Primary Research Results Research Articles

An investigation into the financial challenges affecting the success of entrepreneurs in South Africa

The object of this study is the financial difficulties that impacted the success of business owners in Hatfield, Gauteng province, South Africa. Compared to a global failure rate of 50 %, five out of every seven entrepreneurs in Hatfield, South Africa fail during the first year of operation. This study aimed at looking into the relationship between entrepreneur failure and financial literacy. The methodology employed in this study is interpretive philosophy-based qualitative research. An ethnographic research technique was also used to analyze the current economic condition of business owners in Hatfield. The population was sampled using non-probability purposive sampling techniques. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather the study's leading source of data. The primary research results are thematically examined while also considering the secondary sources. Eliminating financial and liquidity constraints was listed as a goal of financial literacy. Findings garnered revealed that financial, liquidity and credit restrictions are the primary causes of business failures in Hatfield. The lack of financial resources for new businesses in Hatfield, as revealed, prompted several liquidity issues in Hatfield, and further lowers the growth rate of Hatfield businesses. It was discovered that Hatfield's entrepreneurs usually experienced premature failure due to inadequate financial education and training. Impliedly, Hatfield business owners possessed poor cash management, defaulting on loan payments due to lack of financial education. Conversely, only few entrepreneurs and business owners in Hatfield, South Africa possess financial literacy competence with the necessary skills needed to better analyze their financial statements appropriately and increase profitability of their business. The practical implication of this finding is that, most entrepreneurs have high possibility to experience premature business liquidity when they have low or no financial literacy.

A Scoping Review of Hope on Female Prisoners

Prisoners are pressured from inside or outside the correctional facility, triggering psychological problems such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Meanwhile, hope is a positive psychology that helps inmates overcome psychological problems in correctional facilities. This study further aims to determine female prisoners’ hope in correctional facilities. The scoping review approach was used, starting with the article search through, EBSCO (CINAHL and Academic Search), ProQuest, and Google Scholar databases, using keywords such as female, hope, prisoners, and prison. The articles were sorted based on inclusion criteria, involving the availability of full texts, 2010-2021 publications, primary research results, population and research samples involving female prisoners, qualitative study, and the hope of female prisoners in prison. The results showed that female prisoners have hopes for life during their sentence and after being released from prison. As a conclusion, all the articles provided an overview of the hopes to be achieved ranging from career, family, education, desire to be free from crime, and the desire for revenge. Several articles demonstrated that the source of hope comes from social support while in prison, as well as religious, and self-development activities. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 22 No. 03 July’23 Page : 482-488

436 Transforaminal Endoscopic Decompression for Foraminal Stenosis: Single-Arm Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this single-arm systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of transforaminal endoscopic foraminal decompression (TEFD) in patients with symptomatic LFS. METHODS: The meta-analysis was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The Medicine, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases were searched from inception to February 20, 2022. Primary research results were Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, Oswestry Disability Index scores (ODI), MacNab Criteria (MNC) scores, and reported adverse events (AEs). Subgroup analyses were performed on the primary outcome to evaluate the potential effects of several clinical factors that affected the results. RESULTS: Of the 2020 studies identified, nine met the inclusion criteria, and 316 participants were eligible for meta-analysis. The meta-analysis results found that transforaminal endoscopic surgery for the treatment of LFS was associated with a significant improvement in postoperative 12-month clinical indicators: 8 studies reported improvements in VAS scores: -5.38, ODI scores: -40.44, and MNC scores: OR (odds ratio) = 0.86; 8 studies reported 11.53% AEs occurred in a total of 295 patients, and the most commonly reported event was transient postoperative dysesthesia, which occurred in 26 patients in a total of six studies with 240 patients (10.83%). CONCLUSIONS: Transforaminal endoscopic surgery positively affects postoperative LFS patients' clinical indicators; however, high-level literature with randomized controlled trials is needed to confirm this technique's applicability in LFS.

Purposed potential Alzheimer’s Disease treatment based on the results from current primary research models

Alzheimer’s Disease is one of the most known neurodegenerative diseases that causes over 100,000 deaths till now. The pathology of Alzheimer’s Disease is still not fully clear, but the most widely accepted pathology is the chronic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress caused by neurotoxicity via amyloid beta (Aß) plaques and intracellular tau tangles. In Alzheimer's patients, the abnormal Aß plaques and tau tangles cause oxidative stress and induce chronic ER stress, which can hardly be relieved by the normal UPR pathway. One potential treatment for rescuing the excessive ER stress caused by Aß accumulation in human neural cells is the Salubrinal (Sal) treatment. Amentoflavone (AF) treatment is a plausible treatment to alleviate cell death stress due to pyroptosis in Alzheimer's patients. Latrepirdine (LAT) is a treatment that can induce autophagy with the help of ATG5. Mitophagy is a special form of autophagy that degrades dysfunctional mitochondria and does not function well in Alzheimer's patients. Treatment like NMN, UA, and AC can effectively induce mitophagy, decrease memory loss, and relieve common Alzheimer’s pathology like Aß plaques and tau tangles. In this review, the primary research on four key mechanisms in Alzheimer's etiology - UPR pathway(apoptosis), pyroptosis, autophagy and mitophagy - will be discussed and some potential treatments targeting these four mechanisms will be briefly introduced with the primary research results.

Političko okruženje kao faktor privlačenja stranih investicija u Srbiju

The purpose of the paper is to research the influence of political environment factors on the inflow of foreign investments in Serbia. Keeping in mind that many countries in Southeast Europe find themselves in a situation where foreign investments are a necessity and a need for whole economic development, this research focused on Serbia owing to its results in foreign investment attraction during a transition period. Primary data collected using a survey technique on 88 foreign companies that invested in Serbia from 2001 to 2019 were analysed using a quantitative methodology (ANOVA and t-test). The results indicate that the stability of the government and the rule of law are the most important conditions for foreign investors in Serbia. This research's originality is reflected in the primary data and research results obtained.

Craniofacial characteristics in Crouzon's syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to strengthen the credibility of primary research results by combining open-source scientific material, namely a comparison of craniofacial features (Cfc) between Crouzon's syndrome (CS) patients and non-CS populations. All articles published up to October 7, 2021, were included in the search of PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Medline, and Web of Science. The PRISMA guidelines were followed to conduct this study. PECO framework was applied in the following ways: Those who have CS are denoted by the letter P, those who have been diagnosed with CS via clinical or genetic means by the letter E, those who do not have CS by the letter C, and those who have a Cfc of CS by the letter O. Independent reviewers collected the data and ranked the publications based on their adherence to the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. A total of six case-control studies were reviewed for this meta-analysis. Due to the large variation in cephalometric measures, only those published in at least two previous studies were included. This analysis found that CS patients had a smaller skull and mandible volumes than those without CS.in terms of SNA° (MD = -2.33, p = <0.001, I2 = 83.6%) and ANB°(MD = -1.89, p = <0.005, I2 = 93.1%)), as well as ANS (MD = -1.87, p = 0.001, I2 = 96.5%)) and SN/PP (MD = -1.99, p = 0.036, I2 = 77.3%)). In comparison to the general population, people with CS tend to have shorter and flatter cranial bases, smaller orbital volumes, and cleft palates. They differ from the general population in having a shorter skull base and more V-shaped maxillary arches.

Preliminary research results on the use of volcanic ash and felsic volcanic rock in Vietnam as materials to support crop growth

As we know, vascular plants (Tracheophyta) in general and crop plants require a defined amount of trace elements to ensure normal growth and development. In many developed countries, some natural materials have been used as an addition for growing ornamental plants, vegetables, and hydroculture plants. In Vietnam, natural minerals to support plant growth is still very limited. Meanwhile, the source of raw materials in the territory of Vietnam is quite popular, so the research and experiments using Vietnamese volcanic ash and felsic volcanic rocks as improving materials for plant growing is important and very necessary work. Analytical methods such as Ronghen Fluorescence (XRF), Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and calcination at 6500C, 7500C, and 9000C have been used to determine the composition of felsic tuff samples belonging to the Don Duong Formation (PY19) and mafic ash samples of the Dai Nga Formation (KR2/2). In addition, control sample matching method was also used in the research process to evaluate the growth plants. The experiment materials (raw samples and calcined samples at 9000C) were mixed with the soil for planting (in different proportions); two types of plants, named Caviar Cockatio (Chicken Crest Vegetables) and Amaranth Asiatica (Purple Amaranth), were selected for experimenting. In general, both Caviar Cockatio and Amaranth Asiatica developed quicker when grew on a ground of soil mixed with the experiment material. The plant’s growth rate depends on the type of material (unbaked, calcined), support material content, plant type and stage of growth. Primary research results show that volcanic materials in Vietnam can support the growth of plants.

IMPORTANCE OF WINE TOURS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN EVENTS ORGANIZED IN CANADA AND SLOVAKIA WINERIES

The study deals with wine tourism in two countries namely Canada and Slovakia, and the discussion is focused on answering the question of how important wineries are for tourism by arranging wine tours with wine tasting and visits to cultural attractions. A case study has been used as a research method in both countries, focusing on wine tourism and cultural tourism. The information for this study was gathered through secondary research, a study visit, and teaching at Waterloo University in Canada. In Slovakia, both primary and secondary research results were gathered. Organizing events in tourist destinations can increase the destination’s significance and improve the competitiveness of tourism destinations. It is important to mention that during this event periods, the consumers' preferences change and it may influence their choice of destinations and tourism products. The ageing population and their interest in travel destinations that offer wine tasting, culinary products, and culture are other factors contributing to the growth of wine tourism and cultural tourism. It also affects where marketing and branding ideas are placed in tourist destinations.

Transforaminal Endoscopic Decompression for Foraminal Stenosis: Single-Arm Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

The objective of the study was to conduct a single-arm meta-analysis and comprehensive systematic review to identify the efficacy and safety of transforaminal endoscopic surgery for the treatment of lumbar foraminal stenosis (LFS). The meta-analysis was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses statement. The PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases were searched from inception to February 20, 2022. Primary research results were visual analog scale scores, Oswestry Disability Index scores, MacNab criterion scores, and reported adverse events. Subgroup analyses were performed on the primary outcome to evaluate the potential effects of several clinical factors that affected the results. Of the 2020 studies identified, 9 met the inclusion criteria, and 316 participants were eligible for meta-analysis. The meta-analysis results found that transforaminal endoscopic surgery for the treatment of LFS was associated with a significant improvement in postoperative 12-month clinical indicators: 8 studies reported improvements in visual analog scale scores:-5.38, Oswestry Disability Index scores:-40.44, and MacNab criterion scores: odds ratio=0.86; 8 studies reported 11.53% adverse events occurred in a total of 295 patients, and the most commonly reported event was transient postoperative dysesthesia, which occurred in 26 patients in a total of 6 studies with 240 patients (10.83%). Transforaminal endoscopic surgery positively affects postoperative LFS patients' clinical indicators; however, high-level literature with randomized controlled trials is needed to confirm this technique's applicability in LFS.

Improving Mathematical Critical Thinking Skill through STEM-PjBL: A Systematic Literature Review

Critical thinking is one of the important competencies in the twenty-first century that should be acquired. Therefore, there is a need to facilitate the students with the teaching approach and learning model that could improve this skill. One of the learning approaches that provide the students with the opportunity to think creatively is STEM-PjBL. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to describe the application of STEM-PjBL able to increase the critical thinking skills of the student. The SLR or Systematic Literature Review method was chosen to present a comprehensive and balanced summary of primary research results. The literature review was conducted through Google Scholar, Crossref, and Scopus. From 100 works of literature, 15 articles showed that PjBL STEM learning was able to improve critical thinking skills. This study examined 15 articles that were analyzed based on research methods, and the findings revealed that the application of STEM-PjBL could enhance the critical thinking skills of the student with the literature review method. Based on the existing data collection, it is analyzed through case studies that are the subject of discussion. The findings of the study revealed that: 1) the use of STEM-PjBL had a positive and significant impact on the critical thinking skills of students in each educational unit, including primary school, secondary schools, and high school; 2) the use of STEM-PjBL can help students improve their mathematical critical thinking skills; 3) interpretation, analysis, inference, evaluation, explanation, and self-regulation are among the indicators recommended for use as a reference for students' mathematical critical thinking skills.

The perception of Hungarian food by consumer segments according to food purchasing preferences based on primary research results.

In addition to the intrinsic value of the product, social, cultural and psychological factors also have a major influence on the consumer’s purchasing decision. They are also influenced by trends and tendencies such as globalisation, digitalisation and various economic and social crises. In our study, we focused on the analysis of food purchasing preferences; including the reasons for the rise of ethnocentrism in the purchase of domestic products and the potential of this phenomenon in light of relevant secondary data and quantitative primary results. The main objective of the study’s primary research is to demonstrate that consumer groups, distinguishable by food consumption preferences, have differentiated perceptions of domestic food (price, quality, reliability). This provides evidence that food consumer preferences are reflected in decisions about domestic food. Due to the Hungarian relevance of the topic, the presentation of related international research and literature was given a prominent role. The focus of our research was to investigate the food purchasing preferences of Hungarian food consumers. Based on the results, we were able to characterise distinct consumer segments based on food purchasing preferences, and we were able to identify potential target groups of domestic food based on food consumer preferences: the ‘conscious food buyers’, the ‘impulse buyers’ and the ‘no preference’. In our view, members belonging to the first two segments can be successfully persuaded to buy Hungarian food through an educational campaign based on sufficiently fashionable and trendy motifs with the help of the right reference person.

Investor Segments by Perceived Project Risk and Their Characteristics Based on Primary Research Results

Our research focuses on investment initiatives. The perceived risks are analysed from the consumer’s viewpoint, i.e., the client’s perspective, from the standpoint of the project. In the literature, there are several risk interpretations and classifications. We assumed it could be interesting and valuable to approach investment projects from a consumer-oriented viewpoint, considering that the perceived and consumer-identified set of risks is a major determinant of the outcome of a decision. In addition to relevant secondary sources, we also present partial results of our primary research project. A pre-tested, standardised online questionnaire was employed in the primary study, using a snowball sampling approach generating 1545 evaluable questionnaires. As a result of the research, we were able to segment the customer (investor) target groups into various categories depending on the perceived project risk. We have established the orientation directions along which these segments may well be meaningfully described in terms of perceived investment risk concerns and socio-demographic characteristics that influence cluster membership. In our opinion, the findings may be a useful source of information for investment project developers looking to identify consumer groups based on risk perception and build project solutions for them.

The use and impact of Goodreads rating and reviews, for readers of Arabic Books

The focus of this research is to assess how the use of Goodreads can influence Arabic readers' selection of books, to study Arabic reviewers' behaviour and to explore the impact of Goodreads' metrics on book sales. Research methodology of the presented work consisted of a wide review of relevant literature, the collection and analysis of data from a questionnaire and a case study on a list of best-selling Arabic books fetched from two book-review platforms; Goodreads.com and Jamalon.com. The findings of the presented study show that Goodreads metrics reveal highly relevant indicators for books' contents, and consequently have a significant impact on Arab's book-purchasing decisions. Furthermore, we observed that Arabic Goodreads users tend to rate books rather than write reviews, and their book evaluation is mostly based on their contents. Primary research results suggest that, with proper analysis applied, Goodreads is an effective book evaluation network/online community for Arabic readers and Arabic book consumers. It is believed that the effectiveness of the studied network is mainly due to the metrics applied, which appear to be matching evaluation criteria as preferred by Arabic readers.

A kommunikációs jog, mint új tudományos és management kihívás

THE AIMS OF THE PAPER The place and role of the communication law developed in paralelle with the communication and information revolution is still evolving, but as a result of legal development, the communication law is the law of the present and the future. Thetrends in our world, the tendencies of rapid transformation determine the complexity of this para, mixed law, and the expansion of its areas and laws. The scope of regulation is extensive, but it focuses on data protection (see GDPR), freedom of communication and information, and hence its role in information society. Based on the above, this is a current topic, and the need for a science-based formulation of communication law and the identified challenges is also emerging. METHODOLOGY In addition to the theoretical research of international and Hungarian literature, the present study interprets and defines the conceptual and legal characteristics and challenges of communication, information society, communication law based on scientific research observers, domestic law analysis and primary questionnaire research results. While we are looking for ways forward in the field of communication right and challenges. MOST IMPORTANT RESULTS The research findings based on the results that can be drawn from the researches carried out, besides the development of communication and law, as well as the related theoretical areas, also support the establishment of legislative and law-making decisions on the communication law. Provides usable knowledge and results for researchers and educators of communication law, while this knowledge would benefit all the actors in society, because knowledge of communication law is not only a viability of individuals but also a condition for non-profit and for-profit organizations led by managers. RECOMMENDATION The tendentious issues (eg. the gaps, lack of legal concepts, communication rights abuses or colonization of information, robotics, lack of control of artificial intelligence) require legal paradigm shift. Creating the communication environment required by development requires systematic and forward- thinking based on the built-in legislation. As a first step, at the level of a nation-state, it could ensure the addition of the Fundamental Law and the drafting of a communications code. At international level it is desirable to adopt a comprehensive international document that provides a framework for national states to ensure that their law is properly developed.

Prescribers' perceptions on the impact of hydrocodone rescheduling on geriatric pain management: A qualitative study.

To qualitatively assess prescribers) perceptions regarding the consequences associated with hydrocodone rescheduling among geriatric patients being discharged from inpatient settings. This was a cross-sectional study. Two focus groups were conducted by a trained facilitator in a metropolitan academic medical center in January 2016. Prescribers who manage noncancer pain for geriatric patients were recruited. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed, and then analyzed using ATLAS.ti Qualitative Data Analysis software. Codes were derived from six primary research questions and results were summarized into key themes regarding the impact of rescheduling. Prescribers) perceptions regarding hydrocodone rescheduling. Prescribers mentioned that they review the prescription monitoring program (PMP) more often before prescribing opioids after rescheduling. They expressed concern regarding the required special serialized prescription forms needed to issue schedule II prescriptions. This led to substituting hydrocodone with potentially less effective pain medications, the inability to issue refills on hydrocodone prescriptions, and an ethical concern over prescribing hydrocodone to patients not under their direct care. Additionally, rescheduling has affected the coordination of care upon discharge, as patients moving to long-term care or skilled nursing facilities may not have adequate pain management when transferred. The majority of physicians felt rescheduling negatively impacted both practical and ethical aspects of patient care related to pain management after discharge. Rescheduling has changed physicians) hydrocodone prescribing patterns, leading to more caution when prescribing hydrocodone and greater use of the PMP. Future studies should assess geriatric patients) satisfaction and quality of life regarding pain management since hydrocodone was rescheduled.

Selected Issues of Employers’ Decisions in the Tourism Industry

Purpose. The aim of the article is to analyse the significance of selected trends in the labour market on the decision of employers in the tourism industry. Special attention is paid to the identification of challenges facing employers in connection with the aging population and entering the Y and Z generation on the labour market. Method. The study is the result of desk research and an analysis of primary research results and secondary data provided by institutions dealing with the labour market. Findings. The analysis of the available data carried out in the article shows that changes on the labour market in the tourism industry are basically defined by two groups of processes: (1) population aging and a decrease in available labour resources, (2) entering the labour market of the Y and Z generation, that may affect the relationships between employers and employees and influence the organizational culture of enterprises. Research and conclusions limitations. The research area is limited to Poland. Practical implications. The research results provide vital information about demographic trends and their impact on labour supply in Poland, thus they constitute the basis for formulating recommended actions for tourism enterprises in the direction of optimizing the human factor management process, especially in the area of recruitment and motivation. Originality. The article deals with current trends that determine the behaviour of employers within the tourist market. Special attention is paid to recruitment decisions and methods of motivating employees. Type of paper: Review article.

THE EFFECT OF LEATHER FIBERS ON VULCANIZATION BEHAVIOR OF NATURAL RUBBER

This paper shows the primary research results of the effect of the leather fibers on the vulcanization of natural rubber (NR). The fibers used in this research were prepared by grinding waste leather scraps of Vietnam shoe making company. Leather fibers (LFs) and natural latex rubber were mixed together at various rates by a stirring machine. The obtained composites of natural rubber containing leather fibers were dried at pleasant condition prior to the analysis. Vulcanization behavior of the samples was clarified using a moving die rheometer. The vulcanization temperature as 120 °C is found to be the appropriate temperature for the NR/LFs composite. The increasing of minimum and maximum torque with the increasing of leather fiber content shows the improving in stiffness of natural rubber with the presence of leather fibers. Regarding to curing curves, 40 wt% promises to be the optimal leather fiber content to reinforce natural rubber.

Smart management systems (Triple Helix model) in Waterloo, Canada

Knowledge, education, reputation, image, partnerships and co-creation are trends of success. The implication of the idea of interconnection of the academic environment with the business environment and public sector, which has been used in the City of Waterloo and the University of Waterloo, is an example of growing value of a territory and the development of innovative (smart) managerial decisions into a practice. The purpose of the paper is to discuss the results of research conducted in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, which was focused on the growth of competitiveness through the implementation of smart management systems (Triple Helix Model) in the city’s marketing and governance. The method of case study and qualitative research was applied by the implementation of primary and secondary research approaches. Research was conducted over a period of 4 years during post-graduate studies at the University of Waterloo, Canada. Multiple structured and unstructured interviews were conducted with representatives of the university and public and private sectors in the city of Waterloo. During the years 2011 – 2016, additional materials were collected in order to gain a more realistic picture. The City of Waterloo is a leader in innovations in Canada, with a large number of patents, entrepreneurship incubators, and start-ups. The University of Waterloo, situated in the city of Waterloo, has 15 patents per 10,000 residents, which is a rate four times greater than the Canadian average. Primary research results revealed that the municipality of Waterloo is strongly involved in co-operation with universities in the creation of start-up businesses.

Porównania społeczne i ich rola w kształtowaniu zachowań współczesnych konsumentów

People tend to perceive value of their attributes and objects they possess in relative terms, i.e. based on social comparisons. These comparisons shape consumers’ behavior as well as their aspirations, lifestyle, self-esteem and happiness. The aim of the paper was to establish the role of social comparisons in shaping consumers’ behavior and to identify comparative reference groups, in the light of literature and primary research results. The data confim that Polish consumers engage in social comparisons, and some of them do it regularly. Small but signifiant fraction of consumers use effects of comparisons, i.e. knowledge of consumption patterns realized by peer and aspirational groups, while shaping their current and future consumption

Quasi-experimental study designs series—paper 1: introduction: two historical lineages

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to contrast the historical development of experiments and quasi-experiments and provide the motivation for a journal series on quasi-experimental designs in health research. Study Design and SettingA short historical narrative, with concrete examples, and arguments based on an understanding of the practice of health research and evidence synthesis. ResultsHealth research has played a key role in developing today's gold standard for causal inference—the randomized controlled multiply blinded trial. Historically, allocation approaches developed from convenience and purposive allocation to alternate and, finally, to random allocation. This development was motivated both by concerns for manipulation in allocation as well as statistical and theoretical developments demonstrating the power of randomization in creating counterfactuals for causal inference. In contrast to the sequential development of experiments, quasi-experiments originated at very different points in time, from very different scientific perspectives, and with frequent and long interruptions in their methodological development. Health researchers have only recently started to recognize the value of quasi-experiments for generating novel insights on causal relationships. ConclusionWhile quasi-experiments are unlikely to replace experiments in generating the efficacy and safety evidence required for clinical guidelines and regulatory approval of medical technologies, quasi-experiments can play an important role in establishing the effectiveness of health care practice, programs, and policies. The papers in this series describe and discuss a range of important issues in utilizing quasi-experimental designs for primary research and quasi-experimental results for evidence synthesis.