Opinion Survey Research Articles

Development of strategic participatory moral education management model in private vocational colleges

Addressing society’s current ethical dilemmas necessitates urgent reinforcement of moral standards. Transforming student behavior necessitates integrating legal and social measures through proactive youth cultivation within educational institutions. This study focuses on a participatory, strategic approach to managing ethics in private vocational colleges in Thailand. The researchers gathered data through structured, in-depth interviews and opinion surveys from a sample group of 400 individuals, which included directors and department heads of these colleges. The research identified two main dimensions and eleven factors essential for moral education management in private vocational colleges. The first dimension encompasses six critical factors: resource management, structural policies, educational services, personnel, financial management, and materials and equipment management. The second dimension includes five key factors: school strategies, administrative policies, teacher roles, student engagement, and community stakeholder involvement. Statistical analysis supports the causal relationship model, revealing a Chi-Square value of 33.492 and a P-value of 0.055. This comprehensive approach aims to foster sustainable moral development and cultivate desirable societal behaviors among students. It contributes to national stability and aligns with educational and vocational development plans, effectively addressing broader socio-economic challenges. The findings underscore the importance of strategic, ethical management in private vocational education institutions as a cornerstone for nurturing a morally responsible student body and supporting national development goals.

Beyond unionism and nationalism: do the ‘neithers’ want a border poll and a United Ireland?

ABSTRACT This article draws upon new data from a recent Economic and Social Research Council funded project, Beyond Unionism and Nationalism, 1 to examine whether electors in Northern Ireland identifying as neither nationalist/republican nor unionist/loyalist, the ‘neithers’, desire a referendum on Northern Ireland’s constitutional status (often labelled a border poll) on whether it should remain part of the UK or form part of a United Ireland and which of those two options they prefer. With surveys of public opinion and election results suggesting there are now three minorities in the region, unionists, nationalists and ‘neithers’, the views of the lattermost category may be vital in determining the arrival and outcome of a referendum. Utilising the largest n (2,045) set of face-to-face interviews with ‘neithers’ yet undertaken, the article suggests that their low levels of electoral activity extend to a current lack of enthusiasm for both an exercise in self-determination and a United Ireland. The piece also indicates, however, that national identification and religious affiliation are significant attitudinal indicators even among a group of electors located beyond the traditional bloc divide.

Islam and ethnic tolerance: assessing Kyrgyz’ Muslim religiosity and acceptance of Uzbeks in Kyrgyzstan

ABSTRACT Using a national opinion survey conducted in 2009 in Kyrgyzstan, we focused on responses from ethnic Kyrgyz respondents in the south where major riots between Kyrgyz and Uzbeks occurred in 1990 and 2010. We performed latent class analyses on these responses to assign Kyrgyz into Muslim religiosity categories and construct a social distance scale to measure Kyrgyz’ levels of acceptance of Uzbeks living in Kyrgyzstan. We discovered that, in spite of ongoing unresolved interethnic grievances in the south, Kyrgyz who were members of the highly active Muslim religiosity category exhibited a significantly higher probability for accepting the closest relations (kin through marriage) with Uzbeks than Kyrgyz who were members of the non-religious category. Because other researchers indicated that religion did not play any role in causing the riots in 2010, we believe that Muslim religiosity could potentially play a role in developing beneficial relations between these ethnic groups.

Comprehensive management and classification of first branchial cleft anomalies: An International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG) consensus statement

ObjectiveFirst branchial cleft anomalies are rare congenital head and neck lesions. Literature pertaining to classification, work up and surgical treatment of these lesions is limited and, in some instances, contradictory. The goal of this work is to provide refinement of the classification system of these lesions and to provide guidance for clinicians to aid in the comprehensive management of children with first branchial cleft anomalies. Materials and methodsDelphi method survey of expert opinion under the direction of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG) was conducted to generate recommendations for the definition and management of first branchial cleft anomalies. The recommendations are the result of expert consensus and critical review of the literature. ResultsConsensus recommendations include evaluation and diagnostic considerations for children with first branchial cleft anomalies as well as recommendations for surgical management. The current Work classification system was reviewed, and modifications were made to it to provide a more cogent categorization of these lesions. ConclusionThe mission of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG) is to develop expertise-based recommendations based on review of the literature for the management of pediatric otolaryngologic disorders. These consensus recommendations are aimed at improving care of children presenting with first branchial cleft anomalies. Here we present a revised classification system based on parotid gland involvement, with a focus on avoiding stratification based on germ layer, in addition to guidelines for management.

Political violence, racial violence, and new gun ownership: results from the 2023 National Survey of Gun Policy

BackgroundU.S. firearm sales surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many purchases by first-time firearm owners. The 2023 National Survey of Gun Policy sought to understand the public health implications of this surge by comparing the purchasing motivations and firearm policy views of pandemic-era first-time purchasers to prior gun owners.MethodsWe fielded a nationally representative public opinion survey of U.S. adults (n = 3096) from 1/4/23 to 2/6/23. We oversampled for gun owners and Black, Hispanic, and Asian Americans. Survey weights were applied to generate representative estimates. New gun owners were identified through affirmative responses to: “Have you bought any guns since January 1, 2020?” and “Did you buy your first gun after January 1, 2020?” Recent purchasers were additionally asked whether concerns of 1) political or 2) racial violence motivated their purchase. Purchase motivations and gun policy support were examined among new and prior gun owners (n = 1002) and compared using logistic regression and predictive probabilities.ResultsOverall, 11% of respondents reported purchasing a gun since 1/1/20, 35% for the first time. Among recent purchasers, larger proportions of Democrat, Black, Asian, and Hispanic respondents were new gun owners than Republican or white respondents. Compared to prior owners, odds were 4.5-times higher that new gun owners’ recent purchase was motivated by racial violence and 3.2-times higher for political violence.Majority support was found for protective gun policies, with few differences by purchase recency or motivations. The only policy for which support by new and prior gun owners differed significantly was the permit-to-purchase policy (76% v. 63%, respectively). Similarly, few significant differences in support were observed when stratifying by purchase motivation. Notably, both those who reported recent purchase motivations of racial violence and of political violence expressed significantly higher support for a “stand-your-ground” policy compared to those who did not report such motivations.ConclusionsRacial and political violence appear to be larger concerns among new gun owners, motivating purchasing among demographic groups with traditionally lower gun ownership rates. These findings suggest a need for safety assurances amid racial and political tensions and growing gun ownership. Gun owners’ support for such policies remains strong.

Universal screening of colorectal tumors for lynch syndrome: a survey of patient experiences and opinions

BackgroundLynch syndrome represents the most common hereditary cause of both colorectal and endometrial cancer. It is caused by defects in mismatch repair genes, as well as EPCAM. Universal screening of colon tumors for Lynch syndrome via microsatellite instability (MSI) and/or immunohistochemistry (IHC) can identify patients and families at risk to develop further cancers and potentially impact surveillance and treatment options. The approach to implementation of universal screening, taking ethical considerations into account, is critical to its effectiveness, with patient perspectives providing valuable insight.MethodsPatients whose colon tumors underwent universal screening at Penn State Hershey Medical Center over a period of 2.5 years were mailed a survey on universal screening in 2017. Along with the survey, they received a recruitment letter and a summary explanation of research. The survey included both multiple choice and free-response questions that covered topics including respondent knowledge of Lynch syndrome, attitudes toward universal screening and experiences with the screening protocol as implemented.ResultsSixty-six of 297 possible patients (22.2%) responded to the survey, including 13 whose screening results raised concern for Lynch syndrome. 75.8% of respondents supported universal tumor screening without informed consent. 92.4% preferred receiving screening results regardless of outcome. Respondents described benefits to screening for themselves and their families.ConclusionsWhile broadly supporting universal tumor screening without informed consent, respondents also wanted more information shared about the screening policy, as well as their results. These patient preferences should be one of many factors considered when implementing universal screening and can also inform practices regarding both tumor profiling and universal genetic testing, which is becoming more prevalent.

The End of the Supranational Dream of the European Union: Toward a More Nationalist and Intergovernmental Union

This article questions and analyses the supranational aspirations of the European Union (EU) over its intergovernmental policies. It addresses first nationalism followed by neo-functionalism, supranationalism, and intergovernmentalism; the dominant theories in European integration. The purpose of the study is to reflect the EU’s supranational limitations. Our main research question is to determine whether there is a new form of Europeanism across Europe. The study shows the rising nationalism across Europe, through the 2019 and 2024 European Parliament (EP) elections, and the growing Euroscepticism through public opinion surveys. Moreover, a “policy analysis” is conducted through the EP resolutions between 1999 and 2024 and in European laws through Eur-lex, to reflect the number of intergovernmental operations. The overall findings indicate that many EU countries have ambiguous positions and altered views on the EU, between “Europhoria” and “Europhobia”. The study suggests a new form of Europeanism is growing, between Pro-Europeanism and Anti-Europeanism: “Adapted-Europeanism”. This new typology is introduced to refer to countries asking for less but more adapted integrational policies.

STRATEGI PENINGKATAN KUALITAS KARYAWAN PADA PT.SAWIT KHATULISTIWA LESTARI PEDADANG ESTATE KETUNGAU HILIR KABUPATEN SINTANG

This study examines the strategies for improving the quality of employees at PT. Sawit Khatulistiwa Lestari Pedadang Estate in Ketungau Hilir, Sintang Regency. The focus of this research is to identify the strategies used to enhance the quality of employees at PT. Sawit Khatulistiwa Lestari Pedadang Estate. The research employs a descriptive qualitative method. The subjects of this study include managers, general employees, and employees from the R&D (Resource and Development) department. Data collection techniques used in the study are interviews, observations, and documentation studies. The results of this study indicate that the company motivates and ensures the well-being of employees as a means of improving employee quality. The management frequently conducts training to enhance employees' skills, not only in industrial activities but also in personal and self-development skills. Employee attendance is quite high, with employees arriving and leaving according to working hours and being able to perform tasks according to their positions and responsibilities. However, challenges arise from frequent budget shortages due to the fact that a large portion of PT. Sawit Khatulistiwa Lestari Pedadang Estate's land is still non-productive and in maintenance, and the process of appointing permanent employees takes a long time. Based on the conclusions above, several recommendations are suggested: Regular training for employees at PT. Sawit Khatulistiwa Lestari Pedadang Estate is needed to improve employee quality. To determine job satisfaction as an effort to improve employee quality, periodic opinion surveys should be conducted. The company's financial management needs to be improved to ensure timely wage payments. The company should seek funds that can be fully invested in maintaining the non-productive portion of the land.

Methodological process of cross-cultural adaptation of the survey "The Public Opinion Survey on Human Attributes-Stuttering (POSHA-S)" to spanish-chilean

Introduction: the Public Opinion Survey on Human Attributes-Stuttering is a survey designed to assess the general population's attitudes toward stuttering in comparison to a variety of human conditions or attributes. Its purpose is to inquire about people's beliefs and reactions to this condition. Objective: to describe the methodological process of cross-cultural adaptation of the Public Opinion Survey of Human Attributes-Stuttering from North American English to Chilean Spanish. Methods: quantitative, cross-sectional, correlational and cross-cultural adaptation study. With criterion method and back-translation, consisting of the following stages: 1) translation of the original survey into Spanish-Chilean; 2) construction of a consensus version based on both translations; 3) back-translation of the consensus version into English; 4) review by a committee of experts and construction of the pre-test version and; 5) pilot testing of the pre-test version to a random sample of 30 participants.Results: a semantically equivalent survey to the original instrument was generated and a pre-test version was made available. The latter version was applied to a pilot sample.Conclusion: the Public Opinion Survey of Human Attributes-Stuttering was cross-culturally adapted from its original North American English to Chilean Spanish through a rigorous and strict methodological process. In addition, the pre-test version preserved the conceptual and semantic properties of the original instrument, which could contribute to improving future awareness, public education and advocacy activities on stuttering

Exploring global barriers to optimal ovarian cancer care: thematic analysis

ObjectiveTo explore the barriers to ovarian cancer care, as reported in the open ended responses of a global expert opinion survey, highlighting areas for improvement in global ovarian cancer care....

Predicting attitudes related to stuttering from an international database

PurposeA vast number of studies over the past 50 years have explored public and professional attitudes toward stuttering, and many of them have identified variables that predict more—or less—positive attitudes. Part I of this study summarized 91 studies in terms of consistency of prediction of stuttering attitudes. Part II sought to compare a considerable number of potential predictors and to quantify their prediction strengths. MethodThirty-seven predictors were analyzed in linear regression models using a retrospective analysis of a database consisting of 22,413 respondents from 44 countries who had filled out the Public Opinion Survey of Human Attributes–Stuttering (POSHA–S) in 26 different languages. Dependent variables were two POSHA–S subscores, Beliefs about stuttering and Self Reactions to people who stutter, as well as the mean of these two subscores, the Overall Stuttering Score. ResultsAll 37 predictors were statistically significant for most—but at least one—of the three scores. The strongest predictors related to regions of the world and related variables of countries and languages, with greater strength for Beliefs than for Self Reactions. Knowing persons who stutter, or knowing about stuttering, were moderate predictors of Self Reactions but weak predictors of Beliefs. Different populations, such as the public, students, or speech-language pathologists, moderately predicted attitudes on all three dependent variables while education level and self-ratings of ability to speak were weak predictors. Sex (gender), age, income, parental or marital status, and most of 12 life priorities (e.g., get things done; be safe and secure) had very weak and practically insignificant predictive potential. ConclusionsThe study confirmed previous research showing ambiguous results for such predictors as sex and age but consistent differences from various geographic regions. Beliefs and Self Reactions measure different constructs that are often predicted differently by variables.

스마트관광 척도개발: 컨벤션산업을 중심으로

Purpose: Based on the existing discussions on smart tourism, this study intends to develop a scale by using both qualitative and quantitative methods of the compositional dimensions and sub-elements of smart tourism in the convention industry. Through this, the concept and components of smart tourism in the convention are clearly defined and organized, and a theoretical frame that will be the basis for smart tourism-related research is presented. Methods: Based on web crawling, this study first performed a cluster analysis by matching data to the Nvivo program, and second, an FGI and expert opinion survey were conducted to derive an item pool through qualitative analysis. Third, using the derived item pool, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were performed using the data collected through the survey to secure reliability and validity. Results: The final derived compositional dimensions were finally derived in five dimensions: technology integration, convenience, information, smart infrastructure, and reliability, and a total of 15 questions were derived, 3 questions each for the lower dimensions. Conclusion: The results of this study provide the following theoretical and practical implications. Theoretically, it laid the foundation for systematically understanding the convergence of smart tourism and the convention industry. In practice, it is possible to lay the foundation for providing personalized services by analyzing participant's preferences and behavioral data, thereby increasing participants' satisfaction and willingness to re-engage.

Measuring Public Attitudes Toward Stuttering: Test-retest Reliability Revisited

Purpose: Previous studies of the Public Opinion Survey of Human Attributes-Stuttering (POSHA-S), using test and retest designs in modest-sized samples, have reported satisfactory test-retest reliability, i.e., correlations of about 0.80. Simultaneously, lower but moderate correlations between different first and second test respondents were observed and hypothesized to represent unspecified “societal” influences on stuttering attitudes. This study sought to clarify this and other potential relationships between first and second tests with the POSHA-S in a large, geographically and linguistically diverse sample.Methods: POSHA-S Overall Stuttering Scores (OSSs) of 345 respondents from 12 test-retest samples from four countries and languages, with no intervening interventions, were analyzed with correlations and by grouping respondents according to whose stuttering attitudes improved, remained the same, or worsened from test to retest.Results: Test and retest OSSs generally conformed to normal distributions and were not significantly different. Correlations between first versus second tests replicated earlier research. However, when the degree and direction of change from test to retest was considered, both in other correlations and in sorts of respondents, unexpected results emerged. Respondents with intermediate attitudes changed minimally, while those with most and least positive attitudes at the first test changed in opposite directions past the overall mean at second test.Conclusions: While demonstrating adequate test-retest reliability correlations on the POSHA-S, public attitudes were found to be less stable than previously assumed.

PHÁT TRIỂN NĂNG LỰC GIAO TIẾP TOÁN HỌC CHO HỌC SINH LỚP 10 TRONG DẠY HỌC CHỦ ĐỀ PHƯƠNG PHÁP TỌA ĐỘ TRONG MẶT PHẲNG

Mathematical communication is one of the core competencies that needs to be formed and developed for students in the teaching of Mathematics in high schools. In this research, we have identified the manifestations of mathematical communication competence in 10th-grade students in teaching the topic “Coordinate Methods in the Plane”, based on a survey of opinions from 68 high school mathematics teachers in the provinces of Nghe An and Ha Tinh. Additionally, the research was also conducted with 32 10th-grade students who were assigned several learning tasks related to the topic “Coordinate Methods in the Plane”, with the aim of understanding the manifestations of students’ mathematical communication competence and the mistakes they made related to these manifestations. From there, propose several teaching methods to contribute to the development of mathematical communication competence in students in teaching this topic. Keywords: Mathematical communication competencies; 10th-grade students; coordinate methods in the plane.

The Impact of Digitalization on Industrial Engineering Students’ Training from the Perspective of Their Insertion in the Labor Market in a Sustainable Economy: A Students’ Opinions Survey

The Impact of Digitalization on Industrial Engineering Students’ Training from the Perspective of Their Insertion in the Labor Market in a Sustainable Economy: A Students’ Opinions Survey

Initial empirical antibiotic therapy in kidney transplant recipients with pyelonephritis: A global survey of current practice and opinions across 19 countries on six continents.

Despite the burden of pyelonephritis after kidney transplantation, there is no consensus on initial empirical antibiotic management. We surveyed clinicians throughout the world on their practice and opinions about the initial empirical therapy of post-transplant pyelonephritis, using clinical vignettes. A panel of experts from 19 countries on six continents designed this survey, and invited 2145 clinicians to participate. A total of 721 clinicians completed the survey (response rate: 34%). In the hypothetical case of a kidney transplant recipient admitted with pyelonephritis but not requiring intensive care, most respondents reported initiating either a 3rd-generation cephalosporin (37%) or piperacillin-tazobactam (21%) monotherapy. Several patient-level factors dictated the selection of broader-spectrum antibiotics, including having a recent urine culture showing growth of a resistant organism (85% for extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing organisms, 90% for carbapenemase-producing organisms, and 94% for Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Respondents attributed high importance to the appropriateness of empirical therapy, which 87% judged important to prevent mortality. Significant practice and opinion variations were observed between and within countries. High-quality studies are needed to guide the empirical management of post-transplant pyelonephritis. In particular, whether prior urine culture results should systematically be reviewed and considered remains to be determined. Studies are also needed to clarify the relationship between the appropriateness of initial empirical therapy and outcomes of post-transplant pyelonephritis.

Public attitudes toward stuttering and cluttering in Chinese and Japanese speech-language pathology students

PurposeThis study utilized the Chinese and Japanese translations of the Public Opinion Survey of Human Attributes-Stuttering (POSHA–S) and Cluttering (POSHA–Cl) to compare the differences in (a) attitudes towards stuttering versus cluttering in speech-language pathology (SLP) students in either China or Japan, (b) attitudes of SLP students in China versus Japan towards either stuttering or cluttering, and (c) attitudes of Chinese and Japanese students versus international databases for stuttering and cluttering. MethodThe POSHA–S and POSHA–Cl were both administered to 99 SLP students from six universities in China and 352 SLP students from two universities in Japan. ResultsAttitudes toward stuttering were markedly different for Chinese versus Japanese students. Overall, stuttering attitudes were slightly more positive than cluttering attitudes in both countries; however, compared to China, Japanese SLP students attitudes toward stuttering and cluttering were more disimilar. In addition, compared with the international database, the attitudes of Chinese and Japanese SLP students toward self-reactions to both disorders were more positive. ConclusionChinese and Japanese SLP students’ attitudes toward both stuttering and cluttering are likely to be influenced by geography, culture, education, and the “halo effect.” The attitudes of the SLP students in China and Japan are more negative than the attitudes as shown in the global data.

Informal work in Sub-Saharan Africa: Main findings from an opinion survey

Informal work in Sub-Saharan Africa: Main findings from an opinion survey

Urban greening in Dhaka: Assessing rooftop agriculture suitability using GIS and MCDM techniques

Dhaka ranks among the world's most densely populated cities, with built-up areas expanding to accommodate the demands of a growing population. The rapid urbanization has reduced green space and exacerbated urban heat and pollution in the city. In the quest for a greener and healthier urban environment, rooftop agriculture has emerged as a promising solution, offering opportunities for the restoration of the environment and safe food production. Despite its potential, limited studies have explored the viability of this alternative greening solution for Dhaka. Therefore, this study aims to assess the suitability of rooftops for agricultural activities employing Geographic Information System (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) techniques. First, seven criteria were selected based on the literature, such as building age, height, rooftop size, building utility, property value, sunlight, and water availability. Second, an expert opinion survey was conducted using the Best Worst Method (BWM) to calculate the criteria's weights. Finally, the suitability map for Dhaka was derived by combining the criteria layers and was subsequently validated. Rooftop area and property value were identified as the most and least important criteria. Approximately 9% (6.27 km2), 68% (46.59 km2), 22% (15.15 km2), and a negligible portion (0.1 km2) of Dhaka city has been classified as highly suitable, suitable, moderately suitable, and not suitable, respectively, for rooftop agriculture. By identifying and promoting the most suitable locations for rooftop agriculture and highlighting existing opportunities, this research will help to initiate and expand sustainable agriculture practices that can contribute to climate change adaptation and urban resilience.

Mixed grazing of cattle with sheep and goats as a solution for livestock farmers in Greece and other countries around the Mediterranean Sea: a review

The management of common pastures is often a matter of conflict between cattle farmers and small ruminants (goats and sheep), especially in areas with small pastures and low capacity. This conflict is reflected in a relevant opinion survey in Evrytania (Central Greece) where cattle farmers consider that cattle can graze together with goats and/or sheep while goat and sheep farmers consider that cattle should be restricted to separate pastures. However, international experience as reflected in publications, mainly from the USA, shows that the co-grazing of cattle with goats and/or sheep, under certain conditions, can yield multiple benefits which have not been particularly highlighted in Greece. The aim of this paper is to investigate the potential of co-grazing of cattle with small ruminants and to list the benefits of this practice.