Public Understanding Research Articles

Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease among parents in Al-Baha Region, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional study

untreated group A streptococcal pharyngitis and primarily affects children. It can lead to rheumatic heart disease (RHD), a major cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Awareness and preventive measures are crucial to mitigate its impact, particularly in low-resource settings. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward RF and RHD among parents living in Al-Baha Region. And to determine its association with other different sociodemographic variables. This was a cross-sectional study included 415 parents in Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia. using a self-administered questionnaire distributed online. Of the total 415 participants, more than half were females 223 (53.7%), and 149 (35.9%) participants aged between 45 and 55 years. The knowledge regarding RF was classified as good 20 (4.8%), fair 104 (25.1%), and bad 291 (70.1%). The attitude towards RF showed that about half of the participants 206 (49.7%) had a negative attitude, 169 (40.7%) natural and 40 (9.6%) positive attitudes. While the total practice level was classified as Bad 15 (3.6%), Fair 113 (27.2%) and Good 287 (69.2%), females were more likely than males to exhibit good practices (p = 0.001). The study concluded that knowledge about RF and RHD among parents in the Al Baha region, Saudi Arabia, is very poor. Most participants lacked sufficient understanding of the definition of RF, its relationship with bacterial sore throats, prophylactic treatments, and the vulnerable age group. Attitudes towards RF were relatively negative. Therefore, healthcare authorities and providers should raise awareness and create educational programs to improve public understanding of RF and RHD, aiding in their prevention and control in the Al Baha region.

Kuasa Eksklusi dalam Pembangunan Geothermal di Desa Ulubelu, Kecamatan Golewa, Kabupaten Ngada

The research with the title Power Of Exclusion in Geothermal Development in Ulubelu Vilage,Golewa District, Ngada Regerency is motivated by the development of the Mataloko Georhermal Power Plant (PLTPB) with a formulation of How the power of exclusion is Particed Regarding Regulation,coercion, markets and legitimacy in the dimensions of power John Gaventa with the aim of exsplaning the practice of exclusionary power,in order to differentiate this proposal, the researcher used Tania Muray Lii research theory of exclusionary power by elaborating on John Gaventa three dimensional theory of power. The research method used in writing this proposal is descriptive qualitative. The research method used in this research is in the form of excluded local communities in the case limiting community access to land and natural. Resources project regulations energy as a central government initiative and regional government support and coercive power as an exclusionary strategy as well as the market as e vehicle for exclusionand supported by legitimasi which is used as a mode of geothermal development. Resources project regulations energy as a central government initiative and regional government support and coercive power as an axclusionary strategy as well as the market as a vehicle for exclusion and supported by legitiasi which is used as a mode of the geothermal development. The complexcity of the power dynamics the occur and the interactions between various kinds of intersests in the power dynamics the occur in the context of geothermal development. The analysis uses lii (2011) social exclusion theory framework and John Gaventa (2006) 3 dimensional theory of power to provide an In depth understanding of exclusion that exixts in society. Not a few people have lost access to land and land and to agricultural land as well as the implementation of authotharian regulations without considering the local context. This research shows that even though geothermal energy is clean, the development procces can create or worsen social injustice if it is not managed well. The implicatins of these findings are the need for WKP policy reform that takes into account the right of indigenous peoples, fair compensation mechanisms and transparent decision making processes that involve the entire community as well as aducational programs to increase public understanding of community rights.

Understanding public opinion formation in Southeast Europe: Exploring social forces and communication dynamics

The article investigates the mechanisms through which social forces, networks, cognitive frames, and institutions shape public opinion in Southeast Europe via communication. Employing a qualitative approach, data was collected through synchronous focus groups conducted in six Southeast European countries. The findings reveal that social networks play a pivotal role in shaping public opinion, with organizational position and relationships influencing communication effectiveness. Cognitive frames significantly impact public perception, with entrenched beliefs guiding interpretation of information. Meanwhile, social institutions, such as language and communication rules, influence the clarity and accessibility of messages, thereby shaping public understanding. The research underscores the need for deeper research, ethical standards, and transparent communication to build and maintain public trust. Continuous engagement with the public and adaptability in communication strategies are essential for fostering mutual understanding and trust. This research emphasizes social forces’ complexity and overlapping nature in shaping public opinion and the strategic approaches required for effective communication in Southeast Europe.

“There's just a lot of numbers and I just want to have a drink”: The challenge of communicating the energy content of alcohol products

Various governments are considering the implementation of energy labelling on alcohol products as one element of obesity prevention policies. However, little is known about the most effective ways to communicate energy information to consumers. The aim of the present study was to explore consumers’ reactions to different energy information provision formats to assist the development of effective energy labels. Nine focus groups (n=83 participants) were conducted with Australian adults who reported drinking alcohol at least twice per month. Participants were exposed to an energy-only information label and labels displaying full nutrition information panels. A thematic analysis approach was used to identify key issues. While few participants were overtly enthusiastic about the mandatory display of energy values on alcohol products, there was general support for the provision of this information to assist those drinkers who could benefit from it. Substantial confusion was apparent as participants attempted to distil meaning from the provided information, particularly where it was expressed in terms of serving sizes and standard drinks. Full nutrition panels were especially problematic in terms of creating a health halo due to the nil or low values for multiple nutrients listed. This was especially notable for information relating to sugar content. Overall, there appears to be inadequate public understanding of the concept of dietary energy in alcoholic beverages and the various terms used to quantify its presence, which is likely to limit the utility of mandatory energy information provision requirements unless they are accompanied by effective community education.

Leveraging Social Media to Enhance Historical Awareness: A Case Study of the Inspect History YouTube Channel

Limitations in educational curricula, ineffective teaching methods, and insufficient resources can hinder a nation's ability to foster historical awareness. However, advancements in information and communication technology (ICT) present opportunities to address these challenges. The rise of social media platforms, especially YouTube, has become a powerful tool in disseminating historical knowledge. This study employs a qualitative research design with a case study approach, focusing on the YouTube channel "Inspect History." Data were collected through observations of the channel's content, online interviews, and document analysis. The study specifically examines how this platform contributes to enhancing historical consciousness. The "Inspect History" YouTube channel, with 580 thousand subscribers and 257 videos as of July 20, 2022, demonstrates the effectiveness of animated videos in fostering historical awareness. Viewers reported increased engagement with and understanding of historical events through the platform's accessible content. The findings suggest that social media, particularly YouTube, can significantly enhance the public's understanding of history. The case of "Inspect History" illustrates how well-curated digital content can compensate for limitations in traditional educational settings, providing an engaging alternative for learning. This study highlights the potential of social media platforms to promote historical awareness. The success of "Inspect History" underscores the value of utilizing digital tools to overcome educational barriers and cultivate a deeper public understanding of history in the digital era.

RANCANG BANGUN SISTEM INFORMASI “OBATPEDIA” SEBAGAI MEDIA EDUKASI TENTANG OBAT-OBATAN BERBASIS WEBSITE

Today, the ease of obtaining medicines for the public has improved significantly thanks to developments in technology and healthcare infrastructure. Access to medicines has become easier through pharmacies. A survey of 35 community members in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara showed that 85.3% stored medicines without doctor's instructions and needed education on the proper use of medicines. A survey of 23 pharmacists also showed that 95.5% of pharmacists need a drug education platform that makes it easier for them to provide drug education. Departing from the problem of the lack of public understanding of medicines and the need for pharmacists to provide drug education easily, this study aims to design and build an information system, “ObatPedia,” as an educational media about website-based medicines. The method used is Personal Extreme Programming (PXP) because this website will be developed flexibly, quickly, and responsive to change. In this method, some stages are passed, including Planning, Iteration, Initialization, Design, Implementation, and Testing, so the website can be developed with the expected features and usability. The results Mean opinion score of this system a Mean Opinion score of 4.345 from the public and 4.472 from pharmacists on a scale of 1 to 5, which shows that users strongly agree that the ObatPedia website can help to increase public knowledge and understanding of medicines.

AI Governance: A Challenge for Public Health.

The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) is structuralizing social, political, and economic determinants of health into the invisible algorithms that shape all facets of modern life. Nevertheless, AI holds immense potential as a public health tool, enabling beneficial objectives such as precision public health and medicine. Developing an AI governance framework that can maximize the benefits and minimize the risks of AI is a significant challenge. The benefits of public health engagement in AI governance could be extensive. Here, we describe how several public health concepts can enhance AI governance. Specifically, we explain how (1) harm reduction can provide a framework for navigating the governance debate between traditional regulation and "soft law" approaches; (2) a public health understanding of social determinants of health is crucial to optimally weigh the potential risks and benefits of AI; (3) public health ethics provides a toolset for guiding governance decisions where individual interests intersect with collective interests; and (4) a One Health approach can improve AI governance effectiveness while advancing public health outcomes. Public health theories, perspectives, and innovations could substantially enrich and improve AI governance, creating a more equitable and socially beneficial path for AI development.

Analisa Sentimen Pada Media Sosial“X” Pencarian Keyword ChatGPT Menggunakan Algoritma K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN)

Sentiment analysis of the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly important in public understanding of today's rapidly evolving technology, as it helps facilitate human activities. One of the key applications is the presence of ChatGPT, an AI capable of interacting with users through user input, such as answering various questions posed. This topic generates a lot of pros and cons, as widely discussed on social media. Research is needed to evaluate how wisely people use this AI. This study proposes an approach using the K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) algorithm to analyze AI-related sentiment. The KNN algorithm is used to classify sentiment into positive, negative, or neutral, based on the similarity with the closest word in the feature space derived from text data. This method allows for efficient sentiment grouping without the need for complex models. Researchers chose sentiment analysis because it is an appropriate technique for data processing. Of the 1000 reviews collected from social media users on “X,” 853 were positive, and 147 were negative. The data was classified using the KNN algorithm, followed by an accuracy evaluation yielding 84.80%. The results of this sentiment analysis are expected to guide decision-makers in developing and applying AI technology more intelligently, in line with societal needs and expectations.

Bridging science communication and open science—Working inclusively toward the common good

The 2020–2022 pandemic highlighted concerns about “information disorders”, pressing for approaches capable of guiding the science-society alliance toward a mutually beneficial direction. This essay advocates for and presents a framework proposing the combination of Open Science (OS) and Science Communication (SciComm) practices. OS encourages public access to scientific material, while SciComm has historically enabled public understanding of scientific knowledge. Despite their similar goals, these two communities are disconnected. We draw on the concepts of “boundary object” and “epistemic trust” to demonstrate how this framework could foster a bond between scientific expertise and public reason toward an informed and inclusive common good. The OS-SciComm framework is based on the notion that ensuring transparency in science also requires “bridging tools” that deal with the complexity of scientific lexicon and processes. It values scientific expertise, but does not undermine citizens' capabilities in information processing and their interest in accessing scientific outputs. Our proposal also acknowledges controversies involving open scientific materials during the COVID-19 pandemic and advises caution when drawing conclusions from cases that are often context-specific. The OS-SciComm framework requires innovative ideas, platforms and actions. We invite both communities to join us in this endeavor.

Exploring Indigenous Knowledge Systems Integrated in Natural Sciences Practical Work in Selected South African Schools

This study used the nature of indigenous knowledge (NOIK) framework to explore indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) practices that were integrated when practical work in natural sciences was facilitated. In this interpretive explorative case study, data were collected by semistructured interviews, lesson observations and a focus group interview conducted with three purposively selected natural sciences teachers and two natural sciences district officials in the province of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. Thematic analysis techniques were used to analyze the data that were collected. Three findings on ways to integrate IKS in science practical work are the following. First, IKS was integrated in practical work through teaching of applied science and including the learners’ lived experiences of local technologies to solve problems. Second, practical work that integrated IKS was conducted as empirical observations of natural phenomena, which included genetic variation of plants and animals, including human beings, animal behavior, using moon cycles and the movement of the sun to guide day-to-day, cultural and agricultural activities. Third, some of the IKS included myths and superstitions that distorted the public understanding of science but were nevertheless used to persuade people to uphold certain cultural practices. The study recommends comparing NOIK and the nature of science when integrating IKS in the classroom to enable learners to distinguish myths from scientific facts.

Dispute Resolution Efforts for Sharia Banking Profit-Sharing Agreements

Islamic banking relies on profit-sharing agreements as one of its fundamental financial instruments, adhering to the principles of justice and partnership in sharia law. However, disputes often arise between banks and customers regarding the distribution of profits and losses. This study examines the dispute resolution mechanisms for profit-sharing agreements within Islamic banking, focusing on litigation in religious courts and non-litigation processes such as mediation and arbitration. This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness and compliance of these mechanisms with Sharia principles while also proposing improvements to regulatory frameworks. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining normative juridical analysis and empirical research. The normative juridical method was used to review existing laws and regulations related to Islamic banking and dispute resolution. At the same time, the empirical data was gathered through interviews with key stakeholders such as banking practitioners, customers, and mediators involved in dispute resolution. The results indicate that non-litigation mechanisms, particularly mediation, are more efficient and cost-effective than litigation. However, there remains a need for greater public understanding and stronger institutional support to ensure the fairness and transparency of these processes. This research recommends enhancing dispute resolution systems in Islamic banking, aligning them more closely with legal and sharia standards.

GAMBARAN TINGKAT PENGETAHUAN MASYARAKAT TENTANG DAGUSIBU OBAT DI KAMPUNG MARGOYUDAN KOTA SURAKARTA

One of the most pressing needs of the community is medicine. People can buy medicines without a doctor's prescription or get them with a doctor's prescription. Until now, many people have purchased medicines independently without first consulting a medical professional. Due to ignorance and lack of information, this can result in cases of irrational drug use. Get, Use, Store, and Dispose (DAGUSIBU) medicine is a program designed to help families be aware of medicine. The purpose of this study is to determine how much knowledge the community in Margoyudan Village, Surakarta City, has about DAGUSIBU medicine. Purposive sampling was used in this study to select participants in a descriptive quantitative research design using questionnaires distributed to residents of Margoyudan Village. The percentage of correct answers was then analyzed and used to calculate the level of knowledge. Based on the results of the study, the general public's understanding of DAGUSIBU medicine in Margoyudan Village fell into three categories: good (68%), fair (23.9%), and poor (7.9%).

Analisis Strategi Pengembangan Infrastruktur Asuransi Syariah Terintegrasi Di Era Digital

This study aims to analyze the strategies required by Islamic insurance companies to enhance their infrastructure in the digital era. The primary issue identified is the inadequate development of infrastructure, which hinders the companies' ability to compete effectively in an increasingly competitive market. A qualitative approach employing the Multi-Factor Evaluation Process (MFEP) was used to evaluate and identify the most relevant strategies to address the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities presented by the digital era. The findings reveal that Islamic insurance companies require a set of integrated infrastructure development strategies. The recommended strategies include, (1) Developing differentiated products tailored to market needs, which can expand the customer base and enhance product appeal, (2) Enhancing human resource professionalism through continuous training and competency development to strengthen internal capabilities and respond to market dynamics, (3) Optimizing corporate governance by implementing advanced digital technologies to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance service quality and (4) Intensifying product promotion efforts and increasing consumer literacy, including more aggressive education about the benefits of Islamic insurance to raise public awareness and understanding. In conclusion, the implementation of these strategies is crucial for supporting the long-term growth of Islamic insurance companies. An integrated infrastructure that is responsive to technological changes will strengthen the companies' competitive position, enabling them to be more adaptive to the evolving market needs and fully leverage the opportunities offered by the digital era. This approach will also enhance consumer trust and expand the market reach of Islamic insurance.

Health education for the community in the prevention of hypertension and stroke

Hypertension and stroke are two interrelated health conditions and have a high prevalence in the community. Both diseases can be prevented through effective health education, which aims to increase public awareness and knowledge about risk factors, early signs, and prevention efforts that can be taken. This Community Service Program aims to provide health education to the public about the prevention of hypertension and stroke, with a focus on the introduction of healthy lifestyles, risk factor control, and the importance of early detection. This activity was carried out by involving the active participation of the local community. The methods used in this program include lectures, interactive discussions, and simulation of preventive measures. The educational material includes the importance of dietary regulation, physical activity, stress management, and regular blood pressure monitoring. Program evaluation is carried out through pre-test and post-test to measure the improvement of public knowledge after receiving education. The results of this program show a significant improvement in public understanding of hypertension and stroke prevention. Most participants were able to identify risk factors and express readiness to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Thus, this program is expected to contribute to reducing the incidence of hypertension and stroke in the community through increased awareness and better preventive measures

Implementasi Data Augmentation untuk Klasifikasi Sampah Organik dan Non Organik Menggunakan Inception-V3

The surge in global waste, particularly in Indonesia, with a total of 36.218 million tons per year, has become an urgent issue. Challenges in waste management are increasingly complex due to the lack of public understanding and awareness in classifying types of waste. One systemic approach to address waste classification issues involves the use of machine learning technology to categorize waste into two main types: organic and non-organic. The data used in this study comes from a Kaggle website dataset comprising 25,500 entries. This research employs a transfer learning approach with the Inception-V3 architecture and data augmentation implementation. Transfer learning is chosen for its proven performance in image data classification, while data augmentation is implemented to introduce diversity to the dataset. The research stages include business understanding, data preprocessing, data augmentation, data modelling, and evaluation. The results show that the use of transfer learning with the Inception-V3 approach and data augmentation implementation achieves an accuracy rate of 94%, which falls into the excellent category.

Sosialisasi Pemetaan Geologi, Drainase Kawasan, dan Cekungan Air Tanah Guna Pencegahan Longsor di Kelurahan Sadeng

This article discusses the socialization activities of geological mapping, regional drainage, and groundwater basins (CAT) in Sadeng Village aimed at increasing public understanding of the conditions of their area in order to prevent landslides. This socialization involved various parties, including local agencies, academics, and community leaders, with a focus on geological conditions, drainage systems, and potential groundwater basins in the area. The methods used included field surveys, participatory mapping, and Focus Group Discussions (FGD) to identify geological conditions and major problems in the drainage system and groundwater management. The results of this activity showed that the community began to understand the conditions of the area, realized the importance of protecting the environment and was actively involved in improving the drainage system and groundwater management. The recommendations prepared included construction solutions according to the results of geological mapping, and improvements to drainage infrastructure. This socialization is expected to be a model for implementation in other areas with similar environmental characteristics.

Penerapan Inovasi Produk dan Manajemen Mutu dalam Meningkatkan Daya Saing Produk UMKM di Desa Aek Loba Afdeling 1

One of the factors that influences the competitiveness of MSME products is their ability to innovate and manage product quality. Product innovation allows MSMEs to create added value and differentiate themselves from competitors, while good quality management ensures the consistency and quality of the products produced. This community service activity was carried out in order to increase the self-awareness of the community, especially the MSMEs in Aek Loba Afdeling 1 Village, Aek Kuasan District, Asahan Regency. The method used in this community service is face-to-face (om the spot training). Data collection used was observation, interviews and documentation. The result of this community service is increasing public understanding of the importance of product innovation and quality management in increasing the competitiveness of MSME products

ENFORCEMENT OF SINTANG REGENCY REGIONAL REGULATION NUMBER 13 OF 2017 CONCERNING PUBLIC ORDER BY THE SINTANG REGENCY PAMONG PRAJA POLICE UNIT

Sintang Regency still faces problems in the context of public order, primarily related to alcoholic beverage business licenses. This study aims to describe and analyze the enforcement of Sintang Regency Regional Regulation Number 13 of 2017 concerning Public Order by the Sintang Regency Pamong Praja Police Unit, specifically regarding alcoholic beverage business licenses. The research method is descriptive-qualitative. The results showed that in carrying out the duties and functions of enforcing regional regulations, the Satpol PP of Sintang Regency faced problems related to the lack of public understanding of obtaining business licenses and also the Pamong Praja Police Unit, which did not provide sufficient understanding to the public regarding related regional regulations. In conclusion, the enforcement of Sintang Regency Regional Regulation Number 13 of 2017 concerning Public Order by the Sintang Regency Pamong Praja Police Unit is quite well implemented. It needs to be strengthened in several aspects, including by conducting intense socialization activities, strengthening leadership commitment, and employee participation in training activities relevant to duties and functions.

Penyuluhan dan Pendampingan Pembuatan Teh Bunga Telang dan Sereh Wangi Untuk Menurunkan Kadar Gula Darah Di Desa Bandar Dawung Tawangmangu

Community Service Lecture (CSL) is a community service program that is part of the higher education curriculum in Indonesia. The purpose of this program is to contribute to the community in Bandar Dawung village, Tawangmangu district, Central Java. One of the contributions given is the assistance program for making telang flower tea (Clitoria ternatea L.) and making jelly candy from citronella leaves (Cymbopogon citratus) is efficacious in lowering blood sugar levels. The main problem faced is the high prevalence of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia, due to the body's relative and absolute insulin deficiency. The method used is divided into three stages, namely pre-activity, activity process, and evaluation. The results of this mentoring activity show that the level of public understanding of the benefits and processing of telang flowers and citronella leaves is 80%.

Abstract A109: Knowledge of HPV vaccination and HPV-associated cancers among Arab- Americans

Abstract Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) includes oncogenic subtypes linked to the majority of head and neck and genitourinary cancer cases. Despite suggestions to boost HPV vaccine uptake by increasing HPV awareness, public understanding remains suboptimal. This is especially noted among cultural and ethnic minorities, with limited literature addressing this gap. This study evaluated awareness of HPV and HPV-associated cancers among Arab Americans. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted between March and July 2023. Surveys were provided in both English and Arabic based on participants' preferences. Recruitment took place at various venues such as fairs, functions, and religious and cultural gatherings, targeting self-identifying Arab Americans residing in Michigan. Dependent variables included participants' awareness (yes/no/don’t know) of HPV, HPV vaccine, and HPV association with specific cancers (cervical, penile, anal, vulvar, vaginal, and oropharyngeal). Independent variables included age, gender, level of education, frequency of doctor and dentist visits in the past year, number of oral and vaginal sexual partners, and cigarette use. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze survey responses. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated the associations between HPV awareness and sociodemographic factors. Results: A total of 289 individuals were included in the study, of whom almost half (47%) were not aware of HPV and the HPV vaccine. Awareness of HPV association with specific cancers were as follows: 50.5% for cervical cancer, 48.4% for vaginal cancer, 42.4% for vulvar cancer, 41.5% for penile cancer, 38.9% for anal cancer, and 37.9% for mouth/throat cancer. In multivariable logistic regression models, compared to females, males were less likely to be aware of HPV vaccine (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.19 – 0.72); or of HPV association to cervical (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.19-0.73) and anal (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.26-0.94) cancers. Similarly, respondents who had lower education were less likely to be aware that HPV could cause cervical (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.14-0.69), anal (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.13-0.69), as well as mouth/throat (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.14-0.80) cancers compared to those with college degrees. Conclusions: Awareness of HPV, the vaccine and related cancers among Arab Americans are suboptimal. Being female or having a college education correlates with greater awareness of HPV and HPV-associated cancers. This underscores the necessity for targeted interventions to improve awareness among this population. Future interventions should focus on increasing knowledge of how HPV can cause several cancers and how those cancers could be prevented through HPV vaccination. Citation Format: Eric Adjei Boakye, Nada Al-Antary, Reem F Siddiqui, Marissa Gilbert, Lamis Fakhoury, Mrudula Nair, Milkie Vu, Farzan Siddiqui. Knowledge of HPV vaccination and HPV-associated cancers among Arab- Americans [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A109.