Meaningful Relationship Research Articles

Relation of apolipoprotein C3 to risk of major adverse cardiovascular events and death after acute coronary syndrome on a background of optimized statin treatment

Abstract Background Apolipoprotein C3 (ApoC3), a component of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and some low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein particles, has been shown to predict incident coronary heart disease (CHD) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). However, it is unknown whether ApoC3 predicts risk in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) receiving contemporary therapies including optimized statin treatment, and if any such association is independent of apolipoprotein B (ApoB) levels. Purpose We assessed the association of ApoC3 with first MACE (CHD death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, fatal or nonfatal ischaemic stroke, or hospitalization for unstable angina) and all-cause death in patients with recent ACS treated with high-intensity or maximum-tolerated statin and blinded PCSK9 inhibitor (alirocumab, ALI) or placebo (PBO). Methods ApoC3 was measured by mass spectrometry at baseline (n=11,956) and after 4 months (M4; n=11,176) of treatment with ALI or PBO in the ODYSSEY OUTCOMES trial (which had 18,924 total participants). In continuous and spline analyses adjusted for treatment group and ApoB, we assessed the association of baseline ApoC3 with risk of MACE and death. In the ALI group we determined association of change in ApoC3 from baseline to M4 with risk of MACE and death after M4 in a model adjusted for baseline ApoC3 and ApoB, and the change in ApoB from baseline to M4. Results Median (Q1, Q3) baseline ApoC3 concentration was in a normal range [85 (65, 113) mg/L]. Continuous ApoC3 was not related to MACE (p=0.50) or death (p=0.51); spline analysis showed a slight curvilinear association of baseline ApoC3 with risk of MACE and death, but no clinically meaningful relationship (Figure). Findings were similar in the PBO group alone, and without adjustment for ApoB (data not shown). At M4, the median (Q1, Q3) change from baseline in ApoC3 was -10 (-27, -5; p<0.0001) mg/L with ALI and 2 (-14, 18; P = NS) mg/L with PBO. Overall, ALI significantly reduced the incidence of MACE (10.1% vs 12.1%; p=0.0006) and death (3.5% vs 4.2%; p=0.045) compared with PBO among those with available baseline ApoC3. However, the change in ApoC3 on treatment with ALI did not predict the risk of MACE or death after M4. Findings were qualitatively similar without adjustment for ApoB or its change. Conclusion In a cohort with recent ACS receiving optimized statin therapy and with median baseline ApoC3 in a normal range, ApoC3 did not provide clinically meaningful prediction of cardiovascular events or death. A modest reduction of ApoC3 by ALI did not associate with subsequent risk of MACE or death. It remains uncertain whether targeted therapies producing larger reductions in ApoC3 from higher baseline levels will affect cardiovascular risk.

The role of the use of social media in hotel preferences of tourists in Turkey: a case of winter tourism

ABSTRACT The research aims to determine the role of social media use by tourists staying in hotels in ski resorts in Turkey in hotel preference. In winter 2022, 1178 valid data obtained by face-to-face survey method from hotel visitors and social media were analyzed using Smart PLS-SEM. As a result of the research, it has been determined that there is a positive and meaningful relationship between the interaction and accessibility features of social media, affecting the trust, perceived usefulness and perceived entertainment levels of the tourists participating in winter tourism in the hotel preference, and tourists’ continuing use of social media in hotel preferences.

Assess the Economic and Environmental Impacts of the Energy Transition in Selected Asian Economies

Energy transition and green innovation have appeared as new hopes for environmental impact due to human activity, which has destroyed biodiversity and increased environmental degradation. Therefore, developed and emerging economies are focusing on green innovation and energy transition to tackle the environmental impact. Thus, this study was initiated to provoke a meaningful relationship between energy transition, economic growth, trade, green innovation, and good governance to measure the role of concerning factors in achieving environmental sustainability. For this objective, dynamic econometric approaches such as cointegration, heteroskedastic OLS estimation using GMM (HOLS-GMM), AMG, and Driscoll–Kraay were implemented to estimate the Asian dataset between 1990 and 2022. The result indicates that concerning factors have a significant influence on environmental impact. The findings specify that a 1% rise in the energy transition and green innovation will influence the environment by 0.0517% and 3.051%, respectively. Further, AMG and Driscoll–Kraay validate the findings of HOLS-GMM. The robust tests indicate that the factors, which are concerning, significantly impact environmental sustainability. Consequently, the energy transition, trade, and green innovation significantly contribute to attaining ecological sustainability in the long term, and the Sustainable Development Theory prevails in the economy. Thus, innovative policy implications, including energy transition, green innovation, trade, and economic growth, are required to make Asia prominent in achieving environmental sustainability via implementing sustainable and green technologies and clean energy sources.

Economic value added and working capital efficiency linkages: an Indian context

Purpose This paper aims to explore the relationship between the economic value added (EVA) and the working capital efficiency (WCE) of the listed firms in India. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses annual data of 401 listed companies for the period 2012–2019. Furthermore, the dynamic panel data regression model was used to investigate the relationship between the variables of interest. Findings The results reveal that the net trade cycle (NTC) is significantly and negatively associated with listed firms’ economic value in India, indicating that a shorter NTC generates higher EVA for Indian firms. The authors further explore the association between individual components of the NTC with EVA. The authors also found that an inverse, and significant relationship exists between EVA and the individual components of the NTC. The findings also reported a meaningful relationship between EVA and control variables except for leverage and age. For listed firms, the results suggest that sales growth and firm size are crucial factors driving firms’ EVA. Practical implications Higher WCE enhances shareholder value creation, forming positive stakeholders’ expectations toward the company. Originality/value Over the years, many studies have been conducted to determine the relationship between WCE and traditional measures of firms’ profitability. However, hardly any study finds out the impact of WCE on the value-based measures of firms’ performance. This study fills the gap in the existing literature by analyzing the impact of WCE on firms’ EVA.

Nilai Etika Konselor dalam Membangun Interaksi Efektif antara Konselor dan Konseli

The purpose of this research is to investigate ethical values ​​that are important in building effective interactions between counselors and counselees in a counseling context. The research method used is literature study, by collecting data from various relevant literature. The data collection process involves reading, studying, examining and carefully examining hadith texts and related literature. Data analysis was carried out by organizing data into groups based on emerging themes, referring to the Lexy approach and content analysis. The research results show that ethics in counseling is a moral foundation that guides the behavior and interactions of counselors with their clients. The principles of counseling ethics, such as respecting human dignity and human rights, maintaining the confidentiality of client information, and promoting social justice, are essential to the practice of counseling. Counselors are expected to understand, internalize, and implement these ethical values ​​in order to help clients effectively and ensure that counseling takes place in a safe and trustworthy atmosphere. In addition, ethical values ​​that are important for a counselor in building a meaningful and effective relationship with clients include autonomy, not violating a code of ethics, fairness, and loyalty. Personal values ​​such as having faith and devotion to God Almighty, respecting human values ​​and individuality, and showing integrity and stability of personality also help strengthen the counselor-counselee relationship. By understanding, internalizing, and implementing these ethical and personal values, a counselor can build meaningful and effective relationships with his counselees, and carry out his duties and functions well at school. It is hoped that this research will provide an in-depth understanding of the ethical values ​​that are important in counseling practice. Keywords: Counselor Ethical Values, Interaction The purpose of this research is to investigate ethical values ​​that are important in building effective interactions between counselors and counselees in a counseling context. The research method used is literature study, by collecting data from various relevant literature. The data collection process involves reading, studying, examining and carefully examining hadith texts and related literature. Data analysis was carried out by organizing data into groups based on emerging themes, referring to the Lexy approach and content analysis. The research results show that ethics in counseling is a moral foundation that guides the behavior and interactions of counselors with their clients. The principles of counseling ethics, such as respecting human dignity and human rights, maintaining the confidentiality of client information, and promoting social justice, are essential to the practice of counseling. Counselors are expected to understand, internalize, and implement these ethical values ​​in order to help clients effectively and ensure that counseling takes place in a safe and trustworthy atmosphere. In addition, ethical values ​​that are important for a counselor in building a meaningful and effective relationship with clients include autonomy, not violating a code of ethics, fairness, and loyalty. Personal values ​​such as having faith and devotion to God Almighty, respecting human values ​​and individuality, and showing integrity and stability of personality also help strengthen the counselor-counselee relationship. By understanding, internalizing, and implementing these ethical and personal values, a counselor can build meaningful and effective relationships with his counselees, and carry out his duties and functions well at school. It is hoped that this research will provide an in-depth understanding of the ethical values ​​that are important in counseling practice.

What’s God got to do with it? The relationship between religion, sadism, and masochism

Although “BDSM” (i.e., bondage, discipline, dominance, submission, sadism, and masochism) has become increasingly present in popular media in recent years, much remains unknown about the etiology and correlates of BDSM. Research has demonstrated a relationship between religion and sexual behaviours/attitudes; therefore, religion could also be associated with sadism and masochism. To address gaps in existing knowledge, we conducted an online survey of 515 participants who answered a questionnaire on sexual life and behaviour, including questions on arousal in response to sadism and masochism scenarios, associated negative impacts, and religion. We found a higher prevalence of arousal in response to sadism scenarios amongst non-religious participants (64.6%; n = 228/353) than religious participants (54.7%; n = 88/161) with a small, but potentially meaningful effect size (Φ = -.095, p = .032). Increased impact of religious beliefs on sex life was associated with slightly lower sadism arousal, r(499) = -.080, p = .075. This association was strong enough to be considered a potentially meaningful factor but was not statistically significant. There was also a small negative correlation between masochism arousal and impact of religious beliefs on sex life and behaviour, r(500) = -.129, p = .004. Based on these findings, we conclude that there could be a limited but meaningful relationship between religion and sadism/masochism arousal. Further research should explore specific religious affiliations and beliefs as potentially associated with sadism and masochism arousal.

Strengthening TINA: Using Pugh Matrix and Kano Analysis to Improve Its Design Threshold and Performance Criteria

Amidst the pandemic, the Teknoy-Inquiry Assistant (TINA) system was created to accommodate student institution–related questions while following the restrictions implemented by the government. Due to the rushed design, users experience untimely response problems when using the service. The research aims to investigate and propose improvements to the TINA system for the sustainability of the service. The researchers focused on the turn-around time for the replies to the questions in the TINA system. To further justify the importance of addressing the turn-around time of replies, the researchers also investigated the meaningful relationship between student satisfaction and response time. The researchers addressed and resolved the reply time using Kano Analysis. The research also used purposive sampling, using researcher-made survey questionnaires to find the relationship between student satisfaction and the timeliness of replies. With the help of the Pearson correlation coefficient, the researcher found a positive correlation between student satisfaction and reply time, with a positive correlation value of 0.4090. Since a positive correlation is found between student satisfaction and reply time, improving the turn-around time of reply certainly increases student satisfaction. Therefore, to improve TINA, the researchers advocate implementing its Artificial Intelligence Chatbot version to improve reply time. The research is the first to contribute to the Field of Technology and University Services within the local context since it may give practical suggestions on properly creating an Inquiry Assistant System among regional universities.

Transmission of economic growth between neighboring countries in Europe

ABSTRACT This study investigates the impact of economic growth of a country on the growth of neighbouring countries closely tied through trade and foreign direct investment in Europe. Empirical results show that a country’s growth has a significantly positive impact on the growth of its neighbouring countries. However, the impact is transitionary without affecting the steady-state growth of a country significantly. This study suggests that countries included in spatial econometrics should be limited to the countries with meaningful relationship. Spatial effect could be misspecified and overstated if it is included as steady-state growth factor in a growth model.

A Comparative Analysis of Students Learning Styles: A Case Study in Oman and Iran

Establishing a conductive learning environment constitutes a primary focus within any educational framework. Recognizing the role of students’ learning styles in educational processes, the present study endeavors to discern the favored learning styles among students in two distinct geographical contexts namely Iran and Oman.  Grasha and Reichmann’s learning style survey was employed for this purpose. In total, 206 participants (85 Iranian and 121 Omani students) responded to the questionnaire. The findings of the study indicate that the prevalent learning style among both Iranian and Omani students is the Dependent style, wherein students depend on instructions provided by the teacher rather than exhibiting innovation in completing assigned tasks. This observation exhibits the identically of teaching methods and approaches adopted within educational institutions in two distinct contexts. In other words, this similarity underscores how teaching methods and approaches can shape students’ learning style preferences. Additionally, a comparative examination of six learning styles among two gender groups in Iran and Oman reveals that the predominant style for both gender groups is the Dependent style. Whereas Omani boys demonstrated a greater inclination towards Cooperative and Participant styles compared to girls, Iranian males are more Independent and less Avoidant than Iranian females. Furthermore, the result of Chi-square test shows no meaningful relationship between the gender variable and students learning styles in two geolocaitons.

B - 110 Exploring the Relationship between Subjective Cognitive Complaints, Psychiatric Symptom Reporting, and Neurocognitive Test Performance in a Post-SARS-CoV-2 Clinical Sample

Abstract Objective This study evaluated the relationship between subjective cognitive complaints, objective cognitive performance, and psychological outcomes among clinical patients referred for persisting cognitive concerns following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Method The sample consisted of 49 patients (69.4% female; 38.8% Black, 36.7% White, 18.4% Hispanic, 6.0% Other; Mage = 45.27, SD = 12.08; Meducation = 15.49; SD = 3.0) referred for neuropsychological evaluation to assess for long-term post-SARS-CoV-2 cognitive changes. All patients were administered a uniform neuropsychological test battery that included measures of working memory, processing speed, and verbal learning/memory, as well as measures of anxiety, depression, and perceived stress. Degree of subjective cognitive concerns was established using the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI) cognitive subscale. Linear regression models were conducted between the NSI cognitive subscale and each cognitive and psychological outcome. Results NSI cognitive scale predicted all psychological (depression [F = 31.37, p < 0.001(R2 = 0.41)]; anxiety [F = 6.71, p = 0.01(R2 = 0.13); perceived stress [F = 4.40, p = 0.04(R2 = 0.10)]) variables. The NSI cognitive scale also significantly predicted working memory [F = 4.624, p = 0.04(R2 = 0.09)]; however, no individual scores fell below the low average range upon further analysis. Cognitive complaints did not significantly predict any other cognitive (processing speed [F = 0.002, p = 0.97(R2 = 0.00)], total learning [F = 0.14, p = 0.71(R2 = 0.00)], and delayed recall [F = 1.03, p = 0.32(R2 = 0.02)]) variable. Conclusions Subjective cognitive complaints significantly predicted self-reported psychological symptoms including depression, anxiety, and perceived stress, while working memory was the only cognitive performance with a similarly meaningful relationship. These preliminary findings suggest that the psychological effects of persistent symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection, rather than objective cognitive changes, may better explain subjective cognitive concerns reported by this population.

Left Atrial Wall Thickness Estimated by Cardiac CT: Implications for Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation.

Atrial wall thickness (AWT) is a significant factor in understanding the pathological physiological substrate of atrial fibrillation, with a potentially substantial impact on the outcomes of catheter ablation procedures. Precise measurements of the AWT may provide valuable insights for categorising patients with AF and planning targeted interventions. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of the left atrium (LA) using non-invasive multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scans and subsequent three-dimensional (3D) image post-processing using novel software designed to calculate atrial thickness dimensions and mass. Methods: We retrospectively analysed 128 consecutive patients (33.6% females; mean age 55.6 ± 11.2 years) referred for AF ablation (37 with persistent AF and 91 with paroxysmal AF) who underwent preprocedural MDCT. The images were post-processed and analysed using the ADAS software (Galgo Medical), automatically calculating the LA volume and regional wall thickness. In addition, the software employed a regional semi-automatic LA parcellation feature that divided the atrial wall into 12 segments, generating atrial wall thickness (AWT) maps per segment for each patient. Results: This study demonstrated considerable variability in the average thickness of LA walls, with the anterior segments being the thickest across the cohort. Distinct sex-specific differences were observed, with males exhibiting greater anterior and septal wall thickness than females. No significant associations were identified between the average AWT and body mass index, LA volume, or sphericity. Survival analysis conducted over 24 months revealed a meaningful relationship between mean anterior wall thickness and recurrence-free survival, with increased thickness associated with a lower likelihood of AF-free survival. No such relationship was observed for the indexed LA volume. Conclusions: The variability in AWT and its association with recurrence-free survival following AF ablation suggest that AWT should be considered when stratifying patients for AF management and ablation strategies. These findings underscore the need for personalised treatment approaches and further research on the interplay of the structural properties of the left atrium as factors that can serve as important prognostic markers in AF treatment.

Australian Non-Resident Fathers’ Relationship and Ongoing Engagement with Their Children: A Critical Focus on Power

Non-resident fathers are rarely researched from a critical perspective. Becoming a non-resident father often results in major dislocation, presenting challenges and hindrances to a meaningful relationship with children. Dislocation is increased by the involvement of the family court, legal issues, false abuse allegations, and ex-partners. Changing family configurations may marginalize non-resident fathers, with their own perspectives, voices, and lack of power remaining largely unmapped. This paper identifies what hinders non-resident fathers’ relationships with their children from a critical and Australian perspective. In-depth interviews using open-ended questions with 19 non-resident fathers were used to collect data, followed by a five-step critical thematic analysis to focus on the locus of power. Non-resident fathers’ perceptions included a lack of agency and decision-making power; the mother, legal obstacles, and agencies hindered their desired relationships with children. Hindrances were magnified by descriptions of false allegations and IPV from the ex-partner and/or her agents, resulting in a sense of marginalization, silencing, and disempowerment. Australian non-resident fathers in this study identified that desired relationships with their children were hindered by the roles of legal and welfare services, policing, and their ex-partners. The highlighting of these issues points to ways that non-resident fathers with similar experiences of a lack of agency and decision-making power might be better supported by more streamlined and balanced legal processes.

P064 SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF PROPORTION OF FEMALES AND MALES RECRUITED IN BLOOD PRESSURE DEVICE VALIDATION STUDIES AND RELATIONSHIP WITH MEASUREMENT ACCURACY

Background and Objective: New to market automatic blood pressure (BP) devices should undergo clinical validation according to a scientifically recognised protocol to ensure accurate measurements. Some recent research suggests a reduced accuracy of automated cuff BP in females compared to males. Females have been underrepresented in many areas of clinical research, but it is unknown whether this is common among BP device validation studies and if it is a contributory factor to reduced accuracy in females. The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of females compared to males recruited to validation studies and whether there is any relationship with the accuracy of automated BP measurement. Methods: A systematic review of BP device validation studies published between 1987 and 2023 was conducted. Studies that tested automated, upper-arm devices compared to auscultatory BP in a general population, including children, were included. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the proportion of females and males recruited and weighted meta-regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between sex and measurement accuracy. Results: Out of 322 eligible validation studies, the proportion of females and males recruited was reported in 287 (89.1%) studies. Only six (2.1%) studies included <30% females or males, which is the current minimum requirement of international standards. An average of 50.8% females were recruited to validation studies, and this was consistent across different validation protocols and year of study publication. There was no relationship between sex and measurement accuracy (p>0.05), except for a negligible tendency of automated devices to overestimate manual measurements of diastolic BP among studies with a greater proportion of females (R2=0.017, p=0.027). Conclusion: Females are not underrepresented in BP device validation studies. There was no meaningful relationship between the proportion of females recruited and measurement accuracy. These findings indicate current protocols are adequate to ensure representation of females and males in validation studies.

Can an AI-carebot be filial? Reflections from Confucian ethics.

This article discusses the application of artificially intelligent robots within eldercare and explores a series of ethical considerations, including the challenges that AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology poses to traditional Chinese Confucian filial piety. From the perspective of Confucian ethics, the paper argues that robots cannot adequately fulfill duties of care. Due to their detachment from personal relationships and interactions, the "emotions" of AI robots are merely performative reactions in different situations, rather than actual emotional abilities. No matter how "humanized" robots become, it is difficult to establish genuine empathy and a meaningful relationship with them for this reason. Even so, we acknowledge that AI robots are a significant tool in managing the demands of elder care and the growth of care poverty, and as such, we attempt to outline some parameters within which care robotics could be acceptable within a Confucian ethical system. Finally, the paper discusses the social impact and ethical considerations brought on by the interaction between humans and machines. It is observed that the relationship between humans and technology has always had both utopian and dystopian aspects, and robotic elder care is no exception. AI caregiver robots will likely become a part of elder care, and the transformation of these robots from "service providers" to "companions" seems inevitable. In light of this, the application of AI-augmented robotic elder care will also eventually change our understanding of interpersonal relationships and traditional requirements of filial piety.

Biological, Psychological, Social, and Spiritual Domains of Teachers in a Philippine University

Countries worldwide have experienced an unprecedented event that changed the educational systems and suddenly forced our teachers to adopt online classes. This greatly affected our teacher's mental health. This study aimed to determine the harmony of the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual domains and also looked into the challenges encountered among university teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings served as bases for the intervention plan. The data were treated using frequency, rank, simple percentage, mean, standard deviation, rank, Chi-square test of independence, and ANOVA. Results showed teachers have poor health habits in the physical domain. In the area of the psychological domain, it showed that teachers experienced severe depression. Results of the spiritual domain suggest that teachers lack spiritual enrichment. In addition, the teachers in the social domain have warm relationships. The biological domain of teachers reveals a meaningful relationship with gender. Also, teachers' civil status is related to the social domain. Results also show that teachers can cope with resourcefulness, adjusting one's mindset and patience. Results show that teachers have biological conditions, severe psychological depression, warm social relationships with people around them, and less spiritual life after the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, it is recommended that an intervention plan be implemented, monitored, and evaluated to improve their living conditions while doing their job as facilitators of learning.

Estimating primary substation boundaries and the value of mapping Great Britain's electrical network infrastructure

Localised data aggregation in many countries including Great Britain (GB) is typically performed at a geographical level with polygon boundaries that have a robust and trusted governance system in place. This means there is confidence in a process to create a set of polygons that have unique identifiers coupled to geographical areas, and the ability to have these updated through a defined code of practice. Examples found across many countries are in the delivery of post, such as post codes and zip codes, and of the definition of census areas and municipal boundaries. The confidence in these boundaries allows different data to be aggregated by third parties, which itself provides greater amounts of data over comparable geographical areas to enhance wider analysis and decision making. As helpful as these polygons are for certain types of analyses, they are not specifically defined for energy systems analysis. Here we combine publicly available datasets published from the six regional electricity Distribution Network Operators of GB to produce a new geospatial dataset with 4436 unique polygons defining the areas served by electrical primary substations. An example demonstrating the value of these polygons is given to link these polygons with postcode level open government datasets on domestic energy consumption (2015–2020) from the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). The resulting new data reflects energy statistics aggregated to the geographical areas served by each primary electrical substation across Great Britain. The significant value of the generated data is demonstrated by the quantification of the domestic annual heating demand presently met by natural gas across different primary substation areas which varies from an average of 5100 kWh to 28,900 kWh per property. This highlights how the rate of electrical capacity expansion will have to differ by geography under an electrified heating scenario. Therefore, we believe there is a compelling argument for all countries to set up processes to create and update polygons that have a meaningful relationship to energy systems. This would allow more accurate energy systems analysis to be performed, ultimately leading to an accelerated or potentially lower cost transition to a net zero world.

Transformative Impact: Dramatic Arts for Grade 12 Academic Excellence

The study investigated the influence of dramatic arts on academic performance among Grade 12 students. The study was framed within the social constructivism theory, which posits that learning is an active, social process where students construct knowledge through interaction with their environment and peers. The study employed an interpretivist qualitative research methods to explore the transformative potential of dramatic arts, emphasising the impact on critical thinking, problem-solving, and proficient communication. Data from 117 students in Grade 12 who were part of a purposive sample were gathered using open-ended questionnaires, interviews, and classroom observations. The data was analysed through thematic analysis. The findings highlighted the positive impact of dramatic arts integration on academic performance, student engagement, empathy development, and communication skills. Participants reported enhanced critical thinking skills, deeper subject understanding, and a more meaningful relationship with academic subjects. The study also offered recommendations for educational institutions, including developing comprehensive programs incorporating dramatic arts, continual professional development for teachers, building robust assessment and evaluation systems, and collaboration with local theatre organisations and cultural institutions to enhance students’ understanding of dramatic arts.

International aid management in Afghanistan’s health sector from the perspective of national and international managers

PurposeThe primary purpose of international aid is to promote economic and social development around the world. International aid plays an important role in Afghanistan’s healthcare system. The purpose of this study is to investigate international aid management in Afghanistan’s health sector from the perspectives of national and international managers in 2022 and to provide recommendations for the improvement.Design/methodology/approachThe study has a cross-sectional design. The study participants were chosen by random sampling. The sample size was determined based on Yaman’s formula at 110. The data collection tool was the questionnaire provided by International Health Partnership and Related Initiatives. The data were analyzed in two descriptive (mean and percentage) and analytical formats. Independent t-test, Mann-Whitney, Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests and Variance analysis were used to examine the relationships between demographic variables and the scores of each dimension.FindingsThe average scores given to different dimensions of aid management were as following: 1) the donners’ support of the national health strategy: 48/68 ± 16.14 (49%), 2) the predictable financing: 50/23 ± 16.02 (50%), 3) foreign aid on budget: 55/39 ± 20.15 (55%), 4) strengthening public financial management system: 38/35 ± 19.06 (38%), 5) strengthening the supply and procurement system: 40.97 ± 19.55 (41%), 6) mutual accountability: 46.50 ± 19.26 (46%), 7) technical support and training: 50.24 ± 17.33 (50%), 8) civil society involvement: 35.24 ± 18.61(35%), 9) private sector participation: 36 ± 17.55 (36%), and in total the average score was 44.52 ± 13.27 (44%). The difference between the scores given by two groups of managers was not significant. No meaningful relationship was observed between the total score and any of the demographic variables, but there was a weak relationship between work and management experience and total score. The correlation coefficient showed a statistically significant relationship between the different dimensions of the questionnaire. To sum up, the performance in all dimensions of aid management hardly reached 50%. Donors’ support for the national health strategy was not adequate. There were challenges in evidence-based decision-making, developing national health strategies, control and evaluation, the allocation of resources and use of procurement system. The priorities of donors and government were not always similar and mutual responsibility was lacking. Technical assistance and supporting multilateral cooperation are necessary.Originality/valueMost studies on foreign aid focused on its effects on economic growth, poverty and investment and not aid management processes. Without proper aid management, parts of resources are wasted and aims of aid programs cannot be achieved. This study investigates aid management in a developing country from the perspectives of two main stakeholders, international and national managers.Research limitations and implicationsData collection coincided with the change of government in Afghanistan. The situation might be different now. Still, this study provides areas for the improvement of aid management in the studied country. Future studies can build upon the findings of this research and conduct in-depth exploration of areas of aid effectiveness and designing detailed programs of improvement.Practical implicationsInstructions of the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness need to be followed. Particularly, civil society involvement and private sector participation should receive attention. A joint plan for improvement and collaboration of different stakeholders is needed.

Factors Related to Family Attitudes in Helping Patients Adapt to Meet Basic Needs and Prevention of Post-Stroke Depression

Stroke is the leading cause of disability and death. One of the major problems faced by individuals who have a stroke is physical disability and depression. Strokes often interfere with the ability to move, speak, and perform daily activities. It can lead to dependence on others for self-care. The study aimed to find out the relationship between gender, education, experience, knowledge, and family attitudes in helping patients adapt to meet basic needs and prevent post-stroke depression at the Indrasari Rengat Hospital. The design of the research was a cross-sectional survey with a sample of 54 respondents in the nerve center and intensive care room of the Indrasari Rengat hospital unit from May 4 to August 9, 2023.A data collection tool using a questionnaire that contains questions about adaptation in the fulfillment of basic needs and prevention of post-stroke depression, as well as statements of family attitudes toward meeting basic needs and post-stroke prevention. The data analysis in this study is descriptive analysis and bivariate analysis with a chi-square test. The results show that there is a meaningful relationship between gender, experience, knowledge, and family attitudes in helping patients adapt to meet basic needs and prevent post-stroke depression. Family attitudes toward helping stroke patients adapt and prevent post-stroke depression are generally positive.

The relationship between swallowing oral hesitation and cognition in frontal lobe stroke.

Oral stage dysphagia mostly caused by frontal lobe lesions. We investigated the relationship between oral hesitation and cognitive impairment after frontal lobe stroke. We consecutively collected 946 patients with stroke from January 2016 to December 2020. Among them, 38 patients had only frontal lobe lesions. Video fluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) was performed in 5 stages from water to solid food. Patients who progressed to solid food are very rare, so we focused on liquid and soft food. Diagnosis of stroke was limited to cases in which cerebral infarction or haemorrhage had been verified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Cognitive impairment was evaluated by MMSE in patients with frontal lobe lesions. Of the total 946 patients, 35 patients with frontal lobe lesions were enrolled in the study. Of them, 22 were judged to have cognitive impairment. The oral hesitation of the liquid component was analysed, and a conclusion was drawn that the group with cognitive impairment showed significant oral hesitation than the group without cognitive impairment. On the other hand, in the case of soft food, it was found that there was no correlation between cognition and oral hesitation. It was confirmed that oral hesitation during swallowing in patients with frontal lobe stroke had a meaningful relationship with cognition, and oral hesitation during swallowing was significantly higher in liquid swallowing rather than soft food.