Education Research Articles

The Education System Of Pakistan: A Recipe To Disaster?

Education is the matter of life and death for any country. Unfortunately, Pakistan has not been able to develop a stable, up to date and just education system in the country till now. From 1947 to 2023, many major steps have been taken by the government but its implementation has been poor and unsatisfactory. A detailed analysis of all the problems in our education system has been discussed below. Also the immediate solutions to these problems have also been provided.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Educational Intervention on ICU Nurses’ Knowledge of Delirium: A Quasi-Experimental Approach

Background and Objective: Delirium, a prevalent neurocognitive disorder, frequently affects critically ill patients hospitalized in intensive care units (ICUs), leading to increased mortality, prolonged hospital stays, and higher healthcare costs. This quasi-experimental study assessed the effect of an educational program relating to ICU nurses’ knowledge of delirium in a university hospital in Nablus, Palestinian Authority. Methods: A pre-test–post-test design was employed, utilizing a 25-item questionnaire for 114 ICU nurses. The educational intervention included a presentation on delirium, the distribution of educational materials, and follow-up video sessions. Our study aim was to evaluate nurses’ understanding of ICU delirium and the impact of the educational program on their ability to identify and evaluate the delirium. Results: Pre-intervention assessments indicated limited awareness among nurses regarding delirium diagnosis and management tools, i.e., the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU) and the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist. Post-intervention results showed a significant improvement in knowledge; median scores increased from 6 (range: 3–13) to 15 (range: 12–20) (p < 0.001). Nurses also reported greater confidence in identifying and managing delirium, and 50% found CAM-ICU easy to use. However, knowledge gaps remained concerning mixed delirium types and modifiable risk factors. Conclusions: Continuous educational programs are essential for ensuring long-term knowledge retention. We recommend integrating routine delirium education with hospital policies and emphasizing the use of delirium assessment tools during each shift. Findings show that targeted education can enhance ICU nurses’ competencies and thereby improve patient outcomes through more effective delirium management.

Decolonizing education: learning from ancient South Asian pedagogies for human and planetary health

ABSTRACT While modern mainstream education is considered as the only way of learning by many in the world, the problem of the system has been well established. At the same time, the inseparable connection between education and planetary health is increasingly coming to the limelight in the contemporary world. Mainstream pedagogy – rooted in Eurocentric paradigms of science, knowledge and culture – systematically marginalized better effective ways of learning. This excludes other forms of pedagogical approaches from Asia, Africa, the Americas (Abya Yala) and many other ancient civilizations as ‘unscientific’, ‘primitive’ or ‘unqualified’ of institutional recognition, perpetuating a monoculture of the mind. On that basis, an open-ended research process that aimed to critically engage and examine ancient pedagogical approaches to learning in ancient civilizations was established. While so doing, this article not only calls for the decolonization of modern mainstream education that is implemented in the majority of countries across the globe but it also points towards reintroducing epistemologies that are destroyed, ignored, and marginalized. By centring marginalized pedagogies, there is a possibility to envision an education system that honours cognitive diversity, bridges the rift between humans and nature, and fosters truly collaborative futures.

Intra-Russian educational migration of youth: the attractiveness of regions for pursuing higher education

Introduction. Intra-Russian educational migration among young people is significant due to the necessity for balanced spatial development within the educational system and the need to enhance the appeal of regional universities. The absence of an effective regional educational policy results in an uneven distribution of youth and the emergence of regional disparities in access to higher education.Aim. The aim of this study is to classify Russian regions based on the patterns of educational migration among young people. This classification seeks to formulate scientifically grounded recommendations for enhancing regional educational policies and managing migration flows effectively. Methodology and research methods. The study utilised statistical data from Rosstat regarding intra-Russian migration flows of young people from 2019 to 2023, along with the results of the 2020 All-Russian Population Census. The methodology is grounded in the calculation of the migration balance for specific age groups, including applicants aged 17 to 18 years and university graduates aged 20 to 23 years. Additionally, it involves the calculation of the return coefficient to develop a typology of regions categorised as donors, acceptors, transit, balanced, and closed. Results. Stable regional differences in educational migration have been identified: 45 regions in Russia serve as donors (losing youth), 12 regions are acceptors (attracting applicants), 21 regions maintain a balanced position, 2 regions are classified as transit, and an additional 5 territories exhibit low migration activity (closed). Data for 4 new territories is currently unavailable. Numerical criteria have been proposed, and a typology of Russian regions based on the educational migration of young people has been developed. Scientific novelty. An innovative methodology for classifying regions based on migration balance and return coefficient has been developed, taking into account the unique characteristics of internal youth migration in Russia to assess regional educational policy effectively. Practical significance. The results can be utilised by government agencies and universities to modify educational policies, enhance the appeal of various regions, and manage the educational migration patterns of young people.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of hygiene among children in schools of Central Kazakhstan: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe issue of good hygiene among school-aged children is crucial for public health and sustainable development. Despite the availability of global studies covering countries with different socio-economic conditions, there is a lack of local data reflecting the specifics of Kazakhstan. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of schoolchildren regarding personal and public hygiene in schools of Central Kazakhstan.MethodsSchool-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2024 to December 2024 in six schools of Central Kazakhstan. The simple random sampling technique was used to select the school. A computer-generated sequence of random numbers was used to randomly select students. Subsequently, 382 students aged 11–18 years were selected from a total of 72.179 students. The data were collected through a questionnaire using the online Google forms service. It consisted of socio-demographic data and information on knowledge and practice of personal and public hygiene of students in schools. The data were computerized. A statistical analysis of the data was carried out using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences). P < 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe results showed significant gender differences in hygiene knowledge and behavior. More than 90% of students knew about the basic rules of personal hygiene, with girls demonstrating higher knowledge and practices compared to boys (e.g., brushing teeth twice a day: 97% of girls vs. 87.8% of boys, P < 0.001). Hand washing before eating was known to 99% of girls and 92.8% of boys (P < 0.05). In terms of hygiene practices, girls brushed their teeth twice a day more often (68.7% of girls vs. 57.5% of boys, P < 0.05). However, there were differences in hygiene compliance at school due to insufficient infrastructure, such as lack of soap, hot water and poor condition of restrooms.ConclusionThe study revealed a high level of knowledge about personal hygiene among school students in Karaganda, especially among girls. However, practical compliance with hygiene rules was often limited by infrastructural problems in schools. Strengthening hygiene education programs and improving sanitary conditions in educational institutions is necessary.

Treatment of Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy with Individualized Physiotherapy: A Clinical Commentary

Proximal hamstring tendinopathy (PHT) can occur in active and sedentary people and presents clinically as localised lower buttock pain with activities including prolonged sitting, squatting, and walking uphill or running. A recent systematic review of interventions for PHT reported insufficient evidence to recommend one intervention over another. The most commonly recommended treatment for PHT by experts is education and exercise. Exercise for PHT aims to restore kinetic chain function and loading capacity of the hamstring complex. The purpose of this commentary is to outline an education and exercise program developed for treating PHT utilizing principles successful in clinical trials for other tendinopathies adapted to the specific anatomical and biomechanical considerations of the proximal hamstring complex. Level of evidence 5

Systematic literature review on online pedagogy related to AI generative in teaching and learning

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, particularly generative AI, has revolutionized online pedagogy by offering personalized learning experiences, fostering creativity, and enhancing educational efficiency. However, understanding the applications and implications of these technologies in education remains fragmented. This Systematic Literature Review (SLR) addresses this gap by synthesizing research on the role, benefits, challenges, and future directions of generative AI in teaching and learning environments. Guided by the PICo framework, the study employed a rigorous methodology. A comprehensive search strategy identified relevant peer-reviewed literature published between 2013 and 2025. The PRISMA 2020 flow diagram ensured a transparent selection process, with 260 studies included after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. The findings reveal that generative AI significantly enhances educational practices by automating routine tasks, personalizing instruction, and enabling innovative teaching methods. However, ethical concerns, such as data privacy and algorithmic bias, technical challenges, including dataset limitations and computational inefficiencies, and pedagogical barriers, like over-reliance on AI and resistance from educators, present substantial hurdles. Future directions emphasize the development of ethical frameworks, AI literacy programs for educators, and policies promoting equitable access to technology. This review contributes to the academic discourse by providing actionable insights for educators, policymakers, and researchers, underscoring the importance of addressing these challenges to fully realize AI’s transformative potential in education.

Assessing Anaphylaxis: Improving Residents' Identification of a Life-Threatening Condition via a Focused Didactic and Case-Based Discussion.

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition encountered by all physicians and healthcare providers. Data indicate that physicians often fail to recognize this syndrome, leading to misdiagnosis, mismanagement, and adverse outcomes. This educational program aimed to assess knowledge about anaphylaxis in a cohort of internal medicine residents and develop and test the efficacy of an educational intervention in addressing gaps in understanding of this critical condition. An in-person educational intervention, including a lecture and case-based open discussion, was delivered to 44 internal medicine residents at an academic medical center with pre- and post-intervention self- assessments. Our primary outcome was the change in the rate of residents being able to correctly identify critical features of anaphylaxis and appropriate treatment. Longer-term follow-up was completed in a subset of residents to assess knowledge retention. Immediately following the educational intervention, there was increased likelihood of diagnosing anaphylaxis in a written case scenario from 69% to 91% (RR: 1.30; 95% CI 1.09,1.56) and reporting the correct dose and route of administration of epinephrine from 19% to 95% (RR:4.96; 95% CI: 2.26, 10.88). Residents also demonstrated increased identification of cardiovascular compromise in anaphylaxis, as well as often underrecognized gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms after the intervention. In an assessment evaluating longitudinal retention up to 15 months after the intervention, approximately 50% of those who responded to the longitudinal survey correctly recalled the dosing and route of administration of epinephrine for treating anaphylaxis. A brief educational session on anaphylaxis was successful in improving residents' short-term knowledge about diagnosis and treatment of anaphylaxis and may also impact long-term retention.

Determinants of social enterprises performance in Malaysia: a scoping literature review

This scoping review aims to synthesise and map the determinants influencing social enterprise performance in Malaysia, focusing on government support, market access, stakeholder involvement, and financial literacy. Social enterprises, positioned at the nexus of public, private, and non-profit sectors, are pivotal in addressing societal and environmental challenges while fostering economic development. The review employed the Arksey and O’Malley framework, refined by Levac et al., to explore comprehensive literature across academic and gray literature sources, encompassing studies published between 2000 and 2023. The analysis identified that government support, through financial incentives, grants, and capacity-building initiatives, is critical for operational sustainability, although bureaucratic barriers and awareness gaps persist. Market access challenges, particularly in rural settings, highlight the need for digital infrastructure and strategic branding. Stakeholder involvement, including community engagement and corporate partnerships, emerged as a resource mobilisation and legitimacy cornerstone. Financial literacy influenced budgeting, funding access, and strategic decision-making, underscoring the need for targeted educational programs. The findings revealed significant research gaps, including limited studies on the interplay between determinants, regional variations, and the long-term impacts of government policies. The review concludes by emphasising the importance of integrated approaches and longitudinal studies to enhance understanding of these determinants. Insights from this study inform both academic discourse and policy interventions, offering actionable strategies to optimise the sustainability and scalability of social enterprises in Malaysia.

K-12 Teachers’ Online Education Competencies in Türkiye

ABSTRACT This research addresses the burgeoning need for clearly defined competencies for effective K-12 online teaching, a domain often overshadowed by higher education in scholarly inquiry. Recognizing the inadequate preparation many educators face in this evolving landscape, this study aimed to identify essential competencies. To achieve this, a rigorous three-round Delphi technique was employed, engaging a panel of six experts comprising faculty from Distance Education (n = 4) and Curriculum & Instruction (n = 2). The initial phase involved an open-ended question that yielded 200 distinct items. Through meticulous refinement, this list was consolidated to 157 items for the subsequent rounds. Consensus among the expert panel was determined using interquartile ranges. The analysis resulted in 41 competency items achieving unanimous expert consensus across four key domains: pedagogical (13 items), social (5 items), managerial (14 items), and technical (9 items). This framework provides a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted demands of K-12 online education, underscoring the unique skills required across its various functional areas. The findings offer a foundation for the development and enhancement of teacher education programs and professional development initiatives specifically designed for the K-12 online context, thereby addressing a critical gap in the existing research.

Net Gains: A Comparative Analysis of Badminton and Pickleball on the Scholastic Rating of Senior High School in Physical Education 2

Sport, particularly fast-paced games like badminton and the strategic play of pickleball, can enhance both fitness and skills. However, many schools lack programs linking sports participation to improved academic performance. This study aimed to examine the impact of playing badminton and pickleball on students’ academic performance and to improve their skills through structured physical education programs. Conducted at Koronadal National Comprehensive High School (KNCHS) in South Cotabato, Philippines, with a total of 80 Grade 11 P.E. 2 students selected using a purposive sampling technique. The data was analyzed using mean scores, standard deviation, and T-tests. The results indicated that pickleball had slightly higher exercise intensity (M = 3.51) than badminton (M = 3.45), offering a better cardiovascular workout. Pickleball also outperformed badminton in teamwork (M = 3.96 vs. 3.82) and peer interaction (M = 3.84 vs. 3.74), and students who played pickleball had higher scholastic ratings (M = 94.55 vs. 91.6). Despite these differences, the t-test revealed no significant difference in student engagement between the two sports. Both sports foster similar levels of participation and social interaction, but pickleball's strategic demands may contribute to better academic performance. The study suggests that both sports should be included in the KNCHS curriculum for well-rounded student development. Future research could explore other sports and their long-term effects on students.

Insomnia and Pornography Addiction in Rhode Island Young Adults.

The current study examined the association between insomnia and pornography addiction in Rhode Island young adults. Data from the 2024 Rhode Island Young Adult Survey (n=1008) was used. The Problematic Pornography Consumption Scale and Insomnia Severity Scale were used to assess pornography addiction and insomnia symptoms, respectively. Logistic regression models estimated main effects after adjusting for age, sexual/ gender status, race, ethnicity, and social status. Interactive effect of sexual/gender status was explored. Overall, 56.7% of participants viewed pornography and 7.9% screened positive for addiction. Screening positive for insomnia was associated with higher odds of pornography addiction (OR[95%CI]=2.35 [1.35,4.11]), although the effect was limited to cisgender heterosexual males. Young adult men with symptoms of insomnia should be screened for pornography addiction. Gender-specific sex education programs and male-based university support groups should be established to lower addiction risk.

Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education Program (ALIVE) Towards Tarbiyah Character Formation

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao is implementing an Arabic learning program, the Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education (ALIVE), that integrates learners' beliefs and culture, fostering faith and values. However, the program faces moral crises like violence, promiscuity, free sex, and drugs. School participation and teacher involvement are crucial to address these issues. Furthermore, research on the Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education (ALIVE) Towards Tarbiyah Character Formation is limited, despite the program's implementation to improve Muslim students' religious and moral education in the Philippines. The degree to which pupils are aware of and comprehend the teachings of the Quran and Hadith, as well as how these teachings affect their conduct and interactions with their classmates, families, teachers, and the community, is unclear. Thus, the study explored how the ALIVE program influences tarbiyah character formation in Kabacan District Elementary Schools, shedding light on the role of Islamic education in shaping moral values among Filipino-Muslim students. The findings can help improve teaching practices, align the curriculum with students' cultural needs, and promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence. A descriptive-correlational research design was employed to analyze and interpret data. The sample size will be determined using Yamane's formula with a 5% margin of error. Two hundred fifty respondents were identified through purposive and stratified random sampling. Results revealed that the programs have the potential to shape students positively. There is a strong relationship between the Tarbiyah Character Formation and ALIVE, which indicates a strong positive correlation. The strong correlation suggests that Tarbiyah Character positively contributes to students' overall engagement and well-being, further underscoring the value of moral and character education. The essence of Tarbiyah is a life guidance that is relevant, dynamic, and universal, establishing Islam as a worldwide civilization. Hence, the findings affirm the program's positive impact in nurturing academic and character development, supporting its role in cultivating cultured graduates who embody human values within society.

Strategi kolaboratif dan sokongan holistik dalam program pendidikan inklusif: satu kertas konsep [Collaborative strategies and holistic support in inclusive education programs: a concept paper

The Inclusive Education Program for Students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) requires a collaborative strategic approach and holistic support. This article explores the concept of Inclusive Education Programs with a focus on the collaboration between teachers, parents, and other professionals as the foundation for its successful implementation. Inclusive Education Program not only recognizes the right of children with special needs to learn alongside typical students but also provides opportunities to develop their potential in a supportive environment. The holistic approach emphasizes the importance of addressing various aspects such as physical, emotional, sosial, and academic needs. The strategies used in the holistic approach also include effective communication, competency development and active involvement of parents and the community. This concept paper also highlights the importance of professional development for educators and the provision of psychological and pedagogical support to parents in facing the challenges of educating Students with Special Educational Needs (SEN). Understanding the needs and potential of SEN learning in Inclusive Education Program can strengthen family relationships, create an inclusive learning environment and support the holistic development of children. This article aims to contribute to the literature on inclusive education by providing a conceptual framework that can be applied in educational practices in Malaysia.

Pedagogy of collectivism: past, present, future

The problem discussed in the article concerns a pedagogical phenomenon that has a pronounced domestic specificity – the pedagogy of collectivism. In the light of modern educational tasks facing schools, the pedagogy of collectivism acquires special significance: it is a ready-made solution for the development of social qualities of the individual, well developed both in theory and in practice. This concept, covering a fairly wide range of pedagogical reality, can be studied from different angles. The purpose of this article is to present a qualitative analysis of educational systems that have developed in the conditions of unique educational organizations that have no analogues in the world - the International Children's Center “Artekˮ and the All-Russian Children's Center “Orlyonokˮ. The leading research methods are a qualitative analysis of educational systems, in the implementation of which the methods of analogy, argumentation, contextual justification were used. Orlyonok pedagogy, in which the laws of the life of the team were formed, the methodology of collective creative activity was born, for many years it became the basis of educational activities in children's health camps of the Soviet Union, in the work of pioneer squads and at communal gatherings. Artek pedagogy is a unique pedagogical phenomenon that includes Artek traditions, teamwork experience, productive idea generation, and modeling of social and pedagogical projects. Having different approaches to the choice of forms and content of educational activities, both of these unique pedagogical phenomena were based on a common ideology, common worldview, and perception of the world. The ideological component has become history, but in modern times, there is certainly a place for these achievements of Soviet pedagogy, educational and upbringing practice; they need to be rethought from the standpoint of modern socio-cultural conditions and new educational tasks. The main conclusions formulated as a result of a qualitative analysis of educational systems: 1) a comparison of Orlyonok pedagogy and Artek pedagogy provides opportunities for generalizing similar ideas into a single direction - the pedagogy of collectivism; 2) a qualitative analysis of these educational systems made it possible to identify the structural components of the pedagogy of collectivism, describe its essential characteristics, and formulate the prospects for its development.

Implementation of the International IFOMPT Cervical Framework: A survey among IFOMPT organisations.

The IFOMPT (International Federation of Orthopaedic Manual and Musculoskeletal Physical Therapists) Cervical Framework was first published in 2012 and reviewed in 2020. The document was a result of the IFOMPT Member Organisations' (MO) request for consistency and guidance regarding teaching and practice of safe assessment and management of individuals with neck and head pain and dysfunction. To evaluate the knowledge, dissemination, and implementation of the 2020 IFOMPT Cervical Framework by MOs. An international survey with closed- and open-ended questions was conducted among all IFOMPT MOs. Formal informed consent was requested, and data were collected anonymously. Twenty-five of 42 invited organisations completed the survey. Respondents reported that the Framework was extensively disseminated to both members (100%) and educational programs (92%). 52% provided recommendations regarding implementation in the own country while only 12.5% towards educational programs. Five representatives (20%) reported having designed an information sheet for patients about cervical musculoskeletal interventions safety, mainly for thrust manipulation (84.3%) but none for exercise (0%). End-range thrust manipulation remains rarely recommended, especially for the upper cervical spine (8.7%). The dissemination of the new IFOMPT Cervical Framework among members and educational programs was successful. However, only marginal recommendations were provided by the MOs/AMOs/RIGs regarding implementation of the Framework. Moreover, improvement is possible regarding providing information to patients and the Frameworks' recommendation to avoid end range treatment techniques.

Effect of Social-Platform-Based- Educational Program on Critical Care Nursing Students' Knowledge and Practice toward Sustainable Development Goals

Effect of Social-Platform-Based- Educational Program on Critical Care Nursing Students' Knowledge and Practice toward Sustainable Development Goals

Making Sense: Feasibility of an education program to Empower adults with type 1 diabetes to interpret CGM data.

To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a structured education program focused on continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data interpretation for adults living with type 1 diabetes. This was a multi-centre before and after feasibility study conducted in Australia. Adults with type 1 diabetes were enrolled in the Making Sense program. This two-week program, designed in consultation with adults living with diabetes, was delivered in a hybrid format involving group sessions and self-directed online modules. Participants were followed for 6-months post-education completion. The primary outcome was feasibility, pre-determined at 75% completion rate following education module enrolment. Secondary outcomes included participant acceptability, psychosocial measures and glycemic outcomes. Between June 2023 and October 2023, 67 participants (median age 54, 70% female, mean HbA1c 7.2% (55mmol/mol)) were enrolled. All used CGM continuously. Sixty-six percent used insulin pumps. Eighty-one percent completed the study and 83% would recommend the program to other adults with diabetes. Participation was associated with improved well-being, diabetes management satisfaction and reduction in diabetes distress (p<0.05). HbA1c fell 0.5% (4.5mmol/mol) for those>7.5% (58mmol/mol) at baseline (p=0.006). Our CGM-related education program was feasible and acceptable. Participation may be associated with improvement psychosocial and glycemic outcomes.

The relationship between radiological OA severity or body weight and outcomes following a structured education and exercise therapy program (GLA:D®) for people with knee osteoarthritis.

The relationship between radiological OA severity or body weight and outcomes following a structured education and exercise therapy program (GLA:D®) for people with knee osteoarthritis.

Hematology-oncology education in postgraduate internal medicine programs in Nepal: Current status and the pressing need for improvement.

e21020 Background: Cancer accounts for huge non-communicable disease burden in Nepal with majority of patients presenting at an advanced stage accounting for 9% of total annual deaths. Diagnosis of cancer at advanced stages can result in missed treatment opportunities, worse outcomes, and higher health care costs which needs to be addressed. Many factors contribute to the delay in diagnosis and management of cancers but gap in physician knowledge attributing to lack of hematology-oncology training appears to be one of the major causes. Adequate hematology-oncology education for trainees therefore is essential for early diagnosis and improvement in outcome of the patients with problems related to cancer or its treatment. Herein we evaluated the current status of hematology-oncology education in post graduate Internal Medicine programs in Nepal. Methods: A prospective survey was conducted across 23 medical colleges offering Internal Medicine programs in Nepal from June 2024 to November 2024. Head of departments or faculty members from these Internal Medicine programs were invited to participate by completing the survey sent through emails online. A structured, self-administered questionnaire focusing on the current status of hematology-oncology education like rotations during training, availability of hematologist/ oncologist as faculty in the department for teaching-learning and availability of multidisciplinary team involved with diagnosis and treatment related to cancer was used. The curriculum of the internal medicine program was also evaluated for hematology oncology education framework used for the program. Results: Among the 23 medical colleges surveyed, only 9 (40.9%) included a mandatory hematology rotation, while 10 (45.5%) offered a mandatory oncology rotation. Most of the colleges offered rotation of 15 days to only a month during the 3 years residency training. Hematologist was available as faculty in only 7 (31.8 %) medical colleges while oncologists (medical oncologist and/or radiation oncologist) in 14 sites. Multidisciplinary team for cancer care exposure was available at 8 centers. The curriculums were non-uniform across various universities. None of the programs offered their residents an organized oncology curriculum or suggested a reference book or other oncology-related resource. Conclusions: The need of hematology oncology education during residency training with standardized curriculum in order to prepare next generation of physician in improving cancer care in Nepal seems to be a high priority in light of increasing cancer morbidity and mortality in the country.