bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive and Attitudinal Effects of Movie Poster Making Method in College Classroom
Authors: Gilbert C. Magulod Jr.
Published: November 2023

Innovative teaching strategies aligned with the principles of outcomes-based education are necessary for the 21st-century college classroom. The study determined the cognitive and attitudinal effects of movie poster making method among college students. The study employed a pre-test-post-test-one-shot experimental research design while content analysis was used for the qualitative interpretation of data. Sixty-nine third-year teacher education students were the participants of the study. Scores were taken before and after the interventions, and level of significant differences were computed using t-test. Pearson’s r was used to determine the significant relationship between the attitude of the respondents towards the movie poster making method and their achievement in the assessment of student learning test. Results revealed that after the use of the movie poster making activity, the respondents’ scores increased significantly with a more positive learning attitude during the post-test. Furthermore, the study revealed that the attitude of the respondents was not correlated with their learning achievement. From the qualitative analysis, collaboration and cooperation, students’ interest, creativity and critical thinking were the motivational constructs that emerged after the use of the movie poster making activity in the college classroom. This study argues that the use of the movie poster making method is effective in enhancing the students’ content mastery level.
Components of Ease of Doing Business Inferred from Macroeconomic Performance Indicators
Authors: Catherine M. Garcia  , Dolly E. Hinayon
Published: November 2023

This study attempts to find a significant relationship between macroeconomic performance and the Ease of Doing Business indicators. The Principal Components Analysis method was utilized to reduce the macroeconomic performance indicators into fewer dimensions for multinational companies to easily refer to in assessing the business environment and economic performance of a country. Results show that the changes in the principal components can explain 73% of the total variations in the Ease of Doing Business (data to frontier) score. Among the four principal components, ‘economic growth’ had the highest positive impact on the ease of doing business. However, an adverse effect is expected when ‘economic growth’ is more than doubled.
HOW WELL DO YOU WRITE PROOF? CHARACTERIZING STUDENTS PROOF-WRITING SKILL VIS-À-VIS VAN HIELE’S MODEL IN GEOMETRICAL PROVING
Authors: Marvin S. Daguplo
Published: November 2023

Proof lies at the heart of mathematics though research shows that proof is an elusive concept for many mathematics students. This descriptive-assessment study measured the proof-writing performance of students vis-à-vis Van Hiele’s Model of Geometric Proof level. Data disclosed that education students of Southern Leyte State University performed “below average” in proving geometrical proposition. At the conclusion that students stuck at the analysis level, it was recommended that proving should be an integral part in any classroom discussion to enhance students’ particular skills on recognition, analysis, order, deduction and rigor.
Explaining Output Growth Using Total Factor Productivity: Evidence from the Philippine Agricultural Sector
Authors: Moises Neil V. Seriño  , Eunice Kenee L. Seriño
Published: November 2023

This study investigates the performance of the Philippine agriculture employing the methodology of total factor productivity (TFP) using the available data from 1961 up to 2005. Total factor productivity was estimated by using simple growth accounting model. The weight on each input was determined using Cobb-Douglas production function with the assumption of the existence of competitive equilibrium. The variation in total factor productivity was analyzed by considering the effect of political changes and agrarian policies. Results show that TFP’s contribution to output growth has been relatively marginal compared to the share of input growth. This suggests that growth in the agricultural sector was largely dominated by the increasing share of inputs undermining technological growth in the agriculture sector. In addition, there is evidence to show that political instability has negatively affected agricultural productivity. Results imply that policy makers should design relevant public policy enhancing productivity in the agriculture sector and these approaches should be coupled with stabilizing the political system.
Sustainable Knowledge Economy Index
Authors: Catherine Garcia
Published: November 2023

The global economy has evolved into the knowledge economy in which intellectual capital is the critical engine of economic growth. Knowledge economy mostly represents the consumption and production activities in the developed countries in which the developing and less-developed countries are striving to achieve. However, to strive for a knowledge economy alone will result to tradeoff with the agriculture sector. This descriptive quantitative study attempts to come up with a Sustainable Knowledge Economy Index (SKEI) in which the production outputs and intellectual capital of the developed countries are integrated. The Principal Components Analysis method was utilized to reduce 26 variables into fewer dimensions so that the developing and less-developed countries can easily infer from. Results show that of the two components extracted (institutions and skills for innovation) account for the 71% of the total variance in the SKEI. Among the developed countries, the United States of America ranks first, while the least performing developed country is France. Hence, a developing or less-developed country should strive to have at least a 2.50 (score for France) Sustainable Knowledge-Economy index for it to achieve long-term competitiveness.
Health Quality and Cost of Living in Asian Cities
Authors: Jovelin M. Lapates  , Sales G. Aribe, Jr.  , Jennifer P. Barroso  , Beulah Joy K. Damasco
Published: November 2023

Health is now a global concern. However, only a few studies are conducted on how the cost of living affects the quality of health care. This study aimed to determine the relationships between the cost of living and quality of healthcare. It is a quantitative method that utilizes data mining technique in the data collection. Numbeo database was used to determine the cost of living and healthcare indices of 36 Asian cities. Statistical treatment was employed using statistical software to generate patterns and to determine the relationships of these indices through regression analysis. The scatterplot revealed different patterns of the high cost of living (X) and health care index (Y), namely: 1) simple linear model (inverse relation), 2) simple linear model (directly proportional) and 3) elliptical pattern. Findings revealed that there are cities in Asia which allocate more in health care spending than other personal needs. In general, people living in Asia do not necessarily avail of health care programs and services regardless of their cost of living. Such relationship, therefore, differs from one city to another. Nevertheless, the price of living index and health care index relationships infers that there are cities in Asia that tend to increase its health care index when the cost of living increases. These people are health conscious and allocate a higher percentage of their expenses to health and wellness. There are also cities that have minimal budget allocation for health care from their GDP which requires their people to apportion more personal funds for health.
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE, RURAL LIFE IMAGERY, AND SOCIAL REALITY in “U, BULAK NGA AZUCENAS” (OH, AZUCENA FLOWER)
Authors: Violeta B. Felisilda
Published: November 2023

This study analyzes the figurative language used, the rural life imagery portrayed, and the social reality depicted in the lyrics Southern Leyte’s folk song, “U, Bulak nga Azucenas” (Oh, Azucena Flower). It is found out that the folk song uses the following figurative language: apostrophe, metaphor, hyperbole, non sequitur, simile, personification, enumeratio; portrays rural life imagery of a gentle and modest woman; and, depicts the social reality of fragility of a woman. The analytical data has proven that the lyrics of the folk song uses figurative language, portrays rural life imagery, and depicts social reality.
Leverage of Mathematics and its Related Field in the Energy Technology Sector
Authors: Joshua Edson G. Ordiz  , Romeo L. Patual
Published: November 2023

This paper explicitly defines the need for mathematics graduates for the growth, expansion, and operation of technologies in the solar energy sector of the country. Using exploratory data analysis from the Philippine Statistics Association (PSA), this study explains the likeliness of regions in terms of qualified math graduates and HEIs competent programs amid the growing demand for solar energy. Resulting areas are pioneer, dynamic, and emerging adopters, which all direct to the creation of individuals saturated with math concepts and principles, which are critical skills for innovation in the energy sector. Furthermore, enhancement of curricula gearing towards technology-driven courses of all tertiary institutions may help in the creation of such graduates.
University Second Level Screening Indices For Non-Board Programs
Authors: Evelyn T. Bagood  , Romeo A. Patan  , Mardie E. Bucjan
Published: November 2023

The study dealt with the development of the institutional second level screening indices for non-board programs using the secondary data of the students’ entrance/admission result from university guidance office, analysis was made using descriptive-evaluative quantitative research design with the application of Principal Component Analysis. This admission screening has eight components which were analyzed through Principal Components. Through the Principal Component Analysis and Dimension Reduction Method, the dimensions of the screening test were reduced to six components, which specifically define the variability of the six components and were classified into: Thinking Dimension, Social Interaction Dimension, Socio-Economic-Environment Dimension, Life-Long Skills Dimension, Ecological Skills Dimension, and Global Interaction Dimension. The reduced dimensions in the Second Level Admission Screening determined the fitness of the student to a specific non-board program. The university had admitted students who can survive along with the training and requirements of the program; thus, the screening indices may become strong bases for admission and retention of students to University non-board programs. The fitness of the student to a non-board program is evidently determined by the dimensions embedded in the Second Level Admission Screening instrument. It implies that the screening indices are consistent bases for admission and retention of students for the non-board programs. The university may consider crafting of standard policy utilizing these indices in determining the assignment of the qualified students to a specific program to be enrolled in the college/university and a similar study maybe conducted on admission for board course program offered by the university.
Economic Valuation of Protected Area’s Ecosystem Services: The Case of Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park (MVNP) in Burauen and La Paz, Leyte Philippines
Authors: Lemuel Preciados  , Rhena Jane Soria  , Fernando Polenio
Published: November 2023

Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park (MVNP) provides critically important ecosystem services. The natural ecosystem services of MVNP play an important role in maintaining the well-being of the families in the protected area through the provision of a wide array of services ranging from income support to food and recreation. This resource valuation has helped to put a price tag on the provisioning ecosystem service of MVNP using the standard approaches of the market-based method (MBM) and Contingent Valuation Method (CVM). Results reveal that the annual value of Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park’s (MVNP) provisioning resource for Mahagnao is about PhP2,779,963 per year while for Bocawon is PhP645,745 per year, which translated to a total provisioning value for both communities amounting to PhP3,425,708 per year. On average, each household has benefited PhP90,174 per year. Moreover, survey results reveal that on average, each household’s willingness to pay is PhP486 and PhP178.50 per year from Mahagnao, and Bocawo, respectively. The net benefit that goes to every household from protecting MVNP is PhP82.49 per day. Incorporating the benefit-cost principle provides an alternative practical tool and most relevant approach for measuring both the benefits gained and the willingness to pay for providing improved protection of livelihood and the environment for protected areas in the Philippines rural communities.
Analysis of the prevalence of HIV Using Fractal Statistical Analysis
Authors: Constantino G. Medilo, Jr.
Published: November 2023

The current body of knowledge regarding the global problem of HIV/AIDS is limited regarding analyzing the distribution of global patterns that will reveal new and previously hidden information. This study intended to uncover the hidden dimensions of the global prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus using the descriptive-correlational design through fractal statistical analysis and regression analysis. The data on the global distribution of the percentage of the population ageing 15 to 49 infected with HIV from the World Health Organization was analyzed through fractal statistical analysis to find if the distribution has veered away from the state of nature and determine hidden dimensions. Initial analysis revealed that the current state of distribution of the percentage of population ageing 15 to 49 infected with HIV is still in the fractal state. Also, this study established that political stability score, per capita GNP and the country’s distance from Congo, were the hidden dimensions of the current state of distribution of the percentage of population ageing 15-49 infected with HIV. This paper concluded that the spread of HIV is influenced by individual, social, and structural factors. In addition, maintaining peace and striving for economic prosperity are also major weapons in battling the spread of the disease in addition to advances in medicine.
STUDENT TEACHING MENTORS’ ROLE: A PERSPECTIVE FROM UNIVERSITY STUDENT TEACHERS
Authors: Leslie Elisa S. Cobilla
Published: November 2023

The study aimed at assessing the mentors’ role in the Student Teaching Program (STP) of Southern Leyte State University- Tomas Oppus (SLSU-TO). It used the quantitative approach particularly descriptive method and interview which was conducted to substantiate the quantitative data. The stratified sampling procedure was used. It utilized a researcher-made questionnaire, personal interview and thematic analysis of the journal. The findings showed that the faculty is willing to play their role as teachers. The researcher concludes that out of the three functions, most student teaching mentors (STM) lack cooperation and commitment in becoming a role model for university student teachers.
Social Perspective of Human Development
Authors: Constantino G. Medilo, Jr.  , Ruth F. Medilo
Published: November 2023

Recently, there exists a change in the focus of studies on the factors which determine human development, and this change suggests that there are other social factors which may contribute or influence the pace of progress. There is insufficient literature linking religiosity, happiness level, the political stability of the society, and the perceived corruption of public office to development. This study claims that human growth indicated by the Human Development Index (HDI) is not just affected by life expectancy, participation in education, and income but also by other social factors like religion, happiness, corruption in the government, political stability of the society. Employing the descriptive correlational method in determining the relationship of religiosity, happiness, corruption, and political stability to human development, we found that happiness has the most significant effect on human development with an F value of 4.76 and p-value of 0.041. We conclude that a happy society is a developed society.
Lived Experiences of Anti-Drug Operation Managers in the Implementation of Philippine Nationwide Anti-Drug Campaign Tokhang: Focus on a Rural Setting
Authors: Denis E. Torino  , Lieza Noelle D. Malinao
Published: November 2023

The role of anti-drug operation managers is inevitably critical in the conduct of anti-drug operation programs. Since 2016, the Philippines attracted global media attention for its anti-drug campaign known nationally as Tokhang, which resulted in over a million drug surrenderers and thousands of arrests. Focusing on its implementation in a rural setting, we sought to understand the factors that contributed to the successful implementation of Tokhang by examining the lived experiences of police managers leading its implementation. Through qualitative research using Collaizi’s descriptive phenomenological data analysis, we identified nine emergent themes which police leaders made specific references to: 1) leverage through probity, 2) know your enemy, 3) awareness of the law of supply and demand, 4) restorative support, 5) leading rightly, gaining trust 6) judicious personnel selection, 7) restoring peaceful communities, 8) restoring change, redeeming difference, and 9) instilling fear, reducing lawlessness. We propose that the success of Tokhang in the rural areas was attributable in large part to these factors. We also suggest a reflection on the identified themes for the application of transformational leadership in police operation settings. The findings also indicate the sense of safety and peace from the rural communities in the wake of the anti-drug campaign, which counteracts the international media narrative. Further research on community sense of safety in an anti-drug campaign would also contribute to the value added by this study.
Green Practices of Accommodation and Lodging Establishments in Siquijor Province, Philippines
Authors: Steven J. Sumaylo
Published: November 2023

The hospitality industries strive to be more environment-friendly and responsible nowadays. Many hotels are now using Green Mark rating scheme audaciously to signify their involvement in the trending greening phenomena. Embracing green practices is not only a cost-saving undertaking but also a wise utilization of the depleting resources and exhausts the tradition of reusing, recycling and reducing. This study is aimed at determining the green practices of the local accommodation and lodging establishments in Siquijor, Philippines. This descriptive type of research probed green practices in the housekeeping and kitchen departments of the 11 establishments employing survey questionnaire based from modified Best Environmental Practices (BEP) for the hotel industry. This includes BEP in four categories, namely: water efficiency and conservation, energy efficiency, solid waste minimization, and environmental purchasing. The research found out that there are evident green practices among the local establishments in the town of Siquijor. However, they have to consider the sustainability and improvements of their practices.
STRESS-COPING STRATEGIES OF HIGHER EDUCATION OF THE ACADEMIC AND NON-ACADEMIC STAFF IN EASTERN VISAYAS
Authors: Prose Ivy G. Yepes  , Francis Ann R. Sy  , Ariel B. Lunzaga  , Miguel T. Udtuhan  , Glenda B. Tupaz  , Michelle L. Tolibas  , Vicente A. Agda, Jr.
Published: November 2023

Stress susceptibility, sources and symptoms have something to do with how employees in the workplace respond to varied situations. When not dealt with properly stress would lead to non-performance of the employees and low productivity of the organization. Hence, a descriptive survey was conducted to determine the stress profile and coping strategies of the academic and administrative staff of the selected public and private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Eastern Visayas. On average, a significant difference in the stress profile is manifested between the academic staff and administrative staff in the public HEIs while no difference is shown in the private HEIs. Ordinary least-squares regression analysis identified income, educational qualification, stress susceptibility and stress symptoms as predictors to stress. To regulate one’s susceptibility to stress and mitigate stress sources, the respondents used a wide range of coping mechanisms which disclosed a significant difference between the academic and administrative staff in private HEIs. The coping strategies of academic and administrative staff in public HEIs were observed to have no difference. Knowing the predictors to stress and the varied coping strategies used by the HEI employees in Region 8, a Stress Management Program is hereby suggested for adoption and implementation.
TIME SPENT BY STUDENTS IN SOCIAL INTERACTIONS AND CONNECTIVITY
Authors: Lilibeth S. Tindugan
Published: November 2023

The study related time spent by students of SLSU-Tomas Oppus in face-to-face activities (social interactions) and in spending and interacting with people through media and technology (connectivity). This descriptive-correlational study used a questionnaire adopted from McCann-Erickson (2006). It was found out that connectivity did not replace social interactions, rather, fosters the students’ connection with people and information. The active engagement of students in both social interactions and connectivity after school can contribute to learning and behavior development. Hence, it is imperative that students’ social experiences be directed and guided so that this can be utilized to maximize learning.
Optimizing Student Learning: A Faculty-Course Assignment Problem Using Linear Programming
Authors: Elvira E. Ongy
Published: November 2023

Decision making is carried out in organizations in such a way as to observe the goals of the organizations, which are a combination of the goals of the individuals and groups within the organization. This study deals with some of the objectives of the universities as well as the faculty themselves in the process of assigning faculty members to teach specific sections of particular courses each semester. The regular faculty of the Department of Business and Management were used as the representative set of such objectives. Some conflict between objectives which are used as constraints in the analysis were noted. The assignment process required satisfying in such a way that the total evaluation rating is maximized; thus, a faculty member who has the highest competency to teach such a specific subject over the others is assigned. A mathematical model of the assignment process was formulated using mixed-integer programming. The test run was successfully analyzed using the solver add-in in MS excel which generated an overall evaluation rating of 2188% which has an equivalent average evaluation rating of 87.5% for each faculty assigned. The faculty assignment problem is only one of the many day-to-day situations in real life which can be viewed as allocations of scarce resources involving separate units.
The Talking About Live Kidney Donation (TALK) Social Worker Intervention: Putting it into Practice
Authors: DePasquale, MSPH Nicole , Hill-Briggs, PhD Felicia , Darrell, MSW, LCSW-C Linda , Ephraim, MPH Patti , Falcone, BA Brenda , Shafer, BS Cassie , Lewis-Boyer, BS, LPN Lapricia , Boulware, MD, MPH L. Ebony
Published: November 2023

Live kidney transplantation (LKT) is underutilized among patients with kidney disease. Social workers may be particularly effective in helping patients and their families overcome barriers to considering and/or pursuing LKT because of their expertise in helping families confront challenging social and medical issues. Nonetheless, social workers’ facilitation of patients’ consideration of LKT has not previously been reported. The team at Johns Hopkins University developed and tested the Talking about Live Kidney Donation (TALK) Social Worker Intervention to improve patients’ informed consideration of LKT. We provide practical guidelines for the implementation of the TALK Social Worker Intervention in clinical practice.
Emerging Trends in Discharging Disruptive Dialysis Patients: A Case Study
Authors: Borges, MSW, LCSW Amber M.
Published: November 2023

At the end of the 2009 calendar year, 399,000 End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients received dialysis as their treatment method, according to the U.S. Renal Data System. In addition to the consequences of their ESRD, patients on dialysis experience many challenging emotional, physical and financial burdens. Steps need to be taken to ensure safety when a patient is a threat to the rights and safety of other patients and staff. Severe cases of threat and abuse, both verbal and physical, can lead to the offending patient being involuntarily discharged from the dialysis facility. However, the ESRD Networks, as well as the state Departments of Public Health, do not have the authority to mandate that outpatient dialysis facilities accept known disruptive patients. When patients are involuntarily discharged from a dialysis facility, and cannot find another outpatient facility to admit them, they are instructed to go to the nearest emergency room for dialysis care. The Emergency Treatment and Active Labor Act requires hospitals to provide care to anyone needing emergency healthcare treatment regardless of citizenship, legal status or ability to pay. This case study attempts to explore the emerging trends of discharged, disruptive dialysis patients who are denied dialysis services from outpatient dialysis facilities.
End Stage Renal Disease and Nonadherence to Hemodialysis: Evaluation of a Psychodynamic Intervention
Authors: Mazzella Anthony , Berkman Cathy S.
Published: November 2023

Background: Skipping and shortening hemodialysis treatments are common and result in increased morbidity and mortality. Objective: The goal was to test whether a psychodynamic intervention reduced the number of skipped and the minutes of shortened hemodialysis sessions. Methods: A quasi-experiment conducted at one hemodialysis outpatient center was used to test a psychodynamic intervention. The intervention was delivered weekly for eight weeks to intervention group patients (n=13). Comparison group (n=8) patients received routine care. Results: Adherence improved for the intervention group from the Before Phase to the Treatment Phase and After Phase on all outcomes. The mean number of hemodialysis sessions skipped was 1.9 in the Before Phase and .9 in the Treatment Phase (p=.01) and .5 in the After Phase (p=.01). During the Treatment Phase the intervention group skipped less than one session while the comparison group skipped 3.5 hemodialysis sessions (p<.001). Adherence did not improve for comparison group patients. Conclusions: A psychodynamic intervention may be an acceptable and effective treatment for reducing nonadherence to hemodialysis.
The Experience of Mothering a Child with a Kidney Transplant and the Implications of Illness-Related Uncertainty
Authors: Mantulak, MSW, PhD, RSW Andrew
Published: November 2023

Advances in the surgical and immunological aspects of organ transplantation have resulted in significant improvements in long-term outcomes and survival rates, making kidney transplantation the optimal therapy for children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study examines the phenomenon of sustained uncertainty as an element of the burden of care for maternal caregivers of children who have undergone kidney transplantation. This study indicates these mothers experience uncertainty in two prominent ways: 1) in their subjective sense of time, and 2) in their ongoing fear that their child will experience rejection of the transplanted kidney. Ultimately, this study advocates for nephrology social workers to begin addressing the social and emotional implications of uncertainty in the experience of illness for caregivers.
Routine Use of the PedsQL™ for Assessment of Quality of Life in Pediatric Dialysis Patients
Authors: Stockard, LICSW Kristin L. , Seidel, MS Kristy D. , Flynn, MD, MS Joseph T.
Published: November 2023

To comply with new Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regulations requiring regular assessment of patient quality of life (QoL) by dialysis programs, we administered the PedsQL™ survey instrument to every eligible dialysis patient in our program beginning in October 2008. We compared findings between groups of our patients assessed from October 2008 through January 2010, and also with results of previously published multi-center studies. Compared to prior published studies using the PedsQL, the overall scores for patients and parents were lower in this routine collection of survey responses. Unexpectedly, we found that HD patients and patients living at greater distances from our center had better QoL scores than PD patients and those living closest to the medical center. These results require re-examination in larger, multi-center studies.
Relaxation Therapy and Mindfulness Meditation One-Day Workshop for Nephrology Social Workers: Exploring the Impact of This Training on Professional Practice
Authors: Petingola, MSW, RSW Gary
Published: November 2023

Relaxation therapy techniques and mindfulness meditation are clinical intervention tools that have demonstrated benefits associated with the reduction of negative psychological states and the enhancement of positive states of mind critical to the alleviation of physical and emotional distress (Jain et al., 2007). Many mind-body therapeutic training workshops are offered in a one-day format; however, there is a gap in the literature examining the direct impact of learning relaxation therapy and mindfulness meditation specific to nephrology social work practitioners, and how, if at all, learning these techniques might assist a practitioner in his/her work. A study was undertaken to examine the influence of a one-day educational workshop on relaxation therapy and mindfulness meditation on nephrology social workers’ professional practice. Eight members of the Canadian Association of Nephrology Social Workers with limited previous exposure to mind-body therapeutic approaches participated in this project. Telephone and Skype participant interviews occurred following the workshop on three separate occasions over a period of four months. The key findings from this study suggest that (1) the workshop had an impact on professional practice, (2) the workshop had an impact on self-care, and (3) amid obstacles to implementation, nephrology social workers expressed their desire to expand their current scope of practice to include relaxation therapy and mindfulness meditation with their clients.
Is the “Gift of Life” a Resonant Frame?
Authors: Humphries, PhD Harry L. , Conrad, PhD Browyn K. , Humphrey, PhD Kristen R. , Giffin, BS Kathryn A. , Giefer, PhD, APRN Cheryl K. , Hite, DNP, APRN Amy L.
Published: November 2023

This research examines kidney donor motivations using a research design from prior investigations evaluating the persuasiveness of the National Kidney Foundation’s (NKF) altruistic “gift of life” frame. Because previous studies produced mixed results, showing in particular substantially more support for material incentives among an international sample of nursing professionals, as compared to a convenience sample of college students, we compared in this study the motivations among practitioners in the fields of nursing and social work. A total of 159 social workers and nurses participated in a survey that addressed the relationship between material incentives, social distance and motivation to donate, as well as work-related burnout and compassion fatigue as structural factors that might reduce non-directed kidney donor motivation. The results show a significant negative relationship between altruism and donor motivation, as measured by social distance between donor and recipient, and a strong lack of support for direct cash incentives as a complement to living kidney donation. The results also show little support for the notion that compassion fatigue or burnout accounts for these results. Social workers are somewhat more altruistic than nurse practitioners but the differences between the two groups are not meaningful. However, low support for living donations to unrelated others, coupled with high support for limited material incentives for both groups, suggest a continued need to explore alternatives to the current framing of kidney donations as giving the “gift of life.”
What a Genetic Kidney Disease Does to Families
Authors: Ruff Suzanne
Published: November 2023

An Invited Editorial by Suzanne Ruff.
Impact of Insurance Status on Outcomes After Kidney Transplant Among Out-of-state Recipients
Authors: Garcia, LCSW Marica , Weng, MD, MSCE Francis , Grogan, MS Tracy , Achaibar, MPH Lisandra
Published: November 2023

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who wish to get a kidney transplant must have adequate insurance in order to be considered suitable candidates. States are not required to accept patients with out-of-state Medicaid coverage and are free to impose restrictions on coverage (Ehlers, 2002; Preussler, Farnia, Denzen, & Majhail, 2014). This study sought to determine, among out-of-state recipients who received kidney transplants at Saint Barnabas Medical Center between 2010 and 2014, the impact of having Medicaid as a secondary insurance provider. We also examined the relationship between patient outcomes and psychosocial variables. Patients with Medicaid as a secondary insurance plan had similar one-year allograft survival and similar rates of readmissions compared to patients with other insurance types.
Utilizing Community Programs to Build Kidney Disease Self-Management Skills
Authors: Haney Smith, MSW Allyce , Loughery, MPH Caitlin , Andrews, MPH Ann , Walker, MSW Susan
Published: November 2023

Kidney disease self-management relies on patient knowledge and self-efficacy to develop skills for day-to-day care of their chronic condition(s). The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) is effective in promoting chronic disease self-managementamong people with a variety of health conditions, but has not been studied among people with kidney disease. In 2016, the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM) collaborated with Metro Detroit transplant programs to offer the CDSMP for people living with kidney disease and their caregivers. The study examined the effectiveness of the CDSMP with kidney disease patients by adding two kidney disease-specific sessions. A total of 45 people participated in the pilot program. Results included improvements in patient activation and self-efficacy to manage kidney disease.
Sociographic Profile of Hemodialysis Patients in Portugal
Authors: Freitas Olim, MSW Marta , Guadalupe, PhD Sonia , Mota Francisca , Fragoso Paula , Ribeiro, BASW Susana
Published: November 2023

The study outlines the sociographic profile of patients on hemodialysis treatment in Portugal through a descriptive study of 3114 chronic renal failure patients. The dominant sociographic profile indicates that participants were male (59%), over the age of 65 (52.54%, M = 67.6), married (58.70%), with a low educational level (1st to 4th grade: 53.18%), and retired (77.62%). They were born in Portugal (89.56%), living in Lisbon (51.48%), living with nuclear families with children (46.47%) and had informal support networks (72.22%). Other social indicators point to vulnerable situations: 8.6% were unemployed, 2.5% were living in a precarious housing situation; 10.45% were displaced patients; 11.37% lived alone; 9.18% had single-parent families; and 10.69% did not have any source of support. Knowledge of sociographic profiles is a determinant of successful social work and social epidemiology in order to develop social and multidisciplinary intervention programs and social policies that promote individual and social well-being of chronic kidney disease patients.
Suicidality Screening by Nephrology Social Workers: A Pilot Study
Authors: Stein, MSW Dodie
Published: November 2023

Current literature demonstrates that suicidality is more prevalent among people with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) than the general population; however, is not known how often patients with ESRD are screened for suicidality. This study examined suicidality screening practices among nephrology social workers using an online survey. Data suggest that about 71% of clinicians screen for suicidality across practice settings: 66% use the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9); 40% use informal questioning techniques. Though this study found suicide risk to be relatively low among patients with ESRD (<10%), good clinical practice necessitates suicidality screening when conversation with a patient indicates depression or risk of self-harm. A standardized suicidality tool is recommended. Further study on suicidality with patients with ESRD is important for improving clinical care.
Beyond Numbers: The Liminal Experience of Kidney Transplantation Amongst Young Adults Following Transfer of Care
Authors: Bogue Kerr, MA, MSW Stephanie , Souliere, PhD Marguerite , Bell, MD, FRCPC Lorraine
Published: November 2023

Young adults who receive kidney transplants have unique needs. Adherence with medical therapy and with appointments can be a major challenge for this population, as is the transfer from pediatric to adult care. There is little qualitative research that tackles the experience of transplantation amongst young people, and still less from a social work standpoint. The present article reflects the findings of a qualitative, phenomenological study into the transition experience of young-adult kidney transplant recipients. The study found that for these young people, health professionals were involved in their relationship to their bodies. A major theme that emerged was the relational nature of the transfer of care. Finally, the article closes with a discussion of the micro- and macro-level factors that shape these relationships and the implications of these findings for nephrology social workers and other health professionals practicing in adult care settings.
Perspectives of Renal Healthcare Professionals about Deceased Organ Donation
Authors: Andrews, MPH Ann , Loughery, MPH Caitlin , Zhang, PhD Nanhua , Haney Smith, MSW Allyce , Jenkins Riley, MSW Holly , Stav, MSW Sheri , Resnicow, PhD Ken , Chapman, BS Remonia , Yee, MD Jerry
Published: November 2023

Little is known about the attitudes of renal healthcare professionals (HCPs) toward deceased donation. We surveyed 222 renal HCPs from 12 dialysis units in southeast Michigan about their attitudes toward organ donation as part of a cluster-randomized, intervention study. Factor analysis identified three subscales: general benefits (alpha .88), general barriers (alpha .80), and staff dialysis barriers (alpha .79). We compared subscale values with two variables: enrollment status in the state donor registry (DR) and intentions for future DR enrollment. Higher scores on all three scales were positively associated with DR enrollment. Mean scores varied by HCP role within the dialysis unit. Tailoring donation education to a role and focusing on the benefits may have an effective impact on HCP attitudes. Results from this study can inform future interventions to improve promotion of organ donation amongst professionals working in dialysis units.
Measuring Health-Related Outcomes After a Peer-Led Educational Intervention for African Americans with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Lindsey, PhD, LMSW Katina-Lang , Yoon, PhD, MSW Eunkyung
Published: November 2023

There are multiple reasons for the disparity in chronic kidney disease (CKD) among African Americans, including higher rates of diabetes, the absence of disease-specific health knowledge, and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors (eating, exercise). This pilot study measured health-related outcomes of a social worker-coordinated and peer-led psychoeducational program, based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). One-group pretest/posttest was used to measure changes in outcome variables, such as CKD-related health knowledge, healthy lifestyle and behaviors, and medication adherence.

Data from 54 African-American patients indicated statistically significant improvement in scores on the Health Knowledge Scale, but no change in healthy lifestyle and behaviors or medication adherence. Social workers should provide cost-effective and clinically proven psychosocial educational treatments for patients with chronic health conditions. This intervention can be replicated with large, diverse groups in collaboration with other medical professionals.
Multi-Unit Efficiency Assessment and Multidimensional Polygon Analysis in a Small, Full-Service Restaurant Chain
Authors: Maier Thomas , Reynolds Dennis , Sandstrom Jennifer
Published: November 2023

Purpose: Restaurant revenue management practices and profit optimization techniques are evolving into more complex data analysis processes. The “big data” revolution has created a wealth of information on revenue, pricing, key operational performance indicators, and various productivity/efficiency variables. Advanced research analysis that can identify these key factors across multiple operating units may be useful to restaurant managers unaccustomed to data analytics or those seeking a deeper understanding of unit-level business performance. The overarching goal of this study was to utilize mixed research methods across conceptually dissimilar units of a multi-unit chain restaurant, enabling researchers to build on the resulting outcomes and restaurant operators to apply it to optimize unit-to-unit profit. Design/Methodology: A mixed research methodology was used to evaluate multidimensional operating efficiencies and labor productivity across multiple restaurant concepts. Data envelopment analysis (DEA), between-unit multidimensional analysis, and within-unit ratio analyses were utilized. While DEA was applied as a primary diagnostic tool to identify productivity/efficiency benchmarking factors, supplemental between- and within-unit measures provided more in-depth information regarding the effects of operating expense variables. Findings: Restaurant analytics that effectively measure input and output variables between and within multiple units promote a data-rich organizational culture. For the small multi-unit organization that was the focus of this study, this is certainly the case. DEA diagnostic results to inform targeted analysis to particular units of operation indicated that all units are operating at maximum efficiency in terms of generating sales given the respective numbers of seats and square footages. However, subsequent analyses indicated multiple problems in terms of expense management. This same approach may help other operators optimize operations. Originality/value: The proposed model provides restaurant operators the opportunity to identify the impact of different operating expense variables and their impact on overall profitability. The use of the polygon analysis in itself makes complex sensitivity analysis of certain operating variables to profit outcomes a much easier process. We recommend other operators perform similar analyses in order to enhance operational productivity.
RANCANG BANGUN PURWARUPA SISTEM KENDALI LAMPU WORKSHOP TEKNOLOGI LISTRIK BERBASIS IoT DAN ANDROID TERKONEKSI FIREBASE
Authors: Usman Dani , Siswoyo Hadisantoso Feri , Kurnia Deni
Published: November 2023

Dalam konteks workshop, penggunaan Internet of Think (IoT) dapat membawa manfaat dalam mengontrol lampu secara efisien dan cerdas. Tujuan utama dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengimplementasikan dan mengevaluasi sistem pengontrolan lampu di workshop menggunakan IoT. Pada awalnya, lampu di workshop dikendalikan secara manual dengan sakelar. Namun, pendekatan ini kurang efisien dan kurang fleksibel dalam mengatur pencahayaan sesuai kebutuhan. Sistem yang diusulkan terdiri dari lampu pijar, NodeMCU, Smart Phone serta jaringan nirkabel untuk menghubungkan semua komponen tersebut. Data dari smart phone dikirim ke platform cloud firebase melalui protokol komunikasi WiFi untuk mengontrol lampu secara real- time menggunakan aplikasi berbasis android. Evaluasi sistem dilakukan melalui serangkaian uji coba di workshop yang sebenarnya. Hasil pengujian menunjukkan bahwa pengontrolan lampu menggunakan IoT dapat diaplikasikan sehingga meningkatkan fleksibilitas dalam mengatur pencahayaan di workshop. Penelitian ini membuktikan bahwa penggunaan IoT dalam pengontrolan lampu di workshop memberikan manfaat dalam hal fleksibilitas dan pengaturan pencahayaan yang lebih cerdas.
Awake responses suggest inefficient dense coding in the mouse retina
Authors: Boissonnet Tom , Tripodi Matteo , Asari Hiroki
Published: November 2023

The structure and function of the vertebrate retina have been extensively studied across species with an isolated, ex vivo preparation. Retinal function in vivo, however, remains elusive, especially in awake animals. Here, we performed single-unit extracellular recordings in the optic tract of head-fixed mice to compare the output of awake, anesthetized, and ex vivo retinas. While the visual response properties were overall similar across conditions, we found that awake retinal output had in general (1) faster kinetics with less variability in the response latencies; (2) a larger dynamic range; and (3) higher firing activity, by ~20 Hz on average, for both baseline and visually evoked responses. Our modeling analyses further showed that such awake response patterns convey comparable total information but less efficiently, and allow for a linear population decoder to perform significantly better than the anesthetized or ex vivo responses. These results highlight distinct retinal behavior in awake states, in particular suggesting that the retina employs dense coding in vivo, rather than sparse efficient coding as has been often assumed from ex vivo studies.
Effort cost of harvest affects decisions and movement vigor of marmosets during foraging
Authors: Hage Paul , Jang In Kyu , Looi Vivian , Fakharian Mohammad Amin , Orozco Simon P. , Pi Jay S. , Sedaghat-Nejad Ehsan , Shadmehr Reza
Published: November 2023

Our decisions are guided by how we perceive the value of an option, but this evaluation also affects how we move to acquire that option. Why should economic variables such as reward and effort alter the vigor of our movements? In theory, both the option that we choose and the vigor with which we move contribute to a measure of fitness in which the objective is to maximize rewards minus efforts, divided by time. To explore this idea, we engaged marmosets in a foraging task in which on each trial they decided whether to work by making saccades to visual targets, thus accumulating food, or to harvest by licking what they had earned. We varied the effort cost of harvest by moving the food tube with respect to the mouth. Theory predicted that the subjects should respond to the increased effort costs by choosing to work longer, stockpiling food before commencing harvest, but reduce their movement vigor to conserve energy. Indeed, in response to an increased effort cost of harvest, marmosets extended their work duration, but slowed their movements. These changes in decisions and movements coincided with changes in pupil size. As the effort cost of harvest declined, work duration decreased, the pupils dilated, and the vigor of licks and saccades increased. Thus, when acquisition of reward became effortful, the pupils constricted, the decisions exhibited delayed gratification, and the movements displayed reduced vigor.Our results suggest that as the brainstem neuromodulatory circuits that control pupil size respond to effort costs, they alter computations in the brain regions that control decisions, encouraging work and delaying gratification, and the brain regions that control movements, reducing vigor and suppressing energy expenditure. This coordinated response suggests that decisions and actions are part of a single control policy that aims to maximize a variable relevant to fitness: the capture rate.