Academic Respondents Research Articles

Seven years of embracing the sustainable development goals: perspectives from University of South Africa’s academic staff

As this article was being finalised, the world was left with less than 7 of the 15 years of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) implementation to 2030. There were still huge gaps in the attainment of the SDGs in institutions of higher learning globally, especially that COVID-19 brought a barrier leading to a known pushback. However, the pandemic did not imply there was no work done prior, during and after COVID-19. This article investigates the extent to which the University of South Africa’s academic staff activated and mainstreamed the SDGs in their core mandates between 2016 and 2022. Data was generated through a survey (n = 121), participatory action research, and document analysis. It emerged there is a greater degree of awareness of the SDGs, with 78% of academic respondents confirming this. However, the percentages drop across the four core mandate areas when it comes to SDGs implementation. About 52.6% of academics indicated they were promoting SDGs in their teaching, research (63.3%), community engagement (55.5%) and academic citizenship (54.5%). Findings further reveal key enabling institutional policies like the SDGS Localisation Declaration, and the Africa-Nuanced SDGs Research Support Programme. Large gaps remain on the publication front, where over 60% of the responding academics had not published an article explicitly on SDGs. There is also bias in publications towards certain SDGs. The work recommends that University of South Africa management continue raising awareness on the SDGs and systematically address barriers identified in the main article to enhance the mainstreaming of the SDGs across all core mandate areas.

Development Strategy of Food Crop Agriculture Sub-sector In Improving Farmers' Welfare

This study aims to describe the priority strategy of agricultural sub-sector development in improving farmers’ welfare. The data used in this study were primary and secondary data. Secondary data included: GRDP of Sumbawa District, GRDP of NTB Province, and other supporting data for this study. Primary data were: Experts Opinion Questionnaire or experts related to research problems. Respondents of this study were: bureaucrat respondents, academic respondents, farmer group respondents, and businessmen respondents. The determination of respondents used was purposive sampling technique which consisted of 30 respondents. The data analysis used was Process Hierarchy Analysis (AHP). The results of the study showed that: (1) Central government policies were a priority for achieving goals, compared to regional government policies. (2) Related to central government policy factor, protecting farmers was a priority compared to empowering farmers. (3) Regarding to protecting farmers, optimizing the role of Indonesia Logistics Bureau (BULOG) and implementing Warehouse Receipts was a priority. (4) Regarding the empowerment of farmers, the development of systems and facilities for marketing agricultural products was a priority. (5) The results of AHP showed that central government policies need to be considered and prioritized in crop agricultural sub-sector development strategy to improve farmers' welfare. Then to achieve the welfare of sub-criteria farmers, the protection of farmers must be prioritized. Furthermore, the alternative main priority in determining the strategy was optimizing the role of Indonesia Logistics Bureau (Bulog) and implementing Warehouse receipts. Keywords: Strategy, Kesejahteraan Petani, Analythical Hierarchy Process (AHP).

Veterinary education and experience shape beliefs about dog breeds. Part 2: Trust

Dog breed stereotypes are frequently used to inform people’s expectations about canine behavior, despite evidence that breed is largely uninformative in predicting individual dog behavior. Further, these beliefs differ among populations. However, it remains unknown how ratings of warmth toward a breed are associated with ratings of other social behavioral domains, and whether differences exist between populations with varying experience with dogs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate ratings of trust and warmth among survey respondents including veterinary students, veterinary faculty and staff, undergraduates in animal-health related majors and members of the general public. Using an online survey, respondents rated their likelihood to trust a dog in varying scenarios for 10 different dog breeds. Additionally, respondents used a feelings thermometer to rate how warm or cool they felt towards each breed. Findings revealed differences in feelings thermometer and trust ratings across populations. All ratings were lower among the veterinary academic respondents compared to the general public and undergraduates. Veterinary students further along in their training, as well as undergraduates with clinical experience, reflected perceptions similar to those of the veterinary faculty and staff providing support for cultural transmission of beliefs during veterinary education and training.

Management of Patients with Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Devices Undergoing Radiation Therapy: A National Survey of Canadian Multidisciplinary Radiation Oncology Professionals

This study aimed to characterize contemporary management of Canadian patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) undergoing radiation therapy (RT) in light of updated American Association of Physicists in Medicine guidelines. A 22-question web-based survey was distributed to members of the Canadian Association of Radiation Oncology, Canadian Organization of Medical Physicists, and Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists from January to February 2020. Respondent demographics, knowledge, and management practices were elicited. Statistical comparisons by respondent demographics were performed using χ2 and Fisher exact tests. In total, 155 surveys were completed by 54 radiation oncologists, 26 medical physicists, and 75 radiation therapists in academic (51%) and community (49%) practices across all provinces. The majority of respondents (77%) had managed >10 patients with CIEDs in their career. Most respondents (70%) reported using risk-stratified institutional management protocols. Respondents used manufacturer recommendations, rather than American Association of Physicists in Medicine or institutionally recommended dose limits, when the manufacturer limit was 0 Gy (44%), 0 to 2 Gy (45%), or >2 Gy (34%). The majority of respondents (86%) reported institutional policies to refer to a cardiologist for CIED evaluation both before and after completion of RT. Cumulative dose to CIED, pacing dependence, and neutron production were considered during risk stratification by 86%, 74%, and 50% of participants, respectively. Dose and energy thresholds for high-risk management were not known by 45% and 52% of respondents, with radiation oncologists and radiation therapists significantly less likely to report thresholds than medical physicists (P < .001). Although 59% of respondents felt comfortable managing patients with CIEDs, community respondents were less likely to feel comfortable than academic respondents (P=.037). The management of Canadian patients with CIEDs undergoing RT is characterized by variability and uncertainty. National consensus guidelines may have a role in improving provider knowledge and confidence in caring for this growing population.

How Are We Handling Fluoroscopy-Guided Lumbar Puncture Requests? A Nationwide Survey of Practice Trends.

Referrals to perform fluoroscopy-guided lumbar punctures by neuroradiologists have increased. The purpose of our study was to determine the management of fluoroscopy-guided lumbar puncture referrals in different practice settings. We sent an online questionnaire to neuroradiologists and radiology trainees between May and June 2020 to survey their handling of fluoroscopy-guided lumbar puncture requests, preprocedural work-up, and the use of physician extenders/trainees to perform fluoroscopy-guided lumbar punctures, among other questions. Categories were compared using ORs. Of the 123 US respondents, 81.3% were in combined academic and 18.7% in combined private practice groups. Regarding fluoroscopy-guided lumbar puncture referrals, 27.6% of respondents did not require a bedside lumbar puncture attempt before a fluoroscopy-guided lumbar puncture. Of private practice, 95.7%, and of academic respondents, 85.0%, were often asked to perform fluoroscopy-guided lumbar punctures by clinicians because of the clinician's lack of procedural competence. Of those, 74.8% stated that they always or sometimes agreed to the request. 41.5% of respondents stated that they would always comply with patients' requests for a fluoroscopy-guided lumbar puncture without a bedside lumbar puncture attempt, a 5.26 times higher likelihood (95% CI, 2.04-14.29) for private practice respondents. To perform fluoroscopy-guided lumbar punctures, 32.0% of academic respondents and 47.8% of private practice respondents use physician extenders. 75.0% of academic respondents reported that trainees perform >50% of their fluoroscopy-guided lumbar punctures. This survey demonstrates that many academic and private practice neuroradiologists engage in practices that may promote an increase in fluoroscopy-guided lumbar puncture referrals including not requiring a non-image-guided lumbar puncture attempt, complying with clinicians' requests for a fluoroscopy-guided lumbar puncture due to lack of competence in performing lumbar punctures, and fulfilling patient requests for fluoroscopy-guided lumbar punctures.

Trends in Cardiac Anesthesiologist Compensation, Work Patterns, and Training From 2010 to 2020: A Longitudinal Analysis of the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists Salary Survey.

Increasing cardiac procedural volume, a shortage of practicing cardiac anesthesiologists, and growth in specialist physician compensation would be expected to increase cardiac anesthesiologist compensation and work load. Additionally, more cardiac anesthesiologists are graduating from accredited fellowships and completing echocardiography certification. The Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists (SCA) biannual salary survey longitudinally measures these data; we analyzed these data from 2010 to 2020 and hypothesized survey respondent inflation-adjusted total compensation, work load, and training would increase. For the primary outcome, we adjusted the median reported annual gross taxable income for inflation using the Consumer Price Index and then used linear regression to assess changes in inflation-adjusted median compensation. For the secondary outcomes, we analyzed the number of cardiac anesthetics managed annually and the most common care delivery staffing ratios. For the tertiary outcomes, we assessed changes in the proportion of respondents reporting transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) certification and completion of a 12-month cardiac anesthesia fellowship. We performed sensitivity analyses adjusting for yearly proportions of academic and private practice respondents. Annual survey response rates ranged from 8% to 17%. From 2010 to 2020, respondents reported a continuously compounded inflation-adjusted compensation decrease of 1.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], -1.6% to -0.6%; P = .003), equivalent to a total inflation-adjusted salary reduction of 10%. In sensitivity analysis, private practice respondents reported a continuously compounded compensation loss of -0.8% (95% CI, -1.4% to -0.2%; P = .022), while academic respondents reported no significant change (continuously compounded change, 0.4%; 95% CI, -0.4% to 1.1%; P = .23). The percentage of respondents managing more than 150 cardiac anesthetics per year increased from 26% in 2010 to 43% in 2020 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.03 per year; 95% CI, 1.03-1.04; P < .001). The proportion of respondents reporting high-ratio care models increased from 31% to 41% (aOR, 1.01 per year; 95% CI, 1.01-1.02; P < .001). Reported TEE certification increased from 69% to 90% (aOR, 1.10 per year; 95% CI, 1.10-1.11; P < .001); reported fellowship training increased from 63% to 82% (aOR, 1.15 per year; 95% CI, 1.14-1.16; P < .001). After adjusting for the proportion of academic or private practice survey respondents, SCA salary survey respondents reported decreasing inflation-adjusted compensation, rising volumes of cardiac anesthetics, and increasing levels of formal training in the 2010 to 2020 period. Future surveys measuring burnout and job satisfaction are needed to assess the association of increasing work and lower compensation with attrition in cardiac anesthesiologists.

Needs Assessment for the Establishment of Master's Degree Programs in Respiratory Care in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

BackgroundDespite recent advancements in the respiratory care (RC) profession, no single institution in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) offers a master’s degree program in RC.MethodsA nationwide and validated survey was used to explore the current needs and interests in establishing RC master’s degree programs in the KSA. The process included representatives from the healthcare industry, universities, and professional societies.ResultsA total of 1250 stakeholders across the KSA completed the survey. The sample includes 722 (58%) males, 504 (40%) respiratory therapists, 547 (44%) students, 138 (11%) leaders, and 61 (5%) were academic respondents. Most respondents were from Central 491 (39%) and Eastern 307 (25%) regions, with 1003 (80%) of the total sample worked or studied in governmental sectors. A total of 574 (82%) of the leaders and RTs had Bachelor degree and 430 (61%) of them had 1–5 years working experience. According to 80% of the employers and employees, only 0–5% of the RTs in their organization had a master’s degree. The calculated mean % of the agreement (agree/strongly agree) on the needs was 83% in all needs’ assessment items, which shows a great support for establishing a master’s in RC to meet the personal, professional and society needs. The mean % of the agreement for the level of interests among all participants was 86%, indicating a great level of interests in establishing a master degree in RC. The agreement % on the needs assessment and level of interests in establishing a master degree in RC in KSA were ≥80% in each stakeholder group.ConclusionThere are obvious needs and interests in establishing master’s degree programs in RC in the KSA. A master’s degree in RC should be established to address the growing needs for advanced RC services throughout the nation and enhance RC research.

공공데이터 제공 및 이용 활성화를 위한 음식점 공공데이터 표준화

The purpose of this study was to derive the optimal configuration of restaurant data fields as required by various stakeholders utilizing public data and to establish priorities among data items. To achieve the purpose of the research, the restaurant data hierarchy was established through literature research and in-depth interviews with an industry expert, and we conducted online surveys with 28 experts in the restaurant industry, academia, and government/public institutions. The main research questions in this study were: 1) what kind of restaurant data should be established first for food tourism service development and restaurant-quality control, and 2) whether there is a difference in the relative priorities of restaurant data items. The restaurant data in the public data derived from the analysis can be divided into five top concepts: “Basic Information”, “Operation and Reservation Information”, “Facilities and Tourism Information”, “Menu and Ambiance Information”, and “Service and Quality Information”, and 15 sub-concepts and 44 detailed items were derived. Industry respondents rated the relative importance of “Service and Quality Information” and “Facilities and Tourism Information” higher than the overall average, while academic respondents rated the relative importance of “Menu and Ambiance Information” and “Basic Information” higher than the overall average. Government and public institution respondents rated the relative importance of “Menu and Ambiance Information” and “Operation and Reservation Information” higher than the overall average.

In Pursuit of the Quadruple Aim: A Geriatric Prescribing Context's Impact on Clinician Workflows and Alert Fatigue.

The impact of a novel Geriatric Prescribing Context (GPC) on hospital clinicians' prescribing workflows is still unknown. A cross-sectional survey was distributed to 346 inpatient pharmacists, physicians, and advance practice providers employed at three pilot site hospitals affected by the GPC to assess awareness and impact to usual workflow. The GPC, a set of medication default doses and frequencies for patients 75years and older, was unnoticed by 74% of survey respondents (n = 119) with pharmacists more likely to be aware of the context than prescribers. The impact of the GPC on clinicians' workflow differed by setting, with academic respondents reporting no change or decreased time to write or verify orders, and community respondents reporting no change or increased time to write or verify orders. The GPC has smoothly integrated into usual prescribing workflows for both prescribers and pharmacists and both overall reported positive responses to the implementation.

Toward Improved Safety Culture in Academic and Industrial Chemical Laboratories: An Assessment and Recommendation of Best Practices

Numerous injuries and fatalities in chemical laboratories in the United States over the past few decades have suggested the need to take measures that go beyond mere compliance and toward promoting safer practices. A collaboration between the Center for Innovative and Strategic Transformation of Alkane Resources and Purdue Process Safety and Assurance Center assessed the current safety culture in chemical laboratories at their academic and industrial partners by conducting safety surveys. Key areas of improvement were identified from the responses to the safety surveys, which if addressed can mitigate the severity of safety incidents or prevent them from occurring. The findings indicate that a majority of the respondents from academia conduct comprehensive lab safety trainings (∼80%), have standard operating procedures for potentially hazardous activities (∼90%), regularly discuss safety-related issues during lab group meetings (∼85%), or are involved in routine safety inspections (∼85%). However, fewer of the academic respondents were aware of a database for safety incidents in their departments (∼50%) or utilized a standard safety review process for new experimental setups or modifications to existing setups (∼70%). The results from industry respondents suggest that improvements to commonly used hazard evaluation tools and increased accessibility to comprehensive databases can increase the effectiveness of hazard evaluation processes. Additionally, recommended best practices and guidelines are provided for researchers within the scientific community to develop key safety documentation that will both strengthen the safety culture and improve safety performance in their laboratories. Taken together, this safety initiative highlights the much-needed attention and effort that are beneficial to promote improved safety culture within academic and industrial chemical laboratories.

A survey of current practices, attitudes and demands of anaesthesiologists regarding the depth of anaesthesia monitoring in China

BackgroundIn this study, we aimed to analyse survey data to explore two different hypotheses; and for this purpose, we distributed an online survey to Chinese anaesthesiologists. The hypothetical questions in this survey include: (1) Chinese anaesthesiologists mainly use the depth of anaesthesia (DoA) monitors to prevent intraoperative awareness and (2) the accuracy of these monitors is the most crucial performance factor during the clinical daily practice of Chinese anaesthesiologists.MethodsWe collected and statistically analysed the response of a total of 12,750 anesthesiologists who were invited to participate in an anonymous online survey. The Chinese Society of Anaesthesiologists (CSA) trial group provided the email address of each anaesthesiologist, and the selection of respondents was random from the computerized system.ResultsThe overall response rate was 32.0% (4037 respondents). Only 9.1% (95% confidence interval, 8.2-10.0%) of the respondents routinely used DoA monitors. Academic respondents (91.5, 90.3-92.7%) most frequently used DoA monitoring to prevent awareness, whereas nonacademic respondents (88.8, 87.4-90.2%) most frequently used DoA monitoring to guide the delivery of anaesthetic agents. In total, the number of respondents who did not use a DoA monitor and whose patients experienced awareness (61.7, 57.8-65.6%) was significantly greater than those who used one or several DoA monitors (51.5, 49.8-53.2%). Overall, the crucial performance factor during DoA monitoring was considered by 61.9% (60.4-63.4%) of the respondents to be accuracy. However, most respondents (95.7, 95.1-96.3%) demanded improvements in the accuracy of the monitors for DoA monitoring. In addition, broad application in patients of all ages (86.3, 85.2-87.4%), analgesia monitoring (80.4, 79.2-81.6%), and all types of anaesthetic agents (75.6, 74.3-76.9%) was reported. In total, 65.0% (63.6-66.5%) of the respondents believed that DoA monitors should be combined with EEG and vital sign monitoring, and 53.7% (52.1-55.2%) believed that advanced DoA monitors should include artificial intelligence.ConclusionsAcademic anaesthesiologists primarily use DoA monitoring to prevent awareness, whereas nonacademic anaesthesiologists use DoA monitoring to guide the delivery of anaesthetics. Anaesthesiologists demand high-accuracy DoA monitors incorporating EEG signals, multiple vital signs, and antinociceptive indicators. DoA monitors with artificial intelligence may represent a new direction for future research on DoA monitoring.

Students and Teachers Using Mentimeter: Technological Innovation to Face the Challenges of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Post-Pandemic in Higher Education

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted higher university lecturers to develop their digital skills in order to adapt to online teaching. A group of university teachers decided to evaluate the educational uses of Mentimeter to promote student participation and active learning. A questionnaire was answered by 400 students and 12 participating academics. These 12 academic respondents also participated in a focus group after experiencing this software during an academic course. Qualitative and quantitative data was collected and analyzed to conclude that this software not only facilitated student participation during the pandemic (both face-to-face and online) in synchronous and asynchronous ways but also improved attention, engagement, collaborative learning and interaction. Immediate feedback made it possible for teachers to monitor the students’ learning processes and to adjust the content and pace accordingly. Students and educators highlighted the inclusive potential of this tool, as it allows participation from a diverse audience with different backgrounds and capacities, ensuring inclusive and equitable education for all. Some opportunities for improvement were also identified, namely more functions to make the software more attractive and adapt it to different educational objectives.

Learning technologies and health technologies in complementary medicine clinical work and education: Examination of the perspectives of academics and students in Australia and the United States

BackgroundThe use of technologies continues to grow in healthcare provision, and learning technologies now dominate tertiary education. Meanwhile, complementary medicine (CM) constitutes a substantial component of contemporary healthcare, yet the education of existing and future CM practitioners has received little empirical attention. In direct response, our study examines the perceptions of CM students and faculty related specifically to health and learning technologies in clinical CM work and education. MethodsA cross-sectional online survey was administered to all current students (n = 4851) and tenured, contracted and adjunct academics (n =530) at two CM education institutions – in the US and in Australia. ResultsMost student respondents (n = 134, 49%) reported that they either felt they were unsure if they would use telehealth in clinical practice or that they would use it (n = 116, 43%). The majority of all academic respondents did not believe it possible to conduct basic clinical processes online such as reading a patient's body language (M3.8, SD 1.0), conducting quality clinical training in CM settings (M3.2, SD 1.3) or learning rapport skills (M3.2, SD 1.2). Of those academics who were also in clinical practice, only a small number reported conducting virtual consultations in their CM work (n = 7,15.9%). ConclusionOur findings highlight a potential disparity of perceptions between academics and students in these CM educational settings especially in relation to telehealth. Academics expressed hesitancy to fully rely on technologies to develop practitioners in a field where ‘formation of professional character’ is considered so important.

Unmet Medical Need as a Driver for Pharmaceutical Sciences – A Survey Among Scientists

Historical antecedents of pharmaceutical sciences are sound on product orientation based on (analytical) chemistry, drug delivery and basic pharmacology. Over the last decades we have seen a transition towards a stronger disease orientation. This raises questions on whether, how and to what extent unmet medical need (UMN) is important in priority setting, funding and impact in pharmaceutical sciences. An online survey in 2020 collected perspectives of internationally recognised pharmaceutical scientists (N = 92), mainly from academia and industry, on drivers and influencing factors in pharmaceutical sciences. The study offers a unique global perspective, demonstrating a solid command of the global needs in pharmaceutical sciences. The survey revealed that UMN is currently seen as one of the three most important drivers, also in addition to emerging trends in science and opportunities driven by collaboration. There are expectations that UMN's impact becomes more influential. This was consistent for both industry and academic respondents. The majority of respondents also indicated that anticipated lessons learned from COVID-19 will strengthen the impact of UMN on science and leadership. This is important as prioritisation of research towards UMN can address the clinical needs where needed the most.

Physician concern about delaying lung cancer treatment while awaiting biomarker testing: Results of a survey of U.S. oncologists.

9067 Background: With rapid advancements in biomarker testing informing lung cancer treatment decisions, clinicians are challenged to maintain knowledge of who, what and when to test and how to treat based on test results. An ASCO taskforce including representatives from the American Cancer Society National Lung Cancer Roundtable and patient advocates conducted a study to assess biomarker testing and treatment practices for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC) among U.S. oncologists. Methods: A survey was sent to 2374 ASCO members – lung cancer specialists and general oncologists. Eligibility required treating ≥1 lung cancer patient/month. Proportions were estimated across groups and compared using chi-square tests. Results: 170 responses were analyzed. 59% of respondents work at an academic center (i.e., have a fellowship program), while 41% work at a community (non-academic hospital/health system/private practice). Nearly all (98%) believe biomarker results should be received within 1 or 2 weeks of ordering, yet 37% wait an average of 3 or 4 weeks for results. Of respondents who usually wait 3 or 4 weeks, 37% initiate a non-targeted systemic treatment while waiting. Respondents from community practices were more likely to initiate non-targeted systemic treatment if results were not available after 2 weeks (59% compared to 40% of academic respondents; p = 0.013). ). When asked about reasons for not testing, respondents &lt;5 years since training were more likely to report that delaying treatment while waiting for results was always/often a concern compared to those &gt;6 years from training (41% vs 19%). Respondents reported high testing rates in both non-squamous and squamous aNSCLC. Roughly equal representation of generalists/specialists and academic/community respondents helps mitigate potential concerns about external validity. Conclusions: Respondents indicated that treatment decisions are impacted by delays in biomarker test results. Clinicians should be informed about when it is safe and appropriate to defer treatment while biomarker testing is pending. Respondents suggest that diagnostic biomarker testing companies should strive to expedite results.[Table: see text]

Altmetrics: The awareness and interest

The characteristics of academic users interested in altmetrical infor-mation are defined. The online survey of 302 academic respondents was conduc-ted to reveal the level of awareness and interest of scientific community. The analysis of the responses about altmetrics is supplemented with the data on the respondents' using traditional scientometric information. It was found that with a high degree of interest in traditional scientometric indicators (91.4% of respondents refer to them), altmetrics remained mostly out of the eye of scien-tists. Only 6.6% respondents use altmetrics, while the others are still unfamiliar with altmetrics or do not use them. However, over the half of respondents ex-pressed interest in altmetrics: 11.9% consider the method necessary, and 43% would like to learn more about it. The correlation between academic status and awareness of/or interest in altmetrics was found: applicants and candidates of science and applicants for this degree proved to be more interested in altmetrics information than doctors of science. The correlation between the aware-ness/interest and researcher’s area of studies appeared insignificant. The findings of the study may be used to improve the information support of scientists. The research model can be applied to other groups of library users.

Efficacy of fartlek training on selected physical and psychological variables among the RSA academic respondents in Trichy

Efficacy of fartlek training on selected physical and psychological variables among the RSA academic respondents in Trichy

Meaning is about mattering: Evaluating coherence, purpose, and existential mattering as precursors of meaning in life judgments.

When people judge their lives as meaningful, what is this judgment about? Drawing on recent tripartite theoretical accounts of meaning in life (MIL), we tested the separate contributions of coherence (or comprehension), purpose, and existential mattering (or significance) as potential precursors of people's self-reported evaluations of MIL. In Study 1 (N = 314 social media users), we developed brief acquiescence-free measures of these constructs, confirming that sense of coherence, purpose, mattering, and MIL judgments were distinct from each other and from related constructs (sense of control, belonging, self-esteem, self-competence, mood). In Study 2 (N = 168 students) and Study 3 (N = 442 Prolific Academic respondents; preregistered), we collected longitudinal data to test temporal relationships between coherence, purpose, mattering, and MIL judgments over a 1-month time lag. In both studies, sense of mattering consistently emerged as a significant precursor of MIL judgments, whereas sense of purpose and coherence did not. We conclude that researchers and practitioners should pay more attention to the relatively neglected dimension of existential mattering, beyond their more common emphases on coherence or purpose as bases of meaningfulness. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Treatment of Estrogen Levels in the Management of Hypogonadism: An Anonymous Survey of ISSM Members

ObjectiveTo assess the variability in management of estrogen levels in men treated with testosterone therapy (TTh). With the significant increase in the last 2 decades in the treatment of hypogonadism and the use of TTh, detailed guidelines for the management of estrogen levels are necessary.1 Materials and MethodsAn anonymous survey was electronically distributed to the membership of the International Society for Sexual Medicine including questions on demographics, symptoms, and their approach to management of estrogen in patients on TTh. Chi-square test was used to determine associations. ResultsThe response rate was 22.5% (489/2168). A total 62.4% of respondents indicated that they check serum estrogen at initial evaluation, but only 54.7% monitor levels in patients on TTh (P = .02). Fellowship-trained and North American respondents were more likely to monitor patients (P < .05). A total of 69.4%, 47.7%, and 14.4% respondents prescribe antiestrogenic medications in symptomatic patients with elevated estrogen levels, for asymptomatic-elevated estrogen levels, and prophylactically, respectively. Academic respondents were more likely to prescribe an antiestrogen medication to symptomatic patients and prophylactically (P < .05). Anastrozole was the most common medication prescribed for symptomatic hyperestrogenemia (62.3%), but starting doses varied significantly, from 1 mg weekly to 1 mg daily. ConclusionApproximately 50% of practitioners treating men with TTh monitor estrogen levels. Symptoms play a role in prescribing patterns and significant variability in aromatase inhibitors regimens exists. Increased monitoring of estrogen levels in men on TTh will facilitate an understanding of the symptoms, effects of high and low estrogen levels, and aid in standardization of research and therapy.

USER INTERFACE DESIGN AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS USAGE: A CASE STUDY OF TVET INFORMATION SYSTEM AT IPRC KIGALI

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of User Interface Design on Information Systems Usage for the Technical Vocational and Educational Training Information System at (TVET-IS) at Integrated Polytechnic and Regional Centre (IPRC) Kigali, with the following objectives; to examine the design of the user interface of TVET information systems at IPRC Kigali; to evaluate the level of usage of the TVET information system at IPRC Kigali; and to establish the relationship between TVET Information system user interface design and its usage. The study was a descriptive research design with a simple random sampling method used to select academic, administrative, and ICT staff respondents for administration of the questionnaire. From a target population of 308, a sample size of 174 staff was selected. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22 with tables, frequencies and charts used for presentation. TVET IS components considered in this research, were interface usability, interface layout and the interface design technology. The correlation coefficient (r = 0.587, P&lt;0.01) was found between interface layout and IS Usage implying that the relationship was positive and statistically significant. Similarly r = 0.743, P&lt;0.01 for the relationship between interface design Technology and IS Usage implying that the relationship was positive and statistically significant. Correlation coefficient (r = 0.642) and p-value (0.000) was produced between interface usability and IS usage meaning the relationship was positive and statistically significant. The TVET IS was used for data entry, retrieval and data security to a very minimal degree. The finding therefore showed that the relationship between User Interface Design and IS usage with multiple correlation coefficient R = 0.994, provided evidence that user interface design and TVET IS usage was positive and statistically significant. The recommendation after this study and findings is that IPRC Kigali administration should set up policies and mechanism to have all its activities done online with much emphasis on TVET Information System since most modules for the activities are included in this system. The online activities would include those activities that bring incentives to the staff and activities like accreditation of programs and accreditation of schools be done online through TVET-IS. More coaching is paramount to the users of the system so that they are very conversant with the system and technologies used. Workforce Development Authority should only accept online applications for accreditation and its approval to IPRC through TVET Information. The government should set the policy where online services are paramount and this would encourage institutions like IPRC Kigali to use the available systems like TVET-IS to the maximum.