Initial Implementation Research Articles

Assessing the implementation of place of last drink (POLD): a strategy to reduce overservice of alcohol

Background Place of Last Drink (POLD) is a strategy used by some law enforcement agencies to identify bars and restaurants that overserve patrons. When responding to an alcohol-related incident, ideally officers systematically record the last drinking location of the individuals involved and follow up with locations that are frequently named as a source of last drink. The likely success of this strategy, as with many strategies, is dependent on how fully it is implemented. We assessed implementation of a POLD initiative in Minnesota (USA). Methods We surveyed 26 law enforcement agencies about their POLD implementation. We created and assessed four components: Start-up, Data Collection, Stakeholder Awareness, and Follow-up. Five researchers independently rated each agency on each component, resolving discrepancies through consensus. We combined component ratings to create an overall high, medium or low implementation rating, Results We found considerable variation in ratings for each component and in overall levels of POLD implementation across the 26 agencies. Nine agencies were rated as having overall high implementation, five as medium, and 12 as low. Conclusion Considering implementation levels allows a more granular assessment of the components necessary for optimal implementation of POLD and other programs, and how they may affect outcomes.

أهمية اتخاذ القرار في تحسين الذكاء الاصطناعي بالتطبيق على صناع القرار في البنوك الخاصة في اليمن

The objective of this study is to determine the impact of change management on digital transformation initiatives in Yemeni telecom sector. A quantitative approach with analytical and deductive methods was adopted to examine the relationship and determine the impact between change management and digital transformation. The study targeted a population of 902 managers and team leaders in the sector. A questionnaire was developed and distributed to a stratified sample of 226 respondents. The random sample was 25% of each stratum. The questionnaire items were designed to measure the change management dimensions (Change Urgency, Visionary Coalition, Empowerment and Sustainability) and digital transformation dimensions (Technology, Processes, People, Culture and Business Model). The results generated show a highly significant positive relationship between effective change management practices and the successful implementation of digital transformation initiatives (substantial positive coefficient B of 0.786, R2 of 0.62 and high t-value of 29.34, and the extremely low p-value below 0.001). In conclusion, this study indicates that digital transformation initiatives require practicing proper and structural change management practices.

Preventing and Treating Pain and Anxiety during Needle-Based Procedures in Children with Cancer in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Introduction: Children with cancer experience significant pain and anxiety during needle-based procedures. Undertreated pain in children has long-lasting consequences and reduces the efficacy of subsequent analgesic efforts. A validated quality improvement (QI) intervention, known as the "Children's Comfort Promise", includes (1) topical anesthetics, (2) sucrose or breastfeeding for infants, (3) comfort positioning, and (4) distraction techniques, and has been shown to be highly effective in decreasing procedural pain and anxiety in children. However, there is limited data about the adoption, adaptation, and implementation of these interventions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods: A QI pilot project utilizing the Model for Improvement of the "Global Comfort Promise" was implemented in four global pediatric cancer hospitals (Lima, Peru; Barretos, Brazil; Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; and Manila, Philippines). Between August 2021 and January 2023, the pilot sites identified a specific aim, co-designed the measurement strategy with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and adopted, adapted, and implemented the project at their individual sites. Results: A total of 2,185 different procedures were recorded in the first year of implementation. Most patients were less than 10 years old (60.5%) and solid tumors (37.9%) were the most common diagnosis. Overall, healthcare professionals (98.3%) were satisfied with the procedures. Parents and patients reported that only 33.7% of patients experienced pain during the procedure. All (100%) parents and patients felt the healthcare teams adequately addressed their child's pain. Median self-reported adherence to ≥2 interventions was 98.0%. Challenges to the implementation of the QI initiative included lack of training, turnover of the medical staff, maintaining staff enthusiasm, and access to topical anesthetics. Each site had unique change ideas to implement the initiative. Conclusions: This multi-site, multi-country QI initiative was feasible and was successfully adopted, adapted, and implemented in the LMIC context to improve procedural pain in children (Global Comfort Promise). Additionally, this intervention resulted in high satisfaction of both healthcare professionals and patients/families. Further work is needed to overcome the challenges of topical anesthetic access and education of the workforce. Additional plans include modifying the Global Comfort Promise to include high-quality communication and expanding to additional sites with further refinement of the implementation strategy.

Enhancing Energy Efficiency in a Palestinian Dairy Factory Utilizing RETScreen Expert

This paper delves into the intricacies of optimizing energy utilization within a dairy manufacturing facility situated in Palestine through the utilization of RETScreen Expert. An exhaustive energy audit is undertaken to meticulously scrutinize and comprehend the existing energy landscape within the dairy factory. This investigation is specifically oriented towards the evaluation of seven distinct energy efficiency strategies, encompassing aspects such as lighting enhancements, insulation upgrades, the maintenance of steam traps, mitigation of steam leaks, harnessing heat recovery mechanisms, and the installation of a solar water heating system. The study extends its purview to encompass environmental concerns, encompassing the estimation of CO2 emissions, and conducts a comprehensive assessment of the economic feasibility associated with these proposed measures. The findings of this investigation unequivocally reveal the substantial potential for diminishing energy consumption and curtailing CO2 emissions, alongside the concurrent enhancement of economic viability through the judicious implementation of the aforementioned energy efficiency initiatives. In essence, this scholarly work serves as a valuable resource, shedding light on the advantageous outcomes achieved by the incorporation of energy efficiency measures within industrial frameworks. It underscores the imperative of a holistic approach, where both environmental and economic dimensions are harmoniously considered in the decision-making processes pertaining to energy-related initiatives.

أثر إدارة التغيير على التحول الرقمي في قطاع الاتصالات في اليمن

The objective of this study is to determine the impact of change management on digital transformation initiatives in Yemeni telecom sector. A quantitative approach with analytical and deductive methods was adopted to examine the relationship and determine impact between change management and digital transformation. The study targeted a population of 902 managers and team leaders in the sector. A questionnaire was developed and distributed to a stratified sample of 226 respondents. The random sample was 25% of each stratum. Questionnaire items were designed to measure the change management dimensions (Change Urgency, Visionary Coalition, Empowerment and Sustainability) and digital transformation dimensions (Technology, Processes, People, Culture and Business Model). The results generated show a highly significant positive relationship between effective change Management practices and the successful implementation of digital transformation initiatives (substantial positive coefficient B of 0.786, R2 of 0.62 and high t-value of 29.34, and the extremely low p-value below 0.001). In conclusion, this study indicates that digital transformation initiatives require practicing proper and structural change management practices.

The Interplay of Institutional Support and Faculty Roles during the Covid-19 Pandemic: Implications for the future of Online Teaching and Learning

While the outcome of the Covid-19 pandemic was largely the same across higher education – a rapid transition to online teaching and learning – the processes and institutional support that led to this transition varied greatly. As such, the perception and anxieties experienced by faculty warrant exploration as these perceptions will likely dictate the future of online teaching and learning within higher education institutions. Through the use of tweets made during the pandemic and interviews with faculty, this study reveals that the emotional stress experienced by faculty when playing multiple, unfamiliar roles hinder implementation of online teaching and learning initiatives. This hindrance may in part be alleviated through well targeted institutional support.

Promoting sustainable policy in construction: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through performance-variation based contract clauses

With the growing global concern about construction industry emissions, a potentially useful approach to reduce such emissions could be to obligate the contractual parties to establish emissions-related construction contract provisions. Unfortunately, implementation of such initiatives has been limited in the practice. This study is motivated by the realization from previous studies that it is feasible to use contract clauses to regulate contractor use of equipment in a manner that reduces emissions and that there exist opportunities to establish frameworks that could facilitate implementation. In this paper, a framework is developed for designing and evaluating a green-performance variation clause. The framework involves a model whose objective is to maximize the net present value (NPV) by minimizing greenhouse gas emissions from the contractor's equipment fleet. The model addresses the uncertainties associated with the analysis inputs using Monte Carlo simulation, and the model outcomes are the probabilities of a positive NPV of emissions associated with the Owner and the contractor separately. The framework is demonstrated using a case study in road construction. The case study results yielded the following probabilities that a positive NPV for each of the two parties: 52% and 70% for the Owner and the contractor, respectively. This result suggests that using the developed framework, contract clauses can be designed at the pre-procurement phase to promote mutual and voluntary adoption of emissions-reducing practices at the subsequent phase (construction) of road development. This is shown to yield outcomes that are attractive (thereby, encouraging obligated parties to pursue emissions reduction) and the attractiveness is consistent across the parties. The proposed framework, which is consistent with green contracting, can generally help promote sustainability-related goals and outcomes related to construction projects.

Injury prevention for women and girls playing Australian Football: programme cocreation, dissemination and early adopter coach feedback

BackgroundAdherence to injury prevention programmes may improve with greater end-user involvement and application of implementation frameworks during development. We describe the cocreation, initial dissemination and feedback from programme early adopters...

Development of the nursing associate professional identity: A longitudinal qualitative study.

The aim of this study was to understand the factors that contribute to the development of the nursing associate professional identity. A 3-year longitudinal qualitative study of trainee nursing associates. Trainee nursing associates in England were interviewed remotely annually in February 2020, March 2021 and March 2022. They also provided diary entries. Data were anonymised, transcribed and analysed thematically. Nursing associate professional identity was developed through: increased knowledge, skills and responsibility; and self-perceptions of identity alongside responses to the role by colleagues. Tensions arose when the scope of practice expected by organisations differed from that expected by the nursing associates. Frustrations occurred when nursing associates were perceived as substitutes for Registered Nurses in the context of nursing workforce shortages. Nursing associates in this study clearly valued their new knowledge, skills and responsibility, enabling them to provide enhanced patient care. Increased clarity of role boundaries is necessary in enhancing the professional identity of nursing associates and reducing inter-professional tensions arising from role ambiguity within health and social care organisations. National guidance and employers should provide clarity on the boundaries of the nursing associate role which will strengthen their professional identity and mitigate role ambiguity within health and social care organisations. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research has been used to guide reporting. A patient and public involvement group was consulted during the initial study design stage. This study aimed to understand the factors which contribute to the development of a nursing associate professional identity. Nursing associate professional identity is developed through increased knowledge, skills and responsibility, and the perceptions of identity by participants themselves and their colleagues. The findings should inform the implementation of initiatives to clarify nursing associate role boundaries and the development of similar roles internationally.

The role of digital technologies in enhancing competitiveness in the context of Ukraine's economic integration

Introduction. In today’s world, the role of digital technologies in enhancing competitiveness is becoming an important issue, as they not only transform business processes but also determine the success of a country in the context of economic integration. Digital technologies not only help to increase the efficiency of enterprises, but also open new opportunities for innovation, making them an important tool for improving competitive positioning in the global economic environment. The purpose of the paper is to examine the peculiarities of the use of digital technologies by modern enterprises, considering their impact on increasing competitiveness in the context of Ukraine’s economic integration. Results. The study reveals the essence of the concept of "digital technologies" and identifies their main advantages and risks in the use by modern enterprises, in particular, the impact on the efficiency of business processes and potential threats in the field of cybersecurity. The article also assesses the use of digital technologies by global enterprises. Special attention is paid to the analysis of the level of digitalization in Ukraine. The main problems faced by Ukrainian enterprises in the context of martial law and economic integration are identified. Specific ways to solve these problems are proposed the importance of improving cybersecurity, increasing digital literacy and implementing innovative strategies is emphasized. Conclusions. Prospects for further research in this area include expanding the analysis of the impact of digital technologies on various sectors of the economy and business, detailing specific examples of successful implementation of digital initiatives in enterprises, as well as further studying the integration of digital technologies in the context of martial law and military aggression in Ukraine.

Digital economy: opportunities for transformation of entepreneurial structures

Purpose. To analyze the stages of digital transformation of entrepreneurial structures and identify the levels of transformation. Methodology. In the process of scientific research on the digital economy and the transformation of entrepreneurial structures, the following methods were utilized: expert assessment (involving experts from various fields of economic activity allowed for additional conclusions and recommendations regarding the possibilities of implementing digital technologies in entrepreneurial structures), scenario modeling (by developing various scenarios for the implementation of digital initiatives, the potential consequences and results of each were investigated), systems analysis (enabled considering the interrelations between various aspects of digital transformation and its impact on the economy and society as a whole), and marketing research (helped identify market needs and requirements for the implementation of digital solutions and products). Findings. The research considered the stages of digital transformation of entrepreneurial structures, which involve assessing the current state and readiness of the enterprise for the implementation of digital transformation; studying the potential offered by digital transformation and its effective implementation; investing in advanced digital technologies and the development of new digital products; designing and releasing products and services based on advanced digital technologies; controlling the transformed business and implementing advanced digital technologies and innovative business models. Advantages of digital transformation of business models are considered, which involve increasing the number of customers, enhancing customer satisfaction, increasing lead generation, traffic growth. The authors identified six levels of “digital transformation” of entrepreneurial structures, describing the stages of changes in business models caused by digital transformations: unsystematic level, opportunities monitoring, replicable level, results-driven, achieved controlling, and optimized level. Originality. A stage of digital transformation of entrepreneurial structures has been proposed: controlling the transformed business and implementing advanced digital technologies, which allows tracking the implementation of the strategy and achieving goals in the context of digital development. The authors highlighted such stages of digital transformation of entrepreneurial structures as opportunities monitoring and achieved controlling, which, unlike those existing in the scientific community, play a key role in the path of digital transformation of entrepreneurial structures. Practical value. The analysis conducted confirms the relevance of issues related to the digital transformation of entrepreneurial structures, the formation of changes in views on stages and levels of digital transformation in accordance with current trends and uncertain conditions. The research results can be taken into account and practically implemented when forming policies for the digital transformation of entrepreneurial structures, regardless of the field of activity.

Chinese Teachers’ Job Satisfaction and Professional Engagement

This study aims to examine the key factors influencing teacher job satisfaction and professional engagement among educators in China, with the objective of shedding light on the intricate relationship between these dimensions within the educational context. The study comprises a sample of 262 primary and secondary school teachers, situated in the region of Northern Guangdong, China. The study utilizes the Work Engagement Scale, Work Values Scale, and Job Satisfaction Scale to assess various aspects of the research topic. To get meaningful results, the study applies rigorous statistical methods such as t-tests, F-tests, correlation analyses, and regression analyses. These analytical techniques are used to gain valuable insights from the data. The findings highlight a critical need for the implementation of comprehensive policy initiatives. Teachers demonstrate significantly diminished levels of satisfaction, especially in relation to remuneration, workload, availability of classroom materials, presence of supportive leadership, and the equilibrium between professional and personal life. Simultaneously, their level of professional involvement in domains related to their dedication to student achievement, passion, introspective approach, originality, and support for education is notably lacking. The results of this research provide insight into the need of implementing transformational policies that focus on improving teacher job satisfaction and professional engagement in order to strengthen the foundation of excellent education in China.

Prediction of Specific Fuel Consumption of a Tractor during the Tillage Process Using an Artificial Neural Network Method

In mechanized agricultural activities, fuel is particularly important for tillage operations. In this study, the impact of seven distinct parameters on fuel usage per unit of draft power was examined. The parameters are tractor power, soil texture index, plowing speed, plowing depth, width of implement, and both initial soil moisture content and soil bulk density. This study investigated the construction of an artificial neural network (ANN) model for tractor-specific fuel consumption predictions for two tillage implements: chisel and moldboard plows. The ANN model was created based on the collection of related data from previous research studies, and the validation was performed using actual field experiments in clay soil using a chisel plow. The developed ANN model (9-22-1) was confirmed by graphical assessment; additionally, the root-mean-square error (RMSE) was computed. Based on the RMSE, the results demonstrated a good agreement for specific fuel consumption per draft power between the observed and predicted values, with corresponding RMSE values of 0.08 L/kWh and 0.075 L/kWh for the training and testing datasets, respectively. The novelty of the work presented in this paper is that, for the first time, a farm machinery manager can optimize tractor fuel consumption per draft power by carefully controlling certain parameters, such as initial soil moisture content, tractor power, plowing speed, implement width, and depth of plowing. The results show that the input parameters make a significant contribution to the output over the used data with different percentages. Accordingly, the contribution analysis showed that the implement width had a high impact on tractor-specific fuel consumption for both plows at 30.13%; additionally, the chisel and moldboard plows contributed 4.19% and 4.25% in predicting tractor fuel consumption per draft power. This study concluded that practical useful advice for agricultural production can be achieved through optimizing fuel consumption rate by selecting the proper levels of affecting parameters to reduce fuel costs. Moreover, an ANN model could be used to develop future tractor fuel-planning schemes for tillage operations.

Evaluating ICT Competencies of Higher Education Faculty:A Comprehensive Quantitative Model after the Pandemic

This study aimed to enhance the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills of faculty members in a higher education institution. The faculty’s limited proficiency in ICT impeded the integration of technology instruments across different topics. A training program was devised, executed, and assessed to tackle these problems within six months. Online courses were developed for participants under the training’s criteria. Quantitative data collection involved administering a pre-test and post-test, which were subsequently analyzed using descriptive statistics. The assessed competencies encompassed the utilization of computers in instructional activities and the development and implementation of educational initiatives. The findings indicated that 75% of the faculty did not typically include technology in their instructional methods, whereas 41% recognized the potential of technology to enhance and innovate teaching practices. Only 66.67% of the participants possessed knowledge of fundamental components of computers, while the same percentage was aware of basic peripherals. Additionally, 58.33% of the participants demonstrated proficiency in installing computer programs. The program sought to enhance the educational quality and showed positive modifications in formulating strategies for integrating ICTs into the curriculum. The results showcased the efficacy of the training program in improving teaching skills in the field of information and communication technologies (ICTs), enhancing the teaching methods of faculty members, and providing the opportunity to deliver courses either fully online or in a blended format.

The psychological profile of Iraq: A nation haunted by decades of suffering

Abstract The article discovers the psychological profile of Iraq, looking at the profound impact of recent decades of turmoil on the psychological well-being of its citizens. Extensive conflicts, including wars, sanctions, invasions, socioeconomic problems, and internal conflicts, have led to significant mental health problems in the community, notably the Yazidi and Kurdish populations. These groups, already affected, faced collective trauma from the ISIS invasion and Anfal campaign. Despite various risk factors, mental health support services in Iraq are markedly insufficient. The main purpose of this article is to shed light on the psychological profile in recent decades, highlighting the urgent need to prioritise mental health in health and education policies. The article advocates for the crucial implementation of comprehensive mental health programmes, interventions, and awareness initiatives to effectively address the enduring psychological challenges facing the Iraqi population.

Building and Development of Business Entries Owned by the Village in Sumedang District West Java Province

Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) are established as a manifestation of the government's commitment to fostering self-reliance and bolstering the local economy. However, it is evident that not all BUMDes have effectively initiated and executed commercial endeavors, thus failing to yield desired economic outcomes. This underscores suboptimal implementation of coaching and development initiatives. This research uses a qualitative method with a case study approach. For this reason, the research location was determined in Sumedang Regency with a case sample of 4 (four) BUMDes in different sub-districts which represent BUMDes qualifications, namely pioneer, beginner, developing and advanced. Data was collected through interview techniques, observation and documentation and then analyzed qualitatively. The formulation of BUMDes development and development strategies is carried out through SWOT analysis. The research findings indicate that the reasons for the inactivity and lack of development among many BUMDes in Sumedang Regency include: (1) low human resource capacity; (2) weak legal aspects; (3) insufficient institutional relationships; (4) the formation of BUMDes often driven by formalistic reasons; and (5) limited marketing networks. Effective strategies for BUMDes development should encompass: (1) human development through enhancing human resource capacities; (2) enterprise development through promoting village potential, facilitating cooperation and partnerships, strengthening marketing networks via digital marketing; (3) environmental development through mapping natural resource-based village enterprises; and (4) institutional development through optimizing the implementation of regulations concerning villages and BUMDes, collaboration in nurturing and developing BUMDes, facilitating BUMDes legality, reinforcing village consultations, and strengthening institutional relationships of BUMDes.

Application of Neural Radiance Fields (NeRFs) for 3D Model Representation in the Industrial Metaverse

This study explores the utilization of Neural Radiance Fields (NeRFs), with a specific focus on the Instant NeRFs technique. The objective is to represent three-dimensional (3D) models within the context of the industrial metaverse, aiming to achieve a high-fidelity reconstruction of objects in virtual environments. NeRFs, renowned for their innovative approach, enable comprehensive model reconstructions by integrating diverse viewpoints and lighting conditions. The study employs tools such as Unity, Photon Pun2, and Oculus Interaction SDK to develop an immersive metaverse. Within this virtual industrial environment, users encounter numerous interactive six-dimensional (6D) models, fostering active engagement and enriching the overall experience. While initial implementations showcase promising results, they also introduce computational complexities. Nevertheless, this integration forms the basis for immersive comprehension and collaborative interactions within the industrial metaverse. The evolving potential of NeRF technology promises even more exciting prospects in the future.

Prioritizing institutional pressures, green supply chain management practices for corporate sustainable performance using best worst method

The emerging institutional concerns regarding the environmental crisis over the past decades have promoted the implementation of green initiatives within the supply chain, aiming to reduce environmental harm while maintaining efficiency. This study employed the BWM from a double perspective, aiming to identify and rank institutional pressures for GSCM practice implementation and the importance of these practices for sustainable performance in the Moroccan manufacturing industry. The study used purposive sampling to identify respondents with supply chain management expertise. A survey was distributed to 124 potential respondents, resulting in 55 responses. Data collection occurred between April and August 2022, with an effective response rate of approximately 38%. The results indicate that institutional pressure increases the likelihood of firms improving their GSCM activities. Normative pressures are found to be the main influencing factor for businesses to implement GSCM practices, while mimetic pressures are the least important. However, certain GSCM practices, such as GP, ECO-D, and IEM, remain among the top three most affected by isomorphic pressures. The study also highlights the importance of certain GSCM practices, such as IEM, GP, and ECO-D, for firms' sustainable performance. Economic outcomes are perceived as the experts' priority, followed by environmental and social performance. This research provides a theoretical and practical foundation for decision-makers seeking to identify the pressures affecting the implementation of GSCM practices along with the activities that most likely contribute to improving various aspects of sustainable performance.

(Re-)shaping learning experiences in supply chain management and logistics education under disruptive uncertain situations

IntroductionDisruptive uncertain events often necessitate universities to abruptly shift from face-to-face to remote online learning, posing challenges to instructional quality and learning outcomes. Remote online instruction may lack social interaction, educational resources, and practical activities, hindering effective learning.MethodsThis study presents an experiential learning framework designed to foster active learning experiences amidst disruptive uncertain events. The framework incorporates such events as study situations to enhance student motivation and engagement. A methodology for designing learning experiences is proposed, with a focus on incorporating real-world disruptions into educational settings.ResultsA case study is presented, detailing the implementation of the framework in supply chain management and logistics education at a private university in Bolivia, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Results indicate that the novel learning experience positively impacted student motivation and engagement, facilitating the achievement of learning outcomes.DiscussionThe initial implementation suggests that the novel learning experience positively impacted student motivation and engagement while achieving their intended learning outcomes. However, further instances of utilizing the proposed framework are necessary to ascertain its generalizability and effectiveness across diverse contexts and situations. Identifying similarities or invariances will help validate the applicability of this approach in different educational settings affected by disruptive uncertain events.

ГРАНТОВАЯ ПОДДЕРЖКА МОЛОДЁЖНЫХ ИНИЦИАТИВ КАК АЛЬТЕРНАТИВНЫЙ ИСТОЧНИК ПРИВЛЕЧЕНИЯ БЮДЖЕТНЫХ СРЕДСТВ НА РАЗВИТИЕ ТЕРРИТОРИЙ

Nowadays, many Russian regions deal with the problem of attracting additional financial resources to the local budget, causing regional authorities to search for alternative funding to balance regional and municipal budgets. The implementation of youth initiatives is one of the key instruments used to launch social projects in the region. Moreover, these projects often attract additional funds to the region through public grants. Therefore, this paper is focused on the promotion and management of youth as a target social group, since it represents a powerful strategic resource for the development of individual regions and the country as a whole. This study will evaluate the impact of grants for young entrepreneurs' initiatives as a separate tool for the development of socio-economic situation in the Russian regions. Furthermore, this article will elaborate on the key effects of the implementation of these initiatives for the region in terms of the fulfillment of regional policy priorities.