Optimistic Expectations Research Articles

Seeking Protection in the Heart of the Storm: Findings from a Grounded Theory Study

Background. Nurse protection is a multifaceted concept that has become increasingly relevant in recent years. Despite its importance in effectively managing pandemics, there is still a gap in knowledge about how nurses achieve protection in hospitals. Objective. To describe the process of seeking protection among nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods. A grounded theory approach from 2020 to 2022, employing purposive and theoretical sampling. Face‐to‐face and online interviews were conducted with 25 participants, resulting in 29 interviews. Data analysis was carried out using Corbin and Strauss’s method (2015). Results. The analysis revealed that nurses encountered numerous obstacles related to patients, nurses themselves, organizations, and the passage of time during the COVID‐19 pandemic. These challenges were intertwined with three key concepts: transformations, inequalities, and emotional challenges, highlighting the multifaceted nature of nurses’ protection concerns. In response, nurses employed a protective strategy bolstered by catalysts to address these challenges. This strategy encompassed both optimistic outlooks (“Bright horizon”) and somber reflections (“Unpleasant reflection”). Ultimately, seeking protection in the heart of the storm emerged as the core concept, representing the multifaceted process through which nurses navigate and seek protection amidst the unique challenges posed by the pandemic. Conclusions. This study presents a comprehensive theory that explicitly explains the multifaceted process of seeking protection among hospital‐employed nurses during a pandemic. The theory captures the interconnectedness of challenges faced by nurses and the protective strategies they employ while acknowledging the nuanced balance between hopeful prospects and sobering reflections. Implications for Nursing Management. Policymakers, managers, and educators can utilize the findings to improve nursing management and support systems. By increasing awareness, addressing challenges, and providing robust support, they can enhance the well‐being and effectiveness of nurses during healthcare crises, ultimately improving patient care quality.

The Second Hip Fracture is not an Independent Predictor of Poor Outcomes in Elderly Patients - A Case-Control Study.

Hip fracture is particularly seen in elderly patients with frailty and osteoporosis and leads to diminished functional independence and quality of life. Despite the susceptibility of these patients to a second hip fracture (SHF), the literature insufficiently discussed its impact leading to poor outcomes. This study aims to directly assess the outcomes of elderly patients with initial hip fractures (IHF) vs those experiencing an SHF within a well-matched group with similar characteristics. This case-control study gathered data from the clinical hip fracture registry at a medical center from 2019 to 2022. Patients with SHF were matched with those with IHF in a 1:2 ratio according to the similarity of age, sex, and Charlson Comorbidity Index classification. Demographics at admission, baseline characteristics, and 1-year postoperative outcome were compared between the SHF and IHF groups. Thirty-two SHF patients were matched with 64 IHF patients (81.25% of women, median age of 86 years). Anthropometric measurements and socioeconomic factors were not significantly different between the two groups. No differences in baseline characteristics were observed, except IHF patients had a significantly lower T-score than SHF patients (-3.98 vs. -3.31, P = 0.016). At one-year follow-up, despite a notable decrease in Barthel Index scores and an uptick in EQ-5D measures among the patients, the IHF and SHF groups demonstrated similar quality of life and a high level of activities of daily living. In this case-control study, after matching for age, sex, and comorbidities, an SHF did not indicate poorer outcomes than an IHF, providing a more optimistic outlook for the patients and healthcare providers. Despite the significant challenges presented by hip fracture, the one-year postoperative outcomes did not differ between IHF and SHF patients, suggesting that SHF is not an independent predictor of poor outcomes following hip fracture in the elderly population.

Willingness to support neighbours practically or emotionally: a cross-sectional survey among the general public.

Wider social networks are increasingly recognized for supporting people with care needs. Health-promoting initiatives around the end of life aim to foster these social connections but currently provide little insight into how willing people are to help neighbours facing support needs. This study describes how willing people are to help neighbours who need support practically or emotionally, whether there is a difference in willingness depending on the type of support needed and what determines this willingness. We applied a cross-sectional survey design. We distributed 4400 questionnaires to a random sample of people aged >15 across four municipalities in Flanders, Belgium. These surveys included attitudinal and experiential questions related to serious illness, caregiving and dying. Respondents rated their willingness (scale of 1-5) to provide support to different neighbours in hypothetical scenarios: (1) an older person in need of assistance and (2) a caregiver of a dying partner. A total of 2008 questionnaires were returned (45.6%). The average willingness to support neighbours was 3.41 (case 1) and 3.85 (case 2). Helping with groceries scored highest; cooking and keeping company scored lowest. Factors associated with higher willingness included an optimistic outlook about receiving support from others, family caregiving experience and prior volunteering around serious illness or dying. People are generally willing to support their neighbours who need help practically or emotionally, especially when they have prior experience with illness, death or dying and when they felt supported by different groups of people. Community-based models that build support around people with care needs could explore to what extent this willingness translates into durable community support. Initiatives promoting social connection and cohesion around serious illness, caregiving and dying may harness this potential through experiential learning.

Experiências de convivência com o transtorno mental grave: narrativas sobre o processo de recuperação pessoal

Abstract The article approaches the subject of recovery, a sociopolitical movement, field of studies and practices that aims, from the experience of people living with mental disorders, to promote a more optimistic outlook of the prognosis. Aiming to understand the recovery process of people who experience severe mental disorders, qualitative research was developed, based on Gadamerian hermeneutics. We conducted in-depth interviews, in the form of life narratives, with five people who recognize themselves in the process of recovery, and are part of a mental health patient group. Based on narrative analysis, three axes were organized: recovery process facilitators and coping strategies; barriers of recovery process; and relationship with diagnosis. The discussion is based on Canguilhem’s theory; in the logic of psychosocial care, and in theories about the notion of recovery. We identified important intersubjective and sociocultural resources for recovery, however, we concluded that these same elements may constitute barriers to a creative existence, as the social norm remains crossed by the stigma that accompanies mental disorders, and by hierarchical power relations.

Cooperative activation of carbon-hydrogen bonds by heterobimetallic systems.

The direct activation of C-H bonds has been a rich and active field of organometallic chemistry for many years. Recently, incredible progress has been made and important mechanistic insights have accelerated research. In particular, the use of heterobimetallic complexes to heterolytically activate C-H bonds across the two metal centers has seen a recent surge in interest. This perspective article aims to orient the reader in this fast moving field, highlight recent progress, give design considerations for further research and provide an optimistic outlook on the future of catalytic C-H functionalization with heterobimetallic complexes.

유럽사법재판소의 입법과정심사

Along with the development of legisprudence that explores how to ensure the ‘quality’ of legislation, ‘ex-ante’ control devices to improve the ‘rationality’ of the legislative process and legislative decision-making have been discussed. A representative example of such a proactive control device is ‘legislative impact assessment,’ adopted in the European Union legislative process and becoming increasingly common worldwide. As the legislative process is documented in the form of legislative impact assessments, judicial review bodies are also forced to consider the rationality of the legislative process in ‘ex-post’ constitutionality or legality judgments. Today, the European Court of Justice is the representative judicial review body that examines the legislative process in judicial review. Regarding the legislative process review emerging at the European Court of Justice, there is a conflict between the optimistic outlook that it will improve the quality of legislation by enhancing the rationality of the legislative process and the pessimistic outlook that it will damage legislative discretion by causing excessive judicialization. This article analyzes the decisions of the European Court of Justice that include argumentations that can be classified as legislative process review, identifies its methods and scope of application, and considers the relationship with the proportionality principle. Then, it provides implications for our constitutional court jurisprudence and the limitations of such judicial review.

Recent advances in the synthesis of ZnO-based electrochemical sensors

Until now, various composites based on zinc oxide (ZnO) have been investigated in electrochemical sensors. The physical and electrochemical properties of ZnO and its structure can improve the selectivity, sensitivity, and adaptability of nanocomposites. Therefore, the focus on the fabrication of cheap ZnO-based electrodes with affordable and easy transportability has increased. In addition, the electrochemical behavior is affected by the structure and morphology of the ZnO-based composite in detecting pollutants such as volatile organic compounds, heavy metals, and toxins. Furthermore, ZnO-based nanostructures are efficient in the fabrication of electrochemical sensors in the food industry, pharmaceutical analysis, and medical diagnostics. In this review, various techniques in the synthesis of ZnO-based electrodes and their effect on the particle size, shape, and morphology of compounds have been collected. Since the performance of chemical sensors has a direct relationship with the structure of the composite used in its electrode, it is necessary to discuss the new production methods, new concepts, strategies, and challenges. Additionally, new gains highlight recent developments and sensing of various analytes in the monitoring systems. These sensors have demonstrated a strong growth acceleration which could lead to the development of recent technologies. At last, an optimistic outlook is provided on the future of ZnO-based sensors and their challenges.

Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Using Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC)

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as an persistent autoimmune condition, it is known for causing persistent synovitis, gradual deterioration of cartilage and bone, ultimately resulting in disability and widespread inflammation. Until now, the onset and development mechanisms of RA remain elusive, although the new technology and drugs can certainly help patients to certain degree. However, about 30% RA patients is not responsible for targeting treatment or serious side effects, such as bone marrow inhibition, organs dysfunction, and inflection due to immune inhibition. Research data showed that therapeutic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), is a novel therapeutic strategy with safety and effective to inhibit inflammation and promote regeneration of bone and cartilage, especially for refractory RA. Here, the author summarized the development MSC-based treatment for RA models and patients, analysis the optimistic outlook and possible difficulties for clinical applications in future.

Entrepreneurs and Scientists on the Russian Innovation System

The article compares the assessments of entrepreneurs and scientists regarding the Russian innovation system (RIS), its development features and problems. The relevance of this study is driven by the established consensus about the low level of interaction between business and science in the RIS. Two groups of actors, who create innovation demand and supply, observe different aspects of the same innovation process. Therefore, comparing their judgments allows for a deeper understanding of the features and dysfunctions of the RIS. In this research, we have conducted in-depth interviews with 27 representatives from the academic sphere and 26 representatives from the entrepreneurial sector. A narrative methodology was selected as a theoretical framework for the research to identify relevant judgments about the problems of the RIS and ways to overcome them. Our findings indicate that both groups of respondents have similar assessments of the innovation process, which suggests the systemic nature of the identified problems. Specifically, representatives from both business and academia acknowledge issues related to personnel shortages and the low quality of intellectual property institutions. However, the factor of macroeconomic uncertainty is more significant for entrepreneurs compared to scientists. This difference is attributed to the greater commercial motivation of businesses, while scientists primarily operate within the framework of state plans and support. Furthermore, entrepreneurs demonstrate a more optimistic outlook on the demand for innovation compared to scientists. This difference can be explained by their focus on more commercially viable and in-demand applied innovation, whereas representatives from academia often prioritize fundamental innovation.

Optimist vs Pessimist: Indulging and Contextualizing Martin Seligman’s Learned Optimism in “Once Again” and “Trisanku” by C.S. Lakshmi

Martin Seligman, the founder of positive psychology, developed the idea of ‘learned optimism’ by embracing the idea that an optimistic outlook can be developed through learning. This article discusses the idea of learned optimism, its advantages, and how one may begin to transform their life and thinking. According to the analysis, optimistic personalities appear to have a greater success rate when it comes to reaching their intended goals, even when the pessimistic characters do amazing things in their lives. Both pessimists and optimists achieve things in their lives, but optimists are perceived as having accomplished more. Martin Seligman’s theory of learned optimism is analysed and contextualized in this paper, which aims to evaluate the optimistic and pessimistic personalities found in the characters in the selected short stories of C.S. Lakshmi. Seligman’s concept of learned optimism is well connected with the characters of Loki in “Once Again” and Anjana in “Trisanku”. The characters are also subjected to cognitive distortions of the three P’s: Personal, Pervasive and Permanent to develop themselves to be optimistic personalities through the concept of learned optimism. Seligman also proved that through learned optimism one can change from a pessimistic to an optimistic personality so that they can prevent themselves from depression and anxiety.

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Solar-Rechargeable Redox Flow Battery: Drawbacks and Opportunities Under Thermal Loads

The PV-assisted and photoelectrochemical (PEC) solar-rechargeable redox flow battery (SRFB) is getting the spotlight as a means of simultaneously storing solar energy into chemicals [1,2]. However, most studies on the SRFB system overlook practical challenges arising from thermal voltage loss under light and heat [3]. For instance, an overheated c-Si solar PV system shows a severe power loss exceeding 20% due to thermal recombination-driven voltage loss [3]. According to our recent modelling, a PV-integrated or PEC-based SRFB can remedy the excess heat by the heat transfer to the electrolyte, maximising the solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency [3,4]. Regardless of the optimistic expectation, our recent computational fluid dynamics (CFD) works revealed that even state-of-the-art SRFB could not regulate the thermal efficiency loss, implying how important the understanding of physical and dimensional impact (e.g., flow channel (i.e., flow rate), electrolyte volume, etc.) is [4]. Ironically, the overheated electrolyte can offer enhanced reaction kinetics that can compensate for the thermal voltage loss of the PV device at elevated temperatures. In this work, the above-described thermal degradation is quantified by introducing a thermo-electrochemical device model, which covers heat transfer and electrochemical studies. Also, we present our recent CFD modelling results with supporting experimental results obtained under simulated sunlight at various electrolyte temperatures. Bae, D. et al. Sustain. Energy Fuels (2019) 3, 2399–2408.Bae, D. et al. Commun. Mater. (2020) 1, 17.Bae, D. et al. Sustain. Energy Fuels (2020) 4, 2650–2655.S. Whitley, D. Bae, J. Electrochem. Soc. (2021) 168, 120517. Figure 1

Mapping the Evolving Landscape of Cloud Computing Research: A Bibliometric Analysis

This research paper presents an in-depth bibliometric analysis of cloud computing literature, aiming to uncover underlying patterns, assess citation levels, and identify key trends shaping this rapidly evolving field. The study employs robust bibliometric techniques, analyzing data collected from reputable academic databases, including Scopus. The methodology involves comprehensive data acquisition, preprocessing, analysis, and interpretation, using advanced tools like VOSviewer and Biblioshiny for visualization and statistical analysis.Our findings reveal significant growth in cloud computing research from 2019 to 2023, with a fluctuating yet ascending trajectory of scholarly output. Key contributors include China and India, underscoring their roles in advancing cloud computing research. The analysis of keyword frequency highlights 'cloud', 'data', 'computing', 'security', and 'block chain' as dominant themes, indicating a strong emphasis on data integrity, security, and emerging technologies in cloud computing.Sentiment analysis of research abstracts reveals a predominantly positive yet cautiously optimistic tone, reflecting the field's optimistic outlook towards advancements and potential applications, balanced by an awareness of inherent challenges. The study also delves into the impact of authors and organizations, identifying influential contributors and collaborative networks within the academic community.In conclusion, this paper provide a comprehensive overview of the cloud computing research landscape, offering valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders. It underscores the significance of cloud computing in modern society and highlights the need for continued exploration and innovation in this critical technology domain.

EXPLORING TUTORS’ STRATEGIES IN TEACHING SPEAKING AT PPB IAIN SYEKH NURJATI CIREBON

This study, which includes an English tutor and 30 students in the third semester of the class PPB IAIN Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, aims to portray tutors’ tactics in teaching speaking to PPB IAIN Syekh Nurjati Cirebon and recognize the effects of strategies used by the English tutors. To determine the speaking instruction methodologies, interviews, and classroom observations were undertaken as part of the data collection. The outcome showed that the tutors’ methods included drills, role-plays, speaking lines, and discussions. As a result of the teacher's speaking techniques, pupils get more engaged in their studies, develop more optimistic outlooks, and become more motivated. Almost all of the students prefer the speaking lines as the method of teaching speaking among the three tactics used by the teacher because they believe it can enhance their speaking skills, increase their desire to talk and make the teaching-learning process more enjoyable.

Affect-congruent attention modulates generalized reward expectations.

Positive and negative affective states are respectively associated with optimistic and pessimistic expectations regarding future reward. One mechanism that might underlie these affect-related expectation biases is attention to positive- versus negative-valence features (e.g., attending to the positive reviews of a restaurant versus its expensive price). Here we tested the effects of experimentally induced positive and negative affect on feature-based attention in 120 participants completing a compound-generalization task with eye-tracking. We found that participants' reward expectations for novel compound stimuli were modulated in an affect-congruent way: positive affect induction increased reward expectations for compounds, whereas negative affect induction decreased reward expectations. Computational modelling and eye-tracking analyses each revealed that these effects were driven by affect-congruent changes in participants' allocation of attention to high- versus low-value features of compounds. These results provide mechanistic insight into a process by which affect produces biases in generalized reward expectations.

Extended model to explain customer attitude toward NFT and moderating effect of technology optimism

PurposeThis study empirically examined consumer adoption attitudes and behaviors toward nonfungible tokens (NFTs). Findings indicate that consumer attitudes toward NFTs are influenced by perceived usefulness, reliability and profit expectancy and that strong attitudes are associated with purchase intentions. Additionally, the relationship between attitudes and purchase intentions was moderated by technology optimism.Design/methodology/approachThe authors utilized a partial least squares (PLS) model to examine the hypotheses in this empirical analysis. Obtaining a sample of actual NFT holders or experienced users is challenging. A total of 105 individuals participated in the study as valid responders by answering the screening question in the questionnaire. The authors opted for the PLS model as a research approach due to the limited size of the consumer population in the NFT market.FindingsThis study discovered that the adoption of NFTs was affected by technical aspects such as usefulness and reliability and the potential for future asset growth. Furthermore, the degree of attitude-to-intention conversion varied based on optimism, an inherent characteristic.Research limitations/implicationsThis study offers valuable insights for NFT owners, content providers and trading firms. For the NFT market to expand, it must meet consumers' expectations for the desired content features and asset investment attributes. Additionally, customer targeting strategies should attract and appeal to technology enthusiasts with an optimistic outlook on technology.Originality/valueThe authors conducted an initial empirical analysis of actual NFT consumers, an area of research studied sparingly despite its significance.

Antiviral research and detecting viral nucleic acids based on the CRISPR-Cas technology

Viruses constructed from nucleic acids, either deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or ribonucleic acid (RNA), are encased in a protein covering and require a living cell to reproduce. Symptoms of viral infections can range from asymptomatic to severe illness, and their impact has become increasingly apparent in recent years. For instance, globally, the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic alone has resulted in millions of infections and millions of fatalities. Consequently, the development of effective tools for antiviral resistance is an urgent need. Early detection of viral infections can be achieved through nucleic acid detection, while gene editing techniques offer a promising solution for treating and counteracting the harmful effects of viruses, thereby minimizing economic and property loss. The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) and associated (CRISPR-associated, Cas) protein system (CRISPR-Cas) is an emerging gene editing tool that has demonstrated remarkable accuracy and efficiency with its rapidly expanding applications. This review delves into the principles and applications of Cas12a, Cas13, and other systems in nucleic acid detection, highlighting the significant contributions of Cas9, Cas12a, Cas13, and other systems in establishing resistance against DNA and/or RNA viral infections, and outlines the strengths and limitations of the CRISPR-Cas system in current applications. Precautions and suggestions for the systems safe application are also presented, with an optimistic outlook for its prospects.

Heads of Schools’ Motivational Strategies Used to Improve Students’ Academic Performance in Public Secondary Schools in Korogwe Town Council, Tanzania

The main aim of this study was to research the motivational strategies employed by heads of schools to improve students’ academic performance in public secondary schools in Korogwe Town Council. The study was guided by the ARCS Model of Motivational created by Keller (1990), which presumes that people are motivated to learn if there is value in the knowledge presented and if there is an optimistic expectation for success. The study used a convergent parallel research design under a mixed approach. A study used simple random sampling and automatic techniques to get participants of the study who were students, teachers, heads of Schools, and Ward Educational Officers. The sample for the study was 3 Ward educational officers, 3 heads of schools, fifty-four (54) teachers, making a total of 60 participants. The total population was 9 schools, 9 heads of schools, and 344 teachers in public secondary schools, and 5907 made a total population of 6269 in Korogwe Town Council. The instruments for data collection were questionnaires and an interview guide. A questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data, while an interview guide was used to collect qualitative data. The instruments were validated by two experts from the faculty of education in educational planning and administration (MWECAU). The reliability of quantitative data was established through Cronbach Alpha (r=0.82 for teachers' questionnaire), while the reliability of the qualitative data was established through Persistent Engagement and Triangulation of data. The quantitative data were coded and analyzed into percentages and frequencies using Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) version 25. Qualitative data were analyzed by coding contents into themes and presented in narrative form. The quantitative data were presented in figures and tables. The research findings revealed that HoS motivational strategies were inadequate and, therefore, affected students' academic performance. The study concluded that heads of public secondary schools should insist on intrinsic motivational strategies as they cost less than extrinsic motivational strategies. The study recommended that HoS should insist on the use of intrinsic motivational strategies and adjustment of strategies according to needs and time.

Review on audit data visualization method based on R language

To be competitive in today's market, companies must constantly assess and improve their operations, and financial data analysis has emerged as a crucial tool for this purpose. Executives can utilize data analysis to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying facts in their data and make better informed decisions about their company and the market. Multiple data models in the language make it possible to have a fully functional language environment with tools for statistical analysis and visual visualization of data. With its ability to enhance the quality of work in statistical computations and graphical analysis, the R language is ideally suited to the industrial data analysis environment. In this paper, we use a literature review methodology to examine the domestic and international literature on R language big data visualization auditing, analyze the visualization application areas of R language big data auditing, discuss the benefits and challenges of big data auditing, demonstrate how R language can be adapted to real-world auditing scenarios, and offer reasonable recommendations and optimistic outlooks for the field's future.

Analysis of Critical Factors Affecting the Sales of Live Broadcast with Goods on Short Video Platform

With the rise of social media and the change in consumers purchasing methods, the e-commerce live delivery industry has developed rapidly, and live sales have hit record highs. The key influencing factors behind it are worth exploring. This industry has gradually become popular, but it may also prompt the public to have excessively optimistic expectations for it. Therefore, through questionnaire survey, this paper widely disseminated and recycled questionnaire data on social media and analyzed it to explore the publics views on the industry. In addition, through platform data collection and case analysis, the key factors affecting live broadcast sales are explored. It is found that the publics understanding of the industry has limitations and good imagination. The current industry situation shows that there may be better choices for a star to transform into a blogger with goods. Online celebrity anchors focusing on bringing goods on platforms such as TikTok are more suitable to give full play to the advantages of bringing goods. There is an apparent positive correlation between the total sales of anchors and the number of fans. A positive correlation exists between the average online number and the total sales. There is a positive correlation between the number of fans and the peak number of online people per game; A medium-sized online peak can gain a larger market share in terms of sales.