Strategic Use Research Articles

Do Vice Chancellors' Career Horizon Matter for University Sustainability Performance? The Moderating Role of Soft Information

ABSTRACTIn the evolving landscape of higher education, leadership plays a pivotal role in directing institutional strategies towards sustainability. This study examines how the career horizons of Vice Chancellors (VCs)—often akin to CEOs in the corporate sector—influences the sustainability performance of UK universities. Using a unique hand‐collected dataset covering the years 2018–2022, our results show that shorter VC career horizons negatively impact universities' sustainability performance, indicating that VCs closer to retirement are more ethically and sustainability‐focused. Moreover, we explore how the disclosure of soft information—characterised as boilerplate and forward‐looking language in sustainability reports—affects this relationship. Our analysis indicates that this soft information significantly moderates the effects of VCs' career horizons on sustainability outcomes. Specifically, we discover that extensive use of forward‐looking and boilerplate language tends to exacerbate the negative impacts of shorter VC tenures on sustainability performance. This research contributes to the academic discourse by documenting how leadership tenure and the strategic use of narrative in public disclosures interact to shape institutional sustainability. The findings advocate for a strategic approach in leadership appointments and reporting practices, enhancing the alignment between leadership characteristics and the long‐term sustainability goals of higher education institutions.

Chronic management and recurrent challenges: a case of multifocal spinal hemangiopericytoma over 7 years. Illustrative case.

Spinal hemangiopericytoma (sHPC) is a rare vascular tumor that presents significant challenges in diagnosis and management due to its potential for recurrence and metastasis. This report documents the 7-year clinical course of a 68-year-old female diagnosed with multifocal sHPC. The patient initially presented with myelopathy due to a spinal mass, which was managed with resection, followed by several years of stability. Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed new growths, necessitating further interventions, including stereotactic radiosurgery. Despite the recurrence and progression of the disease, the strategic use of surgical and radiosurgical interventions demonstrated significant efficacy in managing tumor growth and alleviating symptoms. This case emphasizes the critical importance of continual surveillance and a multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of sHPC. Continuous monitoring through regular MRI is essential for early detection of recurrences. Adaptable treatment strategies, including resection and radiosurgery, are necessary to manage the complex dynamics of tumor behavior. This report also highlights the need for patient-centered care and flexible, individualized treatment plans to ensure optimal patient outcomes in the face of recurrent and multifocal disease manifestations. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE24368.

Effects of Recognition on Motivation of Volunteers in Non-Governmental Organizations in Tanzania: A Case of World Vision in Tanzania

This study investigates the impact of various recognition practices on volunteer motivation in non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Tanzania, with a focus on World Vision Tanzania. The research addresses the challenge of maintaining volunteer engagement and retention in resource-constrained environments. This study used descriptive research design. Simple random sampling method was used to select 81 respondents. Quantitative data was collected by use of questionnaires. Data was analysed using multiple regression method by the aid of Statistical Package of Social Scientists Program (SPSS). The findings reveal that recognition significantly influences volunteer motivation. Recognition from superiors (Beta coefficient= 0.987, Sig. value = .000) and Member recognition being treated as an integral part of the organization (Beta coefficient= 0. 832, Sig. value = .000) emerged as the most potent motivators. Personal forms of recognition, such as verbal acknowledgment, were found to be more impactful than public or formal recognitions. Based on these results, the study recommends a multi-faceted approach to volunteer recognition, emphasizing personal acknowledgment, organizational inclusion, and strategic use of formal recognition methods. The research suggests that NGOs should prioritize training for supervisors on effective recognition practices, create an inclusive organizational culture, and regularly assess and adapt their recognition strategies to maintain long-term volunteer motivation and engagement.

Impact of Smartphone-Induced Mental Fatigue on Resistance Training Performance and Efficiency - The Role of Smartphone Use During Workout

Introduction Resistance training volume is a key determinant of muscle hypertrophy and strength development. However, mental fatigue can significantly impact this volume, ultimately affecting performance. One prominent source of mental fatigue in modern gym environments is smartphone use, which has become pervasive and may reduce workout efficiency and overall training volume. Purpose This review examines the dual effects of smartphone use on resistance training outcomes and offers strategies to balance these impacts effectively. Conclusions Smartphone-induced mental fatigue increases perceived exertion, leading to reduced performance during resistance training by lowering volume-load and endurance, particularly in low- and moderate-intensity exercises. Despite this, maximal strength appears to remain unaffected. Additionally, smartphone use diverts cognitive resources, resulting in mental fatigue and impairing both physical and technical performance due to distractions during workouts. It can also unintentionally prolong rest periods, which disrupts the balance between muscle recovery and mental readiness, further decreasing training efficiency. However, smartphones also offer valuable benefits, such as access to fitness apps, progress tracking, and motivational music, which can help maintain or even enhance performance by improving focus and motivation. To minimize distractions and optimize training outcomes, strategies such as using airplane mode or scheduling specific times for phone use are recommended. While excessive smartphone use can impair training efficiency, careful management and strategic use can enable athletes to capitalize on its benefits and improve resistance training results. Future research should focus on developing best practices for incorporating smartphone use in fitness settings to balance its advantages while minimizing its downsides.

The use and impact of pathology tests in emergency department patients with mental health-related complaints: A cross sectional study.

To evaluate the use and impact of pathology tests in patients who present to the ED with mental health-related complaints. The primary objective is to measure the proportion of patients undergoing pathology tests and assess whether these tests trigger a change in management. In this retrospective study, we reviewed all recorded mental health presentations to our regional ED between January and June 2021. Patient characteristics, pathology tests, subsequent change in management, treatment costs and time to Emergency Physician and Psychiatrist were extracted. Descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis were used to explore associations between variables of interest, ED length of stay (LOS) and change in management. Of 37 900 ED visits, 1462 (3.9%) were mental health-related presentations. Pathology tests were conducted in 47.7% of cases, with 3% leading to a change in management. Pathology tests were associated with increased treatment costs (45% increase for blood tests, 17% for urine), and increased ED LOS (48%). Patients with coexisting medical conditions were three times more likely to have a change in management. Pathology tests should be reserved for patients with high-risk features and based on clinical assessment. Strategic use of pathology tests could avoid unnecessary delays and costs, enhancing patient care in mental health-related ED presentations.

Advancing Organizational Effectiveness Through Strategic Workforce Planning and Technology Integration

Abstract: This comprehensive examination delves into the pivotal roles of strategic workforce planning and technological advancements in bolstering organizational effectiveness. Spanning various critical dimensions such as human resource demand forecasting, strategic recruitment and selection, employee training and development, diversity and inclusivity, and the integration of technology in HR practices, the paper articulates a multi-faceted approach to optimizing workforce capabilities. By leveraging predictive analytics, organizations can forecast future employment needs, while AI-enhanced recruitment processes streamline candidate selection, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. The deployment of advanced training methodologies, coupled with a focus on creating a diverse and inclusive work environment, not only enriches organizational culture but also drives innovation and improves overall performance. The paper further explores the strategic use of HR analytics, AI in recruitment, and digital platforms in employee development and engagement, highlighting their significance in adapting to the evolving work landscape. Through an in-depth analysis, it becomes evident that the integration of strategic HR planning and cutting-edge technologies is not merely an option but a necessity for organizations aiming to thrive in the competitive global market.

Strategic use of English quantifiers in the reporting of quantitative information

ABSTRACT This study investigates how quantifiers are used strategically to serve different argumentative goals. We report two experiments on how English speakers describe the results of school exams when being instructed to frame their descriptions either as a good or bad outcome. Experiment 1 shows that participants have clear preferences for specific quantifier combinations in this task. Experiment 2 shows that, in situations where producing descriptions that meet one’s argumentative goals is difficult (i.e. framing very bad outcomes positively), participants tend to use quantifiers that are informationally weaker than other salient alternatives. Experiment 2 also shows that people have a bias to frame outcomes positively, even when the task asks them to frame them negatively. Put together, these results shed light on the question of how language users strategically explore different linguistic strategies to communicate quantity in pragmatically favorable ways, including how quantifiers are used vis-`a-vis other lexical expressions of quantity.

Narrow Margins and Misinformation: The Impact of Sharing Fake News in Close Contests

This study investigates the impact of candidates disseminating fake news on voter behavior and electoral outcomes in highly competitive, partisan races. While the effects of fake news on electoral outcomes have been studied, research has yet to examine the impact of candidates’ strategic use of fake news in elections where it may have the greatest impact—close races. This research explores whether the use of fake news influences voter support, particularly among independent voters, in tightly contested elections. Through a conjoint survey experiment involving participants from Amazon MTurk, this study analyzes how variables such as race competitiveness, perceived risk of alienating independents, and the presence of partisan labels affect voter responses to candidates who spread misinformation. The findings indicate that while the competitiveness of a race does not significantly enhance support for candidates sharing fake news, the presence of partisan labels does. These results suggest that voter behavior in response to fake news is more closely tied to partisan identity than to strategic electoral considerations. This study highlights the complex dynamics of misinformation in electoral contexts and its implications for democratic processes.

Smartphones: A Catalyst for Tobacco Control Training in India

The tobacco crisis confronting low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) requires scale-up of effective tobacco control programs, such as Tobacco Free Teachers-Tobacco Free Society (TFT-TFS). We previously demonstrated the efficacy of TFT-TFS in increasing tobacco use cessation among teachers and schools’ adoption of tobacco control policies in Bihar, India. To scale TFT-TFS, we are now pioneering a smartphone-based mobile learning strategy to train principals (or their designees) in Madhya Pradesh to implement and monitor TFT-TFS in schools. Research underscores the transformative potential of mobile learning: a flexible, scalable, and cost-effective alternative to in-person training methods. Our study is a unique opportunity to test a training approach that could have implications for wider and more efficient delivery of other public health programs. The strategic use of gamification and digital storytelling enhances the TFT-TFS mobile training app. Gamification mechanics—including points, leaderboards, and digital badging—foster a dynamic learning environment to enhance learning outcomes. This approach propels continuous participant engagement toward understanding and implementation of TFT-TFS’s six monthly themes and four program components. The TFT-TFS smartphone training program weaves in elements of Indian culture, notably the symbolic use of colors and kites. The Indian kite festival celebrates communal harmony through healthy competition. Similarly, the app employs the idea of school kites, which are divided into six blank segments corresponding to the TFT-TFS monthly themes. Participants navigate each module, engaging with animated videos, digital assessments, and interactive activities. Upon a principal’s successful completion of each monthly theme’s program components, the school’s kite receives a new color, unlocking the subsequent theme. The TFT-TFS smartphone training showcases a unique interactive mobile learning application that integrates gamification and tests how to scale up an effective tobacco control program in schools in India and other LMICs. The TFT-TFS smartphone-based training app may also have relevance to other public health-related training efforts in resource-constrained areas.

Human Resource Management Strategies for Engagement and Talent Attraction in Hybrid Work Models

The aim of this paper is to explore HR strategies for enhancing employee engagement and attracting talent within hybrid environments. By reviewing existing literature, the study evaluates the effective communication tools, career development opportunities, and the role of transparent feedback mechanisms in hybrid work settings. The finding of the study emphasizes the necessity of flexible work arrangements, strategic use of digital tools, and fostering a supportive virtual culture to preserve high levels of engagement. Although advancement follows, studies show considerable gaps regarding the specific HR mechanism and their effectiveness in hybrid contexts. Future studies should address these gaps by considering the impact of these strategies across diverse cultural contexts and organizational settings.

Mood Analysis of COVID-19 Messages: A Systemic Functional Linguistics Approach to Understanding Public Health Communication

Purpose: This study examines how Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), particularly through mood analysis, can enhance understanding of public health communication related to COVID-19. The aim is to explore the use of mood types in health messages to convey risk, provide instructions, and manage public vulnerability during the pandemic. Methodology: Utilizing a qualitative and quantitative approach, this study analyzed 100 COVID-19 health messages sourced from government websites, social media, and public health announcements. The messages were categorized according to their mood type imperative (commands) and declarative (statements) to assess their functional roles in conveying public health information. Data were tabulated to illustrate the frequency of each mood type and their implications for public health communication. Findings: The analysis revealed that 70% of the messages were in the imperative mood, highlighting the urgency of issuing clear directives to the public. In contrast, 30% of the messages were in the declarative mood, providing essential information and reassurance. This distribution indicates a strategic use of language in public health messaging to promote compliance while fostering public trust. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of SFL mood analysis in public health communication by illustrating how mood types influence public perception and behavior during a crisis. The findings offer practical insights for health authorities to enhance communication strategies, ensuring that messages are both directive and informative. Additionally, this research informs policymakers about effective messaging practices to improve health outcomes during future public health crises.

Towards Desirable Futures

The 20th anniversary of The Journal of Community Informatics signifies a milestone in the evolution of community informatics (CI) as a field dedicated to empowering communities through the strategic use of information and communication technology (ICT). This article offers some personal reflections on the origins and evolution of CI, tracing its roots to seminal works by scholars such as Michael Gurstein. It also tells the story of how urban informatics was inspired by CI as a distinct field of scholarship to study the interplay between people, place, and technology in urban environments. Building on this foundation, the present challenges and opportunities facing CI are explored, including issues of digital inclusion, ethical implications of emerging technologies, and the transformative potential of ICTs for social change. Looking ahead, the article envisions desirable futures for CI grounded in a life-centred approach that acknowledges the interconnectedness of humans and non-humans within larger ecological systems. Embracing a more-than-human paradigm, CI is uniquely positioned to advocate for ecological justice, amplify the voices of marginalised human and non-human communities, and foster collaboration between humans and the environment to create and protect resilient and sustainable habitat for life on this planet. Through these efforts, CI can contribute to a more just, equitable, and sustainable future for all living beings, averting the planetary ecocide that threatens our shared existence.

A Pathway to “Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN)” through Library-Driven Initiatives

The foundational years of education play a critical role in building basic literacy and numeracy skills, known as Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN). This paper delves into the strategic use of libraries within schools to support FLN, presenting libraries as essential educational resources that extend beyond traditional classroom instruction and explores the role of school libraries as strategic educational tools in supporting FLN through accessible, sustainable, community-engaged initiatives. Drawing on successful district-level projects in India, the research investigates the potential of library-driven initiatives to enhance FLN through curricular integration, community involvement, and sustainable resource allocation. With an emphasis on overcoming implementation challenges, this paper presents a comprehensive model for implementing library-driven initiatives proposed, providing a roadmap for enhancing FLN and promoting a culture of reading and learning among students.

Linguistic Strategies in Political Discourse: Hedges and Boosters in the 2024 US Presidential Debate

This study examines the strategic use of hedges and boosters in the first US presidential debate of June 26, 2024, between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. These linguistic devices are crucial in shaping political discourse by modulating confidence and authority. Hedges introduce ambiguity and caution, while boosters amplify certainty and assertiveness. Using the official debate transcript as the primary data source, this analysis employs a qualitative content analysis to identify and categorize these strategies. It highlights distinct usage patterns: Joe Biden frequently uses hedges to express caution and acknowledge complexities, while Donald Trump relies heavily on boosters to project unwavering confidence and decisiveness. Biden’s strategic use of hedges allows him to navigate contentious issues with a balanced tone, while Trump’s emphasis on boosters strengthens his assertive stance and enhances his perceived authority. This research fills a gap in existing literature by specifically analyzing these linguistic devices within the context of presidential debates. The findings provide insights into how both candidates use hedges and boosters to influence voter perceptions and address rhetorical challenges, contributing to a deeper understanding of political communication strategies and their effects on audience reception.

Environmental and Socio-Economic Impact Assessment of Renewable Energy Using Machine Learning Models

Renewable energy sources, such as solar, hydro, wind, and geothermal energy, have emerged as key alternatives to fossil fuels in combating climate change and addressing energy security concerns in the USA and ad worldwide. Strategic use of this renewable resource is important not only for carbon emission reduction and improvement of environmental sustainability but also for maintaining future energy supplies. At the same time, such transition raises thorough assessments of environmental and socio-economic impacts. Machine learning (ML) models offer a powerful tool for predicting and analyzing such impacts, allowing for more efficient decision-making and long-term planning. These models are supposed to analyze patterns in energy production, land use, and emissions to make a more dynamic and predictive understanding of how renewable energy adoption influences CO2 levels. The principal aim of this research project was to develop and curate machine learning algorithms for predicting CO2 emissions based on renewable energy data, using the knowledge to better understand how solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy systems affect environmental outcomes. The predictive models developed in this research would serve as useful tools for the policymakers and major stakeholders in decision-making on investments in energy infrastructure and characterization of regulatory frameworks. These datasets for this research project were retrieved from several prominent institutions, including governmental agencies, international organizations such as the International Energy Agency-IEA and the World Bank, satellite data repositories, and USA environmental monitoring agencies. For this research project, 3 machine learning algorithms in the experiment were used, namely Logistic Regression, XG-Boost, and Random Forest. Amongst these three, the linear regression model gave the best performance, as it had the least MSE; indicating that its predictive capability was impressive. The comparative analysis of renewable energy projects in Germany, China, and California underlines that effective policy-making plays a very decisive role in the transition toward sustainable energy.

The threat of Russia's force in Ukraine

ABSTRACT In December 2021, Russia's military build-up near Ukraine, accompanied by explicit denials of any plans for an incursion, presents a significant case study on hidden threats of force. The Russian Representative to the United Nations argued that positioning military forces within its sovereign territory was a domestic matter and not a threat-an argument supported by China and uncontested by a few other member states (India, Ghana and Belarus). Such representations were presented despite the strong evidence of an impending invasion, including troop deployments along the Ukrainian border, strategic use of locations (such as Belarus) and medical personnel involvement. This case study raises important legal questions: how can threats of force, which violate the prohibition in Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, be more clearly identified? Furthermore, how can the international community improve its ability to censure such disguised or denied threats, as in Russia's case?

Digital Transformation for Cultural Sustainability: The Bolshoi Theatre Experience

This paper studies the Bolshoi Theatre's digital transformation in cultural sustainability, focusing on innovation management and technology utilization, explores the critical need for cultural institutions to overcome hurdles and capitalize on opportunities provided by modern technologies, investigates the Bolshoi Theatres strategic ways of managing its digital transformation while preserving and improving its cultural history, its historical relevance and its digital projects, to reveal managerial obstacles, opportunities, and deep influences on both internal techniques and audience reviews. Key findings highlight the transformative significance of innovation management in changing market involvement via virtual performances, virtual reality reviews, and augmented reality programs. The study also emphasizes the need for knowing usage, as indicated by creating a centralized digital archive and combining device learning algorithms for customized target market interactions. This research contributes insights into managing cultural institutions in the digital age, with broader implications for strategic use of digital technology in cultural management.

A Review on Balenciaga Market Campaign Analysis

The thesis focuses on the market campaign analysis of Balenciaga. With the brand's rapid ascent in the luxury market, it is essential to understand the reasons behind Balenciaga's success in such a short period. One significant factor contributing to this success is Balenciaga's strategic use of social media and innovative product launches. The brand frequently unveils new products on social media platforms, creating a strong and lasting impression on customers. This strategy not only enhances brand visibility but also attracts a substantial number of consumers, driving sales and market presence. However, Balenciaga has faced several ethical issues in recent years, which have drawn public scrutiny. These controversies highlight the need for the brand to address and resolve these ethical concerns to maintain its reputation and consumer trust. Despite these challenges, Balenciaga's potential to continue leading the luxury market remains strong. By appropriately handling ethical issues and maintaining its innovative marketing strategies, Balenciaga can sustain its growth and reinforce its position as a dominant player in the luxury fashion industry.

Maximizing the Structural Stability of the Na-Rich Prussian Blue Analogue Electrode through Charge Cutoff Voltage Regulation.

Prussian blue and its analogues (PB/PBAs) are promising sodium-ion battery cathode materials due to their easy synthesis and excellent discharge capacity. However, their low structural stability poses a challenge. One critical factor affecting stability is the charge cutoff voltage. Increasing this voltage can enhance lithium-ion battery capacity but may reduce cycle retention due to intensified electrode-electrolyte interface reactions. This study investigates whether this phenomenon also applies to sodium-ion batteries and proposes an optimal voltage to improve both the capacity and stability. By cycling between 3.8 and 4.2 V, the charge/discharge profiles and redox reaction intensity were analyzed. The correlation between structural stability and charge cutoff voltage was re-evaluated based on these findings. An optimal charge cutoff voltage of 4.1 V was identified, creating an additional plateau during initial charging and altering Na+ ion positioning to enhance capacity. Enhanced mobility of ions and electrons was observed through a stable solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation. Ex situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed reversible phase transitions and excellent structural stability. This study underscores the strategic use of charge cutoff voltage to enhance both discharge capacity and structural stability, offering insights for advancing PB/PBA cathode materials with improved stability and capacity.

A critical cognitive analysis of Japan’s nuclear contaminated water discharge discourse

This research investigates the use of compound image schemas in the discourse surrounding Japan’s nuclear wastewater discharge. By analyzing editorials from Asahi Shimbun, this study reveals how discourse producers, from government bodies to media outlets, employ image schemas to navigate, shape, and legitimize their stances on this contentious issue. The investigation identifies the prevalent use of PATH and CONTAINER schemas, facilitating the construction of complex narrative spaces that define “in-group” and “out-group” dynamics, thereby guiding public perception and discourse participation towards an implicit endorsement of specific policy directions. The findings highlight the dynamic interplay between micro-level discourse strategies and macro-level cognitive frameworks, projecting tailored narratives into the public sphere. This projection, rooted in sophisticated cognitive mechanisms, illustrates the strategic use of discourse to influence public opinion and legitimize environmental policy decisions, reflecting broader social implications and the power of discourse in shaping environmental risk perceptions.