Participation In Forums Research Articles

AMCP Partnership Forum: Patient input and payer decision-making.

There has been growing consensus for the health care community to become more patient centered by considering patient needs, preferences, and values in decision-making. To advance partnership between payers and patient representatives to gather patient input and incorporate their perspective on the broad range of managed care pharmacy decisions, the AMCP held a multistakeholder Partnership Forum on December 6 and 7, 2023, in Alexandria, Virginia. Forum participants were asked to (1) identify opportunities for patient representatives to engage with payers and other managed care pharmacy decision-makers, (2) recognize challenges and propose potential solutions to establish patient engagement programs between payers and patient representatives, and (3) review and provide input on draft frameworks created by the 2023-24 AMCP Patient Voice Advisory Group. Key themes that emerged from the participant discussion included to assemble and draw upon successful examples and best practices, recognize different levels of engagement, build trust and relationships proactively, create defined access points and open dialogue channels, incorporate the patient perspective as an element of coverage decision-making, leverage existing patient data and reports, crystallize a key message furthering common goals, and facilitate ongoing education and learning.

PREDICTING STUDENT PERFORMANCE IN ONLINE LEARNING PLATFORMS: ANALYZING ENGAGEMENT METRICS WITH MACHINE LEARNING MODELS

The emergence of online learning platforms harbours both opportunities and challenges, this paper focuses on machine learning algorithms for deep diving into key predictors of students success in online environments, captured by engagement metrics such as quiz scores, participation in forums, and time spent on learning tasks. Data was collected through a survey of 50 students and then run through the Random Forest model. Major predictors of success include the assignment approach, quiz score, and motivation. The prediction from this model can be interesting because it can pick important features, but the overall accuracy is quite low at about 20%, which implies that larger datasets and more features might be necessary to enhance the predictions. Time management, motivation, and staying in touch are such variables that the research holds key to determining results for students. The results are important not only for online learning platforms but also for interventions suggested, which include early warning systems, personalised learning paths, and elements of gamification to support performance for improved student support at the right time for those most at risk. Future studies should consider more sophisticated machine learning models and the use of more objective performance data in their attempt to make more refined predictions.

Evaluating village financial governance in top tourism destinations

Village fund management is important for village economy and welfare. Village funds in Gresik Regency, Indonesia In particular, for the 2022 period, the revenue budget is IDR. 2,355,638,000 in Pangkahkulon village, while Rp. 9,865,701,000 for Sekapuk village, demonstrating the principles of accountability and transparency for effective and sustainable development. Accountability and transparency in village fund management ensure clear financial reporting, community participation, and openness of information, despite still facing obstacles such as lack of resources and regulations. Lack of community participation reduces accountability, transparency in achieving good financial governance in 3 villages in Gresik Regency. This study proposes to assess the impact of financial governance in Sekapuk, Pangkahkulon, and Sidokumpul Villages, focusing on accountability, transparency, and community participation. Despite progress, challenges including resource constraints and regulatory changes remain. This study provides in-depth insights into the effectiveness of village financial management systems, emphasizing the importance of community participation in improving accountability and transparency and building public trust. This study explores the implementation of good financial governance in three Gresik villages, focusing on accountability, transparency, and community participation. The study design uses a phenomenological approach to understand perceptions related to transparency and accountability in village fund management in Gresik Tourism Villages through interviews and observations. Primary data were collected from village officials, and analysis was conducted using NVivo 12 Plus, prioritizing transparency and community participation. This study found that accountability in Gresik Tourism Villages requires a transparent and efficient financial system. The SISKEUDES application experienced technical problems that affected reporting, so technical improvements and staff training were needed. Transparency and community participation in meetings and discussion forums are key to increasing trust and effectiveness in village fund management. Thus, in achieving Good Financial Governance in Gresik Tourism Villages, a financial system that is accountable, transparent, and involves community participation is needed. Information technology, regular training, and supervision with NGOs are important for efficiency and transparency, and discussion forums strengthen community trust.

The determinants of participation in online business forums: exploring the interplay of need factors and reciprocity

The determinants of participation in online business forums: exploring the interplay of need factors and reciprocity

Dari Forum ke Kampus Pengaruh ASEAN Tourism Forum dalam Mengembangkan Pendidikan Pariwisata di Sekolah Tinggi Pariwisata Ambarrukmo Yogyakarta

The ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) is a strategic platform for Southeast Asian countries to collaborate in developing the tourism industry. This study aims to explore how ATF influences the development of tourism education at the Ambarrukmo Tourism College in Yogyakarta. This study uses a qualitative approach with a case study method, involving interviews with institutional managers, lecturers, and students, as well as analysis of related documents. The results of the study indicate that ATF has a positive impact through several aspects: first, improving the curriculum to be more relevant to the trends and needs of the regional tourism industry; second, improving the capabilities of lecturers through training and workshops held in the ATF series; third, opening up opportunities for international cooperation that expand academic and practical networks for the institution. These findings indicate that participation in ATF contributes significantly to the development of the quality of tourism education at STP Ambarukmo, connecting theory with practice and preparing students to face global challenges in the tourism industry. This study recommends increasing active participation in similar forums to take advantage of more learning and collaboration opportunities.

The Gut Microbiota and Diabetes: Research, Translation, and Clinical Applications-2023 Diabetes, Diabetes Care, and Diabetologia Expert Forum.

This article summarizes the state of the science on the role of the gut microbiota (GM) in diabetes from a recent international expert forum organized by Diabetes, Diabetes Care, and Diabetologia, which was held at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes 2023 Annual Meeting in Hamburg, Germany. Forum participants included clinicians and basic scientists who are leading investigators in the field of the intestinal microbiome and metabolism. Their conclusions were as follows: 1) the GM may be involved in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes, as microbially produced metabolites associate both positively and negatively with the disease, and mechanistic links of GM functions (e.g., genes for butyrate production) with glucose metabolism have recently emerged through the use of Mendelian randomization in humans; 2) the highly individualized nature of the GM poses a major research obstacle, and large cohorts and a deep-sequencing metagenomic approach are required for robust assessments of associations and causation; 3) because single-time point sampling misses intraindividual GM dynamics, future studies with repeated measures within individuals are needed; and 4) much future research will be required to determine the applicability of this expanding knowledge to diabetes diagnosis and treatment, and novel technologies and improved computational tools will be important to achieve this goal.

The Gut Microbiota and Diabetes: Research, Translation, and Clinical Applications-2023 Diabetes, Diabetes Care, and Diabetologia Expert Forum.

This article summarizes the state of the science on the role of the gut microbiota (GM) in diabetes from a recent international expert forum organized by Diabetes, Diabetes Care, and Diabetologia, which was held at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes 2023 Annual Meeting in Hamburg, Germany. Forum participants included clinicians and basic scientists who are leading investigators in the field of the intestinal microbiome and metabolism. Their conclusions were as follows: 1) the GM may be involved in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes, as microbially produced metabolites associate both positively and negatively with the disease, and mechanistic links of GM functions (e.g., genes for butyrate production) with glucose metabolism have recently emerged through the use of Mendelian randomization in humans; 2) the highly individualized nature of the GM poses a major research obstacle, and large cohorts and a deep-sequencing metagenomic approach are required for robust assessments of associations and causation; 3) because single-time point sampling misses intraindividual GM dynamics, future studies with repeated measures within individuals are needed; and 4) much future research will be required to determine the applicability of this expanding knowledge to diabetes diagnosis and treatment, and novel technologies and improved computational tools will be important to achieve this goal.

Web-Based Forums for People Experiencing Substance Use or Gambling Disorders: Scoping Review.

For people experiencing substance use or gambling disorders, web-based peer-supported forums are a space where they can share their experiences, gather around a collective goal, and find mutual support. Web-based peer support can help to overcome barriers to attending face-to-face meetings by enabling people experiencing addiction to seek support beyond their physical location and with the benefit of anonymity if desired. Understanding who participates in web-based peer-supported forums (and how), and the principles underpinning forums, can also assist those interested in designing or implementing similar platforms. This study aims to review the literature on how people experiencing substance use or gambling disorders, and their family, friends, and supporters, use and participate in web-based peer-supported forums. Specifically, we asked the following research questions: (1) What are the characteristics of people who use web-based peer-supported substance use or gambling-focused forums? (2) How do people participate in web-based peer-supported forums? (3) What are the key principles reportedly underpinning the web-based peer-supported forums? (4) What are the reported outcomes of web-based peer-supported forums? Inclusion criteria for our scoping review were peer-reviewed primary studies reporting on web-based addiction forums for adults and available in English. A primary search of 10 databases occurred in June 2021, with 2 subsequent citation searches of included studies in September 2022 and February 2024. Of the 14 included studies, the majority of web-based peer-supported forums reported were aimed specifically for, or largely used by, people experiencing alcohol problems. Results from the 9 studies that did report demographic data suggest forum users were typically women, aged between 40 years and early 50 years. Participation in web-based peer-supported forums was reported quantitatively and qualitatively. The forums reportedly were underpinned by a range of key principles, mostly mutual help approaches and recovery identity formation. Only 3 included studies reported on outcomes for forum users. Web-based peer-supported forums are used by people experiencing addiction in a number of ways, to share information and experiences, and give and receive support. Seeking web-based support offers an alternative approach to traditional face-to-face support options, and may reduce some barriers to engaging in peer support.

A bibliometric review on sustainable human resource management (1982–2023)

PurposeThis paper examines the growth trajectory, documents, journals, worldwide distribution authors, scientific production and thematic focus in the field of sustainable HRM.Design/methodology/approachA total of 765 publications (between 1982 and 2023) were chosen from the Scopus database that were diligently examined to reach insightful results. To aid the investigation, the Biblioshiny tool was used.FindingsThrough thematic mapping, the study finds that sustainable HRM is still an emerging and contemporary concept. Moreover, the themes of sustainable HRM are underdeveloped and need conceptual clarity. Additionally, these themes have evolved internally which have made a modest contribution to the advancement of the discipline. Furthermore, topic trending, word frequency and document citations indicate that a growing body of literature on sustainable HRM focuses extensively on environmental issues, demonstrating that HRM should be given greater attention to roles related to sustainability in the workplace.Practical implicationsSustainable HRM should be a top priority for businesses, with an emphasis on environmental and sustainability concerns. To be in line with global sustainability standards, HR training needs to be updated. Companies should develop HR policies that put sustainability first and spend money on analytical tools. Academic and industrial cooperation can improve the field more quickly. Best practices can be standardized by participation in forums. It is crucial to take a holistic approach that balances environmental, social and economic factors.Originality/valueThis study distinguishes itself by adding highlights on bibliometric insights and thematic emphasis on sustainable HRM, adding to the progress of the field's knowledge and offering insightful pathways for future research.

Changing Dynamics of Foreign Policy in the Emerging Multipolar World – An Objective Study of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy

Within the ever-changing context of modern international relations, Pakistan's foreign policy manoeuvres take place in the middle of a multipolar global order. This paper explores the subtleties of Pakistan's strategic adjustments, looking at how changing world power dynamics influence its diplomacy. With a focus on the relationship between regional stability, global influence, and national sovereignty, Pakistan manages a wide range of alliances and relationships. Pakistan's foreign policy history exhibits both continuity and adaptability, ranging from historical alliances with the United States during the Cold War to strategic diversifications including China, Russia, and other regional organizations. This paper provides a thorough examination of Pakistan's diplomatic methods, emphasizing their diversity and the need of diplomatic adaptability in handling international issues. Pakistan's foreign policy becomes an important factor in determining regional dynamics and global stability as it asserts its geopolitical relevance through projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and participation in multilateral forums like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). With the goal of shedding light on Pakistan's changing place in the multipolar international order, this article attempts to explain the strategic thinking that goes into the country's foreign policy choices.

Metaphor signalling constructions in discourse related to the experience of depersonalization/derealization

ABSTRACT In this study a systematic analysis of signaled metaphor is undertaken in naturally occurring discourse from an online forum relating to the experience of depersonalization/derealization, which has a specific relationship with metaphor. While it is relatively easy to locate pre-identified metaphor source terms in such large text corpora, finding singular metaphor that may express subjective experience is recognized as a difficult but important task, which signals of metaphor may support. It is vital to accurately represent, such discourse, rather than only impose pre-defined knowledge, in order that ethical concerns such as exclusion, demographic misrepresentation, and bias confirmation, may be addressed. It is shown that different signals of metaphor investigated perform different functions in relation to metaphor, with many of them supporting use of idiosyncratic metaphor that appears to express the subjective experience of forum participants. Analysis of nouns across all sentences identified as containing signaled metaphor yields previously unknown terms that are typically associated with metaphor in this context, via a method that is grounded in the data. In addition, the summary list of metaphor signaling constructions may support further such investigations in large text corpora.

The power of Us:

The power of community – of Us – has long been assumed to be important in adult learning. Student interactions on discussion forums are encouraged, and it has been claimed that they foster a learning community which makes a difference to student outcomes through collaboration and joint construction of knowledge. This paper reports on interim results of a research project to establish, firstly, if there is a correlation between student participation in forums and their overall course outcomes, and secondly, shares a matrix designed to code both social and cognitive forum activity, to support an investigation into the existence of a learning community in student forum conversations – the power of Us.

The digital governmentality of marriage migration: policing US spousal reunification, national belonging and borders in digital spaces

There is extensive research on the governmentality of marriage migration, but more is needed about the role of digital spaces. This article focuses on how online US spousal reunification forums and their users define and police ideological norms regarding the US family and decide which transnational relationships are ‘worthy’ of immigration. We show that through their interactions on the site, users perform borderwork and police family, race and nation. More generally, we argue that online forums constitute institutional settings whose members can reproduce or challenge hegemonic state discourses about ‘proper’ families and national belonging. Further, we suggest that advice given to or withheld from forum participants constitutes an exercise in digital governmentality. Overall, our findings contribute to conversations about the role digital spaces play in institutionalising gatekeeping practices intended to police intimacy, immigration and national belonging.

Hybrid Gamification and AI Tutoring Framework using Machine Learning and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System

Although technology has significantly improved the teaching and learning process, it has not been able to increase students' self-motivation and engagement at the same level. The lack of self-motivation and intermittent engagement is currently one of the primary challenges faced by educators. This new approach to learning called the hybrid gamification framework uses a combination of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and the Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) to create a more engaging and personalized learning experience. By tracking students' interactions and performance, the system can allocate rewards based on their progress, which helps to increase their motivation and engagement. This technology makes it possible for educators to collect and analyse data related to students' engagement patterns, quiz scores, time spent on learning activities, participation in discussion forums, and much more. This data analysis enables educators to identify struggling students and high achievers, allowing them to provide tailored support and instruction to maximize student success. A pilot implementation of this system involving 200 computer science students successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of this technology. This research provides a comprehensive understanding of gamification's impact by combining quantitative data with qualitative insights.

Understanding self-regulated learning and learner performance in MOOCs

Self-regulated learning (SRL) has been viewed as a critical skill for learner success in MOOCs, but due to methodological limitations of self-reported measures, the relationship between SRL and learner performance remains unquantified. Therefore, this study sought to investigate how SRL impacted learner performance in MOOCs by linking clickstream data about SRL to learner performance variables. Following a social cognitive perspective of SRL, learner traces were categorized into three phases including forethought, performance/volition control, and self-reflection phase. Then separate multiple linear regression analyses were performed to examine the relationship between SRL traces in each phase and learner performance variables (e.g., quizzes scores and forum participation record). The findings of this study indicated that SRL traces in performance/volition control and self-reflection phases positively predict learners’ quizzes scores. In addition, SRL traces in each of the three phases were significantly correlated to learners’ forum participation, despite a small effect of the model. Particularly, self-reflective traces negatively predicted learners’ forum participation but SRL traces in the other two phases had a positive relationship with the outcome variable. Practical implications about supporting learners in MOOCs are discussed in the end.

Business development in Ukraine with the support of employers' organizations and their associations

Introduction. In developing countries, state support for the development of entrepreneurship is of crucial importance, at the same time, civil society organizations play an important role in achieving business success of micro-entrepreneurs by providing various services, consultations, defending the interests of the business community in interaction with the authorities. Non-governmental business support organizations contribute to the development not only of their members, because by providing business support and acting on behalf of the business community to improve the conditions for conducting economic activity, such organizations as a result ensure the development of the country's economy as a whole. The purpose of the paper is to analyze the possibilities of employers' organizations and their associations in promoting business development in Ukraine. Results. Employers' organizations and their associations play an important role in the formation and implementation of state economic policy, regulation of labor, social, and economic relations. The activities of employers' organizations contribute to the establishment of effective cooperation between the business community and the authorities, including through the participation of such organizations in social dialogue. Today, the largest association of employers' organizations of Ukraine - the Federation of Employers of Ukraine takes an active part in the processes of liberalization of business conditions and implements effective support for business development, including through: lobbying business interests in the state authorities of Ukraine (local and central); support at the legislative level of various business initiatives of employers; providing opportunities for legislative and business intelligence; establishment of cooperation with foreign partners; attracting business to a wide range of events, meetings and conferences at various levels - local, national and international. The Employers' Federation of Ukraine, being a full member of the International Organization of Employers, actively promotes the interests of its members also in the international arena, in particular, regarding trade and access to foreign markets, including through participation in trade forums. Conclusions. Employers' organizations and their associations are today's important business associations that have the right to conduct collective bargaining at a certain national, sectoral, and territorial level on behalf of their members. As independent institutions, employers' organizations can influence public policy, thanks to their involvement in the processes of public policy discussion, monitoring of legislative initiatives and cooperation with the government sector. Such organizations provide specialized business resources, including professional advice and services, to assist with current issues of running and supporting business development.

Identifying Student Behavior Patterns Based on LMS Data

In contemporary education, data analysis methods to establish patterns of student behavior for subsequent optimization of the educational process are becoming increasingly relevant. This paper presents research aimed at identifying patterns of student behavior based on the processing of data obtained from Learning Management Systems (LMS). The article examines data collection and analysis issues from LMS, including activity logs, grades, participation in forums, and other interactive elements. Additionally, methods such as statistical analysis and machine learning, applied to identify patterns of student behavior, are discussed. The text describes the identified patterns of student behavior in the electronic educational environment, which are subsequently linked to students' academic performance levels. The paper's concluding section presents the research findings and potential scenarios for their application. Key Words: adaptive learning, machine learning, learning management systems, student behavior patterns.

The 90-th anniversary of Arkady V. Sokolov

Arkady Vasilyevich Sokolov – Doctor of Science in pedagogy, Professor, outstanding world-known scholar in the sphere of informatics, library science, bibliography, bibliology, and related disciplines. The author recollects the history of his acquaintance with A. V. Sokolov, shares his impressions of the lectures, and tells about Sokolov’s participation in Crimea conferences and forums (Sudak, Republic of Crimea) in the period 2000–2017. A. V. Sokolov participated enthusiastically in 4 scientific and practical conferences “BiblioPiter. The letter and digit: The libraries on the way to digitalization” (St.-Petersburg, 2020–2023). The author reviews A. V. Sokolov’s contribution to science popularization project “NELF Lectorium”. Within the project, A.V. Sokolov delivered the lecture “Russian libraries on the threshold of post contemporaneity”. The author remembers A. V. Sokolov as a bright pedagogue, outstanding orator, and responsive senior colleague. A. V. Sokolov’s findings have to be comprehended and appraised. His memory will always dwell with us.

Inclusive governance of hydropower on shared rivers? Toward an international legal geography of the Lower Mekong basin

Hydropower is now the largest source of renewable energy worldwide. The International Renewable Energy Agency estimates that current hydropower capacity will need to double by 2050 in order to transition to net zero and to arrest the rise of global temperatures at 1.5 degrees Celsius. Much of the currently built and planned dams are on rivers shared between two or more countries. This raises the risk of increased inter-state conflicts. However, to exploit hydropower peacefully, the impact on local communities must also be considered. This foregrounds the need to build inclusive institutions that can mediate the different interests, norms, and values held by communities located across different scales. The article examines the role of international river basin organizations to manage this legal pluralism in shared river basins. In many basins globally, such as the Lower Mekong, the Columbia, the Zambezi, or the Senegal, international river basin organizations are tasked with the development of shared water resources. To understand to what extent river basin organizations can mediate the legal pluralism in a shared basin, the article develops an international legal geography approach to the governance of transboundary waters in an attempt to uncover marginalization and disempowerment in the process of law-making. It therefore expands the analytical scope of legal geography to the study of transnational spaces, in this case complex ecosystems for which there are no fixed jurisdictional boundaries. It then applies this approach to the case study of the Lower Mekong basin. Findings indicate that the Mekong River Commission, despite attempts to include project-affected people in decision-making, largely operates within a Westphalian framework of sovereignty to the detriment of more inclusive forms of governance. Project affected communities are largely unable to exert influence and are relegated to participation in alternative forums. These forums, or counter publics as Yong called them, are disconnected from official processes. While they give rise to marginalized voices and enable the creation of inclusive and participatory spaces, the exclusionary official decision-making processes continue to produce significant tension and conflict potential as hydropower is championed globally as a clean, climate friendly form of energy. As hydropower is set to double by 2050, inclusive participatory institutions in basins worldwide must be built to navigate complex stakeholder interests and to benefit those who are otherwise likely to lose out in net zero transitions. These findings are relevant for other shared basins, particularly across Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America where hydropower is booming. An international approach to legal geography can foreground these hidden and marginalized voices and help identify ways to build inclusive institutions for the governance of shared resources.

The use of besmart to improve students’ self-discipline in community economy course

The use of e-learning applications in learning needs to consider the potential for improving students’ character. This classroom action research was aimed at investigating the use of Besmart e-learning in improving the students’ self-discipline in the Community Economy course. The participants of this research were 108 students majoring in Management at the Faculty of Economics, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta. This study was based on the model by Kemmis and McTaggart, which comprises steps of planning, implementing/acting, observing and evaluating, analyzing, and reflecting. This study was classroom action research. The data were collected in two cycles of the model through questionnaires, observations, interviews, and system monitoring. This study employed triangulation techniques of data source and method to ensure the data validity. The findings show that using e-learning can improve the students’ self-discipline. The students’ self-discipline was reflected in self-learning materials, participation in the discussion forums, and submitting the assignments. Besmart is not only a learning medium but can also increase student self-discipline and participation in learning. The success factor in this research is not only the learning media but also the skills of lecturers and students to optimize the use of this media.