Institutional Analysis Research Articles

Determinants of Academic Satisfaction: An Empirical Analysis of a Brazilian National Institute

Objective: The present investigation aims to identify the explanatory factors for academic satisfaction, as well as the influence that the identified factors have on the degree of academic satisfaction in its global context and on the chances of the institution's recommendation to friends and family. Method: The investigation was conducted with a sample of 290 students from the Federal Institute of Education, Science, and Technology of Piauí (FIEPI-Campus Oeiras). The instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire. The statistical techniques used were of a descriptive, exploratory, and multivariate nature for the treatment, analysis, and validation of the results. Results and Discussion: The results indicate that Academic Satisfaction is determined by the factors (1) Teaching Environment and (2) Structural Environment and that there is a significant decrease in Academic Satisfaction when students move from the group from High School to Higher Education due to the determinants satisfaction. Research Implications: The development of strategies for the maintenance and attraction of new students by FIEPI-Campus Oeiras and other educational institutions must be based on academic satisfaction considering their specificities, namely, concerning the different perceptions and expectations generated by students about educational services. Originality/Value: The relevance of this investigation is based on the fact that the measurement of student satisfaction by a given educational institution becomes essential for it to understand the perception of its students about its products and services, enabling the identification of new ways of generating satisfaction and loyalty.

Spatial issues in social work education in Chile: curriculum analysis of universities and professional institutes

ABSTRACT In response to the growing use of spatial concepts in social work, this article addresses their incorporation in the curriculum of undergraduate programmes and the differences among diverse types of higher education institutions. The aims were 1) to identify how spatial issues are incorporated in social work curriculums in Chile and 2) to compare how this incorporation is made in social work programmes in different higher education institutions. The method was a quantitative and descriptive analysis of the curricula of the totality of the programmes in the country (N = 45). We defined 11 concepts to search: community, spatial concepts (territory, environment, place, space), spatial phenomena (city, rural, housing), and social concepts associated with spatial issues (networks, poverty, citizenship). The results show that community is the most relevant concept. Nevertheless, when viewed collectively, spatial concepts hold similar significance. However, there are noticeable differences in how different higher education institutions use spatial concepts. Professional institutes often overlook spatial concerns compared to universities. We recommend regulating social work education to incorporate a minimum curriculum that addresses these issues. Further research is needed to evaluate course content, references, and scientific publications in Chilean social work.

The Ethics of Institutional Analysis: Paternalism and Proprietary Access to Canadian U15 Faculty

The Ethics of Institutional Analysis: Paternalism and Proprietary Access to Canadian U15 Faculty

Regulating local government debt in China: Intended and unintended consequences

This study integrates institutional and empirical analyses to investigate the intricate policies that regulate local government debt in China. It finds that, within a remarkably short period, China has skilfully incorporated local government debt into the local budget management system, thereby transforming it from a mere transaction between local governments and credit agencies to an intergovernmental fiscal relations framework. The study also establishes that the pivotal debt-regulating policies are more geared towards prioritizing the cost of debt over its scale. Official documents, statistical data, and in-depth interviews provide evidence to support these findings. Drawing on an analysis of county-level panel data in Sichuan Province, this study identifies two main effects of these policies. Primarily, the cost of local general debt may trigger the notorious soft budget constraint, thereby incentivizing county-level governments to depend more heavily on superior transfer payments. Additionally, the fiscal consolidation policy, which focuses on the cost of local special debt, may lower the debt ratio. However, it also has the unintended consequence of bolstering the local government’s reliance on land finance.

Governing Landscape Simplification in Rapid Commercialization Contexts – the Case of the Dike-Pond System in the Pearl River Delta, China

In the last decades, rapid agricultural commercialization has led to landscape simplification, posing threats to the social and ecological values of agroecosystems worldwide. This paper draws upon the landscape commons concept, advocating for an institutional perspective to comprehensively understand the local governance concerning landscape simplification. We contributed to commons research by expanding the scope into holistic and multifunctional landscape systems, and particularly concentrate on pond landscapes. We select the case of a dike-pond system in the Pearl River Delta, China, to scrutinize the local institutional arrangements and their interplay with landscape simplification. This study utilizes the Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework in conjunction with Ostrom’s Design Principles (DPs). Findings from the study reveal that an emphasis on ponds exhibiting comparative profit advantages over dikes and rivers, coupled with a preference for intensive fish production in collective decision-making, has resulted in land cover simplification and erosion of the system’s multifunctionality. To address this issue, we recommend considering multiple biophysical elements and functions in the governance of landscape commons while identifying avenues to reinforce local institutions, in alignment with Ostrom’s DPs.

Level of Economic Development and National Policies in Mexico and Nigeria (1970-2018): A Comparative Analysis of Growth and Institutions

The research compares Mexico and Nigeria's growth and development disparities using Sen and Collier's frameworks by examining various factors. It aims to propose policies on interest rates, FDI, external debt, government spending on health, education, and welfare. Results highlight positive impacts on Mexico's GNI from external debt, government spending, and FDI, and in Nigeria, all variables except interest rates positively affect GNI. Key recommendations include reducing Nigeria's debt by investing in bonds, using domestic debts and for both countries; enhancing welfare through Progresa, transparency in expenditure using online reporting, and infrastructure; boosting income and employment in Mexico with knowledge transfer, innovation, and transport improvements; and addressing violence by alleviating poverty through proposed subsidy programs and anti-corruption measures.

Bibliometric Analysis and Visualization of Clinical Trials on Psychological Stress and Oral Health (1967-2024).

Stress is ubiquitous in modern life, influencing various facets of human health and well-being. While the impact of stress on mental and physical health is well-documented, its effects on oral health have garnered increasing attention in recent years. This bibliometric analysis explores the literature on the impact of stress on oral health. The study utilizes data from the PubMed database, focusing on publication trends, influential contributors and the temporal analysis of their publications, coauthorship analysis of authors and institutions, key thematic clusters, thematic evolution, and collaboration between various countries. Examining clinical trials investigating the impact of stress on oral health unveils significant trends and insights. Over time, there has been a steady rise in publication frequency, although with occasional fluctuations, indicating an increasing interest in the subject. The University of California has been identified as a leading institution, while Psychoneuroendocrinology emerges as a pivotal journal for disseminating research findings in the field. Keyword analysis reveals diverse thematic clusters, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the impact of stress on oral health. The analysis of topic trends showcases significant shifts over different periods, from basic correlations between mental health conditions and physiological indicators to a broader exploration of psychological interventions and social contexts in recent years. Thematic evolution analysis further elucidates this progression, categorizing themes into motor, basic, niche, and emerging or declining categories. Additionally, the analysis of corresponding authors' countries uncovers patterns of collaborative efforts, with the United States leading in collaboration levels. In summary, these analyses collectively highlight an evolving comprehension of the impact of stress on oral health, providing valuable insights for clinical practice and guiding future research endeavors.

The Prevailing Issue of Native Speakerism: A Critical Discourse Analysis of ELT Institutions’ Websites

The English language teaching (ELT) industry has been expanding in China, and at present there are private online ELT institutions which provide English lessons which focus mainly on communication skills. The official websites of these institutions not only provide information about the programmes offered but also communicate their English language teaching pedagogical beliefs and stances. This paper aims to examine the language use in these websites and to explore how it reflects language ideologies. The websites of nine Chinese online ELT institutions were selected. Textual data were collected from the front page and subfields of these websites and were subjected to a critical discourse analysis based on Fairclough’s (1995) three-dimensional methodology. The findings suggest that there is a prevailing bias toward native-speakerism language ideology in the ELT industry. This emerged from the use of intentional vocabulary and word choice for their marketing campaigns. Repeated use of these words normalizes the authoritative image of teachers who are native English speakers. Additionally, these institutions also adopt multiple discursive strategies which intensify the stereotype of native speakerism to the public whilst seeming to discriminate against teachers who are not native speakers of English. The findings shed light on social inequity and biases in private online ELT institutions.

Institutional Arrangement for Urban Forest Management in Ghana: Assessing the Role of the Local Communities and Youths

Sustainable management and conservation of urban forests are becoming increasingly important to achieve urban sustainability, thus requiring a unified stakeholder collaboration at different levels. Local communities and youth play essential roles in sustainable urban forest management. This study analyzed the institutional arrangement for urban forest management in Ghana and the involvement of local communities and youth. The research involved an in-depth analysis of environmental institutions in Ghana and used qualitative methods to explore community and youth roles in urban forest management. Findings revealed a lack of a specific institution spearheading urban forest management, leading to overlapping responsibilities and administrative conflicts. Despite their potential, local communities and youth are often excluded from urban forest planning and management, resulting in decreased ownership and misuse of urban forests. Recommendations include assigning clear roles to responsible institutions, designating a specific urban forest management body, and adopting a youth-focused participatory approach for effective management.

Mineworkers with pneumoconiosis, work-related injury compensation, and empty institution in China

This study investigates the ineffectiveness of China's work-related injury insurance in protecting mineworkers with pneumoconiosis. Using the FAT (Formal, Actual, and Targeted) institutional analysis framework, the paper examines the discrepancy between the formal rules, the actual practices and the targeted outcomes of the system, based on interviews with 20 pneumoconiosis mineworkers. The paper reveals that the work-related injury insurance system is an empty institution that does not cover most mineworkers, does not compensate them adequately, and does not prevent or treat their disease effectively. The paper also explores the factors that contribute to the system's ineffectiveness, such as the political compromise behind the revision of laws and regulations, the complexity and exclusivity of the eligibility criteria, and the transient and precarious nature of mineworkers’ employment. Furthermore, the paper discusses how the system's failure is mitigated by other social security and assistance mechanisms that provide basic medical and living support for pneumoconiosis patients, but do not address the root causes of their occupational disease or ensure their access to justice and compensation. The paper situates the findings within the political economy of occupational health literature and proposes policy recommendations for a more comprehensive and compassionate approach to occupational disease prevention and control in China.

Do Institutional Investors Process and Act on Information? Evidence from M&A Targets

Abstract We document important links between targets’ institutional ownership and takeover-bid outcomes. Firms’ institutional ownership increases the likelihood of receiving stock-for-stock bids. The impact becomes stronger when information asymmetries are higher, whereas we find little support for alternative channels, such as bidder misvaluation or target-side adverse selection. The information channel is further buttressed in our analyses of institutions’ share-retention decisions, targets’ demand for top-tier advisors, collar provisions, and targets’ share of expected synergies. Our findings suggest that institutions’ information advantage facilitates rational payment design and targets’ bargaining power gains, alleviating deadweight losses associated with stock-for-stock offers. (JEL G23, G32, G34)

International Market Entry Strategies: Exploring the Role of Institutional Environment in the Sweden

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the international market entry strategies: exploring the role of institutional environment in the Sweden. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Research on international market entry strategies in Sweden reveals that the institutional environment strongly influences multinational corporations' (MNCs) decisions. Factors like regulations, political stability, and cultural norms are key considerations. Adaptation to Sweden's unique socio-economic context is crucial for successful market entry. The findings emphasize the importance of MNCs assessing and navigating the institutional environment when devising their strategies in Sweden. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Institutional theory, resource-based view (RBV) & transaction cost economics (TCE) may be used to anchor future studies on analyze the international market entry strategies: exploring the role of institutional environment in the Sweden. Firms aiming to enter the Swedish market should conduct thorough institutional analysis to understand the regulatory frameworks, cultural norms, and socio-political dynamics that may impact their market entry strategies. Policymakers in Sweden should strive to create a conducive institutional environment that facilitates foreign investment and market entry while maintaining regulatory stability and transparency.

The Experience of the Migration Component of European Identity for the Central Asia Region

The purpose of the article is to determine the degree of influence of international migration issues on the process of transformation of European identity and to assess the prospects for applying this experience in the countries of Central Asia. The methodological base of the study was built on the basis of a combination of methods of structural-functional, comparative, institutional analysis and forecasting with elements of a descriptive method. The results of the scientific work consist of characterizing the concept of European identity and the main problems of its development in connection with the intensification of migration processes in the world, formulating the features of the incorporation and integration of foreign citizens in the EU states, as well as highlighting the principles and norms used by members of the Commonwealth to regulate migration flows. The materials of this work can be applied in research and applied fields: the article can be useful for scientists whose interests include the formation and development of regional identity in a globalized world, as well as the topics of migration processes and linguistic, cultural and social adaptation of immigrants.

The Interplay Between Diabetes and Oral Health: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis of Clinical Trials (1967-2024).

Recognizing the complex interaction between diabetes and oral health is crucial, considering the increasing worldwide prevalence of these conditions. This bibliometric analysis delves into the extensive body of literature concerning the impact of diabetes on oral health, utilizing data retrieved from PubMed. The publishing trends indicate a growing research interest in the field over time, with notable peaks and declines. Coauthorship analyses of authors and institutions illuminated collaborative networks within the research community. Two departments at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences in Iran, namely the Department of Periodontology within the School of Dentistry and the Diabetes Research Center within the Health Research Institute, demonstrated the highest total link strength. The co-occurrence analysis of keywords also unveiled thematic clusters, reflecting research focus areas and evolving trends. The analysis of topic trends highlighted persistent research interests in topics, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, glycated hemoglobin, periodontitis, and therapy for chronic periodontitis, with shifts in therapeutic modalities investigated. The thematic map suggests that dental implants and tumor necrosis factor-alpha are emerging terms in the field that have gained more traction recently. Furthermore, the analysis of scientific production by country indicated varied contributions, with Brazil leading in publication output. Analysis of collaboration among corresponding authors' countries identified Italy exhibiting substantial international collaboration, while most of the countries primarily produced single-country publications. This comprehensive analysis provides insights into the multifaceted landscape of research on diabetes and oral health, emphasizing ongoing efforts to understand and address the complex interplay between these conditions.

Exploring the landscape of stem cell extracellular vesicle research for angiogenesis: A bibliometric analysis from 2003 to 2023.

Exosomes and other secretory membrane vesicles are collectively referred to as extracellular vesicles (EVs). Relevant data indicate that stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (SC-EVs) play a critical role in angiogenesis by transmitting crucial information such as proteins, second messengers, and genetic material between cells. Therefore, this study aimed to map current trends on SC-EVs for angiogenesis and provide directions for future research to advance this important field. We conducted a thorough search for relevant studies on SC-EVs for angiogenesis from 2003 to 2023 using the Web of Science database. Subsequently, we used VOSviewer and CiteSpace to analyze the collected data. A total of 2359 relevant publications, which included original articles and reviews, related to the role of SC-EVs in angiogenesis were screened in this study based on the search strategy. China and the United States were leading in this field, with China having a higher output in terms of publications and citations (1172, 43681). Also, the top five universities were located in China, with Shanghai Jiao Tong University having the highest output. Stem Cell Research & Therapy and International Journal of Molecular Sciences, are prominent platforms for researchers in this field to share their findings and advancements, and they had most of published studies on SC-EVs for angiogenesis. The results derived from the cluster analysis suggested that future investigations should predominantly prioritize studying the involvement of SC-EVs in angiogenesis across various diseases, with a specific emphasis on skin wound healing. In this comprehensive review, global trends in SC-EVs for angiogenesis were analyzed. The analysis of journals, institutions, references, and keywords could assist researchers in deciding on the direction of research. The role of SC-EVs in promoting angiogenesis during wound healing and repair represents an emerging research focus.

Methodological foundations of the study of state control in the field of insolvency (bankruptcy): analysis and evaluation

The subject of the study is to analyze and evaluate methodological approaches to the study of state control in the field of insolvency (bankruptcy). The article presents the author's established positions on the classification of methods of cognition in the field of theory of state and law. The article presents the author's established positions on the classification of methods of cognition in the field of theory of state and law. The authors of the article analyzed the essence and specifics of the implementation of general philosophical, general scientific and private scientific methods, highlighted their advantages and disadvantages in terms of applicability in the field of insolvency (bankruptcy). The research methodology is based on the use of general scientific and dialectical methods of cognition, as well as scientific techniques such as analysis, comparison and generalization. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the substantiation of the author's methodological approach to the study of state control in the field of insolvency (bankruptcy), consisting of philosophical (dialectical method), general scientific (analysis, synthesis, idealization, historical, systemic and logical methods), private scientific (statistical and cybernetic methods, institutional, functional-structural and communicative analysis, sociological research) and special legal (comparative legal, formal logical) methods. The authors also revealed the specifics of the application of each group of methods in the field of state control in the field of insolvency (bankruptcy). It is proved that the presented methodology makes it possible to comprehensively study the institutional and legislative support for the functioning of the administrative and legal mechanism of state control in the field of insolvency (bankruptcy) and develop relevant directions and measures to improve it.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma: A 26 years institutional cross-sectional study.

The variance in the prevalence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) around the world has been associated with a number of sociocultural traits, significant regional variations in risk factors, variations in data gathering, and the degree of health service development in different populations. Here, we undertake a 26 years institutional review and analysis of OSCC cases. To evaluate and analyse 26 years Institutional Data of OSCC. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology's archives, Government Dental College and Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, and observational cross-sectional study. This study examines instances of OSCC that were histologically diagnosed between 1997 and 2022. All information pertaining to cases of OSCC was obtained from the departmental archives. Data tabulated and then subjected to descriptive statistical analysis with the SPSS statistical software. The total number of the patients included 1508 (69.6%) males and 660 (30.4%) females, whose age ranged from the second decade to the tenth decade of life with a mean age of 55.5 years with a range of 20-91 years. The incidence was the highest in the fifth and sixth decades (n = 603, 27.8% and n = 572, 26.4%), respectively. The left buccal mucosa recorded the maximum number of cases (left buccal mucosa 559, 25.8%). There were 1405 (64.8%) cases of well-differentiated SCC, 301 (13.9%) cases of moderately differentiated SCC, and 51 (2.4%) cases of poorly differentiated SCC. The overall incidence and prevalence of OSCC can be estimated using baseline epidemiological data from our institution.

Clinical Research Primer for Medical Students: Overview and Illustrative Experiences

Abstract Background The ability to participate in clinical scholarship is a foundational component of modern evidence-based medical practice, empowering improvement across essentially every aspect of clinical care. In tandem, the need for comprehensive exposure to clinical research has been identified as a critical component of medical student training and preparation for residency that is underserved by traditional undergraduate medical education models. The goal of the current work was to provide guidelines and recommendations to assist novice medical students in taking ownership of their research education. Methods The Clinical Research Primer was composed from pooled research documents compiled by the study authors and our institutional neurosurgery student research group. The Primer was then structured as the natural evolution of a research project from its inception through the submission process. Results We divided the foundational components of the Clinical Research Primer into seven domains, each representing a landmark in the development of a peer-reviewed study, and a set of skills critical for junior scholars to develop. These vital components included the following: pitching and designing clinical studies, developing a research workflow, navigating the Institutional Review Board, data collection and analysis, manuscript writing and editing, submission mechanics, and tracking research projects for career development. Conclusion We anticipate that the tools included in the Clinical Research Primer will increase student research productivity and preparedness for residency. Although our recommendations are informed by our experiences within neurosurgery, they have been written in a manner that should generalize to almost any field of clinical study.

Infection After Lower-Limb Osseointegration: A Single-Center Retrospective Evaluation of Pathogens, Management, and Outcomes.

Osseointegration (OI) is a novel alternative to traditional socket-suspended prostheses for lower-limb amputees, eliminating the socket-skin interface and allowing for weight bearing directly on the skeletal system. However, the stoma through which the implant attaches to the external prosthesis creates an ingress route for bacteria, and infection rates as high as 66% have been reported. The aims of this study are to classify infection management and long-term outcomes in this patient population to maximize implant salvage. An institutional review board-approved retrospective analysis was performed on all patients who underwent lower-limb OI at our institution between 2017 and 2022. Demographic, operative, and outcome data were collected for all patients. Patients were stratified by the presence and severity of infection. Chi-square and t tests were performed on categorical and continuous data, respectively, using an alpha of 0.05. One hundred two patients met our study criteria; 62 had transfemoral OI and 40 had transtibial OI. Patients were followed for 23.8 months on average (range, 3.5-63.7). Osteomyelitis was more likely than soft tissue infection to be polymicrobial in nature (71% vs 23%, P < 0.05). Infections at the stoma were mostly (96%) managed with oral antibiotics alone, whereas deeper soft tissue infections also required intravenous antibiotics (75%) or operative washout (19%). Osteomyelitis was managed with intravenous antibiotics and required operative attention; 5 (71%) underwent washout and 2 (29%) underwent explantation. Both implants were replaced an average of 3.5 months after explantation. There was no correlation between history of soft tissue infection and development of osteomyelitis (P > 0.05). The overall implant salvage rate after infection was 96%. This study describes our institution's experience managing infection after OI and soft tissue reconstruction. Although infections do occur, they are easily treatable and rarely require operative intervention. Explantation due to infection is rare and can be followed up with reimplantation, reaffirming that OI is a safe and effective treatment modality.

Three Arguments Against Institutional Conscientious Objection, and Why They Are (Metaphysically) Unconvincing.

The past decade has seen a burgeoning of scholarly interest in conscientious objection in healthcare. While the literature to date has focused primarily on individual healthcare practitioners who object to participation in morally controversial procedures, in this article we consider a different albeit related issue, namely, whether publicly funded healthcare institutions should be required to provide morally controversial services such as abortions, emergency contraception, voluntary sterilizations, and voluntary euthanasia. Substantive debates about institutional responsibility have remained largely at the level of first-order ethical debate over medical practices which institutions have refused to offer; in this article, we argue that more fundamental questions about the metaphysics of institutions provide a neglected avenue for understanding the basis of institutional conscientious objection. To do so, we articulate a metaphysical model of institutional conscience, and consider three well-known arguments for undermining institutional conscientious objection in light of this model. We show how our metaphysical analysis of institutions creates difficulties for justifying sanctions on institutions that conscientiously object. Thus, we argue, questions about the metaphysics of institutions are deserving of serious attention from both critics and defenders of institutional conscientious objection.