Review Of Recent Empirical Studies Research Articles

Malaria vaccine efficacy, safety, and community perception in Africa: a scoping review of recent empirical studies.

The review summarizes the recent empirical evidence on the efficacy, safety, and community perception of malaria vaccines in Africa. Academic Search Complete, African Journals Online, CINAHL, Medline, PsychInfo, and two gray literature sources were searched in January 2023, and updated in June 2023. Relevant studies published from 2012 were included. Studies were screened, appraised, and synthesized in line with the review aim. Statistical results are presented as 95% Confidence Intervals and proportions/percentages. Sixty-six (N = 66) studies met the inclusion criteria. Of the vaccines identified, overall efficacy at 12months was highest for the R21 vaccine (N = 3) at 77.0%, compared to the RTS,S vaccine (N = 15) at 55%. The efficacy of other vaccines was BK-SE36 (11.0-50.0%, N = 1), ChAd63/MVA ME-TRAP (-4.7-19.4%, N = 2), FMP2.1/AS02A (7.6-9.9%, N = 1), GMZ2 (0.6-60.0%, N = 5), PfPZ (20.0-100.0%, N = 5), and PfSPZ-CVac (24.8-33.6%, N = 1). Injection site pain and fever were the most common adverse events (N = 26), while febrile convulsion (N = 8) was the most reported, vaccine-related Serious Adverse Event. Mixed perceptions of malaria vaccines were found in African communities (N = 17); awareness was generally low, ranging from 11% in Tanzania to 60% in Nigeria (N = 9), compared to willingness to accept the vaccines, which varied from 32.3% in Ethiopia to 96% in Sierra Leone (N = 15). Other issues include availability, logistics, and misconceptions. Malaria vaccines protect against malaria infection in varying degrees, with severe side effects rarely occurring. Further research is required to improve vaccine efficacy and community involvement is needed to ensure successful widespread use in African communities.

Unraveling the Interconnections Between Statistical Learning and Dyslexia: A Review of Recent Empirical Studies.

One important aspect of human cognition involves the learning of structured information encountered in our environment, a phenomenon known as statistical learning. A growing body of research suggests that learning to read print is partially guided by learning the statistical contingencies existing between the letters within a word, and also between the letters and sounds to which the letters refer. Research also suggests that impairments to statistical learning ability may at least partially explain the difficulties experienced by individuals diagnosed with dyslexia. However, the findings regarding impaired learning are not consistent, perhaps partly due to the varied use of methodologies across studies – such as differences in the learning paradigms, stimuli used, and the way that learning is assessed – as well as differences in participant samples such as age and extent of the learning disorder. In this review, we attempt to examine the purported link between statistical learning and dyslexia by assessing a set of the most recent and relevant studies in both adults and children. Based on this review, we conclude that although there is some evidence for a statistical learning impairment in adults with dyslexia, the evidence for an impairment in children is much weaker. We discuss several suggestive trends that emerge from our examination of the research, such as issues related to task heterogeneity, possible age effects, the role of publication bias, and other suggestions for future research such as the use of neural measures and a need to better understand how statistical learning changes across typical development. We conclude that no current theoretical framework of dyslexia fully captures the extant research findings on statistical learning.

Déficits précoces de l’empathie et psychopathologie

Empathy is a complex social-cognitive ability that is best understood by distinguishing its emotional, cognitive and motivational dimensions, which from early childhood interact between the child and her/his social environment. To date, among the many factors that are acknowledged to influence the development of empathy, children's temperament and parenting behaviors have been identified as interacting in predicting the extent to which children demonstrate empathic responses. Recent studies in developmental social neuroscience cast light on the neural networks engaged in the development of each of the dimensions that constitute empathy, which are needed to navigate social interaction and establishing positive social relationships. Indeed, early deficits in empathic processes can lead to difficulties in socialization, particularly associated with reduced attention to others’ emotions, especially when they are suffering, a lesser degree of remorse and guilt, and a greater tendency to ignore social norms or break the rules. Difficulties in socialization are particularly visible in two well-known developmental disorders: children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and children with conduct disorder and callous unemotional traits (CU). This paper provides a critical and selective review of recent empirical studies in psychopathology and developmental neuroscience by addressing the dimensions underlying empathy, specifically emotional sharing and caring for others. For children with ASD, some studies report that they pay less attention to another person in distress. However, functional neuroimaging studies conducted with ASD adolescents indicate that the emotional dimension appears to be preserved, but a lack of emotional self-regulation may impair them from experiencing empathic concern. Children with conduct disorder and CU traits clearly manifest a reduced autonomic nervous system response to others’ distress or suffering. This may account for their disregard or contempt for others’ well-being and social norms. Functional neuroimaging studies show that atypical patterns of brain activity at 15 months of age can predict later severe conduct disorder. Neural regions engaged in emotional processing such as the anterior cingulate cortex, insula and amygdala shown reduced activation to empathy-eliciting stimuli in children with CU. Finally, the genetic nature of CU traits is highlighted in several studies. We conclude by proposing several avenues for developmental research to identify biomarkers from an early age and by inviting to focus on psychological interventions with those populations accordingly.

The power of personality in successful ageing: a comprehensive review of larger quantitative studies.

In this paper, we highlighted links between personality traits and successful ageing through a systematic review of recent empirical studies. Particularly, we addressed the question of whether personality traits are related to successful ageing and, if so, why and how? Answers to this question provided, for example, arguments that supported personality's role in planning an individual's future based on self-knowledge, thereby contributing to a sense of identity throughout their life. Then, considering longitudinal studies, we examined whether personality is stable over one's life course, or does it change and, if so, why and under what conditions? Answers to this question gave substance to the idea that a stable personality allows for continuous and consistent development. In addition, certain personality changes are likely to allow an individual to develop the resilience to better adapt to life's challenges. Therefore, the arguments brought by these two questions can help clarify the modulating role of personality for successful ageing via health and well-being outcomes. These insights may contribute to the development of new prevention approaches, more focused on inter- and intraindividual differences, to promote successful ageing.

Indicators to assess organizational resilience – a review of empirical literature

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the empirical literature on organizational resilience. The goal consists of identifying and understanding the indicators used to evaluate organizational resilience and instigating the development of indicators to assess resilience in other areas, such as project management and critical infrastructure.Design/methodology/approachA review of recent empirical studies is conducted to collect information on the indicators used to assess organizational resilience.FindingsA range of interrelated indicators aiming to measure organizational resilience in two dimensions is shown in this literature review: awareness and adaptive capacity. Awareness is the ability of an organization to assess its environment and interpret the changes in its surroundings, both now and in the future, to be proactive and better manage possible disruptive events. On the other hand, adaptive capacity is the organization’s capacity to transform its structure, processes, culture, etc. for recovering once faced with a disruptive event. Awareness forms the main base of the organization’s adaptive capacity.Originality/valueOrganizational resilience contributes to the safe development of the built environment. This concept helps organizations to cope with disruptions. However, little research has been conducted on the indicators to assess organizational resilience, in different fields. Moreover, these indicators’ credibility is based on empirical studies.

Nowcasting and the Use of Big Data in Short-Term Macroeconomic Forecasting: A Critical Review

This paper provides a discussion of the use of Big Data for economic forecasting and a critical review of recent empirical studies drawing on Big Data sources, including those using internet search, social media and financial transactions related data. A broad conclusion is that whilst Big Data sources may provide new and unique insights into high frequency macroeconomic activities, their uses for macroeconomic forecasting are relatively limited and have met with varying degrees of success. Specific issues arise from the limitations of these data sets, the qualitative nature of the information they incorporate and the empirical testing frameworks used. The most successful applications appear to be those which seek to embed this class of information within a coherent economic framework, as opposed to a naive black box statistical approach. This suggests that future work using Big Data should focus on improving the quality and accessibility of the relevant data sets and in developing more appropriate economic modelling frameworks for their future use.

Качество привязанности и способность к эмпатии в подростковом возрасте

We present a review of recent empirical studies of different family factors influencing the development of empathy in children and adolescents that confirm the close relationship between empathy and attachment in adolescents. Parental sensitivity to the child’s condition proves to be the basis for secure attachment and empathy development during adolescence. Parenting style is considered as one of the most important factors influencing the development of empathy and the formation of secure attachment. We describe J. Stern’s conceptual model linking empathy and attachment, and the results of empirical studies confirming this model. Conclusions: the quality of attachment and empathy in adolescents are linked; parenting style mediates and defines this link between empathy and attachment; empathy and attachment have a common phylogenetic ground, that is, parental sensitivity to the child’s moods and needs. Psychoeducation with parents or couples planning to have children should be aimed at developing the ability to form a secure attachment with a child.

PERFORMANCE CONTRACTING AND HEAD TEACHER PERFORMANCE IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KENYA

This study seeks to establish the extent to which performance contracting has been adopted, its effects on the performanceof head teachers and subsequent challenges in schools in Kenya with special reference to Embu County Schools. Reviewof recent empirical crossnational studies conducted to decode the comfort of signing performance contract, shows thathead teachers did not reject implementation of performance contract in totality. There were flaws in sensitivity of scopes,meaning, importance and equity to all. Since performance contract is a freely negotiated tool, government should lay agood foundation and not hurried up process leading to confusion. Performance contracting is directed to all public civilservice as a reform agenda for better service delivery. Whereas the high ranking servants may welcome the idea ofmeasuring performance the lower cadre might feel exposed hence resist. Performance appraisals evaluate strengths andweakness against the criteria set upon organizations goal and therefore are worthy. Challenges in grading structure andnegotiation committee can be addressed by agreed targets. Further, in all stages communication should remain open andeliminate any ambiguities to build trust. Fair and firm government instructions with proper standards against whichresults can be measured, will lead head teachers giving key areas for good results establishment. Good leadership byhead teachers will influence teachers to willingly and enthusiastically append signatures in performance appraisals.

Service innovation and its impact: What do we know about?

Despite the growing body of literature concentrating on service innovation, empirical research focusing on measuring its impact, mainly at firm-level, remains scarce. Adopting the perspective that the ability to monitor the service innovation process and to assess its impact is a pre-condition to properly manage it, we conduct a literature review of recent empirical studies on the measurement of service innovation to ascertain our current body of knowledge. We restrict our review to the period covering 2006 to 2014, as previous research has been extensively covered by Adams, Bessant, and Phelps (2006) and concentrate on published empirical academic articles which clearly examine “service innovation” and its impact on performance. Relying on several inclusion and exclusion criteria, thirteen empirical studies were retained and are discussed in this paper. Although this study does not claim to be exhaustive, it shows that knowledge on the relationship between service innovation and performance is limited and that this area of research deserves further scrutiny. We conclude with some avenues for further research, in view of stimulating more research in this promising yet emerging field.

Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing and Personal Genomics Services: A Review of Recent Empirical Studies.

Direct-to-consumer genetic testing (DTC-GT) has sparked much controversy and undergone dramatic changes in its brief history. Debates over appropriate health policies regarding DTC-GT would benefit from empirical research on its benefits, harms, and limitations. We review the recent literature (2011-present) and summarize findings across (1) content analyses of DTC-GT websites, (2) studies of consumer perspectives and experiences, and (3) surveys of relevant health care providers. Findings suggest that neither the health benefits envisioned by DTC-GT proponents (e.g., significant improvements in positive health behaviors) nor the worst fears expressed by its critics (e.g., catastrophic psychological distress and misunderstanding of test results, undue burden on the health care system) have materialized to date. However, research in this area is in its early stages and possesses numerous key limitations. We note needs for future studies to illuminate the impact of DTC-GT and thereby guide practice and policy regarding this rapidly evolving approach to personal genomics.

Opportunism or strategic opportunity seeking? Three approaches to emerging country sourcing

The current interest in low-cost or emerging country sourcing (ECS) has inspired a multitude of empirical studies. These studies are based on varying methodological approaches and have come to somewhat different conclusions regarding the motivations for and outcomes of ECS. This paper argues that the overall approach to the new markets, especially the strategic network context surrounding each buyer-supplier relationship in the ECS setting, impacts on the prerequisites for success.The aim of the paper is to identify and discuss approaches to ECS. It begins with a review of recent empirical studies, scrutinising research interests and the approaches applied by the companies studied. It suggests and illustrates three broad categories of approaches: (1) the transactional approach focusing on individual sourcing in the emerging country, (2) the supply base approach focusing on establishing a set of supplier relationships in the emerging country, and (3) the network positioning approach in which both supplier and customer relationships are developed in the emerging country. The paper also discusses the three approaches as stages in an internationalisation process.The paper concludes that of the three strategic approaches the viability of two – the transactional approach and the supply base approach – can be questioned on several grounds, but that when seen as a process directed towards developing a network position in a new (emerging) market all three approaches make sense as different stages in a process moving towards achieving that goal. An explanation for the process of increasing commitment in emerging markets, relying on learning in interaction and on relational investments beginning with suppliers and continuing with customers, is also discussed.

Counseling Transracial Adoptees

This paper addresses issues counselors must face when working with adopted clients whose racial/ethnic identity is distinct from their adopted family members. The history of such transracial adoption is summarized and a review of recent empirical studies on the psychological functioning of transracial adoptees is discussed. Finally, practical advice to counselors working with this population is provided.

Sleep America: Managing the crisis of adult chronic insomnia and associated conditions

Chronic insomnia, a public health crisis affecting 10-15% of the U.S. population and costing billions of dollars annually, typically presents with one or more comorbid psychiatric or organic conditions. Historical classification of chronic insomnia as "secondary" to a presenting comorbid condition has resulted in under-recognition and under-treatment of both the insomnia and comorbid condition(s). Though critical in any model of comorbid disease management, chronic insomnia receives little, if any, public policy attention. We conducted a systematic review of recent empirical studies, review papers, books, government documents, press releases, advertisements, and articles pertaining to the classification, epidemiology, treatment, and physiology of sleep, insomnia, and comorbid conditions. Data were located primarily through MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, and PUBMED databases. Our goal was to provide an overview of the systems for classifying insomnia and available epidemiological data, and to review theoretical models regarding the etiology and maintaining factors of chronic insomnia along with research on the complex, bidirectional associations between chronic insomnia and various affective (and other) conditions. After thorough review of the literature, we propose several public policy measures as an initial step in managing chronic insomnia in the United States. These include introducing a nation-wide multi-modal educational and awareness campaign titled "Sleep America;" increasing the availability and demand for behavioral sleep medicine - the initially preferred treatment approach; and increasing the use of monitoring and enforcement activities by regulatory authorities to curtail false and misleading claims by sponsors of supplements or treatments for insomnia. Through the adoption of such measures, we hope to galvanize a national interest in healthy sleep and the evidence-based treatment of chronic insomnia.

Toward an integrated framework for online consumer behavior and decision making process: A review

AbstractThis paper presents a comprehensive review of recent empirical studies dealing with online consumer behavior and decision‐making processes. To that end, the paper adapts and extends Engel, Kollat, and Blackwell's (1978) and Engel, Blackwell, and Miniard's (1986) decision‐making model as backdrop in the review of the literature. The vast majority of studies examine the link between external factors and one or more components of the decision‐making process. The findings of this study show a paucity of research on a number of components of decision making, as well as inconsistencies in the way the online environment is characterized. Finally, the findings show that student samples are prevalent among the studies identified and the research method is biased toward the survey method as opposed to experimentation. Discussion and conclusions are provided, and directions for future research are presented. ©2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The Use of Hypnosis in Helping Cancer Patients Control Anxiety, Pain, and Emesis: A Review of Recent Empirical Studies

This is a review of the systematic studies conducted since 1980 in the area of hypnotic interventions for anxiety, pain, and emesis control in child and adolescent cancer patients. The focus of the present paper is on how the problems encountered in studying the use of hypnosis with this population influence the results. The review is divided between studies focused on controlling anxiety and pain and those focused on controlling nausea and vomiting. Consistent findings are identified, and suggestions for future research are made.

Educational Implications of Current Research on the Syndrome of Autism

Researchers in the field of autism are currently generating a wealth of new information which is likely to have a significant impact upon service delivery systems. Previously accepted beliefs about behaviors such as self-stimulation and echolalia are now being challenged. A review of recent empirical studies was conducted and findings in the areas of behavioral characteristics and treatment interventions are presented. Implications for the development of more effective education programs for autistic individuals are discussed in light of this body of research.

The Monetary Approach to Exchange Rates: A Review of Recent Empirical Studies

Der monetäre Ansatz der Wechselkurse: Ein Überblick über neuere empirische Untersuchungen Während des vergangenen Jahrzehnts hat sich ein sehr starkes Interesse für den monetären Ansatz der Erklärung von Zahlungsbilanz und Wechselkursen entwickelt. Seit der Einführung flexibler Wechselkurse sind eine Reihe empirischer Untersuchungen über die monetäre Erklärung der Wechselkurse erarbeitet worden. Die meisten Untersuchungen der ersten Generation berichteten Ergebnisse, die den monetären Ansatz mit seiner „neuen“ Hypothese begünstigten, daß hohe Zinssätze eher mit schwachen als mit starken Währungen zusammengehen und daß schnelles Wirtschaftswachstum häufiger mit Aufwertung als mit Abwertung verbunden ist. Neuere Forschung liefert allerdings weniger günstige Evidenz. Dieser Aufsatz bespricht kritisch empirische Arbeiten, die den monetären Ansatz verwenden und legt außerdem neue empirische Evidenz vor. Wir kommen zu dem Ergebnis, daß, obwohl das einfache Modell des monetären Ansatzes die Daten einiger Länder für einige Perioden ganz gut beschreibt, diese Beziehungen nicht systematisch gelten, weder für alle Länder noch für alle Perioden. Abgesehen von einigen technischen Fragen ökonometrischer Schätzung und der Modellspezifikation betonen wir, daß bei der Anwendung des monetären Ansatzes zwischen der kurzen und der langen Frist unterschieden werden muß. Wie bei makroökonomischen Modellen für geschlossene Volkswirtschaften scheinen die monetären Wechselkursmodelle große Aussagekraft im Hinblick auf längerfristige Trends zu haben, aber das Wirken realer Faktoren verringert ihre Aussagekraft für die kürzerfristige Analyse erheblich.

The New Ghetto Man: A Review of Recent Empirical Studies1

The New Ghetto Man: A Review of Recent Empirical Studies¹