Dimensions Of Interest Research Articles

Italians and Global Warming Skepticism: opinions and Ways of information

Scientists, policy-makers, entrepreneurs, and citizens are strongly concerned about the harmful consequences of climate change. Individual beliefs about social norms and economic and political orientations regarding trust and social relationships call into question values ​​such as care for the environment, autonomy, freedom of choice, and risk. Given the influence of the media on public perceptions, it is essential to consider how, with what means, and towards which issues citizens orient themselves to address this epochal phenomenon. Using quantitative and qualitative methods of analysis, the present study investigates the characteristics and reasons of the individuals who are skeptical of the evidence of global warming in Italy and how the Italians inform themselves about this issue. Quantitative analysis was performed on two representative samples of 1011 and 1030 individuals from Observa Science in Society in 2022 and 2023 through a structural equation model (SEM) to study the dimensions associated with climate change skepticism. Qualitative research on a panel of 93 Italians selected by gender, cultural level, and area of residence further highlighted the information channels, methods of use, and the main dimensions of interest in climate change. This robust mixed-mode methodology, which ensures the credibility and reliability of the study's findings, is a key strength of this research. Our results confirm that less trust in science and older age are associated with skepticism. Furthermore, traditional media are the primary means of information despite the growing importance of social relations - including social networks - in shaping opinions on the environment and climate change. The conclusions also reveal that experts influence the public, even if personal experience often mediates this effect. These findings have practical implications for understanding and addressing climate change skepticism in Italy, equipping researchers, policymakers, and individuals interested in this issue with the knowledge to make informed decisions and take effective action.

The Rule of Law Approach to Promote High-quality Development of Finance

The modernization of the law in finance of China has national strategic height, national interest dimension, financial inclusion and financial opening breadth, It has the characteristics of Chinese practice and benefits the people.At present, the construction of financial of law is faced with some difficulties, such as the supervision of digital finance, the prevention of financial risks, the coordination in the construction of foreign-related financial of law. In order to fully respond to the needs of construction of law in key areas, first, we will promote financial regulatory innovation and implement the inclusive and prudent regulatory concept on the track of marketization and law. The second is to implement departmental coordination, central-local coordination and social coordination in the prevention of systemic financial risks. Third, strengthening foreign-related financial legislation, justice and law enforcement in the context of high-level opening-up.

Discussion on the Design Strategy of Shenyang Pocket Park from the Perspective of Child-friendly Health

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China proposed to build 100 child-friendly pilot cities. All regions are encouraged to actively carry out the construction of open Spaces such as pocket parks and children, add activity venues suitable for children, and allocate recreational facilities to further promote the construction of urban child-friendly Spaces. Based on this, this paper analyzes the current situation of Shenyang Pocket Park, and puts forward six design improvement strategies from four dimensions of accessibility, safety, interest and comfort, so as to provide new ideas for the construction of child-friendly pocket park.

Gender Differences in Vocational Interests Across 57 Countries: A Test of the Interest–Gender-Equality Paradox

Postmaterialist theory suggests that gender differences in vocational interests should be larger in more egalitarian countries, reflecting a counter-intuitive pattern called the “Gender-Equality Paradox.” By contrast, social role theory implies that gender differences in vocational interests should be smaller in more egalitarian countries as gender roles converge. Using multilevel analyses on data from 57 countries (N = 109,460), we investigate the relationship of country-level gender equality (measured by the Global Gender Gap Index) to gender differences in RIASEC (Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional) vocational interests. Results reveal patterns that differ by interest dimensions. In more egalitarian countries, gender differences in Realistic, Investigative, and Social interests are larger, revealing an “Interest–Gender-Equality Paradox.” Conversely, gender differences in Artistic, Enterprising, and Conventional interests are smaller in these countries. These relationships remain largely robust after controlling for country-level economic development (Gross Domestic Product). We discuss possible explanations and implications of our findings.

Applying Insights from China: A Typology for Subnational Comparative Politics

AbstractIn this study, we draw on theories of subnational analysis and comparison to introduce a novel framework for better understanding central-local dynamics in China. We argue that careful consideration along the dimensions of interests and information of national and subnational actors can allow us to predict how the central state evaluates local actors, variation in local implementation, and the potential for findings to be generalized to settings beyond China. We apply this 2$$\times$$ × 2 typology to several policy areas—social stability, social security, environmental governance, and economic development—to derive expectations about the behavior of central and local states, and identify when researchers can (and cannot) treat subnational units as independent observations. By identifying the underlying dynamics of central-local relations in different policy domains, this typology provides researchers with tools to construct a more precise analytical framework and helps scholars of Chinese politics conducting subnational analyses design research agendas better able to contribute to the larger comparative politics literature.

The impact of the nurse practice environment, workload, and professional support on job outcomes and standards of care at primary health care clinics in South Africa: A structural equation model approach

BackgroundThere is substantial evidence on the associations between a positive nurse practice environment and improved nurse and patient outcomes, as well as the factors that mediate these associations, in high-income countries and in hospital settings. The knowledge gaps in African and primary health care settings motivated this empirical study. ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to examine the impact of the dimensions of the nurse practice environment, specifically human resource management, foundations for nursing care, and participation in clinic affairs, on job outcomes and standards of care. DesignA cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2021 and June 2022. Setting180 primary health care clinics in two South African provinces of Gauteng and North West. Participants665 nurses of all categories. MethodsA causal model was developed with pathways between the nurse practice environment dimensions and the outcomes of job satisfaction, intention to leave, and standards of care. A set of standardised instruments was used to measure the study variables. Using structural equation modelling, workload and professional support were tested as potential mediators between the nurse practice environment and the outcome variables. ResultsThe nurses scored the domain of foundations for nursing care 71.2 out of 100 on average, indicating high agreement, while the mean scores for nurses’ participation in clinic affairs and human resources management were lower at 68.0 and 61.7 respectively. Although nurses expressed moderate satisfaction with professional support (67.7), they were less satisfied with their workload (52.2). The mean score of overall job satisfaction was moderate (58.9), with 53.8 % of the nurses reporting that they intended leaving the clinic where they were working. Thirty-six percent intended leaving the nursing profession, indicating low intention to stay. The final mediation model was judged to fit the data adequately based on goodness-of-fit indices, confirming that workload and professional support had a mediating role between the nurse practice environment dimensions of interest and both nurses’ job outcomes and standards of care. ConclusionsWe have highlighted the value of supportive practice environments, effective workload management, and enhanced professional support in improving nurses’ job outcomes and satisfaction with standards of care. Improving nurses’ practice environments at primary health care level may have a wide-ranging impact on the performance of the health system. Therefore, primary health care facility managers should ensure that workload is distributed equitably, professional support for nurses is enhanced, and the overall work environment is improved.

Effect of simulating training of the fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery on the attitude of operating room nurses students: an intervention study

Abstract Objective Clinical education plays a key role in preparing students for patient care. Laparoscopy is one of the most important minimally invasive surgeries (MISs) wherein surgical technologists are responsible for camera navigation and assistant surgeons are responsible for peg transfer. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the attitude of the operating room students toward these skills during their study period. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of simulating training in the fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery (FLS) on the attitude of the operating room students. Methods This interventional study was conducted on 28 operating room students of Iran University of Medical Sciences in 2019. The census sampling method was used. The data-collection tool included the “Intrinsic motivation inventory (IMI) questionnaire.” The educational intervention was carried out in theoretical (booklet design) and practical (simulation) sections. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive and inferential analyses including the paired t-test, Mann–Whitney U test, and independent t-test. The collected data were analyzed using R and SPSS software. P-value <0.05 was considered as the significant level. Results The mean ± SD of the participants’ age was 22.93 ± 2.14 years, and the majority of them were women (67.9%). There was a significant difference in the mean scores of students’ attitudes toward the FLS before and after the educational intervention (P < 0.001) in all dimensions (interest, perceived competence, perceived choice, and tension). There was also a significant correlation between gender and interest dimension (P = 0.005). Conclusions The results of the present study showed that simulating the training FLS curriculum positively affects students’ attitudes. Therefore, the researchers suggest that for creating a positive attitude, increasing students’ interest in laparoscopic surgery, and ensuring a more effective presence in the operating room, this training should be considered in the operating room curriculum.

Anthropometric Fit Test Methods: Three Case Studies

There is not a universally accepted fit test procedure because test protocols need to be customized for specific products or research questions. A fit test protocol can vary significantly based on the product tested, but often includes these steps: define fit criteria, select anthropometric dimensions of interest, perform testing, collect quantitative and qualitative feedback, identify design recommendations, and develop or refine a sizing chart. To illustrate general approaches to human fit testing, case studies of fit tests are described for three different product types: a multi-layered protective clothing ensemble, a therapeutic airway clearance vest, and a patient transfer sling.

Genetic factors and symptom dimensions associated with antidepressant treatment outcomes: clues for new potential therapeutic targets?

Treatment response and resistance in major depressive disorder (MDD) show a significant genetic component, but previous studies had limited power also due to MDD heterogeneity. This literature review focuses on the genetic factors associated with treatment outcomes in MDD, exploring their overlap with those associated with clinically relevant symptom dimensions. We searched PubMed for: (1) genome-wide association studies (GWASs) or whole exome sequencing studies (WESs) that investigated efficacy outcomes in MDD; (2) studies examining the association between MDD treatment outcomes and specific depressive symptom dimensions; and (3) GWASs of the identified symptom dimensions. We identified 13 GWASs and one WES of treatment outcomes in MDD, reporting several significant loci, genes, and gene sets involved in gene expression, immune system regulation, synaptic transmission and plasticity, neurogenesis and differentiation. Nine symptom dimensions were associated with poor treatment outcomes and studied by previous GWASs (anxiety, neuroticism, anhedonia, cognitive functioning, melancholia, suicide attempt, psychosis, sleep, sociability). Four genes were associated with both treatment outcomes and these symptom dimensions: CGREF1 (anxiety); MCHR1 (neuroticism); FTO and NRXN3 (sleep). Other overlapping signals were found when considering genes suggestively associated with treatment outcomes. Genetic studies of treatment outcomes showed convergence at the level of biological processes, despite no replication at gene or variant level. The genetic signals overlapping with symptom dimensions of interest may point to shared biological mechanisms and potential targets for new treatments tailored to the individual patient's clinical profile.

Measuring trust in healthcare with instruments developed in different disciplines - A scoping review.

Trust is a key character at organizational level. Understanding the level of trust with timely relevant instrument is a significant process to capture the level of trust beyond organizational changes in healthcare. To gather, assess, and synthesize the items of instruments evaluating trust in healthcare organizations. Scoping review methodology. The literature search with deductive-inductive content analysis. The data were charted from articles that involved the use of trust instruments in healthcare organizations. Search from eight databases was updated in January 2024 and included peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2023. A total of 13 instruments were found measuring trust in the organization, trust in the leader, and trust among peers in healthcare. The items of instruments about trust in the organization included strategic and operational cultures. The trust in the leader consisted of competence, consistency, openness, appreciative acceptance, and loyalty and risk, while instruments about trust among peers included dimensions of moral partnership, common interest, and competent peers. Comprehensively measuring trust in the leader, trust in the organization, and trust among peers is significant due to the multifaceted dimension of trust. Measuring trust offers a possibility to recognize the working relationships and cultures in healthcare organizations.

Best Practices for Measuring the Modulation Transfer Function of Video Endoscopes.

Endoscopes are crucial for assisting in surgery and disease diagnosis, including the early detection of cancer. The effective use of endoscopes relies on their optical performance, which can be characterized with a series of metrics such as resolution, vital for revealing anatomical details. The modulation transfer function (MTF) is a key metric for evaluating endoscope resolution. However, the 2020 version of the ISO 8600-5 standard, while introducing an endoscope MTF measurement method, lacks empirical validation and excludes opto-electronic video endoscopes, the largest family of endoscopes. Measuring the MTF of video endoscopes requires tailored standards that address their unique characteristics. This paper aims to expand the scope of ISO 8600-5:2020 to include video endoscopes, by optimizing the MTF test method and addressing parameters affecting measurement accuracy. We studied the effects of intensity and uniformity of image luminance, chart modulation compensation, linearity of image digital values, auto gain control, image enhancement, image compression and the region of interest dimensions on images of slanted-edge test charts, and thus the MTF based on these images. By analyzing these effects, we provided recommendations for setting and controlling these factors to obtain accurate MTF curves. Our goal is to enhance the standard's relevance and effectiveness for measuring the MTF of a broader range of endoscopic devices, with potential applications in the MTF measurement of other digital imaging devices.

Compromises in occupational choice and premature termination of vocational education and training: gender type, prestige, and occupational interests in focus

This study examines whether premature termination of vocational education and training (VET) is more likely when trainees have to make compromises between their realistic occupational aspirations and the occupation for which they are trained in terms of the occupational dimensions of gender type, prestige, and occupational interests. Specifically, it examines the relative importance of the three compromise dimensions on premature VET termination. The study is based on a sample of 3,241 VET entrants from a cohort of ninth graders in 2010 in the German National Educational Panel Study (NEPS-SC4) in combination with aggregated data on occupational characteristics. Results from discrete hazard rate models indicate a higher risk of premature VET termination for trainees whose VET occupation differs from their realistic occupational aspiration from their school days. While compromises in prestige have no overall effect, both compromises in interests and gender type threaten the stability of VET. The results also indicate that compromises in interests have the strongest effect on the risk of premature VET termination and that the effects of compromises in gender type are partly mediated by the effects of compromises in interests. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis revealed that the main effects of compromises in gender type and prestige are gender specific.

Exploring strategic multi-leveraging of sport tourism events: An action-research study

Strategic planning of sport events should promote the maximisation of local communities' benefits. Among other dimensions of interest to the host destination's stakeholders, given the aim of sustainable development, sport events leveraging must integrate economic, social and environmental perspectives, justifying its multidimensional extensiveness. The general objective of this study was to stimulate and understand the process of planning and implementing strategic multi-leverage of international open water swimming events hosted in Portugal, in 2022, addressing the economic, social, environmental, partners and sport dimensions.This study employed a case study approach within an action-research methodology. The research design covered three action-research stages: planning, implementation and analysis. The data collection combined nominal group sessions, field observation, document analysis and interviews. The qualitative analysis used the triangulation of the data collected, and the content analysis was performed using the NVivo software.Actions were strategically planned targeting economic, social, environmental, partners, and sport dimensions, albeit with a prominent focus on economic and sport leverage. Excluding sport, the implementation of strategic actions ensured all dimensions' operationalisation. Six constraints (e.g. little adherence from local partners) and three drivers (e.g. commitment and authority of the leverage coordinating team) conditioned the strategic leverage implementation. The strategic planning of future sport events should outline actions that intensify the destination’s image, focusing the attention of stakeholders on valuing the natural attributes. This study strengthened knowledge about the multi-leverage approach applied to two sport events, reinforcing the need to implement cross-leveraging among the aforementioned dimensions to enhance the success of strategic leverage.

What Fechner could not do: Separating perceptual encoding and decoding with difference scaling.

A key question in perception research is how stimulus variations translate into perceptual magnitudes, that is, the perceptual encoding process. As experimenters, we cannot probe perceptual magnitudes directly, but infer the encoding process from responses obtained in a psychophysical experiment. The most prominent experimental technique to measure perceptual appearance is matching, where observers adjust a probe stimulus to match a target in its appearance along the dimension of interest. The resulting data quantify the perceived magnitude of the target in physical units of the probe, and are thus an indirect expression of the underlying encoding process. In this paper, we show analytically and in simulation that data from matching tasks do not sufficiently constrain perceptual encoding functions, because there exist an infinite number of pairs of encoding functions that generate the same matching data. We use simulation to demonstrate that maximum likelihood conjoint measurement (Ho, Landy, & Maloney, 2008; Knoblauch & Maloney, 2012) does an excellent job of recovering the shape of ground truth encoding functions from data that were generated with these very functions. Finally, we measure perceptual scales and matching data for White's effect (White, 1979) and show that the matching data can be predicted from the estimated encoding functions, down to individual differences.

Using the low-tech concept to create scenarios: an analysis of its potential to design for sustainable urban future

AbstractDesigners must be equipped with methods to contribute to sustainability transitions. Scenario planning arose as approach to integrate future uncertainties while the low-tech concept promotes technological discernment. This paper looks at how low-tech fuelled scenario planning. Analysing institutional and archetypical scenarios shows a partial integration through high and low-tech extremes. However, more nuanced considerations are lacking. This paper shows that low-tech can bring an interesting dimension to future scenarios and thus contributes to method development for sustainable design.

Al‐MadinaDocument in ContemporaryArab‐Muslimand Western Scholarship: Surveying and Assessing some Intellectual Orientations and Reading Strategies1

AbstractThis short essay attempts at displaying briefly some examples of scholarly and intellectual interests in al‐Madina Document, which one can find in Arab and Western literature today. It endeavors to highlight the primary, focal conceptual orientations and the contextual concerns and motifs that make the Arab and the Western intellectual scenes approach this document from the distinguished perspectives they follow and to interpret its content from the specific dimensions of interest and focus they prioritize. After exposing in a survey‐like and short analytical manner these different approaches, the paper will end with some assessments of each scholarly modus operandi and then suggest some aspects of reading that should not be ignored or sidelined if one wants to relate to the Madina Document in its own terms and from‐within its own world and possible context, without ending up either eisegeting the document, or anachronizing its content or injecting its words with what they do not not essentially state.

PENGEMBANGAN KOMIK EDUKASI BERBASIS CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING BERBANTUAN KVISOFT FLIPBOOK MAKER PRO UNTUK SEKOLAH DASAR

This research aims to develop and produce the effectiveness of an educational comic based on Creative Problem Solving (CPS) using Kvisoft Flipbook Maker Pro as interactive media for elementary school students. This research uses the ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) model development approach. The main innovation of this research is the use of the Creative Problem Solving approach in designing educational comic content. In addition, Kvisoft Flipbook Maker Pro is used to present comics interactively, adding a more interesting visual dimension. The research results include educational comics developed and evaluation results from field trials. Evaluation involves responses from students, teachers, and the appropriateness, attractiveness, and effectiveness of comics in increasing understanding of educational concepts. It is hoped that this research can contribute to the development of innovative teaching methods and increase student involvement in the learning process. The results obtained were that the teaching materials developed obtained a validity percentage of 89.06% (Content Validation), 80% (Graphic Validation), and 83.3% (Language Validation). The practicality of the teacher's response was obtained at 3.7 (very practical), while the student's response was 3.5 (very practical. Effectiveness can be seen from student learning outcomes, namely an N-Gain Score of 0.71 (High) in the quite effective category. This means, The teaching materials developed are valid, practical and effective for grade 3 elementary school students

FIR agreement Indonesia – Singapore: What are the legal implications?

This paper explores the implications of Indonesia's agreement to delegate the Flight Information Region (FIR) of air navigation services to Singapore, specifically in the airspace of the Riau and Natuna islands, as stated in Presidential Regulation Number 109 of 2022. Using the normative juridical method, this study examines the intricate details of the agreement, with a focus on its potential legal consequences for Indonesia's national and international obligations.Although Indonesia retains sovereignty over its territory, this analysis scrutinizes the nuanced provisions of the agreement and their implications, particularly in terms of the technical aspects of air traffic services provided by the Singapore Air Traffic Services Provider above Indonesia's territories, which the agreement does not explicitly delineate the responsibilities or shared consequences in law. The purpose of this paper is to elucidate Indonesia's increased responsibility under the new agreement and emphasize the importance of a careful approach to its implementation. By exploring the multifaceted dimensions of national and international interests, this study seeks to highlight the imperative for Indonesia to navigate the agreement prudently.Ultimately, this analysis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Indonesia's obligations, potential challenges, and essential considerations under the renewed agreement of 2022, underscoring the significance of a balanced approach in safeguarding Indonesia's interests on both national and international fronts.

Relationship between Digital Literacy Skills, Attitude towards Teaching Profession and Academic Motivation among Prospective Teachers

Abstract The objective of the study was to identify the correlation between the digital literacy skills, academic motivation, and attitudes towards the teaching profession among prospective teachers. The present study employed a survey research methodology and a correlational technique. The study's sample consisted of 120 prospective teachers who held Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degrees. Data was acquired through convenient sampling technique. The dimensions of interest in this study were assessed using the Attitude toward Teaching Profession Scale (Kahramanolu, 2018), Digital Literacy Skills Scale (Üstünda et al., 2017), and Academic Motivation Scales (Karagüven, 2012). Data were analyzed through SPSS 26. The Pearson correlation revealed a statistically significant positive association between future teachers’ self-engagement and their digital literacy skills, attitude towards teaching, and academic motivation. The linear regression analysis revealed a distinct correlation between academic motivation, attitudes towards teaching, and digital literacy skills. Gender inequalities were apparent. The report suggests engaging education authorities and adopting steps for teacher training. Implementing strategies to enhance the academic motivation and digital proficiency of prospective educators. Key concepts: Digital literacy, Attitude towards the teaching profession, Academic motivation, prospective teachers

Spherical model of vocational interests – verification of the concept and measurement method

Introduction: The Spherical Model of Interests and Competence Beliefs (Tracey, Rounds, 1996a, 1996b) integrates Holland’s (1985, 1997) RIASEC theory and the People/Things Data/Ideas dimensions by Prediger (1982), supplementing them with a third dimension of vocational interests: prestige. The aim of the study was to verify the spherical model of vocational interests in a sample of Polish adults and to present the psychometric properties of the Polish version of the Personal Globe Inventory – Short (Tracey, 2002). The reliability of the questionnaire was assessed using measures of internal consistency. The theoretical validity was examined through confirmatory factor analysis, randomization test of hypothesized order relations, and correlations with other measures of vocational interests and life aspirations. Method: The study involved 513 students and working individuals aged 18 to 58 (M = 24.5; SD = 9.1). Among the participants, 67% were women. To assess the criterion validity of the adapted tool, the Multi–Aspect Assessment of Vocational Preferences (Paszkowska-Rogacz, 2013) and the Kasser and Ryan Index of Life Aspirations (2005) in the Polish adaptation by Górnik-Durose and Janiec (2010) were used. Results: The obtained results confirm the satisfactory psychometric properties of polish version of PGI–S. Eight basic interests were found to be positively and significantly statistically related to their corresponding interest areas according to Holland's concept. High prestige was positively associated with life aspirations such as image, popularity, self-acceptance, spirituality, and hedonism. Low prestige correlated positively with self-acceptance and health, and negatively with security. The results also indicated the existence of differences in the structure of interests between women and men. Conclusions: The obtained results confirm the spherical structure of vocational interests in the examined sample. Further research on occupational prestige and cultural differences in its perception seems warranted.