Search Results (44)

This study examines the determinant factors of women’s empowerment in Chepén, Peru, during 2024, analyzing how socioeconomic status potentially moderates this relationship. Using a quantitative approach with a non-experimental, cross-sectional design, the research surveyed 367 women aged 22–52 years through digital questionnaires employing validated scales. The results revealed that both internal factors (individual and collective psychological competencies) and external factors (economic and cultural conditions) significantly influence female empowerment (β = 0.57, p = 0.049 and β = 0.87, p = 0.039, respectively). Contrary to our hypothesis, socioeconomic status did not significantly moderate these relationships (internal factors × socioeconomic level: β = 0.02, p = 0.323; external factors × socioeconomic level: β = −0.02, p = 0.584). The models demonstrated strong explanatory power, with internal factors explaining 84.3% and external factors explaining 58.5% of the variance in women’s empowerment. The study found moderate levels of autonomy and decision-making (44.8%) and cultural dimensions (43.3%). While 76.1% of participants had higher education, 41.8% earned below PEN 1500, highlighting a significant education–income gap. These findings suggest that psychological competencies and sociocultural environment enhancement are more critical than initial economic conditions for promoting women’s empowerment across all socioeconomic strata. The study recommends implementing targeted public policies to improve cultural and economic conditions, establish flexible educational programs, and promote dignified employment opportunities that recognize women’s capabilities regardless of socioeconomic background. Full article

Work–family conflict (WFC) is a worldwide and timeless dilemma that negatively and significantly impacts the performance of employees, families, and organizations. It intensifies when the career is engineering, the employee is female, and the job environment requires heavy-duty and field tasks. The present study investigates the WFC in an engineering environment for female engineers and studies many women-related issues in Yemen. Three questionnaires targeted 130 female engineer graduates, 60 senior engineers, and 20 female engineers’ husbands. The results indicated that marriage is strongly and negatively correlated to educational performance, job opportunities, and job continuity. The present study suggests that, in conservative societies, disruptions from family-to-work are more pronounced compared to work-to-family. Several external factors, including low stipends, economic downturns, and political crises, have a negative impact on job opportunities and job spillover. A significant finding revealed that the average wage of female engineers in Yemen is USD 145, which is 3.822 times lower than that of their male counterparts. The survey results indicated that only single female engineers, but not married female engineers, are currently employed in the industrial and construction sector. Most female engineering graduates are working in jobs unrelated to engineering. Employed females face balancing professional responsibilities, household tasks, and social commitments. Society needs to implement policies that alleviate the pressure on women’s work and promote and support dual-earning couples to enhance family income. The present study recommends organizations offer flexible work schedules, allow remote work options, and create a healthy work environment to address the work–family imbalance, particularly in male-dominated environments. Full article

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between marital adjustment, spiritual well-being, and locus of control in married couples. A total of 526 married individuals living in İzmir, Turkey, 283 (53.8%) women and 243 (46.2%) men between the ages of 18 and 65, participated in the research. The married individuals were evaluated individually rather than as couples. The of control scale (LCS) developed by Dağ, the marital adjustment test (MAT) developed by Locke and Wallace and adapted into Turkish by Tutarel Kışlak, the spiritual well-being scale (SWBS) developed by Ekşi and Kardaş, and a socio-demographic information form were applied to the participants. SPSS 22.0 was used for statistical analysis of the data obtained in the study. The findings were evaluated at a 5% significance level within a 95% confidence interval (p < 0.05). The findings of the study revealed that the marital adjustment of male participants was higher than that of females, and that as spiritual well-being increased, marital adjustment also increased. A positive relationship was found between transcendence, one of the sub-dimensions of spiritual well-being, and marital adjustment and internal locus of control. Similarly, a positive correlation was identified between harmony with nature and marital adjustment and internal locus of control, while a negative relationship was found between anomie and marital adjustment and internal locus of control. Moreover, negative and significant relationships were found between marital adjustment and external locus of control determinants such as belief in luck, meaninglessness of making an effort, belief in an unjust world, and anomie, one of the sub-dimensions of spiritual well-being. Additionally, a positive relationship was found between higher education and internal locus of control, and a positive relationship between marriages conducted between the ages of 17 and 20 and an external locus of control. Full article

This study explores factors influencing female engagement in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields in Mozambique, Nigeria, and Uganda through Urie Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory. The research collected qualitative data from 81 women across these countries through open-ended surveys. Using content analysis, the results demonstrate the critical role of personal interests nurtured by family, showing how direct interactions with family influence STEM engagement at a microsystem level. The mesosystem level reveals the supportive influence of community and school interactions, emphasizing the importance of relationships between different microsystems, such as family–school collaborations, in fostering female participation in STEM. The exosystem level identifies the impact of positive media portrayals and role models, illustrating how external environments indirectly affect perceptions and aspirations in STEM through media and societal influences. The macrosystem level underscores the persistent cultural norms shaping gender roles, reflecting broader societal and cultural values that influence gender diversity in STEM fields, with 63% of respondents in Mozambique, 57% in Nigeria, and 67% in Uganda indicating that societal views on gender roles discouraged participation. Lastly, the chronosystem level captures the temporal changes and progress in gender diversity in STEM, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and policy reforms to address longstanding gender imbalances. Despite progress, significant gender imbalances remain, necessitating targeted interventions and policy reforms. The study proposes a sustainable, collaborative model to foster early interest and sustained participation of females in STEM, emphasizing the importance of seamless cooperation among families, educational institutions, communities, and government bodies. The findings aid in creating supportive environments for sustaining female STEM participation, promoting economic and social development in Sub-Saharan Africa. Full article

The author has provided more than 2100 engineering mathematics teaching materials on YouTube since 2014. The viewer information provided by YouTube revealed that (1) 59.16% of viewers were 18 to 24 years old while 23.18% were over 35 years old, (2) the gender ratio was 4:1 (male–female), (3) 9.19% of viewers subscribed to the educational channel, (4) 88.13% of viewers were from Taiwan and 1.97% from Hong Kong, and (5) the proportion of “External Sources” and “Playlist” was 26.91% and 25.30%, respectively. Such viewer demographics help adjust the principles of tutorial videos. For instance, nearly 60% of the viewers were college students, and their expectations aligned with the grading criteria set by instructors. The majority of college instructors arrange written examinations and present engineering mathematics content in a handwritten manner. Around 25% of the students had richer life experiences and no examination pressure. Therefore, proverbs or idioms related to life philosophy in videos better resonated with these viewers. Tutorial videos were created to assist self-learners in mastering engineering mathematics. The data over the past nine years on YouTube serve as a valuable reference in constructing instructional videos for engineering. This virtual tutorial experience provides a basis to adjust the direction of future tutorial video recordings. Full article

Background: Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Early identification and management are crucial, especially in economically challenged regions with limited healthcare access. Aims: To develop nomograms for individualized risk estimation for metabolic syndrome in young people from low-income regions. Methods: We assessed 496 college students from two Brazilian cities with Gini indices ≤0.56. Of these, 69.9% were female, 65.1% were younger than 20 years, 71.8% were non-white, and 64.3% were enrolled in health-related courses. For external validity, we assessed metabolic syndrome in a subset of 375 students. Results: We found 10 variables associated with abdominal obesity by logistic regression: age, biological sex, physical education facilities, enrollment in sports competitions during elementary school, grade retention, physical education as the preferred subject, physical education classes per week, and enrollment in sports training in secondary school (score A); adherence to 24 h movement behaviors (B score); and body weight (score C). We designed three nomograms (for scores A, B, and C), all of which showed acceptable performance according to the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (≥0.70) and calibration (Hosmer–Lemeshow test, p > 0.05). In the external validation, we observed higher predictive capability for the A and B scores, while the C score had lower but still acceptable predictive ability. Conclusions: User-friendly self-reported data accurately predict metabolic syndrome among youths from economically challenging areas. Full article

The 2021 census data in Australia show that a higher proportion of Bangladeshi Muslim women in Australia have postgraduate degrees compared to the broader female population. They are also more likely to have a bachelor’s degree when compared to their counterparts in the wider female cohort. However, the unemployment rate for Bangladeshi Muslim women is more than twice as high as that of the general female population. While a comparison between higher educational attainment and lower labour participation raises the question of whether the goal of higher education is indeed labour participation and the dilemma of valuing education solely based on its economic returns, nonetheless, the disparity alarms curiosity to investigate the reasons. The existing research on Muslim women in Australia reveal a complex web of external and internal multilayered intersecting factors that influence migrant women’s labour participation and makes them more susceptible to financial vulnerabilities. Utilizing qualitative methods in analysing fieldwork data from ongoing PhD research, this paper underscores the critical need for a nuanced understanding of internal cultural, domestic, and religious factors to address the unique challenges faced by this demographic in their labour market participation in Australia. Full article

Despite advancement in surgical innovation, C1-C2 fixation remains challenging due to risks of screw malposition and vertebral artery (VA) injuries. Traditional image-based navigation, while useful, often demands that surgeons frequently shift their attention to external monitors, potentially causing distractions. In this article, we introduce a microscope-based augmented reality (AR) navigation system that projects both anatomical information and real-time navigation images directly onto the surgical field. In the present case report, we discuss a 37-year-old female who suffered from os odontoideum with C1-C2 subluxation. Employing AR-assisted navigation, the patient underwent the successful posterior instrumentation of C1-C2. The integrated AR system offers direct visualization, potentially minimizing surgical distractions. In our opinion, as AR technology advances, its adoption in surgical practices and education is anticipated to expand. Full article

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms can be applied in breast cancer risk prediction and prevention by using patient history, scans, imaging information, and analysis of specific genes for cancer classification to reduce overdiagnosis and overtreatment. This scoping review aimed to identify the barriers encountered in applying innovative AI techniques and models in developing breast cancer risk prediction scores and promoting screening behaviors among adult females. Findings may inform and guide future global recommendations for AI application in breast cancer prevention and care for female populations. Methods: The PRISMA-SCR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) was used as a reference checklist throughout this study. The Arksey and O’Malley methodology was used as a framework to guide this review. The framework methodology consisted of five steps: (1) Identify research questions; (2) Search for relevant studies; (3) Selection of studies relevant to the research questions; (4) Chart the data; (5) Collate, summarize, and report the results. Results: In the field of breast cancer risk detection and prevention, the following AI techniques and models have been applied: Machine and Deep Learning Model (ML-DL model) (n = 1), Academic Algorithms (n = 2), Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium (BCSC), Clinical 5-Year Risk Prediction Model (n = 2), deep-learning computer vision AI algorithms (n = 2), AI-based thermal imaging solution (Thermalytix) (n = 1), RealRisks (n = 2), Breast Cancer Risk NAVIgation (n = 1), MammoRisk (ML-Based Tool) (n = 1), Various MLModels (n = 1), and various machine/deep learning, decision aids, and commercial algorithms (n = 7). In the 11 included studies, a total of 39 barriers to AI applications in breast cancer risk prediction and screening efforts were identified. The most common barriers in the application of innovative AI tools for breast cancer prediction and improved screening rates included lack of external validity and limited generalizability (n = 6), as AI was used in studies with either a small sample size or datasets with missing data. Many studies (n = 5) also encountered selection bias due to exclusion of certain populations based on characteristics such as race/ethnicity, family history, or past medical history. Several recommendations for future research should be considered. AI models need to include a broader spectrum and more complete predictive variables for risk assessment. Investigating long-term outcomes with improved follow-up periods is critical to assess the impacts of AI on clinical decisions beyond just the immediate outcomes. Utilizing AI to improve communication strategies at both a local and organizational level can assist in informed decision-making and compliance, especially in populations with limited literacy levels. Conclusions: The use of AI in patient education and as an adjunctive tool for providers is still early in its incorporation, and future research should explore the implementation of AI-driven resources to enhance understanding and decision-making regarding breast cancer screening, especially in vulnerable populations with limited literacy. Full article

An enterprise’s capability is based on the quantity and collocation pattern of the heterogeneous resources it possesses. Innovation resources are the source of enterprise innovation capability. However, there is still a “black box” problem of the impact of the intensity of government support on enterprise innovation. Therefore, it is necessary to study high- or low-level enterprise innovation capability by combining the internal and external factors of the enterprise—the background characteristics of R&D personnel and the degree of government support. Based on the configuration perspective, this study uses the qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method to conduct a comparative analysis of the innovation capabilities of enterprises in five time windows over six years with the longitudinal database of China’s industrial enterprises whose operating income exceeds RMB 20 million from 2010 to 2015. This paper summarizes two ways of realizing high-level enterprise innovation capability: female and highly educated R&D personnel type, and highly educated R&D personnel and high government investment type. The enterprise innovation capability is affected simultaneously by multiple conditional variables, and the impact of each conditional variable on enterprise innovation capability has a trend. Further, it analyzes the impact of every antecedent variable comparing high- to low-level enterprise innovation. Full article

The SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis is a framework used to evaluate a company’s competitive position and to develop strategic planning. In the competitive dental sector, it can aid dentists in identifying and analyzing internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as external opportunities and threats. This study focuses on senior dental students of the Department of Dentistry at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece, aiming to scrutinize their use of SWOT analysis and assess its application as a tool for evaluating entrepreneurial goals and making career decisions in dental entrepreneurship. The research sample comprises 116 senior dental students (N1) in the final undergraduate year of their dental education, with data collection accomplished through the administration of an e-questionnaire during the obligatory course of “Organization and management of dental practices” in December 2023. The data extracted from the SWOT analysis encompass internal and external factors, gender distinctions, and outcomes derived from Stepwise Binary Logistic Regression concerning predictor markers. The results from the SWOT analysis of 114 valid questionnaires (N2), revealed that participants identified communication skills (50%) and organization skills (49.10%) as their primary strengths, followed by favorable personal traits contributing to goal success (36%). Weaknesses predominantly centered around emotional and personal traits like anxiety (41.20%) and other characteristics, alongside practical challenges such as lack of initial capital (24.60%). Main opportunities included collaboration with experienced dentists (33.30%) and access to training programs (27.20%), while economic instability in Greece (77.20%) and the saturated dentist profession (26.30%) were perceived as significant threats. Gender differences were notable, with female dentists more likely to report organization skills as a strength and anxiety as a weakness. Values such as industriousness, persistence, and ethics were commonly shared, with actions focusing on training programs (57.9%) and gaining experience with experienced dentists (29.8%). Cluster analysis identified two subgroups, with one emphasizing utilizing all available options (n = 49) and the other prioritizing on gaining professional skills and experience (n = 65). Logistic regression indicated that participants valuing industriousness were less likely to explore all available options, while those recognizing personal traits were more likely to do so. The study’s outcomes highlight key predictor factors linked to a proactive orientation in career decision-making among senior dental students. These insights offer valuable implications for educational institutions and career counselors. Full article

This study examined how organizational identity, locus of control, and their interrelationships affect teacher burnout. Utilizing a quantitative survey, data were collected from 105 teachers. The Maslach Burnout Inventory measured three burnout dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment. Locus of control was assessed via Rotter’s scale. Organizational identity was measured through the Multiple Organizational Identification Scale, assessing personal self-esteem, emotional professional identity, evaluative identification, self-classification, and team factors. PLS-SEM analysis found that external locus of control had a significant positive association with emotional exhaustion. Emotional professional identity showed robust negative relationships with depersonalization and exhaustion. Differences emerged between novice and senior teachers—identity and self-esteem were more relevant for novices, while team factors were more impactful for experienced teachers. Variations also occurred across genders, with identity and self-esteem more salient for females and team dynamics more influential for males. The study highlights the complex interplay between individual, relational, and organizational factors in shaping teacher burnout. An external locus of control may exacerbate exhaustion, while emotional professional identity seems to provide resilience. Support initiatives should account for teachers’ evolving developmental needs and gender variations in burnout experiences. Fostering internal control beliefs, strong professional identity, and tailored support based on career stage and gender can potentially buffer against burnout. This study contributes insights to guide targeted efforts to promote teacher well-being, effectiveness, and retention. Learning in the workplace instead of paying more time for education services can be considered as overcoming burnout, redesigning and implementing digital teaching for sustainable teaching and learning for both teachers and students in order to construct a better learning ecology. Full article

Today, the concepts of “epistemological belief” (EB) and “locus of control” (LOC) have become important in education. It is considerable to investigate these concepts on teacher candidates who are the teachers of the future. This study aimed to examine the LOC and EB of social studies teacher candidates. The research, which adopted a survey model, was conducted with five hundred and fifty social studies teacher candidates studying at seven state universities in Turkey. The Locus of Control Scale and the Epistemological Belief Scale were used to collect research data. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), the Scheffe test, and correlation analysis were employed in the data analysis process. When evaluating the research results, it was determined that female teacher candidates have a higher external LOC. No significant difference was observed in social studies teacher candidates’ LOC regarding their parents’ educational grade level. It was observed that there was a significant difference in the EB of social studies teacher candidates regarding gender. It was revealed that female teacher candidates had underdeveloped/immature EB. No significant difference was found in the EB of social studies teacher candidates based on their parents’ educational levels or grade. It was observed that there is a weak but positive significant relationship between the social studies teacher candidates’ LOC and EB and their sub-scales. Full article

Over the last few decades, the time adolescents spend using electronic devices has increased significantly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of screen time and physical activity on eating behaviour in adolescents. This study used the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A) Malay version and the Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (DEBQ) Malay version methods with secondary students around the Klang Valley. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling. With parents’ consent, an online survey was conducted among adolescent school children aged between 13 and 17 years during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. There were 372 respondents participating in this study. The results showed that 99.4% of them had more than 4 h screen time a day, and that 38.5% have more than three devices at home. Moreover, there was a significant mean difference in screen time for console games without a handheld device between male and female adolescents (p < 0.05). There was also a significant mean difference in the emotional, restricted and external eating behaviour scores between male and female adolescents (p < 0.001). There was a significant relationship between physical activity and the time duration spent on a television, telephone and laptop during weekends (p < 0.05). There was a significant relationship between eating behaviour and time spent watching television and using laptops during weekends (p < 0.05). Based on the moderation model, gender as a moderator variable indicated that there was a significant relationship between screen time and interaction screen time and gender with emotional eating (p < 0.001). Female adolescents had a stronger relationship between screen time and emotional eating compared to male adolescents (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, for physical activity level as a moderator variable, the results showed that there was a significant interaction between screen time and physical activity for emotional eating behaviour (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study indicates that screen time was higher among female adolescents and significantly related to emotional eating behaviour. Therefore, the educational sector should emphasise the motivation of adolescents to engage in physical activity, reduce their screen time and eat healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables. Full article

Mentalization refers to the ability to understand the mental states of oneself and those of others that motivate action and behavior. Mentalization has generally been linked to adaptive development and healthy functioning whereas diminished mentalization has been associated with maladaptive development and psychopathology. The vast majority of research on mentalization and developmental trajectories, however, is based on Western countries. The overall aim of this study was therefore to examine mentalizing abilities in a novel sample of 153 typically developing and atypically developing Iranian children (Mage = 9.41, SDage = 1.10, Range = 8–11, 54.2% females) recruited from a primary school and health clinic in Tehran. The children completed semi-structured interviews that were later transcribed and coded for mentalization. The parents provided reports on internalizing and externalizing symptoms, demographic information, and all formal diagnoses of the children. The results pointed at general age and sex differences across the two groups. Older children showed more adaptive mentalization compared to the younger children; boys and girls used different mentalizing strategies when facing difficult situations. The typically developing children were better at mentalizing than the atypically developing children. Finally, more adaptive mentalization was associated with lower externalizing and internalizing symptoms among all children. The findings of this study contributes with expanding mentalization research to also encompass non-Western populations and the results hold crucial educational and therapeutic implications. Full article