Academic Productivity Research Articles

Impact of Program Region and Prestige on Industry Supplemental Earnings for Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery Fellowships in the United States: A Retrospective Analysis

Introduction: With the passage of the Physician Payment Sunshine Act, there has been increased transparency regarding the industrial financial relations that physicians have. Orthopedic surgeons have been highly studied in this domain with approximately 50% of all orthopedic surgeons engaging in industrial financial relationships. Furthermore, an increasing number of orthopedic surgeons are seeking fellowship training with pediatric fellowship programs gaining popularity in recent years. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact various pediatric orthopedic fellowship programs have on industry earnings and academic productivity. Methods: Pediatric orthopedic fellowship programs were identified via the Orthopedic Society of North America (POSNA) website. Information on individual fellowship programs was obtained from their respective websites. Academic productivity was measured via an aggregate of all employed physicians’ H-index at a specific fellowship as found on the Scopus website. The Open Payments Database (OPD) website was used to assess lifetime industry earnings. Other variables such as Newsweek or Doximity ranking were taken directly from relevant websites. Statistical analysis was performed using a Kruskal–Wallis test with Bonferroni correction and Mann–Whitney U-test. Results: A total of 43 pediatric orthopedic surgery fellowships in the United States were identified with a total of 392 physicians as fellowship faculty. Complete OPD and H-index information were available for 336 of those physicians (85.7%). On average, there were 7.81 ± 5.18 physicians and 1.56 ± 0.93 fellows per program. The mean combined physician H-index was 117.23 ± 122.51, and the mean combined physician lifetime supplemental earnings in dollars was $646,684.37 ± $1,159,507.17. There was no significant relationship between region of pediatric orthopedic fellowship, Newsweek ranking of affiliated hospital, Doximity ranking of affiliated hospital, presence of MBA program, type of program (public, private, mixed), and the lifetime industry earnings or academic productivity of program graduates. Conclusions: Despite the observed lack of statistical significance, there were clear trends observed with fellowship programs in the northeast and west coast regions being the highest earning and fellowship programs with top 10 Newsweek ranking of affiliated hospital having by far the greatest industry earnings. Sample size limitations likely prevented the detection of statistical significance. Future studies should examine if any relation exists when accounting for type of industry payment received and case volume per fellowship program.

Pesquisas sobre o jogo de damas: uma revisão de literatura

Draughts, considered an intellectual sport, has an interdisciplinary characteristic, presenting itself as a leisure sport, school sport and performance sport. The objective was to carry out a literature review aiming to identify and analyze the scientific and academic production on the modality, especially on the topic of modality Management. A narrative review of the literature was carried out through a survey of records in Portuguese, English, Spanish, Russian, Italian and French on Google Scholar, up to the year 2023, analyzing the areas of knowledge; themes of publications and countries and/or authors that produce studies on the topic. 39 works were obtained in different formats, with emphasis on the areas of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence. Brazil is responsible for publications in Portuguese and leads the number of studies identified. The gap in studies in the area of Physical Education, Sport and Sport Management is confirmed, and new studies are suggested in order to expand knowledge on the topic.

Living labs as transformative incrementalism: lessons learned on the role of a university living lab in mobilising just sustainabilities on campus

ABSTRACT The Living Lab approach is an opportunity for diverse actors to co-create solutions to solve real-world issues. Simon Fraser University, situated on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, Katzie, Kwikwetlem, Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen peoples in British Columbia, Canada developed a Living Lab program to apply the university’s leading climate research expertise to solve its own infrastructure, operations and service challenges. Projects were led by “Living Lab Scholars,” graduate students who form teams with faculty and staff to co-design research to help the university meet its sustainability and equity goals. The scholars took part in experiential learning, received mentorship and financial support and were provided with the opportunity to apply their academic research skills to address four sustainability issues: (1) waste management, (2) sustainable transportation, (3) carbon footprint of streaming, and (4) food security. While being grounded in participatory action research and integrating justice, decolonisation, equity, diversity and inclusivity considerations into the process design, the limited resources, time scarcity and operational reality reflected that the reality of implementing the solutions resulted in varying degrees of transformational impact. This paper applies autoethnography to enable the participants to reflect upon how the university as a system can support advances in just sustainabilities and highlights practical lessons learned for future Living Lab practitioners who aim to mobilise their solutions on campus. Findings from the project highlight the role of the Living Lab in supporting “transformative incrementalism” and challenging the conventions of academic knowledge production.

Long-term follow-up of ARI0002h (cesnicabtagene autoleucel), an academic point-of-care B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell strategy: Activity and safety after fractionated initial therapy and booster dose in 60 patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM).

7544 Background: The activity and safety ofARI0002h, an academic autologous CAR T-cell product with a humanized single chain variable fragment targeting BCMA has been reported in a pilot multicenter clinical trial (CARTBCMA-HCB-01) treating 30 patients (pts) with RRMM (NCT04309981) (Oliver-Caldés, Lancet Onc 2023). Here, we describe results of the final cohort of 60 pts with longer follow-up. Methods: Patients aged 18-75 years old with RRMM were eligible if they had measurable disease, were refractory to the last line of treatment and received ≥2 prior regimens, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory drug and an anti-CD38 antibody. The target dose (3x106/kg CAR+cells) was administered in a fractionated manner (10%/30%/60%). A second dose of up to 3x106 CAR+ cells/kg was planned at least 3 months after the first dose in pts with any kind of response and no limiting side effects. Primary endpoints were overall response rate (ORR) within the first 3 months and rate of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and/or neurotoxicity in the first 30 days. Bone marrow minimal residual disease (MRD) was analyzed by next-generation flow at a sensitivity of 10-6. Results: As of December 18th 2023, 72 pts with RRMM were screened, 69 underwent apheresis and 61 received LD, with 60 pts finally receiving ARI0002h. The ORR in the first 3 months was 95% (≥ very good partial response (VGPR) in 77%). Median time to first response was one month. Responses deepened over time, achieving 58% complete response (CR) (55% stringent CR). MRD-negative rates on evaluable samples on days 28 and 100 were 98% and 96%, respectively. With a median follow-up of 24 months (95%CI 9.8-39.9), estimated median progression-free survival (PFS) was 20 months (95% CI 13.2-26.8). Median overall survival (OS) was not reached with OS rate at 24 months of 63%. CRS was observed in 90% with 5% grades ≥ 3. Median time to CRS was 7 days (1-14) with a median duration of 4.5 days. Mild acute neurotoxicity was reported in only 2 pts (3%) with no late neurologic events. 6 pts (10%) developed a macrophage activation syndrome (4 grades 1-2, 1 grade 3, 1 grade 5). Seven patients (11.7%) developed second primary malignancies after ARI0002h infusion, including 3 skin cancers (one in situ melanoma), 3 solid tumors and one acute myeloid leukemia. 80% (44 out of 5) eligible pts had already received the booster dose, with no relevant toxicities. Median time after first infusion was 4.4 months. Response was evaluable in 42 pts; 45% (n=19) were already in sCR, 29% (n=12) maintained the response and 26% (n=11) improved the response. Conclusions: Results from 60 pts and a longer follow-up confirm the safety profile and the deep and durable responses obtained after ARI0002h infusion. Clinical trial information: NCT04309981 .

Facilitating a More Diverse Workforce: The Value of Mentorship in Cardiothoracic Surgery

BackgroundCardiothoracic surgery (CTS) is one of the least diverse surgical specialties in both gender and race. Aside from the inherent benefits of a diverse working environment, mitigating this diversity gap improves patient care. Mentorship is important for creating a diverse, nurturing environment for trainees. This review appraises the impact of formal mentorship for trainees and specifically assesses its significance for underrepresented groups in CTS. MethodsA literature search was performed using keywords relating to CTS, mentorship, and underrepresented groups. Principal findings were extracted and synthesized; supporting literature discussing mentorship in other surgical specialties was also included. ResultsMentorship is desired by CTS residents. Its benefits include aiding the matching process, decreasing stress, and increasing academic productivity. Mentorship programs can be used to increase the recruitment and retention of women and others underrepresented in medicine. ConclusionsMentorship is a valuable tool for which implementation must be prioritized in CTS; this requires more education on mentorship for trainees. Institutions should be using mentorship programs to diversify trainees in CTS with the objective being equality.

A bibliometric analysis of the advance of artificial intelligence in medicine

This bibliometric study analyzes the evolution of research in artificial intelligence (AI) applied to medicine from 2015 to September 2023. Using the Scopus database and keywords related to AI, machine learning, and deep learning in medicine, tools such as VOSviewer and Bibliometrix were used to explore publication trends, subject areas, co-authorship networks, and the most productive countries, among others. 2,064 articles were analyzed, and a significant increase in global academic production has been evident in the last five years. International collaboration was notable, with China and the United States leading in knowledge contribution. The keyword analysis highlights the breadth of topics and applications of AI in medicine, with particular emphasis on cancer detection, dengue diagnosis, and medical image analysis, among others. In conclusion, this study highlights the growing academic interest in the application of AI in medicine and the need for collaborative research. The findings underscore the relevance of these technologies in key areas of health care, contributing significantly to advances in medical diagnosis and prognosis.

Abordaje de la participación de los hombres rurales-campesinos dentro de la Localidad de Sumapaz en la crianza, cuidado y protección de sus hijas e hijos, así como su influencia en las relaciones de género y nuevas masculinidades

This state of the art emerges from research work conducted on rural peasant fatherhood specifically in the Sumapaz moorland of Colombia. For This purpose a tracking of academic production and bibliography was carried out at the international, national and regional levels from the years 2010 to 2023. Therefore it is structured in three parts. The fist part outlines the methodology that details the step by step process that guided the construction of the state of the art. In the second stage, various categories are addressed to contextualize, understand, and Approach caregiving, fatherhood and masculinity. Finally, the findings and gaps found in the reviewed documents are presented, leading to the conclusion that there are limited qualitative Studies on rural peasant fatherhood, which is favorable for our research. As for the methodology, the state of the art was supported by a hermeneutic approach.

Gender disparities in high-quality dermatology research over the past 15 years.

In the last 15 years, an increase in U.S. female dermatologists from 41 to 52.2% and a surge in female authorship (FAP) have been noted. Authorship is a pivotal objective measurement of academic productivity and, contribution as first or senior author, plays a major role in the promotion process of active physicians and faculty members. To validate, analyze, and clarify trends in FAP in high-quality dermatology research in the last 15 years. The Thomson Reuters Web of Science Journal Citation Reports 2021 was used to retrieve the 100 most-cited original articles from the top 5 dermatology journals (determined by 2021 impact factors) in 5 consecutive 3-year intervals between 2009 and 2023. Gender application programming interface, a gender algorithm, was used to identify FAP according to country of origin and first name. Monotonic trend test significance level was set at 5%. In total, 14,187 articles were retrieved and subdivided into the 100 most-cited in 3-year intervals. A total of 418 first and 447 senior authors' gender were identified. FAP was found in 43%, 31%, and 37% of the first, last, and total authors. Trend analysis revealed a decrease in the last 15 years (S = -4610, P = .068) in senior FAP. Similarly, the trend persists in the United States (S = -1606, P = .052). Due to the usage of a binary gender identification algorithm, Nonbinary gender could not be identified in this analysis. The last 15 years show an inverse relationship, with an increase in female dermatologists and a decrease in senior FAP in high-quality journals in the general dermatology community.

The Female Global Scholars Program: A mixed-methods evaluation of a novel intervention to promote the retention and advancement of women in global health research.

Fewer than 25% of global health leadership positions worldwide are held by women, adversely impacting women's health and widening gendered health disparities. The Female Global Scholars (FGS) Program, established in 2018 at Weill Cornell Medicine, is a two-year hybrid training and peer-mentorship program that promotes the retention and advancement of early-career female investigators conducting health research in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of the FGS Program on individual career advancement, academic productivity, and research self-efficacy. This mixed-methods study followed an explanatory sequential design. Participants completed an electronic survey collecting information on demographics, academic milestones, and research skill competency. Survey data were descriptively analyzed using R (Version 1.4.1106). In-depth interviews explored perceptions of the impact of the FGS Program on career development. The authors independently reviewed and thematically analyzed de-identified transcripts using NVivo (Version 13). In June 2022, twelve participants completed the survey. The median age was 40 years; 90% carried an MD, PhD, or other post-graduate degree. Since joining the FGS Program, respondents achieved a combined total of eight awarded grants, five academic promotions, 12 oral scientific presentations and 35 first-author peer-reviewed publications. Thematic analysis identified four overarching themes: gaining confidence through mimicry; improved self-efficacy to address gendered challenges; real-world application of scientific and career development skills; and building multi-disciplinary communities in a protected female-only space. We demonstrate that this low-cost training and mentorship program successfully addresses critical barriers that impede women's advancement in global health research. Our data may inform the adaptation of this initiative across other academic institutions.

Academic Productivity at Orthopedic Spine Surgery Fellowships is Positively Correlated With Nonresearch Lifetime Industry Earnings: A Retrospective Study.

Retrospective Analysis. The objective of the study was to assess the impact of academic productivity at both individual and program levels on lifetime industry earnings within US orthopedic spine fellowships. Physician-industry transparency was codified by the Physician Payments Sunshine Act (PSSA) in 2010. No study has explored the relationship between academic productivity and industry earnings at the fellowship level. Inclusion criteria encompassed physicians with complete academic and industry data from orthopedic spine fellowship programs listed on the North American Spine Society (NASS) 2022-2023 fellowship directory. Academic productivity was defined via H-index on the Scopus website, and industry productivity by total lifetime earnings on the Open Payments Database (OPD). This analysis included 75 orthopedic spine fellowship programs with 320 individual physicians. Median individual physician lifetime earnings were $86,852.71 (mean: $666,580.23 ± $1,887,734.64; minimum-maximum: $10.86-$27,164,431.49) and the median individual physician (n=320 physicians) H-index was 17.0 (mean: 21.82 ± 19.28; minimum-maximum: 0-109). Median combined physician H-index per fellowship (n=75 fellowships) was 65.0 (mean: 93.08 ± 85.67; minimum-maximum: 3-434) and median combined physician lifetime earnings was $927,771.60 (mean: $2,844,075.64 ± $4,942,089.56; minimum-maximum: $1,112.32-$29,983,900.69). A positive correlation was observed between academic productivity and industry productivity at an individual level (P<0.001; Spearman's rho = 0.467). This correlation was stronger at the fellowship level (P<0.001; Spearman's rho = 0.734). There was no significant difference in total lifetime earnings (P=0.369) or H-index per fellowship (P=0.232) when stratified by region of the fellowship program in the United States. Orthopedic spine surgery fellowship programs in the United States exhibit a positive correlation between academic productivity and nonresearch industry lifetime earnings at both individual and program levels. This correlation is stronger at the program level, and regional differences among fellowship programs do not significantly impact academic or industry productivity.

Collaborative research practices in the study of diasporisation: chronotopes of dispersion among Hungarians in Catalonia

ABSTRACT Diasporas and diasporisation have lately been at the centre of interest in sociolinguistic inquiry. Literature on the inclusion of diasporic speakers in academic knowledge production in connection with diasporas is scarce, although this would be of crucial importance to achieve ‘thinking diaspora from below’ (Rosa and Trivedi 2017. “Diaspora and Language.” In The Routledge Handbook of Migration and Language, edited by Suresh Canagarajah, 330–346. London: Routledge) when researching sociolinguistic phenomena. In this article, I discuss an ethnographically informed critical sociolinguistic study of diasporisation among Hungarians in Catalonia between 2018 and 2022 in which I applied collaborative research practices with the key participants. These practices consisted of the joint formulation of questions, the creation of a reflexive diasporic space, and feedback provided in the post-fieldwork phase. I address how these methods contributed to the emergence of a chronotopic approach to diasporisation. I argue that the inclusion of the emic perspectives of diasporic speakers through their involvement in the research process is a fruitful way to approach diasporas and diasporisation. Moreover, by paying attention to the needs and interests of the participants, this way of researching on, for, and with the participants also contributes to better understandings of diasporisation.

Program Directors Survey on the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Cardiology Fellowship Training

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed unprecedented changes to medical education, including CV fellowship programs. CV fellowship PDs offer a unique perspective regarding the impact of the pandemic on CV medical education. ObjectivesThe 4th annual Cardiovascular Diseases (CV) Fellowship Program Directors (PDs) Survey sought to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CV fellows and fellowship programs. MethodsThe survey contained 31 items examining the clinical, educational, and academic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CV fellowship programs. ResultsSurvey response rate was 54%. Most respondents (58%) represented university-based programs. Most PDs felt that changes to clinical practice during the COVID-19 negatively impacted fellow education in cardiac catheterization (66%), outpatient cardiology (52%), nuclear imaging (51%), and echocardiography (50%). Despite improving attendance, 75% of PDs felt that virtual educational conferences adversely impacted interaction between participants. Only 22% felt they improved fellow education. Most PDs (85%) reported a negative impact of the pandemic on fellow well-being and burnout, and 57% reported a decrease in research productivity among fellows. Even though virtual recruitment allowed programs to interview more competitive candidates, most PDs felt that virtual interviews adversely impacted interactions between their fellows and candidates (71%) and their ability to convey the culture of their program (60%). ConclusionsMost CV fellowship PDs felt the COVID-19 pandemic brought changes that negatively impacted the clinical training, didactic learning, academic productivity, and well-being among cardiology fellows. The implications of these changes on the competency of cardiologists that trained during the COVID-19 pandemic deserve future study.

Scientific Mapping of Machine Learning Methods in Predicting Power Output of Solar Photovoltaic Power Systems

Objective: This study aimed to conduct a scientometric mapping of the scientific literature on prediction models in photovoltaic solar energy generation, with a special focus on grid-connected photovoltaic systems (GCPV), aiming to provide important insights for researchers, policymakers, and professionals interested in advancing the integration of photovoltaic solar energy into the current energy distribution system. Theoretical Framework: In this section, the main concepts and theories underpinning the research are presented, focusing on prediction models in photovoltaic solar energy generation, as well as grid-connected photovoltaic systems (GCPV). Method: The methodology adopted comprised a bibliometric approach, analyzing publications indexed in the Scopus and Web of Science databases over the last decade, using the Biblioshiny software from RStudio. Results and Discussion: The results revealed a significant growth in academic production, identifying key authors, leading research countries, and influential journals in the field. Central and emerging themes were also mapped, along with research gaps and opportunities in the field of photovoltaic solar energy. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research include insights into how the results may influence the integration of photovoltaic solar energy into the energy distribution system, impacting areas such as scientific research, policy development, and professional practice. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by offering a comprehensive mapping of research on prediction models in photovoltaic solar energy generation, highlighting gaps and opportunities to advance the field, as well as providing valuable insights for various stakeholders interested in this area.

Scientometric Analysis of Socioemotional Wealth, Innovation, and Family Businesses: Dynamics of Their Interrelationship

This study presents a scientometric analysis of the interrelationship between socioemotional wealth, innovation, and family businesses, based on 298 articles published between 1975 and 2022. Grounded in the theory of socioemotional wealth, it investigates how emotional and social resources within family businesses influence innovation and, consequently, business success. The methodology includes statistical and graphical analysis to identify publication trends, collaboration networks, and key themes. Results reveal a significant increase in recent academic production, highlighting the growing relevance of these concepts. Four thematic clusters are identified, emphasizing the importance of socioemotional wealth and innovation in the management of family businesses, providing a solid foundation for future research and business practices.

PSYCHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF EMERGING ADULTS – STUDENTS OF HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Introduction. At present, understanding the psychological and social aspects of personality development among adolescents aged 17-21 is crucial. By this age, most have completed secondary education, with many continuing their studies at higher educational institutions. However, junior students often face challenges related to psychological maturity, readiness for independent work, and adaptation to the academic environment, leading to maladaptation and stress resistance issues. This study aims to investigate the key psychological characteristics of older adolescents to enhance their effectiveness in higher education. Materials and Methods. A thorough analysis of the main psychological traits of older adolescents in higher educational institutions was conducted based on data from recent domestic and international literature. Results. This study identified several psychological factors that influence the academic productivity and adaptation of older adolescent students in higher education. Some factors contribute to their success, such as adaptability to new social groups and recognition by peers and faculty. However, other factors can hinder or even prevent these processes for certain groups of students. Conclusion. Older adolescents demonstrate a deepening of their individual development compared to earlier stages. However, first-year students often exhibit traits of psychological immaturity and partial instability. Understanding these psychological characteristics is essential for effectively supporting and guiding older adolescents in their educational journey.

Comprehensive analysis of publication of physical medicine and rehabilitation theses in Türkiye between years 2010 and 2020: Academic productivity and related factors.

This study aimed to investigate the publication rates of physical medicine and rehabilitation specialty training theses, which are required to complete a residency in Türkiye, and determine the factors that affect publication. Residency theses involved in this descriptive study were detected from the database of Higher Education Council Thesis Center (tez.yok.gov.tr) between January 2010 and December 2020. Publication of theses and date of publication were investigated by the writer's and supervisor's names on PubMed and Google Scholar. Three hundred eighty-eight of 1,130 theses were turned into publications. Two hundred seventy-seven (24.5%) were published in SCI (Science Citation Index)/SCI Expanded indexed journals. The publication rates of residents were 47.1% in private universities, 34.2% in public universities, and 32.3% in training and research hospitals. The trainees who published their theses were more likely to become associate and assistant professors. Although approximately one-third of the theses defended were published, this rate is insufficient for sharing the knowledge. Considering that publishing their theses affected the residents' current academic careers positively, supervisors should provide the residents supportive facilitation to give the knowledge in research and publish their theses.

Understanding Digital Turn in Urban Research: A Bibliometric Analysis of Contemporary Global Urban Literature

This paper aims to examine the effects of digital technologies on academic knowledge production in the field of urban research. It provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of technology-based urban research literature, delineates the knowledge structure, and investigates prevalent trends. The study employs bibliometric analysis to analyze bibliographical and textual data extracted from scientific documents, which allows for the discovery of the existing epistemological structure of the discipline or research domain. The research was conducted by conducting a comprehensive and up-to-date review of the literature available in the Web of Science Core Collection regarding how concepts such as big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) are discussed in academic papers in the field of urban studies. A total of 2055 academic papers that met the established criteria were identified and analyzed using bibliometric analysis software called Bibliometrix. The results of the research aid in examining the integration of technological advancements into urban research, and reveal the temporal, spatial, and disciplinary distribution of scientific articles, as well as their reflections on new research areas and both frequently studied and yet unexplored topics.

Merit-based scholarships for university graduates: A generation of Italian economists

We examine the role of financial aid in shaping the formation of human capital. We study the impact of a large merit-based scholarship for graduate studies in affecting individuals’ occupational choices, career trajectories, and labor market outcomes of a generation of Italian economists, with special focus on gender gaps and the role of social mobility. We construct a unique dataset that combines archival sources and includes microdata for the universe of applicants to the scholarship program and follow these individuals over their professional life. We discuss five main results: (i) it is easier to become a high achiever for individuals from households with a lower socio-economic status if they reside in high social mobility provinces; (ii) women are less likely to be shortlisted for a scholarship as they tend to receive lower scores in the most subjective criteria used in the initial screening of candidates; (iii) scholarship winners are much more likely to choose a research career and this effect is larger for women; (iv) women who work in Italian universities tend to have less citations than men who work in Italy. However, the citation gender gap is smaller for candidates who received a scholarship and (iv) women take longer to be promoted to the rank of full professor, even after controlling for academic productivity.

Effect of Community of Inquiry on Polytechnic Undergraduates’ Performance in English Language: A Case Study of Delta State Polytechnic, Nigeria

The study investigated effect of Community of Inquiry (CoI) on polytechnic undergraduates’ performance and interest in English Language: A case study of Delta State Polytechnic. Three objectives of the study, three research questions and three hypotheses guided the study. The population of the study consisted of all the National Diploma II students who are offering the course Use of English 2 (GNS 102.1) for the 2022/2023 academic session in School of Engineering which is one hundred and eighty (180) students. The sample size of this study consisted of one hundred and eighty (180) students using census sampling technique. The instrument for the study was English Language Performance Test (EPT). Mean, standard deviation and z-test were the statistical tools used for the study. The findings revealed that there is a significant difference in the effect on the students’ pre-test and post-test mean performance in English Language. There is a significant difference in the performance of students taught English Language using Community of Inquiry (CoI) and those taught with conventional method of teaching. Furthermore, there is a significant difference in the mean performance scores of male and female students when taught English Language using Community of Inquiry (CoI) instructional strategy. Based on these findings it was recommended that lecturers should adopt the use of Community of Inquiry instructional strategy in teaching English Language in the polytechnics for improved academic performance by students. Polytechnic lecturers should be trained on how to use the current and innovative teaching strategies in the field of education for self-efficiency in the profession. Also, that students’ gender should also be considered by lecturers since the study has revealed it as a factor that can predict performance among learners before adopting any teaching strategy for maximum academic productivity.

Documenting and communicating the contributions of embedded statisticians: Show me the value!

Academic research productivity relies upon the contribution of statisticians, who are typically clustered in statistics and biostatistics departments, isolated from clinical researchers. Most academic health centres have created consultation hubs or research incubators to make statisticians available for individual collaboration to support the clinical research enterprise. Additionally, some clinical departments within academic health centres have recognized the value in colocating statisticians within their clinical departments to improve availability for collaboration with physicians/researchers. Embedded statisticians encounter the same challenges of isolated statisticians regarding professional support and networking, mentorship and clear role expectations. While for all collaborative statisticians, it is important to effectively communicate value to both collaborators and supervisors, this may be especially problematic for embedded statisticians in clinical departments where their supervisors may not have backgrounds in research or statistics. Previous papers have reported valuable metrics for statisticians, particularly those associated with Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Research Design Cores. There is a knowledge gap regarding metrics tailored to meet the needs of the embedded statistician and clinical supervisors. This paper is a first step towards addressing this important need.In this paper, we explore (1) the critical role of collaborative statisticians and the benefits and challenges of the embedded statistician model, (2) the need for additional metrics specific to embedded statisticians which measure value and (3) how to design a value report. We offer a framework for evaluation of the contributions of the embedded statistician with the following domains: (1) collaboration, (2) research output/productivity, (3) mentoring and (4) education. Metrics that are particularly specific to embedded statisticians and that are not routinely captured include time from project initiation to completion/outcome, time from initial statistical consultation to statistical outcome completion and summary of level of contribution for manuscripts and presentations in addition to author order. We conclude with thoughts on future directions for development of metrics and reporting systems for statisticians embedded in clinical departments.