Population Of Research Research Articles

Lessons Learned in Virtual Launch of an Antenatal Opioid Exposure Study During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted researchers to develop new ways to design and launch studies and recruit and retain participants. Pregnant women and infants are considered vulnerable populations in research, and families affected by substance use are particularly difficult to recruit and retain. Recruitment for studies involving medical technologies such as MRI can also be difficult due to misconceptions and fear of the technologies. To describe "lessons learned" during the launch of the Outcomes of Babies with Opioid Exposure (OBOE) study, including successes and challenges when working with high-risk infants and families and the importance of engaging participants through recruitment materials and retention efforts. The OBOE study is a multisite prospective longitudinal cohort study comparing infants with antenatal opioid exposure to unexposed controls from birth to 2 years of age. Chi-square tests were used to examine refusal reasons among caregivers of eligible infants by exposure group and differences in 6-month retention among subgroups based on social determinants of health. Four factors were essential in establishing the Consortium, implementing the study, and retaining participants: (a) creating venues for collaboration, (b) pivoting from in-person to virtual training, (c) anticipating potential enrollment barriers and addressing them directly, and (d) engaging participants through recruitment materials and retention efforts. With these factors in place, only 5% of caregivers of eligible opioid-exposed infants and 8% of control infants declined to participate in the study because of MRIs. Of 310 enrolled infants, 234 infants had attended the 6-month visit. Subgroups of enrolled infants were similar in retention at 6 months. Reporting our successes and challenges in setting up a nationwide consortium during the pandemic may help other consortia that need to be set up virtually. We anticipated that the serial MRIs would be a barrier to participation; however, few indicated they refused to participate because of MRIs, suggesting our efforts to address this potential barrier to enrollment were successful.

A xenogenic-free culture medium for cell micro-patterning systems as cell-instructive biomaterials for potential clinical applications

Cell micro-patterning controls cell fate and function and has potential for generating therapeutically usable mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) populations with precise functions. However, to date, the micro-patterning of human cells in a translational context has been impossible because only ruminant media supplements, e.g. fetal bovine serum (FBS), are established for use with micro-patterns (MPs). Thus, there are currently no good manufacturing practice (GMP)-compliant media available for MPs. This study tested a xenogenic-free human plasma and platelet lysate (hP + PL) medium supplement to determine its compatibility with MPs. Unfiltered hP + PL medium resulted in significant protein deposition, creating a 'carpet-like' layer that rendered MPs ineffective. Filtration (3×/5×) eliminated this effect. Importantly, quantitative comparison using droplet digital PCR revealed that human MSCs in all media types exhibited similar profiles with strong myogenic Calponin 1/Transgelin 2 (TAGLN2) and weaker osteogenic alkaline phosphatase/Runt-related transcription factor 2 marker expression, and much weaker adipogenic (lipoprotein lipase/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma) and chondrogenic (collagen type II/aggrecan) expression, with profiles being dominated by myogenic markers. Within these similar profiles, an even stronger induction of the myogenic marker TAGLN2 by all hP + PL- compared to FBS-containing media. Overall, this suggested that FBS can be replaced with hP + PL without altering differentiation profiles. However, assessing individual MSC responses to various MP types with defined categories revealed that unfiltered hP + PL medium was unusable. Importantly, FBS- and 3× filtered hP + PL media were comparable in each differentiation category. Summarized, this study recommends 3× filtered hP + PL as a xenogenic-free and potentially GMP-compliant alternative to FBS as a culture medium supplement for micro-patterning cell populations in both basic and translational research that will ensure consistent and reliable MSC micro-patterning for therapeutic use.

"It's Just Good Science": A Qualitative Study Exploring Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Canadian Arthritis Research.

Despite knowledge that health outcomes vary according to patient characteristics, identity, and geography, including underrepresented populations in arthritis research remains a challenge. We conducted interviews to explore how researchers in arthritis have used equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) principles to inform their research. Semistructured interviews were conducted with individuals who 1) have experience conducting arthritis research studies, 2) reside in and/or conduct their research in Canada, and 3) speak English or French. Participants were recruited using purposive and respondent-driven sampling. Interviews were conducted over video call and audio recordings were transcribed. Template analysis was applied to interview transcripts to explore participant experiences and perceptions of EDI in arthritis research. Participants (n = 22) identified that a lack of representation in arthritis research translates to the inability to provide comprehensive care. Participants emphasized considering EDI early in all arthritis research to effectively affect a study. Themes were categorized as benefits, barriers, and facilitators. The perceived benefits were the ability to generate knowledge and reduce health disparities. Barriers included mistrust from historically exploited populations, unintended consequences, lack of access to research opportunities, and logistical challenges. Facilitators included building community partnerships, curating diverse research teams, incentivizing researchers and funder support, and fostering humility in research environments. Improving representation in research is needed to improve health outcomes for diverse groups of people living with arthritis. Identified barriers to EDI in research must be addressed and partnerships and supports must be facilitated to achieve more representation in arthritis research within Canada.

BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF RISK TOLERANCE: GLOBAL COLLABORATION AND THEMATIC EVOLUTION

This study aims to analyze the development of research on risk tolerance over the past two decades, focusing on collaborative networks among authors and countries, thematic evolution, and new research opportunities. The method used is bibliometric analysis based on R software and VOS Viewer. The research population includes 833 articles related to risk tolerance identified from the Scopus database. The study was conducted through network visualization, thematic clustering, and thematic evolution mapping. The results show that publications on risk tolerance have increased by 15% annually, with the United States as the primary contributor. The main recurring themes include risk assessment, decision-making, and financial risk tolerance. However, there is a gap in integrating the risk tolerance theme with broader concepts such as financial literacy. The analysis also indicates increased international collaboration, particularly in North America, Europe, and Asia, but with limited cooperation in Latin America and Africa. This study recommends further exploration of the relationship between risk tolerance, financial literacy, and technology-based decision-making. Additionally, it suggests enhancing cross-regional collaborations to broaden the scope and impact of research in this field.

Blood coagulation monitoring of patients with mechanical heart valve visiting Imam

BackgroundThe lacking proper regulation of International Normalized Ratio (INR) as the main problem in patients with mechanical valve replacement surgery poses the risk of thrombosis and embolism on the one hand and the risk of bleeding on the other. For this reason, the correct monitoring of INR via the Time in Therapeutic Range (TTR) is needed. The present study aimed to explore the blood coagulation monitoring of patients with mechanical heart valve in Imam Ali Hospital of Kermanshah in 2021.MethodIn the present cross-sectional study, the research population consisted of 139 patients, who underwent mechanical heart valve replacement. Information on patients’ demographic variables, health records, comorbidities, and medications was collected using a checklist. During the monthly follow-up, INR and thrombotic and bleeding events were recorded through calls made to patients. Then the TTR was estimated based on Rosendahl’s model and compared with the standard rate to test the relationship with hemorrhagic and thrombotic events in SPSS21.ResultsThe mean and standard deviation of patients’ age was 58.25 ± 10.16 years. Among 139 patients with mechanical heart valves, 55 (39.6%) were male and 84 (60.4%) were female. Ninety-one patients (65.5%) had primary-school education, 22 (15.8%) middle school education, 17 (12.2%) high school education and 9 (6.5%) had a university degree. Chi-square test results showed a positive and significant difference between the blood coagulation monitoring of patients with mechanical heart valves and sex, education, blood pressure, captopril drug and the number of visits and follow-up (p ≥ 0.05).ConclusionThe present study showed that TTR was lower than normal in the target population. Therefore, it is necessary to closely monitor patients’ blood coagulation for the appropriate therapeutic dose according to patients’ sex, education, blood pressure, captopril drug and the number of visits and follow-up.

Pengaruh Minat dan Kemandirian Belajar Terhadap Hasil Belajar Matematika Siswa di Kelas VII MTsS TI

The low student mathematics learning outcomes are caused by several problems, namely the low interest and independence of student learning which is the driving force for conducting this research. Ex Post Facto research using quantitative techniques is this type of research. The research population was 118 class VIII MTsS TI Candung students. The instrument used was a questionnaire on interest and independence in learning. The research results produce a regression equation Y= 11.683 + 0.498 representing interest in learning on learning outcomes. t count = 3.113 > t table = 2.052 is the result of the regression significance test. Interest in learning has a fairly large partial influence on mathematics learning outcomes. Y= 16.171 + 0.525 is the regression equation for learning independence on learning outcomes. After carrying out the regression significance test, it was obtained that t = 2.472 > t table = 2.052. Partially, learning independence has a significant effect on mathematics learning outcomes. The resulting multiple regression equation has a determinant coefficient KD = 38.247% and a correlation coefficient value of 0.618 indicating a moderate relationship. The multiple regression significance test produces calculated F = 13.031 > F table = 3.37. It is known that interest and independence have a big influence on mathematics learning outcomes.

The Influence of Environmental Factors on Firm Financial Performance

This article aims to empirically discuss the effect of environmental performance, environmental costs, and environmental disclosure on the Firm's financial performance. This study measures the Firm's financial performance by return on assets (ROA). We selected the research population as all manufacturing sector companies on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The sample of this study was all manufacturing sector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the period 2020-2023. The sampling technique used in this study was purposive sampling, and 16 manufacturing sector companies met the requirements for research samples. This study used the SPSS version 29 application software as an analysis tool. The results of this study indicate that environmental performance does not affect financial performance. Environmental costs affect economic performance. Environmental disclosure does not affect financial performance. These results contribute to academics and practitioners because it turns out that corporate sacrifices in caring for the environment positively impact the Company.

Building a Digital Health Research Platform to Enable Recruitment, Enrollment, Data Collection, and Follow-Up for a Highly Diverse Longitudinal US Cohort of 1 Million People in the All of Us Research Program: Design and Implementation Study.

Longitudinal cohort studies have traditionally relied on clinic-based recruitment models, which limit cohort diversity and the generalizability of research outcomes. Digital research platforms can be used to increase participant access, improve study engagement, streamline data collection, and increase data quality; however, the efficacy and sustainability of digitally enabled studies rely heavily on the design, implementation, and management of the digital platform being used. We sought to design and build a secure, privacy-preserving, validated, participant-centric digital health research platform (DHRP) to recruit and enroll participants, collect multimodal data, and engage participants from diverse backgrounds in the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) All of Us Research Program (AOU). AOU is an ongoing national, multiyear study aimed to build a research cohort of 1 million participants that reflects the diversity of the United States, including minority, health-disparate, and other populations underrepresented in biomedical research (UBR). We collaborated with community members, health care provider organizations (HPOs), and NIH leadership to design, build, and validate a secure, feature-rich digital platform to facilitate multisite, hybrid, and remote study participation and multimodal data collection in AOU. Participants were recruited by in-person, print, and online digital campaigns. Participants securely accessed the DHRP via web and mobile apps, either independently or with research staff support. The participant-facing tool facilitated electronic informed consent (eConsent), multisource data collection (eg, surveys, genomic results, wearables, and electronic health records [EHRs]), and ongoing participant engagement. We also built tools for research staff to conduct remote participant support, study workflow management, participant tracking, data analytics, data harmonization, and data management. We built a secure, participant-centric DHRP with engaging functionality used to recruit, engage, and collect data from 705,719 diverse participants throughout the United States. As of April 2024, 87% (n=613,976) of the participants enrolled via the platform were from UBR groups, including racial and ethnic minorities (n=282,429, 46%), rural dwelling individuals (n=49,118, 8%), those over the age of 65 years (n=190,333, 31%), and individuals with low socioeconomic status (n=122,795, 20%). We built a participant-centric digital platform with tools to enable engagement with individuals from different racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds and other UBR groups. This DHRP demonstrated successful use among diverse participants. These findings could be used as best practices for the effective use of digital platforms to build and sustain cohorts of various study designs and increase engagement with diverse populations in health research.

Strategies to Optimise the Engagement of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Populations in Cardiac Research: A Systematic Review.

Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations remain underrepresented in cardiovascular disease (CVD) research despite their higher disease burden compared to non-CALD populations. The purpose of this review is to synthesize the available literature on strategies to engage CALD participants in CVD research. Four electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO) were searched for literature up until May 2024. Qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods studies were included if they focused on CVD research, included participants who identified as coming from a CALD background, and the study included a description of their recruitment strategies. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT), and findings were analysed through a narrative synthesis. A total of 34 studies were included in this review, with the largest proportion conducted in the United States (US). The African American population was the most common CALD group. The most commonly used strategies to recruit CALD participants were: strategically undertaking recruitment from places frequented by CALD communities; using CALD-specific promotional and advertisement material; offering monetary incentives; creating translated and jargon-free material; and improving staff diversity and cultural competency. The success of recruitment strategies was assessed in seven studies showing mostly positive results. The findings of this review highlight cultural- and language-specific strategies that can be used to improve recruitment of CALD participants in CVD research. CALD communities must be included in CVD research to ensure cultural barriers are addressed when developing evidence-based CVD prevention guidelines. PROSPERO CRD42023473688.

The Effect of Earning Management, Information Asymmetry and Growth Asset on Future Stock Return with Dividend Policy as the Moderating Variable

This study aims to test and analyse the effect of effect of Eamings Management, Information Asymmetry and Asset Growth on the Future Stock Returns and whether the Dividend Policy could strengthen the relationship between the effects of Eamings Management, Information Asymmetry and Asset Growth on the Future Stock Returns in index LQ-45 companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2017 to 2022. This type of research is quantitative, using secondary data. The hypothesis testing used in the study was the Moderated Regression Analysis and Eviews 13 applications. The population in this study were all companies listed on index LQ-45. The data collection technique in this study was purposive sampling technique, from 45 research populations to 18 used as research samples. The results showed that Eamings Management, Information Asymmetry and Asset Growth simultaneously affect Future Stock Returns in index LQ-45 companies from 2017 to 2022. The research results obtained Risk Eamings Management affects Future Stock Returns, Information Asymmetry has no effect on Future Stock Returns, Asset Growth has no effect Future Stock Returns and the dividend policy could not strengthen the relationship between the effect of eamings management, information asymmetry and asset growth on the future stock retums.

Investigating the impact of human resource empowerment on the establishment of green human resources management in Tehran’s 14th district municipality

This study explores the influence of human resource empowerment on the establishment of green human resource management (GHRM) within Tehran’s 14th district municipality. Utilizing a descriptive-analytical research approach, the study targets the practical implications of empowerment strategies on GHRM implementation. The research population consists of 1500 employees from the 14th district, based on the 2017 census. A sample of 306 respondents was selected using Morgan’s table. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire developed from the study’s conceptual framework and research hypotheses. The questionnaire’s validity and reliability were confirmed through expert review and Cronbach’s alpha (0.9). Descriptive statistics outline the background and primary variables, while inferential statistics, particularly the Pearson correlation test, were used to evaluate the hypotheses. Results indicate that human resource empowerment positively affects the establishment of GHRM in Tehran’s 14th district municipality.

The Effect of Brand Image and Electronic Word of Mouth (E-Wom) on Buying Interest of Mixue Consumers in Generation Z in Surabaya City

This study aims to analyse the effect of brand image and electronic word-of-mouth (e-WOM) on the purchase intention of Mixue consumers in Generation Z in Surabaya City, using a quantitative approach. The research population comprises Mixue consumers in Generation Z in Surabaya City. The sample consists of 100 Mixue consumer respondents born between 1997 and 2012 and domiciled in Surabaya City, selected using the accidental sampling technique. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and partial least squares (PLS) with the SmartPLS application. The results demonstrated that brand image has a positive and significant effect on purchase intention. Similarly, e-WOM was found to have a positive and significant effect on purchase intention.

Analysis of financial difficulties in financial management with ALTMAN Z-SCORE, ZMIJEWSKI, and SPRINGATE models in small textile and apparel companies. Listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange

Financial difficulties are the first step experienced by a company in the bankruptcyprocess. If the company fails, many parties are harmed. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct ananalysis of financial problems or difficulties that can provide early warning for the company. Thepurpose of this study is to find out and analyze financial difficulties in financial management withthe ALTMAN Z-SCORE, ZMIJEWSKI, and SPRINGATE models in small textile and apparelcompanies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) using the calculation of the AltmanZ-Score, Zmijewski, and Springate models. The research method used is quantitative descriptive research. The research population is all textile and garment subsector companies listed on the IDXas many as 25 companies. The samples were selected using a purposive sampling technique andwere obtained by 6 companies over a six-year period. The data analysis models used are the AltmanOriginal Z-Score, Zmijewski, and Springate models. This research was conducted by takingsecondary data from the Indonesia Stock Exchange website. The results of the study show thatthere are companies in the textile and garment subsector that are experiencing financial difficultiesand financial management with the model used. Zmijewski's model is the most accurate inpredicting financial difficulties with the highest accuracy of fifty percent.

An Econometric Model of the Dependence of Economic Growth of GDP on a Group of Factors

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to summarize the theoretical results on economic growth and build a model of the relationship between economic growth of GDP and other factors. Theoretical basis: The conducted research reflects the change in various points of view of researchers explaining the relationship between economic growth and a number of groups of factors. Research theories Economic growth is a complex phenomenon and theories must take into account natural resources, political institutions, etc. through a variety of factors. Method: The methodology of the study is based on research on economic growth, employment, credit investment, nominal incomes of the population, budgetary and internal expenses for work and research. Data collection was carried out with the help of statistical materials from EU countries and Azerbaijan. The systematic method is used to analyze materials that ensure an increase in the country's GDP, employment, income, etc. Also, the calculation of the relationship of these indicators is carried out and refers to the country's policy in the context of combating unemployment. Results and discussion: The results reveal that 188 countries produce a small portion of global GDP. Based on the analysis of the EU countries with the highest real GDP growth rate, it was noted that the economic growth of each year does not correspond to the previous values. An econometric model of the relationship between economic growth of GDP and groups of factors selected for the study is constructed. Note that the model justifies itself in determining the dependence of GDP in any country on multinational factors. The model allows us to determine the form of impact reflecting the dependence of economic growth of GDP and groups of factors in any period. Research results: The results of the study can be applied in determining priority areas for the economy and maintaining its pace at an optimal level of the national economy. Originality/value: The research contributes to the development of the country's economy, thanks to the theoretical and practical results obtained. The relevance and value of the study are confirmed by the impact on the field of economics and the standard of living of the population.

The effect of service quality and customer satisfaction on the flip app customer loyalty in Indonesia

The increase in digital banking transactions in Indonesia has spawned various innovations in the field of financial technology, one of which is the digital payment application Flip.id. Despite offering free bank transfer services, Flip.id faces challenges in maintaining customer loyalty due to the large number of negative reviews. Relevant to the increasingly fierce competition with similar applications, Flip.id needs to differentiate itself by focusing on service quality and customer satisfaction. This study aims to analyze the extent to which service quality and customer satisfaction affect Flip.id user loyalty. This research uses a quantitative approach with a causal-comparative design. The research population is all Flip.id users in Indonesia, totaling 12,000,000 people. A sample of 400 respondents was selected by simple randomization. Data analysis was carried out using multiple linear regression with the help of SPSS version 26 software, as well as descriptive analysis to provide an overview of the data. The results showed that both service quality and customer satisfaction partially and simultaneously had a significant effect on Flip.id customer loyalty. The combined contribution of the two variables to customer loyalty reached 69.9%. This finding indicates that improving service quality and customer satisfaction is an effective strategy to increase Flip.id user loyalty. Thus, companies need to focus on efforts to improve service quality and ensure customer satisfaction to maintain market share and face increasingly fierce competition in the fintech industry.

Reliability and validity of the Londrina activities of daily living protocol in individuals with systemic sclerosis.

To investigate the validity and reliability of the Londrina ADL Protocol inpatients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). The study included 39 individuals with SSc and 30 healthy participants aged18-70 years. Performance-related ADL assessment was performed with the LondrinaADL Protocol which was performed twice by the same rater and energy expenditureduring the test with the Dynaport Move Monitor device. Functional capacity (6 MinuteWalk Test-6MWT), upper extremity muscle strength (hand-held dynamometer), handand finger grip strength (hand dynamometer and pinch meter), upper extremityfunctionality (Q-Dash Questionnaire and 9 Hole Peg Test), self-reported ADL (MillikenADL Scale (MAS)) and quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire) were evaluated. Upper extremity muscle strength, functional capacity, upper extremityfunctionality, and quality of life of individuals with SSc were found to be significantlylower and the time spent by individuals with SSc in the Londrina ADL Protocol was lower and the time spent by individuals with SSc in the Londrina ADL Protocol wassignificantly longer compared to the healthy group (p<0.05). Performance in the theLondrina ADL had high intraclass correlation coefficient ICC=0.813. A moderatenegative correlation was found between the time to complete the Londrina Protocoland 6MWT (p<0.05), and a weak negative correlation was found between dominantside hand grip strength (p<0.05) and MAS (p<0.05) in individuals with SSc. A moderatepositive correlation was found between the Londrina Protocol and the 9-Hole Peg Testfor the dominant side (p<0.05). The Londrina Protocol is a valid and reliable method, hence, this makes itappropriate for an objective, performance-based evaluation of ADL in SSc population. Key Points • The results obtained by reapplication the Londrina ADL Protocol under the same conditions showed that the Londrina ADL Protocol is a highly reliable assessment method in scleroderma patients. • Considering the activities and protocol content of the Londrina ADL Protocol, it is thought to show functional performance better than the Glittre ADL test and 6MWT. • The Londrina ADL Protocol is appropriate for objective and performance-based assessment of ADL in the SSc population for both research and clinical practice.

Facilitators and Barriers to adherence to antiretroviral therapy among incarcerated people living with HIV in Iran: insights from a qualitative study

BackgroundEnsuring consistent adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is crucial for effective HIV treatment and achieving viral suppression. Within prisons, the prevalence of HIV is notably high, and incarcerated individuals face an increased risk of transmitting the virus both during and after incarceration. However, facilitators and barriers to ART adherence among these individuals in low- and middle-income countries remain inadequately explored. This study applied the Social Ecological Model (SEM) to investigate how various individual, interpersonal, organizational, community and policy-level factors impact ART adherence among incarcerated populations in Iran during and post-incarceration.MethodsThis study employed a phenomenological qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews to gather insights. The research population consisted of people living with HIV (PLHIV) who had experienced incarceration and had been prescribed ART during their latest incarceration. Eleven PLHIV from two prisons located in Kerman and Tehran, Iran, formed the study group. Qualitative findings from the interviews were analyzed using a thematic approach. The findings were organized within the SEM framework to highlight key themes influencing ART adherence during and after incarceration.ResultsParticipants had an average age of 45.1 years (± 5.6). Various factors influence ART adherence during and post-incarceration. Participants highlighted the individual (e.g., HIV knowledge, previous treatment history, mental and physical health), interpersonal (e.g., family, friends, other incarcerated people, and prison health staff), organizational (e.g., ART treatment interventions, methadone maintenance therapy, and other health protocols), community (e.g., stigma, social isolation, discrimination and lack of access to community health services), and policy (e.g., financial interventions, and providing shelters) level factors influence ART adherence during and post-incarceration.ConclusionsThis study provides insights into the multi-level approach to ART adherence among PLHIV during and post-incarceration. It recommends implementing public health activities at the proposed multi-levels to maximize the synergies of intervention for the greatest impact.

FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI PENGUNGKAPAN CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR) PERUSAHAAN

This study aims to examine the effect of profitability, earnings management, leverage, and foreign ownership on CSR disclosure. The research population is manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) in 2022-2023. The sample was selected using purposive sampling method, and the number of companies that became the sample was 52 with 104 units of analysis. The data analysis of this research used multiple linear regression. The results showed that profitability variable had a positive effect on CSR disclosure. The leverage variable has a negative effect on CSR disclosure. Earnings management and foreign ownership variables have no effect on CSR disclosure Keywords: Profitability, Earnings Management, Leverage, Foreign Ownership, Disclosure of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Insights Into Rural Youth Physical Activity

Background and Objectives: Physical activity (PA) environments at micro- (eg, home) and macro-levels (eg, built) may be associated with rural children’s PA, an underrepresented population in research. A secondary data analysis of New Ulm at HOME, a family-based childhood obesity prevention RCT, examined which environmental supports explain variation in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), vigorous PA (VPA), and total PA. Methods: Gold standard measurement tools (geospatial analysis; accelerometry) and surveys were used to assess children’s (N = 105, age 7-10) PA environments and behaviors. Environmental supports were evaluated in a block-wise manner. Each variable was placed into 1 block (ie, sociodemographic characteristics, physical supports, or social supports). Blocks were added in a sequential manner to multiple linear regression models, controlling for sociodemographic variables, and analyzed for their groupwise ability to explain variation in MVPA, VPA, and total PA. Results: At micro- and macro-levels, differences in MVPA were explained by physical supports (ΔR2 = 0.06, P = .03; ΔR2 = 0.13, P = .04). Explained variance in VPA was improved by neither physical nor social supports at either level. Physical supports explained differences in total PA at the micro- (ΔR2 = 0.09, P = .01) and macro-levels (ΔR2 = 0.17, P = .01). Conclusions: Further research is warranted to explore if expanding access to PA equipment and infrastructure supports mitigates inactivity in rural youth.

Assessing social media and influential marketing on brand perception and selection of higher educational institute in India

In the rapidly evolving landscape of higher education, Social media marketing (SMM) has evolved a critical factor in shaping brand perception (B.P.) and the decision-making process of prospective students in India. This paper intends to explore the intricate dynamics among Social media (S.M.), influencer marketing, and the selection of higher academic institutes (HEIs), focusing on understanding how these factors shape students' perceptions. We conducted this research on 560 students, who represented the research's population. SEM-PLS was applied to analyze the data and acquire procedures. Surveys on the Internet were used. Employing exogenous/endogenous elements to create sequences, the SEM approach examines causal associations among elements. It provides solutions to research into causation in dimensional and structural frameworks. According to the research's findings, selecting HEI is positively impacted by SMM initiatives. The aspects of SMM activities (electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM), personalization, interaction, and trendiness) affect the HEI selection. In addition, personalization and two have an impact on perceptions of the brand. Understanding and utilizing the efficacy of S.M. and influencer marketing will be crucial for HEIs looking to draw in and hold on to potential students as the higher education environment keeps evolving in the age of digitization.