Individual Consideration Research Articles

New insights into the goals of transgender male versus non-binary individuals considering metoidioplasty and phalloplasty gender-affirming surgery.

Understanding patient goals for metoidioplasty and phalloplasty gender-affirming surgery (MaPGAS) is paramount to achieving satisfactory, preference-sensitive outcomes, yet there is a lack of understanding of MaPGAS priorities and how these may vary between transgender men and non-binary individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB). To understand the surgical goals of transgender men and non-binary individuals AFAB considering MaPGAS. An online survey was created following literature review and qualitative interviews and distributed via social media and a community health center to participants AFAB aged ≥18years who had considered but not yet undergone MaPGAS. We collected demographics, surgical history, Likert ratings of importance of 14 possible MaPGAS goals, and selection of the 5 most important goals. Differences in goal importance ratings were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. Responses to an open-ended question on additional MaPGAS goal considerations were thematically analyzed by 2 reviewers. A total of 248 eligible participants completed the survey; participants included transgender men (64%) and non-binary individuals (36%). Both groups rated maintaining tactile and erogenous sensations as top priorities. Significant differences emerged in half of the goals, with transgender men more likely to place importance on being seen as male, public restroom comfort, peeing through the tip of the penis, standing urination through the fly, and resolution of gender dysphoria. Non-binary individuals were more likely to place importance on retaining a vaginal canal to receive penetration and for gender identity affirmation. These differences in goal prioritization between the 2 groups were most apparent when individuals provided their top 5 goals. In open-ended responses, aesthetics was a major consideration for transgender men, sexual pleasure was a consideration for non-binary individuals, and complications were cited as major concerns by both groups. Individual MaPGAS goals should be incorporated into preoperative counseling and may vary by gender identity. This is the largest study to our knowledge evaluating patient MaPGAS goals and comparing gender identity cohorts. Our results incorporate qualitative open-ended feedback and underscore the importance of understanding patient-specific MaPGAS goals to better facilitate personalized preoperative counseling. Results will be used to guide decision support tool development. Limitations include the cross-sectional study design and reduced socioeconomic diversity. While maintaining tactile and erogenous sensation and minimizing surgical complications were universally important goals, significant variations emerged between transgender men and non-binary individuals' MaPGAS goals highlighting the need for personalized preoperative counseling.

The Development of Training Package for Enhancing Transformational Leadership of Thai Buddhist University Students

The aims of this study were to: 1) assess the current and expected conditions of transformational leadership of Thai Buddhist university students; 2) develop and examine the effectiveness of training package to enhance the transformational leadership of Thai Buddhist university students, and 3) study the effectiveness of the training package. This research involved 478 informants and representative samples, including executives, instructors, students, experts, and stakeholders. The research instruments were semi-structured interviews and opinion questionnaires to assess the need for transformational leadership in the current and expected conditions. These were measured using a 5-level Likert rating scale. The current condition had a reliability of 0.949, the expected condition had a reliability of 0.950, and the overall reliability was 0.974. The quality assessment form of the training package included focus group discussions, the training package, the transformational leadership assessment form, the training participation behavior assessment form, and the satisfaction assessment form. The statistics used for data analysis were frequency, percentage, mean score, standard deviation, the priority index of needs (PNI modified), and dependent t-test. The research revealed that 1) The assessment of the needs of transformational leadership of Thai Buddhist university students found that consideration of individuality was the most needed aspect (PNI modified equal to .3441), followed by intellectual stimulation (PNI modified equal to .3440), inspiration (PNI modified equal to .3398), and ideological influence (PNI modified equal to .3364), respectively. 2) The creation of the training package thethrough an online group discussion process (Zoom) showed that all activities were appropriate. 3) The study of the effectiveness of the training package found that the average score of transformational leadership of the students was significantly higher than before training at a statistical level of .05. Additionally, the average scores for behavior and participation in training and satisfaction with the training were significantly higher than the specified criterion (3.51) at a statistical significance level of .05.

Sexual identity, sexual behavior, and drug use behaviors among people who use drugs in the rural U.S.

People who use drugs (PWUD) are at risk of HIV infection, but the frequency and distribution of transmission-associated behaviors within rural communities is not well understood. Further, while interventions designed to more explicitly affirm individuals' sexual orientation and behaviors may be more effective, descriptions of behavior variability by orientation are lacking. We sought to describe how disease transmission behaviors and overdose risk vary by sexual orientation and activity among rural PWUD. From 01/2018-03/2020, rural PWUD participating in the Rural Opioid Initiative were surveyed across 8 sites. Collected data included: demographics; experiences with drug use, overdose, and healthcare; stigma; gender identity; and sexual orientation and partners. Participants were categorized as: monosexual by orientation and behavior (Mono-only), monosexual by orientation but behaviorally bisexual (Mono/Bi), and bisexual by orientation (Bi+). Analyses included descriptive summaries, bivariate examination (chi-square), and logistic regression (relative risk [RR] and 95 % confidence interval [CI]). The 1455 participants were 84.8 % Mono-only, 3.2 % Mono/Bi, and 12.0 % Bi+. Compared to Mono-only men, Mono/Bi and Bi+ men had greater risk of transactional sex (RR = 9.71, CI = 6.66-14.2 and RR = 5.09, CI = 2.79-9.27, respectively) and sharing syringes for injection (RR = 1.58, CI = 1.06-2.35 and RR = 1.85, CI = 1.38-2.47). Compared to Mono-only women, Mono-Bi and Bi+ women had greater risk of transactional sex (RR = 4.47, CI = 2.68-7.47 and RR = 2.63, CI = 1.81-3.81); and Bi+ women had greater risk of sharing syringes for injection (RR = 1.49, CI = 1.23-1.81), sharing syringes to mix drugs (RR = 1.44, CI = 1.23-1.69), and experiencing an overdose (RR = 1.32, CI = 1.12-1.56). Bi+ men and women both more frequently reported selling sex as a source of income (versus Mono-only, both p < 0.050) and measures of perceived stigma (all p < 0.050). Rural PWUD who are bisexual by orientation or behavior are significantly more likely to engage in behaviors associated with infectious disease transmission and to experience stigma and drug overdose. Given the growing recognition of bisexuality as a distinct orientation that warrants individualized consideration, interventions that are specifically acknowledging and affirming to the circumstances of this group are needed.

Recommendation section of psychoeducational reports: A barrier or opportunity to promote inclusion in early education and care?

AbstractPsychoeducational reports prepared by the Educational Psychological Service are foundational for special educational support in Norway, ensuring equitable opportunities for development, learning and participation among children with special educational needs in mainstream Early Childhood Education and Care settings. This qualitative study examines the characteristics of recommended goals and support measures in these reports, and how they promote or inhibit inclusion. Through a holistic approach, the study explores individual and social contextual considerations within the recommendation sections of seven reports for children aged 3–5 years. Employing reflexive thematic analysis, our findings suggest that while certain measures promote children's participation in inclusive communities, there is a predominant focus on the individual child. This emphasis often centres on skill acquisition and ability development through performance‐based goals and compensatory measures. However, while most recommendations are individually oriented, certain measures appear generalised and broadly applicable to most children, highlighting the challenges of addressing each child's unique needs in their specific context. The study's implications underscore the necessity for a holistic approach in the field of special education, both at the policy and legislative levels. Such an approach is essential for enabling psychoeducational reports to promote inclusion in early childhood education and care settings.

Advancing veterinary vaccines design through trained immunity insights.

Trained immunity, characterized by long-term functional reprogramming of innate immune cells, offers promising new directions for veterinary vaccine development. This perspective examines how trained immunity can be integrated into veterinary vaccine design through metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic modifications. We analyze key molecular mechanisms, including the shift to aerobic glycolysis and sustained epigenetic changes, that enable enhanced immune responses. Strategic approaches for vaccine optimization are proposed, focusing on selecting effective trained immunity inducers, developing innovative adjuvant systems, and achieving synergistic enhancement of immune responses. While implementation challenges exist, including individual response variations and safety considerations, trained immunity-based vaccines show potential for providing broader protection against emerging pathogens. This approach could revolutionize veterinary vaccinology by offering enhanced efficacy and cross-protection against heterologous infections, particularly valuable for zoonotic disease control.

Analysis of components and find mechanism models to promote digital transformational leadership of school administrators

The research aimed to: 1) analyze components and indicators of digital transformation leadership among school administrators, 2) assess their leadership needs, and 3) develop mechanism models to promote this leadership. A mixed-method approach was applied, involving three sample groups: 8 experts, 406 administrators, and 7 experts. Data collection tools included semi-structured interviews, leadership scales, needs assessments, and focus group discussions, with analysis performed through construct validity testing, needs assessment, and content analysis. The findings revealed: 1) The components and indicators of digital transformation leadership showed structural validity, as confirmed by the model’s alignment with empirical data (Chi-Square = 82.3, df = 65, p = 0.072, CFI = 0.998, TLI = 0.997, RMR = 0.00965, RMSEA = 0.0256). 2) Among the leadership components, “innovative knowledge” ranked highest in need (PNImodified = 0.075), followed by “ideological influence” (0.066), “consideration of individuality” (0.055), “intellectual stimulation” (0.052), and “inspiration” (0.053). 3) Mechanism models for promoting leadership emphasized enhancing these five components to strengthen administrators’ skills in applying technology, managing teaching and development plans, and fostering innovation. Administrators were encouraged to tailor strategies to individual needs, inspire personnel, and create a commitment to organizational change and development. These mechanisms aim to equip administrators to effectively lead transformations, motivate staff, and drive educational institutions to adapt and thrive in evolving environments.

Evaluation of factors that impact medical student consideration of a career in otolaryngology.

To identify differences in timing of exposure and demographic characteristics between medical students who did and did not consider Otolaryngology as a career choice. This cross-sectional study involved developing and distributing a survey by an interdisciplinary team to assess exposure to Otolaryngology and individual consideration of pursuing Otolaryngology. The survey was administered electronically to third- and fourth-year medical students at a single medical school, with a small monetary incentive for completion. Descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact tests, and logistic regression models were used for analysis. A total of 172 survey responses were collected out of 374 third- and fourth-year medical students (46%). A total of 74 (43.0%) respondents considered Otolaryngology during medical school. Exposure to Otolaryngology prior to medical school was significantly associated with choosing Otolaryngology (71.4%) compared to those who lacked exposure (28.6%) (p = .048). There was no significant gender difference among students who considered Otolaryngology (p = .537). However, our results showed significant differences between those who considered Otolaryngology by race (p = .003). Black/African American (OR = 0.11, 95% CI 0.01-0.99; p = .049) and Hispanic or Latino (OR = 0.14, 95% CI 0.03-0.65; p = .012) were less likely to consider Otolaryngology when compared to those identifying as White when adjusted for exposure prior to medical school. Our results showed that early exposure and demographic background impact a student's decision to consider Otolaryngology as a career. These findings highlight the need for robust recruitment initiatives. Avenues like pipeline and mentorship programs are recommended to recruit and attract diverse applicants to Otolaryngology. 3.

변혁적 리더십의 관점에서 본 사울왕의 실패 원인

The purpose of this study is to analyze the cause of King Saul's failure from the perspective of transformational leadership. Prior research mainly summarized their leadership characteristics by finding examples of successful leaders among biblical figures. However, it is necessary to analyze failed leadership in that there are many failed leaders among biblical figures and various perspectives are needed in leadership analysis. For this study, we look at the Bible content, the study that analyzed King Saul from a theology perspective, and the study that deals with transformational leadership from a business administration perspective. Transformational leadership was first conceptualized by Burns (1978) and its constituent factors are charisma, individual consideration, intellectual stimulation, and inspirational motivation (Bass and Avolio, 1994). Saul is splendidly crowned as the first king of Israel by God's choice, but fails to demonstrate leadership and falls. From the perspective of transformational leadership, King Saul has the following problems. (1) Saul lacked charisma, such as making his subordinates tremble and not being able to role models on his own (1 Sam 13:6-9). (2) Saul lacked individualized consideration, such as not allowing the soldiers to eat food in the war against the Philistines (1 Sam 14:24). (3) Saul was unable to intellectually stimulate his subordinates to solve problems when Goliath insulted God (1 Sam 17:1-16). (4) Saul was insufficient to be an inspirational motivation through a sharing vision(1 Sam 17:1-16).

Assessing the Role of Leadership in Promoting Patient-Centered Care

Introduction:This study aimed to assess the role of leadership in promoting patient-centered care in healthcare organizations. Patient-centered care is an approach that focuses on meeting patients' individual needs and preferences, thereby improving their overall experience and outcomes. Effective leadership is crucial in driving the implementation of patient-centered care in healthcare settings.Methods:A literature review was conducted to gather relevant studies on leadership and patient-centered care. The articles were critically analyzed using a deductive approach to identify key themes and draw conclusions. Results:The review revealed that effective leadership is essential in promoting patient-centered care. Transformational leadership, which emphasizes individualized consideration and intellectual stimulation, was found to be most beneficial in this context. This type of leadership empowers healthcare professionals to actively involve patients in their care actively, leading to higher patient satisfaction and improved outcomes. Servant leadership, which focuses on serving the needs of others, was also found to be effective in promoting patient-centered care.Conclusions:This study highlights the crucial role of leadership in promoting patient-centered care. Healthcare organizations should focus on developing and nurturing transformational and servant leaders to drive the implementation of patient-centered care. By prioritizing patient needs and preferences and involving them in decision-making processes, leaders can create a culture of patient-centered care within their organizations, ultimately improving patient outcomes and experiences. Further research is needed to explore the specific leadership styles and strategies that are most effective in promoting patient-centered care.

Transformational Leadership and Its Impact on Crisis Management: A Field Study in Yemeni Shipping Companies

This study aimed to determine the level of crisis management and the level of practicing transformational leadership and its impact on crisis management in Yemeni shipping companies. To achieve the study objectives and test its hypotheses, the descriptive-analytical approach was used. A questionnaire was developed to collect primary data from a study population of (478) individuals. A study sample of (214) individuals was selected using the non-proportional stratified random sampling method. The data were statistically analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The study findings revealed that there is a statistically significant impact of transformational leadership on crisis management in Yemeni shipping companies and there is a statistically significant impact of the dimensions of transformational leadership (idealized influence, intellectual stimulation, and individual consideration) on crisis management in the companies. However, there was no statistically significant impact of the transformational leadership dimension (inspirational motivation) on crisis management in the companies. Additionally, the study found that the practice of crisis management and transformational leadership in Yemeni shipping companies was at a high level. The study recommends that Yemeni shipping companies should work effectively to enhance crisis management to overcome future challenges by adopting more advanced procedures and strategies to deal with crises in their early stages and prevent their occurrence. The study also recommends maintaining and continuously enhancing the achieved level of transformational leadership.

Development of a framework to structure decision-making in environmental and occupational health: A systematic review and Delphi study.

Environmental and occupational health (EOH) assessments increasingly utilize systematic review methods and structured frameworks for evaluating evidence about the human health effects of exposures. However, there is no prevailing approach for how to integrate this evidence into decisions or recommendations. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) evidence-to-decision (EtD) frameworks provide a structure to support standardized and transparent consideration of relevant criteria to inform health decisions. This study identifies and synthesizes available EOH decision frameworks and evaluates the applicability and usability of an existing GRADE EtD perspective to advance the development of a tailored EOH EtD framework. We performed a systematic review of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library, and a manual search of gray literature to identify frameworks that inform decision-making about EOH exposures from the years 2011 to 2021. We abstracted and analyzed decision considerations from each framework through narrative synthesis. Next, we conducted a two-round Delphi process, engaging stakeholders from the following perspectives within environmental and occupational health: risk assessment and management, nutrition and food safety, cancer, and socio-economic analysis. Panelists rated the relevance and wording of each consideration on a 7-point Likert scale and provided free-text comments during both phases. Considerations that did not meet predetermined thresholds were excluded. Out of 5,196 unique references, we identified 22 published reports of EOH decision frameworks. We identified another 16 frameworks in a search of gray literature, totaling 38 source frameworks. We abstracted 560 individual decision considerations from these frameworks, 104 of which may contribute additional information to the guidance, scope, context, or assessment criteria of the GRADE EtD framework. In round 1 of the Delphi study, 50 decision considerations were aggregated or removed, and 9 were aggregated or removed after round 2, for a final total of 47. No new decision considerations were added in either round. We identified several differences between decision criteria that are applied in EOH and the GRADE EtD framework, including vocabulary that is specific to EOH (e.g., toxicity, the precautionary principle), and granularity of the EOH decision considerations (e.g., detailed signaling questions to assess feasibility and resources required). However, this study did not identify any EOH decision criteria that are completely distinct from the GRADE EtD framework. Findings of this mixed-methods study comprise a foundation for a GRADE EtD that is applicable for use in EOH decision-making, with implications for approaches to regulation of environmental and occupational exposures and the formulation of recommendations for interventions to prevent or mitigate undesirable health and other consequences.

Silent Intruder: Unveiling Asymptomatic Anomalous Left Coronary Artery in Adulthood

Anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA), a rare congenital heart anomaly, typically manifests with heart failure symptoms in infants and carries a high mortality rate without surgical intervention. Patients are categorized into adult and infantile types based on collateral presence, impacting cardiovascular risk. Interestingly, some patients may remain asymptomatic for decades due to adequate collateral development, with a decreasing risk of sudden death as they reach adulthood. Management of asymptomatic cases requires individualized consideration and diagnostic confirmation before intervention, despite decreasing risk of sudden death with age. We report a case involving a 35-year-old asymptomatic woman who came for routine annual check-up. While her electrocardiography, ECHO was normal, a positive Treadmill stress test prompted coronary angiography, revealing an incidental diagnosis of ALCAPA. Subsequently, the patient was referred to cardiothoracic and vascular surgery for further evaluation and necessary interventions, but the patient denied surgery as she did not accept the risk in view of asymptomatic status.

Poor Colonoscopy Bowel Prep in 69‐Year‐old with Mild Neurocognitive Disorder: A Case Example

AbstractIntroductionColonoscopies are medical procedures used to identify colon abnormalities and remove polyps to decrease the incidence of colorectal cancer. Prior to this exam, patients must undergo bowel preparation to ensure proper cleansing of the colon and maximize outcomes (e.g., full identification of pre‐cancerous polyps). Many risk factors for poor bowel preparation have been identified (e.g., age, low health literacy). However, there has been minimal consideration of preoperative mild or major neurocognitive disorders as a risk factor. A 2019 study by Arias and colleagues found that 68% of older adults undergoing colonoscopies met criteria for neurocognitive disorders. For these patients, inadequate bowel preparation was identified in 100% of those with major neurocognitive disorder and 28% with mild neurocognitive disorder. The present case study provides another example regarding the importance of cognition when considering colonoscopy preparation.Case Presentation DemographicsCR is a 69‐year‐old non‐Hispanic White male with 13 years of education who worked in the oil field, then as an auto‐mechanic, and later owned an auto repair business. Neuropsychological Testing: Mild neurocognitive disorder, amnestic type, with rapid forgetting and impaired semantic fluency coupled with average attention, working memory, and processing speed. Lives with spouse and is largely independent in functional abilities. Medical records indicate history of postoperative delirium and cardiovascular history. Brain MRI shows white matter abnormalities. Problem: CR was scheduled to complete a routine colonoscopy screening. Review of medical records report colonoscopy was a failed procedure due to poor bowel preparation. Gastroenterology rating of preparation with the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) totaled to 4, indicating inadequate bowel preparation (0‐9, 0 = suboptimal; 9 = optimal). Outcome: CR was referred to undergo a second colonoscopy.DiscussionThis case highlights how preoperative cognitive impairment and the possibility of neurodegenerative disease (i.e., presence of white matter abnormalities) is an important consideration for individuals referred for routine colonoscopy procedures. The case is consistent with the work from Arias et al. (2019) and indicates the need for larger prospective examinations on cognitive risk for elective “routine” procedures involving preparation that involves patient planning. Supported by: K07AG066813.

Perioperative administration of albumin in adult patients undergoing liver transplantation: A systematic review.

Hypoalbuminemia is a risk factor for mortality in patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) and in those undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), since it represents a biomarker of post-operative delayed functional recovery of the graft. Despite albumin infusion during and after OLT is frequently adopted in recipients with hypoalbuminemia, it remains unclear whether this procedure could improve post OLT clinical outcomes. Observational studies indicated that treatment with albumin after OLT might be beneficial in reducing ascites and acute kidney injury (AKI) development. However, considering potential complications and the cost of albumin therapy, the decision to use albumin after OLT should be based on careful consideration of patient's individual needs and risks. In addition, the threshold plasma value of albumin below which it could be clinically useful to infuse albumin has not been clearly defined. This systematic review, prepared in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, aimed to assess the efficacy of albumin infusion in patients undergoing OLT, in the prevention or treatment of ascites, AKI, and ischemia reperfusion syndrome, as well as its potential impact on patient survival. Furthermore, this review aimed to illustrate the pathophysiological bases justifying the use of albumin infusion in a subset of patients receiving OLT.

Clinical consequences of the Alzheimer’s blood‐based biomarker panel: a prospective evaluation in memory clinics ‐ the CANTATE project

AbstractBackgroundBlood‐based biomarkers (BBM) are emerging as minimally invasive, scalable and relatively low‐cost options for discriminating different neurodegenerative diseases. Before implementation in clinical practice can take place, it is important to determine their real‐world clinical validity in patients presenting at a memory clinic. Therefore, we prospectively evaluated changes in diagnosis and diagnostic confidence resulting from the use of a BBM panel tailored to common differential diagnostic considerations (Verberk et al., Mastermind of the Alzheimer’s blood‐based biomarkers: development of cut‐offs and a visualization tool for use in clinical practice. https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.078748).MethodsConsecutive patients who visited the Alzheimer Center Amsterdam or the Center Of Geriatrics Amsterdam (COGA) for a standardized diagnostic workup between September‐December 2023 and provided informed consent were included. Diagnoses were determined at a multidisciplinary meeting. BBM panel with pre‐specified cut‐off values (plasma pTau181, GFAP and NfL, Quanterix Corporation, USA) were disclosed after the clinical work‐up, neuropsychological tests and MRI results were presented on a weekly basis reflecting real world clinical practice. We evaluated syndrome diagnosis, suspected aetiology and confidence in the etiological diagnosis before and after disclosing BBM results.ResultsA total of 107 patients with a mean age of 68 ± 9 years and 42 females (39%) were included. The blood biomarker panel led to change in syndrome diagnoses in 10 patients (9%) and change in suspected aetiology in 9 patients (8%) (Table 1). Among those for whom both syndrome diagnosis and suspected aetiology remained unchanged (n=92, 86%), diagnostic certainty changed in 89 patients (83%) after showing the BBM panel. In these patients, the diagnostic confidence changed from 70% [IQR = 60 ‐ 80] to 90% [IQR = 80 ‐ 90]; P &lt; .001) after showing the BBM panel results (Figure 1). The diagnostic confidence increased in 69 (64%) patients and decreased in 20 (19%) patients.ConclusionA BBM panel specific to individual differential diagnostic considerations generally led to an increase in diagnostic confidence and rarely resulted in a different diagnosis. These results suggest that BBM have added value in daily clinical practice. This is an ongoing study with inclusion rate of 15 persons per week, updated results will be presented at AAIC2024.

Transformation leadership for presidents of the scientific departments and her relationship with organizational performance

The present research aims to identify the level of transformational leadership among the heads of scientific departments in the College of Education Ibn al-Haytham and its relationship to the college organizational performance. The research population was selected from the faculty members, numbering 458 members, from which a random sample consisting of (100) members was selected. The study required the use of two research tools: transformational leadership scale and organizational performance scale. The researchers adopted the scale developed by (Al-Talbani et al., 2013) to measure the dimensions of transformational leadership. Modifications were made to the scale after presenting it to experts so that it is more appropriate to the study sample and objectives. Then, the validity and reliability were calculated. The transformational leadership scale consisted of 26 items distributed over the following dimensions: charismatic ideal influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individual considerations. The answer was on a five-point Likert scale (strongly agree - agree - neutral - disagree - strongly disagree), taking the grades (1-2-3-4-5), respectively. The researchers prepared an organizational performance scale consisting of 20 items distributed over the following dimensions: financial dimension, customer dimension, dimension of the institution’s internal operations, and learning and growth dimension. The answer was on a Likert scale (strongly agree - agree - neutral - disagree - strongly disagree) taking the degrees (1-2-3-4-5), respectively. The validity and reliability indicators of the scale were verified. The study concluded that the heads of scientific departments in the College of Education Ibn al-Haytham possess a good level of transformational leadership and that the college has good organizational performance. Moreover, there is a positive and statistically significant correlation between transformational leadership among heads of scientific departments and organizational performance. Based on the results of the present research, the researcher reached conclusions, recommendations, and suggestions.

Transformation leadership for presidents of the scientific departments and its relationship with organizational performance

The present research aims to identify the level of transformational leadership among the heads of scientific departments in the College of Education Ibn al-Haytham and its relationship to the college organizational performance. The research population was selected from the faculty members, numbering 458 members, from which a random sample consisting of (100) members was selected. The study required the use of two research tools: transformational leadership scale and organizational performance scale. The researchers adopted the scale developed by (Al-Talbani et al., 2013) to measure the dimensions of transformational leadership. Modifications were made to the scale after presenting it to experts so that it is more appropriate to the study sample and objectives. Then, the validity and reliability were calculated. The transformational leadership scale consisted of 26 items distributed over the following dimensions: charismatic ideal influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individual considerations. The answer was on a five-point Likert scale (strongly agree - agree - neutral - disagree - strongly disagree), taking the grades (1-2-3-4-5), respectively. The researchers prepared an organizational performance scale consisting of 20 items distributed over the following dimensions: financial dimension, customer dimension, dimension of the institution’s internal operations, and learning and growth dimension. The answer was on a Likert scale (strongly agree - agree - neutral - disagree - strongly disagree) taking the degrees (1-2-3-4-5), respectively. The validity and reliability indicators of the scale were verified. The study concluded that the heads of scientific departments in the College of Education Ibn al-Haytham possess a good level of transformational leadership and that the college has good organizational performance. Moreover, there is a positive and statistically significant correlation between transformational leadership among heads of scientific departments and organizational performance. Based on the results of the present research, the researcher reached conclusions, recommendations, and suggestions.

Investigating the role of the principal's individualized consideration and intellectual stimulation in shaping the academic performance of students in the secondary schools of Sidama Region, Ethiopia

The study sought to investigate the principal's perceptions and actions regarding individualized consideration and intellectual stimulation and their implications for students' academic progress. The study was guided by the following research question: How do school principals' transformational leadership strategies improve students' academic progress in Ethiopia's Sidama region? The study used a convergent parallel mixed research design. The data collection strategy was sound, with a modified questionnaire based on the MLQ used in the quantitative phase and an open-ended semi-structured interview in the qualitative phase. The study's dependent variable was student academic performance, while the independent variable was transformational leadership's individualized consideration (IC) and intellectual stimulation (IS) behaviors. The study's target participants were 95 principals and 5956 teachers. The survey used an appropriate sample approach, with 362 teachers and 91 principals from 24 public secondary schools. The qualitative phase involved ten principals and twenty teachers. The acquired data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found that principals comprehend and practice transformational leadership behaviors. The study also revealed that the principal's individualized consideration and intellectual stimulation practices significantly impacted students' academic progress. The principal's self-assessment was r =.760 (p&lt;.01), whereas the teachers' perception was r =.583 (p&lt;.01).

School District Superintendents as Transformational Leaders

The educational reform movement in the United States (1983-2024) presented school district superintendents with a wide array of challenges and opportunities. Initially, state and federal policymakers’ called for draconian school and district level accountability and endorsed he notion of top-down management. However, the reality of implementing district-wide, systemic changes focused on improving student learning outcomes influenced a shift in superintendents’ role from manager to teacher-scholar. During the last decade, researchers examined the role of superintendents in Instructionally Effective School Districts (IESD) and reported that they used their managerial prerogatives to initiate and sustain district-wide instructional improvement (Bjork, 2024). Research findings suggest that their involvement hiring and supervising teachers, evaluating principals, clearly articulating instructional and curricular goals, monitoring instructional improvement and, engaging in long-term financial planning for instruction indirectly influence the quality of learning and teaching. Findings from this longitudinal case study extend our understanding of how superintendents’ enact their role as teacher-scholar help to explain their success. Key elements of Transformational Leadership including idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation and, individual consideration provided considerable insight into how they enacted their role. In addition, findings suggest that over time followers at different levels of the school district’s organization (teachers, principals and central office staffs) adopted Transformational Leadership dispositions and practices suggesting that it may be viewed as being both multidimensional and multi-directional. These findings may expand our understanding of how superintendents’ transformational leadership may influence the development of professional cultures and enhance student learning.

Exploring Systemic and Behavioral Factors Influencing Corruption in Public Procurement: A Global Comparative Study

Public procurement is particularly vulnerable to corruption due to the substantial financial transactions and discretionary powers involved. Inadequate governance structures and cultural norms often exacerbate this vulnerability. This study explores the systemic and behavioral factors contributing to corruption in public procurement through a global comparative lens, focusing on regions including Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Americas. Systemic factors, such as weak legal frameworks, lack of transparency, and institutional weaknesses, are analyzed alongside behavioral influences, such as cultural norms, individual ethical considerations, and moral disengagement. By conducting a comprehensive literature review, this study consolidates existing knowledge to pinpoint areas for improvement and emerging trends concerning procurement corruption. The research reveals that corruption in public procurement is deeply ingrained in both institutional frameworks and the cultural context in which procurement occurs. It recommends an integrated anti-corruption strategy combining structural reforms, such as bolstering regulatory oversight, with behavioral interventions to reshape cultural norms and foster ethical behavior. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and academics, emphasizing the necessity of tailored and multifaceted approaches to combat procurement corruption effectively. The study's results enrich the theoretical understanding of corruption by connecting structural and behavioral strategies, guiding policymakers and international organizations striving to promote transparency and accountability in public procurement.