers' AI awareness across different variables. Independent sample t-tests and one-way ANOVA analyses determined teachers' AI awareness variation based on age. The research findings suggest that younger educators and those with higher academic qualifications have more excellent practical knowledge of AI. The study's limitations included a relatively small sample size and the assumption of accurate participant responses. Despite these limitations, understanding teachers' AI awareness levels is a foundation for developing educational programs related to AI. By understanding teachers' perceptions and knowledge of AI, tailored interventions and training initiatives can enhance educators' proficiency in effectively utilizing AI technologies within educational settings.

Unveiling IR 4.0 Competency: Assessing Creativity Through RIASEC Personality Typology in Low- Income Populations

The Revolution Industry 4.0 (IR4.0) has brought significant changes to the lives of individuals, particularly those from low-income populations even though with high academic qualifications. However, the advent of this revolution present opportunities for individuals who possess the appropriate competencies. In this era, creativity stands out as vital competency for individual staying relevant and thriving amidst rapid changes in world of work. Inspired by RIASEC model by Holland’s theory, this study motivated to examine its influence on creativity among low-income populations. The survey data was collected form 98 undergraduate students participating in the Work Based Learning Program at a Malaysian Polytechnic, specifically targeting those form low-income group. Utilizing a quantitative approach, the study employed purposive sampling techniques. Furthermore, Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) using SmartPLS 3.0 software was utilized to assess both measurement and structural models. The study’s findings reveal a positive correlation between Enterprising personality type and creativity competency. These findings could enrich the literature in competency, human resource and human psychology areas and also literature for the RIASEC model by Holland theory. Future research might consider expanding the sample to include students from other higher institutions beyond those from low-income backgrounds.

How to survive a physics PhD

Achieving a doctoral degree, the highest academic qualification available, is a huge feat that can be a long and difficult journey. Having recently completed her own PhD in physics, Pruthvi Mehta shares her five top tips for surviving your doctoral studies.

기초정신건강복지센터 제공 사업에 대한 중장노년층의 인식

Objective : From September 1st to 30th 2023, an online survey was conducted on middle-aged and older people's nationwide. Total of 161 surveys were used as data and frequency analysis, Pearson chi-square test were performed using SPSS 25.0 program. Methods : From September 1st to 30th 2023, an online survey was conducted on middle-aged and older people's nationwide. Total of 161 surveys were used as data and frequency analysis, Pearson chi-square test were performed using SPSS 25.0 program. Results : As a result of the study, 'Don't know' showed the highest proportion in all projects except disaster health service support work. As a result of analyzing the level of awareness of the projects of the basic mental health welfare center according to general characteristics, the projects of the basic mental health welfare center, which showed a significant differences in the level of awareness depending on gender, age, residential area, marital status, child status, religion, highest academic qualification, type of occupation, family monthly income, family and relative experiences of mental illness, experience using the mental health welfare center. Among them, in the case of experience using the mental health welfare center, there was a exceptional difference in the level of perception in all projects. Conclusion : Active promotion of the projects and education on the use of mental health services should be conducted to raise the level of middle-aged and older people's awareness of the projects provided by the basic mental health welfare center and to provide effective mental health services for the public.

Guidance provided by pharmacists to customers regarding to destination of unused household medications: disposal of household medications

BackgroundDiscarding pharmaceuticals in the garbage or into the sewage system are still the most common methods in many countries. This study aims to investigate the guidance provided by pharmacists to customers on the disposal of unused and expired household medications in São Paulo State, Brazil.MethodThe study population consisted of 630 pharmacists from the State of São Paulo, who work in community pharmacies. They answered an online questionnaire with questions composed in three blocks: demographic, work, and academic information on the pharmacist; guidance about the disposal of household medications; and knowledge regarding the reverse logistics of these medications. An invitation to participate in the questionnaire was made via WhatsApp, individually and collectively. Inferential statistics were performed using the chi-square test and were considered significant when p < 0.05%.ResultsAmong the participating pharmacists, the majority were women under 60 years old,56 (8.89%) stated that they never orient the customer regarding the disposal of unused and expired household medications, while 574 (91,12%) indicated that they almost provide guidance. The frequency with which they provided guidance was influenced by the number of years since graduation (p = 0.0047), the time they had worked in pharmacies and drugstores (p = 0.0007), and whether or not they had a graduate degree (p = 0.0181). Regarding the disposal of medications, among the 643 responses provided by the pharmacists,516 (80.25%) indicated that they oriented customers to return them to a pharmacy.ConclusionA small number of pharmacists always orient customers on the proper disposal that should be followed for unused and expired household medications, prioritizing their return to a pharmacy. In general, these pharmacists have longer periods of work experience and higher academic qualifications. Thus, it is important to increase knowledge through professional training and further education programs.

The impact of CEO attributes on sustainability performance: evidence from an emerging economy

PurposeThis study aims to empirically examine the influence of CEO characteristics on the sustainability performance of listed banks in Bangladesh through the lens of upper echelons theory.Design/methodology/approachThe authors estimated sustainability performance score based on a hand collected data set from the annual report and sustainability reports of the Bangladeshi listed banks. Following Clarkson et al. (2008), the sustainability index developed by Ong et al. (2016) and the G4 sustainability reporting standards of the global reporting initiative (GRI), a unique scoring index was developed to gather and assess sustainability data from listed banks. A panel regression analysis model is used to investigate the impact of CEO attributes on sustainability performance.FindingsThe findings of this study reveal that higher academic qualifications, greater industry experience and a longer tenure of the CEO have a significant and positive impact on the sustainable performance of the Bangladeshi listed banks. Furthermore, this study reveals that Bangladeshi listed banks are considerably behind in implementing the sustainability recommendations of Bangladesh Bank.Originality/valueThis study provides new evidence of how CEOs’ attributes can affect the sustainability reporting of Bangladeshi listed banks. Furthermore, this study measures the real contribution towards sustainability performance compared with the general claims about sustainability made by listed banks in Bangladesh.

Work-life Balance, Gender Role Beliefs, Gender Participation and Women's Representation in Leadership Positions in Public Universities: A Case of Makerere University

The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between work-life balance, gender role beliefs, gender participation, and women's representation in leadership positions in public universities in Uganda. 280 staff from Makerere University responded to the study. A cross-sectional study survey was adopted which involved descriptive, correlation, and regression approaches. The findings of this study revealed work-life balance, gender role beliefs, and gender participation significantly and positively influence women's representation in leadership positions at Makerere University in Uganda. Women who take on more leadership roles at Makerere University have to realize work-life balance. Women have to be given equal opportunity to participate in all university activities with support accorded to them just as the case is, with male employees. They should be supported to take on leadership roles and higher academic qualifications just as their male counterparts. The results show that among other driving forces to venture into leadership positions, achieving work-life balance is one of the most significant ones. Lack of ample time, gender stereotypes, social and cultural norms as well and family responsibilities are the greatest hindrances women face in achieving balance hence hindering their representation in leadership positions in Makerere University. This study shows how women's representation in leadership positions can be improved by family, domestic, and work-related factors.

An Assessment of Pediatric Nurses Awareness and Perceived Knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Gulf State Survey

Background. The purpose of this study was to determine pediatric nurses’ knowledge of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Methods. We conducted a population-based online survey of 273 pediatric nurses in eastern Saudi Arabia using convenience sampling method. Perceived knowledge was assessed using the knowledge of childhood autism among Health Professionals Questionnaire (KCAHW) that was translated into Arabic. We used multivariate regression analysis to determine the influence of demographic factors on the perceived knowledge. Using Pearson’s correlation analysis, we assessed the correlation between the outcome variables and the predictor variables. Results. ASD knowledge is generally higher among pediatric nurses with higher academic qualifications (r = 0.29, p &lt; 0.001). They scored higher on general knowledge (M = 21.5, SD = 5.7) and lower on signs and symptoms (M = 15.2, SD = 4.3), diagnosis (M = 13.8, SD = 3.9), and management of ASD (M = 12.4, SD = 4.1). A significant correlation was found between mean KCAHW and age (r = 0.12, p = 0.029), sex (r = 0.18, p = 0.003), years of experience (r = 0.25, p &lt; 0.001), education level (r = 0.34, p &lt; 0.001), and hospital type (r = 0.21, p = 0.001). Predictors of knowledge and understanding were level of education (β = 0.23, p = 0.001), formal training (β = 0.16, p = 0.012), and years of experience (β = 0.19, p = 0.005). The majority could not define ASD or recognize early signs and symptoms or associated comorbidities. Lack of social and emotional reciprocity and impaired language development have been reported, as well as the perception of ASD as a neurodevelopmental disorder. Conclusion. Higher academic qualifications are associated with high general knowledge of ASD; however, nurses in this cohort performed poorly in ASD sign and symptom recognition, diagnosis, and management.

Analysis of the factors influencing male infertility of reproductive age in Jinan.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines infertility as a person failing to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Infertility includes female infertility and male infertility. The aim of this paper is to study the etiology of infertility and related influencing factors in men of reproductive age in Jinan. In this study, 172 male infertile patients who attended the Department of Assisted Reproduction of Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital in Shandong, China and the Infertility Clinic of Jinan Central Hospital in Shandong, China from August 2021 to April 2022 are selected as the study population (infertility group). A convenience sampling method is used to select 257 men from couples attending the Obstetrics Department of Qilu Hospital in Shandong, China, the Obstetrics Department of the Second Hospital of Shandong University in Shandong, China, and the Obstetrics Department of Maternal and Child Health Hospital in Shandong, China from October 2021 to February 2022 as the study subjects (control group). A self-designed questionnaire is used to conduct the survey, which includes basic personal information, lifestyle information, marital and family-related information, and one-way and multi-way logistic regression analyses are performed. The average age of the case group and the control group are 34.03±5.13 years old and 33.61±8.18 years old; the average height is 175.80±5.91 cm and 176.78±5.25 cm; the average weight is 80.28±14.70 kg and 83.09±45.36 kg. The differences in age, height, and weight between the case group and the control group are not statistically significant by t-test. Moderate oligospermia is the predominant cause of infertility in men of reproductive age in Jinan. A multifactorial logistic regression analysis yields that academic qualifications (OR=2.518, 95% CI: 1.023 to 6.196), coffee consumption (OR=7.692, 95% CI: 1.623 to 36.460), living in a room that had been renovated within a period of time (OR=2.769, 95% CI: 1.104 to 6.949), stress level (OR=47.280, 95% CI: 23.656-94.494), quality of sexual life (OR=3.352, 95% CI: 1.331-8.442), and duration of couple separation (OR=3.851, 95% CI: 1.094-13.557) are the main risk factors for infertility in men of reproductive age in Jinan. In this study, a total of 6 risk factors are screened for male infertility in Jinan in the reproductive age, including high academic qualifications, coffee consumption, living in a room that has finished renovation within 3 months, high stress, poor quality of sexual life, and long spousal separation. Three factors can be controlled, avoided, or reduced through personal actions; the factors are coffee consumption, living in a room that has finished renovation within 3 months, and high stress, all of which may reduce the level of male reproductive health.

Influence of Strategic Planning on the Organizational Performance Among Commercial-Based Parastatals in Kenya

Purpose: To examine the influence of strategic planning on the organizational performance among commercial-based parastatals in Kenya. &#x0D; Methodology: The study used a descriptive research design to collect data on a target population of six (6) commercial based parastatals. The respondents were 45 departmental managers and 151 administrative staff. The study obtained the sample size of 40 departmental managers and 110 administrative staff using simple random method. They were issued with closed and open-ended. Further, pre-test study was conducted at Kenya Airways where 4 departmental managers and 11 administrative staff. Additionally, descriptive analysis, frequency tables and explanation were used to illustrate the results. Further, inferential statistics were be examined using multiple regression and correlation analysis.&#x0D; Results: The dependent variable results indicated that 75(69%) respondents strongly agreed on the highest mean of 4.37 (SD of 1.04), that the management motivated the staff to go and get a higher academic qualification. Additionally, on a mean of 3.67 (SD of 1.32), 51(48%) respondents strongly agreed that the number of clients has been increasing for the last few years. That notwithstanding, 85(79%) disagreed on a mean of 2.22 (SD of 0.73), that the parastatals had enough cash to meet their financial obligations effectively. The independent variable results indicated that 38(36%) and 19(18%) respondents strongly agreed and agreed respectively on a mean of 3.81(SD of 1.01), that strategic forecasting had significantly informed their strategic planning. This was closely followed by availability of resource allocation influenced employee motivation. This question had a mean of 3.55 (SD of 1.04) where 28(26%) respondents strongly agreed and 19 (18%) agreed on the sentiments. However, 39(36%) respondents strongly disagreed while 51(48%) disagreed that bench marking had always guided their strategic planning decisions on a mean score of 2.98 (SD of 1.04). The Pearson correlation coefficient was r=0.700** at α &lt; 0.000 and 99% significance level indicating a positive correlation between strategic planning and organization performance.&#x0D; Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: The basis of the parastatals’ strategic planning was not supported by any bench marking but rather a specific individual’s knowledge and experience. Therefore, when the individual at any capacity left the parastatal, the remaining team did not have a clear way of formulating strategies or benchmarking them with other corporates. The study recommends that there should be developed processes of strategic planning which are well documented by the management and have a policy to guide on what should done, who should be consulted and when should that happen in case of eventualities. Further, the management should encourage work mentorship from senior management to junior employees to orient them on management issues. This would help the employees gather relevant skills and knowledge to make strategic decision, when need be, on behalf of the parastatal.

Donor Funded Projects and Social Economic Welfare in Rural Communities in Hiiraan-Somalia

The study sought to establish the relationship between extent of Donor Funded Projects and social economic welfare in rural communities in Hiiraan, Somalia. The study was guided by three specific objectives, that include (i) determining the extent of donor funded projects;( ii) level of social economic welfare and (iii) the relationship between donor funded projects and social economic welfare in rural communities in hiiraan, Somalia, the study used a total population of 200 and a sample size of 133 respondents, and the questionnaire was used as the research instrument. Descriptive statistics used in this study included frequencies, means and PLCC on correlation of variables. The findings revealed the following: majority of respondents in this sample ranged between 31-40 years and these were male (68.4%) and had only attained diploma as their highest academic qualification (60.9%) and had an experience of 6-9 years (33.8%). Data analysis using means showed that extent of donor funded projects in rural communities in hiiraan, Somalia was found to be satisfactory (over all mean=2.88), and the level of social economic welfare was found to be high, and this was indicated by the overall mean (mean=2.74). The extents of donor funded projects and social economic welfare in rural communities in Hiiraan, Somalia are positive and significantly correlated.

Using the precaution adoption process model to understand decision-making about the COVID-19 booster vaccine in England

BackgroundCOVID-19 continues to pose a threat to public health. Booster vaccine programmes are critical to maintain population-level immunity. Stage theory models of health behaviour can help our understanding of vaccine decision-making in the context of perceived threats of COVID-19. PurposeTo use the Precaution Adoption Process Model (PAPM) to understand decision-making about the COVID-19 booster vaccine (CBV) in England. MethodsAn online, cross-sectional survey informed by the PAPM, the extended Theory of Planned Behaviour and Health Belief Model administered to people over the age of 50 residing in England, UK in October 2021. A multivariate, multinomial logistic regression model was used to examine associations with the different stages of CBV decision-making. ResultsOf the total 2,004 participants: 135 (6.7%) were unengaged with the CBV programme; 262 (13.1%) were undecided as to whether to have a CBV; 31 (1.5%) had decided not to have a CBV; 1,415 (70.6%) had decided to have a CBV; and 161 (8.0%) had already had their CBV. Being unengaged was positively associated with beliefs in their immune system to protect against COVID-19, being employed, and low household income; and negatively associated with CBV knowledge, a positive COVID-19 vaccine experience, subjective norms, anticipated regret of not having a CBV, and higher academic qualifications. Being undecided was positively associated with beliefs in their immune system and having previously received the Oxford/AstraZeneca (as opposed to Pfizer/BioNTech) vaccine; and negatively associated with CBV knowledge, positive attitudes regarding CBV, a positive COVID-19 vaccine experience, anticipated regret of not having a CBV, white British ethnicity, and living in East Midlands (vs London). ConclusionsPublic health interventions promoting CBV may improve uptake through tailored messaging directed towards the specific decision stage relating to having a COVID-19 booster.

FACTORS THAT DISCOURAGE HIGHLY EDUCATED WOMEN FROM BEING ENTREPRENEURS

Men have traditionally dominated the entrepreneurial arena because women's expected roles have traditionally been focused on marriage and the household. Despite accounting for more than half of the population, the majority of women are excluded from the formal business environment. Their contribution to the business is primarily concentrated in the areas of crafts, hawking, personal services, and retail. However, the entrepreneurial landscape has shifted, with women becoming the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs, although anecdotal evidence suggests that highly educated women's participation in business is low. The goal of this study was to find out, if any, factors that discourage highly educated women from being entrepreneurs. The study was situated in the interpretivist paradigm, with twenty carefully chosen highly educated Zimbabwean women responding to emailed semi-structured questionnaires that were thematically analysed. The study found out that the factors that discourage highly educated women from being entrepreneurs included high societal expectations of educated women, negative attitudes towards entrepreneurship, male chauvinism, salaried job security and risk aversion. This study focused on this often-overlooked group of women who, if properly groomed, can make a significant contribution to society. The implication of the study was that women with high academic qualifications needed to develop positive mind sets towards entrepreneurship and serve as role models for prospective women entrepreneurs.&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0207/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

COVID-19 Infection and Prevention Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Among Arabs in the Arab World and Abroad

Humanity is currently living in one of its worst pandemics due to Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). Measures to control this pandemic are affected by the people’s misinformation. This study aims to evaluate the global knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the Arab population regarding COVID-19. Establish any connections between demographic information and the KAP of individuals. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted for a period of 4 months from September to December 2021. A 24-question survey was randomly distributed in 16 different countries. Most of the participants (45.1%) were unsure whether the COVID-19 virus was man-made and released for political purposes. Only 39.6% of the participants believed the vaccine was safe (38.5% responded unsure, and 21.9% responded no). Reassuringly, most of the participants displayed a positive attitude towards the precautionary measures. Most of the study participants had high academic qualifications. Although most of the participants utilized reliable knowledge sources-certified governmental sources (41%) and the WHO and international scientific institutions (23.1%)-, there seems to be a sense of mistrust and uncertainty regarding the origin of the COVID-19 virus. This study identified major gaps in the knowledge of the Arabs which has negatively affected their attitude and practices when it comes to vaccination. More is to be done by authorities to reach the public to assure a proper source of knowledge.

Whether the Use of the Internet Can Assist Farmers in Selecting Biopesticides or Not: A Study Based on Evidence from the Largest Rice-Producing Province in China

The pivotal measure for reducing pollution and facilitating green and sustainable agriculture lies in the application of biopesticides to replace chemical pesticides. The argument still rests on whether the use of the Internet can assist farmers in selecting biopesticides or not. In light of 532 microscopic research datapoints from the largest rice-producing province in China, the Probit model was applied in this article to probe the influencing factors regarding the use of the Internet on their selection of the biopesticides by farmers, and the TAM-PR model was also adopted to explore its intrinsic mechanisms. According to the research findings, the use of the Internet directly contributed to the application of biopesticides, which can affect farmers’ decisions regarding biopesticides by means of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use in an indirect manner, and the mediating effect was 19.74% and 20.98%, respectively. The result regarding perceived risk was not significant. The use of the Internet has a remarkable effect on farmers with high incomes and large-scale operations, while it has an insignificant effect on farmers with low incomes and individual operations. It has a remarkable positive effect on farmers with high academic qualifications compared with those with low academic qualifications. Furthermore, personal, household-based production and village and green cognitive characteristics also have a significant influence on the application of biopesticides. Hence, it is of great significance to continuously facilitate the application of rural Internet usage, encourage environmentally friendly modes of production, and reduce agricultural pollution.

Analysis of influenza vaccination coverage, recommendation behaviors and related factors among health care workers in Nanshan district of Shenzhen city under the free policy between 2019 and 2020

Objective: To investigate the current situation of influenza vaccination, vaccination willingness, recommended behavior and influencing factors of health care workers (HCWs) under the policy of free vaccination. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 3 167 medical staff from 8 hospitals in Nanshan district of Shenzhen city based on a web-based questionnaire platform. The logistic regression was used to analyze the data. Results: The influenza vaccination rate in HCWs was 23.97%, and the recommendation rate was 25.69% from 2019 to 2020. Staff with high professional titles, high academic qualifications, and positive awareness about influenza vaccine had a higher vaccination rate. The main reasons for not recommending influenza vaccine were the fear of patients' misunderstanding of commercial benefits, fear of possible disputes caused by recommended vaccination, lack of national or institutional requirements for recommended influenza vaccine, and fear of adverse reactions of influenza vaccines. Conclusion: Under the free policy, the influenza vaccination rate and recommendation rate of HCWs in Nanshan district of Shenzhen city are relatively low. Strengthening health education on influenza and related knowledge, publicizing the policy of free influenza vaccination, providing convenient vaccination services and promoting the construction of relevant policies and regulations are the key to improve the influenza vaccination rate and recommendation rate among HCWs.

Portraits of Women Founders and Leaders in the North of Portugal: Do Academic Qualifications Matter in the Cultural Patterns of Family Firms?

Abstract This paper aims to discuss continuities and ruptures carried out by women in leadership in family firms (FFs). Despite female underrepresentation on top positions in firms broadly speaking, our findings gathered from the project “Roadmap for Portuguese Family Businesses” (NORTE-02-0853-FEDER-000018) reveal an ongoing transformation regarding intergenerational management succession in family firms. In fact, while it is recognizable that micro, meso and macro-structural gender barriers remain, family businesses have been the scene of intergenerational changes with a notable presence of women in management and corporate responsibility careers. To what extent have female founders and successors expressed significant changes in the cultural patterns of family businesses, especially when they have high academic qualifications and professional experience? To answer this research question, nine in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with business women/ managers of family businesses regarding their career experiences compared with those of male counterparts. This paper finds that the “masculinist” perspective is shifting due to the crucial role of the qualifications and professional competence of family firms’ female founders and leaders. Likewise, the increase in the academic level of women in today's society is one of the factors that is at the root of the emergence of shifting in the cultural patterns of family businesses with impact in the intergenerational succession. (JEL: L2)