Current Levels Of Confidence Research Articles

Corporate Financial Reporting and Investor’s Confidence in some quoted Industrial Companies in Nigeria

Investors are confronted with the difficulties or issues of settling on a choice as far as deciding when to contribute, regardless of whether to contribute. An investor can reduce decision-related risk by using financial reporting information. the study aims to investigate the impact of corporate financial reporting on investors’ confidence using some quoted industrial companies in Nigeria. The study used secondary data by adopting an ex-post factor resign design through the use of a purposive sampling technique to select ten (10) listed industrial companies from the Nigeria Group Exchange. The paper was analyzed using descriptive and panel regression analysis. The study result found that corporate financial reporting significantly affects investors’ confidence (Adj. R2 = 0.541; F statistics = 4.73; p-value = 0.004). Audit firm size moderately affects the effect of corporate financial reporting on investor confidence in some listed industrial companies in Nigeria (Adj. R2 = 0.579; F statistic =5.18, p-value =0.001). Thus, the study recommended that investors maintain their current confidence level. Also, the investors, as well as the managers, can work on developing the legal framework for corporate financial reporting in light of the suggested framework being developed, and finally inspiring financial reporting, managerial, institutional and regulatory studies and research that lead to the best practices for meeting compliance obligations.

Dental students and recent dental graduates' perceptions of preparedness in treating pediatric patients.

To survey potential applicants applying to advanced education in pediatric dental programs and evaluate their preparedness upon graduating from an accredited dental school. Attendees of a virtual externship of a University program were recruited to participate in a web-based survey. The survey collected demographic data, current levels of confidence with various pediatric clinical procedures, predicted confidence with those procedures, and number of procedures completed. Chi-Square and analysis of variance statistics were performed on resulting data to determine statistical significance. Fifty-three participants completed the survey in its entirety (n=53). Most respondents reported adequate didactic training, mean score of 3.6 (range 0-5) and a moderate to high impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on their overall training with a mean score of 4.9 (range 0-10). Current dental students reported that they are "not confident at all" (<2.0) for 15/24 (63%) of the procedures. Graduates reported "somewhat confident" (<3.0) for 13/24 (54%) of the categories. Both students and graduates report the lowest levels of confidence for managing dental trauma, invasive treatment of young patients (<4 years of age), and patients with special healthcare needs. Dental students self-reported the expectation to feel more confident throughout their matriculation; however, their clinical experience was still reported to be limited. Students did not report reaching the level of "confident" for 75% of the procedures. Dental students and recent dental graduates alike perceive themselves to be under prepared for practice and do not feel confident in performing pediatric dental procedures. This study can provide dental schools, program directors, recent graduates, and dental students with an understanding of areas where they are under prepared and could offer areas where curricula and clinical experiences could be updated or modified.

Perception of Pharmacology Instruction and Confidence in Independent Prescription Among Osteopathic Medical Graduating Seniors

The prescription of medicines is one of the most critical acts performed by physicians. With millions of drugs prescribed every year, poor prescribing may potentially impact patient safety and healthcare costs. Pharmacology curriculum varies in length, content, instruction methods, and assessment even within similar health‐related programs. Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) students' perceptions of these variations and their effects on their confidence to independently prescribe is not thoroughly studied.MethodsThis study reviewed the DO graduating seniors' evaluation of time devoted to clinical pharmacology and therapeutic management instruction and how confident they are to write safe and indicated orders and prescribe therapies or interventions in various settings without direct supervision. This study reviewed and analyzed a secondary database of the graduating seniors' survey published by the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine from 2012‐2013 to 2020‐2021.ResultsThe graduating seniors reported that the time devoted to clinical pharmacology instruction as appropriate increased from 78% in 2012/2013 to 87% in 2020/2021. On the other hand, no change in the percentage of graduating seniors who reported that the time devoted to therapeutic management instruction was appropriate in 2012/2013 and 2020/2021. The percentage of graduating seniors who feel very confident and somewhat confident to prescribe therapies or interventions in various settings without direct supervision was below 70% between 2012/213 and 2018/2019. Over the last two academic years, 2019/2020 and 2020/201, the percentage increased to 93% and 77%, respectively.ConclusionWhile most of the DO graduating seniors reported that the time devoted to clinical pharmacology and therapeutic management instructions as appropriate, their current confidence level to prescribe independently might highlight the need to update the pharmacology curriculum to emphasize the development of prescription skills.

Стратегічні напрями розвитку банківської діяльності України

Abstract. Introduction. The article is devoted to the analysis of banking activity of Ukraine and tendencies of development, search of perspective directions of development of branch. It has been proved that the successful development and reliability of the banking system in a market economy largely depends on the results of statistical analysis in banks, which allows to identify their weaknesses and strengths, to identify specific ways to solve problems. Purpose. The purpose of the article is economic and statistical analysis of the current state of the banking system of Ukraine, development of theoretical and methodological principles and practical recommendations for statistical analysis of banks, identifying key factors and trends and finding promising areas for further development of banking. Results. The essence, theoretical preconditions and methodological bases of the statistical analysis of activity of banks are considered; modern approaches to statistical analysis of banking activity are analyzed; conceptual bases of the complex analysis of banks are developed; a system of indicators of banks' activity was formed on the basis of open and accessible statistical information; long-term forecasts of the development of the banking system of Ukraine were made. The analysis of the main indicators of the activity of banking institutions of Ukraine confirmed the presence of crisis phenomena in banking activity. It is proved that the efficiency of the banking system of Ukraine depends on a number of such factors: the level of development of the financial market; the current level of confidence of economic entities in the central bank; macroeconomic situation both inside the country and abroad; political factors; level of monopolization and shadowing of the economy. The low probability coefficient of the forecast model indicates a significant influence of political factors on the state of banking in Ukraine. The main problems of the industry are: huge outflows of funds from deposit bank accounts and reduction of bank resources, including by reducing revenue from all types of services; accumulation of significant volumes of problem loans in the structure of the loan portfolio due to the growth of debt on loans to individuals, businesses and non-bank financial institutions; increase in costs of banks and increase in unprofitable activities of banking institutions in general; exacerbation of the problem of insufficient level of capitalization of banks, exacerbation of the situation regarding compliance with the statutory and regulatory capital of banks; declining confidence in the banking system; political and economic instability in Ukraine, etc. Conclusions. Improving the state of the industry is possible through: improving the investment climate in the country as a whole; determination of priorities of economic development; improving the welfare of the population and strengthening corporate finance; increasing the level of monetization of the economy; increasing the resource potential of the banking system; ensuring the long-term and availability of credit resources; increasing the transparency of commercial banks, etc.

Assessment of OB/Gyn Residents’ Knowledge of Basic Obstetric Sonography and Psychomotor Skills Posttraining on a Computer-Based Simulator

Objective: This study sought to evaluate how a high-fidelity computer-based sonography simulator (FCBSS) can be used in training obstetrics and gynecology residents and evaluate efficacy of high-fidelity CBSS in enhancing resident’s sonographic knowledge, psychomotor skills, and level of confidence in performing sonographic fetal assessments. Materials and Methods: Eleven postgraduate year 1 residents (PGY1s) and ten PGY2s were assessed on sonographic performance by measuring psychomotor skills and evaluating the accuracy of the sonographic images. PGY2s received traditional sonography training while PGY1s received three individualized training sessions on a high-fidelity CBSS. At the conclusion, all residents received feedback and completed a survey to establish their current confidence level in performing and interpreting sonograms. Results: PGY2s scored a median of 33/66 points on the assessment, while PGY1s scored a median of 64/66 points. Statistical analysis performed from motion analysis metrics between cohorts revealed a statistically significant difference, with PGY1s demonstrating higher psychomotor skills. Interquartile ranges of PGY1s’ scores were smaller than PGY2s’, revealing consistency in knowledge and skills among the PGY1 cohort. Conclusion: Findings suggests that high-fidelity CBSS can be used effectively in training residents. It also demonstrates that implementation of formalized sonography training, using a high-fidelity CBSS, can be achieved and potentially expedite and enhance the learning of novice learners.

Speech-Language Pathologists' Perceptions of Their Preparation and Confidence for Providing Dysphagia Services

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) regarding their academic preparation and current confidence levels for providing dysphagia services, and the relationship between their perceptions of graduate school preparation and their current levels of confidence. Method This study utilized an online survey to gather information from 374 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association–certified SLPs who currently provide dysphagia services in the United States. Surveys were primarily distributed through American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Special Interest Group forums and Facebook groups. The anonymous survey gathered information regarding SLPs' perceptions of academic preparation and current confidence levels for providing dysphagia services in 11 knowledge and skill areas. Results Findings indicated that more than half of respondents did not feel prepared following their graduate academic training in five of the 11 knowledge and skill areas related to dysphagia service delivery. However, about half of respondents indicated they were currently confident about their ability to provide services in eight of the 11 knowledge and skill areas. Findings also indicated that their current confidence levels to provide dysphagia services were significantly higher than their perceptions of preparation immediately following graduate school. However, no significant relationships were found between respondents' self-reported current confidence levels and their perceptions of the adequacy of their academic preparation. Conclusions Despite SLPs' low perceptions of the adequacy of their graduate preparation for providing dysphagia services in specific knowledge and skill areas immediately following graduation, they reported high confidence levels with respect to their actual service delivery. Implications of these findings are discussed.

PROMIS Self-Efficacy for Managing Symptoms for Individuals With Chronic Conditions: Validity and Reliability Using Rasch Analysis

Abstract Date Presented 03/28/20 Although there are various measurements of self-efficacy, most of them are disease-specific or not specifically aimed at measuring symptom management. PROMIS self-efficacy can examine the current level of confidence in managing symptoms for patients with chronic conditions. We used Rasch analysis to examine the psychometrics of the PROMIS self-efficacy for managing symptoms. Clinicians can evaluate their patients’ self-efficacy for symptom management and provide evidence-based treatments. Primary Author and Speaker: Jaewon Kang Contributing Authors: Sergio Romero

Assessment of Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents’ Knowledge of Basic Obstetric Sonography and Psychomotor Evaluation With Motion Analysis Using a Computer-Based Simulator

Purpose: Evaluate obstetrics and gynecology (OB/Gyn) residents’ current obstetric sonography knowledge, confidence, and psychomotor skills to provide clinical preceptors with a greater understanding of how to approach teaching sonography to residents. Methods: Ten OB/Gyn residents were assessed on their sonographic performance by measuring psychomotor skills and evaluating diagnostic accuracy of images. At the conclusion of the assessment, residents received feedback and completed a survey to establish their current confidence level in performing and interpreting sonograms. Results: Motion analysis revealed excessive transducer movements made by the residents when acquiring images, particularly in terms of angular movement. The median score on the assessment template was 33 out of 66 points (interquartile range, 26.75–42.5), where residents had difficulty acquiring all required criteria for first-trimester dating and biometry views/measurements, determining fetal situs, and identifying landmarks to ensure intended anatomy is visualized. Conclusions: Absence of formalized sonography training creates a need for clinical preceptors to teach basic anatomy/landmarks, transducer movements, and criteria for dating and biometry views/measurements. This poses a challenge for preceptors at high-volume sites; thus, high-fidelity simulation could be part of a solution. Simulation can provide residents with the opportunity to develop basic sonography skills outside of clinical, then refine and build upon those skills with preceptors.

Confidence and Intentions to Help a Person at Risk of Suicide.

We aimed to identify Australian adults' current level of confidence and intentions to help a person close to them in distress or at risk of suicide to inform the content and targeting of suicide prevention messages aimed at family and friends of those at risk. We conducted a nationally representative computer-assisted telephone survey of confidence and intentions to help someone in distress or at risk of suicide (n=3,002). We used logistic regression to determine whether sociodemographic and exposure variables predicted confidence and intentions to help. Confidence to help was high. About half of the respondents had intentions inconsistent with best practice. Listening and talking, and encouraging the person to seek professional help were the most common types of intended helping actions. Intentions to ask suicide risk assessment questions were least common. Men were more likely than women to have intentions to carry out nonrecommended actions, and less likely to have intentions to carry out recommended actions. Suicide prevention messaging aimed at family and friends could encourage them to ask direct questions about suicide risk and could include messages about "what not to do." Suicide prevention messages aimed specifically at men are indicated.

UAV Motion Strategies in Uncertain Dynamic Environments: A Path Planning Method Based on Q-Learning Strategy

A solution framework for UAV motion strategies in uncertain dynamic environments is constructed in this paper. Considering that the motion states of UAV might be influenced by some dynamic uncertainties, such as control strategies, flight environments, and any other bursting-out threats, we model the uncertain factors that might cause such influences to the path planning of the UAV, unified as an unobservable part of the system and take the acceleration together with the bank angle of the UAV as a control variable. Meanwhile, the cost function is chosen based on the tracking error, then the control instructions and flight path for UAV can be achieved. Then, the cost function can be optimized through Q-learning, and the best UAV action sequence for conflict avoidance under the moving threat environment can be obtained. According to Bellman’s optimization principle, the optimal action strategies can be obtained from the current confidence level. The method in this paper is more in line with the actual UAV path planning, since the generation of the path planning strategy at each moment takes into account the influence of the UAV control strategy on its motion at the next moment. The simulation results show that all the planning paths that are created according to the solution framework proposed in this paper have a very high tracking accuracy, and this method has a much shorter processing time as well as a shorter path it can create.

Physical therapists’ self-perceived adequacy of entry-level education and their current confidence levels with respect to temporomandibular disorders: A pilot study

ABSTRACT Objective Physical therapy (PT) has been shown to be one of the most effective conservative treatments for temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The objectives of this pilot study are to determine the self-perceived knowledge, adequacy of entry-level education, and the current confidence levels of PTs in Florida regarding TMD treatment. Methods An online questionnaire was used. The overall experience, education, and confidence regarding TMD treatment and its implications were discussed. Results A total of 247 PTs participated. Nearly 70% of the PTs responded that they did not believe they received adequate education in TMD, and 50% are not confident to treat these patients. Seventy-seven percent were interested in knowing more about PT for TMD. Discussion This pilot study shows the lack of confidence of PTs in Florida to treat TMD patients. More adequate training on TMD in the entry-level professional education is needed.

In situ conditions affecting the ductility capacity of lightly reinforced concrete wall structures in the Canterbury earthquake sequence

Following the 2010-2011 Canterbury (New Zealand) earthquake sequence, lightly reinforced wall structures in the Christchurch central business district were observed to form undesirable crack patterns in the plastic hinge region, while yield penetration either side of cracks and into development zones was less than predicted using empirical expressions. To some extent this structural behaviour was unexpected and has therefore demonstrated that there may be less confidence in the seismic performance of conventionally designed reinforced concrete (RC) structures than previously anticipated. This paper provides an observation-based comparison between the behaviour of RC structural components in laboratory testing and the unexpected structural behaviour of some case study buildings in Christchurch that formed concentrated inelastic deformations. The unexpected behaviour and poor overall seismic performance of ‘real’ buildings (compared to the behaviour of laboratory test specimens) was due to the localization of peak inelastic strains, which in some cases has arguably led to: (i) significantly less ductility capacity; (ii) less hysteretic energy dissipation; and (iii) the fracture of the longitudinal reinforcement. These observations have raised concerns about whether lightly reinforced wall structures can satisfy the performance objective of “Life Safety” at the Ultimate Limit State. The significance of these issues and potential consequences has prompted a review of potential problems with the testing conditions and procedures that are commonly used in seismic experimentations on RC structures. This paper attempts to revisit the principles of RC mechanics, in particular, the influence of loading history, concrete tensile strength, and the quantity of longitudinal reinforcement on the performance of real RC structures. Consideration of these issues in future research on the seismic performance of RC might improve the current confidence levels in newly designed conventional RC structures.

What's the Best Course? Evidence From Alumni on the Value of Business Presentations Preparation

Developing effective presentation skills is a core competence skill for business communicators. Self-report data from a survey of 1,610 2- to 12-year business alumni show that 37.1% present monthly and 27.9% present weekly in their current positions. Alumni who completed a general public speaking course, or both managerial communication and a public speaking course, reported higher current levels of confidence across 12 aspects of business presentations than alumni who took only a managerial communication course or who relied on embedded presentation assignments in disciplinary courses. Gains were reported for content skills since graduation, with less confidence handling nervousness and delivery.

The role of FDG PET in the management of lymphoma: what is the evidence base?

[18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) is playing an increasing role in the management of both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, offering potential advantages in the accuracy of disease assessment at a number of points in the management pathway. This review evaluates the current level of confidence in the use of PET technology in (1) initial staging, (2) the assessment of early response to chemotherapy, (3) the assessment of residual masses at completion of initial treatment, (4) follow-up, and (5) radiotherapy planning.

3D homogenized limit analysis of masonry buildings under horizontal loads

The current confidence levels in the ability to provide buildings with adequate resistance to horizontal actions do not easily apply to historic and existing masonry structures. Limit analysis is often not sufficient for a full structural analysis under seismic loads, but it can be profitably used in order to obtain a simple and fast estimation of collapse loads. Often, the limit analysis of ancient masonry structures is used in the context of several simplifications, the assumptions about the collapse mechanisms being the most relevant. Aiming at a more general framework, a micro-mechanical model developed previously by the authors for the limit analysis of isolated in- and out-of-plane loaded masonry walls is extended here and utilized in the presence of coupled membrane and flexural effects. In the model, the elementary cell is subdivided along its thickness in several layers, where fully equilibrated stress fields adopting a polynomial expansion are assumed. The continuity of the stress vector on the interfaces between adjacent sub-domains and anti-periodicity conditions on the boundary surface are further imposed. Linearized homogenized surfaces for masonry in six dimensions are obtained and implemented in a FE limit analysis code, and two 3D case studies are analyzed making use of the kinematic theorem of limit analysis. From the results, the approach proposed is validated and its usefulness for solving engineering problems is demonstrated.

Role of the tertiary child protection paediatrician: Expert and advocate

The role of the child protection paediatrician is varied. This study examines perceptions of how tertiary child protection (tCP) paediatricians view their multifaceted roles, perceived adequacy of length of pre-FRACP training and how this relates to confidence and satisfaction in their roles. An anonymous self-report survey was distributed to child protection paediatricians working in tertiary hospitals across New Zealand and Australia. The survey addressed the adequacy of training and confidence within the diverse roles encountered within child protection work. It also identified perceptions of stress and satisfaction. Responses were received from 32 out of 45 of eligible tCP paediatricians (72%). The majority (71.8%) had entered directly into a tCP unit in their first consultant position. Two-thirds (65.7%) of tCP paediatricians received less than 4 months of pre-FRACP child protection training while a third received no training at all. Generally tCP paediatricians perceived their training in all domains of child protection to be inadequate although their current confidence levels in all roles are high. They expressed most concerns within their role as forensic expert. Despite receiving little or no training pre-FRACP in child protection, this group of tCP paediatricians function in their specialised roles in tCP and feel confident in fulfilling the dimensions of forensic expert and child advocate. As the field of medical child protection continues to evolve, it is important for training to keep pace with expectations of the varied roles of the paediatric specialist in child protection.

SUPERNOVAE, DARK ENERGY, AND THE ACCELERATING UNIVERSE: THE STATUS OF THE COSMOLOGICAL PARAMETERS

I was asked to present the status of the cosmological parameters, and in particular the status of the recent results concerning the accelerating universe—and the possible cosmological constant or dark energy that is responsible for the universe’s acceleration. This result comes most directly from the recent type Ia supernova work, so although I will mention a few of the approaches to the cosmological parameters, I will emphasize the work with the type Ia supernovae. I will try to give you a sense of exactly how we reached the current conclusions and what the current level of confidence is in that conclusion. Because this presentation will be emphasizing the supernova work, I would like to highlight the strong team of scientists in our Supernova Cosmology Project [1, 2]; you will probably recognize some of the particle physics heritage of this particular team. I also would like to list the names of the members of the other supernova team, led by Brian Schmidt of the Australian National University, that has been working in this field [3]. These two groups together comprise a good fraction of the entire community of scientists working on supernovae.