Important Message Research Articles

Ubuciko Bomlomo: Wedding Songs as an Effective Means of Communication and Education among The Zulu People

Songs are an integral aspect of Zulu folklore, as they are performed in almost all ceremonies in Zulu culture. Every ceremony, or occasion in which people come together, such as a wedding ceremony, (coming of (age), mhlonyana (girls ceremony when they reach womanhood) or a funeral gathering, has particular songs associated with it. The aim of this paper was to explore the effectiveness of wedding songs as a means of communication and education in Zulu culture. The researchers first discussed the importance of music in African societies and secondly examined its role as a means of communication and education. The study adopted a qualitative approach located within the interpretivist paradigm. Ten songs were selected to illustrate how artists use songs to convey social messages. The songs were analysed using the critical discourse analysis approach. The researchers argued that the Zulu people compose songs to record a certain event or convey a social message. Thus, wedding songs do not only entertain people at a particular gathering or ceremony but communicate crucial messages that are educational at the same time. This article has revealed that most of the Zulu wedding songs contain repetitions that emphasise a certain word with an important social message. Therefore, the style and linguistic features of a song play a crucial role in emphasising the message embedded in it.

Developing the First Digital Occupational Therapy Dictionary Worldwide: A Promising Mobile Application Model for Occupational Therapy Service Providers and Recipients.

The purpose of this study was to develop the first English-Arabic occupational therapy dictionary mobile application that could be used by occupational therapy service providers and recipients and help fill the gap in understanding and communicating occupational therapy services. Google Play Store and App Store application stores were searched first to identify any current electronic occupational therapy dictionary. While developing the dictionary concept and structure, end users' needs, language, and culture were taken into consideration applying a user-friendly design, functionalities, and an easy-to-understand language with illustrative visual representations. Our search for currently available electronic occupational therapy dictionaries did not identify any mobile application on the official application stores for iPhone and Android. As a result, a conceptual model was created to develop a mobile application aiming to develop a comprehensive and user-friendly mobile electronic dictionary with over 2400 scientific terms translated and annotated from English to Arabic, more than 350 illustrative pictures, and special features to assist occupational therapy professionals and occupational therapy services recipients in looking up and understanding terminology used in rehabilitation and occupational therapy in the most convenient, fastest, and easiest way possible. The occupational therapy dictionary mobile application has helped create a unified terminology and a common language of shared understanding, proved to be a helpful tool of communicating important messages between Arab occupational therapy professionals and community members through providing an easy access to up-to-date comprehensive English-Arabic lexicography in occupational therapy. It has become the first digital occupational therapy dictionary worldwide and has been made available for everyone to download from Google Play and App Store on their smartphones, computers, or tablets free of charge. Further research is urgently needed for quality improvement and to further enrich Arabic content in occupational therapy through developing evidence-based mobile tools to be used in occupational therapy practice by Arabic-speaking population.

Development of the Dardashna Checklist for Identifying Triggers of Behavioral Change in Individuals With Dementia: A Qualitative Study.

The purpose of the current qualitative study was to describe the development of the Dardashna Checklist to clinically identify behavior change triggers in individuals with dementia. Semi-structured, in-depth, face-to-face interviews were conducted with four physicians and four experienced caregivers involved in the care of individuals with dementia. From analysis of participants' interviews, themes extracted included Triggers of Behavioral Change in Individuals With Dementia and Types of Behavioral Changes, using the checklist structure as a guide. The information gathered by this checklist conveys important messages to experienced physicians or caregivers who want to help less experienced caregivers or individuals with dementia. In this case, physicians' prescriptions and the responses of other experienced caregivers will be more targeted and useful. This checklist will help facilitate clinical care decisions, improve quality of life, reduce expenses and side effects of medications, and improve communication among persons with dementia, their caregivers, and health care providers. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 50(1), 37-46.].

Principles of Brand Communications in Wartime

Introduction. In the conditions of war, brands must keep in touch with their audience and tell what exactly they are doing to win, support their team and develop the country’s economy, present the history of the brand in difficult conditions, in a new reality, with existing problems and achievements, broadcast important messages to support its customers. Under the influence of conditions of uncertainty, it was important for brands to transform their communications in accordance with the new reality and new characteristics of their consumers. Relevance of the study. The relevance of the research is determined by the need to summarize the experience of Ukrainian brands in communication during the war and to single out the principles that characterize appropriate brand communication in conditions of uncertainty. The aim of the study is to summarize the experience of Ukrainian brands in communication during the war. Methodology. The method of monitoring was used to review the activities of Ukrainian brands. The method of discourse analysis was used to clarify the context, the conditions in which brands communicated, the study of changing values, the spectrum of emotions, and consumer behaviour in conditions of uncertainty. With the help of the method of generalization, the provisions characterizing the appropriate communication of brands with their consumers in the conditions of war have been singled out. Results. Under the influence of the war and the conditions of uncertainty, the communication of Ukrainian brands changed. In order to be closer to their audience, to connect with them, brands changed traditional communication parameters. Brands generated new types of content according to the contextual groups of the target audience, adjusted the brand voice, and applied modern communicative practices. There were no aspects that brands missed in their communication. The time and place of content publication, its volume, taking into account the emotional background of the audience for the broadcast of certain messages were important. Conclusions. For the first time, brand communications in war conditions were comprehensively reviewed, the experience of Ukrainian brands in interaction with consumers was summarized and the principles of communications in war conditions were characterized, which can serve as a practical reminder for companies and organizations that seek to maintain contact with their audience in conditions of uncertainty.

Prevalence of goiter and associated factors among adolescent girls in the highland area of Northwest Ethiopia.

Goiter is a common public health issue in Ethiopia; however, there is not much evidence of it among adolescent girls, especially in Northwest Ethiopia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of goiter in adolescent girls living in the highlands of Northwest Ethiopia. From 5 January to 15 February 2022, 560 adolescent girls participated in this study. A multistage sampling method was used. Participants were checked for goiter using World Health Organization guidelines. Using a quick test kit, the amount of iodine in samples of table salt was determined. After being entered into Epi Info version 7, the data were exported to the SPSS version 22 for statistical analysis. Binary logistic regression was applied. It was decided to set the statistically significant level at p < 0.05. In this study, the total prevalence of goiter among adolescent girls was 33.4% (95% CI: 26.3%-39.4%). The odds of goiter were 5.3 times higher among adolescents whose families had a history of goiter (AOR = 5.34, 95% CI: 3.65-9.74). The likelihood of developing goiter was 3.7 times greater among adolescent girls who consumed cabbage at least once per week (AOR = 3.74, 95% CI: 2.46-8.31). In addition, adolescent girls who did not consume meat at all were 3.3 times more likely to develop goiter (AOR = 3.32, 95% CI: 1.95-6.78). Similarly, the odds of getting goiter among adolescent girls from families who use salt with inadequate levels of iodine (0-14) were 9.84 times greater compared to their counterparts (AOR = 9.84, 95% CI: 5.61-26.24). In the study area, goiter was very common. Therefore, the district's health sector should make an effort to raise community knowledge by spreading important messages regarding the proper use of iodized salt and food sources.

Refleksi Pesan Kesehatan Mental Dalam Lagu “Satu Kali” Karya Tulus: Analisis Wacana Kritis

This research aims to analyze the song "Satu Kali" by Tulus using discourse analysis methods to understand messages related to mental health in the lyrics. The method used is a qualitative approach with a note-taking approach. In this study, researchers analyzed the lyrics of the song "Satu Kali" in depth, focusing on verses related to mental health. A note-taking approach is used to note down and understand the meaning contained in the lyrics. Researchers looked for the messages that Tulus wanted to convey and analyzed how the lyrics could provide an in-depth understanding of maintaining mental health. The research results show that the song "Satu Kali" by Tulus succeeded in conveying mental health messages well through its lyrics. In the six verses analyzed, the lyrics of this song contain important messages about overcoming life's stresses, self-acceptance, and maintaining emotional balance.

Research on Viral Marketing of Global Warming Communication based on the STEPPS Model

Effective communication of global warming information is the basic process to alleviate the climate change problem closely linked to humans’ sustainable development. What’s more, climate change is not reversible and invisible. The reasons for the failure to communicate global warming-related information can be attributed to obscure language, unidirectional input, and disinformation. Therefore, catching people’s eyes in this field isn’t easy. Although the United Nations and governments implement lots of policies to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide, global warming has threatened millions of lives of creatures and their habitats. The communication strategies of global warming information or policies need to be more valid to raise people’s attention and put them into action. The application of the viral marketing model STEPPS will be the main focus of this essay. The suggestion is theoretically based on this model, combining the current communication challenges from emotions, practical value, story, and social currency. Combining the STEPPS model with scientific information communication is a creative strategy to spread the important message to the audience effectively, and there is research about the application of the viral marketing model in the global warming field. This essay will provide a new and original method to the transmitter of environmental protection organizations.

Eksplorasi Nilai Budaya Jawa dalam Kumpulan Cerita Kisah Tanah Jawa ‘Jagat Lelembut’ Karya Mada Zidan (Mbah Kj) dan Bonaventura D. Genta

This research examines the exploration of Javanese cultural values in the story collection Tales of the Land of Java 'Jagat Lesoft' by Mada Zidan (Mbah KJ) and Bonaventura D. Genta. The approach used is a literary anthropology approach and a mythopoic approach. The method used in this research uses hermeneutics. The data taken in this research is in the form of text quotations which contain Javanese cultural values and the data source which is the subject of this research was obtained by researchers from the collection of Javanese Land Stories 'Jagat Lesoft' by Mada Zidan (Mbah KJ) and Bonaventura D. Genta. The data collection technique used is using library techniques, listening and taking notes. The data validity technique used in this research uses triangulation techniques. Data analysis techniques in this research include data collection, data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. Based on the results of research that has been carried out, Javanese cultural values such as belief values: taboos, belief values: worship rituals, spiritual values, belief values: in God, belief values: in supernatural knowledge, belief values: in supernatural figures, obedience values , tolerance values, religious values, moral values and commendable morals. The Javanese cultural values that dominate in this research are cultural values related to trust. It seems that this story has a strong spirit about the beliefs of Javanese society. This form of belief has an important role as a form of maintaining local wisdom which is the identity of Javanese society. Thus, the important message in this research is that it can contribute to strengthening the identity of Javanese society.Keywords: values, Javanese culture, anthropology, mythology, story of the land of Java

Population Health Management - What's in the name? International vision sharing and lessons learned.

Population Health Management (PHM) has different possible interpretations and elaborations depending on the lens through which it is viewed. A general definition is that PHM is a process to improve health outcomes in a specific group or an individual through improved care coordination and patient engagement supported by appropriate financial and organizational models. But how can policymakers, organizations and individual healthcare providers structurally get to work with PHM ? &#x0D; Population health management can be an equity tool to operationalize health goals and interventions. Through the vast amount of data, the population and its various subgroups can be identified and mapped. This can be complemented by analyses of setting and context, often mapped locally. This way, targeted actions can be set up based on a holistic risk profile or subgroup. Behavioral and cultural insights into the broad population and subgroups is an important aspect, as how people deal with health may require completely different approaches. Additionally, the current fragmentation in the Belgian healthcare system of policy and organizational structures makes multidisciplinary collaboration difficult, if we aim for a tailor-made care for citizens. What is the ideal level for each responsibility of population health management? &#x0D; During covid-19 there was a concrete objective: to offer a vaccine to as many people as possible, as soon as possible. For this purpose an outreach approach was set up in Flanders via population managers within a defined area. Using environmental analysis and data, targeted, tailor-made actions were set up to offer vaccines. All local partners were mobilized, yielding excellent results with regard to vaccination coverage. But, how can this be made sustainable and applied to other incentives?&#x0D; In this workshop, we would like to present possible interpretations around PHM to the international audience. Within the Flanders Agency for Care and Health, we are working towards a supported vision of PHM. Hence, we are eager to learn from the international audience and their approaches and experiences in PHM at micro, meso and macro level.&#x0D; Anyone who is in any way concerned with population health management or curious about the topic is welcome to attend this workshop, as we aim for an open dialogue with many perspectives from a diverse group. PHM is a very technical and complex term. What we would like to see is how we can make it work and keep it operable in a very practical – down-to-earth way. &#x0D; Timetable: 20 minutes introduction different visions : data, organizational structures and individual healthcare provider approaches. 25 minutes subdivision into groups discussing about the different topics round PHM (data, organization, financial, local) at micro, meso and macro level about visions, implementing barriers and key lessons learned. 10 minutes feedback and 5 minutes of key messages. &#x0D; After each exchange there will be feedback to the whole group. At the end the most important key messages will be shared with the group. The knowledge and insights gained will be used as input for a vision paper of the Agency on PHM.

Mbak Pia’s Comics: Representation Of Statistics Indonesia Organizational Culture Through Visual Communication

Mbak Pia’s comic is a comic strip aired in Varia Statistik magazine, an internal magazine that published monthly within the Statistics Indonesia (BPS). Since it was first aired in 2012, Mbak Pia's comic has now reached its 117th series. Mbak Pia's comic depicts the world of daily work of BPS employees packaged in a funny and entertaining story. But on the other hand, this comic also conveys an important message in the form of internalizing core values in the BPS organization: professional, integrity, and trustworthy. The purpose of this study was to analyze the message conveyed in the Mbak Pia’s comic. The method used is an interpretive method with a qualitative approach. While the analysis used is the semiotic analysis of Roland Barthes. The results of this study show that Mbak Pia's comics not only tell about the world of daily work of BPS employees and internalization of core values in the BPS organization, but are also loaded with criticism of work culture that is not in accordance with the core values of the BPS organization. Some of the things that are criticized in the comic story are those related to planning, employee performance, and employee competence. For this reason, BPS needs to emphasize a strong commitment to all its employees in upholding the core values of the BPS organization.&#x0D; Keywords: comics; culture; organization; visual communication

The Experiences of Older Adults with Dementia of “Balance Wise”—An Individual or Group-Delivered Exercise Programme: A Qualitative Study

This study aimed to understand the experience of older adults with dementia towards, and the practicality of, the Balance Wise exercise programme. A qualitative study guided by the General Inductive Approach was employed. Ten people with dementia aged 71–87 years who completed the exercise programme and four care partners aged 69–76 years old (three of whom also participated in Balance Wise) were interviewed in dyads. The programme (individually or group delivered) was held once a week for 30 min for 10 weeks and included balance and strength exercises, cognitive training, and other enjoyable physical activities. Interviews were thematically analysed. Three overarching themes were identified (i) decision making, (ii) comprehension, and (iii) perceived benefits. Participants acknowledged their decision to participate was influenced by ‘awareness’ about their declining memory and their ‘health belief’ about the potential benefits of exercise. ‘Perceived benefits’ were influenced by the ‘support system’ and improvement in postural stability. ‘Comprehension’ was, however, an important cognitive ability to understand the purpose of the activities in the programme and facilitated motivation. This study highlighted an important message that such programmes should be developed from the end-user perspective, and this included that the programme be flexible and safely delivered, as well as be fun and pleasurable, thus promoting socialisation.

МІФОЛОГІЧНИЙ ПІДТЕКСТ РОМАНУ В. ШКЛЯРА «ХАРАКТЕРНИК» У РУСЛІ ІДЕЙ ІВАНА ОГІЄНКА

The article focuses on the close connection between the content of a literary work and the mythological worldview of the people. For many contemporary artistic exam-ples, traditional mythology plays a defi ning role in terms of their plot, thematic, and stylistic parameters.The current state of literary studies indicates a particular interest in the mytho-logical element of a literary work. Ukrainian culture, in general, and literature, in particular, are currently returning to the traditional foundations of the national world-view, which was largely built on the belief in the connection between humans and higher forces of nature.Analyzing a literary text in connection with national mythology is a path to discover-ing the deep roots of artistic creativity that exist in the consciousness or subconsciousness of the author as a carrier of the national tradition. The author acts as a mediator between the past, present, and future, capable of conveying important messages to contemporary individuals for harmonious living in harmony with themselves and the universe.In V. Shklyar’s novel «Kharkiv Character», the mystical, based on the principles of Ukrainian mythology, plays a signifi cant role. Relying on mythological legends and tales about Cossacks-charakterniks, the author off ers his own interpretation of the images of Ivan Sirko and his associates, who use magical abilities to fi ght the enemy.The Sich Cossacks in the work emerge as personalities closely linked to their native land, traditional culture, and the ethical norms of their ancestors. Their magi-cal abilities are intended to contribute to establishing laws of harmony and justice on Ukrainian soil.The presence of a female character in the novel about the Sich Cossacks not only brightens its lyrical narrative plane but also contributes to the affi rmation of the idea of the continuous transmission of magical knowledge to subsequent generations of Ukrainians

A Case Study on the Function of Psychological Counseling of Weekly Logs

Mentor's work is not only to establish a routine of classes but also to offer students psychological counseling. Under the system of a school, it is still unclear between mentors and school counselors. To the extent that what a mentor should do is to be first aid in emergency. Weekly logs can be a good helper for mentors to read important messages which are not perceived by students themselves. This study aims to analyze two current mentors of vocational high schools by engagement motivation, ecosystems theory, and theory of narrative therapy. The result shows that weekly logs seem to be zero psychological distance between the mentor and the student, but to get involved into students inside heart, through them, is a long way to go. Weekly logs work only if they are carefully evaluated with enough attention.

Faith and reason in the unity of truth in the thought of st. Thomas Aquinas and John Paul II

Both St. Thomas Aquinas and St. John Paul II regarded man’s pursuit of truth as his vocation. He encouraged a bold trust in the use of reason in theology and a clear awareness of the limitations of reason. The fact that reason cannot prove faith does not render it powerless; on the contrary, Thomas provides evidence for unwavering confidence in the capacity of the believing reason. The call to seek faith and reason in unity with truth is not easy, as culture has seen deficiencies and errors regarding the truth about man, his faith, and the possibilities of knowledge that reach down to the very foundation. There is a continuous need to rediscover the meaning and purpose of human life and its values, through the belief in the possibility of truth attained through reason and through reasonable faith. Following in the footsteps of Thomas, John Paul II, in his encyclical Fides et Ratio, aims to inspire human love for the embrace of truth, which is not purely a theoretical goal but is essential for guiding one’s life. The purpose of this article is to highlight various difficulties and solutions in the search for coherence between faith and reason and briefly signal the necessity of prior knowledge and application of metaphysical and anthropological theology. To achieve this goal, the thoughts of Saint Thomas, whose work constitutes a fundamental part of the Church’s teaching, are presented, and for the reinforcement of Thomistic arguments, the content of Pope John Paul II’s contemporary encyclical Fides et Ratio is utilized, which points to the writings of Thomas as helpful in the maturation of human knowledge toward full human wisdom. Another important message of the article is a better understanding of the issues discussed, which, when reinterpreted and from the abundance of content, appropriately justified, can regain their lost power. The structure of the article facilitates the analysis of the presented issue in the context of understanding integral anthropology.

Bioscientists in the 2008 Survey of New Zealand Scientists and Technologists

Our paper explores differences and similarities of New Zealand bioscientists relative to the larger science community both in terms of their attributes and their opinions on some important issues. The most recent Survey of New Zealand Scientists and Technologists, from which data for this paper were extracted, will serve as a rough guide to a greater understanding of issues that engage the scientific community generally and bioscientists in particular (Sommer 2010). Such understanding will contribute to the advancement of a bio-based economy. The analysis demonstrates specialised capabilities of the New Zealand survey not previously developed. We comment first on the origins and purpose of the 2008 Survey and then reveal some of the distinguishing attributes and opinions of bioscientists compared to all other scientists. There are some important messages in this analysis for both public policy and private action. There are also some conundrums to contemplate.

HipHop2SToP a community-led health promotion initiative empowering Aboriginal youth in the Kimberley region of Western Australia: a process evaluation.

For millennia, Aboriginal people's ways of knowing, doing and being were shared through art, song, and dance. Colonisation silenced these ways, affecting loss of self-determination for Aboriginal people. Over the past decade in Australia, hip-hop projects have become culturally appropriate approaches for health promotion. When community led, and Aboriginal worldviews centralised, hip-hop workshops are more likely to be effective. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a community-led health promotion hip-hop music video, 'HipHop2SToP' was produced involving young people in Dampier Peninsula communities address healthy skin and healthy living practices. We report here a qualitative process evaluation of the HipHop2SToP project. Participants who had been involved in the planning and production of HipHop2SToP were selected using a purposive approach and invited either by email or face-to-face to participate in semi-structured interviews and share their experiences. Semi-structured interviews ranged from 30 to 60 min in duration and were conducted either face-to-face or virtually over MS Teams. Due to personal time constraints, two participants provided written responses to the semi-structured questions. All interviews were audio-recorded with consent and saved as a digital recording in a de-identified format. All audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and uploaded into QSR NVivo v12 along with written responses. As a health promotion project, the critical success factors were community-ownership and discovering novel ways to collaborate virtually with remote communities using Microsoft (MS) software. Highlights included observing the young people actively engaged in the project and their catchy lyrics and key messaging for environmental health and skin infections. COVID-19 presented some challenges. Gaps in communication, clarification of stakeholder roles and expectations, and post-production outcomes were also identified as challenges. HipHop2SToP validates the need for Aboriginal community led health promotion programs. While creating some challenges COVID-19 also strengthened community ownership and created novel ways of maintaining relationships with remote Aboriginal communities. Future hip-hop projects would benefit from clarity of roles and responsibilities. Strengthening post-production outcomes by including a launch and well-planned, targeted communication and dissemination strategy will ensure the wider translation of important health messages and potential strengthen sustainability.

The Success of Viral Videos on YouTube as a Growth Driver for MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises)

Viral videos on YouTube have become an important source in the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This research aims to analyze 12 viral YouTube message videos with views above 1 million in the context of MSMEs (using the hashtag #UMKM). An in-depth literature review is used to understand the theoretical basis of the viral video phenomenon and how it can be an effective instrument in supporting MSME business growth. Research methods include analysis of video content, including elements that lead to virality, impact on brand awareness, and increased sales. The results of this research reveal important messages, such as creativity, emotional appeal, the use of appropriate keywords, and a positive impact on the growth of MSMEs.

Dynamic evolution of marine productivity, redox, and biogeochemical cycling track local and global controls on Cryogenian sea-level change

The Cryogenian period of the Neoproterozoic was marked by two Snowball Earth glaciations that bookended a non-glacial interval that lasted roughly 10 million years. The break-up of Rodinia in the early Neoproterozoic gave rise to numerous rift basins whose time-varying redox dynamics, linked to marine productivity and biogeochemical cycling, were likely controlled by varying degrees of basin restriction in response to sea-level change. Those drivers were associated with both global glaciations (Sturtian deglaciation and the possibly early onset of the Marinoan) and local tectonics (regional basin uplift/subsidence). To explore these relationships, we focus on the Datangpo Formation, an exceptional shale sequence deposited in a marginal rift basin in South China. The Datangpo succession comprises lower organic-rich black shales and upper organic-lean gray shales/siltstones. As elucidated by our integrated data, the former were deposited in H2S-rich, deep-water settings underlying highly productive surface waters. We attribute this productivity to elevated nutrient supplies replenished from the open ocean following a sea-level rise, as augmented by high terrestrial input of phosphate in the wake of the Sturtian deglaciation. By contrast, the gray shales/siltstones were associated with relatively shallow deposition in an oxic/suboxic water column with suppressed primary production. The major driver of this dramatic shift in water chemistry may lie with a greater extent of basin isolation and the corresponding reduction in nutrient fluxes from the global ocean due to a significant sea-level fall—possibly linked to regional basin uplift. At this time, the basin experienced an elevated influx of detrital clays and organic material, perhaps triggered by lower sea level. Surprisingly, we found that euxinic conditions prevailed in the water column for a substantial period following the onset of more isolated conditions. This relationship can be attributed to redox-dependent phosphorus cycling. Specifically, H2S-replete conditions facilitated regeneration of bioavailable phosphorus, initiating a positive feedback that allowed the persistence of anoxic waters. This study advances our understanding of nutrient cycling and biogeochemical evolution during the Cryogenian under the influence of large-scale sea-level fluctuations and associated time-varying connectivity to the open ocean that must have been common in many basins at this time. Furthermore, our study sheds novel light on the iron proxy and early sulfur cycling. Almost all of the terrestrial silicate-bound iron was likely converted into highly reactive phases due to strong chemical weathering, while sulfur data revealed isotopic stratification in the wake of Sturtian deglaciation, with important messages for interpretations of analogous data in the aftermath of other climate upheavals in Earth history.

Effects of Parcel Delivery Service on Customer Satisfaction in the Saudi Arabian Logistics Industry: Does the National Culture Make a Difference?

Background: The logistics industry is keen to meet customer expectations, which in turn supports trade by enhancing business competitiveness and promoting economic development. Logistics companies realized that fulfillment of customer needs has a significant effect on their business survival, their sales and ultimately their profits. This research analyzes the variables that influence customer satisfaction with parcel delivery services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), particularly the SERVQUAL dimensions: tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy. The research also examined whether national culture affects customer perceptions of parcel delivery services in KSA or not. Methods: The research collected data using a self-administered survey, which was directed at a sample of customers in the KSA, who had recent experience with parcel delivery services. Results: The results of statistical analysis showed that the best predicators of customer satisfaction are reliability, followed by the dimensions of empathy, then tangibility and finally responsiveness. In addition, the results showed significant differences in customers’ overall satisfaction between Saudis and non-Saudis. Saudis were more satisfied with the service than non-Saudis were. Conclusions: This research showed the key role of national culture in perceiving parcel delivery service quality in KSA. The findings provide important messages to the administrators of the logistics services in KSA, which have become crucial for the Saudi Vision 2030. They need to customize their service according to customer needs and provide regular training for their staff to be supportive, reliable and have the credibility to deliver services as promised.

What do public high school teachers in Nigeria know about dementia?

AbstractBackgroundThe number of dementia cases is projected to triple in the next 20‐25 years with majority of the increase in developing countries including Nigeria. Teachers can act as excellent educators by playing a key role of delivering important health education messages to students that target early adoption of healthy behaviours and reduce stigma. However, there is no assessment of school teachers’ understanding of dementia in Nigeria.MethodThis was a cross‐sectional study of 300 high school teachers, aged 18 years or older, and working in public schools in Lagos, Nigeria. A 14‐item questionnaire with yes/no or don’t know responses was used to assess their knowledge about dementia from June to November 2022. The data obtained were analysed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 25.ResultThe mean age of respondents was 42.9 ± 9.9 years and 59.3% of them were females. The majority (81.0%) had heard about dementia and 32.0% knew someone with dementia. The mean score for knowledge about dementia was 7.4 ± 0.2 points out of 14 points. More than half of the respondents (56.0%) reported that dementia is a normal part of ageing, 29.7% considered dementia to be a mental illness, and a half (50.0%) of the participants did not know if dementia could be cured. The level of dementia knowledge was not significantly associated with age or with education level.ConclusionOur results suggest that the teachers had a fair knowledge of dementia. There is a need to better educate school teachers and improve their knowledge about dementia. Emphasis on the risk factors, prevention, and symptoms of dementia should be included in the educational content.