The tangled roots of the sea : The complexities of mangrove conservation in Peninsular Malaysia

This thesis studies what triggers people’s environmental attitude using theories of the New Environmental Paradigm (NEP) and emotional affinity towards nature. Having looked at the case of a nature park in Kuala Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia carrying out mangrove rehabilitation and conservation, I also aimed to investigate the institutional interrelations and how these combined with environmental attitudes to influence the management of the park. This includes the questionable link between corporate activities and mangrove conservation expressed in CSR activities. Multiple methods were used to reveal the complex reality of carrying out conservation, over the period of a few weeks, including in-depth and semistructured interviews, participant observation, a questionnaire and informal conversations. It was found that an NEP worldview was a main pillar in the actions of many involved in the national park. Participants, including managers, state officials and volunteers showed an appreciation of the mangrove, which was projected in their actions involving the park. However, local residents, despite their material and historical connection to the mangroves and the expectation of emotional affinity towards nature did not show the same attitude due to socio-economic concerns. The thesis also found that CSR took a main part in the management plan of the park and it was successfully used as a financial tool

USE OF CALCIUM ANTAGONISTS IN PSYCHIATRY

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Examination of students' willingness to change behaviour regarding meat consumption

The aim of this study was to assess the behaviour of Swiss students regarding meat consumption by analysing their current consumption habits, attitudes and knowledge, acceptance of meat alternatives and willingness to reduce meat intake. Data were collected through an online survey conducted in universities and universities of applied sciences among German- and French-speaking students in Switzerland (n = 498). By segmenting the student population using an adapted transtheoretical model of change, four distinct clusters were identified: passive (14.7%), curious (6%), awoken (44.7%) and active consumers (34.6%). The results provide a deeper insight into Swiss students' dietary patterns, attitudes and knowledge concerning the impact of meat consumption as along with concrete practical interventions to target the different clusters and initiate and promote behaviour change regarding meat consumption. The ideal recommendations depend on the current stage of behaviour change. However, to reduce meat consumption, policy makers need to set specific, quantifiable goals within defined time frames while involving a variety of stakeholders

SOME CLINICAL PECULIARITIES OF DEPRESSION IN OLD AGE

The early recognition of the depressive syndromes and their adequate treatment determine to a considerable extent the therapeutic outcome of the depression in old age. In this study a total of 100 elderly depressive patients (age 65-83) with a major depressive disorder, according to DSM-IV were included. They were hospitalized and treated during the period 1994-1998. The elderly depressive patients presented themselves with a wide variety of clinical symptoms. Some of them were incorrectly attributed to the ageing process or were associated with a physical problem. High suicidal risk, anxiety, agitation, somatization, pseudodementia, delusional syndromes outlined the clinical picture of the late-life depression. The presence of a somatic problem and lack of a family and social support were considered important risk factors

Impact of Practising on Development of Critical Thinking

In the present day people are surrounded with a lot of  information and different ways of receiving this information. Today at the same moment the information is spread, it becomes available on the other corner of the world. Because of these reasons the educational system in many countries of the world has changed. One of the skills that can help young people to select numerous information is their critical thinking ability. In this paper the impact of exercise on development of critical thinking has been researched. This research was conducted by the experimental method. The research sample consisted of 50 subjects in the experimental group and 50 subjects in the control group. The exercise of critical thinking is done through three techniques for the development of critical thinking such as: diagram of the main question, the scale of arguments and interpretation of academic language. For the measurement of critical thinking is used the test WGCTA (Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal). The results obtained show that the experimental factor affects the development of critical thinking, which means exercising critical thinking contributes to the development of this ability. The conducted survey should help in creating a program with practical exercises that will help future teachers to influence the development of critical thinking of their students. Key words: critical thinking, development, impact

Impact of implementation of digital record systems on service setting. A case study of care homes in the United Kingdom

Purpose With the lifespan increase of the UK population, care homes are experiencing greater pressure to improve the quality of their settings to meet the demand for longer term care of residents. Among the biggest challenges for care home staff has been documentation management. Staff are required to accurately complete and submit care records during each shift as per the Care Quality Commission regulations. Technological advancement has allowed the UK health care sector to implement new digital systems to make the services more efficient and reliable. However, despite the increasing number of care providers using electronic care recording to capture data on service users, the research on the efficiency and efficacy of those systems remains limited. Methodology Survey and observational data were provided by an organisation managing 5 care homes in the United Kingdom, that have recently implemented an electronic care planning system. The authors analysed the quantitative data to compare the care note taking process in pre and post implementation of the e-system. Findings The statistical analysis identified that the total number of care notes being recorded had significantly increased across the sample. The e-system enabled an increase in fluid notes being recorded too. Survey data portrayed that 53% of staff felt using an electronic system improves accuracy and 67% agreed using a system let them record information quicker, although that does not result in staff having extra time to spend on “meaningful” activities with service users. Research limitations/implications The study provides an insight into whether an e-system brings sufficient return to justify the investment of its implementation, highlighting the exact areas of care and service quality impacted by its use. From an academic perspective, the research furthers the existing literature by demonstrating the impact of digital systems beyond medication intake recording. The study is practical for healthcare managers exploring the possibility of implementing an e-system, seeking to understand the benefits and limitations of such investment, presenting the views of both residents and staff. 2 Originality/Value Technological advancement has allowed the UK health care sector to implement new digital systems to make the services more efficient and reliable. However, despite the increasing number of care providers using electronic care recording to capture data on service users, the research on the efficiency and efficacy of those systems remains limited

Identifying elements contributing to effective online learning delivery in higher education institutions – a systematic literature review

Purpose The shift from in-person to online education was among the disruptive changes catalysed by the pandemic. Although today online learning modes outpace traditional ones, there is limited information on effective online learning design and delivery approaches to allow educators to effectively combine pedagogy and andragogy with technology in pursuit of Education 4.0. Methodology The authors performed a Systematic Literature Review, looking at relevant academic peer-reviewed journal articles, published within the last 5 years. A thorough filtering process narrowed the sample of articles down to 44, which were then taken further for a Thematic Analysis. A set of aspects contributing for effective online learning delivery were identified as emerging themes among the final sample of papers, classified under the 4 core modes of learner interactions. Findings Communication between lecturers and students remains a fundamental factor for academic success. The student awareness of “self” is an essential in an online learning delivery mode, due to the process enforcing self-regulation. There is discrepancy between educators and students’ perspectives in various instances, with a debate over the effectiveness of both pedagogies and andragogies for adult learning. The spotlight is on student-centric design, immersive learning experiences, simulations and interactive multimedia, non-traditional subject-authentic assessments, and content access and accessibility. Popular methods for learning enhancement such as the “flipped classroom” approach do not perform as effectively in online settings, while scheduling lengthier amounts of time for self-directed learning are recommended. Research limitations/implications There is clear necessity for the establishment of frameworks to guide the education process, whether that is for fully online or blended learning approaches. The dynamic growth of online learning naturally leads to the question regarding the overall educational effectiveness of online delivery and making steps in the direction of establishing such framework has implications for both academic and support staff at higher education institutions. Having formulated a conceptual framework based on the emerging themesin the final samples of studies, the authors recommend primary research to be undertaken with both students and educators. Originality/Value A central force in speeding the UK’s recovery from the pandemic in times of Education 4.0, it is essential that universities establish a robust framework for assessment of the quality of online learning delivery. The study encourages university authorities to consider the features of effective online learning while calibrating and responding to individual student needs in the interest of continuous improvement of the quality of student experience

Rethinking risk management in times of crisis:the effect of COVID-19 on small and medium-sized enterprises in Scotland

PurposeThe Scottish economy was experiencing steady growth prior the hit of the COVID-19, with the pandemic causing the government to announce extreme lockdown measures with unprecedented impact on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Whilst some of the industry sectors in Scotland took a lighter hit, a large part of the organizations had to either adapt or completely disrupt their business. An essential aspect of their survival, risk management (RM) was among the areas requiring the most significant acceleration. This study compared the RM practices implemented by Scottish SMEs prior and after the outbreak as well as examined the attitudes of key decision-makers in the SMEs in relation to risk, including their perceived readiness for another crisis of similar significance.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey based on ISO 31000 RM guidelines was distributed to 232 Scottish SMEs. Based on the official government reports and existing knowledge on how SMEs around the world have handled crisis events within the past 20 years, the authors developed the hypothesis that crisis events significantly accelerate SMEs' RM implementation. Around 13 items were tested in relation to the hypothesis and responses were tested via two-tailed T-test to establish significant statistical difference.FindingsThe research provides insight into the current state of risk management practices implemented by Scottish SMEs. As expected, SMEs showed significant difference in their RM implementation prior and after the COVID-19 outbreak. Whilst this has been viewed as a positive, motivations, priorities and approaches in managing risk demonstrated by the SMEs is questionable with views to their sustainable long-term recovery. The study highlights the lack of confidence instilled within the SMEs that they can handle another crisis of similar significance and provides directions for further investigation and improvements with the aim of helping the SMEs prepare better to mitigate the consequences of future crisis events.Originality/valueIn academic sense, the study offers a tested universal framework and a detailed questionnaire for assessment of RM strategy, applicable to organisations of various type, size and geography. Several implications with regards to managerial practices have been highlighted, including the neglect of the SMEs’ own internal environments and its significance in their risk strategies, the predominantly reactive approach to RM displayed by most Scottish SMEs as well as the neglect of compliance risk leading to potential quality and customer satisfaction issues preventing SMEs from full post-crisis recovery

Erythrocytes and Hemoglobin of Fish: Potential Indicators of Ecological Biomonitoring

Anthropogenic pollution of the freshwater basins is a serious environmental problem. This has necessitated the search for different approaches to the detection of different pollutants in water bodies. Many authors point out that the hematological parameters of freshwater fish are sensitive to the action of various pollutants in freshwater basins. This chapter summarizes the results of studies on the effects of current water pollutants (heavy metals, organic matter, etc.) on erythrocytes and hemoglobin in fish. An analysis of the possibility of the use of erythrocyte damage and the change in the hemoglobin content of the tested animals for the purposes of ecological biomonitoring of freshwater pollution will be made