Significant Differences In Perceptions Research Articles

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.

Measuring the evolution of Arab States’ perceptions of the Iranian threat: a quantitative text analysis of Arabic-language state media, 2010–20

ABSTRACT After the Arab Uprisings, inter-state relations in the Middle East became polarized between the two camps of the Saudi-led Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Iran and its allies, which strengthened the threat perception of Iran among Arab states. This study aims to empirically elucidate the changes in the perception of threats against Iran among Arab states through a quantitative text analysis of major state media in 10 Arab states. Through this analysis, we first substantiated that the Arab threat perception of Iran increased, especially in GCC members, after the Arab Uprisings. Second, there were significant differences in threat perception, even among the GCC states, according to their political stance towards key events in international relations. We also propose a new empirical method for studying securitization in critical security theory based on quantitative text analysis.

Perception gaps of patient engagement for patient safety between healthcare professionals and the public in Korea

Background To ensure effective patient engagement, patients’ efforts, partnerships with healthcare professionals, and the organisation’s role in providing safe healthcare settings must be emphasised. Perception gaps regarding patient engagement between the public and healthcare professionals could prevent healthy partnerships from forming and hinder patient engagement activities. This study examined healthcare professionals’ perception of patient engagement and compared the findings with that determined for the public in a previous study. Methods An anonymous online survey was conducted in February 2020 among 1,007 healthcare professionals (physicians, nurses). The questionnaire comprised five parts regarding the perception of patient engagement. Descriptive analysis and Chi-squared/Fisher’s exact tests determined the frequency and significant differences among the public from previous study and healthcare professionals in this study. Results The perception of the importance of patient safety was high among healthcare professionals and the public. However, statistically significant differences in perceptions were observed among the public and healthcare professionals in all categories. The perception gaps were substantial between the groups in sub-categories of engagement for patient safety during medical treatment; 86% of physicians and 90% of nurses agreed that patients participate in the decision-making for the treatment process. Conversely, 58% of the public agreed. Only 22% of the public agreed with confirming healthcare professionals’ hand washing to prevent infection, versus 57% of physicians and 65% of nurses. More than 89% of healthcare professionals positively perceived medical dispute mediation versus only half of the public. In certain areas such as “medical dispute mediation and arbitration programs”, “fall prevention”, and “infection prevention”, there was a statistically significant difference in the perception of patient involvement among healthcare professionals, with nurses’ perception being particularly more positive than that of physicians. Conclusions The healthcare professionals’ perception of patient engagement was more positive than that of the public. To narrow the perception gaps and enhance the public’s perception, strategies involving changes in healthcare systems, promotional efforts, and educational initiatives should be developed. Additionally, strategies should be formulated for healthcare professionals to better engage as partners in patient care.

Psychological safety perception in community pharmacies: A randomized controlled trial of agile interventions

BackgroundAgile coaching, recognized as a more advanced methodology compared to education, is hypothesized to yield superior outcomes in enhancing psychological safety perception. ObjectiveInvestigating the effectiveness of agile interventions versus no intervention on psychological safety perception, this randomized controlled trial aimed to clarify outcomes. MethodsThe survey sample consisted of 54 licensed pharmacists, with each group comprising 18 participants: E1 underwent Agile Coaching, E2 underwent Agile Education, and C served as the control. After six weeks, psychological safety perception was measured using a validated scale, and statistical analyses, including the Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test, were conducted. ResultsThe group undergoing agile coaching showed the most substantial enhancements in psychological safety perception compared to others. Mann-Whitney U test revealed no significant difference in psychological safety perception between E1 and E2 groups before (Z = −0.938, p = 0.348) and after intervention (Z = −1.269, p = 0.204). Significant differences were observed between E1 and C both before (Z = −2.693, p = 0.007) and after intervention (Z = −1.414, p = 0.157). Significant differences were found between E2 and C before (p = 0.038) but not after intervention (p = 0.962). ConclusionsThe findings suggest that agile coaching could be an effective intervention for enhancing psychological safety in organizational settings, particularly in community pharmacies. Further research is warranted to explore long-term effects and generalize findings to broader contexts.

사회적 약자의 문화 불평등 해소를 위한 관광활동 지원 정책에 대한 인식 비교 연구

This study is an introductory study on exploring perceptions of support policies of tourism activities and analyzing them to explore the possibility of realizing tourism-based public policies to resolve cultural inequality for the socially disadvantaged. It examined the differences in perceptions among ordinary citizens, disabled people, multicultural citizens, pregnant women, and women raising infants and young children on support policies of tourism activities for the socially disadvantaged. The study measured the level of ordinary citizens’ and the socially disadvantaged’s perceptions of the importance and performance of public policies of tourism activity support and tourism resource development for the socially disadvantaged, recorded the data in matrices, and analyzed the differences among groups. It also examined the differences in perceptions of both the social phenomena that may appear during operating policies of tourism activity support and tourism resource development and the possibility of the additional costs required to carry out the policies. The results showed the significant difference in perceptions among each group for some survey items. It is necessary to converge and coordinate the thoughts of various social members and also consider the cultural structure, which affects the meaning and thought system of social groups to implement public tourism resource development policies based on securing accessibility to tourism resources. These tourism policies need to establish the values as public policies that help reconstruct the distribution system of culture and resolve cultural inequality of the socially disadvantaged.

Assessment of Factors Affecting the Safety Performance in Construction Projects

Abstract: This study analyzes the 152 responses of clients, contractors, and consultants within the construction industry in order to investigate safety performance factors within the construction industry. The data for the study were gathered through the use of a structured questionnaire, and statistical analysis, including ANOVA tests, was performed on it in order to evaluate the possibility of differences between the respondents in terms of their experience and designation. The findings highlight significant differences in perceptions among the various groups and suggest that areas of focus for improvement include safety training, availability of equipment, communication, and adherence to safety standards. The study emphasizes the significance of ongoing evaluation and improvement of safety measures and advocates for increased attention to the cultivation of a culture that places an emphasis on safety in construction projects. These findings provide valuable insights for improving overall safety performance and contribute to a better understanding of the dynamics of safety in the construction industry, which is a sector that is currently understudied.

Challenges in Media Attention toward COVID-19-Preventive Behaviors: Dual Roles of Threat and Perceived Capability for Information Systems and Health Care

Based on the extended parallel process model, this study investigated the relationship between young adults’ media exposure to COVID-19 and their adoption of protective behaviors. This study surveyed 141 college students and found that increased risk perceptions led to greater intentions to engage in COVID-19-preventive behaviors and that these intentions were mediated by normative beliefs. There was no significant difference in risk perceptions between traditional media and social media. The results showed that college students took precautions against COVID-19 because they perceived themselves to be both vulnerable and capable.

The feedback dilemma in medical education: insights from medical residents’ perspectives

BackgroundFeedback is a critical component of the learning process in a clinical setting. This study aims to explore medical residents’ perspectives on feedback delivery and identify potential barriers to feedback-seeking in clinical training.MethodsThis cross-sectional study involved 180 medical residents across seventeen specialties. We employed the validated Residency Education Feedback Level Evaluation in Clinical Training (REFLECT) tool to assess residents’ perspectives on their attitude toward feedback, quality of feedback, perceived importance, and reaction to feedback. Additionally, we explored barriers to feedback-seeking behavior among medical residents.ResultsThe majority of medical residents held positive attitudes toward feedback. They agreed that feedback improves their clinical performance (77.7%), professional behavior (67.2%), and academic motivation (56.7%), while also influencing them to become a better specialist in their future career (72.8%). However, the study revealed critical deficiencies in the feedback process. Only 25.6% of residents reported receiving regular feedback and less than half reported that feedback was consistently delivered at suitable times and locations, was sufficiently clear or included actionable plans for improvement. A minority (32.2%) agreed that faculty had sufficient skills to deliver feedback effectively. Moreover, peer-to-peer feedback appeared to be a primary source of feedback among residents. Negative feedback, though necessary, often triggered feelings of stress, embarrassment, or humiliation. Notably, there were no significant differences in feedback perceptions among different specialties. The absence of a feedback-seeking culture emerged as a central barrier to feedback-seeking behavior in the clinical setting.ConclusionsEstablishing shared expectations and promoting a culture of feedback-seeking could bridge the gap between residents’ perceptions and faculty feedback delivery. Furthermore, recognizing the role of senior and peer residents as valuable feedback sources can contribute to more effective feedback processes in clinical training, ultimately benefiting resident development and patient care.

Analysis of environmental sustainability perception in Paraná Basin III residents via Item Response Theory

Environmental sustainability perception encompasses an individual’s ability to process and interpret sensory information related to the environment. This understanding guides them to consciously and actively protect and care for the environment through continuous learning. This article aims to analyze the environmental sustainability perception of residents of the Paraná Basin III using IRT models for polytomous items, relating it to socio-economic and location characteristics. The choice to conduct the research in this Brazilian territory is driven by the hydrographic basin’s substantial influence on the Itaipu hydroelectric power plant and its significance as a crucial water resource for the region. Results showed that: (1) 13.1% of residents have a low perception of sustainability, (2) there were significant differences in perception between cities, with Toledo having the lowest values, and (3) there was a positive relationship between remuneration and perception of sustainability. By analyzing the results presented, it becomes possible to develop effective public policies to improve the region’s perception of sustainability.

Vocational High School Students’ Perception of Assessments in Online Learning: For, As, and Of Learning

<p style="text-align:justify">Implementing online learning has led to several issues, especially those related on assessments to measure students’ learning achievement. This study aimed to obtain accurate information on learning assessments for vocational high school (VHS) students during online learning, including assessment for learning (AfL), assessment as learning (AaL), and assessment of learning (AoL). It also investigated students’ perceptions of the assessments based on their grades. This quantitative research employed the survey method, collecting data through questionnaires. The population of this research is VHS students in Indonesia, totaling 86,885 students. The participants of this study were 487 VHS students. The data were analyzed using descriptive and ANOVA techniques. The results show that most VHS students positively perceive the assessment of learning achievements in online learning for AfL, AaL, and AoL aspects. Moreover, there is a significant difference in students' perceptions of the assessment in online learning based on grades. The perception of class XII students is the highest (average value = 3.90) of all classes, while the other classes have an average value of 3.38 for class XI, and the average value of class X is 3.81.</p>

Recognition and inequalities in older adults' sexuality in Chile.

This paper explores older adults' perceptions on sexuality and affectivity in Chile, according to class and sex. The study is based on computer-assisted telephonic interviews with people aged 60 and over, men and women (n = 481). Data were analyzed using chi-squared tests and binary logistic regressions. Maintaining an active sex life is important for older adults of both sexes, contradicting the commonsense view according to which the relevance allocated to sex decreases significantly with age. However, the data show significant differences in perceptions by sex, suggesting that gendered conceptions regarding sexuality are influential along the entire life cycle. There are also relevant differences according to class, revealing the inequalities present in the expression of sexuality in Chile.

Patient Perceptions of Emergency Department Observation Care at Home.

Introduction: The Virtual Observation Unit (VOU) utilizes telehealth and community paramedicine to provide observation-level care in patients' homes. Patients' experience of this novel program has not been reported. Methods: A phone-based patient experience survey was administered to the patients who were admitted to the VOU at an urban, academic Emergency Department in the Northeast United States. The survey asked about patient's perception of the program's quality of care (0 = worst care possible, 10 = best care possible). t Tests with a Bonferroni adjustment assessed for differences between patient demographic groups. Results: The survey response rate was 40% (124/307). Overall mean scores for perceived quality of care were very high (9.51 ± 1.19). There were no significant differences in patient's perception of quality of care between demographic cohorts of age, gender, race, or ethnicity. Conclusions: Patient experience with a novel VOU program was very positive and did not differ significantly by demographic cohort. Further research is warranted.

Clinical effects of combined use of carbamazepine and amitriptyline in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy with concurrent diabetic foot

Objective This study aims to analyze the clinical effects of combining carbamazepine and amitriptyline in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy with concurrent diabetic foot. Methods A total of 120 diabetic neuropathy patients treated at our hospital from June 2022 to November 2023 were included in the study. Patients meeting the inclusion criteria were registered, and their basic data were collected. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: the control group treated with amitriptyline and the study group treated with a combination of carbamazepine and amitriptyline. Results The study group demonstrated significantly better clinical efficacy compared to the control group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in psychological status and pain perception before treatment between the two groups (p > 0.05). However, post-treatment, the study group showed improved psychological status, reduced pain perception, and overall better quality of life in both physiological and psychological dimensions compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion The combined use of carbamazepine and amitriptyline in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy with concurrent diabetic foot yields positive clinical outcomes. It effectively alleviates symptoms, improves psychological well-being, reduces pain sensation, and enhances overall quality of life. These findings can guide physicians in adopting a more evidence-based treatment approach and provide patients with more effective individualized treatment strategies.

The Relationship between Perceived Social Support and Work Engagement among Kindergarten Teachers in Xizang

The engagement of kindergarten teachers in their work significantly impacts the physical and psychological well-being of young children and the long-term development of preschool education. This study utilized a questionnaire survey with convenience sampling to select 846 kindergarten teachers from the Xizang region as research subjects. Measurements were conducted using the Social Support Scale, Professional Identity Scale, and Psychological Capital Scale. The findings reveal that the work engagement of kindergarten teachers in this sample was above the medium overall level. Significant differences in social support perception, professional identity, psychological capital, and work engagement were found based on individual background characteristics and the characteristics of the institutions where they worked. There were significant positive correlations between social support, professional identity, psychological capital, and work engagement among kindergarten teachers. Social support had a positive predictive effect on work engagement, while professional identity and psychological capital played a mediating role between social support and work engagement. To enhance the work engagement of kindergarten teachers, it is recommended to strengthen the mechanisms for ensuring social support, to create organizational environments that foster teachers’ psychological capital, and to enhance their sense of professional identity.

Comparative assessment between chewing gum, bite wafers, and ibuprofen in pain control following separators placement among orthodontic patients

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of chewing gum and using bite wafers in reducing pain after the placement of separators in orthodontic patients and to compare that efficiency with ibuprofen use. Additionally, this study evaluated the effect of non-pharmacological pain control methods on the frequency of separators falling out. MethodsThe study sample comprised 105 female patients between 15 and 35 years of age. The patients were randomly selected and classified into three groups (35 each). Each group was given either ibuprofen, viscoelastic bite wafers, or chewing gum immediately after the placement of separators and every 8 h for 1 week, as needed. The patients were asked to record their pain perception using a visual analog scale following separator placement at 2 h, 6 h, bedtime, 24 h, and at 2, 3, and 7 days. Analysis of variance testing was used for the data analysis. ResultsAmong the three studied groups, there were no significant differences in pain perception at any time point. The patients experienced significantly higher pain scores at bedtime and 24 h after separator placement. In addition, there were statistically significant findings in pain perception at different time points within each pain relief method (p = 0.000, p < 0.05). ConclusionThe use of chewing gum and bite wafers in alleviating orthodontic pain was beneficial and comparable to ibuprofen use following the placement of separators before orthodontic treatment among orthodontic patients.

Dueling COVID-19 misinformation: Perceptions and behavior of the rural population from South Asian countries

This multi-lingual study presents the awareness, perceptions, and behavior regarding COVID-19 “misinformation” and “fake news,” among the rural population of the South Asian (SA) countries of Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. The survey questionnaire was distributed to a convenient sample of 400 respondents from the three most populated SA countries selected due to their shared socio-cultural history; limited by fund availability and travel restrictions due to the prevailing lockdowns during the data collection period of early 2022. Results indicate that 92.98% of the participants perceived the presence of COVID-19 misinformation to varying degrees around them with less than 10% finding it easy to verify the accuracy of the information. The results indicate that the participants initially believed the made-up news and information to be true and then experienced fear or uncertainty upon realizing that it was fake. Results further show significant differences in perception and behavior when analyzed with the parameters of gender, age, education, and religion. Our study highlighted that female respondents perceived less than male respondents that fake news was around them, and younger participants of the study had less perception of the presence of fake news around them. The present study also found that the education level of respondents is a strong predictor of their perception of COVID-19 misinformation. Respondents with high school degrees perceived less made-up news and information than associate and master-level degree holders. The findings indicate a lack of media literacy, with a vast majority of individuals being susceptible to false information. The findings of the study will help healthcare professionals, information professionals, social workers, extension workers, and policymakers to deal with the Infodemic and further also assist in designing shared health information literacy programs across the region.

Examining Experiences of Campus Recreation Staff Who Serve College Students With Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities (IDD): A Special Olympics Unified Sports® Study

Recreation and sports participation can produce social health benefits for college students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD). Despite growing numbers of college students with IDD on college campuses, literature exploring inclusion within campus recreation is limited. To understand the inclusion, or lack thereof, of college students with IDD in campus recreation, experiences and attitudes of campus recreation staff ( N = 24) were examined. A mixed methods study design, including web-based surveys and semi-structured interviews was used to collect data from participants at three North American universities. Results of Multivariate Analysis of Variance and thematic analysis revealed successes, challenges, and barriers among campus recreation staff for implementing inclusion. A significant difference in perception of campus as being more inclusive between the university with Unified Sports affiliated with Special Olympics club and the university with Unified Sports affiliated with the university was also identified. Lastly, resources and strategies for inclusion were revealed as a need.

Machine learning analysis of patients’ perceptions towards generic medication in Greece: a survey-based study

Introduction:This survey-based study investigates Greek patients’ perceptions and attitudes towards generic drugs, aiming to identify factors influencing the acceptance and market penetration of generics in Greece. Despite the acknowledged cost-saving potential of generic medication, skepticism among patients remains a barrier to their widespread adoption.Methods:Between February 2017 and June 2021, a mixed-methods approach was employed, combining descriptive statistics with advanced machine learning models (Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machine, Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, and XGBoost) to analyze responses from 2,617 adult participants. The study focused on optimizing these models through extensive hyperparameter tuning to predict patient willingness to switch to a generic medication.Results:The analysis revealed healthcare providers as the primary information source about generics for patients. Significant differences in perceptions were observed across demographic groups, with machine learning models successfully identifying key predictors for the acceptance of generic drugs, including patient knowledge and healthcare professional influence. The Random Forest model demonstrated the highest accuracy and was selected as the most suitable for this dataset.Discussion:The findings underscore the critical role of informed healthcare providers in influencing patient attitudes towards generics. Despite the study’s focus on Greece, the insights have broader implications for enhancing generic drug acceptance globally. Limitations include reliance on convenience sampling and self-reported data, suggesting caution in generalizing results.