Findings Of Survey Research Articles

Visitors’ Mindfulness at Dartmoor National Park

Summary The concept of mindfulness, derived from psychology, refers to the cognitive state of an individual who actively processes information, is attentive to the surrounding environment, and is open to new information. Mindfulness has attracted a great deal of interest in a variety of fields, but it has only been incorporated into tourism research in a relatively limited way. This case explores how the concept of mindfulness can connect visitors to the environment in protected areas, with a focus on the Dartmoor National Park in the UK. It reports some of the findings of an extensive visitor survey, including the effect of learning and emotional place attachment on mindfulness as well as the effect of mindfulness on interest in learning and conservation. The results suggest the importance of visitors’ mindfulness in the context of UK National Parks. The practical implications of this for visitor management are discussed. Information © The Author 2024

Fostering Social Sustainability: Inclusive Communities through Prefabricated Housing

Over the last decade, many major cities have experienced a housing crisis to keep pace with patterns of urban population growth. Housing continues to face many challenges such as land use, regulatory issues, and environmental issues. In recent years, new housing research has also revealed that prefabricated housing could indirectly be a solution to environmental issues, as the housing sector has observed an increase in demand for eco-friendly housing solutions. However, while prefabricated housing can be a solution to issues of environmental concerns, it still needs more research to explore its influence on social sustainability. Therefore, this opinion paper investigates how socially sustainable communities could be feasible and practicable through prefabricated housing. In this opinion paper, the social sustainability principles in relation to prefabricated housing was analysed to show situations that can be complex with the benefits and challenges as well. The main objective of this study was to find the potential of prefabricated housing to promote social sustainability, with proper analysis of this housing influence on the key elements of community, diversity as well as adaptability. A survey based on the aspect of social sustainability of prefabricated housing was conducted to collect various perspectives that may influence the future trend in the housing sector, hence making necessary steps towards socially sustainable prefabricated housing solutions. The survey findings highlight the social element of prefabricated households, which refers to how accessible as well as adaptable the prefabricated homes are in terms of targets, build and social group, encouraging dwellers’ interaction and participation, which facilitates the implementation of a sense of belonging and social cohesion among societies.

Koala density, habitat, conservation, and response to logging in eucalyptus forest; a review and critical evaluation of call monitoring

ABSTRACT This study is the second in a series that examines the habitat requirements and response to logging of koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) inhabiting tall eucalypt forests of north-east NSW. It presents the findings of koala population and habitat monitoring surveys in Pine Creek State Forest and Bongil Bongil National Park using a combination of call-counting and direct observation (spotlighting). The 6400 ha study area was mapped into 6 zones of increasing koala habitat quality by ground survey of forest structure and floristics on a 200 m grid. The accuracy of habitat definition and mapping was tested by stratified transect counts of koala calls and sightings over two consecutive years (1997–98). Average koala density increased steeply and significantly, from 0.02 – 0.20 koalas/hectare, with increasing mapped habitat quality based on increasing forest age, structural complexity, local food tree species diversity, history of prior koala occurrence and decreased past logging intensity. This relationship was driven primarily by breeding females, with the number of male koala calls weakly or uncorrelated with koala sightings and mapped habitat quality. Male koalas were more widely and uniformly distributed than females, including areas of low quality, plantation, and intensively logged forest. This finding explains the discrepancy between our results and those of other recent studies which concluded that koalas are tolerant of intensive logging based on modelling of calling male koalas and reliance on an untested assumption that male calling is indicative of female breeding success. Koala density in a subset of the highest quality habitat was relatively stable at 0.28 koalas/ha (3 hectares/koala) over the long term (1997–98 and 2012–2023). Key characteristics of the forest koala population, including low stable density, large home ranges, preference for high food tree diversity and locally unique food trees (including Allocasuarina torulosa and Syncarpia glomulifera), are not adequately explained by existing koala habitat models. We present a new paradigm to explain regional variation in koala distribution, habitat and foraging preferences based on variations in foliage chemistry (toxicity and nutritional value) determined by the duration and stability of local plant-koala interactions in response to past fire, hunting, predation and logging disturbance history. We hypothesize that koala density in stable forest populations is regulated at low levels by a combination of selected and induced increases in leaf toxicity and decreases in leaf nutrition that limit koala browsing to benign levels of about 1-2% of annual leaf production. Large home ranges, complex mature forest structure, high food tree diversity and a specialized or diverse gut microbiome may be essential to allow females to rotate and change food trees frequently to minimize induced toxicity and select individual leaves with sufficient nutrients to support breeding and lactation with minimal risk of predation. High density koala populations (> 0.6/ha) occur primarily in areas where koalas have been introduced or re-introduced to planted habitats and natural areas where aboriginal hunters and dingoes were historically present but are now absent, and where food trees have not been selected for resistance to koala browsing pressure.

Shifting to the online environment: exploring virtual and in-person collaborations between community college libraries and writing centers

Community college libraries and writing centers are natural partners due to their shared goals regarding academic support and student success, as well as their joint focus on the interrelated processes of writing and research. Research has shown that libraries at four-year institutions and writing centers collaborate in many ways, but little research has been conducted on collaborations at community colleges and whether these collaborations have moved to a virtual setting. Given the rise in online education at community colleges and students' need for developmental education in writing, this study used a qualitative survey approach to gain a better understanding of virtual and in-person collaborative efforts between writing centers and community college libraries. The survey was distributed via listservs and direct emails, with participation limited to those working at two-year institutions with writing centers. Survey findings demonstrated that library and writing center staff are implementing a variety of virtual and in-person collaborative efforts, such as student trainings, individual student appointments, the joint creation of online resources, and campus outreach. Practical implications for academic libraries and future directions for research are also discussed.

"Training is Everything": How to Prepare Students for Policy Clinic Projects

As more students carry out policy work as part of their law degrees, the different skills needed for policy work have become clearer. Policy work differs from traditional legal studies in a number of key ways, and so requires different, or more developed, skills to effectively participate and engage in projects. This article reviews the literature on the skills required for policy work. It summarises the evaluation of the online training provided to Open University policy clinic students in 2022-23, analysing the attendance and engagement data and the findings of a student survey to draw conclusions about the value and effectiveness of the training. In order for law students to carry out policy work, there is a need for training in policy research and analysis skills and the research suggested students found this of value. Whilst the literature suggested the need for further communication skills training, it was not possible to reach an evidenced conclusion about this from the research. Students expressed a strong preference for online synchronous training sessions provided at the start of a project. The recording of those sessions allowed students to re-visit the training throughout the project as and when needed, which was of value to them.

COMBATTING SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN KOSOVO: GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES AND LOCAL SOLUTIONS

Background: Addressing sexual violence is a pressing social issue that requires comprehensive action and attention. In Kosovo, sexual assault remains a significant concern, necessitating a multidimensional approach to combat this pervasive problem. This paper delves into various facets of sexual assault in Kosovo, exploring its historical context, cultural factors, legal framework, and societal attitudes. Methods: The paper synthesises information from diverse sources, including empirical data from a survey conducted in Gjilan city in 2022, which engaged 675 participants. Statistical analysis techniques were employed to analyse the survey findings and draw meaningful conclusions regarding public perceptions, attitudes, and responses to sexual violence. Results and Conclusions: The findings underscore the urgency of addressing sexual violence in Kosovo through legal reforms, public awareness campaigns, support services for survivors, educational initiatives, and collaborative efforts among stakeholders. Recommendations are provided to strengthen the legal framework, enhance support services, promote awareness, and foster cooperation among governmental, non-governmental, and community organisations. Implementing these recommendations can contribute to creating a society free from sexual violence and prioritising the safety, well-being, and empowerment of survivors. By addressing sexual violence comprehensively, Kosovo can promote social cohesion, gender equality, justice, and economic development while also enhancing its international reputation and cooperation amidst European integration processes and post-war recovery efforts.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Small Ruminant Farms in Southern Spain.

The primary population of small ruminants in Spain is concentrated in the southern region, a critical area for the country's livestock production. Indirect economic losses can occur when this livestock is affected by gastrointestinal parasites. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of these parasites in small ruminant herds (159 sheep and 39 goats) through coprological analyses and conducted a survey on farmers' management practices related to gastrointestinal parasite control. The survey results revealed some important aspects: monitoring through coprological analyses is not a common practice; veterinarians are not typically involved in deworming plans; anthelmintic treatment in adults is often applied twice a year in sheep and once a year in goats; and finally, drug rotation was higher in sheep farms. Coprological analyses showed Eimeria spp. as the most common parasitic infection, followed by Strongyles infection. Other parasites like Moniezia spp., Trichuris spp., and D. dendriticum were less important, although their prevalence was higher in sheep than goats. This constitutes the first report on the epidemiological status of gastrointestinal parasites in small ruminants in southern Spain. Based on the survey findings, the introduction of certain management measures on farms could potentially mitigate parasite infections.

How Competition Shapes Peer Effects: Evidence from a University in China

Abstract Competition is widely used to enhance effort and performance. However, in many domains, like education, competition could backfire, as performance is not solely reliant on individual efforts but also on collaboration endeavors among peers. Utilizing university administrative data, we examine how competition changes peer effects and peer interactions. Exploiting randomly assigned roommates, we first demonstrate that high-ability roommates have detrimental effects on the academic performance of high-ability students. More importantly, such negative peer effects significantly increase along various dimensions of competition intensity within dorm rooms. Follow-up survey findings reveal that competition hinders mutual assistance and fosters unfriendly behaviors among roommates.

A Questionnaire Survey on AI+Education Counting

In recent years, with the rapid development of the Internet technology, the integration of technologies and education has greatly promoted the reform and development of university education. Based on analyzing the influence and impact of AI on university education, the paper puts forward the undeniable problems that need to be solved. The survey finds that although AI has obvious advantages in reforming teaching content, enriching teaching methods, and optimizing learners' learning experience, and it still needs to be constantly improved in the process of educational application.

Findings of a Community Health Needs Assessment Survey in Al Najaf Governorate Iraq: A Snapshot of Al Marashda's Health Status.

Community health assessment (CHA) is a well-known method for identifying and analyzing community health needs. This CHA survey aimed to identify and analyze community health needs and assets to prioritize these needs and to plan and act upon significant unmet community health needs. The CHA was planned based on the suggested standard of the North Carolina Guide including eight phases from July to December 2023. The CHA survey was performed among Al-Marashda region residents in the Al-Manathera district. The sample size of our study was 184 interviews of 12536 population. The primary data, which included demographic information, quality of life statements, and community improvement, were collected from the community using a questionnaire through opinion surveys and focus groups, while the secondary data which included the social, health, and economic status of Al-Marashda region residents were obtained from district and governorate sources. Analysis of whole data sources allowed 10 areas of community concern to be identified. Findings from the CHA survey showed that diabetes and high blood pressure, poverty and unemployment, and air pollution were the most common public health problems as priorities. The high-priority problems of Al-Marashda are in common with the noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) priority in Al Najaf. However, poverty and air pollution are specific to the Al-Marashda region. Public health authorities and the city governorate are advised to consider, support, and develop community diagnosis documents to implement appropriate interventions.

Green radiography: Exploring perceptions, practices, and barriers to sustainability

IntroductionPrevious research has delved into the attitudes and behaviors of diverse professions regarding environmental sustainability. However, there needs to be more research specifically targeting radiographers. This study aims to survey radiographers' perceptions, practices, and barriers to change concerning environmental sustainability in radiology. MethodsInstitutional ethical approval was obtained (IRB–COHS–FAC-110-2024) and data collection was conducted using Google Forms (Google Inc., Mountain View, CA). The survey targeted 104 practicing radiographers across several countries. Questions were structured around five domains to gather insights into demographics, training in global warming and climate change, perceptions of sustainability and climate change, sustainability barriers, and current radiology practices on sustainability. Data analysis utilized descriptive and d inferential statistics. ResultsOne hundred and four radiographers completed the study. Females had a significantly higher attendance rate in environmental protection campaigns (P = 0.01). The majority of respondents (68%) believe in climate change's knowledge and impact on the natural world. Our survey findings demonstrate that 74% of respondents believe there's a need to improve sustainability practices. The most commonly used strategies to decrease energy consumption and emissions were low-energy lighting (60%), real-time power monitoring tools (41%), and energy-efficient heating systems (32%). A significant concern regarding sustainability emerges among respondents: time (50%) and lack of leadership (48%) are prevalent concerns among the identified barriers. ConclusionParticipants are recognising the importance of environmental sustainability in radiology, but lack of leadership, support, authority, and facility limitations hinder their adoption. Impact on practiceRadiology must prioritize environmental sustainability by providing resources and training for radiographers and collaborating with healthcare professionals, policymakers, and environmental experts to develop comprehensive strategies for a sustainable healthcare system.

Real-world Implications of Botulinum Neurotoxin A Immunoresistance for Consumers and Aesthetic Practitioners: Insights from ASCEND Multidisciplinary Panel.

As long-term, regular aesthetic botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT-A) use becomes more commonplace, it is vital to understand real-world risk factors and impact of BoNT-A immunoresistance. The first Aesthetic Council on Ethical Use of Neurotoxin Delivery panel discussed issues relating to BoNT-A immunoresistance from the health care professionals' (HCPs') perspective. Understanding the implications of BoNT-A immunoresistance from the aesthetic patient's viewpoint allows HCPs to better support patients throughout their aesthetic treatment journey. A real-world consumer study surveyed 363 experienced aesthetic BoNT-A recipients across six Asia-Pacific territories. The survey mapped participants' BoNT-A aesthetic treatment journey and characterized awareness and attitudes relating to BoNT-A immunoresistance and treatment implications. At the second Aesthetic Council on Ethical use of Neurotoxin Delivery meeting, panelists discussed survey findings and developed consensus statements relating to the impact of BoNT-A immunoresistance on the aesthetic treatment journey. Aesthetic BoNT-A patients' depth of knowledge about BoNT-A immunoresistance remains low, and risk/benefit communications need to be more lay-friendly. The initial consultation is the most important touchpoint for HCPs to raise awareness of BoNT-A immunoresistance as a potential side effect considering increased risk with repeated high-dose treatments. HCPs should be cognizant of differences across BoNT-A formulations due to the presence of certain excipients and pharmacologically unnecessary components that can increase immunogenicity. Standardized screening for clinical signs of secondary nonresponse and a framework for diagnosing and managing immunoresistance-related secondary nonresponse were proposed. These insights can help patients and HCPs make informed treatment decisions to achieve desired aesthetic outcomes while preserving future treatment options with BoNT-A.

Genetic testing in cancer care: An assessment of current practice in Africa.

e13784 Background: Genetic testing provides forprecision oncologic intervention, improving outcomes and minimizing traditional cytotoxicity. It has caused a dramatic change in the oncology landscape but remains underutilized in Africa. Data on genetic alterations associated with cancer in people of African descent continue to be inadequate due to multi-layered factors such as availability and cost of testing, provider awareness and knowledge, and availability and cost of targeted therapy. With cancer projected to be the leading cause of mortality in Africa within the next two decades, identifying the current patterns of testing and reasons for low uptake is crucial for developing strategies to improve cancer care and outcomes in Africa. This study aimed to map the current utilization pattern of cancer genetic testing among oncologists in Africa. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was administered to oncologists practicing in Africa. Responses were collected between September 2023 and January 2024 following IRB approval from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital Health Research and Ethics Committee. Surveys were administered in English and French. Results: 245 oncologists across 28 African countries participated in this study. The mean age of respondents was 41.6 (SD: 8.3), with 64.5% being male and Nigerians comprising the largest proportion (33.0%). The majority of respondents practice in public/government-owned facilities (44.1%), and 64.5% held consultant/attending positions. Survey findings showed that 69.8% of oncologists lacked confidence in understanding/interpreting genetic test results, 93.5% expressed the need for assistance in interpreting results, and 64.1% were unable to discuss findings confidently with patients. The most ordered test was BRCA1/2 (47.3%), while ABC and RB1 genes were the least commonly ordered (0.008% and 0.02%, respectively). The primary reason for ordering genetic tests (63.3%) was the potential to guide treatment planning. However, 54.7% reported not referring any patients for genetic testing in the past year. Barriers to testing included the high cost of tests (78%) and targeted therapies (60.4%). Furthermore, 67.8% of respondents lacked previous formal training in cancer genetics with nearly all respondents (97.6%) expressing interest in formal training and a preference for online courses (71.8%). Conclusions: This survey highlights the critical need to develop the capacity for understanding cancer genetic testing and targeted treatment options among oncologists in Africa. To optimize uptake, strategies must be developed to reduce testing costs through resource pooling and to reduce the high cost of targeted treatment. Oncologists should be encouraged to prioritize testing that guides actionable targets to promote the uptake of targeted treatment options in Africa.

Student’s Perceptions of Youglish as Instructional Technology and Media for Learning English Pronunciation

Fluency in pronunciation is a crucial aspect of effective verbal communication. Inaccurate pronunciation can result in a misinterpretation of the word's intended meaning. Consequently, it is imperative to have media resources that assist pupils in comprehending pronunciation better. There are numerous media platforms available, one of them being YouGlish. The research aims to investigate students' perception on the the use of Youglish as instructional technology and media for learning English pronunciation. YouGlish is a website that utilizes YouTube videos to enhance English pronunciation. The researchers employed the descriptive qualitative method in this study. This study was carried out for second semester English students. The instruments utilized in this investigation consisted of a questionnaire and an interview. The data indicates that students hold favorable views regarding the utilization of YouGlish. The research findings demonstrated the students' viewpoint regarding the use of YouGlish for enhancing English Pronunciation learning. The survey findings also indicated predominantly favorable and unfavorable feedback. The utilization of both of these instruments is the method to ascertain the students' perspectives on the integration of YouGlish in pronunciation acquisition. Ultimately, YouGlish has the ability to pique students' interest in studying Pronunciation and foster a desire to learn. In conclusion that YouGlish has the ability to generate students' interest in studying by virtue of its online platform, which may actively engage them with a fervent enthusiasm for learning the subject matter.

Brand Churn A Significant Percentage of Customers Leaving for Competitors

Abstract: Brand churn, characterized by a significant percentage of customers leaving for competitors, poses a substantial challenge for businesses across industries. To understand the underlying factors contributing to brand churn and devise effective retention strategies, a survey questionnaire method was employed. The questionnaire was designed to gather insights into customers' reasons for switching brands, their perceptions of competitor offerings, and their preferences for brand loyalty incentives. A diverse sample of respondents representing various demographic segments and purchasing behaviours was targeted to ensure comprehensive data collection. The survey findings revealed key drivers of brand churn, including dissatisfaction with product quality, pricing competitiveness, and customer service experiences. Additionally, insights into customers' perceptions of competitor brands and the effectiveness of loyalty programs in retaining customers were garnered. The results of this survey provide valuable insights for businesses seeking to mitigate brand churn by addressing customer needs and preferences effectively. By implementing targeted retention strategies informed by these findings, businesses can enhance customer loyalty, reduce churn rates, and maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace.

ICT integration in education: aligning experiences of ESP lecturers in economic universities

In today’s digital era, the integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) into education is increasingly essential. This is vital for preparing students to meet the challenges of the modern workforce. This study investigates the experiences of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) lecturers in integrating ICT into the Economics curriculum. Its aim is to identify challenges, strategies, and opportunities for enhancing ICT integration in this context. The study employs a mixed-methods approach. It combines survey data analysis with focus group discussions to explore lecturers’ perspectives on ICT integration. The survey findings reveal a high level of confidence among lecturers in subject matter expertise and pedagogical knowledge. However, there’s a notable gap in technological proficiency. Results from the Kruskal-Wallis test indicated no statistically significant differences in teachers’ ICT competence based on their academic degrees. However, significant differences were observed in the average scores for various components of ICT competence across different levels of work experience among the survey participants. Focus group discussions highlight challenges such as limited access to ICT resources and inadequate institutional support. Additionally, they shed light on successful strategies for enhancing student engagement. These strategies include collaborative partnerships and innovative teaching methods. The study underscores the pivotal role of integrating ICT into the Economics curriculum. It emphasizes the necessity for tailored professional development programs and institutional backing to tackle identified challenges and leverage opportunities for augmenting student learning outcomes. The findings emphasize the significance of ongoing training workshops, access to up-to-date ICT tools and software, and collaborative engagements with seasoned colleagues. These aspects are crucial for facilitating the effective integration of ICT into the curriculum.

Use of Digital Technology to Calculate Water Footprints for Different Daily Use Items

Water security is a global concern for utilities due to urbanization and climate change. Although water utilities are directly affected by climate change, greenhouse gas emissions are also a result of their activities. Urban water cycles are becoming more sustainable as a result of the efficient operations of utilities made possible by digital technologies. Nonetheless, there is still a dearth of research on the global advancement of digital water transformation. Here, we report on the findings of an online survey that 64 utilities from 28 countries participated in to learn more about the digital transformation's effects on the water utility industry, its drivers, and the main technologies that make it possible. We discovered that the water distribution system serves as the gateway for additional digital technology adoption throughout the entire urban water cycle. In addition, the main forces behind the adoption of technology are economic gains, governmental regulations, and hydroclimatic conditions. We identify areas for future research aimed at improving our understanding of the role that company culture, consumer involvement, and regulations play in effective digital transformation, based on the survey results.

Contact with the Dead in Iceland Past and Present: The Findings of a New Survey of Folk Belief and Experiences of the Supernatural in Iceland

This article focuses on the figures concerning experiences of and beliefs in possible contacts with the dead amongst Icelandic people that have come to light from three national surveys that were undertaken in 1974, 2006–2007, and 2023, focusing in particular on the most recent figures. It starts by reviewing the earliest evidence of such beliefs in Iceland (expressed in both Old Icelandic literature and Icelandic folk legends), which evidently laid down the foundations for modern-day beliefs. After listing the main findings of the surveys and noting the changes in belief that appear to have taken place over the last 50 years, the article offers some brief conclusions relating to what seems to have caused not only some obvious gender and age differences in belief and experience, but also differences in figures between urban and rural areas.

THE IMPLEMENTATION OF HOUSEHOLD-BASED SURVEYS: BASIS FOR AN ENHANCED INTERVENTION SCHEME

This study evaluates the implementation of a household-based survey conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and its manifestation to respondents, serving as a basis for an enhanced survey program. Three hundred (300) households were surveyed via random sampling from the six (6) selected barangays in the Municipality of Santa Cruz, Laguna Province. Demographic characteristics of respondents provided insights into survey findings and implications. Results indicate a high level of implementation, as demonstrated by mean scores in critical indicators such as interviewer/enumerator duties, survey characteristics, and perception of the survey. Challenges persist in communication and information dissemination, yet overall implementation still needs to be higher. The study reveals significant relationships between socio-demographic profile variables and implementation variables, with the location of respondents influencing survey experiences. Age, sex, education, income, and occupation significantly correlate with survey aspects. Strong statistical correlations are observed between implementation and manifestation variables, emphasizing their influence on survey outcomes. The findings reject the hypothesis of no significant relationship between the household survey and its manifestation, providing valuable insights into survey dynamics. KEYWORDS: Household-based survey, Survey program, Implementation, Communication and information dissemination, Survey Experiences, Manifestation, Survey Outcome, Survey dynamics

What Drives or Inhibits Individuals’ Intention to Seek Information About Medical Innovations? Findings From an Online Survey Among German Residents

Innovation research fighting for public attention and counteracting science-skeptical views raise the need for insights into why individuals are motivated to engage with scientific knowledge. Guided by the Planned Risk Information Seeking Model (PRISM), additionally considering mistrust in science and innovativeness, the study aimed to explain individuals’ intention to seek information about medical innovations. Findings of an online survey among German residents ( N = 5,322) supported the utility of the extended PRISM to predict seeking intent. Most of the postulates of the PRISM were supported; mistrust served as a barrier to engagement with scientific knowledge, whereas innovativeness was of minor relevance.