Education Research Articles

Gamma irradiation pilot project: Enhancing food safety and export quality in Indonesia

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of establishing a gamma irradiator pilot project in Indonesia to reduce food loss and food waste, as well as to enhance the value of export commodities. Gamma irradiators have the potential to extend shelf life, improve food safety, and reduce losses during distribution and storage. The research methodology involves weighting to assess the feasibility of location selection, incorporating secondary data analysis and economic value-added analysis. The results indicate that the PUSPIPTEK Serpong location meets all mandatory criteria and nearly all non-mandatory criteria, making it a suitable site for this pilot project. The operation of the gamma irradiator in Serpong has successfully increased the volume of irradiation services, though its utilization is predominantly for export purposes. The main challenges include a negative public perception of irradiated food and a lack of education on its benefits. This study concludes that gamma irradiators are effective in reducing food loss and food waste, as well as increasing the value-added of export commodities. Strong government support and continuous education programs are necessary to improve public acceptance. Future research could focus on long-term evaluations of the impact of gamma irradiators and the development of more effective educational programs.

Racial microaggressions on the initial teacher education programmes: implications for minority ethnic teacher retention

ABSTRACT The representation and retention in the teaching profession are lower for people from all minority ethnic groups in England. The most significant ethnic disparities were found to occur in the early career stages (Worth et al., 2022). This article draws on critical race theory to investigate how racism, in the form of racial microaggressions, contributes to these disparities. It shares the findings from a small-scale research project on student teachers’ experiences of racial microaggressions while learning to teach and discusses the implications for retention in the profession. It draws on a pilot survey (N = 42) and interview data from 14 pre-service teachers from a variety of ethnic and subject backgrounds to explore participants’ racialised experiences on school placements, as well as university elements of the Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programme in England. The findings suggest that microaggressions were more common on school placements than at universities. There is evidence to suggest that experiences of racial microaggressions may negatively affect minority ethnic student teachers’ thoughts on viability in the teaching profession.

Complex thinking and adopting artificial intelligence tools: a study of university students

In the next 5 years, artificial intelligence (AI) tools are expected to become commonplace in people’s lives, especially in their work processes. Therefore, educational institutions feel intrinsically responsible for ensuring that their students acquire and develop competences associated with the appropriate use of this technology in their educational programs. However, what are the perceptions of students regarding the inclusion of artificial intelligence tools in their educational process and future careers, and what competencies can influence a greater adoption of this technology in the classroom? The objective of this article presents the results of an exploratory study in a sample population of students from a technological university in Mexico, in which their perception and openness toward the training and use of artificial intelligence tools for their professions was examined. Their perception of the development of complex thinking and its sub-competencies was evaluated, recognizing that complex thinking is a valuable cognitive skill to face changes in uncertain environments. The methodology of the study consisted of a multivariate descriptive statistical analysis using R software. The results determined a positive correlation between students’ perceived improvement in the achievement of complex thinking competence and their perception of the use of AI tools. In conclusion, participants perceived the use of these tools as a feature of their profession, although they questioned whether this knowledge is included in their professional training. This article presents several findings that offer ample opportunities for future research.

Exploring pharmacists' attitude, willingness and barriers to provide extended community pharmacy services: Implications for improved pharmacy services.

This study aimed to evaluate pharmacists' attitude and willingness to provide extended community pharmacy services (ECPS), the barriers to ECPS, and the factors associated with attitude and willingness to implement ECPS. In this cross-sectional study, a validated, self-administered questionnaire was distributed online to community pharmacists across the United Arab Emirates between September and November 2023. In addition to sociodemographic data, the questionnaire evaluated attitudes toward ECPS, willingness to provide ECPS, and barriers to its implementation. Binary logistic regression was conducted to explore the factors associated with attitude and willingness to implement ECPS. The study included 409 pharmacists. Over half of the participants reported below the median attitude (58.7%) and willingness (59.4%) scores. Female pharmacists had a lower attitude towards ECPS (OR = 0.425, 95%CI: 0.242-0.747). Higher number of daily prescriptions (OR = 1.066, 95%CI: 1.029-1.105) and being a Pharm D graduate (OR = 2.664, 95%CI: 1.439-4.932) were associated with higher willingness to provide ECPS, while an increased number of employed pharmacists (OR = 0.518, 95%CI: 0.397-0.676) was associated with a lower willingness (OR = 0.049, 95%CI: 0.004-0.660). Patients' preoccupation (76.5%), lack of specific training (76.3%), lack of clinical problem-solving skills (74.6%) and lack of a private consultation room (74.6%) were the most commonly reported barriers to ECPS. Community pharmacists demonstrated unsatisfactory levels of attitude and willingness towards ECPS provision. Therefore, providing training and education programs that enhance pharmacists' perception and willingness to implement ECPS and emphasize improving clinical problem-solving skills, as well as setting up specific private consultation rooms, is deemed necessary. Female pharmacy graduates, pharmacists dispensing fewer daily prescriptions, and those working with a higher number of employed pharmacists should be specifically targeted when implementing these strategies.

“The school bus was everything.” Seeking distinction in Kenya's education system

AbstractKenya's secondary schools are active sites of intensifying inequalities among young people, producing different kinds of subjectivities. Drawing from interview data with school graduates, I consider how young people discern the value of their education according to material resources, like new school buses and buildings. These concerns indicate students' distrust of education as intrinsically beneficial and the embeddedness of students' interests in a broader prestige economy that equates social status with wealth.

Constructing a Socio-Legal Framework Proposal for Governing Large Language Model Usage and Application in Education

Due to the fast-changing environments caused by artificial intelligence development, the socio-technical challenge in contemporary educational systems focuses on the need for more regulative measures guiding system stakeholders’ behavior. In fulfilling the present legal gap, enacted soft law regulation has been laid out, and a detailed systematic literature review was conducted in the paper presented. The specific methodological approach was selected to deal with two crucial research tasks: to reveal and recommend fundamental governing mechanisms regarding the use and application of generative artificial intelligence; more precisely, large language models in educational systems. Three systematically guided layers of quantitative and qualitative content analysis of central policy, legislation, and regulatory mechanisms in governing AI in education were extracted from the 142 Scopus Database and Web of Science research papers analyzed and presented. These research findings benefit policymakers, regulatory and legislative bodies, and agencies in constructing governing frames for using and applying generative artificial intelligence in education.

Work Motivation and Principal Supervision Perception

Teachers are a key element in the education system. Other components, such as curriculum, infrastructure, and funding, become meaningless without quality teachers. This study aims to analyze the influence of teachers' work motivation and their perception of school principal supervision on teacher performance at SMPN 1 Bone-Bone. The research employs an ex-post facto design with a population of 49 teachers. All are included as samples (total sampling). Data were collected via a questionnaire covering work motivation, perception of supervision, and teacher performance and analyzed using multiple linear regression. The results show that teachers' work motivation and perception of school principal supervision are in the medium category, with average scores of 90.531 and 71.571, respectively. Teacher performance varies more widely, with an average score of 142.367. Regression analysis indicates a significant influence of work motivation and perception of school principal supervision on teacher performance. These findings highlight the importance of enhancing teachers' work motivation and the quality of school principal supervision to improve teacher performance, suggesting strategies such as professional development, recognition, and support from school principals.

Experiences of Mental Health Nurses in Providing Care to Patients Receiving Electroconvulsive Therapy in South Korea.

In recent years, the demand for electroconvulsive therapy has been increasing in South Korea. However, there are problems due to mental health nurses' lack of understanding about electroconvulsive therapy and the absence of systematic education. This study aimed to explore mental health nurses' experiences of providing care to patients receiving electroconvulsive therapy in South Korea. We used content analysis to analyse the data collected from focus group interviews with 22 mental health nurses working in mental health hospitals. The results revealed four themes and 10 subthemes. More specifically, the results showed that mental health nurses consider themselves helpers in recovery. They pursue the physical and emotional well-being of patients receiving electroconvulsive therapy and strive to ensure that patients receive electroconvulsive therapy comfortably and safely. However, contentious issues such as concerns about patient dignity and autonomy lead to differing perceptions and attitudes towards electroconvulsive therapy and cause internal conflict during therapeutic interactions. Furthermore, insufficient education on electroconvulsive therapy leads to a lack of knowledge and difficulties in fulfilling the role of an information provider. The shortage of coping measures and support systems for issues such as extensive adverse effects and restricted medication increases the work burden immensely. These findings can serve as foundational data for the development of standardised nursing practices and systematic education for electroconvulsive therapy.

Pre- and Postgraduate Training in Communication Skills: the Experience of the West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University

In the modern system of medical education, the development of communicative competence is a prerequisite for the training of a qualified medical worker. Successful acquisition of communicative skills allows improving the quality of medical care provided to the population. For this, the learning process must be continuous: from student years to practical medical activity. M. Ospanov West Kazakhstan Medical University has extensive experience in teaching communicative skills, both at the pre-graduate and postgraduate levels of education.

“I feel like I’m seen as the homemaker for the program”: Exploring higher education and student affairs program coordinator roles.

“I feel like I’m seen as the homemaker for the program”: Exploring higher education and student affairs program coordinator roles.

The Philosophy That Enables the Return to Our Essence in Breastfeeding: HypnoBreastfeeding.

Different initiatives have been implemented along with the results from and recommendations of multiple international meetings to improve breastfeeding. The most common interventions to improve breastfeeding are education and counseling. Although studies are reporting that breastfeeding education and counseling programs improve breastfeeding results, the lack of breastfeeding rates to reach the targeted levels suggests that there is a requirement for a different approach. In addition to these results, a paradigm shift in education and counseling, which are the most frequently used methods to improve breastfeeding, is necessary. Hence, the philosophy of HypnoBreastfeeding has emerged. This study addresses the origin and development of HypnoBreastfeeding philosophy, its concepts, and the correlations between the concepts and the relevant philosophical claims.

Addressing the hidden labour of mentoring preservice teachers

AbstractThis study responds to an imperative for increased support and recognition of mentor teachers within Australian initial teacher education (ITE) programs in response to recent reviews highlighting mentor teachers’ critical role in preparing classroom-ready graduate teachers. By addressing the recurrent challenges faced by mentor teachers, such as hidden labour, this research aims to bridge the discrepancy between the crucial nature of the mentor role and the inadequate resourcing of this work. Through participatory action research (PAR), the paper reports how eight school-based coaches, as participants, instigated support mechanisms to address the recurrent challenges faced by 78 mentor teachers in one ITE–school partnership. Using qualitative methods, the research underscores the significance of dedicating time to enhance effective mentoring practices within ITE.

How P(H)C is your curriculum?

In South Africa and internationally, the alignment of health professions education programme with primary healthcare (PHC) policies is seen to promote the training of fit-for-purpose graduates who can adequately respond to the demands of patient and community needs. This article seeks to describe the development of a tool to assess the degree of PHC in an undergraduate medical curriculum. In defining what is meant by PHC, four dimensions of PHC were identified for the purpose of designing the tool, namely values underpinning PHC, principles of PHC, a generalist focus of the programme, and the level of care that the programme is delivered at. The tool also sought to assess how the content in these dimensions is covered in the curriculum and to which depth students are required to engage. The perspectives that were considered were: what content was being covered, what pedagogy was used, in which context it was being taught and how it was being assessed. For each of these aspects, the dimensions are assessed using an amended Miller's pyramid to assess the expectations of outcomes for the curriculum. The tool is presented and the article reflects on the use of the tool in a process of assessing a medical curriculum.

ASSESSMENT OF THE COMPETENCE APPROACH OF DENTISTS OF VARIOUS SPECIALTIES IN PROVIDING MEDICAL CARE TO PATIENTS WITH INCREASED TOOTH ABRASION

BACKGROUND. This study examines the main aspects of the competence-based approach of dentists in the treatment of patients with increased tooth erasure (TSL). TSL is a serious problem that can lead to various diseases of the oral cavity, as well as tooth loss. The competence-based approach of dentists in the treatment of patients with TSL plays a key role in the prevention and treatment of this disease. A study examining the knowledge of dentists in providing care to patients with TSL will reveal the level of training of specialists in this field. This will allow us to assess the need for additional training and advanced training of dentists for the effective treatment of patients with TSL. The results of the study can be used to improve the work of dental institutions and educational programs for dentists. This will improve the quality of dental care, improve the prognosis of the disease in patients with TSL and reduce the risk of complications. AIM. To evaluate the knowledge of dental care for patients with increased tooth abrasion among dentists of different specialties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research is based on the results of a sociological survey using the questionnaire method of 175 dentists of different specialties. The survey of doctors was conducted according to the questionnaire developed by the authors "Assessment of professional competence in the tactics of managing patients with TSL by dentists of different profiles." The questionnaire included general information about the respondent (age, specialty), questions related to TSL (concept, complaints, symptoms, prevention of TSL, treatment), assessment of the questionnaire procedure. RESULTS. The study demonstrated a relatively low competence approach of dentists of various specialties in the prevention and treatment of patients with TSL. CONCLUSION: Dentists have demonstrated a low competence approach to the prevention and treatment of TSL. The lack of interaction between dentists in the treatment of TSL was determined. The results of the conducted sociological study, along with the high prevalence of TSL, determined the need to develop clinical recommendations for the prevention and treatment of TSL.

Trends of Toxoplasma gondii and common transfusable venereal infections among blood donors in Menoufia Province, Egypt

Blood transfusion has a hazard of transmission of many pathogens, including Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) and other venereal infections. It is crucial to conduct epidemiological surveillance to detect the prevalence of these pathogens. The study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of T. gondii and common transfusable venereal infections among healthy blood donors in Menoufia Province, Egypt, and identify associated risk factors. Four hundred twenty individuals were recruited between January and April 2023 for cross-sectional descriptive research from the blood banks of Menoufia University medical hospitals. Collected blood samples were screened for anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG, HBsAg, anti-HCV antibodies, HIV p24 antigen and anti-HIV antibodies, and anti-Treponema pallidum antibodies. 46 (11.0%) and 22 donors (5.2%) individuals tested positive for anti-T. gondii IgG with a 95% CI (8.3–14.6) and IgM with a 95% CI (3.5–8.1), respectively, while one patient (0.2%) was positive for both antibodies. Regarding venereal infections, 12 (2.9%) were positive for HBV, 6 (1.4%) were positive for HCV, 7 (1.7%) were positive for HIV, and none of the tested population showed positivity for syphilis. Female gender, consumption of raw meat, agricultural environment, poor awareness about T. gondii, and blood group type (especially AB and O groups) were identified as independent risk factors for T. gondii infection. The study highlights the importance of testing blood donors for T. gondii and common transfusable venereal illnesses. Starting health education programs and preventative measures, such as suitable meat handling and cleanliness practices, is critical for minimizing the occurrence of these illnesses. Larger-scale additional study is advised to confirm these results and provide guidance for public health initiatives.

The War on Terror: Assessing Awareness and Acceptance on The Anti-Terrorism Act (Ata) of 2020 in Oriental Mindoro, Philippines

The war on terror has been a focal point of global security efforts, with various measures implemented to combat terrorism. This study investigates the awareness and acceptance of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 among the residents of Sitio who have had cases of terrorist attacks in the Municipality of Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro. The study utilized the descriptive-correlational method to systematically describe the relationship among variables. The study reveals that respondents were unaware of the provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act and varied on the level of acceptance of its provisions. It further shows a significant relationship between the level of awareness and acceptance and factors such as age, sex, religion, income, and educational attainment. The research recommends collaboration between local leaders, educational institutions, and other civil society organizations to implement an information dissemination plan and other educational programs for anti-terrorism awareness and establish a monitoring and evaluation mechanism to assess the impact of the awareness-raising efforts of the agencies involved.

Exploring Theoretical Issues on Teaching Natural Science Subjects in Grade 6 at Secondary Schools in the Context of Vietnam

Teaching Natural Science subjects in grade 6 at Secondary schools can be understood as the process of impact of teachers teaching Natural Science subjects on grade 6 pupils, through educational activities, to impart knowledge of Natural Science, to achieve academic objectives according to the regulations of the general education program. Studies have shown that teaching Natural Science subjects in grade 6 at Secondary schools is designed to develop the qualities and abilities of Natural Science for grade 6 pupils. This educational activity has achieved some positive results in the past but still reveals some limitations. Exploring theoretical issues in teaching Natural Science subjects in grade 6 at Secondary schools will help identify necessary content and orientation for practical activities. Based on the assessment of legal documents of the state; research selectively inherits in-depth research of several researchers; analyze, compare, synthesize, and evaluate; this study has discovered theoretical issues on teaching activities of Natural Science subjects in grade 6 at Secondary schools as position, role, objectives, content, methods, forms as well as conditions to ensure teaching activities of Natural Science subjects in grade 6 at Secondary schools. Discovering these contents has clarified and supplemented the missing content on theoretical issues; at the same time, it is the basis for applying to educational practice at Secondary schools.

Northwestern Mutual Foundation pledges $3.9 million for educational programming.

Northwestern Mutual Foundation pledges $3.9 million for educational programming.

Awareness of Sickle Cell Disease in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia: Study of Medical Specialty Students

Introduction: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a major health challenge in Saudi Arabia due to its high prevalence, and healthcare providers play a key role in reducing the prevalence of this genetic disorder.Objective: To assess awareness and knowledge of SCD among medical specialty students in various medical programs and to explore its differences based on the sociodemographics of participants.Methods: The study included a cross-sectional survey of 302 medical students across different years of study at Medical College in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire developed based on a literature review. Descriptive analysis using SPSS V 26 and inferential analyses were utilized.Results: While 61.6% of participants felt they had sufficient SCD information, only 45% had previously received SCD education or awareness training. Only 6.6% reported experiencing college problems due to SCD. Most participants demonstrated good knowledge of SCD's cause, transmission, prevention, and diagnosis. However, fewer were aware of risk factors for children of carriers (6.6%), the disease's prevalence in Saudi Arabia (45%), or the possibility of curing SCD through stem cell transplant (49.7%). The study found married respondents were more aware of SCD than single or divorced students. Conclusion: While medical students grasp SCD basics, more targeted educational initiatives are needed, especially around risk factors and prevalence, to enhance awareness and control the high SCD rate in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the eastern region where it is most common. Expanding SCD education programs in medical institutions could improve future providers' knowledge

Emotion–Identity–Agency Triangle in Practicum Experience: A Pre-service Second Language Teachers Development of Critical Emotional Reflexivity

Earlier research has established that language teachers’ identity work is intertwined with emotions and called for incorporating emotions in language teacher education. Yet, there is limited research investigating how teacher education programmes pedagogize identity, emotions and agency to help pre-service teachers gain critical emotional reflexivity. To respond to this gap in the literature, we pedagogized Kayi-Aydar’s emotion–identity–agency triangle via three teacher learning activities in a critical practicum course in a pre-service English language teaching programme in Turkey: reflective emotion diary; auto-ethnography; and critical issues analysis and advocacy project. In this study, we explore a Korean pre-service language teacher's (Iris's) case to demonstrate how she navigated her emotions, identity and agency throughout the practicum course with the help of these teacher learning activities and critical, dialogical supervision in our course. At the beginning of the term, Iris expressed anxiety due to her novice non-native pre-service teacher identity. Yet, as she gained critical emotional reflexivity, Iris could reflect on her emotions critically, transform her internalized deficit view of her identity as a novice non-native pre-service teacher and perform her multicultural and multilingual identity in her emerging pedagogy. We argue that findings from this study offer evidence that when intentionally and systematically supported by second language (L2) teacher educators through the design of teacher learning activities, pre-service L2 teachers can develop critical reflexivity of their emotions and emotion labour and recruit this awareness for teacher agency even over a short period of time and in contexts of power imbalance such as pre-service practicum experience. We offer recommendations for L2 teacher educators.