40 research outputs found
Knowledge, attitude, and perception of Nigerian-based physiotherapists on the utilization of musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging in the clinical management of musculoskeletal conditions
Background: Musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging (MSUI) is an efficient monitoring and re-evaluation tool used for the management of musculoskeletal conditions in several clinical domains. Its utilization among physiotherapists, particularly in African countries, is yet to be explored. Objective: This study investigated the knowledge, attitude, and perception of physiotherapists on the utilization of MSUI in the clinical management of musculoskeletal conditions. Methods: One hundred and ninety-two consenting Nigerian-based physiotherapists practicing in public and private health institutions participated in this cross-sectional survey. They responded to a three-sectioned structured questionnaire, investigating socio-demographic and occupational characteristics, knowledge, attitude, and utilization of MSUI for the management of musculoskeletal conditions. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and Pearson’s chi-square test at a significant level of 0.05. Results: The majority (79.2%) of the respondents had positive knowledge of MSUI and its benefits as a clinical modality for managing MSCs. However, only 4.2% had utilized MSUI in clinical practice. Non-utilization of MSUI was commonly attributed to a lack of access to MSUI (60.3%) and its unavailability in most diagnostic centers (42.9%). Almost all (99.0%) of them agreed to the necessity for increased availability of MSUI to physiotherapists for enhancement of physiotherapy interventions in the management of MSCs. Conclusion: Knowledge of MSUI among Nigerian-based physiotherapists is adequate, but its utilization as a clinical tool is poor. Improved availability of MSUI to physiotherapists is necessary as well as specialty training on the utilization and interpretation of MSUI
Global age-sex-specific mortality, life expectancy, and population estimates in 204 countries and territories and 811 subnational locations, 1950–2021, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: a comprehensive demographic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
Background: Estimates of demographic metrics are crucial to assess levels and trends of population health outcomes. The profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on populations worldwide has underscored the need for timely estimates to understand this unprecedented event within the context of long-term population health trends. The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021 provides new demographic estimates for 204 countries and territories and 811 additional subnational locations from 1950 to 2021, with a particular emphasis on changes in mortality and life expectancy that occurred during the 2020–21 COVID-19 pandemic period. Methods: 22 223 data sources from vital registration, sample registration, surveys, censuses, and other sources were used to estimate mortality, with a subset of these sources used exclusively to estimate excess mortality due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 2026 data sources were used for population estimation. Additional sources were used to estimate migration; the effects of the HIV epidemic; and demographic discontinuities due to conflicts, famines, natural disasters, and pandemics, which are used as inputs for estimating mortality and population. Spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression (ST-GPR) was used to generate under-5 mortality rates, which synthesised 30 763 location-years of vital registration and sample registration data, 1365 surveys and censuses, and 80 other sources. ST-GPR was also used to estimate adult mortality (between ages 15 and 59 years) based on information from 31 642 location-years of vital registration and sample registration data, 355 surveys and censuses, and 24 other sources. Estimates of child and adult mortality rates were then used to generate life tables with a relational model life table system. For countries with large HIV epidemics, life tables were adjusted using independent estimates of HIV-specific mortality generated via an epidemiological analysis of HIV prevalence surveys, antenatal clinic serosurveillance, and other data sources. Excess mortality due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 was determined by subtracting observed all-cause mortality (adjusted for late registration and mortality anomalies) from the mortality expected in the absence of the pandemic. Expected mortality was calculated based on historical trends using an ensemble of models. In location-years where all-cause mortality data were unavailable, we estimated excess mortality rates using a regression model with covariates pertaining to the pandemic. Population size was computed using a Bayesian hierarchical cohort component model. Life expectancy was calculated using age-specific mortality rates and standard demographic methods. Uncertainty intervals (UIs) were calculated for every metric using the 25th and 975th ordered values from a 1000-draw posterior distribution. Findings: Global all-cause mortality followed two distinct patterns over the study period: age-standardised mortality rates declined between 1950 and 2019 (a 62·8% [95% UI 60·5–65·1] decline), and increased during the COVID-19 pandemic period (2020–21; 5·1% [0·9–9·6] increase). In contrast with the overall reverse in mortality trends during the pandemic period, child mortality continued to decline, with 4·66 million (3·98–5·50) global deaths in children younger than 5 years in 2021 compared with 5·21 million (4·50–6·01) in 2019. An estimated 131 million (126–137) people died globally from all causes in 2020 and 2021 combined, of which 15·9 million (14·7–17·2) were due to the COVID-19 pandemic (measured by excess mortality, which includes deaths directly due to SARS-CoV-2 infection and those indirectly due to other social, economic, or behavioural changes associated with the pandemic). Excess mortality rates exceeded 150 deaths per 100 000 population during at least one year of the pandemic in 80 countries and territories, whereas 20 nations had a negative excess mortality rate in 2020 or 2021, indicating that all-cause mortality in these countries was lower during the pandemic than expected based on historical trends. Between 1950 and 2021, global life expectancy at birth increased by 22·7 years (20·8–24·8), from 49·0 years (46·7–51·3) to 71·7 years (70·9–72·5). Global life expectancy at birth declined by 1·6 years (1·0–2·2) between 2019 and 2021, reversing historical trends. An increase in life expectancy was only observed in 32 (15·7%) of 204 countries and territories between 2019 and 2021. The global population reached 7·89 billion (7·67–8·13) people in 2021, by which time 56 of 204 countries and territories had peaked and subsequently populations have declined. The largest proportion of population growth between 2020 and 2021 was in sub-Saharan Africa (39·5% [28·4–52·7]) and south Asia (26·3% [9·0–44·7]). From 2000 to 2021, the ratio of the population aged 65 years and older to the population aged younger than 15 years increased in 188 (92·2%) of 204 nations. Interpretation: Global adult mortality rates markedly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, reversing past decreasing trends, while child mortality rates continued to decline, albeit more slowly than in earlier years. Although COVID-19 had a substantial impact on many demographic indicators during the first 2 years of the pandemic, overall global health progress over the 72 years evaluated has been profound, with considerable improvements in mortality and life expectancy. Additionally, we observed a deceleration of global population growth since 2017, despite steady or increasing growth in lower-income countries, combined with a continued global shift of population age structures towards older ages. These demographic changes will likely present future challenges to health systems, economies, and societies. The comprehensive demographic estimates reported here will enable researchers, policy makers, health practitioners, and other key stakeholders to better understand and address the profound changes that have occurred in the global health landscape following the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic, and longer-term trends beyond the pandemic
Strategic roles of actors in emerging information communication technology (EICT) adoption in SMEs
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are involved
in emerging information and communication technology (EICT) adoption by concentrating on the adoption
process and the role played by various actors in the process. Information and communication technology
(ICT) adoption research, especially in SMEs, has moved from a simple adopters’ participation process to
involving diverse actors that continually interact and influence the process. SMEs need to constantly interact
with various human and non-human actors to keep up with the EICT adoption. However, this has proved
difficult.
Design/methodology/approach – This study adopted a qualitative method to examine the dynamic
process of EICT adoption in service SMEs in the UK, and deployed both unstructured and semi-structured
interviews in two separate rounds with 26 participants drawn from Crunch Online Database and Luton
Business Directory. The participants include managers, customers, government agencies, SMEs consultants
and information technology (IT) vendors, with the help of purposeful random sampling.
Findings – The study develops a framework informed by actor network theory (ANT) concepts and found
that using ANT to examine the process of adoption helps to unveil the recursive nature of the process and the
roles of actors which vary from one stage to another. The finding reveals that adoption of EICT is not
straightforward; rather, it is evolutionary and dynamic, and small business managers’ play an important role
in the process amidst other actors influence. The framework supports businesses of all types. Although ICT
applications are influenced by diverse actors including IT experts, customers and vendors, the decision of
SME managers regularly shape the values and beliefs of other actors if adequate information are conveyed by
the numerous actors. Therefore, adoption of EICT is embraced faster by organizations, especially small
businesses, if diverse actors are committed in conveying the right information to the key actors, thereby
helping them tomake adequate decision, and streamline their business processes.
Research limitations/implications – This study is limited by its focus and other factors. Studying the
opinions of small service UK SMEs limits the power of generalizing the identified causal relationships;
therefore, extended measures are required on accounts of environmental, cultural, geographical and sectorial
differences. While some errors seemed unavoidable when measures appear subjective and prone to common
error biases, the study advised on recognizing the overriding influence of the roles at each stage of the
adoption process to be proactive in committing resources
Examining information and communication technology (ICT) adoption in SMEs
Purpose – Since the 1980s, a substantial number of theories have contributed extensively to information and
communication technology (ICT) adoption. Much of such theories regarded ICT adoption as a one-off action
as they specifically focus on factors affecting decision making at one decision point. They tend to play down
on the fact that as adoption decision progresses through stages, they are supposedly influenced by the same
or different factors. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine the dynamic process of ICT adoption
using the concepts of dynamic capabilities.
Design/methodology/approach – This study used qualitative approach to gain in-depth insight into the
dynamic and evolutionary process of emerging information and communication technology (EICT) adoption
in UK small service SMEs. Unstructured and semi-structured interviews were conducted in two separate
rounds with 26 participants drawn from Crunch Online Data Base and Luton Business Directory.
The participants were selected from a sample of 65 drawn from extended classification of professional service
businesses proposed by Ramsey et al. (2008). They include managers, government agencies, SMEs
consultants and IT vendors; and then purposeful random sampling and snowball sampling were used.
Findings – The study developed a framework from the concept of dynamic capabilities and found that using
the concept of dynamic capabilities to examine the process of EICT adoption helps to unveil the recursive
nature of the process and how the factors vary at both single and multiple stages of adoption.
Research limitations/implications – This study is limited by its focus and other factors. Studying the
opinions of small service UK SMEs limits the power of generalizing the identified causal relationships;
therefore, extended measures are required on accounts of environmental, cultural, geographical and sectoral
differences. While some errors seemed unavoidable when measures appear subjective and prone to common
error biases, the study advised on recognizing the over-riding influence of the factor(s) at each stage of the
adoption process in order to be proactive in committing resources.
Originality/value – This work focuses on emerging ICT adoption in SMEs from the dynamic and
evolutionary process perspective using the concept of dynamic capability. It advances ICT adoption research
by developing a framework to depict that ICT is not a one-off event, rather it is dynamic and interactive in
nature and factors influencing adoption vary from one stage or the other
AGRIPRENEURSHIP CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIAN HIGHER INSTITUTIONS
Sustainable agriculture has remained a subject of debate in Nigeria for decades
without tangible results. Between 2001 and 2007, agricultural sector accounted for 40 percent
of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Products (GDP) and 51 percent of job creation. However, in 2015
agriculture accounted for only 17.77% of Nigeria’s GDP (National Bureau of Statistics, 2015).
These figures are indications that agriculture has not met the need of the country, and reveal
the dwindling nature of the sector. The declining nature of agriculture calls for a new strategy
that will support agricultural development in Nigeria. This paper aims to advance
agripreneurship education in Nigerian Universities by attempting to develop a curriculum that
will trigger agriprenuership taught classes in Universities in Nigeria in attempt to increase
youth and farmers participation in agripreneurship and improve the agricultural sector in
general
REVISITING ICT ADOPTION THEORIES AND CHARTING A PROGRESSIVE PATH FOR FUTURE ICT ADOPTION RESEARCH IN SMES
This paper attempts to develop an integrated framework that aims to challenge
researchers on a progressive path for future ICT adoption research especially in SMEs. The
paper accessed major databases of a number of top IS journals in the field and reviews
previous theories used to study ICT adoption, examine the progress made so far, and the
limitations of these theories in an attempt to develop a framework, that aims to challenge
researchers and aid further contributions in this IS field. The study developed a framework
informed by three theories; Structuration theory (ST), Actors Network Theory (ANT) and
Adaptive Structuration theory (AST) and argues that using such integrated theory to examine
the process of ICT adoption will help to unveil the recursive nature, entities involved and the
kind of research approach that may be applied. Hence, for research in this area to be
progressive, entities in the framework must be considered amidst other influence. The
framework also suggests adoption of ICT will be embraced faster by organizations especially
small businesses if the entities involved are committed in conveying the right information
thereby supporting SMEs in making adequate decisions. This work provides further insight
into ICT adoption framework that may advance future research in the field of ICT adoption,
assist SMEs in adopting and implementing ICT overtime. This is relevant given that the
complexities associated with the adoption of ICT is becoming worrisome and SMEs have
limited knowledge on issues relating to emerging ICTs. The framework may motivate SMEs in
understanding diverse actors, factors and social structures affecting ICT adoption better and
how to cope with them. The framework serves as an analytical instrument in explaining ICT
adoption process and its outcomes characterized by conflicting views
The Role of Actors in the Adoption of Emerging ICT in SMEs: An Actor Network Theory Analysis
This paper aims to understand the role of actors in the adoption of
emerging Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) using Actor
Network Theory (ANT). The use of ANT helps to identify a diverse range of
actors and their role and influence in the dynamic process of emerging ICT’s
adoption in UK Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This study adopts a
qualitative approach to investigate how UK services SMEs are engaged in
emerging ICT adoption by focusing on the role of actors in the process. Data
were gathered through unstructured and semi-structured interviews with managers,
IT experts, government agencies, and customers. Using ANT, the roles of
various human and non-human actors at a four-stage dynamic adoption process
are examined. The findings reveal the critical and dynamic roles of various
actors in the socio-technical network. Although SME managers play the decisional
role in emerging ICT adoption, their views and decisions are constantly
influenced by various other human and non-human factors. The roles and
interactions of all actors are dynamic depending on the adoption stages
KEY FACTORS INFLUENCING ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ IN UK UNIVERSITIES: A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION
This study examines the extent to which international students from selected
countries were satisfied with their academic performance. The study aims to give an insight
into international students’ learning experience by exploring factors influencing students’
academic performance. The study adopted qualitative method. More specifically, semistructured interview was adopted with a total of 10 participants. The findings suggest that
International students studying in the United Kingdom encounter certain challenges which
tend to constrain their academic performance. The most significant of these barriers include
the foreign language, which particularly concerns inadequate acquaintance with the English
language; adjustment barriers, such as such as motivation, application, performance and
satisfaction with the academic environment, as well as making friends, being part of social
activities or being able to work in groups; academic issues, such as prior academic
preparation, adjustment to foreign teaching methodology and pressure from performance
expectations and work load issues, student teacher relationship, study skills, plagiarism and
group work; and Culture. The major contribution of this study is the framework for
understanding the critical factors influencing academic performance of international students
in the UK, which shows the order in which these factors interact to constrain learning and
ultimately the academic performance of international student
Determinants of dynamic process of emerging ICT adoption in SMEs–actor network theory perspective
While traditional theories of information and communication technology (ICT) adoption have been deployed to study ICT adoption in the past, these theories considers ICT adoption as static and rely on conceptualising factors as variables and predicting their levels of outcome at a single decision stage. Although much has been credited to these theories, they have continuously ignored the fact that as decisions to adopt are made and challenged along the adoption process, such decision can be influenced by the same, different or combination of factors at different stages of the adoption process. This paper aims to examine ICT adoption from a dynamic process perspective and to explore the key determinants and how these differ from one stage of the adoption process to another