Unpacking Transnational Social Capital and its Effects: Insights from an International Study Experience in Belgium

This paper studies (trans)national social capital gained through an international study experience in Belgium. Drawing upon a multi-method alumni study, we explore different types of (inter)national networks of male and female graduates, the extent to which different networks remained after graduation as well as effects on personal and professional development and organizational performance. Findings show that graduates have particularly gained networks with non-co-nationals which evolve from bridging relations at the outset to bonding relations while particularly networks with the host population remain limited. After returning home, bonding social interaction relations remain most important, irrespective of the nationality of the graduates, whereas information sharing and collaboration networks survive better among co-nationals, particularly when these are triggered through national alumni chapters. Our study finds network effects on individual's intercultural skills, knowledge and attitudes, their professional career and organizational performance, with intercultural gains being particularly high for networks with non-co-nationals from other continents.

Focus Group Findings of Trial Participants in a Caregiver Psychosocial Intervention: Savvy Caregiver Program

Previous work highlights the importance of sociobehavioral interventions to address dementia caregiving health and wellbeing outcomes. By empowering caregivers to become objective managers of their loved one’s illness, and own self-care, they are less likely to exhibit negative outcomes. We are conducting a mixed-method, randomized trial to test manualized, multi-family psychoeducational group interventions: Savvy Caregiver Express, and Savvy Caregiver Program. This poster describes the qualitative findings of four focus group interviews recently conducted to elucidate the study participation experiences of family caregivers enrolled in the parent study. Twenty-five racially and ethnically diverse participants (21 women, 4 men) caring for a family member with cognitive decline participated in focus group interviews conducted via videoconferencing methods. We captured more nuanced experiences from the perspective of study participants with regards to the caregiver interventions and their research participation. Interviews were conducted by trained research personnel, lasted 60-75 minutes, and followed an open-ended questioning route. Based on thematic analyses, we identified the following themes: 1) Changing one’s mindset: Seeing life through their shoes; 2) Getting information in one place; 3) Expanding the personal experience; 4) Fears and vulnerability; 5) Time constraints vs. wanting more; 6) Not everyone is at the same place; 7) Technology: It’s going to be part of our lives; and 8) Research: Not always in sync. Our findings indicate high satisfaction with most components of the program while specific recommendations were offered to improve the intervention and study experience such as tailoring materials to stage-specific needs.

An Overview of Analysis of Learning Curve of Laproscopic Procedures in General Surgery Residents in Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar

Aim: An Overview of Analysis of Learning Curve of Laparoscopic Procedures in General Surgery Residents in Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar. Methodology: A descriptive KAP (knowledge attitude and practice) study was conducted in Khyber teaching hospital (KTH) from January 2021 to March 2021. A total of 24 surgical residents of 3rd and 4th year residency working in different surgical units were part of the study. Experience of residents performing procedures under supervision, assistance or by means of observation was recorded by a self administered questionnaire. Results: A number of 24 surgical residents of 3rd and 4th year residency of general surgery were part of the study. Frequency of 3rd yr residents was 13(54.2%) and that of 4th yr was 11(45.8%). Number of 6(25%) observed basic laparoscopy, 8(33%) advanced procedures and 10(41.7%) observed both types of procedure. 23(95.8%) participants were regularly briefed on principles of laparoscopy and 21(87.5%) strongly agreed upon the need of video simulation sessions. According to 22(91.7%) participants instrument handling was the most difficult part to learn. And 17(70.8%) participants laparoscopy enhances visualization of disease process. 18(75%) participants said that it improves postoperative recovery and 20(83.3%) were of opinion that it minimizes hospital stay. 16(66.7%) residents stated it has a steep learning curve. All participants agreed that it is necessary to assist large number of procedures to attain confidence of performing laparoscopic procedures. Conclusion: The study showed that almost all residents were in favor of the use of laparoscopic procedures rather than open surgeries. Keywords: Laparoscopy, learning curve

Artificial intelligence (AI) for tourism: an European-based study on successful AI tourism start-ups

Purpose The travel and tourism industry (TTI) could benefit the most from artificial intelligence (AI), which could reshape this industry. This study aims to explore the characteristics of tourism AI start-ups, the AI technological domains financed by Venture Capitalists (VCs), and the phases of the supply chain where the AI domains are in high demand. Design/methodology/approach This study developed a database of the European AI start-ups operating in the TTI from the Crunchbase database (2005–2020). The authors used start-ups as the unit of analysis as they often foster radical change. The authors complemented quantitative and qualitative methods. Findings AI start-ups have been mainly created by male Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics graduates between 2015 and 2017. The number of founders and previous study experience in non-start-up companies was positively related to securing a higher amount of funding. European AI start-ups are concentrated in the capital town of major tourism destinations (France, UK and Spain). The AI technological domains that received more funding from VCs were Learning, Communication and Services (i.e. big data, machine learning and natural language processing), indicating a strong interest in AI solutions enabling marketing automation, segmentation and customisation. Furthermore, VC-backed AI solutions focus on the pre-trip and post-trip. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study focussing on digital entrepreneurship, specifically VC-backed AI start-ups operating in the TTI. The authors apply, for the first time, a mixed-method approach in the study of tourism entrepreneurship.

The effect of Kahoot on undergraduate student anxiety and confidence when studying statistics

Many undergraduate students are required to study statistics, but often struggle understanding concepts, lack engagement, lack confidence, or feel anxious about statistics. Kahoot is a game-based learning platform that can be used to increase student engagement and learning through real-time quizzes. This study aimed to evaluate the use of Kahoot on improving students’ experience of studying statistics in an undergraduate (year 2) course. Pre and post Likert scale questionnaires (including Statistical Anxiety Measure - SAM) were used to collect student responses about their statistics study experience. Questions related to anxiety, confidence, and for the post quiz, additional questions on the impact of Kahoot on behavioural engagement. Post survey results indicate positive changes in students’ perceptions towards studying statistics in terms of anxiety and confidence. Kahoot was shown to have a significant and positive effect on student confidence and was also linked to lowered anxiety. Despite limited data, help-seeking anxiety explained over 50% of variation in final exam performance. Further research is recommended on the effect of Kahoot on student anxiety when studying statistics, particularly as it relates to confidence and performance.

Lesson Study as an Intervention to Develop Prospective English Language Teachers' Classroom Management Skills

This study investigated six pre-service ELT teachers' engagement of collaborative Lesson Study, Japanese professional development model, and intended to explore its impact on their classroom management skills. The qualitative research design was used as the methodological foundation of the study since the Lesson Study experience of the participants was thoroughly observed in its natural context through research lesson applications. The large volume of data collected using a variety of data collection tools was analyzed using Atlas. Ti qualitative software. The study revealed that Lesson Study intervention impacted the participants' classroom management skills in various dimensions at varying degrees, especially in increasing awareness about the observation of student learning, giving instructions, and lesson planning aspects. The study further presented that Lesson Study provides a reformist professional development opportunity for pre-service teachers to practice various classroom management strategies in various actual classroom settings.

Integration of HIV Prevention With Sexual and Reproductive Health Services: Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes Study Experience of Integrating Oral Pre-exposure HIV Prophylaxis in Family Planning Services in Lusaka, Zambia

The WHO guideline on the integration of family planning (FP) and pre-exposure HIV prophylaxis (PrEP) to enhance the health of women and adolescent girls is reflected in the Zambia Consolidated Guidelines for Treatment and Prevention of HIV Infection, 2020. There is however a dearth of data on the integration of PrEP and FP in Zambia. We describe the integration of oral PrEP in FP services using the Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes (ECHO) study experience at Kamwala District Health Center in Lusaka, Zambia. The provision of oral PrEP at Kamwala started in October 2017, lasting for ~11 months, and utilized the model where initial processes to offer PrEP were on-site followed by off-site referral to laboratory and PrEP provider services. The characteristics of 658 women who enrolled in ECHO at Kamwala are representative of women accessing FP services in Lusaka. About 644 of the enrollees were offered oral PrEP. The proportion of women accepting PrEP was low at 1.08% and the proportion of study visits at which PrEP was requested was also low at 0.57%. Those who accepted PrEP were above 20 years old, married, with at least primary education, sexual behavior, and risk comparable to decliners. The ECHO study experience indicates that the setup and integration of oral PrEP and FP services are feasible in the setting. However, uptake of PrEP was very low. Possible contributory factors were as follows: (1) timing of introduction of PrEP midway in the study, (2) PrEP being a new intervention, (3) challenges of autonomy of young women to include a daily pill into their lives and anticipated challenges to adherence because of fear of adverse events, (4) possible underdetermined risk due to use of an unvalidated risk assessment tool and assessment by health care provider vs. self-assessment, and (5) extra layer of challenges to negotiate due to needing for off-site referrals. Following these findings, we conclude that further research through demonstration projects of integration of oral PrEP and FP may provide solutions to low uptake. This information is critical for scaling up of integration HIV prevention services and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services.

Participants Attrition in a Longitudinal Study: The Malaysian Cohort Study Experience

The attrition rate of longitudinal study participation remains a challenge. To date, the Malaysian Cohort (TMC) study follow-up rate was only 42.7%. This study objective is to identify the cause of attrition among TMC participants and the measures to curb it. A total of 19,343 TMC participants from Kuala Lumpur and Selangor that was due for follow-up were studied. The two most common attrition reasons are undergoing medical treatment at another government or private health center (7.0%) and loss of interest in participating in the TMC project (5.1%). Those who were inclined to drop out were mostly Chinese, aged 50 years and above, unemployed, and had comorbidities during the baseline recruitment. We have also contacted 2183 participants for the home recruitment follow-up, and about 10.9% agreed to join. Home recruitment slightly improved the overall follow-up rate from 42.7% to 43.5% during the three-month study period.

Introduction to 2021-2

This issue of Nordic Journal of Working Life Studies compiles six original research articles from the Nordic countries.The first article brings us to Finland. In The Experience Qualities Approach to Leadership and Employee Well-being, Ilkka Salmi and her co-authors present a study that illustrate how a new research approach enables researchers on leadership and employee well- being to conceptualize and study ‘experience’ in new ways. Based on semi-structured interviews with 23 leaders and employees in an international mining organization located in Finland, the article illustrates how the approach helps to identify the relation- ship between leaders’ and employees’ experiences and well-being by nuancing ‘general experiences’ to not only include emotions but also experience qualities such as knowledge and assumptions.