Effectiveness Of Program Research Articles

EMPOWERING MANUAL HANDLERS: A COMPREHENSIVE ERGONOMIC AWARENESS TRAINING PROGRAM IN PLASTIC MANUFACTURING KULAI, JOHORE

Background: Ergonomic awareness training programs are known for their methodical approach to identifying and mitigating workplace risks and have been associated with decreased Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). MSDs were prevalent in manufacturing including the plastic industry, causing significant health and economic impacts. However, research on ergonomic interventions in this sector is limited. Objective: The primary aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of ergonomic awareness programs among manual handling workers in the plastic tray manufacturing industry, with a focus on tasks related to forming and packing. Methods: This study was conducted in a plastic tray manufacturing facility in Kulai, Johor, that targeted workers involved in high-risk ergonomic tasks such as forming and packing, with exposure to ergonomic hazards for up to 12 hours daily. A total of 108 workers participated, receiving ergonomic awareness training and completing survey questionnaires. Results: The results revealed that post-training showed significant improvement (p<0.01) in workers' ergonomic awareness, indicating the effectiveness of the ergonomic training program in enhancing knowledge (t=12.92), attitudes (t=14.77), and practices (t=16.29). Conclusion: The findings highlight the critical role of enhanced ergonomic awareness in emphasizing the necessity for industry-specific, customized ergonomic training in the plastic tray manufacturing industry. It is suggested the implementation of these focused training programs to strengthen workplace safety and health, encourage ergonomic awareness, and lessen the long-term development of MSDs.

Importance of including Key Biodiversity Areas in China's conservation area-based network

Identifying optimal areas for future conservation is crucial to halting biodiversity loss. Unfortunately, China's current conservation initiatives neglect the significance of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in biodiversity conservation decision-making, and focusing only on fulfilling the quantitative targets without assessing the potential benefits and challenges for each target area may jeopardize the effectiveness of national programs. Therefore, this study identified KBAs through the distribution range and threat status of 3061 species and defined priority areas for protecting 30 % and 50 % of China's land (30 % and 50 % targets), assessing their potential ecological benefits in terms of ecosystem services and carbon stocks, and identifying risks from climate change and human pressures. The results showed that the KBAs were spatially heterogeneous among different taxonomic groups, with areas for birds and mammals widely distributed but for reptiles, amphibians, and plants mainly distributed in the south. Priority conservation areas identified for achieving the 30 % and 50 % targets were predominantly located in southern China. Protecting these areas can significantly increase the representativeness of benefits for biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, nutrient regulation, landscape aesthetics and carbon storage, thereby achieving a win–win for biodiversity conservation and ecological benefits. However, population density, climate risks, and land-use conversion risks will also increase significantly in priority conservation areas. Western Sichuan Province and northern Yunnan Province have the highest conservation priority due to their relatively high conservation value and low threat risk. The KBAs we identified will hopefully help inform the selection of sites for expansion of China's conservation area-based network.

Informal Caregivers of People with Dementia in Germany: Psychosocial Characteristics and Unmet Needs.

Caregivers of people with dementia living at home (CPwDh) are likely to be affected by a range of health problems. However, CPwDh are often regarded as accompanying persons and receive less attention in research and care. Little is known about this population and their needs in Germany. However, better knowledge of CPwDH is needed to design effective interventions. The objective of this report is to describe the situation of CPwDh and highlight differences based on sex and living situation. This was a cross-sectional analysis of the psychosocial characteristics of participants in the GAIN trial, a cluster-randomized, controlled intervention trial investigating the effectiveness of a care management program. A total of n = 192 CPwDh were recruited in GP offices, memory clinics or through public campaigns in the German federal state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The inclusion criteria were an age of 18 years or above, being a CPwDh, written informed consent. In a comprehensive digital assessment, psychosocial variables, burden, and care needs were assessed. Partners, women, and people living in the same household represented the majority of caregivers, and their mean number of needs was 8.7. Overall, participants indicated a mild to moderate burden. There are differences in burden based on sex and living situation, with caregivers living with people with dementia showing less burden and different psychosocial demographics. There is a need for interventions to reduce caregivers' unmet needs in the CPwDh. Such interventions should consider differences in sex and living situation to better address individual caregiver needs.

Pendampingan Masyarakat Peduli Ekowisata Mangrove di Kawasan Mangrove Tanjung Batu, Kecamatan Sekotong, Kabupaten Lombok Barat, Nusa Tenggara Barat

Assistance to people who care about mangrove ecotourism in mangrove areas is one of the monitoring and evaluation activities to maintain sustainability and increase the effectiveness of ecotourism programs in mangrove areas. The aim of community service activities in the Tanjung Batu mangrove ecotourism area, Sekotong District, West Lombok Regency is a follow-up to the urgency and relevance of the community assistance program caring for mangrove ecotourism in the mangrove area as a strategic step in maintaining the sustainability of the mangrove ecosystem which can improve the welfare of the local community. This service method is carried out through a process of mentoring and community empowerment through several stages, namely: field surveys, interviews, discussions, and formulating solutions for sustainable mangrove ecotourism. The results of service activities show that the Tanjung Batu mangrove ecotourism area, Sekotong District, West Lombok Regency is in good condition with facilities and infrastructure to support tourism activities. Improving the quality of management of mangrove ecotourism areas can be carried out through a strategy of regular monitoring and evaluation of environmental (water) quality conditions, management, organizational structure (pokdarwis), and evaluation of ecotourism management, and involving community participation in sustainable management of Tanjung Batu mangrove ecotourism.

Effects of combined aerobic, resistance and inspiratory training in patients with pulmonary hypertension: A systematic review

BACKGROUND Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a serious progressive disorder of the modern world, characterized by endothelial dysfunction and impaired vasoreactivity. Patients with PH usually present exercise intolerance from the very early stages and reduced exercise capacity. Exercise training has been shown to have beneficial effects in patients with cardiovascular comorbidities. However, data regarding the effects of combined exercise training programs in patients with PH still remains limited. AIM To investigate the effects of combined exercise training programs on exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with PH. METHODS Our search included all available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding combined aerobic, resistance and inspiratory training programs in patients with PH in 4 databases (Pubmed, PEDro, Embase, CINAHL) from 2012 to 2022. Five RCTs were included in the final analysis. Functional capacity, assessed by peak VO2 or 6-min walking test (6MWT), as well as quality of life, assessed by the SF-36 questionnaire, were set as the primary outcomes in our study. RESULTS Peak VO2 was measured in 4 out of the 5 RCTs while 6MWT was measured in all RCTs. Both indices of functional capacity were significantly increased in patients with PH who underwent combined exercise training compared to the controls in all of the included RCTs (P < 0.05). Quality of life was measured in 4 out of 5 RCTs. Although patients improved their quality of life in each group, however, only 2 RCTs demonstrated further improvement in patients performing combined training compared to controls. CONCLUSION By this systematic review, we have demonstrated that combined aerobic, resistance and inspiratory exercise training is safe and has beneficial effects on aerobic capacity and quality of life in patients with PH. Such exercise training regimen may be part of the therapeutic strategy of the syndrome.

Effectiveness of a professional development program based on the instructional design framework for AI literacy in developing AI literacy skills among pre-service teachers

This study assessed AI literacy among a group of preservice-teachers, and investigated the effectiveness of a suggested professional development program based on the Instructional Design Framework for AI literacy in developing pre-service teachers AI literacy skills. A quasi experimental approach with post-test pretest design was used for data collection. Thirty-seven undergraduate students from Palestine Technical University Kadoorie and Hebron University participated in this study. An AI literacy scale was developed, validated, and used for data collection. The results showed that the professional development program was effective in developing the AI literacy skills among the participant preservice teachers. Gender and specialty area of the participants did not significantly affect preservice teachers AI literacy skills after participating in the professional development program. Given the research results, it is recommended that teachers should be supported to integrate AI in classroom activities. AI technological tools should be included in pre-service and in-service training programs. Further AI tools combined with other professional development strategies should be researched among teachers from different subjects to enable generalizing the finding of this research and increasing it is validity.

Electrophysiology Methods for Assessing of Neurodegenerative and Post-Traumatic Processes as Applied to Translational Research.

Electrophysiological studies have long established themselves as reliable methods for assessing the functional state of the brain and spinal cord, the degree of neurodegeneration, and evaluating the effectiveness of therapy. In addition, they can be used to diagnose, predict functional outcomes, and test the effectiveness of therapeutic and rehabilitation programs not only in clinical settings, but also at the preclinical level. Considering the urgent need to develop potential stimulators of neuroregeneration, it seems relevant to obtain objective data when modeling neurological diseases in animals. Thus, in the context of the application of electrophysiological methods, not only the comparison of the basic characteristics of bioelectrical activity of the brain and spinal cord in humans and animals, but also their changes against the background of neurodegenerative and post-traumatic processes are of particular importance. In light of the above, this review will contribute to a better understanding of the results of electrophysiological assessment in neurodegenerative and post-traumatic processes as well as the possibility of translating these methods from model animals to humans.

Effect of Share-in Approach and Class Attendance of ALS Learners

The purpose of this phenomenological research study was to describe how teachers overcome their academic stress and on the attendance of ALS learners for the school year 2022-2023. At this stage in the research, teachers are experiencing challenges in facilitating the curriculum delivery and management and how they strategize to overcome their difficulty and insights to mitigate such for better learning process among learners. Method used was phenomenological research where assumptions were considered given Fifty (60) participants of ALS Learners whose responses and identity were treated with utmost confidentiality. Findings revealed that late submission and unanswered modules were the difficulties encountered, however, home visitation, and collaboration among parents found to be the efficient way of overcoming challenges. Future directions for teachers who facilitates the teaching and learning processes and where parents need support from teachers, interpretation can provide opportunities to resist the urge to treat adaptability as only a technical teaching practice; to experience adaptability as a dynamic, complicated, and reciprocal relationship between teacher and student, rather than something that only the teacher invokes; and to explore some of the complex ways such as the effect of share-in approach program.

The role and effectiveness of non-formal training programmes for entrepreneurship in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic literature review

ABSTRACT Entrepreneurship is growing in popularity as a tool to combat the challenges of unemployment and economic development in sub-Saharan Africa. A host of training programme offerings have emerged to mitigate the challenges of starting and sustaining a business in this context. Non-formal trainings (educational activities outside formal places of learning such as universities or schools) can help entrepreneurs develop essential business skills. A systematic literature review demonstrates how non-formal training programmes for entrepreneurship are evaluated across sub-Saharan Africa. We searched SCOPUS and EBSCO databases with the following keywords and their synonyms: ‘training’, ‘entrepreneurship’ and ‘sub-Saharan Africa’. The final selection returned 49 articles that discuss non-formal training programmes in sub-Saharan Africa. Our results suggest significant variation in training types and their effectiveness. Beyond descriptive analytics, we show that a more nuanced understanding of the context-specific entrepreneurial environment needs to be considered when implementing and designing a programme and that this should be coupled with more rigorous effectiveness evaluations. We propose a deeper analysis of the role of human capital within the setting of local entrepreneurial ecosystems as well as the contextualization of training material and participant selection as a promising start to develop more effective training programmes for entrepreneurship.

Effects of the incredible years parenting program on children's interpersonal conflict: An integrative data analysis.

Behavioral parenting programs, such as Incredible Years (IY), reduce conduct problems in children. However, conduct problems encompass many different behaviors, and little is known about the effects of parenting programs on specific aspects of children's conduct problems, such as children's relationships with others. The aim of this study was to examine, for the first time, the effects of the IY parenting program on children's levels of conflict with their parents, siblings, and peers. We used individual participant-level data pooled across 12 randomized trials in Europe, comprising a total of 1,409 families: child aged 1-11 years (M = 5.53 years, SD = 1.56) and 61% male, 60% low-income families, and 30% from an ethnic minority. Multilevel models were used to explore the effects of IY on children's conflict with parents, siblings, and peers. The IY program reduced children's conflict with their parents (β = -.21), but there were no main effects of the program on conflict with siblings or peers. Moderation analyses showed that IY reduced conflict in sibling relationships for the 22% of families with the most severe sibling conflict at baseline. This suggests that high-quality behavioral parenting programs, such as IY, can effectively reduce children's conflict within the home (i.e., with parents and siblings), especially when initial levels of sibling conflict are high, but do not have broader benefits on children's interpersonal conflict outside of the home (i.e., with peers). (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Effect of Free Meal Program on the Learning Interest of ALS Learners

Effect of Free Meal Program on the Learning Interest of ALS Learners

Effectiveness of self-management programmes for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: a systematic review protocol

IntroductionChronic disease self-management (CDSM) is a vital component of congestive heart failure (CHF) programmes. Recent CHF guidelines have downgraded CDSM programmes citing a lack of gold-standard evidence. This protocol describes...

Impact of an educational intervention on patient safety culture among gynecology-obstetrics’ healthcare professionals

BackgroundIn recent years, patient safety has begun to receive particular attention and has become a priority all over the world. Patient Safety Culture (PSC) is widely recognized as a key tenet that must be improved in order to enhance patient safety and prevent adverse events. However, in gynecology and obstetrics, despite the criticality of the environment, few studies have focused on improving PSC in these units. This study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of an educational program to improve PSC among health professionals working in the obstetric unit of a Tunisian university hospital.MethodsWe conducted a quasi-experimental study in the obstetric unit of a university hospital in Sousse (Tunisia). All the obstetric unit’s professionals were invited to take part in the study (n = 95). The intervention consisted of an educational intervention with workshops and self-learning documents on patient safety and quality of care. The study instrument was the French validated version of the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture. Normality of the data was checked using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The comparison of dimensions’ scores before and after the intervention was carried out by the chi2 test. The significance level was set at 0.05.ResultsIn total, 73 participants gave survey feedback in pre-test and 68 in post-test (response rates of 76.8% and 71.6, respectively). Eight dimensions improved significantly between pre- and post-tests. These dimensions were D2 “Frequency of adverse events reported” (from 30.1 to 65.6%, p < 0.001), D3 “Supervisor/Manager expectations and actions promoting patient safety” (from 38.0 to 76.8%, p < 0.001), D4 “Continuous improvement and organizational learning” (from 37.5 to 41.0%, p < 0.01), D5 “Teamwork within units” (from 58.2 to 79.7%, p < 0.01), D6 “Communication openness” (from 40.6 to 70.6%, p < 0.001), and D7 “Non-punitive response to error” (from 21.1 to 42.7%, p < 0.01), D9 “Management support for patient safety” (from 26.4 to 72.8%, p < 0.001), and D10 “Teamwork across units” (from 31.4 to 76.2%, p < 0.001).ConclusionsEducational intervention, including workshops and self-learning as pedagogical tools can improve PSC. The sustainability of the improvements made depends on the collaboration of all personnel to create and promote a culture of safety. Staff commitment at all levels remains the cornerstone of any continuous improvement in the area of patient safety.

A COMPARISON OF ZAKAT MANAGEMENT IMPLEMENTATION IN EAST LOMBOK, TEGAL AND PADANG PANJANG DISTRICTS

This study aims to analyze the differences in the implementation of zakat management in three different regions, namely East Lombok, Tegal, and Padang Panjang districts. Different approaches, such as economic empowerment, information technology, and integration with local government programs, underlie the implementation of zakat in each region. The research method used is a qualitative approach with data collection through in-depth interviews and document analysis. The results of zakat implementation in the three regions reflect variations in community empowerment. In East Lombok Regency, the economic empowerment approach has successfully increased the economic independence of zakat recipients through business training. In Tegal, information technology is used to facilitate zakat collection and distribution, creating efficiency and transparency. In Padang Panjang, the integration of zakat with local government programs resulted in the synergy of broader empowerment. The determinants of successful implementation include regional context, commitment to zakat institution, and community participation. Similar research by Muhammad Zumar Aminudin, Lila Pangestu Hadiningrum (2019) has described zakat approaches in different contexts, providing in-depth insights into variations in zakat implementation. The theoretical implication of this research highlights the importance of a contextual approach in zakat implementation. The practical implication provides guidance for zakat institutions, local governments, and communities in improving the effectiveness of zakat programs. In conclusion, the successful implementation of zakat requires an in-depth understanding of regional characteristics, selection of appropriate approaches, and adaptation to social and economic dynamics.

Effects of SPEAK OUT! & LOUD Crowd on Functional Speech Measures in Parkinson's Disease.

This study investigated the effects of the SPEAK OUT! & LOUD Crowd therapy program on speaking rate, percent pause time, intelligibility, naturalness, and communicative participation in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). Six adults with PD completed 12 individual SPEAK OUT! sessions across four consecutive weeks followed by group-based LOUD Crowd sessions for five consecutive weeks. Most therapy sessions were conducted via telehealth, with two participants completing the SPEAK OUT! portion in person. Speech samples were recorded at six time points: three baseline time points prior to SPEAK OUT!, two post-SPEAK OUT! time points, and one post-LOUD Crowd time point. Acoustic measures of speaking rate and percent pause time and listener ratings of speech intelligibility and naturalness were obtained for each time point. Participant self-ratings of communicative participation were also collected at pre- and posttreatment time points. Results showed significant improvement in communicative participation scores at a group level following completion of the SPEAK OUT! & LOUD Crowd treatment program. Two participants showed a significant decrease in speaking rate and increase in percent pause time following treatment. Changes in intelligibility and naturalness were not statistically significant. These findings provide preliminary support for the effectiveness of the SPEAK OUT! & LOUD Crowd treatment program in improving communicative participation for people with mild-to-moderate hypokinetic dysarthria secondary to PD. This study is also the first to demonstrate positive effects of this treatment program for people receiving the therapy via telehealth.

Effectiveness of a Simulation-Based Education Program to Improve Novice Nurses' Clinical Judgment Skills.

We assessed the effectiveness of a simulation-based education program to improve novice nurses' clinical judgment skills. A simulation education program was implemented for 21 novice nurses. Surveys were conducted on program satisfaction, learning, and clinical judgment skills before, immediately after, and two months after the program. Novice nurses were highly satisfied with the simulation education program. The following nine categories were identified as learnings: provide psychological care for patients, conduct sufficient observation, conduct assessment and make judgment based on observational findings, consult and report appropriately to senior nurses, take response action calmly, collect necessary information, acquire knowledge, predict patients' conditions, and make environmental arrangements. The subscale score for theoretical and practical reasoning was significantly higher immediately after and two months after the program than before it. In addition, the subscale for grasping the condition by observation was significantly higher two months after the program than before and immediately after it. The novice nurses learned to sufficiently observe, obtain necessary information, and prospectively assess patients' conditions by taking part in the simulation education program. The subscale score for grasping the condition by observation was significantly higher two months after the program than before and immediately after it. After the simulation program, novicenurses were likely actively practicing nursing; therefore, this program may not be directly responsible for the improvement of these new nurses' clinical judgment. Nevertheless, we found that the completion of the simulation program was correlated with enhanced clinical judgment.

Effects of Immersive Straight Catheterization Virtual Reality Simulation on Skills, Confidence, and Flow State in Nursing Students.

Core nursing procedures are essential for nursing students to master because of their high frequency in nursing practice. However, the experience of performing procedures in actual hospital settings decreased during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, necessitating the development of various contents to supplement procedural training. This study investigated the effects of a straight catheterization program utilizing an immersive virtual reality simulation on nursing students' procedural performance, self-confidence, and immersion. The study employed a nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design with 29 participants in the experimental group and 25 in the control group. The experimental group received training through a computer-based immersive virtual reality program installed in a virtual reality hospital, with three weekly sessions over 3 weeks. The control group underwent straight catheterization using manikin models. The research findings validated that virtual reality-based straight catheterization education significantly improved students' procedural skills, self-confidence, and flow state. Therefore, limited practical training can be effectively supplemented by immersive virtual reality programs.

Two years outcome of an individualized oral health preventive program for preschool children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Limited data exist on the effectiveness of oral health preventive programs in children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an individualized preventive oral health program for preschool children with NDD at a rehabilitation center, over a two years period. In this study, 102 preschool children with NDD were assessed for caries (dmft), oral hygiene status (Green & Vermillion Index) and presence of developmental dental defects. An individualized preventive program was applied based on caries risk and children were followed for two years. Effectiveness of the program was assessed for caries and dental plaque change and explanatory individual factors were used in multivariate models. After two years prospective, dmft increased significantly from 1.1 (SD=2.7) to 2.04 (SD=3.6), while GVPI was reduced significantly from 1.8 (SD=0.9) to 1.4 (SD=0.9). Children in the moderate and high-risk groups missed significantly more follow-ups compared to the low caries risk group (p<.001) while older maternal age (OR=1.38, 95%CI=1.057-1.808) and consumption of more than three sugary snacks/day (OR=0.005, 95%CI=0-0.0794) were significantly correlated with dental caries. The individualized preventive program for preschool children with NDD was effective in improving oral hygiene but not dental caries status.

Effect of Digital Therapeutics on Range of Motion, Flexibility, Dynamic Balance, Satisfaction, and Adherence: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study investigated the effect of digital therapeutics on ROM, flexibility, dynamic balance, satisfaction, and adherence. A sample of 34 volunteers was randomly assigned into a Digital Therapeutic Group (DTG) (n = 17) and a Non-Digital Therapeutic Group (NDG) (n = 17). The groups performed four calf muscle stretches and two hamstring stretches for 4 weeks. Flexibility and balance were evaluated to assess the effectiveness of the exercise program. A survey was conducted to assess subjects’ satisfaction, and exercise performance record papers and video records were assessed for exercise adherence. The paired t-test was used to compare the two populations before and after the program. The independent t-test was used to compare the change scores between groups. In the pre- and post-comparison within each group, the DTG group showed significant differences in all items except the dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) (p &lt; 0.05). The left straight leg raise (SLR) was significantly different (p &lt; 0.05), and there was a significant difference in exercise satisfaction and participation between the two groups (p &lt; 0.05). DTG showed improved flexibility, dynamic balance, and higher exercise satisfaction and adherence than NDG. The application, providing lower extremity stretching, can improve dorsiflexion ROM, flexibility of the lower extremity, dynamic balance, exercise satisfaction, and exercise adherence.

Intensive professional vehicle-based shooting provides local control of invasive rusa deer in a peri-urban landscape

AbstractNon-native deer are becoming increasingly common in peri-urban landscapes, where they pose a risk to the health and wellbeing of people. Professional vehicle-based shooting is commonly used to control deer populations in these complex landscapes, but the effectiveness and cost of this method have seldom been evaluated. We analyzed the effectiveness and cost of using professional vehicle-based shooting to reduce the abundance and impacts of non-native rusa deer (Cervus timorensis) in a peri-urban landscape in Wollongong, eastern Australia, during 2011–2021. We incorporated the results from an independent monitoring program into a Bayesian joint-likelihood framework to model spatio-temporal changes in rusa deer abundance. Finally, we used our findings to assess the effect of the management program on the number of complaints from the residents. After eleven years and the removal of 4701 rusa deer from Wollongong LGA (712 km2), deer abundance did not change in 74.7% of the area, decreased in 19.4% of the area (mostly in and around the sites where the professional shooting occurred), and increased in 5.9% of the area. Shooting was most cost-effective during winter when the longer hours of darkness meant that shooters could visit more sites. In contrast to deer abundance, the probability of residents complaining about deer increased in space and time. Our study shows that professional vehicle-based shooting can locally reduce the abundance of invasive deer in a peri-urban landscape, providing that sufficient control effort is expended. We suggest that shooting effort is currently too thinly spread across this peri-urban landscape, and that concentrating shooting effort on the areas of greatest deer abundance and resident complaints might be a more cost-effective strategy for managing invasive deer in peri-urban landscapes.