Appropriate Use Of Technology Research Articles

Development Of Competency Standard For Creating Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) To Enhance Brand Reputation

The development of competency standards for creating Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) is crucial for enhancing brand reputation by ensuring accurate, reliable, and internationally compliant environmental reporting. This study aims to systematically develop and validate these standards to support sustainable business practices, employing a qualitative approach using the Gall and Borg model and the Regional Model Competency Standards (RMCS) framework. The research clarifies development requirements, confirms systems and regulations, identifies potential issues, explores relevant data, and formulates and validates competency units. The results highlight a comprehensive process that emphasizes the application of sustainability principles, appropriate use of technology, and collaboration with stakeholders to ensure transparency and accuracy in environmental impact reporting. Additionally, the study developed a model illustrating the alignment of competency standards with industry SOPs, curriculum, and modules, effectively structuring competency development. The study concludes that companies implementing these standards can produce better and more transparent EPDs, critical for building consumer trust and loyalty. By aligning industry needs with educational outcomes, the standards bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and significantly enhancing brand reputation.

Using Roblox to Explore Natural Selection

This is part of a series of biology lessons that teach 9th to 12th graders about natural selection and uses the Roblox game to engage students. This lesson begins with a reminder to students about expectations and rules regarding appropriate use of technology, which can provide opportunities to explore scientific concepts in the virtual environment of Roblox. Students are expected to explore the Darwin postulates of natural selection using the examples provided. Then they discuss their findings with fellow students. This discussion is followed by an activity where students model evolution using previously created Roblox games. Next, students create their own Roblox game. This lesson concludes with students exchanging their finished games for others to explore.

Integration of Emerging Technologies AI and ML into Strategic Supply Chain Planning Processes to Enhance Decision-Making and Agility

Purpose: The aim of this research was to discuss the use of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and big data analytics as fundamental pillars of strategic supply chain management, for better decision-making, more precise forecasting, and higher supply chain agility. Methodology: The paper reviewed existing literature and industry reports to get an in-depth insight into the modern supply chain planning environment, the problems that it faces, and the efficiency of traditional techniques. It then analyzed the opportunities of utilization of AI, ML and big data analytics as well as the certain technologies or techniques that could be utilized, such as the predictive/prescriptive analytics, digital twins and blockchain. Findings: The study concluded that the traditional supply chain planning processes are becoming more and more out of style and inefficient, taking into account the business environment that are constantly changing, global supply chains, and technological advancements. It emphasized the risks to long-term performance associated to relying too much on the past practices and a call for action for progressive modernization of supply chain planning mechanisms. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The report pointed to innovative ways such as AI, ML, and big data analytics for the integration into the supply chain operations for increasing the productivity, resilience and competitiveness. Moreover, it promoted the increase of budgeting on the talent side in order to obtain an appropriate use of technology and to explore new paths in the market.

Caregivers’ experiences of accessing HIV Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) services and its barriers and facilitators, India

BackgroundIndia has rolled out Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) program for HIV infection in all states. EID program consists of testing of Infants exposed to HIV periodically over 18 months of age which is a multi-step complex testing cascade. Caregivers represent the primary beneficiary of EID program i.e., infants exposed to HIV and face multiple challenges to access EID services. As part of national EID program outcome assessment study, this study narrates caregivers’ perspectives on barriers and facilitators to access and utilize EID services.MethodsThe study was conducted in 31 integrated counselling and testing centres (ICTCs) located in 11 high burden HIV states. A total of 66 in-depth interviews were conducted with caregivers’ of infants enrolled in EID program. Thematic analysis was carried out to help identify themes underlying barriers and facilitators to access EID services and utilization from caregivers’ perspectives.ResultsThe stigma and discrimination prevalent in society about HIV remains a key demand side (caregiver-level) barrier. Non-disclosure or selective disclosure of HIV status led to missed or delayed EID tests and delayed HIV diagnosis and initiation of Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) for infants exposed to HIV. On supply side (health system-level), accessibility of healthcare facility with EID services was reported as a key barrier. The distance, time and cost were key concerns. Many caregivers faced difficulties to remember the details of complex EID test schedule and relied on a phone call from ICTC counsellor for next due EID test. Delayed EID test results and lack of communication of test results to caregiver were reported as primary barriers for completing the EID test cascade.DiscussionThe study reports caregiver-level and health system-level barriers and facilitators for access to EID services from the caregivers’ perspectives. While, decentralisation and single window approaches can improve the access, timely communication of test results to the caregiver also need to be built in with appropriate use of technology. A holistic intervention including PLHIV support networks and the peer-led support mechanisms would be useful to address societal factors.ConclusionThe study findings have high significance for developing program implementation strategies to improve access and to build right-based and patient-centred EID services.

Supporting disaster relief operations through RFID: enabling visibility and coordination

PurposeIn the aftermath of disasters, humanitarian actors need to coordinate their activities based on accurate information about the disaster site, its surrounding environment, the victims and survivors and the supply of and demand for relief supplies. In this study, the authors examine the characteristics of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology and those of disaster relief operations to achieve information visibility and actor coordination for effective and efficient humanitarian relief operations.Design/methodology/approachBuilding on the contingent resource-based view (CRBV), the authors present a model of task-technology fit (TTF) that explains how the use of RFID can improve visibility and coordination. Survey data were collected from humanitarian practitioners in India, and partial least squares (PLS) analysis was used to analyze the model.FindingsThe characteristics of both RFID technology and disaster relief operations significantly influence TTF, and TTF predicts RFID usage in disaster relief operations, providing visibility and coordination. TTF is also a mediator between the characteristics of RFID technology and disaster relief operations and between visibility and coordination.Social implicationsThe many recent humanitarian disasters have demonstrated the critical importance of effective and efficient humanitarian supply chain and logistics strategies and operations in assisting disaster-affected populations. The active and appropriate use of technology, including RFID, can help make disaster response more effective and efficient.Originality/valueHumanitarian actors value RFID technology because of its ability to improve the visibility and coordination of relief operations. This study brings a new perspective to the benefits of RFID technology and sheds light on its antecedents. The study thus expands the understanding of technology in humanitarian operations.

Health Provider Experiences in Supporting Social Connectedness Between Families and Older Adults Living in Long-Term Care Homes.

Many people, often older adults, living in long-term care homes (OA-LTCH) became socially isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic due to variable restrictions on in-person visits and challenges associated with using technology for social connectivity. Health providers were key to supporting these OA by providing additional care and facilitating their connections with family using technology such as smartphones and iPads. It is important to learn from these experiences to move forwards from the COVID-19 pandemic with evidence-informed strategies that will better position health providers to foster social engagement for OA-LTCH across a range of contextual situations. This exploratory qualitative description study sought to explore health provider experiences in supporting social connectedness between family members and OA-LTCH within the COVID-19 context. Qualitative, in-depth semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 health providers. Using inductive qualitative content analysis study findings were represented by the following themes: (a) changes in provider roles and responsibilities while challenging for health providers did not impact their commitment to supporting OA-LTCH social and emotional health, (b) a predominant focus on OA-LTCH physical well-being with resultant neglect for emotional well-being resulted in collective trauma, and (c) health providers faced multiple challenges in using technology to support social connectivity. Study findings suggest the need for increased funding for LTC to support activities and initiatives that promote the well-being of health providers and OA living in LTC, the need to prioritize social well-being during outbreak contexts, and more formalized approaches to guide the appropriate use of technology within LTC.

POLICE RECORD MANAGEMENT: IDENTIFICATION OF THE PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED BY POLICE PERSONNEL IN THE FIRST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE

This paper primarily sought to determine the extent of effectiveness of police records management in the first congressional district of Zamboanga del Norte. This study employed a quantitative method which included descriptive-survey and descriptive-correlational. There were thirty (30) respondents in the study. Frequency count and per cent, weighted mean, Mann-Whitney U Test, Kruskal-Wallis H Test, and Spearman rank-order correlation were the statistical tools used in the study. The study revealed that the level of respondents' perception level on the attributes of records management, specifically in records creation, records retention and disposition, records storage and maintenance, records access and retrieval, and appropriate use of technology and records management programs is “very much effective" rating. However, the level of respondents' perception level on archival records is "much effective." Moreover, the problems encountered by police personnel in managing police records are not serious and the extent of the factors precipitating the police personnel problems encountered in managing police records is to the least extent. Furthermore, there was no relationship between police record management attributes and record management problems. It signifies that the police records officers' highly effective management of police records had nothing to do with their less severe management issues. In other words, police officers who claimed to be highly competent at handling police records did not necessarily have major issues doing so. Keywords: Police personnel records management, recordkeeping

Ethics of Digital Health in Islamic Perspective

Promoting digital health has the potential to significantly enhance healthcare delivery and improve the overall health of the populations. However, it raises ethical concerns such as the breach of personal privacy, risk of misdiagnosis to a larger group of population and potential bias to certain population. Technology should be used in a way to that promotes the well-being of patients and not to be used to exploit or manipulate people. Respect for individual dignity and autonomy, the promotion of social justice, ensuring patient safety and the appropriate use of technology are all ethical values that apply to digital health ethics from an Islamic perspective. These guidelines can direct the creation and application of digital health technologies in a morally righteous manner that enhances the welfare of people and communities.

Literature Review on Pedagogical Skills, Technology, and Digitalization

The purpose of this study is to present an overview of the literature review related to pedagogical knowledge, technology, and digitalization. The method used in this research is qualitative research, where descriptive analysis of existing literature is carried out. The data sources used in this study are journal articles on pedagogical knowledge, technology, and digitalization, the results of which show that pedagogical knowledge plays an important role in the utilization of technology and digitalization in the classroom context. The literature review emphasized that a strong understanding of the principles of effective education and pedagogy is a necessary foundation for educators to integrate technology and digitalization into their classroom practices. With the help of pedagogical information, it enables educators to plan practical learning experiences using technological tools that are appropriate to students' needs and characteristics. In addition, literary research also shows that technology and digitalization can provide great benefits in an educational context. Appropriate use of technology can increase student engagement, encourage active and collaborative learning, and improve access to educational resources. Moreover, digitization can also change the way educators manage and assess learning. With the help of these articles, the relationship between pedagogical knowledge, technology, and digitalization in educational contexts can be further explored. The purpose of this study is to describe the literature on research on pedagogical knowledge, technology, and digitalization. The method used in this research is qualitative research, where a descriptive analysis of the literature review is conducted. Journal articles related to pedagogical knowledge, technology, and digitalization were used as data sources. The results of this study indicate that there are 24 articles that serve as literature research and can be used as references in the study of pedagogical skills, technology and digitalization

Using Data Tools and Systems to Drive Change in Early Childhood Education for Disadvantaged Children in South Africa.

In line with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.2, South Africa's National Development Plan commits to providing high-quality early childhood education to all children by 2030 to drive improved child outcomes. Prior to 2016, South Africa lacked reliable, locally standardised, valid, and cross-culturally fair assessment tools for measuring preschool quality and child outcomes, suitable for use at scale within a resource-constrained context. In this paper we detail the development and evolution of a suite of early learning measurement (ELOM) tools designed to address this measurement gap. The development process included reviews of literature and other relevant assessment tools; a review of local curriculum standards and expected child outcomes; extensive consultation with government officials, child development experts, and early learning practitioners, iterative user testing; and assessment of linguistic, cultural, functional, and metric equivalence across all 11 official South African languages. To support use of the ELOM tools at scale, and by users with varying levels of research expertise, administration is digitised and embedded within an end-to-end data value chain. ELOM data collected since 2016 quantify the striking socio-economic gradient in early childhood development in South Africa, demonstrate the relationship between physical stunting, socio-emotional functioning and learning outcomes, and provide evidence of the positive impact of high-quality early learning programmes on preschool child outcomes. To promote secondary analyses, data from multiple studies are regularly collated into a shared dataset, which is made open access via an online data portal. We describe the services and support that make up the ELOM data value chain, noting several key challenges and enablers of data-driven change within this context. These include deep technical expertise within a multidisciplinary and collaborative team, patient and flexible capital from mission-aligned investors, a fit-for-purpose institutional home, the appropriate use of technology, a user-centred approach to development and testing, sensitivity to children's diverse linguistic and socio-economic circumstances, careful consideration of requirements for scale, appropriate training and support for a non-professional assessor base, and a commitment to ongoing learning and continuous enhancement. Practical examples are provided of ways in which the ELOM tools and data are used for programme monitoring and enhancement purposes, to evaluate the relative effectiveness of early learning interventions, to motivate for greater budget and inform more effective resource allocation, to support the development of enabling Government systems, and to track progress towards the attainment of national and global development goals. We share lessons learnt during the development of the tools and discuss the factors that have driven their uptake in South Africa.

The impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the delivery of occupational therapy: How technology use affected practice during COVID-19 among occupational therapists in British Columbia.

COVID-19 activity restrictions altered clinical practice around the world. Anecdotal evidence observed by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists - British Columbia (CAOT-BC) suggested a rapid adjustment to virtual care technologies occurred among occupational therapists in the initial restrictions. The purpose of the study was to determine the scope of how COVID-19 restrictions impacted the use of technology to provide client care in British Columbia. It will inform the future provision of occupational therapy in the developing technological landscape related to heath care provision. This descriptive cross-sectional survey was completed using Qualtrics, an online survey tool. Registered occupational therapists received the survey via email invitations. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics in IBM SPSS Software. Of 342 participants, 98.4% reported increased technology use to support practice with the advent of COVID-19 restrictions. Those with some technology experience prior to COVID-19 reported higher intent to continue using technology following COVID-19 restrictions. Overall, occupational therapists were confident in their perceived abilities to use technology in their practice. Occupational therapist-related, client-related, and practice area considerations occurred with the rapid uptake of technology. Some components of practice were perceived to be improved and others impaired with the use of technology. Occupational therapists substantially increased their use of technology to enable ongoing client care during the Covid-19 restrictions. Implications for improvements and reduction of limitations in care delivery are substantial, given the intent to continue using technology going forward. These implications can be further explored to understand how the advances in occupational therapists' ability to use technology may impact rural or remote care, which practice areas may be most amenable technology use, and how policies and funding can facilitate effective and appropriate use of technology to support clinical care in public and private settings.

Identifying the level of virtual tourism technology knowledge of tourism awareness groups in the City of Padang

Virtual tour is a tourism activity that is carried out through web browsing using media such as images or videos to provide users with the feeling of being in the tourist destination. This activity can also be used as a means to promote tourist attractions. One group that is expected to adopt this virtual tour technology is Kelompok Sadar Wisata (Pokdarwis), as this group has a role in promoting local tourist attractions. Virtual tour is a relatively low-cost promotional tool compared to other promotional media, yet with a wider reach of audience. This research aims to identify the understanding and ability of Pokdarwis Padang City related to the acceptance of virtual tour technology. This study was conducted through questionnaires involving 48 leaders and members of Pokdarwis of Padang City, where technical knowledge, ease of use, and perception of the benefits of virtual tour formed the basis of the questions. Descriptive analysis results show that the majority of Pokdarwis members lack of adequate knowledge of virtual tour and the appropriate use of technology in creating virtual tour. On the other hand, Pokdarwis members are already able to use social media but lack of adequate technical skills in creating virtual tour content.

Effect of Multimedia E-Book Use on the Information Literacy of Nursing Students and Health Communication in Student-Led Large- and Small-Group Community Health Education Sessions

The integration of digital technology into healthcare is critical for health communication. This study analyzed a group of nursing students who applied multimedia health education e-books to different groups of varying sizes to explore the efficiency of implementing health communication and nursing information literacy in the nursing industry. If medical personnel can make appropriate use of technology, combine medical operations with information systems, and disseminate the purpose of health to groups of different sizes properly, the quality of patient care will improve. Thirty-two junior nursing students at the college level were divided into three groups, each subject to a 3-week internship. After the internship, a questionnaire survey was conducted. Additionally, nine nursing students were interviewed in a 45-min semistructured format. Regarding the effectiveness of nursing students using multimedia e-books to implement health communication and the development of nursing information literacy, the statistical analysis results demonstrated no significant differences between large groups and small groups. However, their 5-point Likert scale average values were all greater than 4, indicating that regardless of group size, their feedback on using e-books was positive. This means multimedia e-books can effectively help nursing students practice health communication application effectiveness and develop nursing information literacy.

Adoption and Utilization of Integrated Patient Management System in Botswana Public Health Facilities

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) use in the healthcare sector has gained momentum over a period of time. The aim of this study was to evaluate the adoption and utilization of the integrated patient management system (IPMS) in health facilities in Botswana. A mixed-method approach was adopted in this study. The simple sampling procedure was adopted and used among the sample size of four hundred and twenty healthcare workers. The quantitative questionnaire and interviews were used to collect data for this study. The findings of this study showed that IPMS adoption brings about better performance and is very productive for a tiring healthcare setting. The results also show that the use of IPMS helps medical practitioners to deliver quality healthcare service and it benefits the population at large since services become faster and more efficient. This recommends that all health facilities should be provided with enough and relevant resources and support needed to effectively use and reap the benefits of the IPMS. In addition, the Ministry of Health and Wellness and all the concerned education stakeholders need to make sure that ICT adoption and use in healthcare are maintained and encouraged through training and workshops so that the user is well-equipped with the appropriate use of technology to achieve the desired results. Keywords: adoption, integrated patient management system, health, utilization

Does the use of ICT by Teachers Influence Learners’ Academic Performance during the COVID-19 Environment?

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) use in the education sector has gained momentum ever since the outbreak of the COVID – 19 pandemic. This study critically analysed the use of ICT tools by secondary school teachers to ascertain if they had an influence on learner academic performance during the era of the COVID – 19 pandemic. A mixed approach which employed both the use of quantitative and qualitative research methods was used to collect data for this study. The finding of this study showed that information communication technology tools have a positive influence on improving academic performance. The study recommended that schools should be provided with enough and relevant resources needed to make a huge impact on education. Teachers and facilitators should be trained on the best use and pedagogies which involves the use of ICT in teaching and learning. In addition, the Ministry of Education and Skills Development Botswana and all the concerned education stakeholders need to make sure that ICT teaching and learning workshops are conducted in every educational sphere so that every teacher, facilitator and learner is well equipped with the appropriate use of technology to achieve the desired results. The results of this study advised on the use of ICT to improve learner academic performance. . Keywords: Academic performance, Technology use, Technology adoption, Learners

The Impact of Supply Chain Resilience Strategies, Technology and the Floricultural Firms Performance, the Nakuru Kenya Story

Changes are unavoidable in today’s risky and uncertain business environment including unpredictable supply chains of which the floriculture industry is not exempt The floriculture industry frequently encounters diverse and new challenges which must be managed to avoid losses, recovery challenges and even closure. It is important that firms employ relevant updated technology to enhance their resilience strategies to prepare for such disruptions, to continue existing and improve performance. However whether technology jointly contributes significantly in enhancing resilience and performance in floricultural firms is a topic that remains under-explored. Using the relevant empirical literature, the study sheds light on the relationship between resilience strategies and floricultural firms performance under the moderating effect of supply chain technology. The study adopted descriptive research design. Target population was 101 flower firms in Nakuru County-Kenya. Purposive sampling was used to pick 255 respondents. Moderated multiple regression analysis was used to test the moderating effect of supply chain technology. Performance was the dependent variable while supply chain resilience strategies i.e. supply chain collaboration, supply chain agility, supply chain flexibility and supply chain risk management were predictor variables. The study established that supply chain technology positively and significantly moderated the relationship between the supply chain resilience strategies and performance of floricultural firms. The study findings contribute to existing literature and provide practical recommendations to policy makers and floricultural supply chain managers to establish effective resilience policies and appropriate use of technology to manage and survive the unforeseen disruptions which will contribute significantly to their improved performance.

Challenges and Usefulness of Body-Worn Camera Among Malaysian Road Transport Department (RTD) Patrol Officers

Law enforcement namely Road Transport Department (RTD) officers, face challenges in carrying out their duties on the road. The purpose of this study is to highlight on the challenges and issues faced by the officers in Malaysian road and the appropriate use of technology in assisting RTD officers in enforcement duties focusing on the usefulness of Body-worn cameras. The officers involved in the study consisted of the head of the RTD patrol team in the southern region of Malaysia. The results show that this product can assist officers in facilitating their duties. Overall, many respondents point out that this product can facilitate their work easily, provide safer conditions and provide data evidence. It helps in preparing jobs reports and made the officers not burdened in the task. Most respondents were positive about the use of Body-worn cameras especially in alleviating the challenges faced by them.

A theory of change roadmap for universal health coverage in India.

The Theory of Change (ToC) approach is one of the methodologies that the Lancet Citizens' Commission has chosen to build a roadmap to achieving Universal Healthcare (UHC) in India in the next 10 years. The work of the Citizens' Commission is organized around five workstreams: Finance, Human Resources for Health (HRH), Citizens' Engagement, Governance, and Technology. Five ToC workshops were conducted, one for each workstream. Individual workshop outputs were then brought together in two cross-workstream workshops where a sectoral Theory of Change for UHC was derived. Seventy-four participants, drawn from the Commission or invited for their expertise, and representing diverse stakeholders and sectors concerned with UHC, contributed to these workshops. A reimagined healthcare system achieves (1) enhanced transparency, accountability, and responsiveness; (2) improved quality of health services; (3) accessible, comprehensive, connected, and affordable care for all; (4) equitable, people-centered and safe health services; and (5) trust in the health system. For a mixed system like India's, achieving these high ideals will require all actors, public, private and civil society, to collaborate and bring about this transformation. During the consultation, paradigm shifts emerged, which were structural or systemic assumptions that were deemed necessary for the realization of all interventions. Critical points of consensus also emerged from the workshops, such as the need for citizen-centricity, greater efficiency in the use of public finances for health care, shifting to team-based managed care, empowerment of frontline health workers, the appropriate use of technology across all phases of patient care, and moving toward an articulation of positive health and wellbeing. Critical areas of contention that remained related to the role of the private sector, especially around financing and service delivery. Few issues for further consultation and research were noted, such as payment for performance across both public and private sectors, the use of accountability metrics across both public and private sectors, and the strategies for addressing structural barriers to realizing the proposed paradigm shifts. As the ToCs were developed in expert groups, citizens' consultations and consultations with administrative leaders were recommended to refine and ground the ToC, and therefore the roadmap to realize UHC, in people's lived reality.

Trends in American Radiation Oncology Workforce, Patient Volume and Technology Utilization

<h3>Purpose/Objective(s)</h3> Concerns have arisen within the US radiation oncology (RO) community regarding the current workforce supply-demand imbalance and the future impact of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) alternative payment model (APM) on reimbursement and practice patterns. We evaluated trends in RO providers and technology utilization before the RO-APM implementation based on CMS data. <h3>Materials/Methods</h3> We used publicly available CMS Physician and Other Provider Public Use Files from 2012 to 2019. We identified RO providers by the "provider type" field. New patient visits (NPVs) were determined by the 99203, 99204, 99205 CPT codes, treatment plans by the 77261, 77262, and 77263 CPT codes, and on-treatment visits (OTVs) by the 77427, 77431, 77432, and 77435 CPT codes. The total number of yearly fractions per RT modality was defined by relevant CPT codes. We report descriptive statistics and trends in these metrics. These numbers do not include patients enrolled on Medicare Advantage plans, the prevalence of which has increased over the study period. <h3>Results</h3> From 2012 to 2019, the number of RO providers per year in the CMS database increased from 4,135 to 4,612 (+11.5%); the number of Medicare NPVs per year by provider increased by 17% over the same time (220,569 to 257,408). Consequently, the ratio of new patients per provider per year increased slightly (+4.6%); in contrast, the number of treatment plans per provider per year declined (-5.3%). <b>Table 1</b> shows these data numerically. The number of IMRT fractions per year slightly declined (-5.1%); the total number of proton and SBRT/SRS fractions per year increased by 343% and 182%, respectively. Total 3D conformal radiotherapy fractions per year nearly halved (-41%). The number of OTVs per treatment plan declined annually, suggesting a decrease in treatment duration (4.3 to 3.8, -7.3%). In absolute terms, Medicare payments to RO providers declined marginally from 2012 ($1.50 billion USD) to 2019 ($1.43 billion USD); but, when accounting for inflation, this resulted in a 14% decline in RO reimbursement from CMS. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The stable ratio of new patient visits to RO providers suggests that, as of 2019, growth in patient volume resembles growth in ROs; however, there has been an uncoupling of increase in NPVs and treatment plans that may reflect increased omission of RT in situations where RT was previously utilized. RO reimbursement declined before the introduction of the RO-APM. Upon enacting the RO-APM, the appropriate use of technology and hypofractionated courses should be closely monitored in the setting of monetary incentives.

Fostering collateral creativity through teaching school mathematics with technology: what do teachers need to know?

The paper introduces the notion of collateral creativity as an unintended outcome of the appropriate use of technology, both physical and digital, in the teaching of mathematics. The notion is motivated by Dewey’s conceptual framework of collateral learning which enables one gaining knowledge beyond the intent of the traditional curriculum. Creative thinking by the learners of mathematics may emerge accidentally, in a collateral way, within a classroom culture encouraging reflection on a teacher-assisted technological representation of mathematical concepts. The use of technology is described in terms of Vygotsky’s concept of the instrumental act. The main argument of the paper that tokens of collateral creativity can be observed in all students resides at the confluence of various theories which, in the context of mathematics, converge to describe creativity as a slumberous skill with potential to be awakened through the age-appropriate pedagogical mediation supported by the teachers’ awareness of often hidden complexity of seemingly mundane problems. The paper discusses different scenarios conducive for the emergence of collateral creativity through the study of mathematics with physical and digital tools. The ideas of the paper stem from the authors’ work with schoolchildren and with teacher candidates both in the classroom and in the field.