Specific Preferences Research Articles

“From Where Should We Work?”

The COVID-19 pandemic forced organizations to re-evaluate the ways in which they conduct business—specifically, how they allow employees to work. Changes to organizational culture and the demands of today's workforce have brought about a revolution in the work arrangement universe—and a possible death to the traditional ‘full-time in office' model. Through the analysis of Twitter sentiment regarding three types of work arrangement preferences, this study observes the preference for flexibility in work modes—a combination working from home + office (hybrid work). Random forest models were able to predict a worker's specific preference to an accuracy of ~68%. Such findings can help businesses continue to sharpen their work arrangement policies that take into consideration trends among the American working populace to ultimately build an effective employment model that will help their organization thrive.

Three models of employee ownership: worker cooperative, EOT and ESOP – overcoming barriers – important choices – pros and cons

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare three models of employee ownership and to identify pros and cons in relation to how the models can overcome the barriers. Which choices are important when defining the overall rules around the models and the specific possibilities for variations and combinations and what are the pros and cons for these choices?Design/methodology/approachThe comparison is based on the three main models of employee ownership identified from the country descriptions in this special issue.FindingsThe models do not exclude each other. The models can all be promoted in a specific country, leaving the choice of specific model to the stakeholders involved in the establishment of the employee-owned company. The article also shows the possibility of combining different models and in this way to adjust to specific preferences and conditions – e.g. whether employees and other stakeholders want collective or individual ownership and whether it concerns a start-up or a succession company.Originality/valueThis paper identified the key differences and similarities of different models for employee ownership including pros and cons of worker cooperative vs the Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) and the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) models.

Ear, Nose And Throat Specialty As A Future Career Preference For Medical Students In Northern Ghana

Objective: There is a limited number of Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialists in Ghana with only three ENT specialists in Northern Ghana. This study examined the factors that influenced fifth and final year medical students at the University for Development Studies (UDS) preference for ENT specialization. 
 Methodology: A self-developed semi-structured electronic questionnaire was used to collect data. The study involved a total of 114 medical students.
 Results: The majority of the study participants were males (64.9%) and were between the 21-35 age bracket (91.2%) with a mean age of 28.20 ± 8.05. Comparatively, less than 1% and 15.8% of study participants indicated a preference for ENT specialty before and after the ENT clinical rotation respectively. Significant motivating factors for ENT preference included good income (p < 0.001), quality of life (p < 0.001), work not too demanding (p=0.030), personal liking (p= 0.027) and having ENT specialist as a role model (p =0.012). Having a family relation as a medical doctor was a predictor of ENT specialty preference (OR 0.001, 95 % CI =5.357E-6-0.361: p=0.020).
 Conclusion: The study demonstrated a very low preference for ENT career specialty among fifth and final year medical students in our setting. However, exposure during ENT clinical rotation greatly influenced their preference for a career in ENT.

A Study on Rice Growth Monitoring Using Drone Remote Sensing

Rice paddy is one of the key crops of Korean agriculture and it has long been regarded as an important crop. Due to the high self-sufficiency of rice in Korea, the need to establish systematic rice paddy field data is increasing, and rice paddy research using remote sensing is being conducted several times in Korea. The optical satellite remote sensing method faces difficulties in data acquisition due to the abundance of clouds caused by the summer monsoon season, a characteristic of the domestic climate. However, the drone remote sensing method equipped with an optical sensor has the advantage of being able to freely acquire data, avoiding periods with high cloud cover. In this study, a drone equipped with a multispectral optical sensor was utilized to measure the height of rice paddy. Compared to satellites, drones provide the advantage of flexible timing for observations, allowing for the acquisition of high-frequency time-series data according to specific preferences. In this study, we seek to obtain values related to rice growth rates by analyzing optical data acquired through drone remote sensing. The DJI MAVIC 2 PRO drone was employed, and the Metashape program was utilized to generate a highresolution digital elevation model (DEM) from optical data. After the harvest period, rice-free rice paddy data were assumed to be digital terrain model (DTM), the height of the rice paddies. During the rice growth period, a digital surface model (DSM) was generated from drone imagery, and by calculating the difference between DSM and DTM, the height and growth of the rice plants were observed. Using network GPS measurement data, we validated monthly DEM models. This allowed us to anticipate the acquisition of precise rice growth data throughout the year, from planting to harvest.

Toward personalized decision making for autonomous vehicles: A constrained multi-objective reinforcement learning technique

Reinforcement learning promises to provide a state-of-the-art solution to the decision making problem of autonomous driving. Nonetheless, numerous real-world decision making problems involve balancing multiple conflicting or competing objectives. In addition, passengers may typically prefer to explore diversified driving modes through their specific preferences (i.e., relative importance of different objectives). Taking into account these demands, traditional reinforcement learning algorithms with applications in personalized self-driving vehicles remain challenging. Consequently, here we present a novel constrained multi-objective reinforcement learning technique for personalized decision making in autonomous driving, with the goal of learning a single model for Pareto optimal policies across the space of all possible user preferences. Specifically, a nonlinear constraint incorporating a user-specified preference and a vectorized action–value function is introduced to ensure both diversity in learned decision behaviors and efficient alignment between the user-specified preference and the corresponding optimal policy. Additionally, a constrained multi-objective actor–critic approach is advanced to approximate the Pareto optimal policies for any user-specified preferences while adhering to the nonlinear constraint. Finally, the proposed personalized decision making scheme for autonomous driving is assessed in a highway on-ramp merging scenario with dynamic traffic flows. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of our method by comparing it with classical and state-of-the-art baselines.

Port Competitiveness at Sapangar Bay Container Port from Shipping Lines Perspectives in BIMP EAGA Region

Feeder ports in archipelago of the sub-region of BIMP EAGA often face challenges in terms of connectivity due to the dispersed nature of the islands. Realizing the untapped economic potential in the area and the robust geopolitical landscape that has taken place in the last decades, there is an exigency of the countries in BIMP EAGA to improve their port to be the preferred choice by shipping lines. A port's competitiveness holds a paramount significance for shipping lines to call a certain port. Thus, this study aims to examine the perspective of Main Line Operators (MLO) on level of importance of the competitiveness of ports in BIMP EAGA, especially Sapangar Bay Container Port. Ten Main line Operators (MLO) of Intra Asia were selected to respond to the questionnaires using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). The result revealed that the MLO ranked the most important attributes from top to bottom were port efficiency and facilities (EP), port pricing and support services (PP), Hinterland Characteristics (HC), Maritime Accessibility (MA) and lastly Institutional Regulatory (IR). The specific priorities and preferences of shipping lines in this sub-region may be influenced by factors such as trade patterns, port infrastructure, market demands and overall competitiveness of the ports in the region. Findings of this study contribute to the general understanding of port competitiveness in the BIMP EAGA from the perspective of the MLO and may guide the policymakers, port authorities and industry stakeholders in addressing the specific needs and prioritizing their strategic planning to improve the port

Characterization of waste fish bones (Heteropneustes fossilis and Otolithoides pama) for photocatalytic degradation of Congo red dye

Heteropneustes fossilis (Shing) and Otolithoides pama (Poa) fish bones were chosen as the waste source of photocatalysts which are found in the confined water and the Sea. The bones of these fish are composed of calcium phosphate hydroxide (CPH) which is composed of phosphate and hydroxyl groups and these groups are effective for the photocatalytic activity. The fish bones are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Optical bandgap, Particle size analyzer, etc. Crystallographic information was evaluated using the XRD data focusing on the crystallinity index, lattice parameters, microstrain, crystallite size, dislocation density, degree of crystallinity, β-TCP percentage, HAp percentage, volume fraction of β-TCP, specific surface area, relative intensity, and preference growth. The crystallite size of the natural bones was estimated from the XRD data engaging a number of model equations. Photocatalytic activity of the Shing and Poa fish bones was evaluated by degrading Congo Red dye varying different reaction parameters such as pH, interaction time, catalyst dose, and dye concentration.

Transforming bicycle market: Assessing cyclists route preferences on different bike types in a choice experiment

Cycling is an environmentally friendly and healthy mode of transport that can be supported by appropriate road infrastructure. Most recently, the bike market is being differentiated and sales of innovative bike types such as cargo bikes and e-bikes are growing rapidly. Even though the importance of these particular vehicles is increasing greatly, little is known about specific route preferences applicable. Hence, we evaluate a graphically assisted online discrete choice experiment. We investigate the route preferences of users of different types of bikes. By applying mixed logit models, we estimate the differences in the valuation of infrastructure characteristics between users of regular bikes, cargo bikes and e-bikes. Results show that users of both, cargo bikes and e-bikes value a high-quality infrastructure even higher than users of regular bikes do. Higher route requirements of users of innovative bike types strengthen the importance of upgrading the infrastructure as these vehicles are becoming increasingly popular.

Enhancing Marketing to Young Chinese Car Buyers by Inspiring Automotive Cultural Experience with Their Behavioral Personalities

Younger consumers have become a dominant force in the Chinese automobile market. However, the aspiration of younger consumers to experience ownership of luxurious cars contradicts with their abilities to purchase them. Hence, a study was initiated to develop an alternative positive car-user experience to boost automotive sales with these customers' desires in mind. This paper presents the results of a systematic literature review synthesis that has been conducted on 92 articles to identify methods for enhancing the car user's experience, focusing on the topic of in-car experience, car user personality, and automotive emotion. This study found a combination of personal cultural customization, simplicity, accessibility, and affordability of technology and sensory modalities could improve the in-car experience and satisfaction of younger Chinese car buyers, hence, leading to a satisfied car-user experience. The results are significant in introducing cultural behavior preferences to enhance marketing based on positive customers' cultural experiences. Future research is recommended to determine the specific preferences and aspirations of younger Chinese car buyers from the perspective of targeted cultural-induced market experience when designing and marketing cars. Keywords: Automotive Marketing; Car-User Experience; Young Customers' Personalities; Automotive Culture; Sustainable Design Informatics

Usage Status, Usage Requirements, and Satisfaction in Using Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) for General Education Courses at Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya

The primary objective of the present study was to comprehensively evaluate the utilization, requisites, and contentment associated with the implementation of the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) system in general education courses at Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya. Furthermore, a comparative analysis was conducted to examine potential variations in usage status, requirements, and satisfaction among different demographic groups, including gender, age, year of study, campus, and faculty. A meticulously designed questionnaire was administered to a sample of 279 students selected by stratified random sampling. The findings unequivocally demonstrate the educational advantages of employing the MOOC system, underscoring its effectiveness in augmenting participants’ learning experiences. The study unequivocally identified accessibility, interaction, independence, collaborative learning, learning resources, and teaching methods as pivotal prerequisites for an optimal MOOC system. Moreover, the overall level of contentment among the participants was consistently high. Significantly, the faculty variable exhibited a substantial influence on satisfaction with the MOOC system. This notable disparity in satisfaction may be ascribed to the distinctive learning characteristics, technological proficiency, and educational backgrounds prevalent across diverse faculties. The outcomes of this study make a valuable contribution to the existing body of literature by highlighting the significance of customizing MOOC systems to align with the specific requirements and preferences of students within distinct faculties. Future research endeavors should concentrate on exploring faculty-specific features and devising targeted strategies to optimize satisfaction levels and learning outcomes within MOOC-based educational environments.

Specific coenzyme preference switching for an aldo-keto reductase that synthesizes the chiral intermediate of duloxetine

The synthesis of chiral intermediates for the traditional antidepressant duloxetine has gained significant attention as the number of depressed patients continues to grow. S-N, N-Dimethyl-3-hydroxy-3-(2-thienyl)-1-propanamide (S-DHTP) is a critical intermediate in the synthesis of duloxetine, and the chemical synthesis process is complex and environmentally unfriendly. Reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) is a major cost driver in the biocatalytic production of S-DHTP from N, N-Dimethyl-3-keto-3-(2-thienyl)-1-propanamide (DKTP). Here, we successfully modified the coenzyme preference of an aldo-keto reductase (AKR7-2-1) to use the cheaper reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) through a coenzyme preference modification approach. We utilized protein engineering to create a superior mutant, Y53F, which increased the coenzyme specificity of AKR7-2-1 by 875-fold and improved its thermal stability, enhancing its potential for industrial applications. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to demonstrate the effect of mutations at key sites on the protein, revealing the altered coenzyme preference and increased thermal stability from structural and energetic changes. This study validates the viability of the coenzyme preference modification strategy for aldo-keto reductase, offering valuable insights for fellow researchers and guiding future investigations.

Biogeography and depth partitioning in deep‐sea gastropods at the Pacific Costa Rica Margin

AbstractAimUnderstanding the global distribution of biodiversity and the factors that influence it are among the central goals of biogeography. How abiotic and biotic factors limit species' ranges has been investigated across a variety of environments and taxonomic groups. However, such investigations across oceanic depths remain underrepresented, particularly for chemosynthetic environments such as hydrocarbon seeps. The depth differentiation (DD) hypothesis suggests that steep environmental gradients in the upper depths of the ocean may limit species' ranges over relatively short vertical distances. The present study aims to investigate the evidence for the DD hypothesis at hydrocarbon seep sites along the Pacific Costa Rica Margin (CRM) by investigating the biogeographic distributions of gastropods sampled there and the factors that influence them.LocationCosta Rica.TaxonMollusca, Gastropoda, Provannidae, Genus: Provanna (Dall, 1918).Methods1813 Provanna snails were collected across 1300 metres (m) of depth from Costa Rican hydrocarbon seeps. To test the DD hypothesis, species partitioning across the depth range was investigated. In addition to gradients in oceanographic conditions, such as temperature, oxygen, and salinity, other factors potentially responsible for filtering species were also considered as alternative hypotheses, including the availability of biogenic substrate, the availability of and reliance on chemosynthetic fluids, and specific preferences for certain environmental conditions.Results and Main ConclusionsThree species of Provanna were identified from the CRM and exhibited partitioning across depth. For the two dominant species (P. laevis and P. goniata), the data suggest that depth‐associated oceanographic conditions are more likely than any other factor investigated to explain their observed partitioning across depth, supporting the DD hypothesis. This study also presents novel evidence that such partitioning may be unilaterally determined, wherein species with narrower depth ranges may limit the local depth ranges of others. This study represents an extension of biogeographic range limit literature into chemosynthetic habitats and across oceanic depths.

Breast cancer survivorship experiences among Black women.

Black women experience significant disparities in breast cancer across the care continuum, including survivorship. Ensuring that Black women obtain high-quality follow-up care is critical but understudied. This study was aimed at understanding the experiences and needs of Black women during breast cancer survivorship. Black patients diagnosed with invasive breast cancer within the past 5years were invited to participate in a focus group and complete a survey. Focus groups examined the following: (1) the transition from active treatment to survivorship; (2) interactions with health care providers; (3) survivorship experiences, information needs, and preferences; and (4) existing educational materials. Results were thematically coded and analyzed for main themes. Surveys collected information on sociodemographics, health care experiences, quality of life, lifestyle, and education needs. The study enrolled 53 participants, 43 of whom completed a survey and participated in one of 11 focus groups. The median age was 54 years, 44% had private insurance, 81% were English speaking, and 86% had completed their treatment more than a year before. Participants identified the importance of relationships with health care providers, gaps in survivorship care, experiences with cancer-related symptoms, challenges with mental health, worry about recurrence, body image, cancer financial toxicity, and coping through religion and spirituality. Unmet needs were centered around preparation for long-term symptoms, diet and physical activity, emotional support, and more explanations of information resources. Participants reported preferences for educational videos, personal stories, and culturally relevant content. Some Black breast cancer survivors may have specific challenges and preferences. Supportive interventions that address these concerns can be responsive and help to ameliorate disparities.

Elementary General Music: Perceptions and Aspirations of Preservice Music Teachers

The purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of preservice music educators’ perceptions of elementary general music (EGM), pedagogical competencies, and specialization preference. Preservice music teachers responded to a survey about perceptions of personal experiences with EGM, preparation and comfort related to EGM, and confidence in the ability to teach content and skills common in EGM curricula. Participants ( n = 203) also answered questions about their preferred specialization and about factors that would influence their choice of job in the future. Most participants remembered having positive personal experiences with general music in elementary school and believe it is important for future musical success. Confidence in content and skills common in teaching EGM increases as they progress through their degree program. Most identify ensemble teaching and middle and high school grades as their future aspirations. Significant predictors of future career choice included undergraduate major and comfort teaching.

A Need Analysis on Media in Teaching English to Young Learners: Exploring Appropriateness and Advantages

This paper presents a need analysis on the use of media in teaching English to young learners especially in doing community service on teaching English to children on early ages in Toraja. The aim of the study was to assess the specific media preferences and advantages associated with incorporating media in language instruction for young learners. Through a systematic investigation, the study aimed to inform educators and curriculum developers about the appropriate media used in the English language classroom and the advantages in implementing the medias. Based on result of data analysis, it can be concluded that picture storybook, animation video, interactive games, song, and things around are very important to be used when teaching English to young learners. Regarding to the advantages, it found out that media can be beneficial to be implemented in teaching English for several reason. They are: enhancing learners' motivation, facilitating different learning style, fun and enjoyable learning experience, fostering learners' understanding, and also fostering effective and interactive learning.
 

National Curriculum and Assessment in England and the continuing narrowed experiences of lower-attainers in primary schools

ABSTRACT A considerable body of global educational literature has examined how schooling policy based on measuring and managing performance has narrowed children’s access both to curriculum breadth and to diversity in pedagogy. This article approaches these curriculum dilemmas within the global concern for children’s wellbeing and social justice. In particular, it focuses on the experiences of children designated by this system as lower-attaining, which is a much under-researched aspect of these concerns. Based on an innovative five-year life-history study of 23 seven to 12 year-old lower-attaining school-children in the English system, this article examines how these children themselves depicted their schooling experiences. We conclude, drawing on term-by-term experiences narrated by these children, that the current curriculum and assessment arrangements narrowed their opportunities for participation in engaged learning, especially in comparison to higher-attaining children; which undermined their wellbeing and brought social justice into question. The children highlighted the negative impact of curriculum emphases on mathematics and English rather than on non-core and outside-school curriculum areas for lower-attaining in particular; and the emphasis on attainment rather than participation in learning. They had few opportunities to have their specific preferences validated, leading in some cases to these lower-attainers being excluded from participation in school-learning.

Assessing the Vulnerability of the Betawi Language: A Multidisciplinary Approach toward Preservation amidst Rapid Urbanization

The Betawi language, which is the indigenous language of the original inhabitants of Jakarta, is currently in a precarious state due to rapid advancements and changes within the city's social and cultural landscape. This creates an urgent need for robust and effective strategies to conserve this linguistic heritage. The concern is rooted in the fear that the extinction of the Betawi language would result in the failure to transmit valuable Betawi traditions, technology, cultural norms, and customs to subsequent generations. Such a loss would signify the decay of a rich and unique civilization. This study is designed to assess the current health and vitality of the Betawi language, drawing upon the disciplines of Social Semiotics, Demography, and Sociology for its methodological framework. Rather than relying exclusively on quantitative data, this research employs a qualitative approach to capture the subtleties, nuances, and specific preferences related to the language's use and significance. The study's findings point out that the Betawi language is in an even more vulnerable state now than it has been in the past, and this decline has severe ramifications for the Betawi community. Despite these challenges, educational interventions show promise to aid in the preservation of the language. Going forward, it is imperative to develop a well-rounded strategy for the preservation of the Betawi language that involves collaboration from a variety of stakeholders across different sectors

Afternoon Clinics at Suhar Hospital: Assessment of Patient’s Satisfaction and Perceptions

Background: Afternoon clinics have gained popularity as an alternative to traditional daytime clinics, providing patients with the convenience of scheduling appointments and overcomig potential barriers such as work obligations or transportation issues. Despite their increasing prevalence, there is limited research on the impact of afternoon clinics on patient satisfaction. Therefore, this study seeks to contribute to the existing literature by exploring patient perception and satisfaction with the afternoon clinics at Suhar Hospital.Methods: This cross-sectional survey aimed to assess patient perception and satisfaction with the afternoon clinics at Suhar Hospital. The study targeted outpatients attending both morning and evening clinics during May-June 2023. A total of 100 patients aged 18 years and above participated in the study. At the clinics, patients were provided with a barcoded online self-reported questionnaire to be filled and submitted during their visits. The advances of afternoon appointments was assessed using a five-score likert scale of 11 items and found to have an excellent internal consistency of 0.957. Descriptive and inferential statistics (at 5% level of significance) were utilized to analyze the data.Results: Of the 100 patients submitted the survey, 58% were females, 73% aged 30 years and above, 53% held a university degree and 56% were employed. Most participants (67%) visited the hospital during the morning shift with 44% were visiting endocrine clinics and 68% came for follow-up visits. Overall, 83% of participants expressed satisfaction with health services received at current visits. The majority of afternoon appointments (67%) were first visit while the majority of moring appointments (85%) were follow-up visits. Patients attended afternoon shift expressed a preference for future afternoon appointments while patients attended morning shift preferred future morning appointments. Most respondents (91%) supported the hospital to continue offering afternoon clinics, 95% requested more specialties and 94% suggested providing afternoon appointments for specialized clinics at polyclinics level. As an overall preference, 47% of participants preferred afternoon slot, 15% preferred morning slot while 38% had no specific preference. Participants generally agreed on the advantages of afternoon shift with an average agreement level of 4.12 (SD=0.72) on a scale of 5 scores. However, participants had concerns about potential conflics with study or work schedules (Mean=3.98, SD=1.03), the flexibility of medical record staff to process their visit (Mean=4.03, SD=0.88) and the availability of transportation (Mean=4.04, SD=0.84).Conclusion: Lunching afternoon clinics at Suhar Hospital was an initiative to meet patient needs and expectations. Patients reported an overall satisfaction of afternoon time in terms of reducing waiting times, offering flexible scheduling options and enhancing logistical arrangements. For further improvement of patient access to specialized care, afternoon clinics can be expanded to include more specialties at the level of hospital as well as integrating the service into primary health care. This would allow for greater accessibility and convenience for patients seeking specialized care in various locations.

Special Educator Course Format Preferences

Online special education courses and programs are widely available and provide pathways for both initial certification and in-service professional learning. Despite the wider availability of online special educator courses and programs due to the COVID pandemic, very limited research about special education candidates and educator preferences for online courses is available. This study included 965 special education teachers and paraprofessionals who completed an online survey of their preferences about various special education course formats and lengths. Results indicated that special educator course format and length preferences varied and that fully online courses are not uniformly the top choice. Findings also suggested that shorter online courses (e.g., 7-weeks) are best suited to knowledge-based topics, while skills-based courses benefit from longer course duration (e.g., 15-weeks). Implications for special education program delivery are discussed.

How Can We Understand Patients’ Values, Preferences, and Expectations in Urology?

Understanding patients' values and preferences is essential for patient-centred care. Qualitative research provides a broader understanding from a patient perspective at different time points across the patient's life. Quantitative methods quantify specific preferences and answer specific questions that have been informed by qualitative work.