Knowledge Of Services Research Articles

Right to Self Representation in Legal Proceedings: Autonomy, Challenges and Implications

The principle of self-representation in court, also known as "pro se" representation, is a fundamental aspect of the legal systems of many countries. This principle allows individuals to advocate for themselves in legal proceedings, even without the assistance of a lawyer. This abstract examines the significance and ramifications of the right to self-representation in court, shedding light on its historical origins, its practical uses, and the potential challenges it presents. The historical background of this right can be traced back to democratic ideals and the belief that individuals should have the freedom to represent their own interests in legal matters. It is recognized in various legal systems worldwide, including the United States, where the Sixth Amendment of the Constitution guarantees individuals the right to represent themselves in criminal cases. The practical implications of the right to self-representation are wide-ranging. It gives power to individuals who may lack the financial resources to hire a lawyer, ensuring that justice is accessible to everyone. It also promotes a more direct and personal connection between the legal system and those it serves, allowing individuals to have a voice in their own cases and decisions that impact their lives. Additionally, it can be a valuable resource for those with unique knowledge or insights into their case that a lawyer may not possess. However, the right to self-representation poses its own challenges. Without legal expertise, individuals may face difficulties in navigating the complex legal process, potentially resulting in unfavorable outcomes. Furthermore, judges and court officials must carefully balance the right to self-representation with the need to maintain an orderly and fair legal process, which can be a delicate undertaking. The significance of striking a balance between the requirement for sufficient legal support and guidance and the right to self-representation is emphasized in this abstract. It emphasizes how pro se litigants must have access to knowledge and support services in order to successfully traverse the judicial system. In conclusion, a fair and democratic legal system must include the right to self-representation. However, for this to be implemented successfully, it must take into account the difficulties that may arise and provide sufficient funding to guarantee that everyone has access to the courts.

Effect of Different Local Antibiotic Regimens on Prevention of Postoperative Infection in Clean Surgical Wounds: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis.

To compare the efficacy of several local antibiotic regimens in preventing surgical site infection (SSI) in clean surgical wounds. The authors searched CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), the VIP (VIP information resource integration service platform), Wanfang Data knowledge service platform (WANFANG), SinoMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and PubMed. A total of 20 randomized controlled trials published between January 1, 2000 and April 1, 2021 were included in this meta-analysis. Authors extracted the name of the first author, publication date, country, type of surgery, follow-up time, mean age of participants, sample size of each group, interventions, outcome indicators, and study type from each article. The overall effectiveness of eight local managements in reducing the incidence of the SSI effect were compared through the SUCRA (surface under the cumulative ranking curve) probabilities. The results of a network meta-analysis demonstrated that gentamicin ointment (odds ratio [OR], 0.16; 95% CI, 0.04-0.60), mupirocin ointment (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.21-0.94), and gentamicin soaking of the graft (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.44-0.91) significantly reduced the incidence of SSI compared with control. Further, vancomycin soaking of the graft (86.7%) ranked first, followed by gentamicin ointment (81.1%), gentamicin irrigation (79.9%), mupirocin ointment (56.8%), triple antibiotic ointment (47.8%), gentamicin soaking of the graft (42.3%), and vancomycin powder (22.1%); ampicillin powder (17.8%) was the least effective drug. The findings indicate that local antibiotics combined with conventional antibiotics in the wound before wound closure are effective in reducing the incidence of SSI in clean surgical wounds. Vancomycin inoculation of the graft exhibited the best effect.

Factors Associated with Adequate Antenatal Care among Pregnant Women in Rural Indonesia

Antenatal care (ANC) is crucial for the health of both mother and child. However, information on ANC in rural Indonesia is limited despite its essential role. This research examined the determinants of adequate antenatal care among rural Indonesian pregnant women. A cross-sectional study analysed pregnant Indonesian women aged 18-49, focusing on adequate antenatal care (ANC) during the third trimester. The study included sociodemographic variables and component factors (knowledge, motivation, social support, and health services). A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. A total number of 350 pregnant women aged 18–49 years old enrolled in this study. Almost half (47.1) % of women received adequate ANC (≥ eight visits) during their pregnancy, and about 79.1% of participants had adequate ANC (4 or more visits). Mothers with higher education and married were more likely to have adequate ANC (AOR = 1.52; 95% CI [1.12–3.46]) and (AOR = 1.17; 95% CI [1.01–3.32]), respectively. Poor knowledge toward ANC (AOR = 0.41; 95% CI [0.12–0.65], low motivation (AOR = 0.73; 95% CI [0.31–0.97]), poor health service (AOR = 2.76; 95% CI [1.85–4.32]), and poor social support (AOR = 3.24; 95% CI [2.11–5.34]) was negatively associated with adequate ANC. The intervention aims to improve access to maternity care for women in rural Indonesia by enhancing social support, reproductive health awareness, and expanding safety net services

Effect of acupuncture therapy for postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction in gastric and colorectal cancers: an umbrella review.

Gastrointestinal dysfunction is a prevalent postoperative complication in patients undergoing surgery for gastric cancer and colorectal cancer. Acupuncture holds promise as a great potential therapeutic intervention. The efficacy of acupuncture therapy for postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction has been assessed in some studies, however, the variability in results and study quality influences practical clinical application. Therefore, it is necessary to summarize and analyze the published clinical research data in this field. This study aimed to synthesize evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses in order to assess the efficacy of acupuncture therapy for postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction in patients with gastric and colorectal cancer. Umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. We searched China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform (Wanfang), China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), Chinese biomedical literature service system (SinoMed), PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for all systematic review/meta-analysis of acupuncture for postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction in gastric and colorectal cancers. From the establishment of the database to July 8, 2023. Two independent reviewers conducted literature extraction and evaluation. The quality of included studies was assessed using The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis statements 2020 (PRISMA2020), the quality of the methods was assessed using a measuring tool to assess systematic reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2), and the level of evidence was assessed using the grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE). The statistical analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4, and the effect size was expressed as Odds Ratio (OR), Mean Difference (MD), and 95% confidence interval (CI) based on the extracted data type (test level α= 0.05). The heterogeneity was assessed using the I 2 statistic and Q-test (χ2). The outcome indicators such as time to first defecation and time to first flatus were utilized as endpoints to assess the efficacy of different acupuncture therapies. A total of six systematic reviews/meta-analyses were included in this study, involving 12 different acupuncture therapies. PRISMA 2020 indicated that the studies all scored between 13-20.5. There were deficiencies in protocol and registration, assessment of the quality of evidence for outcome indicators, risk of bias, and declaration of conflict of interest. The AMSTAR 2 evaluations showed that five studies were very low quality and one was low quality. The level of evidence for various acupuncture interventions varied from very low to moderate.For patients with gastrointestinal dysfunction after gastric cancer surgery, ear acupressure [MD=-11.92, 95% (-14.39,-9.44), P<0.00001], moxibustion [MD=-19.16, 95% (-23.00,-16.22), P<0.00001], warm needling [MD=-12.81, 95% (-17.61,-8.01), P<0.00001], acupoint application [MD=-6.40, 95% (-10.26,-2.54), P=0.001], manual acupuncture [MD=-18.32, 95% (-26.31,-10.39), P<0.00001] and transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) [MD=-5.17, 95% (-9.59,-0.74), P=0.02] could promote the recovery of gastrointestinal function after surgery.For postoperative colorectal cancer patients, electroacupuncture [MD=-15.17, 95% (-28.81,-1.54), P<0.05], manual acupuncture [MD=-20.51, 95% (-39.19,-1.84), P<0.05], warm needling [MD=-18.55, 95% (-23.86,-13.24), P<0.05], ear acupressure [MD=-5.38, 95% (-9.80,-0.97), P<0.05], acupoint application [MD=-26.30, 95% (-32.81,-19.79), P<0.05], ear acupressure+acupressure [MD=-9.67, 95% (-13.58,-5.76), P<0.05], ear acupressure+manual acupuncture [MD=-18.70, 95% (-21.01,-16.39), P<0.05], ear acupressure+moxibustion [MD=-22.90, 95% (-30.10,-15.70), P<0.05], moxibustion+acupressure [MD=-14.77, 95% (-20.59,-8.95), P<0.05] improved postoperative gastrointestinal function. In addition, the efficacy of acupressure [MD=-12.00, 95% (-31.60,7.60), P>0.05] needed to be further demonstrated. Acupuncture therapy has a positive therapeutic impact on postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction in gastric and colorectal cancers, but this finding should still be taken with caution.

Factors Associated With Low Birth Weight Among the Tribal Population in India: A Narrative Review.

Low birth weight (LBW)is defined by the WHO as a birth weighing less than 2500 g (5.5 lb). The highest burden of any nation is LBW infants. In countries where the frequencyof neonatebabies is high, short gestation is a major cause. LBW babies have an 11-13 times greater risk of delayed developmental milestones and other medical diagnoses. Greater than the globalincidence, LBW prevalence is a severe public health problem in India. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using internet sources like PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. The words "birth weight," "abnormal birth weight," "LBWs," "neonates," "premature birth," "risks factors," "causes," "factors," "prevalence," and "frequency" weresearched.In this review, we examine the causes of LBW, implementation of pre-birth prevention strategies, and post-birth multifaceted health promotion interventions. The mother's knowledge, dietary requirements, and prenatal services need to be addressed to decrease the prevalence of LBWs among tribal districts of India.

Perception Towards Illness and Health Care System: A Survey among Heart Disease Patients in Public Hospital in Yogyakarta Province

Introduction: Heart disease is still a major concern in the Indonesian health sector. Wrong perceptions of heart disease are a significant barrier to preventing and controlling heart disease. This study aims to determine the illness and health care system perception in heart disease patients at Government Hospital Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta. Method: This study was analytic observational with a cross-sectional design with sampling using a convenience sampling technique. Data collection used a questionnaire method with direct interviews with patients. Data analysis used Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Chi-Square tests. Result: The results obtained 108 patients consisting of 51 men and 57 women. Based on the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, 88.89% of patients had a good perception of illness, and 56.48% had a good perception of the healthcare system. Chi-Square test analysis showed sociodemographic variables associated with illness perception were total family income monthly (p=0.000) and duration of heart disease (p=0.021). In contrast, the perception of the health care system is related to the variables of age (p=0.001) and educational status (p=0.002). Conclusion: The heart disease patients in Government Hospital Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta have an excellent perception of illness and the healthcare system. Patients' perceptions will increase if patient knowledge and hospital service quality are improved.

The barriers and enablers to accessing sexual health and sexual well-being services for midlife women (aged 40-65 years) in high-income countries: A mixed-methods systematic review.

Midlife, beginning at 40 years and extending to 65 years, a range that encompasses the late reproductive to late menopausal stages, is a unique time in women's lives, when hormonal and physical changes are often accompanied by psychological and social evolution. Access to sexual health and sexual well-being (SHSW) services, which include the prevention and management of sexually transmitted infections, contraception and the support of sexual function, pleasure and safety, is important for the health of midlife women, their relationships and community cohesion. The objective was to use the socio-ecological model to synthesise the barriers and enablers to SHSW services for midlife women in high-income countries. A systematic review of the enablers and barriers to women (including trans-gender and non-binary people) aged 40-65 years accessing SHSW services in high-income countries was undertaken. Four databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Google Scholar) were searched for peer-reviewed publications. Findings were thematically extracted and reported in a narrative synthesis. Eighty-one studies were included; a minority specifically set out to study SHSW care for midlife women. The key barriers that emerged were the intersecting disadvantage of under-served groups, poor knowledge, about SHSW, and SHSW services, among women and their healthcare professionals (HCPs), and the over-arching effect of stigma, social connections and psychological factors on access to care. Enablers included intergenerational learning, interdisciplinary and one-stop women-only services, integration of SHSW into other services, peer support programmes, representation of minoritised midlife women working in SHSW, local and free facilities and financial incentives to access services for under-served groups. Efforts are needed to enhance education about SHSW and related services among midlife women and their healthcare providers. This increased education should be leveraged to improve research, public health messaging, interventions, policy development and access to comprehensive services, especially for midlife women from underserved groups.

Effects of different intervention methods on psychological anxiety, stress, and fatigue among healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study aimed to explore the treatment effects of various intervention methods on the stress, anxiety, and fatigue of medical workers during the 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic. We conducted computer searches in both Chinese and English databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform (Wang Fang), VIP Chinese Journal Service Platform (VIP), Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and ScienceDirect to include prospective randomized controlled studies (Prospective RCT) published before September 30, 2023, regarding different treatment methods for stress, anxiety, and fatigue among healthcare workers during COVID-19. Data on anxiety, stress, and fatigue of research participants were extracted from the included studies, followed by statistical analysis of treatment effects using R software with the meta package. A total of 9 articles were eventually included, involving a total of 1,466 participants, including 686 in the control group and 780 in the study group. Intervention measures included mindfulness-based therapy in 4 studies and other intervention methods in 5. The anxiety status of the health workers was assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and the meta-analysis revealed a pooled mean difference (MD) of -0.53 (95% CI: -1.42, 0.37). Stress status was evaluated by Perceived Stress Scale 4 (PSS-4), and the meta-analysis results showed a post-treatment MD of 0.13 (95% CI: -0.39, 0.65), with a pre- and post-treatment difference MD of -0.44 (95% CI: -2.65, 1.76). Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was employed for the evaluation of fatigue. The meta-analysis results showed an MD of -6.13 (95% CI: -16.68, 4.43) for the MBI Emotional index, an MD of 5.04 (95% CI: -3.25, 13.33) for the Personal Accomplishment index, and an MD of -1.68 (95% CI: -6.50, 3.13) for the Depersonalization index. Maintaining the mental health of frontline health workers is crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, and mindfulness-based therapy is the most extensively employed psychological intervention method. However, its effectiveness requires further research confirmation.

Clinical research and the rules of acupoint selection on acupuncture treatment of psoriasis in the past 20 years

To sum up clinical researches and the rule of acupoint selection on the treatment of psoriasis by acupuncture and moxibustion in the past 20 years, so as to provide new ideas and reference for improving the clinical effect of acupuncture for psoriasis. Research papers, published from January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2022 in both Chinese and English, were searched from databases of China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform (WanFang), and Chinese Science and Technology Journal (CSTJ), PubMed, Embase and Web of Science by using key words of psoriasis, psoriases, psoriasis vulgaris, acupuncture, needle, acupoint and moxibustion. Then, Microsoft Excel 2021 was used for data entry, extraction and sorting of the included literature, data extraction mainly includes diagnostic criteria, treatment methods, treatment frequency, total course of treatment, selection of acupoints, efficacy evaluation and outcomes. SPSS Modeler 18.1 software was used to make analysis on the association rules of acupoints. A total of 26 papers were included, and the diagnostic criteria of clinical studies on acupuncture treatment of psoriasis are constantly updated. Of the 26 clinical studies, 23 had both treatment group and control group, 21 were randomized controlled trials. The main methods for treatment of psoriasis included fire needle, acupuncture, electroacupuncture, acupuncture combined with moxibustion or fire needle, fire needle plus western medicines, etc. with the acupuncture combined with moxibustion, and fire needle combined with western medicines being most frequently used. The observation index and clinical efficacy evaluation were effective rate, psoriasis area and severity index, dermatology life quality index, Traditional Chinese Medicine syndrome score, etc., with the effective rate being about 40% to 100%. Comparison of clinical efficacy of acupuncture in treating psoriasis showed that the simple fire needle, simple acupuncture, acupuncture combined with moxibustion, fire needle or acupuncture combined with western medicines were superior to simple western medicines, etc. In regard to acupoint selection, a total of 35 acupoints were found in the 26 studies included, among which the top 5 frequently used were Ashi points (skin lesion region), Geshu (BL17), Feishu (BL13), Ganshu (BL18) and Quchi (LI11), and there were strong association rules among BL17, BL13, BL18 and Shenshu (BL23). Acupuncture is safe and effective in the treatment of psoriasis, and acupuncture combined with moxibustion and fire acupuncture needle combined with western medicines are recommended as the main intervention method, with Ashi-point, BL13, BL17, BL18 and BL23 as the main acupoints.

Manufacturing multi-organs database: A comprehensive, predictive, and analytical biofabrication database

Biofabrication, broadly described as &amp;ldquo;a process that results in a defined product with biological function,&amp;rdquo; has undergone a revolution in recent years. This revolution has led to an explosion of literature containing valuable data and insights on bioactive materials and machine learning-aided design. However, the accessibility and comprehension of this rich data source remain a challenge, necessitating the creation of a comprehensive database. Herein, we present the manufacturing multi-organs database (MMDB), a real-time updating database developed to foster an all-inclusive understanding of biofabrication by leveraging machine learning for standardized analysis of material properties and manufacturing processes. The MMDB aids in identifying commonly used cells, materials, and culture strategies in biofabrication by analyzing over 5000 papers related to 37 human organs. Leveraging machine learning models, it predicts optimal printing parameters and organ functionality metrics, thereby streamlining experimental designs and reducing costs. In addition, MMDB offers knowledge services that encompass hotspot analysis, trend identification, international collaboration analysis, and comprehensive knowledge maps of organ functions and biomaterials. We believe that the MMDB, serving as a crucial and readily accessible knowledge base, will fundamentally facilitate the design and optimization of biofabrication experiments. Moreover, by accelerating the discovery of optimal parameters, the MMDB has the potential to offer invaluable insights into organ function, propelling the field of biofabrication toward more efficient and effective organ manufacturing.

Meta-analysis of risk factors for posttraumatic stress disorder in myocardial infarction.

The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for posttraumatic stress disorder in patients with myocardial infarction. Cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patients with myocardial infarction were searched from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, and Technology Journal database. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale was used to score the quality of the included literature in the cohort and case-control studies, and the cross-sectional studies were scored using the American Agency for Health Care Quality and Research cross-sectional study quality evaluation criteria. The literature was screened independently by 2 researchers, and if there was no consensus, the inclusion was decided by a third party. The extraction content included first author, publication year, sample size, PTSD assessment tool, PTSD assessment time, PTSD incidence, influencing factors, and study type. Meta-analysis of data was performed using Stata17.0 software. Ten studies were included, including 2 cohort studies, 7 cross-sectional studies, and 1 case-control study, with a total sample size of 2371 patients, including 26 influencing factors. The results of meta-analysis showed that the prevalence of PTSD in patients with myocardial infarction was 21.2%. Statistically significant influencing factors were gender (odd ratio [OR] = 3.124), neuroticism score (OR = 2.069), and age (OR = 0.913). The prevalence of PTSD in patients with myocardial infarction in China is higher than that in other countries. Female and neurotic personality are risk factors for developing PTSD in patients with myocardial infarction, and old age is protective factor for developing PTSD in patients with myocardial infarction. Targeted measures should be taken to prevent and reduce the occurrence and development of PTSD in patients with myocardial infarction in the future.

Evaluation of strategic orientation-led competitive advantage: the role of knowledge integration and service innovation

PurposeThis paper aims to derive a model that explores how the interplay between knowledge integration capability and innovation impacts strategic orientation, leading to the attainment of sustainable competitive advantage. The study considers the constituents of strategic orientation, namely, customer orientation, competitor orientation and technology orientation, as the basis for achieving sustainable competitive advantage. The study suggests that the firm’s capacity for integrating external and internal knowledge shapes how strategic orientation influences sustainable competitive advantage through service innovation.Design/methodology/approachThis empirical research relies on qualitative and quantitative data gathered from telecom professionals to assess how knowledge integration and service innovation influence sustained competitive advantage. Structured equation modeling is used to examine the model and its interrelationships.FindingsThe research establishes significant relationships between strategic orientations, knowledge integration capability, service innovation and sustainable competitive advantage. Knowledge integration capability and service innovation are found to mediate the relationship between strategic orientations and the achievement of sustainable competitive advantage.Practical implicationsThe study highlights the significant contribution of a firm’s knowledge integration capability in driving service innovation, especially in technology-intensive service industries facing hypercompetition. It also advocates prioritizing technology orientation and integrating knowledge from internal and external sources for competitive advantage.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to model the effect of knowledge integration capability and service innovation on strategic orientation-led sustainable competitive advantage.

Tax Literacy, Tax Sanctions, Taxpayer Awareness and Quality of Tax Services on Taxpayer Compliance in Payment of Land and Building Taxes in Dumai City (Riau)

This research examines the influence of tax knowledge, tax sanctions, taxpayer awareness, and tax service quality on taxpayer compliance in paying land and building taxes. This research uses primary data with samples distributing questionnaires. The sampling with a total of 97 questionnaires distributed. The dependent or dependent variable in this research is land and building tax compliance. The independent variables in this research are tax knowledge, tax sanctions, taxpayer awareness, and tax service quality. Testing this hypothesis uses multiple regression. The results of the research show that tax knowledge has no significant effect on taxpayer compliance, tax sanctions have no significant effect on taxpayer compliance, taxpayer awareness has no significant effect on taxpayer compliance, and tax service quality has no significant effect on mandatory compliance tax.

Effect of non-invasive neuromodulation techniques on vascular cognitive impairment: A Bayesian network meta-analysis protocol.

VCI is a severe public health problem facing the world today. In addition to pharmacological treatment, non-invasive neuromodulation techniques have also been effective. At this stage, non-invasive neuromodulation techniques combined with pharmacological treatment are the mainstay of clinical treatment, and clinical trials are continuing to be conducted, which is becoming the direction of treatment for VCI. Therefore, we outline this systematic review and network meta-analysis protocol to evaluate and rank clinical data in future studies which can develop optimal protocols for the clinical treatment of VCI with non-invasive neuromodulation techniques in combination with drugs. The network meta-analysis will search eight databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China Knowledge Infrastructure Library (CNKI), China Biology Medicine disc (CBM)), Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform and Vipshop Journal Service Platform (VIP), for a period of from the establishment of the library to January 30 2022. The quality of the studies will be evaluated using the Cochrane Review's Handbook 5.1 and the PEDro scale to assess the evidence and quality of the included randomised controlled trials. Risk of bias assessment and heterogeneity tests will be performed using the Review Manager 5.4 program, and Bayesian network meta-analysis will be performed using the Stata 16.0 and WinBUGS 1.4.3 program. The results of the network meta-analysis will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Our study is expected to provide high quality evidence-based medical evidence for the treatment of VCI by clinicians. PROSPERO: CRD42022308580.

Research on Knowledge Service Mechanism in Social Reading Platform Based on Social Network Recommendation Algorithm

Abstract Combining the user model and similarity calculation, a personalized recommendation method based on the user preference model is proposed, and the user model is adjusted to update the overall framework of personalized recommendation of user reading preference in response to the user’s operational behaviors such as collecting, commenting, reading, and annotating. We analyze and organize the knowledge service interface structure of the social reading platform and the knowledge service mechanism model based on users’ cognitive, emotional, and social needs and clarify the whole process of satisfying users’ reading needs. According to the age, occupation, and regional characteristics of the users of the social reading platform, as well as the reading interest labels of the users, we explore the influence of different user behaviors on the personalized recommendation results of the social reading platform and the recommendation website, and the more the optimal value of the parameter tends to be 1, the greater the influence of the social reading platform on the recommendation results. The satisfaction index of the social reading platform is 68.50807. The current social reading is not good enough to meet the needs of users. It should be optimized for reading behavior, reading skills, reading knowledge, and reading environment for knowledge service recommendation, respectively.

Tax Knowledge, Taxpayer Awareness and Tax Service Quality on Taxpayer Compliance Moderated by Tax Sanctions

This research was conducted with the aim to find out whether there is influence from tax knowledge, taxpayer awareness and quality of tax services on motor vehicle taxpayer compliance in Magelang City which is moderated by tax sanctions. The sample used in this research is the taxpayers in the City of Magelang with a total of 249 respondents. The research method in this study is a quantitative approach method and the data obtained from distributing questionnaires via Google form. Data processing was carried out using the SmartPLS application version 4.0.9.4 with the aim of testing the hypothesis. The results obtained in this study are tax knowledge, taxpayer awareness, and tax service quality have a positive effect on taxpayer compliance in paying motor vehicle taxes. Tax Knowledge can increase taxpayer compliance because the more taxpayers understand the purpose of taxes and how to pay taxes and sanctions when they do not pay taxes, the more taxpayers will be aware of paying taxes. Taxpayer awareness is a condition in which the taxpayer knows, understands and implements tax provisions voluntarily, so the higher the level of taxpayer awareness, the better so as to increase taxpayer compliance. Good quality tax services can create satisfaction and success in paying taxes so as to increase taxpayer compliance. Tax sanctions can also strengthen the relationship between tax knowledge, taxpayer awareness, quality of tax services on taxpayer compliance because the higher or heavier the tax sanctions, the higher the level of taxpayer compliance.

Service Quality Assessment Tool in a State University in Northern Mindanao

Higher education institutions (HEIs) worldwide are increasingly being recognized as integral components of the service industry. However, established models for assessing service quality, such as SERVQUAL and HiEduQual, have primarily focused on foreign higher education systems. This study explored the unique context of a Philippine State University. It aims to localize existing quality assurance mechanisms by developing a tool to evaluate service quality from the viewpoint of undergraduate students. The results offer valuable insights into evolving service quality assessment practices within Philippine state universities and colleges (SUC), serving as a template for refinement and adaptation in similar contexts. 708 undergraduate students answered the initial 52-item questionnaire. After initial data analysis, only 630 cases were subjected to further analysis using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). This resulted in a seven-factor model comprising 31 indicators, exhibiting favorable model fit indices (RMSEA = 0.039, CMIN/DF = 2.073, PCFA = 0.785, PNFI = 0.751, CFI = 0.951). These factors encompassed the following dimensions: ease of doing business, leadership quality, teacher quality, knowledge services, activities, e-governance, and continuous improvement. The findings demonstrated strong internal consistency and reliability across all scale factors. Convergent and discriminant validity were also confirmed. It is recommended that SUCs consider adopting the localized tool in their internal quality assessment procedures to complement existing service quality assessment mechanisms. As the tool is specifically tailored to students’ perspectives as primary end users of SUC services, further research can focus on integrating the results of the study to develop a multi-stakeholder internal quality assessment tool or framework to meet evolving needs and expectations.

Progress, Challenges and Future Prospects for Laboratory Medicine

The laboratory medicine of the 2030s will be governed by a variety of internal and external forces, including underfunding challenges, emergence of new technologies that expand the scope and utility of testing, as well as increased customer demands for time, convenience and test accuracy. Laboratory medicine must adopt a proactive strategy in tackling these challenges, including a paradigm shift in the scope of practice, from that of responsibility in testing performance only, to embracing and contributing to the concept of healthcare value. Rapid technological advances will facilitate increased adoption of point-of-care applications in nontraditional settings, creating regulatory and quality assurance challenges for the profession. Thus, for laboratory medicine to survive as a unique medical profession, it must evolve into a new professional outfit through strong leadership. The profession needs to expand into new frontiers in clinical practice, including acquisition of new knowledge skill sets and significant contribution to medical research. A paradigm shift in thinking is needed, moving from having a specialised role in healthcare to becoming a diagnostic partner in a patient care setting, in close collaboration with other healthcare professionals. At a time when a revolution in health care organisation is inescapable in the years ahead, clinical pathology must proceed from a merely reactive strategy to a proactive strategy where excellence and visibility in knowledge services is nurtured and promoted, on a strong foothold of operational excellence.

Agroecology Policy Recommendations for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems in Vihiga County, Kenya.

Vihiga is a densely populated county in western Kenya (1047 persons/sq.km) with a peri-urban agriculture landscape and limited land carrying capacity. Sustainable agriculture and Agri-food systems using agroecology principles, is hence critical for reducing pressure on land and natural resources especially soil, while curbing loss of biodiversity. Due to lack of policy guidelines on intersectoral linkages between regenerative agriculture, food systems and the environment, both biodiversity and livelihood of people within the county and the entire region is compromised. The objective of this study is therefore to contribute towards transformation of local food systems through an Agroecology policy action, for enabling small-scale producers to strengthen their practices of regenerative agriculture. Deployment of context-specific technologies is hereby proposed for Agroecology principles (FAO, 2018) to be mainstreamed in line-departments and sector work plans for food systems, because of their holistic approach to sustainable agriculture, while emphasizing on soil health, social inclusion (equity), better access to knowledge and support services. Using interdependent processes of evidence-based policy (EBP) multi-stakeholder engagement according to Weiss’s typology and review of similar policies in existence, ten (10) broad policy strategies on Agroecology were identified for local adaptation. The resulting policy initiative provides a roadmap for sustainable agriculture, using Agroecology approaches in both crop and livestock production, that was traditionally practiced through default by farmers. Further, with co-creation of existing knowledge, agroecological production systems are promoted by use of digital technology to attract youth and women with limited access to arable land, for a wider community and multi-sectoral participation.

Definition, assessment and treatment of cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia: expert opinion and practical recommendations.

A considerable proportion of patients with schizophrenia perform below population norms on standardized neuropsychological tests, and the performance of those performing within normal range is lower than predicted based on parental education. Cognitive impairment predates the onset of psychosis, is observed during symptom remission and in non-affected first-degree relatives of patients. At the present time, cognitive deficits are regarded as key features of schizophrenia, important determinants of poor psychosocial outcome and targets for both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment strategies. A group of eight key opinion leaders reviewed and discussed latest advances in scientific research and current good clinical practices on assessment, management, and treatment of CIAS. In the present paper they summarize the current evidence, identify main gaps between current knowledge and mental health services clinical practice, and provide practical recommendations to reduce the gap.