Search Results (1,179)

The integration of industry and education serves as a critical pathway for improving the quality of talent training in higher vocational colleges and achieving high-quality employment for graduates. This study employs linear regression and moderating effect models to examine the impact of industry–education integration on employment quality in higher vocational institutions, using data from the 2024 Vocational Education Quality Annual Report from 689 higher vocational colleges in China. The results show an inverted “U” relationship between the integration level of industry and education and employment quality in higher vocational colleges. Moreover, teachers’ qualification level and curriculum development capacity negatively moderate this relationship. Additionally, the effect of the industry–education integration on employment quality is heterogeneous across the public and private institutions, and whether a college has been designated as a “Double High” institution. Therefore, efforts should be made to strengthen teachers’ practical teaching abilities and enhance curriculum adaptability, as well as to implement differentiated guidance and support policies to effectively improve graduates’ employment quality. Full article

Background: Undernutrition and overnutrition are considered a rising challenge among adolescents in low- and middle-income countries, including Lebanon, where overlapping economic, political, and public health crises have worsened food insecurity. Food and nutrition literacy in adolescents may serve as protective factors against food insecurity and its nutritional consequences. This study aims to evaluate the associations between adolescent and parental food and nutrition literacy with household and adolescent food insecurity, and explores their relationship with stunting and overweight/obesity. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between March and July 2022 among 442 Lebanese adolescents (10–18 years) and one parent/caregiver per household, recruited via snowball sampling from all eight governorates. Validated tools assessed adolescent food and nutrition literacy, parental food literacy, household/adolescent food insecurity, and anthropometric status. Chi-square, t-tests, and multivariable logistic regressions identified factors associated with food insecurity, stunting, and overweight/obesity. Results: Higher adolescent food and nutrition literacy was significantly associated with lower odds of severe food insecurity (aOR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.26–0.70). Higher parental food literacy scores were linked to reduced odds of severe household food insecurity (aOR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.90–0.98). Severe food insecurity was more likely in households in Akkar and among adolescents not attending school or with poor food and nutrition literacy. Overweight/obesity was positively associated with attending private school and higher parental body mass index, but inversely associated with higher child food security and household crowding index. No significant association was found between food insecurity and stunting. Conclusions: Both adolescent and parental food and nutrition literacy are protective against severe food insecurity, highlighting the value of literacy-focused interventions alongside economic support measures. Addressing both educational and structural determinants may help break the cycle of malnutrition in crisis-affected Lebanese youth. Full article

Medical doctors are at risk of poor mental health, linked to their working conditions. However, little distinction is made between private and public practice where working conditions differ. This review examines the relationship between perceived working conditions, psychological health, and patient care among doctors in private practice, considering how differences between private and public practice impact these outcomes and the implications of working across sectors. We conducted a systematic literature review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The search encompassed Academic Search Premier, Business Source Premier, PsycInfo, PsycArticles, and Medline. Included studies were coded in line with the Job Demands–Resources model. The initial search identified 309 papers, with 14 being selected for final full-text review. Higher job demands were associated with higher levels of burnout, while social resources, job crafting, and healthy coping mechanisms were linked with lower levels of burnout. Working in private practice was associated with higher demands. Doctors in private practice had more negative perceptions of performance, less satisfactory leadership, and a lack of feedback. However, private practice also offered better work–life balance, more control, and greater reward. Notably, no study was found that examined the implications of dual roles where doctors worked across both sectors, which is common. A clear definition of private practice as well as a more granular understanding of work-related risks posed to private practice and dual roles should be the focus of future research. Full article

Background/Objective: Chronic constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder that can be caused by a variety of factors, such as demographic, lifestyle, and medical disorders like hypothyroidism. Its prevalence varies worldwide, affecting quality of life and leading to specialized management strategies. To explore hypothyroidism patients’ knowledge and practice regarding constipation and evaluate the perceived effectiveness of pharmacological and non-pharmacological management approaches. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used to collect the data from a private hospital in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia from January to May 2025. A convenient sample of 300 individuals with hypothyroidism completed the Bowel Habits Questionnaire. Results: Most participants knew that hypothyroidism could cause constipation, but they reported that they did not have more knowledge about it. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, especially increase water intake, fiber intake, and exercise, were commonly used by the participants, and they perceived these approaches to be effective. There were strong correlations between constipation frequency and age, disease duration, and the use of constipation management methods. A strong association was found between constipation management strategies and treatment effectiveness. Conclusion: Age, disease duration, and constipation management strategies significantly affect constipation in hypothyroidism patients. Drinking plenty of water and eating more fiber are two very effective non-pharmacological strategies. It is recommended that nurses who integrate routine bowel health education and lifestyle guidance into care plans consider the gap in patient knowledge regarding the relationship between hypothyroidism and constipation, to enhance patients’ self-management and contribute to better health outcomes. Full article

Urban green spaces of collective housing are more than a passive background: they are living records of how cities have understood the relationship between housing, nature, and society. In many parts of Central and Eastern Europe, particularly within housing estates built in the late 20th century, these green spaces were carefully planned as part of a larger ideological, spatial, and social framework. Today, however, their original functions are often obscured by decades of political change, privatization or shifting management practices. This paper explores six residential areas in Nitra, Slovakia, analyzing how their design, amenities, and open spaces reflect wider societal transformations. Special attention is given to urban green spaces and urban voids—often overlooked yet critical elements of the everyday urban experience. Using a multicriteria method, we evaluate and compare these developments considering both historical and contemporary urban challenges, including climate resilience and sustainable regeneration. Our approach combines archival research with on-site fieldwork, spatial mapping, and qualitative observation to explore how the planning of collective housing has changed and what it means for the future of urban living. The results reveal a gradual decline in the quality and function of open space in collective housing, especially in newer projects where ecological and social values are often neglected. Full article

Objective: This cross-sectional study analyzed the relationship between maxillary incisor inclination and sagittal condylar guidance in patients with and without temporomandibular disorders (TMD) across different skeletal malocclusions, aiming to enhance orthodontic diagnosis and treatment. Materials and Methods: A total of 154 patients from a private clinic with various skeletal malocclusions were consecutively enrolled in this study. Mandibular kinematics were recorded using Modjaw^® and TMD signs and symptoms were evaluated using the DC-TMD questionnaire. Pearson’s correlation was applied to assess relationships between incisor inclination (U1–NA, U1–APog, U1–PP) and condylar guidance (right and left). Results: TMD signs or symptoms were present in 31.8% of patients. A weak negative correlation was observed between incisor inclination and sagittal condylar guidance for patients with positive overjet and overbite values. Retroclined maxillary incisors were weakly associated with a steeper condylar path (correlation values between R = −0.122 and R = 0.177). No significant relation was found between maxillary incisors’ inclination and the presence of TMD (p > 0.05). No significant association was found between TMD prevalence and skeletal or dental classifications (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Although some correlations reached statistical significance, their magnitude was below the accepted threshold for small effects (r ≥ 0.30), indicating negligible clinical impact. These findings suggest that maxillary incisor inclination does not meaningfully influence condylar guidance and should not be considered a primary determinant in treatment planning. Instead, it should be integrated only as a contextual variable within a multifactorial functional assessment. Full article

The phenomenon of counterurbanization, understood as the migration of urban residents to rural areas beyond the suburbanization zone, includes both permanent relocation to the countryside and seasonal migration. The aim of the study is to identify the relationship between newcomers or people temporarily staying in rural areas and their permanent residents, with particular emphasis on the impact of the former group on the local community. The research was conducted in 2023 in 18 villages from different regions of Poland. It was assumed that the villages studied were located outside the zones of strong influence of large urban centers, including outside metropolitan areas. Surveys and in-depth interviews were conducted aimed at both permanent residents of the villages living there from birth and newcomers. The group of newcomers was divided into two categories—new residents who settled in the village in the last few years and owners of second homes who stay in the village temporarily. It can be generally stated that the newcomers from the city, when organizing their life in the countryside, are more active and more frequently initiate contact with the permanent residents than this takes place in the opposite direction. The purpose of the contact is to acquire information, useful for settling down or maintaining the estate, as well as for daily functioning in the countryside. The interactions between the representatives of the two groups considered are usually short-lived and momentary, and they take place usually in the central square of the village, in the street, or in a shop. Conversations concern daily life in the village and private matters. Encounters at home or in other places, which might be conducive to deeper exchange of knowledge and experiences and which might establish conditions for undertaking joint initiatives, are much rarer. Full article

This study examined the relationship between residential environment satisfaction, neighbor relations, and the intention of continuous residence. Previous research has not comprehensively analyzed the combined effects of these factors. Accordingly, this study investigated the influence of residential environment satisfaction on the intention of continuous residence and analyzed the mediating role of neighbor relations. Residential environments were categorized into commercial facilities, medical facilities, childcare/educational facilities, and cultural facilities. Respondents aged 20 years and above were selected from Innovation Cities where public institution relocation had been completed. Data were collected from 1606 participants through an online survey. Hypotheses were tested using mediation analysis. The results showed that residential environment satisfaction positively influenced the intention of continuous residence, with satisfaction with medical facilities having the strongest effect. In addition, neighbor relations had both direct and indirect positive effects on the intention of continuous residence, underscoring their importance in encouraging residents to remain. In many developing countries where the private market is less developed, state-owned enterprises play a crucial role in the national economy, and development is often concentrated around their locations. In the long term, relocating public institutions could serve as a strategy to address regional disparities. The findings of this study thus offer important policy implications. Full article

This study investigates the social processes of place-making, sense of place, and place branding within the context of private art museums in Eastern China, highlighting their role in fostering social interaction and contributing to urban sustainability. By examining the relationship between exhibition design, interactive features, and audience engagement, the research demonstrates how these museums act as cultural spaces that not only display art but also facilitate dialog, community building, and cultural reflection. Using a mixed methods approach, including surveys and case studies, this study explores how private art museums employ place-making strategies to create immersive environments that blur the boundaries between art, architecture, and visitors. These museums enhance emotional engagement, promote cultural understanding, and support sustainable cultural identities within urban spaces. The findings reveal that through thoughtful design and community-centered programming, private art museums in Eastern China contribute to the social sustainability of urban areas by creating spaces that are both culturally and emotionally resonant. Furthermore, the place branding of these museums positions them as dynamic cultural landmarks, reinforcing their significance in the urban landscape and fostering ongoing social interaction. Full article

This article explores psychological security in relation to the urban environment, analyzing its connection to people’s homes. The aim is to examine the psychological security of urbanites residing in different types of dwellings. A sample of 233 residents from the city of Yekaterinburg with similar characteristics participated in this study. The authors utilized the Methodology for Measuring Psychological Security of Urban Dwellers devised by O.Yu. Zotova and L.V. Tarasova. A questionnaire was used to document the respondents’ demographic information. It was found that the characteristics of a person’s home are associated with their level of psychological security. This study revealed differences in the private and overall indicators of psychological security among residents of Yekaterinburg living in various types of housing. This is associated with how strongly city residents perceive the reliability of the urban environment and the trustworthiness of relationships within the city. The results suggest that the psychological security of a city dweller is closely linked to the features of their immediate surroundings. The findings can be used by environmental psychologists to evaluate the quality of life of the urban population and create a more comfortable environment by taking into account the needs of people and designing objects that consider their emotional state. Full article

The increasing prevalence of private-sector work among doctors raises questions about its impact on their health and wellbeing. While private practice may offer autonomy and financial benefits, it presents unique psychosocial risks that are less understood. This study investigates the relationship between private-sector work, psychosocial working conditions, and burnout among doctors, and examines whether access to health and wellbeing resources changes these relationships. A cross-sectional survey with 509 doctors from 16 countries working either exclusively or partially in private practice assessed psychosocial risk factors (e.g., work demands, financial pressures, support, job control), and burnout, alongside access to and use of wellbeing resources. Results showed that more time in private practice was associated with higher work and financial demands, bullying, and burnout. Although access to health and wellbeing resources was initially linked to lower burnout, this relationship was not significant when psychosocial risk factors were accounted for. These findings suggest that support mechanisms are often reactive and insufficient in mitigating the impact of systemic demands. The study highlights the need for private healthcare employers to recognise their role in developing healthy work environments, and for organisational-level interventions to address the root causes of poor health and wellbeing among doctors in this sector. Full article

This study explores the ownership–risk relationship in the GCC emerging economies during the COVID-19 pandemic, examining 44 commercial banks classified as private and publicly owned banks. The two-stage least squares (2SLS) method is employed to identify endogeneity issues, with robustness checks using panel data techniques. We analyzed the ownership–risk relationship, including non-linear and interaction effects. The results reveal that public ownership exhibits an inverted U-shaped relationship with NPLs, where moderate public concentration increases credit risk, while high public control marginally reduces it. Private ownership is linked to higher risk once bank-specific characteristics are controlled, reflecting riskier lending driven by profitability motives. We show that public banks demonstrate resilience due to stable deposits and implicit backing, whereas private banks are more vulnerable to systemic shocks. The impact of ownership structure on credit risk is context-dependent, reflecting heterogeneous ownership objectives in the GCC. Full article

Public sector organizations increasingly face demands for innovation. However, the hierarchical and rule-bound nature of bureaucracy can hinder employees’ ability to engage in creative and change-oriented behavior. This study investigates how organizational identification—a psychological sense of oneness with the organization—is associated with innovative work behavior among South Korean public officials and how this relationship is moderated by charismatic leadership. Grounded in social identity theory and leadership literature, we argue that employees with strong organizational identification are more likely to exhibit innovative work behavior, particularly when supported by leaders who articulate an inspiring vision and embody core public values. Using data from the 2024 Comparative Survey on Perceptions of Public and Private Sector Employees (N = 1012), hierarchical regression analyses reveal that both organizational identification and charismatic leadership significantly promote innovative work behavior. Furthermore, charismatic leadership enhances the positive effect of identification on innovative work behavior. These findings contribute to behavioral public administration research by clarifying how employee identity and leadership style interact to foster innovation, even within rigid procedural environments. Full article

Truffle hunting in the Piedmontese landscapes of Northern Italy is not merely a foraging practice but a deeply embodied and multispecies relationship grounded in intergenerational knowledge, sensory attunement, and emotional connection to forest ecologies. This study draws on qualitative interviews with local truffle hunters (Trifulau) to examine how socio-ecological transformations driven by land privatization, vineyard expansion, monocultural hazelnut plantations, and tourism disrupt these traditional practices. Thematic analysis reveals five dimensions of transformation: ecological estrangement, dispossession and exclusion, erosion of knowledge transmission, commodification and spectacularizing, emotional and ontological loss. Hunters describe a loss of sensory orientation, access to ancestral commons, and a breakdown of the human–dog forest relational web, accompanied by feelings of grief, alienation, and identity erosion. We argue that these changes undermine ecological sustainability and threaten emotional, cultural, and epistemological sustainability. The findings call for a broadened understanding of sustainability, one that recognizes affective, multispecies, and place-based knowledge systems as vital to sustaining cultural landscapes. This study contributes to debates on rural transformation, non-material heritage, and the invisible costs of commodifying traditional ecological practices in globalizing economies. Full article

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 articulates the need for a clear understanding of responsibilities across public and private stakeholders, including academia. This study aimed to clarify how university faculty members in Aceh Province, Indonesia, devastated by the 2004 Aceh Tsunami, perceive the role of universities in suggesting policy recommendations for disaster risk reduction (DRR) and sustainable development, and their perspective on the relationship between those roles and the main functions of universities. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 400 respondents in Aceh Province from July 2023 to November 2023. The authors examined descriptive statistics, followed by Kruskal–Wallis tests and structural equation modeling (SEM). The authors found that most university faculty members were optimistic about the role of universities in providing policy recommendations for DRR. Furthermore, interest in DRR activities and relevant past experiences may influence their perception of these roles. The SEM analysis showed that faculty members perceive universities as key contributors to DRR policy recommendations. Based on the above, the authors posit that universities must adopt measures that empower faculty members to gain interest and experience in DRR activities. Steady progress in the main functions of universities is essential for articulating DRR policy recommendations. Full article