Assessment Survey Research Articles

MENTORING INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGNERS IN HIGHER EDUCATION: A NEEDS ASSESSMENT

This study benchmarked the mentoring needs of instructional design (ID) professionals working within a broad range of institution types across higher education. Data from 65 participants was collected using a needs assessment survey. ID respondents categorized 27 discrete mentoring needs into high, medium, and low priorities. Statistical analyses revealed communication skills as the highest mentoring need, while scholarly research and publication was the lowest. Years of career experience, team format, and team size were factors that distinguished the mentoring needs of IDs. The mentoring needs of IDs with between 3–7 years of experience significantly differed from their novice and senior colleagues as they strived to advance their careers. Implications for mentors, mentees, and institutions are discussed.

A quantitative needs assessment for a tele-ultrasound consult program in a tertiary care Emergency Department.

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has been shown to be beneficial in facilitating patient care, but its adoption is variable among emergency medicine (EM) clinicians. We identified the patterns of POCUS use and gaps in POCUS integration in a tertiary care emergency department (ED). These data provide a user-centered platform for subsequent development of a tele-ultrasound (tele-US) consultation program. We developed a 25-item needs assessment survey and used a 5-point Likert scale to assess current patterns of POCUS use and potential needs for POCUS among EM clinicians. Data were analyzed descriptively, and a chi-square analysis was used to assess for differences in POCUS use and comfort levels among clinicians. Overall, 48% (91/190) of eligible providers responded to the survey. Clinician responders included 38% (35/91) attendings (including fellows), 29% (26/91) residents, and 33% (30/91) advance practice providers (APPs). In assessing needs, 70% (58/83) of clinicians noted they would use POCUS more if they had more training. 76% (63/83) of clinicians felt comfortable with image acquisition and 68% (56/83) with image interpretation. APPs were less comfortable with POCUS image interpretation and clinical integration of POCUS findings compared to residents (χ2: 16.3, p < 0.0001 and χ2: 5.1, p = 0.02, respectively). 65% (54/83) of clinicians would use POCUS more if real-time supervision via tele-US was available for image acquisition and image interpretation. EM clinicians indicated a substantial need for further real-time POCUS training and supervision, especially for image interpretation. A clinician-centered strategy, such as tele-US, has potential to increase proficient use of POCUS.

Perceptions of indirect treatment comparisons as an evidence base in oncology decision-making: results of an international survey of health technology assessment and payer decision-makers.

Aim: Health technology assessment (HTA) and payer organizations are often faced with early decision-making in oncology. To design and conduct robust indirect treatment comparisons (ITCs), it is important to better understand HTA and payer decision-maker perceptions of ITCs. Here we aim to describe what individuals with HTA and payer experience see as the acceptability of ITCs for HTA and payer organization coverage and reimbursement decision-making. Materials & methods: This survey included 30 current and former HTA and payer decision-makers from five countries: Australia, France, Germany, the UK (n=5 each) and the US(n=10). Main outcomes included the ratings of acceptance of ITCs and the presence of well-defined methodological guidance for ITCs. Results: ITCs are generally accepted by participants in Australia and the UK but are more likely evaluated on a case-by-case basis in France, Germany and the US. Four of five participants in Germany and the UK, two of five in Australia and one of five in France reported that well-defined and prescribed criteria regarding the use of ITCs were in place. Conclusion: There is a need for harmonization of methods used to assess ITCs by HTA and payers, especially in the rapidly evolving treatment landscape in oncology.

Moderating Role of Self-Regulation Difficulties in the Momentary Associations Between Depressive Symptoms and Participation Poststroke.

Because depressive symptoms are momentarily associated with lower levels of participation poststroke, it is crucial to investigate what moderates such associations to identify a potential intervention target to reduce the momentary links between depressive symptoms and participation poststroke. Self-regulation seems to be a potential moderator of such associations. To investigate the extent to which difficulties in self-regulation moderate the momentary associations between depressive symptoms and participation poststroke. This study uses a real-time, repeated-measures design using smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment surveys five times a day for 10 days. We performed multilevel modeling to uncover the momentary associations among the study variables. Community. 39 people with stroke. We obtained real-time data for difficulties in self-regulation (total, cognitive, behavioral, and emotion regulation), depressive symptoms, and participation in daily activities (performance in daily activities and satisfaction with performing daily activities). We included 1,612 survey responses in the analysis. Higher depressive symptoms were momentarily associated with lower levels of performance (β = -0.05 to -0.07, p < .001) and satisfaction (β = -0.04 to -0.06, p < .05), regardless of adjusting for self-regulation variables and other covariates. Difficulties in total self-regulation (β = -0.01, p < .001) and emotion regulation (β = -0.02, p < .001) magnified the negative associations between depressive symptoms and satisfaction with performing daily activities. Using self-regulation and emotion regulation strategies may be a target for just-in-time intervention for reducing the momentary associations between depressive symptoms and satisfaction with performing daily activities poststroke. Plain-Language Summary: Depressive symptoms have immediate and real-time associations with lower levels of participation in daily activities in people with stroke. Self-regulation, including cognitive regulation (e.g., goal setting, planning strategies), behavioral regulation (e.g., controlling impulsive behaviors), and emotion regulation (e.g., managing negative feelings), may be an intervention target for reducing the immediate associations between depressive symptoms and lower levels of participation poststroke. Thus, we investigated whether difficulties in self-regulation variables magnify the negative real-time associations between depressive symptoms and participation poststroke. To obtain real-time data on difficulties in self-regulation variables, depressive symptoms, and participation (i.e., performance and satisfaction), we asked 39 community-dwelling people with stroke to answer smartphone surveys. The results showed that difficulties in total self-regulation and emotion regulation magnified the negative associations between depressive symptoms and satisfaction with performing daily activities. Our findings suggest that self-regulation and emotion regulation strategies may be a target for real-time intervention for reducing the momentary associations between depressive symptoms and satisfaction with performing daily activities poststroke.

HIV Outcomes Among Women Living With HIV Who Experienced Early Sexual Violence Across Four Sub-Saharan African Countries.

Early experiences of sexual violence may influence HIV care and treatment outcomes among women living with HIV (WLHIV). We examined whether self-report by WLHIV of being forced into their first sexual experience was associated with awareness of HIV-positive status, being on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and being virologically suppressed. We conducted a secondary analysis using nationally representative, cross-sectional Population-based HIV Impact Assessment surveys from Lesotho, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe conducted from 2015 through 2017. Adjusted logistic regression models with survey weights and Taylor series linearization were used to measure the association between forced first sex and 3 HIV outcomes: (1) knowledge of HIV status among all WLHIV, (2) being on ART among WLHIV with known status, and (3) virological suppression among WLHIV on ART. Among WLHIV, 13.9% reported forced first sex. Odds of knowledge of HIV status were not different for WLHIV with forced first sex compared with those without (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.17; 95% CI: 0.95 to 1.45). Women living with HIV with forced first sex had significantly lower odds of being on ART (aOR 0.74, 95% CI: 0.57 to 0.96) but did not have lower odds of virological suppression (aOR 1.06, 95% CI: 0.80 to 1.42) compared with WLHIV without forced first sex. While high proportions of WLHIV were on ART, report of nonconsensual first sex was associated with a lower likelihood of being on ART which may suggest that early life trauma could influence long-term health outcomes.

Structural Influences on Methamphetamine Use Among Black Sexual Minority Men (HISTORY Study): Protocol for a Longitudinal Cohort Study.

Sexual minority men are disproportionately affected by methamphetamine use, with recent studies suggesting an increase in use specifically among Black sexual minority men. Black sexual minority men face unique structural barriers to achieving optimal health. Given its harmful effects, and in light of existing health disparities, an increase in methamphetamine use among Black sexual minority men poses a significant public health concern. The Health Impacts and Struggles to Overcome the Racial Discrimination of Yesterday (HISTORY) study is investigating the potential impacts of exposure to the census tract-level structural racism and discrimination (SRD) on methamphetamine use among Black sexual minority men in Atlanta, Georgia, and will identify intervention targets to improve prevention and treatment of methamphetamine use in this population. This study uses a mixed methods and multilevel design over a 5-year period and incorporates participatory approaches. Individual-level quantitative data will be collected from a community-based cohort of Black sexual minority men (N=300) via periodic assessment surveys, ecological momentary assessments, and medical record abstractions. Census tract-level measures of SRD will be constructed using publicly available administrative data. Qualitative data collection will include longitudinal, repeated in-depth interviews with a subset (n=40) of study participants. Finally, using a participatory group model-building process, we will build on our qualitative and quantitative data to generate causal maps of SRD and methamphetamine use among Black sexual minority men, which in turn will be translated into actionable recommendations for structural intervention. Enrollment in the HISTORY study commenced in March 2023 and is anticipated to be completed by November 2024. The HISTORY study will serve as a crucial background upon which future structural interventions can be built, to mitigate the effects of methamphetamine use and SRD among Black sexual minority men. DERR1-10.2196/63761.

Survey of Reliability Challenges and Assessment in Power Grids with High Penetration of Inverter-Based Resources

Decarbonization is driving power systems toward more decentralized, self-governing models. While these technologies improve efficiency, planning, operations, and reduce the carbon footprint, they also introduce new challenges. In modern grids, particularly with the integration of power electronic devices and high penetration of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and Inverter-Based Resources (IBRs), traditional reliability concepts may no longer ensure adequate performance due to systemic restructuring. This shift necessitates new or significantly modified reliability indices to capture the characteristics of the evolving power system. Ensuring converter reliability is essential for effective planning, which requires precise, component-to-system-level modeling, as different converters impact system performance indicators. However, the existing literature in this field faces a significant limitation, as most studies focus on a singular perspective. Some examine reliability at the device-level, others at the component-level, while broader reviews in power systems often emphasize system-level analysis. In this paper, we aim to bridge these gaps by comprehensively reviewing the interconnections between these levels and analyzing the mutual influence of power converter and system reliability. A key point to highlight is that, with the rapid evolution of modern power grids, decision-makers must adopt a multi-level approach that incorporates insights from all levels to enable more accurate and realistic planning and operational strategies. Our ultimate goal is to provide an in-depth investigation of studies addressing the unique challenges posed by modern power grids. Finally, we will highlight the gaps in the literature and suggest directions for future research.

Factors influencing protective gear use in crisis-affected Afghanistan during COVID-19

Abstract Background Afghanistan has faced considerable challenges in healthcare delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges were compounded by limited health literacy, shortages of skilled health workers, and fragile health infrastructure, which increased the country’s double burden of disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the use of masks as part of a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Nevertheless, research on mask-wearing practices in Afghanistan is limited. This study aims to investigate the factors influencing the wearing of protective gear, including masks, during the COVID-19 pandemic in Afghanistan. Methods This study analyzed 16,058 households from the 2020 Afghanistan Multi-Sector Needs Assessment (MSNA) survey data. This survey was conducted between August and September 2020 by the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) Initiative. Sampling weighted multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was performed. Results Recent internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees in Afghanistan were more likely to wear protective gear to prevent COVID-19 compared to non-recent IDPs. Factors such as household sizes, household income, knowledge of humanitarian support, and the distance to healthcare facilities were significantly associated with the likelihood of wearing protective gear. Conclusions The study suggests that certain factors place crisis-affected populations in Afghanistan at high risk in COVID-19 preventive behaviors, especially in wearing protective gear. The findings in this study indicate that public health interventions should focus on improving healthcare accessibility and enhancing information dissemination while considering socioeconomic factors. Additionally, this study highlights the need for access to personal protective gear during outbreaks of infectious disease, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Key messages • Socioeconomic factors and accessibility on health services and information can affect COVID-19 preventive behaviors in crisis-affected populations. • This study can inform public health professionals to develop adequate interventions during infectious disease outbreaks.

Psychosocial Workloads and Resilience of Heads of Municipal Public Health Authorities in Germany During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perceptions of Operational Organization, Communication, and Measures

Healthcare professionals are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues during epidemics, as evidenced by the COVID-19 crisis. German public health authorities, crucial for disease prevention, faced significant strain from chronic understaffing and resource limitations exacerbated by the pandemic. The study was designed as a cross-sectional, observational online survey. This study conducted an online needs assessment survey among heads of municipal public health authorities in Thuringia, Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, and Berlin between June and November 2023. Of the 191 contacted authorities, 74 responses (38.7%) were analyzed, focusing on professional demands, recognition, stress resilience, general life satisfaction, operational organization, and communication during the pandemic. Validated scales such as ERI, RS-13, L-1, and the COVID-19 add-on module of the COPSOQ were utilized. Statistical tests included descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients, Chi-Square tests, linear regression, T-tests, and ANOVA with a significance level set at p &lt; 0.05. Respondents were mainly from North Rhine-Westphalia (43.3%) and Bavaria (24.3%), predominantly female (54.1%), and had a mean age of 52.7 years. The majority were medical specialists (71.9%). The RS-13 mean score was 72.66 (SD = 12.42), with 58.9% demonstrating high stress resilience. Public health degree holders showed the highest resilience. The ER-ratio indicated high effort versus reward for 96.7% of heads. Larger districts showed lower ER-ratios, suggesting resilient organizational structures. The study highlights high psychosocial workload and resilience among German public health authority heads during COVID-19, suggesting the need for optimized crisis management and scalable staffing for future pandemics and crises.

A plant mutant screen CURE integrated with core biology concepts showed effectiveness in course design and students' perceived learning gains.

Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) provide students with valuable opportunities to engage in research in a classroom setting, expanding access to research opportunitiesfor undergraduates, fostering inclusive research and learning environments, and bridging the gap between the research and education communities. While scientific practices, integral to the scientific discovery process, have been widely implemented in CUREs, there have been relatively few reports emphasizing the incorporation of core biology concepts into CURE curricula. In this study, we present a CURE that integrates core biology concepts, including genetic information flow, phenotype-genotype relationships, mutations and mutants, and structure-function relationships, within the context of mutant screening and gene loci identification. The design of this laboratory course aligns with key CURE criteria, as demonstrated by data collected through the laboratory course assessment survey (LCAS). The survey of undergraduate research experiences (SURE) demonstrates students' learning gains in both course-directed skills and transferrable skills following their participation in the CURE. Additionally, concept survey data reflect students' self-perceived understanding of the aforementioned core biological concepts. Given that genetic mutant screens are central to the study of gene function in biology, we anticipate that this CURE holds potential value for educators and researchers who are interested in designing and implementing a mutant screen CURE in their classrooms. This can be accomplished through independent research or by establishing partnerships between different units or institutions.

HIV retesting among people living with HIV in Lesotho in 2022.

Despite widespread HIV testing in sub-Saharan Africa, regular testing among at-risk populations is crucial for effective prevention. However, reports increasingly indicate retesting among people living with HIV (PLHIV), a group that would not require additional testing since they would already have received a confirmed diagnosis. We describe the demographic characteristics of PLHIV retesters in Lesotho, report the average number of HIV tests post-diagnosis among PLHIV, and share motivations for retesting. In August 2022, a nationally representative cohort in Lesotho participated in a cell phone survey about their HIV status and testing history. Study participants were recruited from a face-to-face survey conducted in 2020, Lesotho Population Based HIV Impact Assessment survey. Of the 1523 participants called, 1111 participants responded (72.9%) and 266 reported living with HIV. We found 18.8% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) reported retesting at least once for HIV, and 58% of PLHIV who reported retesting were likely or very likely to retest for HIV in the coming year. The main reason PLHIV reported retesting was because a health care worker offered the test (61.7%) followed by self-initiated testing to confirm their status (29.1%). Among male PLHIV who had a history of retesting, 92.0% were very likely or likely to retest, compared to only 30.6% of female PLHIV. We found almost a fifth of PLHIV in Lesotho reported a history of retesting for HIV, and 58% of PLHIV were likely or very likely to retest for HIV in the coming year. Educating providers and men living with HIV could reduce retesting among PLHIV.

Promoting sustainability literacy for students in Thai higher education institution: a case of Siam University

PurposeThe objectives of this study were (1) to explore and analyze sustainability literacy of undergraduate students and (2) to propose guidelines for promoting sustainability literacy of the undergraduate students at Siam University, Bangkok, Thailand.Design/methodology/approachA 5-point rating scale survey questionnaire was used to collect data from 235 students registered in General Education courses in Semester 2 of academic year 2022. The analyzed data was presented to a focus group discussion, conducted with 19 internal and external stakeholders, as a basis to propose guidelines for promoting sustainability literacy.FindingsThe students perceived that they had better knowledge about sustainable development and sustainable development goals (SDGs) and that their knowledge about and degree of participation in SDGs-related activities were at high level. Intrapersonal competence was rated as their highest sustainability competence, followed by futures-thinking, and systems-thinking. The focus-group suggested that competency-based GE curriculum should be used as a platform to enhance sustainability literacy. Guidelines concerning learning outcomes, learning content, learning culture, learning with technology, and learning assessment were then proposed.Research limitations/implicationsThe study’s methodological limitations include the use of purposive sample case of the Siam University and self-perceiving assessment survey instrument for the data collection that provide sufficient insights on the present state and problems concerning sustainability literacy of university students.Practical implicationsSustainability is one of the national pillars in Thailand 20 years strategy (2018–2037). Hence, the government encourages all educational institutions, including universities to transform themselves toward this goal. Siam University has used education program as a vehicle to meet this aspiration. Lesson learnt from the study will not only benefit the university per se but will be valuable for practices in other universities. In addition, findings and implications from the study will help accelerate the transformation of Thai higher education institutions toward sustainable universities.Social implicationsSustainability has been promoted in education and social context. Siam University is recognized as a leading university in promoting campus and community sustainability through our “living learning lab” approach. We have used social living labs for teaching and learning activities for years. Partnerships among academia, private and public sectors, as well as community members will benefit from this research.Originality/valueThe study explores the scholarly topic of significant social importance and implications in the Thai context. The present study on sustainability literacy opens a path for further research and cross-institutional and national comparative studies on the issue.

A Study on Health-Promoting Effects of Assistive Technology.

This study evaluated the health-promoting effects of assistive technology(AT) from a holistic health perspective with the data from the rapid Assistive Technology Assessment (rATA) survey conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in China in 2021. Through a generalized ordered logit regression, we found that AT mainly aids in the reduction of "severe impairment" in basic activities of daily living (BADL) and facilitates the attainment of "minimal impairment" in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), indicating that AT at the current stage not only serves as a tool to maintain basic survival, but also plays a crucial role in promoting overall health. Further research ascertained that the effects of assistive technology on BADL and IADL bear resemblances between two age groups but differ between urban and rural residents. Consequently, efforts must be made to enhance the supply system of AT, thereby improving social well-being for all.

An Experimental Study to Explore the Effectiveness of a 3D Maritime Serious Game Prototype: Maritime Leaders at Sea

This paper conducts a comprehensive experimental study designed to investigate the effectiveness of a maritime serious game called Maritime Leaders at Sea (ML@S). The 3D cutting-edge prototype targets to enhance leadership and teamwork skills of undergraduate maritime students via engaging them in immersive gameplay scenarios reflective of real-world challenges at sea. Competing the ML@S sessions, the number of 76 students were included in the feedback assessment survey to assess their perceptions and attitudes on the simulated environment. The feedback is also linked to the learning analytics perspective to involve time and scoring data of players through different levels at operational scenarios. Preliminary analyses reveal promising results, suggesting a positive correlation between participation in ML@S, feedbacks after sessions, and improvements in leadership and teamwork as key competencies. It is anticipated that this study will make significant contributions towards game developers, technology start-ups, educational institutions, and global shipping companies. The implications of the study offer valuable insights for the development of future serious games aimed at enhancing essential skills of maritime human resources in dynamic and high-stakes environments.

Adherence to IMCI guidelines for key symptoms in Ethiopian children: A 2021-2022 national service provision survey.

The Health Services Provision Assessment in Ethiopia (SPA-ET) is a survey that generates data on the availability and quality of health services in Ethiopia. Despite the presence of integrated management of childhood illness guidelines in healthcare settings, there has been inadequate exploration or assessment of how effectively and consistently health professionals follow the guidelines. This study aims to identify factors influencing healthcare worker adherence to the integrated management of childhood illness guidelines to identify spatial clusters. The data for this study were gathered from the Service Provision Assessment (SPA) survey in Ethiopia, which was conducted nationwide from August 11, 2021, to February 4, 2022. It included a total of 788 health professionals who assessed sick children experiencing at least one of the three main childhood illness symptoms: fever, cough, or diarrhea. We employed STATA version 16 for data analysis, utilizing cross-tabulations to explore relationships between variables and logistic regression modeling to identify factors influencing adherence. To account for the hierarchical structure of the health survey data, we employed multilevel logistic regression. Model selection was based on comparison parameters including the Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) and Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). We computed adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals, and statistical significance was determined at a significance level of p < 0.05. The rate of adherence to the integrated management of childhood illness guideline was 33% (95% CI: 29.70%, 36.26%). The analysis revealed several factors influencing adherence to IMCI protocols. child's age (being ≥24 months) [aOR = 0.66, 95% CI: (0.45, 0.87)], facility type (health center) [aOR = 2.61, 95% CI: (1.84, 3.37)], place of residency (being rural) [aOR = 0.54, 95% CI: (0.38, 0.77)], and care provider's qualification (health officer) [aOR = 1.71, 95% CI: (1.18, 2.48)] were all statistically significant. Moreover, the primary cluster is situated in the west Oromia region, with a central focus at coordinates (7.982108 N, 36.203355 E) and extends to a radius of 78.28 km. This study confirms a low adherence rate (33%) among health professionals in Ethiopia to the IMCI guideline for assessing the three main symptoms of sick children. The study identified child's age, facility type, academic qualification, and place of residence as crucial factors correlated with adherence rate. Furthermore, 5 secondary clusters (hotspot areas) were identified using SaTScan software. To address the higher protocol refusal, interventional plan needs to be based on academic qualification of care provider, facility type, age of child and place of residency. Moreover, interventions to reduce non-adherence to IMCI guidelines should be location-tailored based on identified hotspot areas to restore guidelines adherence equality.

Prospects for Economic Cooperation between Russia and China in the Current Geopolitical Situation

Introduction. The article examines the topical issues of relations between the two countries amidst the current foreign policy situation. Relations between Russia and China are of great importance for both countries as well as for the global political and economic situation as a whole. Cooperation between these two largest states plays an important role in the formation of multipolarity in the world arena, weakening unipolar tendencies. The article analyzes the main aspects of cooperation between Russia and China, the components of their mutually beneficial partnership, and considers the challenges and prospects that both countries face in the changing geopolitical situation. Particular attention is paid to the economic and political aspects of interaction between Russia and China, and potential ways to strengthen and expand cooperation in the future are identified.Materials and methods. To analyze the current dynamics of bilateral relations, analytical methods of processing statistical data provided by government agencies of the Russian Federation were used, as well as the method of mirror statistics in order to identify the positions and shares of Russia in the geographical structure of China's foreign trade partners based on information provided by the State Customs Service of China. The paper also presents data obtained through expert assessment and social surveys. To conduct a systemic analysis, the authors applied the methods of induction, deduction, generalization, synthesis, and comparison.Results of the study. In the course of the study, the foreign policy agenda of the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China was analyzed, and the areas of cooperation that are of greatest mutual interest to the two countries were identified - trade, investment, implementation of joint infrastructure, energy and other projects in the real sector of the economy.In addition, the authors of the article analyzed the dynamics and structure of bilateral trade and economic cooperation between Russia and China; factors of growth in trade turnover, Russian exports to China and Russian imports from China were identified. Next, the largest Russian-Chinese investment projects in the automotive industry, fuel and energy complex and infrastructure were considered. As a result, an assessment of the prospects for further development of bilateral trade and joint projects in the concerned areas was made.An analysis of the data obtained as part of a sociological survey was conducted, which made it possible to identify the most popular areas of cooperation between the two countries that are of greatest interest to the population of the PRC in the foresee[1] able future, including the creation of new transport corridors within the framework of the conjugation of the One Belt, One Road projects and the Eurasian Economic Union.Discussion and conclusion. Economic relations play a key role in the agenda of bilateral cooperation between Russia and China and have a multifaceted nature. The projected economic growth of Russian-Chinese cooperation in 2024 and beyond presupposes diversification of the structure of bilateral trade and an increase in the volume of goods and services offered. In the context of this forecast, special attention is paid to the focus on increasing gas exports from Russia to China, which leads to an expected increase in the share of gas supplies compared to oil supplies. In addition, an important factor contributing to the stimulation of economic growth is the increase in the volume of Russian agricultural exports to China, as well as the development of cooperation in the services sector.In order to achieve even more impressive results of economic cooperation with Russia's eastern neighbor, it is necessary to pay attention to solving urgent foreign trade problems of a structural nature, namely, working on export diversification and increasing the competitiveness of the expanding range of goods and services supplied to the Asian market. It is also necessary to provide comprehensive measures to support promising manufacturing and service sectors for export. The increase in trade turnover between the two countries stimulates the development of investment partnerships and the growth in the number of jointly implemented projects in the production and infrastructure sectors, which, in turn, creates conditions for deepening interregional cooperation and the formation of a more predictable and stable world order in the foreseeable future.

North Carolina head start teachers’ needs, resources, experiences, and priority for science education and professional development

ABSTRACT Early science learning is a part of preschool curriculum that can have positive outcomes for children’s scientific knowledge and interest. Head Start teachers are well positioned to implement quality science lessons. Through an in-depth needs assessment survey, the current study examined North Carolina preschool Head Start teachers’ responses on needs, resources, experiences with professional development, and personal priority levels for science education. Our analysis revealed that Head Start teachers mostly utilized informal teaching methods and used curricular and organizational resources, but utilizing mealtimes for teaching science had mixed responses. Teachers reported their access to resources and connections to community partnerships. Teachers preferred asynchronous or online PD formats and were motivated by compensation and continuing education credits while accessing PD. Most teachers rated science to be a very or extremely important personal priority. Differences in teacher education, experience, and position levels also influenced the findings of the study. The implication section delineates steps that can be taken toward strengthening science education within Head Start settings along with support that can be provided to teachers.

Integrating Real-Time Air Quality Monitoring, Ecological Momentary Assessment, and Spirometry to Evaluate Asthma Symptoms: Usability Study.

Individuals are exposed to a variety of indoor residential toxins including volatile organic compounds and particulates. In adults with asthma, such exposures are associated with asthma symptoms, asthma exacerbations, and decreased lung function. However, data on these exposures and asthma-related outcomes are generally collected at different times and not in real time. The integration of multiple platforms to collect real-time data on environmental exposure, asthma symptoms, and lung function has rarely been explored. This paper describes how adults with asthma perceive the acceptability and usability of three integrated devices: (1) residential indoor air quality monitor, (2) ecological momentary assessment (EMA) surveys delivered via a smartphone app, and (3) home spirometry, over 14 days. Participants (N=40) with uncontrolled asthma were mailed the Awair Omni indoor air quality monitor, ZEPHYRx home spirometer, and detailed instructions required for the in-home monitoring. The air quality monitor, spirometer, and EMA app were set up and tested during a videoconference or phone orientation with a research team member. Midway through the 14-day data collection period, participants completed an interview about the acceptability of the study devices or apps, instructional materials provided, and the setup process. At the end of the 14-day data collection period, participants completed a modified System Usability Scale. A random sample of 20 participants also completed a phone interview regarding the acceptability of the study and the impact of the study on their asthma. Participants ranged in age from 26 to 77 (mean 45, SD 13.5) years and were primarily female (n=36, 90%), White (n=26, 67%), college graduates (n=25, 66%), and residing in a single-family home (n=30, 75%). Most indicated that the air quality monitor (n=23, 58%), the EMA (n=20, 50%), and the spirometer (n=17, 43%) were easy to set up and use. Challenges with the EMA included repetitive surveys, surveys arriving during the night, and technical issues. While the home spirometer was identified as a plausible means to evaluate lung function in real time, the interpretation of the readings was unclear, and several participants reported side effects from home spirometer use. Overall, the acceptability of the study and the System Usability Scale scores were high. The study devices were highly acceptable and usable. Participant feedback was instrumental in identifying technical challenges that should be addressed in future studies.

Influenza-Like Illness in Lesotho From July 2020 to July 2021: Population-Based Participatory Surveillance Results.

Participatory surveillance involves at-risk populations reporting their symptoms using technology. In Lesotho, a landlocked country of 2 million people in Southern Africa, laboratory and case-based COVID-19 surveillance systems were complemented by a participatory surveillance system called "LeCellPHIA" (Lesotho Cell Phone Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment Survey). This report describes the person, place, and time characteristics of influenza-like illness (ILI) in Lesotho from July 15, 2020, to July 15, 2021, and reports the risk ratio of ILI by key demographic variables. LeCellPHIA employed interviewers to call participants weekly to inquire about ILI. The average weekly incidence rate for the year-long period was created using a Quasi-Poisson model, which accounted for overdispersion. To identify factors associated with an increased risk of ILI, we conducted a weekly data analysis by fitting a multilevel Poisson regression model, which accounted for 3 levels of clustering. The overall response rate for the year of data collection was 75%, which resulted in 122,985 weekly reports from 1776 participants. ILI trends from LeCellPHIA mirrored COVID-19 testing data trends, with an epidemic peak in mid to late January 2021. Overall, any ILI symptoms (eg, fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath) were reported at an average weekly rate of 879 per 100,000 (95% CI 782-988) persons at risk. Compared to persons in the youngest age group (15-19 years), all older age groups had an elevated risk of ILI, with the highest risk of ILI in the oldest age group (≥60 years; risk ratio 2.6, 95% CI 1.7-3.8). Weekly data were shared in near real time with the National COVID-19 Secretariat and other stakeholders to monitor ILI trends, identify and respond to increases in reports of ILI, and inform policies and practices designed to reduce COVID-19 transmission in Lesotho. LeCellPHIA, an innovative and cost-effective system, could be replicated in countries where cell phone ownership is high but internet use is not yet high enough for a web- or app-based surveilance system.

Informal Credits in India’s Agriculture Sector: Debt Incidence, Size and Distribution across Major Farm-size Groups

Until recently, studies on agricultural finance in India mostly focus on farmers’ access to formal credits, thereby largely sidelining their informal borrowings. This study makes an effort to present an analysis of farmers’ informal debts and their distribution across the major farm-size groups in India. The study uses unit-level data from the 77th round ‘Situation Assessment Survey (SAS)’ of agricultural households conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI), Government of India (GOI), during January–December, 2019. Data were collected for the reference period of July 2018–June 2019. We use descriptive statistics and multivariate regression procedures for analysis. Results show that about one-half of the borrowers continue to depend on informal credit sources—partially or fully. Informal sources also account for about one-third of the total debt of the agricultural households. Informal debt incidence (IDI) and informal debt share (IDS) are found to be higher among the smallholders. Our findings are imperative of policy measures to improve the current state of the antecedents of formal credit access to benefit the otherwise high default risk and credit-rationed smallholders. Future studies may focus on formal credit rationing, informal credit terms and repayment burden of the agricultural households in India.