Academic Knowledge Research Articles

O NÍVEL DE CONHECIMENTO DAS ACADÊMICAS EM RELAÇÃo AS DISFUNÇÕES SEXUAIS FEMININAS E A ATUAÇÃO DA FISIOTERAPIA

Female sexual dysfunction is defined as any change or pain in one or more stages of the sexual response cycle, such as any disorder related to sexual desire, excitability, orgasm, sexual pain, dyspareunia and vaginismus. It is considered a public health problem that significantly affects the lives of women and their partners. The causes of sexual dysfunction in women are multifactorial, involving physical, psychological, social aspects or even being of unknown cause, physiotherapeutic treatment is not yet as widespread. Thus, the objective of the study is to evaluate the perception of knowledge of academics about the role of physiotherapy in female sexual dysfunctions in the city of Porto Velho- RO. The present study is cross-sectional in nature, with a sample of 104 academic women, aged between 20 and 30 years, who meet the criteria of the online questionnaire reporting having some sexual dysfunction, and about their knowledge of Physiotherapy. The results showed that in relation to knowledge of the role of physiotherapeutics in this field, 23.4% of participants reported having no knowledge of the role of physiotherapy in sexual dysfunctions. These data corroborate the literature and provide more evidence on the subject.

Police specialism in England and Wales: an exploratory review

Purpose There is a surprising lack of underpinning evidence relating to how police specialism is defined, conceived and operationalised nationally. This study aims to shed light on the development of specialism, adding insights towards academic and police knowledge on the topic. Design/methodology/approach Exploratory research was conducted to draw evidence on police specialism in England and Wales according to publications in the literature and insights from high-ranking police officers. A total of 57 documents and 10 officers’ accounts were thematically analysed. Five main themes have been identified, relating to the development, impact and barriers of specialist units, knowledge and training. Findings Socio-cultural, policy-based and historical information that contributed to the development of specialism in its contemporary form were discussed. The conceptual triggers for the institution of most specialist units were disasters and a need for modernisation. In both cases, police forces were faced with the inability to keep up with emerging threats and new criminal techniques. Some exceptions apply, with specialisms of sex offences still being underdeveloped and underfunded compared to other crimes. Overall, although specialism has the potential to positively impact police efficacy, the specialist knowledge of officers working within specialist units is frequently inferred – rather than measured. Practical implications Organisational support and the quality of training impact specialism effectiveness. The substantial lack of resources allocated to specialism means that training for some crime types is either unavailable or difficult to complete. Police officers fear that specialism might lead to elitism and corrupt police practices. There is no evidence, however, that elitist beliefs are the direct result of specialism or rather additional co-occurring organisational, cultural and force-specific or role-dependant factors. Police officers’ wellbeing and specialist capacity take a significant toll. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this was the first modern study of its kind that investigated how police specialism is conceived, instituted and prioritised in England and Wales.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of the Lebanese University Medical Students and Junior Doctors on Basic Life Support Practices

Background: Basic life support (BLS) is the recognition of sudden cardiac arrest and activation of emergency response system, followed by cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and rapid defibrillation. Aim: Our study aimed to determine the level of awareness of the Lebanese University medical students and trainees on BLS, by assessing the association between knowledge, attitude, and practice on BLS, and between the demographic variables and KAP scores. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study including 330 medical students enrolled at Lebanese University, from year four of general medicine till year five of residency. An online survey was used to collect data about demographic characteristics, knowledge (K), attitudes (A), and practice (P) about BLS. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: Participants were 52.7% females, 47.3% males, and their mean age was 24 ± 2 years. Of the 330 participants, 38.8% received formal training regarding BLS. Medical students had low knowledge (90%), moderate to good attitudes (71.5%), and low practice (93%) regarding BLS. Multiple linear regression showed that knowledge was positively associated with age (p = 0.001), knowledge and information regarding BLS (p = 0.016), and any formal training/workshop regarding BLS (p = 0.021). Attitude was positively associated with academic year (p = 0.002) and knowledge (p = 0.003). Practice was positively associated with age (p < 0.001) and knowledge (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Most Lebanese University medical students showed low knowledge, moderate to good attitudes, and low practice regarding BLS. We recommend that CPR/BLS should be a core competency across all health care professional programs.

An inquiry on the on-the-job training experiences of accounting interns

This study examines the experiences of accounting interns during their On-the-Job Training (OJT) program in accounting firms, banking institutions, and government agencies. The research participants, who graduated from the accountancy program in 2022-2023, have completed the OJT program and are currently employed. Using the cognitive apprenticeship theory, the researchers explored the experiences of interns in their PJT. During their OJT, the accounting interns experienced immersive training, practical application, and interactions with colleagues. The on-the-job training experiences of the Accounting Interns contribute to their overall professional development and personal growth through building professionalism, developing workplace skills, employing adaptive resilience, and cultivating reflective learning. The OJT experiences prepare the Accounting Interns for their current job because they have developed positive workplace behaviour and efficiency. The challenges encountered by the Accounting Interns during OJT are unrelated or unfamiliar tasks, problems with social skills, difficulty in task organization, and difficulty adjusting to work culture and protocols. Accounting Interns cope with the challenges during their OJT through self-initiated learning, seeking help from colleagues, building confidence, time management, and observing professionalism. Furthermore, the OJT program combined academic knowledge with practical skills to improve students' career readiness. The experience prepared them for professional challenges in their fields. The findings of this study contribute to the exploration of the accountancy students during their OJT. Moreover, other students can find ways on how to deal with encountered problems as they undergo the OJT program.

Empirical Study on the Impact of Service Quality Dimensions on Satisfaction of Students: With Reference to Executive Coaching’s of Kota

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to see how the service quality elements affect student satisfaction in private coaching institutes of Kota District. This research unifies, refines, and extends the empirical work undertaken in the field of education service quality in the coaching institutes of Kota, in addition to acknowledging the critical roles of service quality in boosting student satisfaction. It has a number of implications for managers at these coaching institutes, including the importance of strategies related to increasing service quality which will effect the satisfaction level of students. Objective: As one of the first attempts to explore empirically the impact of the service quality approach on student satisfaction this research adds to academic and practical knowledge. The study aims to investigate the relationship between service quality and student satisfaction of private coaching institutes. It also aims to study the Impact of Service Quality on Student Satisfaction of private coaching institutes. The overall study aims to identify the service quality factors leading to student satisfaction. Methodology: The study is based on Empirical research The independent variables in the study are the factors of service quality like Tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, empathy and assurance, while the dependent variable taken for the study is student satisfaction. A quantitative method is used to analyse the data collected through structured questionnaires which was administered in five coaching institutes in Kota: Allen Career Institute, Resonance, Bansal Classes, Aakash, and Vibrant Academy. Data was collected from 400 respondents (384 According to Morgan formulae and 16 as contingency respondents). Stratified simple random sampling method was used to collect the reliable data. The Data was analysed using Statistical tools like correlation and regression analysis. Results: The results shows that all the independent variables are highly correlated with the dependent variable which shows that each element of service quality has an impact on the satisfaction level of the students enrolled in the private coaching institutes of Kota. The Regression analysis concludes that there is a positive impact of tangibility, reliability and assurance on students’ satisfaction and there is a negative impact of responsiveness and empathy on the satisfaction of students of the private coaching institutes. Further, the study gives important guidance for future research opportunities, such as investigating the impact of the marketing mix approach on other coaching institutes' performance criteria.

Analisis Kepuasan Pengguna Website Repository Universitas Amikom Purwokerto menggunakan Metode System Usability Scale (SUS)

This study aims to analyze user satisfaction with the Universitas Amikom Purwokerto repository website using the System Usability Scale (SUS) method. In the digital era, online repositories play a crucial role as a platform for storing, managing, and distributing academic work, supporting academic activities and knowledge exchange. However, observations indicate that the repository website faces challenges in accessibility, including unintuitive navigation, difficult-to-understand menus, and limited language options, as it is only available in English. Through a SUS survey involving 100 respondents, an average SUS score of 46 was obtained, falling into the "Not Acceptable" category with a grade of "F" and an adjective rating of "Poor." This result indicates that the website’s usability is insufficient and requires improvement. Recommendations include enhancing navigation, ensuring interface consistency, providing a dual-language option (Indonesian and English), improving website speed, and conducting regular user satisfaction evaluations. These improvements aim to optimize the Universitas Amikom Purwokerto repository website, thereby providing a better user experience and effectively supporting academic activities and the dissemination of academic work.

Digital Marketing Strategies and Brand Awareness of Afrinnovators Group Ltd

Purpose: In today's digital age, the significance of digital marketing strategies in enhancing brand awareness among businesses was emphasized. This research aimed to assess the influence of digital marketing strategies on brand awareness in Rwanda, focusing on Afrinnovators Group Ltd. The study had three objectives: to evaluate the impact of different digital marketing channels, the effect of digital marketing expenditure, and the role of social networking platforms on brand awareness. Methodology: The theoretical framework reviewed Bandura's Social Learning Theory, Howard's Consumer Behavior Theory, and Rogers' Diffusion of Innovation Theory. A mixed-method approach was employed, involving quantitative and qualitative research designs. The target population included 102 individuals, with a sample size of 81 respondents determined using Slovin's formula. Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data. Findings: Regression analysis highlighted digital marketing expenditure as the most significant predictor of brand awareness, with an unstandardized coefficient of 0.096 (p = 0.022). Other predictors included social media marketing with a coefficient of 0.085 (p = 0.035) and search engine marketing with a coefficient of 0.078 (p = 0.041). The study concluded that strategic digital marketing efforts profoundly impacted brand awareness for Afrinnovators Group Ltd. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Recommendations included prioritizing social media marketing, enhancing email and search engine campaigns, and investing in online ads and videos. Future research was suggested to explore long-term effects, emerging technologies, and comparative studies to optimize digital marketing strategies. This study contributed to academic knowledge, offered practical implications for businesses, and aligned with Sustainable Development Goals by promoting economic growth.

Food Safety knowledge and Handling Practices among Jordanian University Students

This study assessed food safety knowledge and practices (KP) among 461 university students in Jordan, comparing health-related and non-health-related students. A cross-sectional survey using a questionnaire evaluated demographics, food safety knowledge, and handling practices. Health-related students scored higher in food safety knowledge with significant differences between them (mean: 4.95 ± 2.32) compared to non-health-related students (mean: 3.73 ± 1.92, p < 0.001). Health-related female students also demonstrated better knowledge (mean: 6.70 ± 1.95) than males (mean: 6.03 ± 2.38, p = 0.008). Significant differences were found, especially among non-health-related students. Common issues included inadequate food storage knowledge and reliance on feel-touch tests instead of thermometers, leading to undercooking and foodborne infections. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily improved practices, though post-pandemic declines were noted in handwashing and thermometer use. This study highlights the need for targeted interventions, particularly for male students not enrolled in health-related fields. Targeted educational programs and practical training focusing on food safety can significantly improve both knowledge and practice, reducing health risks. Including food safety modules in non-health disciplines can help bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application.

Communicative Language Teaching and Contextual Teaching and Learning: Challenges and Prospects in Chinese High-School English Education

This paper explores two widely employed language teaching methods in second and foreign language education: Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) and Contextual Teaching and Learning (CTL), and analyzes their applicability in Chinese high-school English curriculum. CLT primarily focuses on developing students' "communicative competence", which encompasses linguistic, sociolinguistic, textual, and strategic abilities. CTL, on the other hand, emphasizes connecting academic knowledge to students’ personal, social, and cultural contexts, helping them understand and apply what they learn in real-life situations. While the goals of both CLT and CTL align with the objectives of the Chinese high-school English curriculum, which aims to enhance students' ability to use language effectively in real-life contexts, there are significant challenges in implementing these approaches in practice. Major obstacles include an exam-oriented educational system, teacher-centered classroom models, large class sizes, and insufficient teacher training in both CLT and CTL methods. The paper concludes that although CLT and CTL have the potential to enhance students' language competence, their widespread and effective application in Chinese high-school English classrooms remains limited due to these barriers.

Exploring the Essential Higher Order Cognitive Skills (HOCS) for the Employability of Engineering Graduates in Bangladesh

Employability of engineering graduates is largely impacted by their higher order cognitive skills. In addition to their academic knowledge and technical capabilities, graduates need HOCS. Employers give a larger value on HOCS than on technical abilities. For career-long employment sustainability, these skills are essential success factors. Employability is significantly correlated with HOCS. To succeed in the job, engineers require HOCS. Technical skills are valued by employers throughout the hiring process, but as engineering careers progress, employers give more emphasis on HOCS. However, not every level of a person's career requires the same set of HOCS. At a certain point in a career, employers look for different HOCS. Starting with early career, moving through mid-career, and ending with advanced career, this research attempts to uncover those HOCS accountable for workplace success meeting employer’s expectations. Both graduates with a diploma and a bachelor's degree in engineering have been covered by this study. The majority of engineers share the same Intelligent Quotient (IQ) on an average. Technical skill gaps are easily bridged with quick trainings. The only things that set engineers apart from the masses are HOCS, which are primarily higher order brain-based executive functions. Employability is influenced by numerous factors. Only the employability's absolute dimension is the subject of the inquiry. Absolute dimension is contingent upon the candidate’s skill sets. It is true that having technical abilities is a requirement for employment. But in addition to technical skills, modern employers now prioritize HOCS. It is an indisputable fact that engineer’s HOCS play a major role in their Annual Compensation Review (ACR). The study identifies 14 distinct HOCS that engineers need. Since not all skills are equally valuable at every point of a career, they are grouped according to career stage.

Investigating the Essential Soft Skills (SS) that Engineering Graduates Need to Enhance their Employability in Bangladesh

Soft skills (SS) significantly influence engineering graduate’s employability. In addition to their academic knowledge and technical capabilities, graduates need soft skills. Employers give a greater value on soft skills than on technical abilities. For career-long employment sustainability, these skills are essential success factors. Employability is significantly correlated with soft skills. To succeed in the job, engineers require soft skills. Technical skills are valued by employers throughout the hiring process, but as engineering careers progress, employers give more emphasis on soft skills. However, not every level of a person's career requires the same set of soft skills. At a certain point in a career, employers look for different soft skills. Starting with early career, moving through mid-career, and ending with advanced career, this research attempts to uncover those soft skills accountable for workplace success meeting employer’s expectations. Both graduates with a diploma and a bachelor's degree in engineering have been covered by this study. The majority of engineers share the same Intelligent Quotient (IQ) on an average. Technical skill gaps are easily bridged with quick trainings. The only things that set engineers apart from the masses are soft skills, which are primarily characterized by personality traits and Emotional Intelligence (EQ). Employability is influenced by numerous factors. Only the employability's absolute dimension is the subject of the inquiry. Absolute dimension is contingent upon the candidate’s skill sets. It is true that having technical abilities is a requirement for employment. But in addition to technical skills, modern employers now prioritize soft skills. Of course, an engineer continues to be measured by his/her soft skills in mapping their Annual Compensation Review (ACR). The study identifies 46 distinct soft skills that engineers need. Since not all skills are equally valuable at every level of a career, they are grouped according to career stage.

Does CEO social capital affect corporate ESG performance?

This paper empirically examines the relationship between CEO (Chief Executive Officer) social capital and corporate ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) performance. Using a sample of A-share listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen from 2010 to 2020, the paper finds a negative correlation between CEO social capital and corporate ESG performance. In addition, we also consider how the firm's market trading activity and CEO duality moderates the impact of CEO social capital on firms' ESG, and both are concluded to be positively moderated. Upon further research, we also find that (1) the positive contribution of CEO's social capital to firms' ESG performance is more significant in state-owned enterprises. (2) The negative facilitating effect of CEO's social capital on corporate ESG performance is more significant in large-scale enterprises. (3) ESG practices lead to the loss of shareholder wealth, resulting in the reduction of corporate value. The results of the study deepen the knowledge of academics and practitioners about the value-creating function of CEO social capital, and provide empirical evidence for listed companies to pay attention to and make use of CEO social capital to enhance their corporate social responsibility commitment.

Scientific knowledge management in Brazil: an analysis of the Lattes Platform

The Lattes Platform (PL) is an essential resource for Brazil's scientific and technological landscape, centralizing researchers' curricular information and facilitating the management of scientific data. However, the lack of rigorous standardization in the data entered compromises the efficiency of retrieving and analyzing this information, limiting academic knowledge management. This study investigated the limitations of the PL and proposed a solution that integrates new technologies to optimize scientific data management. The research was conducted in two main stages: a systematic literature review on knowledge management and technologies applied to the PL, and a case study at the Federal Institute of Acre (IFAC). The review included the analysis of 79 articles and a survey of software records at the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI). In the case study, semi-structured questionnaires were administered to IFAC staff to understand their needs and perceptions regarding the PL. The results reveal a significant demand for tools that automate data extraction and integrate the PL with other academic management systems. The analysis of software records at INPI highlighted solutions that can enhance the PL’s efficiency. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), exemplified by the proposed LattesAI, emerges as a promising solution to overcome the platform's current limitations, automating processes and personalizing knowledge management. This innovation not only optimizes academic management but also strengthens Brazil's position in the global scientific landscape, promoting greater efficiency and collaboration in educational and research institutions. Future studies should focus on developing AI algorithms specifically for the PL, ensuring its continuous evolution in response to the demands of the academic environment.

The Influence of Artificial Intelligence Tools on Student Performance in e-Learning Environments: Case Study

This study investigated the impact of AI-powered personalized learning tools on the academic performance and perceptions of pre-service student teachers enrolled in the Educational Technology course, a compulsory component of the Professional Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching program at Ajman University. A quasi-experimental design was employed with 55 students in the experimental group and 55 in the control group. The experimental group utilized AI-powered tools within the Moodle platform, while the control group received traditional instruction. Pre- and post-tests, along with a rubric-based assessment and a questionnaire, were administered to assess performance, knowledge retention, critical thinking, motivation, and engagement. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between the groups, favoring the experimental group in terms of academic performance and knowledge retention. Additionally, students in the experimental group demonstrated higher levels of critical thinking, motivation, and engagement. These findings underscore the transformative potential of AI-powered personalized learning tools in teacher education. By integrating AI into educational practices, institutions can revolutionize e-learning by providing personalized instruction, intelligent tutoring, automated grading, and adaptive learning experiences. This can enhance student engagement, improve learning outcomes, and reduce the workload of educators. Ultimately, AI empowers institutions to create more effective and inclusive learning environments that cater to the diverse needs of students and prepare them for the future.

WHAT SKILLS DO EMPLOYERS WANT FROM RECENT COLLEGE GRADUATES?

Currently, it is not enough for university graduates to acquire only occupation-specific academic knowledge to find a job. Graduates are also expected to possess an additional set of skills called employability skills. In this study, job vacancies were analyzed to determine the skills employers want from new graduates. In this study, 178 job posts for new graduates on an online job search platform (Kariyer. net) were analyzed using content analysis. According to the findings of the study, fewer hard skills and more soft skills were demanded by recent university graduates. The most demanded skills for both associate degree and bachelor's degree graduates were skills in social and communication groups. When examined in detail, the highest-demanded soft skills include "strong communication skills,” "predisposition to teamwork,” "planning and organization skills,” "effective written and oral communication skills.” In addition, "mastery of MS Office applications, knowledge of foreign languages and "knowledge of computer programs related to the field" are among the technical skills that graduates require. This research is expected to guide new graduates in terms of which skills they should develop and educational institutions in terms of updating their curricula in line with the demand for skills.

Factors Affecting Employees Motivation: An Exploratory study of employees at The General Administration of Education in Jeddah

This research aims to systematically explore the intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing employee motivation in the General Administration of Education in Jeddah. Through qualitative methods, the study seeks to identify and understand the impact of career development, leadership styles, organizational culture, work-life balance policies, and external economic factors on motivation(Al Doghan & Albar, 2015).Furthermore, the research aims to investigate and identify the key factors, both intrinsic and extrinsic, that significantly influence employee motivation within the General Administration of Education in Jeddah ,proposing strategies for improvement in educational administration. The significance lies in bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical applications, ultimately enhancing the quality of education and administrative efficiency in the region. The study employs an exploratory study with a mono-method design utilizing semi-structured interviews for data collection. Thematic analysis is employed to extract insights from the gathered qualitative data(Delve,Ho,2023).The research sample comprises 15 employees from the general administration of education in Jeddah, including administrative assistants to department heads. The participants consist of 8 males and 7 females, with varying ages ranging from 30 to 55 years old. Years of experience range from 7 to 33 years, with a mix of job titles including administrative roles and managerial positions.The study concluded that job satisfaction and opportunities for personal growth play a crucial role in enhancing employee motivation and productivity. It also showed that a positive work culture and transformational leadership contribute to increasing motivation levels. Additionally, the research emphasized the importance of achieving a balance between work and personal life, and the need to understand and address economic factors to maintain high levels of motivation and commitment.

Comparative Analysis of Self-Medication Practices with Antibiotics Among Non-Medical and Medical College Students in India

Background: Self-medication is prevalent globally, making the processes easier but raising potential hazards like antibiotic resistance. College students, influenced by social media, exhibit alarming self-medication behaviours. This cross-sectional study surveyed undergraduate students across medical, nursing, and non-health science institutions to assess the self-medication habits, knowledge and attitude of students. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted across various educational institutions from August 2023 to February 2024, targeting undergraduate students aged 18 and over. Using a pre-validated questionnaire, data on socio-demography, self-medication with antibiotics, and related knowledge were collected via Google Forms. The sample size was doubled to 1175 for better statistical power. Data analysis was performed using standard statistical tools. Results: Analysis of data demonstrated that a substantive proportion of students self-medicate with antibiotics. For medical students, convenience was the biggest issue and for non-medical students, it was cost-saving coupled with distrust in doctors. The most common complaint received for self-medication was throat pain. Medical students used textbooks for necessary information whereas non-medical students went to local shops for advice. Patterns differed somewhat in comparison with international studies, indicating regional differences. Strikingly, medical students predominantly relied on academic knowledge and previous experiences while using antibiotics, whereas non-medical students often obtained antibiotics from shops or the internet, making them vulnerable to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Conclusion: This highlights the importance of implementing specific interventions to reduce unsafe self-medication practices in students.

Understanding the Process of Persistence in Non-traditional Adult Education Students

In the state of Utah, adult education students often leave their programs before 100 hours of instruction, which can leave students without the necessary academic knowledge, skills, and credentials to move forward with postsecondary education and training or employment opportunities. This phenomenological study examines the key factors of persistence in non-traditional students ages 25 and over in an urban adult education program who continued beyond 100 hours of instruction. A semi-structured interview protocol was used to interview 14 students about factors that caused them to stay in an adult education program. The interviews with students examined dispositional, institutional, situational, and motivational factors through a student involvement lens. Findings of this study indicate that students who persist generally have high degrees of involvement. While students had fears and concerns about engaging with adult education, the personnel and culture of the program helped them overcome their unease. Students also had a growth mindset that created expectations of discomfort and effort. Institutional factors such as allowing students to choose the modality of instruction and schedule, having focused and relevant instruction, feeling seen, being treated with respect, communicating regularly with students, tracking progress, and providing quality instruction all helped students persist in the program. Students were motivated to persist because of family and a personal desire to move forward. As programs intentionally impact the institutional factors identified in this study, students will be more likely to persist in adult education programs long enough to build the knowledge and skills necessary to find personal success and sustainable employment.

IMPLEMENTING AND EVALUATING A PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TRAINING PROGRAM FOR PRIMARY HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN ZARIA

Nigeria continues to grapple with alarmingly high under-five mortality rates, with approximately 2,300 children dying daily due to preventable and treatable diseases such as pneumonia, malaria, and diarrheal illnesses. This crisis is particularly pronounced in rural areas, where childhood mortality rates are significantly higher than in urban centres. For many rural communities, primary healthcare (PHC) centres serve as the sole access point to medical services, making these centres critical to addressing this public health challenge. Despite their importance, PHC centres often face significant challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, limited access to essential medications, and a shortage of adequately trained health personnel. This study aimed to implement and evaluate a Paediatric Emergency Management Training Program for healthcare workers at PHC centres in Zaria, Kaduna State. The primary objective was to assess the effectiveness of the training in improving the competency of health workers in managing common paediatric emergencies, thereby enhancing the overall quality of care provided at these centres. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted involving 139 healthcare workers from selected PHC centres in Sabon Gari and Zaria Local Government Areas, utilizing a multi-stage random sampling technique. Data collection was performed using a pre-tested, semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire designed to evaluate the participants' baseline knowledge, followed by an assessment after the training intervention. The data were analysed using SPSS version 21, with chi-square tests employed to examine the associations between variables. Results were presented using tables and charts for clarity. The findings revealed a generally low baseline competency in managing common paediatric emergencies among the healthcare workers. Specifically, 66 (48.5%) of the respondents demonstrated very poor knowledge regarding the causes of common paediatric emergencies, 32 (23.5%) had poor knowledge, 34 (25.0%) had good knowledge, and only 4 (2.9%) of the respondents exhibited excellent knowledge. Similarly, knowledge regarding the treatment of these emergencies was also lacking, with 46.7% of respondents showing very poor understanding, 34.1% having poor knowledge, 16.3% demonstrating good knowledge, and only 3.0% showing excellent knowledge. A statistically significant relationship was observed between academic qualifications and knowledge levels in both causes (p = 0.004) and treatment (p = 0.000) of paediatric emergencies. The low baseline knowledge underscores the critical need for targeted training interventions. The study highlights the importance of establishing a sustained partnership between the Department of Paediatrics at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital and the Departments of Primary Health Care in Zaria and Sabon Gari Local Governments. Regular training workshops, held quarterly, are recommended to continuously equip PHC workers with the necessary skills to effectively manage paediatric emergencies, ultimately contributing to a reduction in childhood mortality rates in the region.

Impact of Online Learning Platforms in Enhancing Employees' Skills and Knowledge in Academia

Abstract: The study investigates the impact of online learning platforms like Coursera and NPTEL on enhancing educators' skills and knowledge in academia. With digital transformation accelerating post-COVID-19, platforms offer flexibility for professional development, yet challenges persist. The study, conducted through a survey of 73 educators in Bengaluru, uses quantitative and descriptive methods, applying statistical tools like Correlation, Chi-Square tests, and ANOVA to assess platform effectiveness. Key findings reveal that platforms like LinkedIn Learning and Udemy are popular, but balancing work and learning is a challenge for many. While educators appreciate the flexibility, 56.2% express dissatisfaction with the long-term career growth and skill development offered by these platforms. The study highlights the need for better interactive features, practical learning opportunities, and improvements in course content to support effective professional growth in academia. In conclusion, while online platforms provide valuable resources, they must address these gaps to fully meet educators' needs for continuous upskilling