China actively promoting international cooperation on cross-border flow of data – Kenya Broadcasting Corporation
China actively promoting international cooperation on cross-border flow of data Kenya Broadcasting Corporation
Month: August 2024
A commentary on transformative consumer research: Musings on its genesis, evolution, and opportunity for scientific specialization
Abstract
Transformative Consumer Research (TCR) was launched in 2005 with the intention to improve and maintain well-being as it is affected by the immense growth and array of worldwide consumption activities. In many respects, through the efforts of a multitude of people, TCR has flourished. But businesses, societies, technologies, and ecologies are also evolving, and TCR has related gaps of thinking and doing. To continue its evolution, and to ultimately realize its potential to become a successful ‘scientific specialty,’ TCR needs to undertake more ground-breaking goals and projects if it is to achieve its valiant mission. In this commentary, we sketch TCR’s development and assess its disciplinarity and opportunities through literature on the science of science. From those insights, we offer a range of options and activities that TCR adherents should consider in order to foster new, courageous, and valuable ventures.
A commentary on transformative consumer research: Musings on its genesis, evolution, and opportunity for scientific specialization
Abstract
Transformative Consumer Research (TCR) was launched in 2005 with the intention to improve and maintain well-being as it is affected by the immense growth and array of worldwide consumption activities. In many respects, through the efforts of a multitude of people, TCR has flourished. But businesses, societies, technologies, and ecologies are also evolving, and TCR has related gaps of thinking and doing. To continue its evolution, and to ultimately realize its potential to become a successful ‘scientific specialty,’ TCR needs to undertake more ground-breaking goals and projects if it is to achieve its valiant mission. In this commentary, we sketch TCR’s development and assess its disciplinarity and opportunities through literature on the science of science. From those insights, we offer a range of options and activities that TCR adherents should consider in order to foster new, courageous, and valuable ventures.
The role of diet in cancer: the potential of shaping public policy and clinical outcomes in the UK
Abstract
Cancer universally represents one of the largest public health concerns, substantially contributing to global disease burden and mortality. The multifaceted interplay of environmental and genetic factors in the disease aetiology and progression has required comprehensive research to elucidate modifiable elements which can reduce the risk of incidence and improve prognosis. Among these factors, diet and nutrition have emerged as the most fundamental with a significant potential for influence and effect. Nutrition is not only an essential part of human survival, but also a vital determinant of overall health. Certain dietary requirements are necessary to support normal physiology. This includes individualised levels of macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates and fats) and specific micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). Extensive research has demonstrated that diet plays a role in cancer pathogenesis at the genetic, epigenetic and cellular level. Therefore, its potential as a modifiable determinant of cancer pathogenesis for the purpose of prevention and improving management of disease must be further explored and implemented. The ability to influence cancer incidence and outcomes through dietary changes is underutilised in clinical practice and insufficiently recognised among the general public, healthcare professionals and policy-makers. Dietary changes offer the opportunity for autonomy and control over individuals health outcomes. Research has revealed that particular dietary components, as well as cultural behaviours and epidemiological patterns may act as causative or protective factors in cancer development. This review aims to comprehensively synthesise this research to further explore how to best utilise this knowledge within the community and clinical environment for more effective cancer prevention and therapeutic strategies. The identified key areas for improvement include the development of more specific, widely accepted guidelines, promoting increased involvement of dieticians within cancer multidisciplinary teams, enhancing nutritional education for healthcare professionals and exploring the potential implementation of personalised nutrition tools. A greater understanding of the complex interactions between diet and cancer will facilitate informed clinical interventions and public health policies to reduce global cancer burden and improve care for cancer patients and survivors.
The role of diet in cancer: the potential of shaping public policy and clinical outcomes in the UK
Abstract
Cancer universally represents one of the largest public health concerns, substantially contributing to global disease burden and mortality. The multifaceted interplay of environmental and genetic factors in the disease aetiology and progression has required comprehensive research to elucidate modifiable elements which can reduce the risk of incidence and improve prognosis. Among these factors, diet and nutrition have emerged as the most fundamental with a significant potential for influence and effect. Nutrition is not only an essential part of human survival, but also a vital determinant of overall health. Certain dietary requirements are necessary to support normal physiology. This includes individualised levels of macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates and fats) and specific micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). Extensive research has demonstrated that diet plays a role in cancer pathogenesis at the genetic, epigenetic and cellular level. Therefore, its potential as a modifiable determinant of cancer pathogenesis for the purpose of prevention and improving management of disease must be further explored and implemented. The ability to influence cancer incidence and outcomes through dietary changes is underutilised in clinical practice and insufficiently recognised among the general public, healthcare professionals and policy-makers. Dietary changes offer the opportunity for autonomy and control over individuals health outcomes. Research has revealed that particular dietary components, as well as cultural behaviours and epidemiological patterns may act as causative or protective factors in cancer development. This review aims to comprehensively synthesise this research to further explore how to best utilise this knowledge within the community and clinical environment for more effective cancer prevention and therapeutic strategies. The identified key areas for improvement include the development of more specific, widely accepted guidelines, promoting increased involvement of dieticians within cancer multidisciplinary teams, enhancing nutritional education for healthcare professionals and exploring the potential implementation of personalised nutrition tools. A greater understanding of the complex interactions between diet and cancer will facilitate informed clinical interventions and public health policies to reduce global cancer burden and improve care for cancer patients and survivors.
Clinical and surgical physician’s perception of nutrition knowledge
Abstract
Background
Due to the significant increase in the prevalence of food-related diseases, the value that physicians place on nutritional advice may have implications for patient treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the perception of the importance of nutritional intervention among physicians in the Universidad San Francisco de Quito’s (USFQ) healthcare system.
Methods
This cross-sectional study employed a telephone survey administered to a subset of all medical doctors (MDs) working in the healthcare system clinics of USFQ between 2021 and 2022. Study participants were recruited through voluntary response sample from a complete list of 253 MD. The single time questionnaire consisted of a 22-item validated survey in which attitudes, self-perceived capacity, and knowledge about nutrition ofmedical doctors were evaluated. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, two-sided t test, bivariate associations and linear and logistic regressions.
Results
136 MDs completed the survey yielding a response rate of 54%. Our analysis grouped participants into clinical (CE) and non-clinical specialties, hereafter referred to as surgical MDs. While a higher percentage of physicians in CE are confident in their ability to provide examples of recommended food portions based on national or international guidelines, 1 in 10 do not know how to use and interpret BMI or waist circumference, and around 1 in 3 do not know how many calories there are in one gram of fat, protein, or carbohydrates, and their basic metabolic functions. Almost all survey participants believe MDs can have an impact on the eating behavior of a patient if time is used to discuss the problem, however, almost half of survey participants believe nutrition counseling is not an effective use of time.
Conclusion
It is important to explore the perceptions and self-confidence of physicians around nutrition related issues. Our results demonstrated that nearly 1 in 4 surgical MDs do not feel capable of recognizing nutritional risk in patients, which highlights the essentiality of physicians having an updated understanding of basic nutrition principles. Future research should examine how commonly MDs refer patients to nutritionists/dietitians, as well as strategies for improving physician knowledge on basic nutrition concepts.
Clinical and surgical physician’s perception of nutrition knowledge
Abstract
Background
Due to the significant increase in the prevalence of food-related diseases, the value that physicians place on nutritional advice may have implications for patient treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the perception of the importance of nutritional intervention among physicians in the Universidad San Francisco de Quito’s (USFQ) healthcare system.
Methods
This cross-sectional study employed a telephone survey administered to a subset of all medical doctors (MDs) working in the healthcare system clinics of USFQ between 2021 and 2022. Study participants were recruited through voluntary response sample from a complete list of 253 MD. The single time questionnaire consisted of a 22-item validated survey in which attitudes, self-perceived capacity, and knowledge about nutrition ofmedical doctors were evaluated. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, two-sided t test, bivariate associations and linear and logistic regressions.
Results
136 MDs completed the survey yielding a response rate of 54%. Our analysis grouped participants into clinical (CE) and non-clinical specialties, hereafter referred to as surgical MDs. While a higher percentage of physicians in CE are confident in their ability to provide examples of recommended food portions based on national or international guidelines, 1 in 10 do not know how to use and interpret BMI or waist circumference, and around 1 in 3 do not know how many calories there are in one gram of fat, protein, or carbohydrates, and their basic metabolic functions. Almost all survey participants believe MDs can have an impact on the eating behavior of a patient if time is used to discuss the problem, however, almost half of survey participants believe nutrition counseling is not an effective use of time.
Conclusion
It is important to explore the perceptions and self-confidence of physicians around nutrition related issues. Our results demonstrated that nearly 1 in 4 surgical MDs do not feel capable of recognizing nutritional risk in patients, which highlights the essentiality of physicians having an updated understanding of basic nutrition principles. Future research should examine how commonly MDs refer patients to nutritionists/dietitians, as well as strategies for improving physician knowledge on basic nutrition concepts.
Sacred Sharing Circles: Urban Indigenous Experience with Bariatric Surgery in Manitoba
Abstract
Introduction
Obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are growing global health concerns. A disproportionate number of Indigenous Peoples live with obesity and its complications. Bariatric surgery offers superior weight loss and comorbidity resolution when compared to medical management. There is a paucity of literature regarding the experiences of Indigenous Peoples undergoing bariatric surgery. The aim of this study was to employ two-eyed seeing and a decolonizing approach to explore the experiences of urban Indigenous bariatric surgery patients.
Methods
An Indigenous Advisory Committee guided the conception and design of the study. Four urban Indigenous bariatric surgery patients with T2DM participated in two sequential sharing circles and individual interviews facilitated by an Elder. Audio transcripts were analyzed for emerging themes using inductive thematic analysis.
Results
Themes generated from shared participant experiences and knowledge included the following: (1) Experiencing hardship or challenges; (2) Reflecting on the importance of supports; (3) Understanding relationships with food; and (4) Healing and recovery. Overall, the participants described a generally positive experience with the bariatric pathway. Participants also described varied connectedness to their Indigenous identity but uniformly expressed interest in more culturally diverse supports such as sharing circles, access to an elder, and Indigenous peer mentorship.
Conclusions
Indigenous Peoples have strong motivators for pursuing bariatric surgery and desire access to culturally relevant supports. Suggestions for program improvement included offering sharing circles, providing access to an elder, and Indigenous peer mentorship. This study is the first to qualitatively explore the bariatric surgery experiences of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
Graphical Abstract
The importance of firm’s capabilities and international orientation: An examination of innovative start-up processes and growth through the firm’s evolving life cycle
Abstract
This article explores the effects of starting up an entrepreneurial innovative start-up on its ensuing life cycle, including internationalization overtime. The nine essential processes of starting up an embryonic young firm will serve as the vitally critical foundations, and enable the firm’ early entrepreneurial analyses of potential opportunities, on which the firm’s further growth, and internationalization, in its five progressive stage of life cycle will depend. An in-depth theoretically and empirically based examination of three families of propositions and their empirical verification through diverse set of case studies (more than eight) point to clear strategic pathways to internationalization and ultimate globalization of the innovative firm from its early entrepreneurial start-up.
Equity, curriculum form and state differences in Australian senior secondary education
Abstract
This article considers differences and similarities in curriculum form between the senior secondary certificates offered across Australia, drawing on three different understandings of curriculum form, one focused on the grid or map of the curriculum and its core categories and levels of specification, one on the cultural assumptions underpinning significant policy reforms, and one on the internal relations between curriculum contents and the divisions evident in the curriculum assigned to particular groups of students. It highlights differences between these perspectives and the value of engaging them collectively to understand the various senior secondary systems operating across Australia, how they have changed over time and their equity implications. It shows that the certificates continue to be different in multiple ways despite decades of standardising reform but that shifts have occurred within states once defined as progressive, with practices changing to align with larger states’ conservative agendas. The differences which do continue are also shown to be in some respects arbitrary, with common patterns evident in relation to the knowledges valued and the distinctions enforced between university and non-university pathways which are obfuscated by the highly complex rules and requirements evident in each jurisdiction. Further research and analysis considering the enactment of these requirements within schools is needed to better understand the equity implications of different requirements and approaches and to think about what kind of curriculum form might be needed to enable an equitable educational system in Australia.