Level Of Knowledge Research Articles

Knowledge and attitudes about vitamin A consumption and its relationship with night blindness in university students.

Night blindness is the first sign of vitamin A deficiency (VAD), which can lead to blindness if left untreated. University students may be at risk of VAD-related night blindness due to unhealthy eating attitudes and inadequate vitamin A intake. This study aimed to determine the relationship between knowledge and attitudes toward vitamin A consumption affecting night blindness in university students. This cross-sectional study involved 409 third-year university students of Universitas Islam Sultan Agung, Semarang, Indonesia. Participants completed questionnaires about socio-demographics, their knowledge of vitamin A, and attitudes toward vitamin A consumption. Night blindness symptoms among university students were assessed using the Low Luminance Questionnaire (LLQ), followed by a bivariate analysis of the Chi-Square test. Multivariate binary logistic regressions were used to determine whether the independent variables were associated with night blindness. A p-value less than 0.05 indicated significance. The prevalence of high-symptom night blindness was higher among males (26.4%) than females (5.7%). Out of 409 university students, 48 from the non-medicine cluster of the study program had a night blindness symptom. The prevalence was lower in students who studied in the medicine cluster program. The level of knowledge on vitamin A had a significant relationship with symptoms of night blindness [prevalence ratio (PR) = 2.239 (95% CI = 1.110-4.516)]. The attitudes toward vitamin A consumption were significantly associated with night blindness (PR = 2.560, 95% CI = 1.215-5.392). The results of this study show that the risk of night blindness in university students can be prevented by increasing their knowledge and attitudes toward consuming vitamin A-rich food. The university can provide health promotion and vitamin A supplementation to avoid night blindness among academia.

The intertwined effects of digital literacy, agile mindset on design thinking skill and management control competency: Insights from Thai young accountants

The research conducted in Thailand has illuminated the intricate interplay among digital literacy, an agile mindset, design thinking skills, and management control competency among young accountants. Employing a robust questionnaire constructed based on an extensive literature review and validated through a pilot test, the study engaged 450 participants, with a predominant representation of females (79.8 %) and males (18.7 %). Leveraging PLS-SEM analysis to examine the relationships between these variables, the research elucidates that both digital literacy and an agile mindset exert substantial influence over the cultivation of design thinking skills and management control competencies. Accountants who possess a high level of digital knowledge and embrace agile thinking demonstrate a remarkable capacity to effectively apply these proficiencies. Consequently, the study emphasizes the critical imperative of fostering and nurturing digital knowledge and agility among the emerging generation of accountants, equipping them to adeptly confront the multifaceted challenges posed by the digital era. It is worth noting that while the study reveals close relationships among Digital Literacy, Agile Mindset, Design Thinking Skill, and Management Control Competency, the strength of each relationship exhibits variations. Additionally, design thinking skills also play a partial mediating role when establishing the indirect effect on the digital literacy-management control competency and agile mindset-management control competency nexus—a facet that merits further exploration and investigation in future research endeavours.

The safeguarding capability of adults in Catholic Church ministries: A global perspective

BackgroundIn the wake of historical sexual abuse across the Catholic Church globally, the Church continues to develop policies and processes to prevent and respond to child sexual abuse, including supporting the skills, knowledge, and confidence of members of the Church. ObjectiveWe investigated the safeguarding capabilities of a range of people with different roles within Catholic Church ministries in various countries. Participants and settingOur 184 participants included lay people, religious men and women, school staff, safeguarding officers and tertiary students associated with the Catholic Church. Data were collected across seven different countries. MethodsWe measured the awareness, confidence, attitudes, and knowledge of participants and examined differences between participants in different roles within the Church and different countries through General Linear Models. ResultsWe found varying levels of awareness, confidence, attitudes, and knowledge regarding sexual abuse prevention and safeguarding. We pinpointed the significant differences in three of these domains (confidence, attitudes, and knowledge) both between people with different roles in the church worldwide, but also between the countries from which participants came from. ConclusionsWe found that people in various countries and roles within the Church are at different stages of their safeguarding journey. Some are still understanding their roles (attitudes), some are still learning about how it is operationalised (awareness), and others are acquiring skills that will prepare them for enacting safeguarding policies and practices (confidence).

Assessing the Knowledge of HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma, HPV Vaccination, and Practice Scope among Saudi Dental Students in the Western Region.

(1) Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is significantly associated with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV-OPSCC), which is one of the fastest-growing cancer incidences globally. Dental practitioners play a crucial role in the primary and secondary prevention of HPV-OPSCC. There is little known about dental students' awareness regarding HPV-OPSCC and HPV vaccination, as well as their intention to promote 'primordial prevention' among their patients. HPV vaccine, and the extent of their professional responsibilities. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the western region of Saudi Arabia and involved undergraduate dental students (n = 688) from six public and private dental schools. Participants were requested to complete a sequential-section anonymous online survey, with 257 successfully completing all sections of the questionnaire. The association between participant characteristics and HPV-OPSCC, HPV vaccination awareness ratings, and perceived engagement in prevention were analyzed using ANOVA and chi-squared testing. A binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the variables linked to these outcomes. (3) Results: Generally, the overall level of awareness of HPV-OPSCC and HPV vaccination was acceptable, with an average score of 53.44 ± 29.3 out of 100. However, a significant knowledge gap was observed, with 53% of respondents being unaware of the common sites for HPV-OPSCC and 63.8% being uninformed of the appropriate age for HPV vaccination. Females and those with a prior history of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) had considerably higher levels of HPV vaccination knowledge (p < 0.05). The participants showed a favorable attitude towards their responsibility of informing patients about HPV-OPSCC and advocating HPV immunization. (4) Conclusions: This study underscores the need to enhance dental students' understanding of HPV-OPSCC and HPV immunization, enabling them to effectively engage in primary and secondary preventative efforts against HPV-OPSCC.

Knowledge and Attitude Regarding the Impact of Video Games among Parents of School Going Children in Selected Urban Areas of Guwahati, Kamrup (M), Assam with a View to Develop an Information Booklet: a Descriptive Study

Video game culture is a worldwide new media subculture formed around video games and game playing.(1) Adolescents and children are the group of people who are mostly engrossed to video games in society. The vulnerability of these groups especially children is prominent, as they are at such crucial stages in their development that they are highly influenced by their environment.(2) The COVID-19 pandemic during 2020-2021 gave further visibility to video games as a timepass to enjoy with friends and family online as a means of social distancing.(1) The present study was conducted with the aim of finding out the knowledge and attitude regarding the impact of video games among parents of school going children in selected urban areas of Guwahati, Kamrup (M), Assam and is there any correlation between knowledge and attitude. Quantitative research approach and descriptive research design was used in the study. Non-probability purposive sampling technique was used to select 120 samples. The study was conducted in selected urban areas of Guwahati, Kamrup (M), Assam who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The tools used for the study were structured knowledge questionnaire and 5 point Likert Scale to assess the level of knowledge and attitude regarding the impact of video games. The analysis revealed that overall majority i.e. 80% had moderate knowledge, 14.17% had adequate knowledge and 5.83% had inadequate knowledge regarding the impact of video games. With respect to attitude majority 65.83% had desirable attitude, 34.17% had moderately desirable attitude regarding the impact of video games and there was a moderately positive correlation between knowledge and attitude.

Navigating HIV-Related Stigma in Switzerland: A Qualitative Study.

Objectives: This study sought to understand how people living with HIV experience, perceive, and navigate stigma in their everyday life and in care settings in an urban French-speaking area in Switzerland. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 19 people living with HIV in Lausanne concerning their experience of HIV-related stigma in both everyday life and in healthcare settings. Content analysis was performed to identify main and sub-themes. Results: "Living with HIV" posed little or no difficulty for participants. However, the burden of anticipated and internalized HIV-related stigma played a disproportionately large role in their lives. Participants considered the general population's low level of knowledge about HIV as problematic in this regard. While participants reported few examples of enacted stigma generally, healthcare environments were sometimes experienced as sites of prejudice and discrimination. However, some healthcare professionals were also sources of information and knowledge, contributing to participants' "journeys of self-acceptance." Conclusion: Even in an urban environment in a country with ready access to healthcare and education, HIV-related stigma remains a concern for people living with HIV.

The influence of teachers’ statistics knowledge on the academic performance of high school students in math lessons

Statistics and probability is one branch of mathematics with numerous conceivable outcomes and problem-solving circumstances that require a basic problem-solving aptitude. The purpose of this study is to determine the need for high school mathematics teachers to teach statistics and probability, which would serve as a basis for improving the level of teaching statistics and mathematics in general. A descriptive research method was applied in this study, and a two-part survey was employed as the primary method of data collection. A total of 34 secondary school mathematics teachers from 23 private and public secondary schools in Kazakhstan acted as respondents to answer a specially designed questionnaire. The mean value, percentage of frequency, standard deviations, correlation, regression, percentage of correct answers and average percentage scores were used. Based on the responses, the respondents have a low level of knowledge regarding the content of statistics, but their students have satisfactory results in statistics and mathematics. The results of this study will give scientists an idea of how to improve the level of training of mathematics teachers. In addition, since higher educational institutions are engaged in the training of mathematics teachers, they need to think about the methodology of teaching statistics, as well as teacher training institutes, to adapt courses and seminars for teachers.

Health education to promote knowledge about sickle cell disease and newborn screening in pregnant women: a community-based pilot study using the healthy beginning initiative

BackgroundPregnancy presents a critical period for any maternal and child health intervention that may impact the health of the newborn. With low antenatal care attendance by pregnant women in health facilities in Nigeria, community-based programs could enable increased reach for health education about sickle cell disease (SCD) and newborn screening (NBS) among pregnant women. This pilot study aimed to assess the effect of education on the knowledge about SCD and NBS among pregnant women using the Healthy Beginning Initiative, a community-based framework.MethodsA pre-post study design was used to evaluate knowledge of SCD and NBS in a convenience sample of 89 consenting pregnant women from three communities. Participants were given surveys prior to and following completion of a health education session. McNemar’s test was used to compare the proportion of participants with correct responses. The level of significance was taken as p < 0.05.ResultsCompared to pre-test values, post-test values showed that participants understood that SCD is hereditary (93.3% vs. 69.7%), both parents must have at least one gene for someone to have SCD (98.9% vs. 77.5) and blood test is the right way to know if one has SCD (98.8% vs. 78.7%). Also, a large proportion of participants (post-test ~ 89.9%; compared to pre-test ~ 23.6%) understood that the chance of conceiving a child with SCD was 25% for a couple with the sickle cell trait (SCT). Knowledge of the possibility of diagnosing SCD shortly after birth was highly increased in the post test phase of the study when compared to the pre-test phase (93.3% vs. 43.9%, respectively). Concerning the overall knowledge scores, those with high level of knowledge significantly increase from 12.6% pretest to 87.4% posttest (p = 0.015).ConclusionThe health education intervention was associated with significant improvement on almost all measures of SCD knowledge. Focused health education for pregnant women using community structures can improve knowledge of SCD and NBS.

Development of two questionnaires for the assessment of knowledge and self-management in patients with chronic-obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

As with other chronic diseases, the course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be expected to be positively influenced if patients are well informed about their disease and undertake appropriate self-management. Assessments of the level of knowledge and management that are comparable should benefit from structured, systematically developed questionnaires. These, however, have not been published in Germany. A total of 310 patients with COPD were recruited from three pneumological practices and one hospital to develop the questionnaires. Based on statistical criteria and content assessments by medical specialists, two questionnaires on knowledge (17 questions) and self-management (25 questions) were developed by selecting and modifying questions from published studies and training programs. In addition, two short versions with 5 and 3 questions were created to enable a quick assessment of the patients' knowledge and self-management. All questionnaires also included a visual analogue scale for self-assessment of knowledge and self-management. The statistical procedures for systematically guided selection comprised correlation and regression analyses. The questionnaires revealed considerable knowledge deficits in many patients and remarkably unsystematic, incoherent knowledge. The extent of this knowledge was negatively correlated with higher age and positively correlated with participation in training programs; this also applied to self-management. Correlations between the answers to the knowledge questions were higher in patients who had participated in training programs. The visual analogue scales for self-assessment of knowledge and management always correlated with the total number of correct answers. The questionnaires on knowledge and self-management in patients with COPD could be used in outpatient settings, including by non-medical staff, in order to quickly identify and correct deficits or as a reason to recommend training programs. The short versions and the analogue scales for self-assessment can give at least first hints. Potentially, training programs should focus more on promoting the coherence of knowledge through better understanding, as this presumably favors long-term knowledge. Older patients and those with a low level of education appear to be particularly in need of specially adapted training programs.

Secondary Stage Science Teachers’ Perceptions toward STEM Education in Saudi Arabia

Many Saudi students lack the motivation to pursue STEM careers due to their teachers’ limited experience and low efficacy in teaching science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Teachers’ perceptions are central to efficient STEM education; however, little is known about the perceptions of teachers toward STEM education in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study attempted to identify the perceptions of secondary stage science teachers toward STEM education and their knowledge about the requirements for its implementation. The study also investigated whether there were statistically significant differences that could be attributed to teachers’ qualifications, years of experience, and specialization variables. A questionnaire was applied to 175 in-service science teachers. The results showed that the secondary stage science teachers had a medium level of positive perceptions toward STEM education and a high level of knowledge about the requirements for its implementation. It was also revealed that there were statistically significant differences in teachers’ perceptions due to their qualifications and years of experience, in favor of teachers with graduate degrees and with more years of experience, while there were no statistically significant differences due to teachers’ specialization. Based on the findings of this study, a number of recommendations on improving science teachers’ knowledge of STEM education and the requirements for its implementation are provided.

Energy drinks in Tamale: Understanding youth perceptions, consumption patterns, and related factors.

Energy drinks (EDs) have become a popular choice for young people seeking physical and cognitive boosts, with ingredients such as caffeine, taurine, and B vitamins aimed at improving academic, athletic, and alertness levels. However, the popularity of these drinks is also driven by low prices, taste, brand loyalty, and gendered marketing, with boys being more likely to consume them. Despite the supposed benefits, EDs have been associated with high-risk behaviours, deaths, and adverse health effects, especially those related to cardiovascular risk. Meanwhile, in Ghana, the use of EDs is on the rise. Hence, this study aimed to examine the prevalence and consumption patterns, perceptions, and factors associated with ED consumption among the youth of the Tamale Metropolis. The study was cross-sectional, consisting of 541 participants. The group consisted of 340 males and 201 females, between the ages of 15 and 45. A questionnaire was utilized to obtain data on the respondents' consumption patterns and perceptions of EDs, as well as their socio-demographic characteristics. The results of the study indicated that a large percentage of the respondents, 98.7%, had consumed EDs before, while 78.7% currently consume them. Respondents believed that EDs provided additional energy (81.00%) and reduced stress (62.30%). However, they also perceived side effects such as insomnia (60.60%) and restlessness (51.40%). Also, the highest proportion of respondents (83.4%) had poor knowledge of EDs. They were unaware of the classification of EDs and their ingredients, side effects, and benefits. Age, marital status, level of education, work intensity, EDs served at gatherings, and knowledge of EDs was significantly associated with ED consumption (p < .05). Consumption was higher among those aged 26 to 35 years, singles, individuals with no formal education, and those with high work intensity. The high consumption was also associated with low knowledge levels. It is recommended that public health and nutrition professionals engage in further advocacy efforts to improve the youth's knowledge and perception of EDs in a positive manner. In addition, lawmakers should use legislation to influence consumption rates and safeguard the health of consumers.

Assessing the preparedness and future-readiness of Malaysian community pharmacists in Klang Valley regarding the use of medical marijuana

BackgroundThis study investigated community pharmacists' level of knowledge and attitude towards medical marijuana and its association with sociodemographic characteristics.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from 21 February 2022 to 15 November 2022. Community pharmacists working in Klang Valley were given a self-administered questionnaire. This survey instrument facilitated the collection of information about their sociodemographic attributes, training background, and knowledge and attitude concerning medical marijuana. Through rigorous analysis of the accumulated data, discernible factors correlating with the levels of knowledge and attitudes surrounding medical marijuana were identified.ResultsThe majority (n=149, 53.8%) of participants had low knowledge of medical marijuana. Participants with lower knowledge of medical marijuana tend to have a negative attitude toward medical marijuana. Besides that, male participants showed higher knowledge of medical marijuana than female participants. Furthermore, it was found that atheists had the most negative attitude among other religions toward medical marijuana.ConclusionMost community pharmacists in Malaysia lack sufficient knowledge about medical marijuana. This indicates that Malaysian pharmacists are not future-ready and need to equip themselves with adequate knowledge of the indications and adverse effects of medical marijuana if it is to be legalised one day. Thus, there is a need for improved training and education of pharmacists around cannabis-based medicines.

The effectiveness of pharmacist-led educational model in adult patients with allergic rhinitis: a single-center randomized control trial protocol (AR-PRISE RCT)

BackgroundAllergic rhinitis is a chronic respiratory disorder that significantly impacts patients’ quality of life (QoL) and work performance. Pharmacists are recognized as suitable professionals to provide patient education and pharmaceutical care for managing allergic rhinitis patients. However, local clinical practice guidelines, particularly regarding pharmaceutical care in public healthcare institutions, are lacking. This study protocol outlines a randomized controlled trial (RCT) designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a pharmacist-led educational model (AR-PRISE Model) in managing allergic rhinitis in adult patients compared to standard pharmaceutical care. The AR-PRISE model delivers patient educational material and a pharmaceutical care algorithm.MethodThis is a 6-month, single-center, prospective, randomized, two-arm, and parallel-group controlled trial. The trial recruits patients attending the otorhinolaryngology clinics of a tertiary referral hospital. Participants are randomized into control or intervention groups in a 1:1 ratio using permuted block randomization. The total number of participants estimated is 154, with each group requiring 77 participants. The control group receives standard pharmaceutical care, while the intervention group receives pharmacist-led education according to the AR-PRISE model. Both groups are assessed for middle turbinate endoscopy findings, disease severity, knowledge level, symptom control, medication adherence, and QoL at baseline and the end-of-study follow-up (day 180 ± 7). Depending on feasibility, intermediate follow-ups are conducted on days 60 ± 7 and 120 ± 7, either virtually or face-to-face. During intermediate follow-ups, participants are assessed for symptom control, medication adherence, and QoL. The intention-to-treat analysis includes all participants assigned to each group. An independent T-test compares the mean difference in knowledge level between the two groups. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA analysis is employed to determine between-group differences for scores of symptom control, adherence rate, and QoL. A P-value < 0.05 is considered statistically significant.DiscussionThis study protocol will provide a framework for conducting a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effectiveness of pharmacist-led education intervention in managing allergic rhinitis within public healthcare settings. The parameters measured in this trial will quantify outcomes associated with improvements in symptoms and QoL. By systematically assessing these outcomes, we aim to contribute valuable insights into the role of pharmacist-led interventions in enhancing the management of allergic rhinitis in public healthcare settings.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT06027736. Registered on 9 July 2023—retrospectively registered.

Knowledge levels of doctors and nurses working in surgical clinics about nutrients and food supplements, a multicentre descriptive study

PurposeThe use of nutrients and food supplements is increasing worldwide. Nutrients and food supplements frequently used in the surgical period may cause complications and side effects. This study was conducted to determine the level of knowledge about sixty-one nutrients and food supplements among doctors and nurses working in surgical clinics.DesignA multicentre descriptive, quantitative, cross-sectional study.MethodsThe study was conducted between 15 February and 31 May 2022 with a total of 410 participants, including 143 doctors and 267 nurses, working in the surgical clinics of 8 hospitals, including public, university and private hospitals, within the borders of one province in Turkey. Data were collected face-to-face using a questionnaire developed by the researchers, which included descriptive characteristics of the doctors and nurses and questions about sixty-one nutrients and food supplements.ResultsThe median overall success score of the doctors and nurses participating in the study regarding the use of nutrients and food supplements was 3.20 out of 100 points, the median success score of complications and side effects of nutrients and food supplements in the surgical period was 7.06 out of 33 points, the median success score for discontinuation of nutrients and food supplements prior to surgery was 0.21 out of 16 points, and the median success score for drug interactions of nutrients and food supplements was 1.70 out of 51 points. In addition, it was found that the overall success scores of doctors and nurses regarding nutrients and food supplements increased statistically significantly with increasing age and working years. The total success score of doctors and nurses who received training in nutrients and food supplements was statistically significantly higher than that of doctors and nurses who did not receive training.ConclusionIn conclusion, it was found that the level of knowledge of nutrients and food supplements among doctors and nurses working in surgical clinics was less than half or even close to zero. Therefore, it is recommended that training on nutrients and food supplements should be included in the undergraduate and postgraduate education of doctors and nurses in order to prevent complications, side effects, drug interactions and patient safety related to the use of nutrients and food supplements in the surgical period.

Agro-Investments among Small Farm Business Entrepreneurs in the Era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution: A Case in the Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

Agro-investment in the fourth industrial revolution will be an imperative driving factor and a sacrosanct enabler for small farm business entrepreneurs to participate holistically in the agricultural economic value chain. Investing in advanced technology and entrepreneurship has the potential to promote business modernization and improve the productivity and profitability of farm businesses. This study assessed agro-investments in small farm business entrepreneurs in the era of the fourth industrial revolution in Mpumalanga province, South Africa. The study objectives were precisely to determine the perception of small farm business entrepreneurs on agro-investment and examine the impact of agro-investment for small farm business entrepreneurs in the fourth industrial revolution. The questionnaire used in this study employed structured and semi-structured questions for data collection, and an aggregate of 235 participants were randomly selected. The results on perception indicate that small farm business entrepreneurs mostly perceive agro-investment in the fourth industrial revolution as not suitable for small farm business conditions; this may be attributed to modern agricultural implements being predominantly manufactured in accordance with commercial sector specifications. The results from the binary logistic regression analysis on the perception of small farm business entrepreneurs in the fourth industrial revolution revealed that gender (P-value = 0.031), level of education (P-value = 0.04), farm size (P-value = 0.048), farming skills and knowledge (P-value = 0.027), farm productivity (P-value = 0.059) and investment opportunities (P-value = 0.057) were significant and influence the perception of small farm business entrepreneurs. The mean and standard deviation were used to assess the degree of severity of impact. From the results, sources of investment, technology, market participation, economic benefits, and government interventions were discovered to be impactful on agro-investment for small farm business entrepreneurs. The key contributions of agro-investments among small farm business entrepreneurs in the technological era embody catalyzed rural development, a diversified inclusive rural economy, and competitive participation in the agricultural food value chain. Another crucial contribution of the study is unlocking and accentuating the potential and opportunities that investors, technology designers, and manufacturers can exploit in small farm business agro-investments. This paper identifies and recommends that the South African government ought to create enabling environments for agricultural investment activities to thrive, especially among small farm business entrepreneurs, thereby providing grant funding and training, and enabling public-private stakeholder linkages.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice of fixed-dose combinations amongst attending physicians and residents: a cross-sectional evaluation.

Fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) were brought into the market with the intent of providing benefits primarily to patients and physicians. Nevertheless, despite their multiple advantages, they have their own set of drawbacks, especially regarding irrational FDCs. If physicians continue to prescribe them, prohibiting their sale would become all the more challenging. This cross-sectional survey study was planned to comprehend the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of physicians regarding such FDCs at a tertiary care teaching institute of western Uttar Pradesh, India. A pre-validated questionnaire was communicated electronically to all the attending physicians. For data analysis, descriptive statistics were applied and a χ2 test was performed for inter-group comparison. Amongst the 108 respondents, participation was almost comparable from both medical and surgical branches, with most participants being junior residents (58%). Even with sound knowledge of FDCs, only 46.30% of them were aware of banned FDCs. Similarly, only 6.48% could correctly identify the disadvantages associated with the use of FDCs, and 33.18% could correctly recognize irrational FDCs. This finding was consistently reflected in their attitude and practice and only 15.74% of respondents cross-referenced FDCs with the available literature. Furthermore, despite 88.89% of respondents checking for rationality of FDCs before prescribing them, a compendium of irrational FDCs is routinely prescribed. To amend these shortcomings in prescribing of irrational FDCs, some recommendations are proposed by the authors herein.

Post-COVID-19 assessment of the use of Open Educational Resources at five European Library and Information Science higher education institutions

This article presents an analysis of the impact of Open Educational Resources (OER) during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as their potential use in the post-pandemic, in Library and Information Science (LIS) higher education institutions. The research explored how OER were used and created, what were the main barriers and drivers in practice and some main lessons learned that can help to improve the quality and increase the use of OER beyond times of crisis. The research was based on fieldwork carried out in the LIS departments of the universities of Barcelona (Spain), Hildesheim (Germany), Osijek and Zagreb (Croatia) and the University of Library Studies and Information Technologies in Sofia (Bulgaria). The methodology approach was qualitative and was based on interviews with faculty and focus groups with students. Results show that faculty members were still hesitant to adopt OER since they generally did not consider them. Moreover, those who did use them did so on their own initiative and as additional resources. We discuss the different speeds of OER implementation that have been observed depending on the faculty’s prior level of knowledge, and on whether their institutions and countries are prepared to support the use of OER. The promotion of post-pandemic OER involves greater capacity building, as well as collaboration and institutional support. Students’ attitudes about the usefulness of OER focus on their availability. The large number of teachers and students who participated in the study, as well as the international scope of the study, constitute a strength in the treatment of a topic such as the use of OER where the user perspectives and LIS context have been little addressed in the literature.

ADVANCED LEARNING AS AN IMPLICIT MODEL OF CONTINUOUS EDUCATION

By modeling and analyzing the levels of knowledge of students in school disciplines, the great didactic significance of more general and universal ideas in the process of forming students’ thinking during learning has been revealed. Presenting particularly important aspects of the process of generalization of students' knowledge and existing interpretations of one model of advanced learning, ways to implement the ideas of continuous education within the framework of fundamentalization and strengthening of the methodological approach of the educational process are identified. The application of the presented model of advanced learning allows to generalize fundamental ideas, universal concepts and methods, which are the basis for the formation of thinking in the following discipline by using general logical methods of scientific knowledge (analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, modeling, analogues, etc.). The subject of the study is to reveal the fundamental possibilities of advanced learning in the process of implicit transfer of students' knowledge. The purpose of the article is to substantiate the development and implementation of an advanced learning model aimed at improving the quality of learning in the context of continuous education, based on the implicit transfer of student knowledge. It is shown that in advanced learning, the objects of advance are such fundamental ideas, concepts, and methodological approaches which in their essence are core for the process of knowledge transfer. Consistent application of advanced learning is an effective tool for generalizing students' knowledge which contributes to the formation of students' thinking. As a result, the concept of “Advanced learning as an implicit model of continuous education” was has been put forward.

Perspectives on the use of Virtual Reality within a public hospital setting: surveying knowledge, attitudes, and perceived utility among health care professionals

BackgroundVirtual reality (VR) is a burgeoning technology within healthcare, though routine implementation of VR within hospital settings remains limited. Health professionals are key stakeholders in knowledge translation, though limited research has explored their knowledge and attitudes towards using VR for different purposes within healthcare. This study aimed to scope health professionals’ knowledge of, and attitudes towards, the use of VR applications in a public hospital setting.MethodsA cross-sectional survey of multidisciplinary health professionals (medical, nursing, allied health professionals) was conducted in a major metropolitan public hospital in Australia. The custom survey was comprised of 28 mixed categorical and free-text fields designed to scope levels of knowledge, prior experience, and interest in VR; the perceived utility of VR within a hospital context; and perceived barriers and enablers of VR use within the hospital setting. Data were analyzed via descriptive and non-parametric statistics.ResultsOne hundred and thirty-seven health professionals participated (38% allied health, 37% nursing, 24% medical). The majority had no prior exposure to VR in clinical (95%) or recreational (67%) settings; and only 16% were aware of any clinical research evidence for VR. Despite limited awareness, participants expressed support for VR use in hospitals. 99% reported VR had potential utility in healthcare, most commonly for clinical simulations (81%), clinical education (80%) and as a physical therapy tool (68%). Participants identified multiple barriers to VR implementation most commonly relating to perceived cost, lack of required infrastructure, time, knowledge and technical skill. Prominent enablers related to increasing capability at provider and system levels. Participants’ familiarity with VR was associated with stronger support for its’ use (Rho = 0.4, p < 0.001).ConclusionsHealth professionals in the hospital workforce reported limited knowledge and familiarity with VR; yet they perceived VR had broad utility and expressed overall support for different VR applications within hospitals. Health professionals appear interested in VR though face multiple barriers to its use in a hospital context. Increasing capability among multidisciplinary health providers and the wider hospital system appear to be important considerations for the success of future VR implementation in public hospitals.

Evaluation of Knowledge Levels of Undergraduate and Postgraduate Dentists Concerning Anatomical Landmarks on Panoramic Radiography

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge level of dental students and newly graduated dentists concerning anatomical landmarks identified on panoramic radiographs. Methods: This study was conducted as a web-based survey. Students continuing their education in the 4th and 5th grades of dentistry faculties and dentists who graduated within the last one year were included in our study. The answers given to the anatomical points on the panoramic radiograph were recorded as "true" and "false". SPSS was used to analyse the data. The data obtained were analysed by Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and Mann-Whitney U Test. p&lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: 300 people participated of which 59.6% of the participants were female and 40.4% were male. The answers given to a total of 18 anatomical point questions did not show a significant difference according to gender (p=0.469). There was no question that all participants answered correctly. The highest correct answer rate was found for the anatomical point 'Mental foramen' with 289 (96.3%) participants. The lowest correct answer rate was found for the anatomical point 'Soft palate' with 48 (16%) participants. According to educational status, 5th grade students were the group with statistically significantly lower correct answers (p=0.017) Conclusions: These results indicate that training approaches should be developed for anatomical landmarks with lower correct response rates. Dentists working on a complicated structure should have a good command of this anatomy, and for this purpose, efforts should be made during the teaching program on anatomical structures that are difficult to identify and keep their knowledge up to date.