Second-best Option Research Articles

Re-envisioning vocational education: critical discourse analysis of a government publicity campaign in Hong Kong

PurposeVocational education in Hong Kong suffers from an image problem. Stakeholders often perceive it as a second-best option for those who fail to advance in academic education. In 2016, to promote vocational education, the Hong Kong government launched a publicity campaign and rebranded vocational education and training (VET) as vocational and professional education and training (VPET). This study critically analyzes the new discourse crafted by this campaign and assesses its potential to change VPET’s status.Design/methodology/approachThis study applies critical discourse analysis to the set of television public service advertisements produced as part of the government publicity campaign.FindingsThe messaging of the publicity campaign consists of two major discursive strategies. One stresses the ability to find self-fulfillment through VPET. The other stresses the academic ability and middle-class status of VPET students as well as the non-manual and high-end career opportunities for graduates. While the first strategy offers a new basis on which to value VPET, the second recreates assumptions about the value of academic achievement and what constitutes respectable employment, even as it attempts to challenge stereotypes. It reinforces that the ultimate goal of education is financial gain and social status. It overlooks other values of education and the potential value of VPET in enhancing individual choice and agency.Research limitations/implicationsDiscourse analysis does not provide information about audience perceptions and interpretations.Social implicationsThe government could consider reframing their messaging in terms of the diverse values and experiences of VPET students. Highlighting the values that VPET students themselves see in their education provides alternative discourses that can better challenge hegemonic ideas.Originality/valueTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first discourse analysis of the government’s publicity campaign to promote VPET.

Talent Management in Indonesian National Armed Force: Addressing Personnel Bottlenecks

Over the years, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) has been tasked with upholding state sovereignty and national defence. However, TNI also faces a bottleneck among its middle- and high-ranking officers, leading to excess non-job personnel. Without corresponding promotion adjustments, the current policy will affect the institution's performance and officers' careers. This study applied qualitative research by conducting interviews and gathering primary and secondary data through focused group discussion and literature review from various policy documents and reports. The findings then highlight the solutions with talent management emerging as a strategic approach. It offers a second-best policy option by promoting professionalism and modernity while addressing organisational challenges. Through this approach, we tried to propose evidence-based solutions to improve organisational performance and address personnel bottleneck issues. This study proposes a new approach to talent management strategies. It involves recruiting, developing, and retaining high-potential individuals and optimising functional positions based on expertise to offer an alternative career path. The talent management approach also aims to enhance efficiency and effectiveness within military organisations

Does local non-farm income moderate the intensity of climate change induced migration in India?

While the impact of climate change on migration is well documented in the literature, very little is known about the moderating impact of local non-farm income on climate change induced migration. To fill this gap in the literature, the paper combines real time weather data provided by Indian Meteorological Department with a very rich household data on Indian states belonging to the eastern and semi-arid tropic regions collected by ICRISAT to investigate whether farmers always resort to migration or take it up as a second-best option only after they fail to diversify locally on the face of climate change induced crop loss. Using recursive econometric model, it is observed that households first try to diversify their income by engaging in local non-farm activities and availability of local non-farm income further moderates the effect of climate change induced yield loss on migration. Higher rural out migration may adversely impact the agricultural sector and affect sustainable urbanization, Also, decision to migrate is often challenging as it necessitates leaving behind social and community networks. Therefore, our findings offer valuable insights and discusses important policy recommendations towards improving the access to local non-farm activities.

Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis of Selecting Biomass Feedstocks for Sustainable Energy Production

Abstract Five well-known biomass resources are used as feedstocks for biomass thermal power plants in the Philippines: rice husks (RH), sugarcane bagasse (SB), Napier grass (NG), coconut shells (CS), and Paraserianthes falcataria (PF). Given the complexity of socio-economic and biophysical systems and the multi-dimensionality of the sustainability goal, the best biomass feedstock was determined using TOPSIS (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution), a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) that has gained popularity in the decision-making for sustainable energy. Sugarcane bagasse (SB), with a TOPSIS score of 0.5416, was found to be the best biomass feedstock for maximizing the benefits to people and the environment. It has a relatively high calorific value of 19.30 MJ/kg, an annual volume of 7.32 million tons, and can solely be used for energy production. The second-best option is Paraserianthes falcataria (PF), but it is not widely grown because it is only used in the construction and furniture industries, and its demand is very limited. However, because it grows so quickly, it has the greatest potential for energy generation. Coconut shells are the third best option. It is the biomass feedstock with the highest energy content at 20.88 MJ/kg, with a TOPSIS score of 0.4090. Coconut shells are waste materials from coconut fruits used to make activated carbon and are primarily used for cooking, heating, and industrial use. Because coconut shells are widely available, particularly in remote communities, it may be able to meet its electricity needs using a micro-scale biomass power technology that requires only a small amount of coconut shells.

Micro-costing from healthcare professional's perspective and acceptability of cutaneous leishmaniasis diagnostic tools in Morocco: A mixed-methods study.

In Morocco, cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) represents a concern with three causative parasite species. Despite this, rapid diagnostic test (RDT) for CL is not part of the national control strategy. This study evaluates the acceptability and micro-costing of the CL Detect Rapid Test by Inbios International. The study was conducted from June 2019 to January 2020 and included 46 healthcare professionals from 40 primary healthcare centers and district labs. Data was collected by self-administered questionnaires and interviews and analysed using NVivo, Jamovi, and Python to generate a predictive model and sensitivity analysis by calculating the average Cost-Benefit Ratio for compared CL diagnostic scenarios. The exchange rate is 1 USD = 9.6 MAD (Moroccan Dirham) in November 2019. The CL-RDT received notable acceptance for its user-friendliness and time efficiency compared to traditional microscopy. Micro-costing data revealed that the average unit cost for microscopy is 15 MAD [7-31], whereas 75 MAD [52-131] for CL-RDT. Altogether, the diagnostic cost for microscopy is 115 MAD±4, marginally higher than the 102 MAD±2 for CL-RDT (p = 0,05). Sensitivity analysis identified the most cost-benefit scenarios based on a Cost-Benefit Ratio (CBR). The optimal approach involves using CL-RDT once at a primary healthcare centre (PHC) (CBR = 1.4), especially if the unitary cost is below 79 MAD. The second-best option is using CL-RDT once at a laboratory (CBR = 1.0), which is advantageous if priced under 54 MAD. However, using CL-RDT twice for the same lesion had a less favourable CBR of 0.6 and was only beneficial if priced below 09 MAD. The reference scenario was a single CL-RDT at the PHC followed by microscopy at a laboratory. In conclusion, the forthcoming CL-RDT, expected to feature enhanced sensitivity, is advocated for deployment in resource-limited endemic areas.

Association between social relationship of mentors and depressive symptoms in first-time mothers during the transition from pregnancy to 6-months postpartum

BackgroundFirst-time motherhood is characterized by high psychosocial distress, which untreated, has serious consequences. Informal social support provided by specially trained mentors may be protective against postpartum depressive symptoms but may vary by women’s social relationship with the mentor. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of types of mentors on women’s depressive symptoms between late pregnancy to 6-months postpartum and the characteristics of women associated with mentor type.MethodsThis study was a secondary analysis of data from a community sample of 312 primiparous women from a single-group, longitudinal intervention study of Welcome to Parenthood. Welcome to Parenthood provided education and mentorship for women during the transition from pregnancy to postpartum. Women completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) in late pregnancy, and 2- and 6-months postpartum.ResultsWomen who recently relocated were less likely to be mentored by their mothers and more likely to be mentored by friends or volunteers. Women who were mentored by their mothers or sisters scored the lowest on the EPDS; those mentored by their mothers-in-law scored the highest. Women who were mentored by other family, friends, or volunteers scored between the two extremes. EPDS scores of women mentored by each type of mentor decreased from pregnancy to 6-months postpartum; only for mother-, sister-, and volunteer-mentored groups was this decrease significant.ConclusionsDuring transition to parenthood, support provided by mothers or sisters is best for women’s mental health but may not always be available to women who have recently relocated. In such situations, specially trained community volunteers may be the second-best option.

Acceptability to donate human milk among postnatal mothers at St. Francis hospital Nsambya, Uganda: a mixed method study

BackgroundThe World Health Organization recommends the use of donated human milk (HM) as the second-best option for mothers who are temporarily unable to provide sufficient breast milk to meet the needs of their infants. However, HM donation is yet to become an accepted practice in Uganda. We assessed the level of, and factors associated with acceptability to donate HM among postnatal mothers at St. Francis Hospital Nsambya (SFHN).MethodsA cross-sectional sequential explanatory mixed method study was conducted between October 2018 and March 2019. A questionnaire on sociodemography, awareness and likely acceptability to donate HM was administered to 410 postnatal mothers at SFHN. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was undertaken to determine factors associated with acceptance of HM donation. Focus Group Discussions (4) and Key Informants Interviews (4) were used to explore factors influencing behaviours to donate human milk. Qualitative data were analysed using a content thematic approach.ResultsOverall acceptance of donating the HM was 77.6%, and the significant factors were: willingness to express the HM (AOR 7.5; 95% CI 3.01, 18.68); wet-nursing knowledge (AOR 2.3; 95% CI 1.1, 5.0) and visit to under-5 years’ clinic (AOR 21.3; 95% CI 2.3, 196.9). The major themes in relation to accepting to donate HM were wet nursing experience, and confidence in donating the HM, and its perceived effectiveness. There were concerns about the safety and adequacy of HM and fear of transmitting criminal behaviours and mental illness through human milk.ConclusionsAcceptance to donate HM among postnatal mothers at St. Francis Hospital Nsambya was very high. Willingness to express and store human milk, prior knowledge about wet nursing and a visit to an under-five outpatient clinic were associated with acceptance. Thus, establishing a human milk bank is feasible in the study setting.

Response of transplanted kharif rice to organic liquid formulations in a red and lateritic soil of Jharkhand

To evaluate the influence of organic liquid formulations on transplanted rice, a field experiment was conducted at farm of Divyayan Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India during kharif season of 2021 using 6 treatments (Control i.e. water, Panchagavya, Sasyagavya, Amritpani, Jeevamruth and Kunapajala) in four times replicated randomised block design. Results explored that application of Kunapajala @6% at 30 and 60 days after transplanting registered maximum growth (322.5 tillers/m2,103.6 cm plant height, 24.5 leaves/plant, 1475.1 g/m2 dry matter accumulation). Further, Kunapajala spray attained 30.4%, 4.3%, 11.8%, 14.6%, 45.5%, 43.2% and 45.6% higher panicles/m2, panicle length, grains/panicle, test weight, grain yield, straw yield and biological yield of rice, respectively, over control. However, use of Jeevamruth also performed well and remained as second-best option. Kunapajala spray further provided maximum economic profitability (net return of Rs. 83,233/ha and B:C ratio of 3.17) and therefore, it can be recommended for organically kharif rice cultivation.

Optimizing Agroforestry Plantation in Los Baños, Laguna

Agroforestry has been a necessary practice as a land management system to aid the growing pressure on the forestry land. To support the local farmers in the Learning Laboratory for Agroforestry in Los Baños, Laguna who practice this system, a linear programming model was constructed to maximize the profit while considering the land, labor hours, rotation age constraints, and the combination of crops. The crops used in this study were grouped into nitrogen and non-nitrogen fixers, and combinations of alternation of these crops were formulated while taking rotation ages into account. The maximum profit was calculated using the Linear Programming Solver or LiPS. The model allocated the total land area to the combination of cucumber, string beans, and tomato, as it was the most profitable. Results indicate that the second-best option was the combination of bitter gourd and string beans, as it had the second- smallest reduced cost. Also, the maximum profit increased by PHP 264.43 per square meter increase in the land area available. Hence, it is suggested that the local farmers must expand their land areas or increase the selling prices to obtain higher profits.

Ablation versus Radiation Segmentectomy for Small Liver Tumors.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a liver malignancy that affects more than a million people worldwide with a complex multifactorial etiology. After the diagnosis of HCC is made, physicians establish management using the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) guidelines revolving around tumor stage, liver function, performance status, and patient preferences. According to recent updates to these guidelines, thermal ablation is the second-best curative option apart from surgical resection for small HCC (< 2 cm). While thermal ablation is standard of care, recent studies have suggested that radiation segmentectomy (RS) has similar outcomes, limited hepatotoxicity, and ultimately a cost-efficient approach. Although there is limited literature on RS, this article compares ablation techniques against radiation segmentectomy for small HCC tumors.

The pancreas after kidney transplant is the second-best option, comparable to the simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant

The pancreas after kidney transplant is the second-best option, comparable to the simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant

Pillar Two and Developing Countries: The Perils of Jurisdictional Blending

In this article, the author analyses the jurisdictional approach to blending for the calculation of the ETR, which is an essential feature of the IIR according to the model rules on GloBE. The author supports that the jurisdictional approach to blending raises a major issue by providing incentives for transferring preferential tax regimes from low and middle-lower economies to middle-higher and high-income economies in certain circumstances. Therefore, considering the need to strike a better balance on safeguarding the tax sovereignty of all jurisdictions involved (i.e. not just the tax sovereignty of large, rich economies, but also small, poor economies), the author argues in favour of other approaches on blending. In this context, from the perspective of developing countries, given the perils of the jurisdictional approach and lack of measures that are sufficient to compensate for the loss of tax sovereignty that the GloBE proposal may cause, the global approach on blending would be preferable as a first-best option, and an entity blending or even a no-blending approach would be a second-best option.

P.26: The pancreas after kidney transplant is the second-best option, comparable to the simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant

P.26: The pancreas after kidney transplant is the second-best option, comparable to the simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant

Unlocking synergies between seawater desalination and saline gradient energy: Assessing the environmental and economic benefits for dual water and energy production

The global scarcity of fresh water has increased the desalination systems' importance. Although these systems face certain limitations, significant efforts are being made using renewable energy sources like Saline Gradient Energy (SGE). This led to the emergence of two technologies: Pressure Retarded Osmosis (PRO) and Reversal Electrodialysis (RED). Hence, this innovative study aims to contrast the potential environmental and economic benefits by performance of PRO and RED integration into desalinating seawater by Reverse Osmosis (SWRO). We comprehensively assessed their life cycle using SimaPro® software and conducted a stochastic economic evaluation to achieve this. For the calculation basis, the systems were dimensioned using Wave® software and theoretical-analytical methods based on technical literature. Our findings revealed SWRO-PRO is cheaper (1.49 USD/m3), less energy-intensive (4.602 kWh/m3), and more environmentally friendly than SWRO (emission reductions in the following categories: 10.31% human health, 11.79% ecosystem quality, and 11.44% natural resources depletion). SWRO was the second-best option with moderate costs (1.53 USD/m3), energy requirement (5.569 kWh/m3), and environmental impacts, while SWRO-RED was the least favorable, with higher costs (1.83 USD/m3), energy consumption (5.573 kWh/m3), and environmental impacts (increases of 22.20%, 21.02%, 15.2%, 22.2% of mentioned categories, respectively). PRO integration represented an enhancement, and despite lower benefits, RED maintains a substantial future potential. Thus, this study is a unique holistic approach that integrates environmental and economic considerations and endeavors to revolutionize our understanding of synergistic water-energy systems. Therefore, this pioneering research could pave the way to address global water scarcity and clean energy challenges.

Chemoembolization versus Radiotherapy for Single Hepatocellular Carcinomas of ≤3 cm Unsuitable for Image-Guided Tumor Ablation.

Local ablation therapy (LAT) is primarily recommended for solitary inoperable hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) of ≤3 cm in diameter. However, only two-thirds of uninodular small HCCs are suitable for LAT, and the second-best treatment option for managing these nodules is unclear. We aimed to compare the therapeutic outcomes of chemoembolization and radiotherapy in small HCCs unsuitable for LAT. The study included 651 patients from a tertiary referral center who underwent planning sonography for LAT. These patients had 801 solitary HCCs of ≤3 cm in diameter and were treated with LAT, chemoembolization, or radiotherapy. Local tumor progression (LTP)-free survival and overall survival (OS) were measured according to the type of treatment of the index nodule. LAT, chemoembolization, and radiotherapy were used to treat 561, 185, and 55 nodules in 467, 148, and 36 patients, respectively. LTP-free survival was significantly shorter in patients treated with chemoembolization than for those treated with LAT (multivariate hazard ratio [HR], 2.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.61 to 3.47) but not for those treated with radiotherapy (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.38 to 1.83). However, OS was not affected by treatment modality. Matching and weighting analyses confirmed that radiotherapy gave comparable results to chemoembolization in terms of OS despite better LTP-free survival (HR, 2.91; 95% CI, 1.13 to 7.47 and HR, 3.07; 95% CI, 1.11 to 8.48, respectively). Our data suggest that chemoembolization and radiotherapy are equally effective options for single small HCCs found to be unsuitable for LAT after sonographic planning. Betterfit indications for each procedure should be established by specifically designed studies.

Organizational Climate and Gender: Evidence from Algerian Local Authorities

The present paper aims at exploring the relationship between organizational climate and gender within Algerian local authorities, mobilizing Mixed Method Research MMR, qualitative and quantitative methods. The qualitative study – interviews with civil servants – revealed in two stages, the socially constructed position. Otherwise, a quantitative study was carried out on civil servants in five Algerian local authorities (Blida department), allowed us to analyze the relationship between organizational climate and gender within local authorities. The results give us some insights: Gender (in the organizational climate) is not decisive for civil servants. Our quantitative research does not reveal any significant differences between men and women (civil servants) on the perception of the organizational climate and managerial context of local authority. In addition, the qualitative research reveals that there is no competition between the different categories of civil servants. Furthermore, competition is ineffective between women and men civil servants, who apparently do not aspire to promotion without financial advantages. Local authorities are seen as a second-best option for job seekers, an option reserved mainly for women who have adapted cognitive assets to that organizational climate requirements. Women civil servants would be more resilient than men, their acceptance of the professional framework constraints seems to be more explicit.&#x0D;

Therapists’ views and recommendations on the ins and outs of practicing teletherapy

ABSTRACT Objective. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of teletherapy became mandatory for most therapists. Many therapists who had previously felt reluctant to try teletherapy ultimately transitioned to teletherapy with little experience or training. We qualitatively examined therapists’ subjective experiences of providing teletherapy, particularly regarding their future plans and advice for colleagues who will be using teletherapy.Methods. A total of 31 psychotherapists participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were recorded, then transcribed and analyzed using the Consensual Qualitative Research method. Results. Within the overarching domain Plans for after the pandemic, we identified five main categories: 1) For whom and when teletherapy is helpful; 2) Therapists’ future practice plans; 3) Therapists’ attitudes towards teletherapy; 4) Helpful professional support, and 5) Helpful to keep in mind when starting. Many therapists found teletherapy more acceptable than they expected and discovered that it was surprisingly useful for patients. Therapists highlighted the importance of professional peer support in tackling teletherapy’s technical, legal, and therapeutic challenges. Conclusion. Overall, these results suggest great variability in therapists’ subjective experiences with teletherapy during this time of forced transition. Although for some, teletherapy remains a second-best option, many now prefer hybrid treatment options for optimal flexibility.

Is Approximation of an Ideal Defensible?

What role does our knowledge about the ideal society play in guiding policymaking in the real world? One intuitive answer is to approximate. Namely, we have a duty to approximate the ideal within the relevant constraints of feasibility. However, political philosophers seem to have what might be called ‘approximatophobia'. Many philosophers, including idealists such as David Estlund, warn against approximation. Their criticism is chiefly motivated by ‘the problem of second best’, which points out that your second-best option may not be closest to your best option. This paper aims to dispel ‘approximatophobia'. The difficulty posed by the problem of second best is often overstated. More positively, I present a novel defence of approximation, arguing that approximation of an ideal can be a reasonably reliable default strategy of action guidance in the real world. Difficulties that may afflict the project of approximation can be mitigated by sophistication of the project of approximation. After showing that critics of approximation overstep their mark in issuing the strong or moderate warning against approximation, I propose an account of sophisticated approximation. It seeks a series of reforms that make existing social institutions closer to the ideal based on careful selection of frame of analysis. Three virtuous correlations are identified as indicators for successful project of approximation, linking descriptive similarity to desirability, feasibility and knowledge of the ideal. I also explain a two-staged strategy of sophisticating the way you approximate the ideal, with an expected positive feedback effect.

Effects of Footpad Slope, Movement Direction and Contact Part of Foot on Foot-Based Interactions

Feet cannot perform tasks as quickly and with as much dexterity as hands. However, due to the heavy workload placed on hands, there is potential for feet to replace or assist them . In order to use feet more effectively, this study aims to find ways to increase the speed and accuracy of directly touching a touchpad with the feet while in a seated position. The study investigates the effects of three factors: the slope of the touchpad, the direction of the foot movement, and the touch area of the foot used. Regarding the direction of the foot movement, the study found that the most effective direction for both accuracy and speed was at a 30° angle to the right when the front of the right foot was set at 0°. The 0° and 60° angles showed similar efficiencies, but were lower than the 30° angle. The study also found that using the big toe as the touch area resulted in the best speed, accuracy, and subjective satisfaction. The index toe was the second-best option, while using the ball of the foot was the least accurate and slowest option. Lastly, using an slope angle of 15° for the touchpad was found to increase work efficiency compared to using a 7° slope angle. These findings can serve as guidelines for designing foot interfaces.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Monoclonal Antibodies Associated With Chemotherapy in First-Line Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of anti–epidermal growth factor receptor (cetuximab and panitumumab) or anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (bevacizumab) monoclonal antibodies associated with conventional chemotherapy (CT) (fluorouracil and leucovorin with irinotecan) as a first-line treatment for unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer. MethodsA partitioned survival analysis model was adopted to simulate direct health costs and benefits comparing therapeutic options in a 10 years’ time horizon. Model data were extracted from the literature and costs were obtained from Brazilian official government databases. The analysis considered the perspective of the Brazilian Public Health System; costs were measured in local currency (BRL) and benefits in quality-adjusted life-years (QALY). A 5% discount rate was applied to costs and benefits. Alternative willingness-to-pay scenarios, varying from 3 to 5 times the cost-effectiveness threshold established in Brazil, were estimated. The results were presented incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), and both deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. ResultsThe most cost-effective choice would be the association of CT with panitumumab, with an ICER of $58 330.15/QALY compared with isolated CT. The second-best option was CT with bevacizumab and panitumumab, with an ICER of $71 195.40/QALY compared with panitumumab alone. Although having higher costs, the second-best option was the most effective. Both strategies were cost-effective in part of the Monte Carlo iterations, considering the 3× threshold. ConclusionsThe therapeutic option CT + panitumumab + bevacizumab represents the most significant effectiveness gain in our study. It is the second-lowest cost-effectiveness, and this option includes monoclonal antibodies association for patients with and without KRAS mutation.