Significant Differences In Perceptions Research Articles

The beneficial effect of transparent surgical masks on the communication of adults with hearing loss within clinical settings

Purpose: The study examined the benefits of transparent versus non-transparent surgical masks on the speech intelligibility in quiet of adult cochlear implant (CI) users, in conjunction with patient preferences and the acoustic effects of the different masks on the speech signal. Methods: Speech tracking test (STT) scores and acoustical characteristics were measured in quiet for live speech in three different conditions, without mask, with a non-transparent surgical mask and with a transparent surgical mask. Patients were asked about their experience with the face masks. The study sample consists of 30 patients using a cochlear implant. Results: We found a significant difference in speech perception among all conditions, with the speech tracking scores revealing a significant advantage when switching from the non-transparent surgical mask to the transparent one. The transparent surgical mask, although it does not transmit high frequencies effectively, seems to have minimal effect on speech comprehension in practice when lip movements are visible. This substantial benefit is further emphasized in the questionnaire, where 82% of the patients express a preference for the transparent surgical mask. Conclusion: The study highlights significant benefits for patients in speech intelligibility in quiet with the use of medically safe transparent facemasks. Transitioning from standard surgical masks to transparent masks demonstrates highly significant effectiveness and patient satisfaction for patients with hearing loss. This research strongly advocates for the implementation of transparent masks in broader hospital and perioperative settings.

The beneficial effect of transparent surgical masks on the communication of adults with hearing loss within clinical settings

Purpose: The study examined the benefits of transparent versus non-transparent surgical masks on the speech intelligibility in quiet of adult cochlear implant (CI) users, in conjunction with patient preferences and the acoustic effects of the different masks on the speech signal. Methods: Speech tracking test (STT) scores and acoustical characteristics were measured in quiet for live speech in three different conditions, without mask, with a non-transparent surgical mask and with a transparent surgical mask. Patients were asked about their experience with the face masks. The study sample consists of 30 patients using a cochlear implant. Results: We found a significant difference in speech perception among all conditions, with the speech tracking scores revealing a significant advantage when switching from the non-transparent surgical mask to the transparent one. The transparent surgical mask, although it does not transmit high frequencies effectively, seems to have minimal effect on speech comprehension in practice when lip movements are visible. This substantial benefit is further emphasized in the questionnaire, where 82% of the patients express a preference for the transparent surgical mask. Conclusion: The study highlights significant benefits for patients in speech intelligibility in quiet with the use of medically safe transparent facemasks. Transitioning from standard surgical masks to transparent masks demonstrates highly significant effectiveness and patient satisfaction for patients with hearing loss. This research strongly advocates for the implementation of transparent masks in broader hospital and perioperative settings.

Saudi teachers’ perceptions on pedagogical affordances of digital applications in teaching students with learning disabilities

ABSTRACT Creating a supporting learning environment for students with learning disabilities has been the concern of most teachers. However, digital applications provide numerous pedagogical affordances for teaching students with learning disabilities. This quantitative study examined teachers’ perspectives on the pedagogical affordances of digital applications and challenges when teaching students with learning disabilities in primary schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from 280 teachers of students with learning disabilities through a questionnaire using a random strategy. The results showed that despite teachers’ awareness of the pedagogical affordances of digital applications in developing the academic skills of students with learning disabilities, the use of digital applications was intermediate. Teachers identified a lack of digital tools, time pressure and teachers’ workload as hindering the use of digital applications in their teaching. Findings also reveal statistically significant differences in perceptions for males and females, holding a master’s degree or above qualification, experience category (1–5 years), and training category (1–5 training sessions). These findings highlight the need for ongoing professional development and support that focuses more on real-classroom practices and resources, and how teachers can use digital tools to meet the various learning needs of students with learning disabilities.

Saudi teachers’ perceptions on pedagogical affordances of digital applications in teaching students with learning disabilities

ABSTRACT Creating a supporting learning environment for students with learning disabilities has been the concern of most teachers. However, digital applications provide numerous pedagogical affordances for teaching students with learning disabilities. This quantitative study examined teachers’ perspectives on the pedagogical affordances of digital applications and challenges when teaching students with learning disabilities in primary schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from 280 teachers of students with learning disabilities through a questionnaire using a random strategy. The results showed that despite teachers’ awareness of the pedagogical affordances of digital applications in developing the academic skills of students with learning disabilities, the use of digital applications was intermediate. Teachers identified a lack of digital tools, time pressure and teachers’ workload as hindering the use of digital applications in their teaching. Findings also reveal statistically significant differences in perceptions for males and females, holding a master’s degree or above qualification, experience category (1–5 years), and training category (1–5 training sessions). These findings highlight the need for ongoing professional development and support that focuses more on real-classroom practices and resources, and how teachers can use digital tools to meet the various learning needs of students with learning disabilities.

Pain and root resorption due to surgical interventions to accelerate tooth movement in orthodontics: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

There are several publications that show the efficacy of surgical interventions in accelerating the rate of tooth movement in orthodontics. Consequently, possible adverse effects must also be evaluated. The aim of the present study was to compare the perception of pain and root resorption between orthodontic treatment with a surgical acceleration intervention vs. conventional orthodontic treatment. An electronic search was conducted in the MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, and Virtual Health Library (VHL) databases up to September 12, 2022. Randomized or non-randomized, controlled, parallel-arm or split-mouth clinical trials were included. Fixed-and random-effects meta-analyses were performed with regard to heterogeneity. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the RoB 2.0 and ROBINS-I tools. A total of 1,395 articles were initially retrieved, 40 studies were finally included in the review and 15 studies were eligible for quantitative analysis. The meta-analysis showed a significant difference in pain perception between acceleration surgery vs. conventional orthodontics at 24 h (p = 0.040); however, this difference was not significant at 7 days (p = 0.080). Overall, the patients who underwent any acceleration procedure presented significantly less resorption as compared to those who were applied conventional treatment (p < 0.001). A similar significant difference was found in retraction movements (p < 0.001) and alignment movements (p = 0.030). In the first 24 h, surgical interventions for the acceleration of tooth movement produce a greater perception of pain as compared to conventional orthodontic treatment, but the perception is similar after 7 days. Acceleration surgery results in less root resorption - in alignment movements, and especially in retraction movements.

Perceptions of Cryptocurrencies and Modern Money before and after the COVID-19 Pandemic in Poland and Germany

Research background: Despite the fact that the issue of private, decentralized digital money (cryptocurrencies) is already quite extensively described in the literature dedicated to the financial system, especially its periphery, there is a deficiency in terms of research on the opinions of participants in the financial system, based on trust in money and its widespread acceptance. International comparative studies are lacking, particularly those conducted before and after the COVID-19 virus pandemic. The pandemic showed that people had significantly changed their willingness to use different forms of money. Being isolated at home and avoiding direct contact with others, people started to use digital money more frequently. Purpose of the article: In response to the identified research gap, this study reports research results on the perception of cryptocurrencies by young financial market participants. It attempts to provide answers to the following research questions: (1) Has the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown of economies caused changes at the international level in perceptions and attitudes toward the traditional monetary system and cryptocurrencies? (2) Has the COVID-19 pandemic changed perceptions of cryptocurrencies as a potential alternative to current fiat money? Methods: To evaluate respondents’ opinions, a survey in the form of a questionnaire was conducted. The respondent groups in 2019/2020 were N = 171 (Germany = 143 and Poland = 128), while in 2021, N = 157 (Germany = 95 and Poland = 62). For analytical purposes, statistical analysis using the Z ratio test was used to capture the characteristics of the response distributions and the relationships between them. These two moments in time allowed us to determine whether there were significant changes between opinions before and after COVID-19. Findings &amp; value added: The study’s results showed that while there are significant differences in perceptions of the traditional monetary system and cryptocurrencies due to a variety of factors, the COVID-19 pandemic and the shutdown of economies did not cause statistically significant differences in this regard.

Parental Perception and Attitude towards Private Tuition: A Cross-Sectional Study among Daily Wage Earners

Parents' perception of private tuition significantly impacts a child's educational journey. Positive attitudes boost academic growth, boost confidence, address individual needs, foster responsibility, and reflect cultural and social factors. Positive attitudes also encourage collaboration with educators, aligning educational goals and fostering open communication. So, the present study aimed to assess the level of perception and attitude among the parents of daily wage earners. A cross-sectional survey method has been employed to accomplish the purpose of the study among the daily wage-earning parents of school-going children. The present study consisted of 267 samples, comprising daily wage earners parents, by employing a random sampling method from Nadia District, West Bengal, India. A standardized perception and attitude scale towards private tuition, with Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.81 and 0.79, respectively, was administered to collect data from the sample (daily wage earners parents). The findings of the study indicate significant differences in perceptions and attitudes towards private tuition based on factors such as gender, location, and educational qualifications. It has been found that attitudes and perceptions of private tuition have a moderately positive correlation. This study contributes to our knowledge of the significance of private tuition in the educational landscape and provides insightful information for future studies and the formulation of societal policies.

Personal Ethics and Ethical Leadership in The Face of The Resolution of Dilemmas and Problematic Situations in Chilean Graduates

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between personal ethics and deontological leadership in Chilean graduates, with the purpose of determining whether a high level of personal ethics in leaders influences the resolution of moral dilemmas and problematic situations in the institutional environment. Theoretical Framework: The research is based on concepts and theories about professional ethics, deontological leadership, and university ethics training. Theories and models such as Applied Ethics, Business Ethics and the deontological theory of ethics stand out. Method: A quantitative methodology with a survey design was adopted. 207 graduates of various careers from the Universidad Austral de Chile participated. Three instruments were used: the Ethical Leadership Questionnaire, the Ethical Dilemmas of Business Culture Questionnaire, and the Personal Ethics survey of collaborators. Data were analyzed with SPSS Statistics 23 and SPSS AMOS 23, performing exploratory and confirmatory factor analyzes. Results and Discussion: The results revealed that a high level of personal ethics is crucial to exercise effective deontological leadership. Significant differences in ethical perception between genders and ages were identified, suggesting that women and older professionals better manage ethical dilemmas. A negative correlation was observed between tolerance to unethical behaviors and the ability to solve ethical dilemmas. Implications of Research: Practical implications include the need to incorporate rigorous ethical training into university curricula to develop ethical leaders. Theoretically, the study contributes to the understanding of the relationship between personal ethics and deontological leadership, proposing that personal ethics is an essential precursor for ethical leadership in organizations. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by empirically demonstrating the importance of personal ethics in deontological leadership. Their innovative approach and the discoveries made can influence training and professional practices in the educational and business field.

Emotionality in Task-Oriented Chatbots – The Effect of Emotion Expression on Chatbot Perception

ABSTRACT Since interactive communication is generally better received than static one, chatbots are widely used in virtually all domains – ranging from business to education and healthcare. Nevertheless, there are still numerous questions concerning user experience that have not been adequately answered. Therefore, we study the effect of emotion expression on chatbot perception. In an experiment we manipulated a task-oriented chatbot by using short positively valenced emotional expressions and emotional pictorial representations (emojis) and investigated the effect of emotionality on trust, satisfaction, enjoyment, and authenticity as perceived by the user. The emotional chatbot was found to be perceived as more trustworthy than the neutral one. Moreover, users were more satisfied and had longer interactions with this chatbot. These results indicate that even slight variations in emotionality lead to significant difference in chatbot perception.

Perspectives of Students and Teachers Form Continuing Professional Development: Challenge And Obstacle

Continuous professional development (CPD) for teachers is crucial for enhancing their professional capabilities, particularly in pedagogical skills. Despite its importance, several barriers and challenges impede the effective development of the teaching profession. This study aims to investigate these obstacles through the perceptions of elementary school students and teachers, providing insights into the current state of CPD in education. A survey method was used to gather data from 150 participants, including students and teachers, to explore their perceptions of CPD. The survey focused on various aspects of CPD, including educational practices, learning processes, professional development activities, and supporting mechanisms. The findings revealed significant differences in perceptions between students and teachers across the examined aspects. Teachers predominantly prioritized the learning process in their professional development efforts. Major obstacles identified included a lack of motivation and insufficient intervention for practicing teachers. Additionally, a critical challenge for teachers was the deficiency of high-quality resources necessary to conduct effective research in learning methodologies. The disparity in perceptions between students and teachers highlights the need for more targeted CPD programs that address the specific needs of educators. Enhancing motivation and providing adequate support and resources are essential for overcoming these barriers. Addressing these challenges can lead to more effective teaching practices and ultimately improve the quality of education. This study underscores the importance of understanding the barriers and challenges to CPD from both students' and teachers' perspectives. By prioritizing the learning process and addressing motivational and resource-related issues, stakeholders can better support the professional development of teachers, leading to improved pedagogical outcomes.

Assessment of challenges and opportunities in antibiotic stewardship program implementation in Northwest Ethiopia

BackgroundIndiscriminate use of antibiotics leads to antibiotic resistance (AMR) and results in mortality, morbidity, and financial burden. Antibiotic stewardship programs (ASPs) with education can resolve a number of barriers recognized in the implementation of successful ASPs. The aim of this study was to assess health professionals’ perceptions and status of ASPs in hospitals in 2022. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from September 1, 2022 to October 30, 2022. A total of 181 health professionals were included, and a self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The status of hospitals was assessed using a checklist. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 23, and descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests (X2) at a P-value of <0.05 were used. ResultsOf the 181 respondents, 163 (90.1 %), and 161 (89.0 %) believed that AMR is a significant problem in Ethiopia and globally, respectively. Easy access to antibiotics 155 (85.6 %), and inappropriate use 137 (75.7 %) were perceived as key contributors to AMR. Antibiotics were believed to be prescribed/dispensed without laboratory results 86 (47.5 %), and antibiotic susceptibility patterns were not considered to guide empiric therapy 81 (44.8 %). ASP was believed to reduce the duration of hospital stays and associated costs 137 (75.7 %), and improve the quality of patient care 133 (73.5 %), whereas 151 (83.4 %), 143 (79 %), and 142 (78.5 %) suggested education, institutional guidelines, and prospective audits with feedback interventions to combat AMR in their hospitals, respectively. There were significant differences in perception among professionals based on professional category and attempts by hospitals to implement ASPs. Although ASPs were not functioning according to standard, there have been attempts to implement it in three hospitals. The issue of ASP had never been heard in general hospitals. Currently, it is feasible to implement ASPs in four hospitals. ConclusionThe status of ASP in hospitals was very poor. Despite a lack of prior knowledge on ASPs, most respondents do have a positive perception of AMR and the implementation of ASPs. Pharmacist-led prospective audits and feedback with education and institutional guidelines for empiric antibiotic use can be better implemented in hospitals. Involvement of representatives from infection prevention and control, and collaboration among hospitals in ASP implementation will help establish a strong ASP in the area.

Healthcare Worker's Satisfaction Assessment for a Healthcare Adverse Event Reporting Framework and the Management Approach for Such Reporting in the Emergency Department of Rural Government Hospitals.

The healthcare adverse event (HAE) reporting framework is more than just a tool. It is a crucial pillar in our pursuit of patient safety, quality improvement, trust maintenance, regulatory compliance, and ethical standards in healthcare delivery. To assess healthcare workers' satisfaction with the HAE reporting framework and the management approach towards such reporting in the emergency department of rural government hospitals by conducting a satisfaction survey. This prospective observational research was conducted in the Department of Emergency Medicine of the Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, and adjoining district hospitals from November 2023 to January 2024. The study involved 320 healthcare professionals working in the emergency department. The quantitative survey research used a questionnaire and a quality Likert scale response.The data were analyzed on an ordinal measurement scale using nonparametric statistical methods. The sample data were analyzed using frequency tables, percentage pie charts, and comparison bar graphs. In nonparametric statistical tests, the one-sample Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to infer the population's central tendency, and the Kruskal-Wallis testwas used to make inferences about the population categories. The satisfaction of healthcare professionals with the HAE reporting framework and the management approach was diverse. When surveyed about the HAE reporting framework in the emergency department, out of the 320 healthcare professionals,50% (161) expressed dissatisfaction,47% (149) were satisfied, and 3% (10) did not comment. Paramedics were most dissatisfied (61% of 133). When asked about the management approach while dealing with such reporting, 50% (159) were satisfied, 46% (147) were unsatisfied, and 4% (14) did not comment. On comparingprofessions, 43% (29) of 33 doctorsand 62% (83) of 133 paramedics were unsatisfied, giving a poor response. Additionally, 61% (72) of the 119 nursing staff were satisfied. The non-parametric inferential tests yielded a p-value of less than 0.001 for both questions, indicating a notable difference in the population's response to the HAE reporting framework and management approach. On pairwise comparison, there was a significant difference in perception (p<0.001) between the occupation groups, except for doctors and paramedics (p = 0.638) in the HAE reporting framework. By encouraging reporting, standardizing processes, analyzing incidents thoroughly, and using data-driven insights to inform improvement efforts, healthcare organizations can enhance patient safety, improve quality of care, and prevent future adverse events. The management approach to HAE reporting involves fostering a culture of safety and transparency, implementing standardized reporting systems, providing education and training to healthcare staff, establishing feedback mechanisms, conducting robust analysis of reported events, promoting continuous improvement, and ensuring transparency and accountability.

Taste Changes and Salivary Flow Rate Disparities in Premenopausal and Postmenopausal Women: Exploring the Zinc Connection.

Menopause triggers hormonal changes that can manifest in oral symptoms like dysgeusia, xerostomia, and burning sensations, substantially impacting daily life, including chewing, swallowing, and taste perception. Menopausal women are particularly susceptible to nutritional fluctuations, including variations in zinc levels, which are believed to be linked to taste perception. Taste alterations can render food unappetizing, leading to malnutrition and diminished quality of life. The study aims to assess taste alterations, salivary flow rate, and zinc levels in premenopausal and postmenopausal women, investigating the correlation between these factors. This research involved 30 premenopausal and 30 postmenopausal women randomly selected from outpatients at the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Panineeya Institute of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Hyderabad, India. Saliva samples were collected, unstimulated salivary flow rates were measured, taste perception was evaluated using a whole mouth threshold taste test, and serum zinc levels were assessed. The study revealed that a significantly higher percentage of postmenopausal women could not identify sucrose taste at concentrations 1 (76.7%, p = 0.017) and concentrations 2 (56.7%, p = 0.007) compared to premenopausal women (43.3%, 20%, respectively). A statistically significant number of postmenopausal women also couldn't identify the bitter taste at concentration 1 (43.3%, p=0.047) compared to premenopausal women. No significant difference in taste perception of salt and sour was observed between both groups at all tested concentrations. In both groups, mean taste perception rankings were similar, with salt being most perceived, followed by sour bitter, and at least with sucrose. Salivary flow rates and zinc levels did not significantly differ between premenopausal and postmenopausal women. The correlation between zinc levels and taste perception was weak and non-significant, indicating that zinc levels were not significant predictors of taste perception in either group. Postmenopausal women exhibited reduced perceptions of sucrose and quinine hydrochloride, potentially impacting eating habits, while taste perception of sodium chloride and citric acid remained relatively consistent. Salivary flow rates and zinc levels were within the normal range for postmenopausal women up to 60 years of age included in the study. The study demonstrated that zinc levels did not significantly influence perception among postmenopausal women, suggesting that taste impairment is a multifactorial phenomenon.

Students' perceptions of the relevance of instructors' assessment items in online community-based interprofessional education

Introduction: This study aimed to acquire students' perceptions of the assessment items used by instructors implemented in the community-based Interprofessional Education (IPE) program during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also compared the students’ perceptions of the instructors’ assessment items regarding student characteristics. Motivation for joining the IPE program and a comparison between motivation and gender and disciplines were also identified in this study. Methods: The research method is observational with a cross-sectional approach. Sixth-semester medical, nursing, and nutrition students who had completed the community-based IPE program were involved. Students' perception was measured using a questionnaire on the instructors’ assessment items developed based on the IPE competencies. Motivation was measured using a Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ). Results: A majority of students across the three programs agreed or strongly agreed with the assessment items, and there were no significant differences in student perceptions from the variables of gender (p = 0.23) and disciplines (p = 0.68). The correlation between students' motivation and their perception of the instructors’ assessment items was significant (r_s = 0.61 with p &lt; 0.01). However, there was a weak and not significant correlation between students' grade point average (GPA) with the perception of assessment items (r_s= 0.1 with p = 0.07). Conclusions: All instructors’ assessment items were still perceived as relevant and can be used to assess the students during IPE online learning. Thus, the result of this study can be considered to be used in another setting with a similar situation.

Country-of-Origin Effect in the Marketing of Sports Shoes among University Students

The aim of this study is to examine the Country-of-Origin (COO) effect in the marketing of sports shoes among university students. 156 university students were randomly distributed into three groups and exposed to a fictitious sports shoes’ advertisement. COO information was not provided in the Control Group (n = 53). The experimental groups were provided information on COO from either a country with high COO scores (n=50) or low COO scores (n=53). A one-way ANCOVA found that there was a significant difference in Perception of Quality of the sports shoes between groups, F(2,152) = 2.98, p &lt;.10 with respondents exposed to the advertisement featuring a country with high COO scores reporting the highest level of perceived quality. However, there was no significant difference across the groups for purchase intention. This suggests that COO effect exists for perception of quality but does not translate to purchase intention. Keywords: perception of quality, purchase intention, advertising, sports, footwear

Evaluation of oral health, taste perception, nutritional status and emotional well-being in post-menopausal women.

In postmenopausal women (PMW), vasomotor symptoms, emotional oscillations and sleep disturbances can affect physiological and psychological functioning. However, the effect of menopause on oral health-related parameters is not been thoroughly studied. To evaluate oral health, taste perception, eating habits, nutritional status and emotional well-being in PMW compared with a group of young and healthy pre-menopausal women (PrMW). Two groups (Group I: PMW and Group II: PrMW) with 30 participants each, participated in the cross-sectional study. The study proforma contained measures of oral health, taste perception, nutritional status and anxiety levels of the women in both groups using validated and previously used tools were designed and implemented. The data were analysed with student t, Mann-Whitney U, and chi-squared tests to evaluate the differences between the two groups. The cross-sectional study indicates no major differences in oral health, taste perception, nutritional and emotional status between PMW and PrMW. Nonetheless, there was a significant difference in perception of 'front teeth lengthening in size' and change in hot and cold sensations between the groups. Furthermore, the study group with PMW tends to have fewer natural teeth than the reference group. Overall, menopause does not appear to affect oral health, taste perception, nutrition or emotional health. It is suggested that oral health and taste perception, as well as nutritional and emotional status, are associated with gradual aging processes that may or may not be affected by menopause.

Effects of Hydrotherapy on the Management of Childbirth and Its Outcomes-A Retrospective Cohort Study.

The main objective of this study was to generate further evidence on maternal and birth outcomes associated with the use of hydrotherapy during labor, specifically aiming to describe the effects of water immersion during all stages of labor (first, second, and third) on women. A retrospective cohort study was carried out on a random sample of women who gave birth at the Costa del Sol Hospital between January 2010 and December 2020. The calculated sample size was 377 women and the data were extracted from their partograms. After data extraction, two groups were formed: one group used hydrotherapy during childbirth (n = 124), while the other group included women who did not use hydrotherapy during the childbirth process (n = 253). The results highlight significant differences in pain perception, analgesia use, types of labor, and delivery times between the two groups. Women who did not use hydrotherapy reported higher pain perception, with a median (IQR) of 8 (7-9) on a numerical scale, compared to a median (IQR) of 6 (5-7) for the hydrotherapy group. Furthermore, the group without hydrotherapy required epidural analgesia in 40% of cases, while in the hydrotherapy group, it was only necessary in 20%. In terms of the type of delivery, the hydrotherapy group had more spontaneous vaginal deliveries compared to the non-hydrotherapy group, which had more operative vaginal deliveries. The overall duration of labor was longer in the hydrotherapy group, especially in women who arrived at the hospital late in labor. Hydrotherapy is associated with a longer time to delivery. Women with a higher pain tolerance tend to opt for hydrotherapy instead of epidural analgesia.

A Measurement of Perceptions of the Forest Ecosystem among Visitors to the AL-Sunut Forest Reserve in Khartoum, Sudan

The present study aimed to understand visitors’ perceptions of the ecosystem service functions of the AL-Sunut Forest Reserve, as well as their recreational activities. Here, the impact of respondents’ socioeconomic status on visitors’ perceptions was statistically analyzed by t-tests and ANOVA (SPSS software v26). Meanwhile, multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify the relationships between factors shaping respondents’ perceptions of the AL-Sunut Forest during recreational activities. A total of 441 visitors were randomly selected and questioned through a questionnaire survey during February and March 2020. The results showed that visitors believed the recreational forest site was important and valuable and were willing to revisit it. Visitors also demonstrated a particular understanding of the ecosystem services provided by the forest ecosystem. There were significant differences in perceptions of ecosystem services among visitors of different backgrounds. The findings indicated that 79% of participants responded positively towards the importance of environmental education compared with any other education. In addition, 90% of respondents believed that habitats and natural resources such as forests must be protected. The results of the recreational activities of visitors showed that they acquired the most benefits when experiencing picturesque scenery and walking. Overall, the present findings can pave the way for decision-makers to develop a unique plan focusing on forests to implement an exhaustive approach to assessing the value of ecosystem services while emphasizing the general public’s welfare. The study’s results can also contribute to the future management of the AL-Sunut Forest.

Building Urban Climate Resilience: Assessing Awareness, Perception, and Willingness regarding Nature-Based Solutions and Climate Change among Stakeholders in Iligan City, Philippines

Iligan City has been the heart of major industries in steel, cement, and hydropower and is one of the highly urbanized coastal cities in Mindanao, Philippines. Due to its geological state, environmental challenges like flooding, natural disasters, and environmental degradation have been experienced by the city. With the climate crisis, these risks are being magnified. Recently, nature-based solutions (NBS) have gained significant attention worldwide, viewed as a key solution to the consequences of climate change. Yet implementation of strategies and policies regarding NBS, especially in developing countries, has received poor attention. Hence, this study aims to assess the awareness and perceptions of stakeholders in Iligan City regarding climate change, NBS, and willingness to engage in actions involving NBS. Stakeholder mapping and surveys were conducted through purposive sampling. A total of 187 respondents were interviewed from different sectors (LGUs, NGOs, the private sector, and academia) in Iligan City. Results revealed significant differences in awareness and perceptions across the distinct socio-economic backgrounds of stakeholders, where respondents with higher education and income have greater levels of awareness, perception, and willingness. The study recommends future targeted approaches and increased campaigns for climate change and sustainable solutions such as integrating NBS in adaptation strategies and mitigation plans to foster multi-level stakeholder collaboration.

SMOOTHER OR BUMPIER RIDE? A STUDY ON TAXPAYER EXPERIENCES WITH COST OF SERVICE AFTER THE GST ROLLOUT

This study explores taxpayers perceptions of the costs of service within the logistics industry after the implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST). The study showed a significant difference in taxpayers perceptions of service costs across geographical locations and annual turnover. The researchers employed a descriptive research design to examine taxpayers perceptions of service costs post-GST implementation. Convenient random sampling was utilized to ensure a representative sample across various demographic segments. Quantitative data was collected and analyzed using statistical techniques, notably ANOVA, with SPSS software facilitating efficient analysis. While rural areas tend to perceive an increase in service costs, urban areas generally report a reduction. Factors contributing to changes in service costs were analyzed, with increased compliance costs identified as a significant driver of elevated expenses. Conversely, simplifying the input tax credit process effectively reduced service costs. The study aims to offer valuable insights into the impact of GST on the logistics sector by examining taxpayers perceptions of service costs. KEYWORDS: Goods and Services tax, taxpayer perception, cost of services, logistics industry.