Individual Work Research Articles

Empowering women in sports biomechanics: exploring the impact of mentor circles

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the International Society of Biomechanics in Sports (ISBS) women’s mentor circle programme. Forty-eight ISBS women members completed a survey that provided insight into how the circles operated, perceived benefits, and challenges to participation. Most circles met every 6–8 weeks with meetings lasting 1 to 1.5 h. However, some circles did not commence or stopped meeting before the end of the 2 years. For those who actively participated, the circles provided personal and professional benefits, which included developing a supportive network and confidence, and improved work–life balance habits. Furthermore, the programme was found to be a valuable use of their time and strengthened their sense of ISBS as a supportive community, increasing their likelihood of staying an ISBS member. Time zone conflicts, lack of a group leader, and changes in individual work or personal life commitments influenced the continuation of some circles over the 2 years. Some respondents did not participate in the circle, and the main reason was lack of knowledge of the programme. Overall, the programme was considered a worthy initiative, providing a supportive network to assist in advancing women biomechanists. Future programmes should ensure a clear alignment between member’s expectations and the outcomes of circle participation.

2024년 의료정책을 둘러싼 제문제에 관한 소고

Collective action, such as strikes in the medical community, has been a social problem that has occurred countless times around the world in various causes and methods. Since human history is based on health, the medical community that has a great relevance to it is surrounded by complex and wide-ranging issues. In the case of the Korean medical community, a small collective action since the 1950s and a huge collective action called the four major doctor strikes since the 2000s have led to a serious health care disaster crisis called a medical chaos. This is the result of insufficient initial responses that overlooked the inadequacies of legal and appropriate solutions and the possibility of enormous social waves. The national crisis caused by the collective action against the promotion of medical policies currently facing must now be fundamentally resolved. Until now, the legitimacy of this collective action in the medical community has been controversial. Doctors may have different interpretations of their legal status depending on individual business owners, workers, and trainees, so their legality as an act of labor dispute may also change. However, if it is directly related to the people's health rights and causes serious violations of life and health, the legitimacy cannot be recognized even if it is any legal method. However, the profession of doctors is also part of the people whose basic rights should not be violated by excessive ethical obligations. Therefore, it is not acceptable to cause a medical gap, maintain an emotional confrontation with the government, lack of willingness to actively consult, or unfair behavior for internal unity, but the government also cannot avoid criticism that it is not mature, with many problems of content, procedures, processes and law in promoting policies, and emotional confrontation with the medical community. The confrontation between the government and the medical community is also a question of the legitimacy of actions based on rights and authority, but regardless, it must be responsible for recovering significant inconveniences to the public health environment due to defects in methods and procedures of realization, which must be fulfilled as an ethical obligation as well as legal and policy. Therefore, we need to make a compromise on the policy content, such as adjusting an increase in medical students and a medical fee for this situation, and introduce various systems to supplement this. ln the process of such compromise and coordination, procedural laws or consultation procedures should be prepared, and furthermore, it is emphasized that legalization of positions, procedures, and special cases that can clearly bear the responsibility for the results is necessary while clarifying legal status.

Case Study: Psychological Dynamics in Women Experiencing Conversion Disorder

Conversion Disorder is classified as a somatoform disorder characterized by symptoms or deficits that are not clearly defined and affect motor or sensory functions related to neurological conditions or other general medical conditions. Hearing impairment in conversion disorder is referred to as non-organic hearing loss. This research aims to understand the dynamics in women with conversion disorder and the causes of the disorder. The approach used in this study is qualitative with a case study approach. Data collection in this study uses interviews, observations, and psychological tests (DAP, HTP, BAUM, SSCT, TAT, and SPM). The credibility test used is the triangulation technique of sources, techniques, and time. The subject in this study is a 36-year-old woman. The results of this study indicate that the individual has hearing problems not caused by a medical condition. The hearing difficulties arise due to conflicts and impulses triggered by stressful conditions in marital life, leading the person to repress to avoid threats to the issue. As a result, unconsciously, the individual transforms it into physical symptoms. This affects both the individual's work and social aspects.

ANALISIS FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI KUALITAS SUMBER DAYA MANUSIA DI TANJUNGPINANG TAHUN 2023

This research analyzes the factors that influence the quality of human resources in Tanjungpinang in 2023. The quality of human resources is an important aspect in the development of a region, which includes abilities, skills, knowledge, as well as individual attitudes and work ethics. This study uses a quantitative approach with survey methods to collect data from various sectors in Tanjungpinang, including the education, health, economic and social sectors. Data was collected through questionnaires distributed to a representative sample of the Tanjungpinang population. Data analysis was carried out using multiple regression techniques to identify the main factors that have a significant influence on the quality of human resources. The research results show that educational factors have the most dominant influence on the quality of human resources in Tanjungpinang. Apart from that, health factors also play an important role, where access to health facilities and the general level of public health contribute to the quality of human resources. Economic factors, including per capita income and unemployment rates, were also found to have a significant influence. Meanwhile, social factors such as the family environment and participation in community activities also have a positive impact on improving the quality of human resources. These findings underline the importance of investment in the education and health sectors as an effort to improve the quality of human resources in Tanjungpinang. Regional governments are advised to improve access and quality of education and health services, in addition to encouraging inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Active community participation in social activities also needs to be encouraged to create an environment that supports the development of quality human resources. It is hoped that this research can become the basis for formulating more effective policies in improving the quality of human resources in Tanjungpinang.

Triggers for self-regulated learning: A conceptual framework for advancing multimodal research about SRL

This paper introduces a theory-driven trigger regulation framework for advancing multimodal analytical approaches to research about self-regulated learning. Events and/or situations that may inhibit learning processes and, thus, require regulatory responses are defined as trigger events. Empirically identifying trigger signals in multimodal data as markers for the regulation of cognition, motivation, emotion, and behavior has great potential for advancing the field. We propose a trigger regulation framework and explain how it can be leveraged in multimodal research for detecting trigger signals focusing analysis on meaningful regulatory responses. This conceptual framework offers potential to guide methodological and analytical advances in research to examine the situated nature of regulatory responses and within-person individual differences in SRL as they play out during complex task work and teamwork. Educational relevance and implications statementThe trigger regulation framework contributes to advancing multimodal approaches to the study of SRL. It presents a theory driven analytical approach for detecting, modeling, and interpreting adaptive and maladaptive regulation during individual or collaborative work. Grounding analytical approaches to multimodal data analysis in this framework has potential to increase the quality and accuracy of research findings and interpretations and inform the development of interventions and AI systems.

‘What if I get sick?’ Healthcare (non)decisions of overseas Filipino workers in Taiwan

The increasing presence of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Taiwan, particularly in the electronics and technology (E&T) industry, has raised concerns about their health and health-seeking behaviours. Our study draws on a theoretical framework combining Brandenberger et al.’s 3C model, which considers challenges in communication, continuity of care, and confidence regarding healthcare delivery for migrant workers, with Scott’s sociology of nothing. This framework enables us to interpret the decisions of OFWs on seeking care, not seeking care, or not making any decision. Although the National Health Insurance covers migrant workers and the New South Bound Policy commits to promoting migrant health, narrative accounts of individual workers, migrant rights advocates, and shelter organisers inform us of OFWs’ ambivalence towards utilising the healthcare resources available. The decisions made by OFWs in the E&T industry may include seeking assistance, not seeking assistance, or not addressing health concerns due to legal, financial, or cultural reasons. The contextual nuances behind their decisions led us to look beyond the challenges they face and argue for interventions such as peer education on legal rights awareness and health literacy to enable OFWs to make informed decisions about their well-being.

Perception of healthcare workers and patients about the impact of health facility infrastructure on healthcare services in eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

ABSTRACT Background: Although there are several health facilities with infrastructure to cater to healthcare services, there are still healthcare facilities with inadequate infrastructure in eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, to provide comprehensive healthcare services. This study investigates the perceptions of healthcare workers and patients about the impact of health facility infrastructure on the provision of healthcare services in KwaZulu-Natal. Objectives: This study aims to determine the perception of healthcare workers and patients about the impact of health facility infrastructure on healthcare services at Goodwins Clinic in eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Method: This qualitative study applied a phenomenological design by conducting in-depth interviews with individual patients (n = 20) and healthcare workers (n = 10) purposively selected in 2022. Data were analysed using Colaizzi’s phenomenological analysis framework. Results: Participants reported that health facility infrastructure affects healthcare services. Furthermore, old facility structures, scattered structures and limited working spaces were found to be the leading factors affecting healthcare services in the facility. Conclusion: The facility’s structural design factors need to be considered to ensure that the health facility structure is adequate to deliver healthcare services and motivate radical transformation in measuring and managing healthcare facilities.

Gait recognition for farm workers via multi-scale temporal feature perception

The monitoring and management of farm workers play a crucial role in agricultural production. The real-time monitoring of farm workers can effectively identify them, facilitating standardized management and operation of the farm. Gait, as a unique biometric feature that can be recognized from a distance, is more suitable for identifying individual farm workers walking on the farm at a distance compared to facial and iris features. Despite the increasing research on gait recognition techniques, existing gait recognition models are still lacking in temporal modeling. The gait of farm workers walking through farmland is greatly influenced by the environment, making it crucial to model the temporal information of gait. In this study, we captured videos of 50 farm workers from 11 different perspectives walking in real agricultural fields and formed the Farm Worker Gait Dataset (FWGD). In comparison with existing gait recognition models, we present a multi-scale temporal feature modeling method based on the GaitBase model and obtain a performance improvement on the FWGD dataset. Specifically, we propose an Adaptive Temporal Self-Attention (ATSA) mechanism to extract the most representative features based on temporal contextual temporal relations. Additionally, we utilize a dilated convolutional layer to extract discrete temporal features and employ a Multi-scale Temporal Perception Module (MSTP) with three branches to perceive and aggregate temporal features. With the assistance of MSTP and ATSA, our model significantly improves the discriminability of temporal features, thus enhancing the performance of farm worker gait recognition. Extensive experiments demonstrated that our proposed method outperformed state-of-the-art gait recognition methods on the FWGD dataset.

School provision, workforce distribution, housing, and the staffing of schools: The case of Sydney, Australia

Pursuing Sustainable Development Goal 4 has led to more children and youth accessing schooling than at any point in history. However, this expansion of provision has not been without workforce challenges. UNESCO modelling indicates a global shortfall of 44 million teachers by 2030. The challenge of having a sufficiently qualified school education workforce where it is needed is amplified in locations where affordable quality stock of housing is limited. With most of the world’s population urbanising, cities represent a new frontier in understanding the complexity of current and forthcoming teacher shortages, with significant public policy implications. Interventions aimed at individual workers, schools, or administrative boundaries have failed to arrest staff shortages as they are frequently applied too late or based on potential rather than realised data. This paper develops a novel measure, the Workforce Catchment Area (WFCA), and tests its applicability in the Australian city of Sydney. Analysis demonstrates that when integrated with housing and transportation costs it is possible to identify workforce distribution as a contributor to teacher shortages, and generate the data and evidence required by policy makers to set explicit policy goals and markers of success.

Effects of pair work and individual work on paired‐associate vocabulary learning in an EFL context

AbstractThis study investigates how different modes of a memorization activity in paired‐associate learning (PAL), namely pair work and individual work, can affect learners’ short‐ and long‐term retention of newly learned vocabulary items. In the aforementioned activity, two groups of Japanese college students studying English as a foreign language (EFL) learned 20 novel English vocabulary items using a second language–first language (L2–L1) list. First, the pair group worked in pairs; one member asked the other to state the L1 equivalent of the target items aloud for 2.5 min, and vice versa. Second, the members of the individual group memorized the L1 meanings of the target words for 5 minutes using their own methods. Subsequently, an immediate posttest and questionnaire survey regarding their preferred learning styles and strategies were conducted after the study session. Furthermore, a surprise delayed posttest was administered 3 weeks after the session. The results revealed that the individual group outperformed in the immediate posttest. However, the pair group scored significantly better in the delayed posttest. These results suggest that individual work is superior for memorizing a larger number of words in a short time but that memory can decay relatively quickly. Conversely, pair work may be superior for long‐term retention.

Personalizing Human–Robot Workplace Parameters in Human-Centered Manufacturing

This study investigates the relationship between collaborative robot (CR) parameters and worker utilization and system performance in human–robot collaboration (HRC) environments. We investigated whether optimized parameters increase workplace efficiency and whether adapting these parameters to the individual worker improves workplace outcomes. Three experimental scenarios with different CR parameters were analyzed in terms of the setup time, assembly time, finished products, work in process, and worker utilization. The main results show that personalized CR parameters significantly improve efficiency and productivity. The scenario in which CR parameters were tailored to individual workers, balanced the workload, and minimized worker stress, resulting in higher productivity compared to non-people-centric settings. The study shows that personalization reduces cognitive and physical stress, promotes worker well-being, and is consistent with the principles of human-centered manufacturing. Overall, our research supports the adoption of personalized, collaborative workplace parameters, supported by the mathematical model, to optimize employee efficiency and health, contributing to human-centered and efficient HRC environments.

Beyond milestones and percentiles: Revisiting non-cognitive and non-interpretive skills in radiology

While there is no precise formula for a great radiology resident, certain attributes and achievements may herald success during training. We briefly review prior works exploring predictive factors and evaluation metrics of top resident performance, noting that those focusing on non-cognitive attributes are over twenty years old. As radiology practice and education has substantially evolved in the interim, we revisit this topic from a contemporary perspective. Inspired by the literature and our own personal experiences, we suggest that the following non-cognitive traits are invaluable for radiology trainees: communication expertise, workplace adaptability, self-awareness, tech savvy and genuine interest in one's individual work and greater community. These characteristics should be highlighted by applicants, sought by selection committees, cultivated by mentors, evaluated by programs and valued by colleagues.

THE EFFECT OF TRAINING EFFECTIVENESS ON INDIVIDUAL WORK PERFORMANCE IN BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS IN CAMBODIA

On-the-job training or off-the-job training are considered training effectiveness which is very crucial for all employees to have earned more skills and knowledge to improve work performance for effective outcomes. Since some employers are not much concerned about training programs for their employees in business organizations which result in poor work performance. Therefore, this study aims to measure the training effectiveness which impacts on individual work performance in business organizations in Cambodia. Quantitative research has been employed in this study with descriptive and inferential data were analyzed. Simple and multiple regressions are used in order to test the training effectiveness variables on individual work performance. The study has constructed the valid questionnaires to survey 200 participants with different business organizations in Cambodia. A regression analysis reveals that training significantly influences individual work performance. All training variables, including style, content, environment, schedule, and materials, showed a positive relationship with performance. Training materials and training content have had positive effects on individual work performance. The study emphasizes the importance of investing in well-rounded training programs that consider various aspects of delivery and content. The study's value lies in its demonstration of how to apply successful aspects of training programs to improve individual work performance in business firms. Eventually, the study has suggested that the leaders of business organizations should consider the efficient techniques of organizing training programs for their employees.

AF among Nurses Working in Neonatal and Paediatric Intensive Care Units: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Aim: This research study aims to determine nurses' alarm fatigue (AF) levels in paediatric critical care units in two governmental hospitals and to examine the significant differences in the mean between nurses' attributes, nurses' working environment, and nurses' alarm management with the level of fatigue caused by the alarm. Background: In recent years, AF has become a significant and growing concern among nurses. However, in the Saudi Arabian paediatrics context, the impact of AF on nurses working in intensive care units remains unexplored. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted using a non-probability purposive sampling method. Data were collected from 216 nurses in two governmental hospitals through self-administered questionnaires comprised of four sections: individual attributes, work environment, alarm management, and AF scale. Data analysis: The Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) was used to analyse the data, and ANOVA was utilised to describe the sample's demographic characteristics and determine any differences. Results: Most participants were female, held a bachelor's degree, and were aged 31 to 35. Of the participants, 62.5% reported experiencing a medium level of AF, 29.2% reported a low level, and 8.3% reported a high level. Participants expressed that recurrent false alarms disrupt patient care and decrease trust in alarm systems. Significant differences in AF levels were observed based on marital status and the percentage of non-actionable alarms. Conclusions: Nurses working in paediatric critical units with high rates of false alarms, the frequent de-activation of alarms, and decreased trust in alarm systems are more likely to experience AF. Addressing AF is crucial for patient safety; nurse training on alarm management, the collaboration between biomedical and nursing staff, and technological advancements can help mitigate this issue. Implications for Practice: To minimise the adverse effects of AF, policymakers, biomedical experts, and nursing administrators must establish comprehensive policies and protocols concerning alarms. These measures aim to ensure secure and efficient care for the well-being of patients and nurses.

Economic evaluation of a psychological surveillance and support programme in the UK police force

PurposePolice officers in the UK frequently experience traumatic events and work pressures, and these can have a detrimental impact on mental health. A psychological surveillance programme has been implemented and clinically evaluated. This paper reports an economic evaluation of the programme.Design/methodology/approachA decision analytic model was developed to explore programme costs, outcomes and return on investment for a notional cohort of 1,000 police personnel (officers and staff). The model parameters were obtained from a large data set of sequential psychological surveillance results. Changes in individual work productivity were derived from a workability measure included in the survey.FindingsThe modelled expected total cost incurred to screen 1,000 participants was £84,287 ($106,971). The expected net increase in work productivity for those receiving interventions was valued at £241,672 ($306,713). This result represents a return on investment of 187%. Sensitivity analyses showed that the model was robust to changes in key parameters.Research limitations/implicationsPolice personnel experiencing traumatic events may need specialist support from occupational health services or psychological therapy. Screening or surveillance can detect mental health problems, but its cost-effectiveness has been previously unknown.Practical implicationsThe value for money of providing surveillance within the police force to detect mental health problems is assessed in this research. The gains in terms of increased work are evident. In similar environmental working conditions, this could extend to emergency services globally.Social implicationsThe police are often called upon to deal with the lowest points in people’s lives. The findings have implications for police forces wishing to support officers to be able to provide the best of themselves in these situations.Originality/valueThere have been no previous studies in policing that have concluded that running a psychological surveillance programme in policing is financially viable. Although this requires initial investment, this paper models that the extra costs incurred are more than offset by improved work productivity.

Pain in Multiple System Atrophy: A Community-Based Survey.

Pain is a frequent yet poorly characterized symptom of multiple system atrophy (MSA). Understanding the factors influencing pain and its burden is crucial for improving the symptomatic treatment and quality of life of MSA individuals. This study aimed at assessing the prevalence, characteristics, and current treatment strategies for pain in MSA. A community-based, online survey was conducted from February to May 2023. Invitations were extended to MSA individuals and informal MSA caregivers through patient advocacies and social media. We included 190 persons with MSA and 114 caregivers. Eighty-seven percent of MSA individuals reported pain, which was more prevalent among women (odds ratio [OR]: 6.38 [95% confidence interval, CI: 1.27-32.08], P = 0.025) and low-income groups (OR: 5.02 [95% CI: 1.32-19.08], P = 0.018). Neck and shoulders (58%), back (45%), and legs (45%) were mostly affected. In the neck and shoulders, pain was associated with MSA core features, like orthostatic intolerance (OR: 4.80 [95% CI: 1.92-12.02], P = 0.001) and antecollis (OR: 3.24 [95% CI: 1.54-6.82], P = 0.002). Seventy-six percent of individuals experiencing pain received treatment, mostly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (47%), acetaminophen (39%), and opioids (28%). Only 53% of respondents reported at least partial satisfaction with their current pain management. Pain mostly impacted work, household activities, and hobbies of MSA individuals, and caregivers' social activities. Pain is more prevalent than previously reported in MSA and particularly affects women and low-income groups. Despite its frequency, pain management remains suboptimal, highlighting an urgent therapeutic need, likely entailing an optimized management of MSA core motor and non-motor features. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Working Individually and Collectively: Assisting Young People with Cognitive Disability Transitioning from Statutory Systems

AbstractYoung people with cognitive disability exiting statutory child protection and/or youth justice systems are a particularly vulnerable group. They have varied, complex and dynamic needs. These are often poorly responded to, due in part to a lack of formal and informal supports. There remains a lack of specialised supports and a dearth of evidence regarding best practice in supporting this group. This paper explores social work practices which respond to the social isolation of this cohort and the gap in support as young people transition to adulthood. The paper focuses on a group program in Queensland (Australia) which was specifically designed to support young people with a cognitive disability leaving child protection and/or youth justice systems. It reports on a subset of data from a mixed-methods study. It presents the perspectives of the young people and their practitioners regarding the practices that supported the engagement of young people and created opportunities for connection and skill development within the group program. The findings highlight the importance of relationship-driven practices that are supported and resourced by the organisation, and the need for parallel individual and group work processes for achieving positive outcomes with young people with cognitive disability transitioning from statutory systems.

Reciprocal mentorship and RECE journeys: An intergenerational dialogue

This essay brings together three intergenerational colleagues, two RECE founders, and a mid-career colleague, engaged in reciprocal mentorship, collaborative projects, and research focused on child care, critical policy studies, and global childhoods. We explore our encounters with RECE and how we have engaged with, been influenced by, and found various collaborative spaces through our reconceptualist/RECE experiences. In our dialogue, we discuss how we came to engage with reconceptualist scholarship and consider one of its tenets, reciprocal mentoring. We reflect on how the DAP debates have and still play a role in our scholarship, how naming and countering deficit discourse influence our work in early years policy, and the ways children’s voices, experiences, and participation rights need to be centered. We conclude by discussing current projects and future possibilities in our shared and individual work, exploring the implications for scholar activism and the future of reconceptualist work in early care and education.

Physical Treatments and Therapies for Androgenetic Alopecia.

Androgenetic alopecia, the most common cause of hair loss affecting both men and women, is typically treated using pharmaceutical options, such as minoxidil and finasteride. While these medications work for many individuals, they are not suitable options for all. To date, the only non-pharmaceutical option that the United States Food and Drug Administration has cleared as a treatment for androgenetic alopecia is low-level laser therapy (LLLT). Numerous clinical trials utilizing LLLT devices of various types are available. However, a myriad of other physical treatments for this form of hair loss have been reported in the literature. This review evaluated the effectiveness of microneedling, pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), fractional laser therapy, and nonablative laser therapy for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). It also explores the potential of multimodal treatments combining these physical therapies. The majority of evidence in the literature supports LLLT as a physical therapy for androgenetic alopecia. However, other physical treatments, such as nonablative laser treatments, and multimodal approaches, such as PEMF-LLLT, seem to have the potential to be equally or more promising and merit further exploration.

Emotional Eating on Sedentary Workers: Is It Caused by Individual Characteristics, Exercise Habits, and Work Stress?

Introduction:Emotional eating is a person's response to stress or inadequate and ineffective stress coping and is shown by the behavior of eating more than needed and is associated with increased body weight. Emotional eating is caused by age, gender, exercise habits, and work stress. Based on the observations carried out at Kalla Group Office, employees tend to work in a monotonous and static manner that has the potential to increase the risk of emotional eating. The aim of this research is to determine the strength and weakness of the correlation between age, gender, exercise habits, and work stress with emotional eating in Kalla Head Office workers. Methods: This quantitative research was carried out through analytical observational design. The number of samples taken is 133 people using purposive sampling. In this case, the independent variables measured are age, gender, exercise habits, and work stress. Meanwhile, the dependent variable studied is the level of emotional eating using "The Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire of 13 items (DEBQ-13)". Data were further analyzed using Spearman correlation coefficient test (Spearman rho). Results: The research results show varied relationship with the independent variables including age (r = 0.052), gender (r = 0.251), exercise habits (r = -0.128), and stress (r = 0.048). Conclusion: Age is a variable that has the weakest relationship, while gender has the strongest relationship with emotional eating compared to the variables exercise habits and work stress.