Group Leaders Research Articles

Empowering young people-the impact of camp experiences on personal resources, well-being, and community building.

Personal resources and resources of the sociocultural environment help children and adolescents to successfully cope with challenges in everyday life, which is associated with better individual well-being. SCOUT, the 'Study on Competence development in OUT-of-school settings', investigated whether participation in a summer camp enhanced adolescents' personal resources, well-being, and readiness to contribute to the community. The research took place during the Swiss National Jamboree of the Swiss Guide and Scout Movement, a two-week event in the summer of 2022, with a paper-pencil pretest (beginning of the camp - T1) and posttest (end of the camp - T2) survey (N = 607, aged 14-17). Confirmatory factor analyses were used to examine whether personal resources, well-being, and readiness to contribute to the community changed over time, and structural equation models were applied to test the direct and indirect effects of caring support from group leaders on the development of these variables. In less than two weeks, camp participants demonstrated increased empathy, emotional self-control, optimism, and assertiveness. Furthermore, the adolescents reported more positive emotions, higher self-esteem, and stronger readiness to contribute to the community. Group leaders played a crucial role by influencing the positive development of well-being and readiness to contribute to the community both directly and indirectly through the promotion of personal resources. The findings indicate that young people benefit not only from participating in collaborative activities in a stimulating environment, but also from caring support provided by their group leaders.

Fidelity-consistency and deliberateness of modifications in parenting programs

BackgroundEvidence-based interventions (EBIs) are frequently modified in practice. It is recommended that decisions to modify EBIs should be made deliberately to ensure fidelity-consistency, yet the relationship between fidelity-consistency and deliberateness is not well understood. This study aims to explore modifications in a sample of practitioners delivering evidence-based parenting programs (i.e., interventions to strengthen parent–child relationships, reduce harmful interactions, and improve child health and well-being). The study investigated three research questions: (1) What kind of modifications are made during the delivery of parenting programs? (2) To what degree are the identified modifications consistent with the core functions of each program? and (3) Is deliberateness associated with the fidelity-consistency of the identified modifications?MethodsIn total, 28 group leaders of five widely disseminated parenting programs in Sweden participated in five focus groups, and two participants from each group also participated in individual interviews (n = 10). A content analysis approach was used where the identification of modifications was directed by the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Enhanced (FRAME) and then assessed for fidelity-consistency and four levels of deliberateness (universal, situational, conditional, and unintentional). Chi-square tests were performed to compare consistent and inconsistent modifications, and logistic regression was performed to explore whether deliberateness predicted consistency.ResultsA total of 137 content modifications were identified, covering most of the content modification categories in FRAME. The most common were tailoring/tweaking/refining, adding elements, shortening/condensing, lengthening/extending, and integrating another treatment. Modifications were mostly fidelity-consistent but consistency varied greatly among categories. Furthermore, modifications made unintentionally or situationally were more likely to be fidelity-inconsistent.ConclusionsThese results indicate that explicit consideration of modifications and their impact could be essential for sustaining the fidelity-consistent use of EBIs, even as such interventions are continuously modified.

Effects of Different Leadership Styles on Cognitive Engagement in Online Collaborative Learning

The collaborative learning approach as a universal teaching strategy is widely used in online learning. It is proven that the group leader has an important impact on group collaborative knowledge construction in online collaborative learning (OCL). However, limited research is available on how leadership styles influence a group universal teaching strategy is widely used in online learning this study, the authors adopted lag sequential analysis, epistemic network analysis, and social network analysis to explore the influence of divergent and convergent leadership styles on cognitive engagement in OCL groups. Compared with convergent leadership, divergent leadership strengthened online collaborative cognitive engagement through significant organizer and manager roles, triggered high-quality cognitive behavior transformation within the group, and promoted the balanced development of learners' cognitive structure.

Intergenerational Food Insecurity, Underlying Factors, and Opportunities for Intervention in Momostenango, Guatemala.

Achieving sustainable food security in Guatemala, where nearly half the population is food insecure and 50% of children face chronic malnutrition, is challenging. This mixed-methods study aimed to identify the impacts of climate change on food production, community food security, and household food security. Twelve agricultural group leaders in six communities were interviewed using semi-structured guides. Key informant interview themes included subsistence agriculture, commercial production, challenges related to climate, capital, market, and capacity, as well as sustainable opportunities. Fifty-five mothers from 13 distinct communities around Momostenango were surveyed and interviewed. A significant finding is that 85% of households were food insecure, with 93% relying on agriculture. Food-secure families mostly worked on their own or leased land, whereas food-insecure ones combined farming with day labor. In times of food scarcity, strategies such as altering food consumption and reducing expenses were common. Severely food-insecure families were significantly more likely to reduce portion sizes (72%), whereas food-secure families typically resorted to less preferred foods. Overall, food insecurity was notably linked to larger families, older mothers with limited education, and reliance on agricultural day labor. Food insecurity is a long-term issue in rural areas, deeply rooted in structural socioeconomic constraints, and recurring across generations.

The people behind the papers - Fay Cooper and Anestis Tsakiridis.

Neuromesodermal progenitor (NMPs) give rise to neural and mesodermal tissues during axis elongation. In their study, Fay Cooper, Anestis Tsakiridis and colleagues reveal the role of Notch signalling in NMP differentiation and its role in Hox gene expression. To learn more about their work, we spoke to first and co-corresponding author, Fay Cooper, and to co-corresponding author Anestis Tsakiridis, Group Leader at the University of Sheffield, UK.

Community-based Advocacy Communication Social Mobilization (ACSM) intervention by empowering key community leaders: Evaluation using the RE-AIM framework.

Based on the theme of World Tuberculosis (TB) Day 2018-"Wanted Leaders for TB free world," various studies and country-level project have witnessed how training leaders on TB has helped enhance TB awareness in the community. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Advocacy Communication and Social Mobilization (ACSM) intervention strategy through key community leaders, using Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework. This study was undertaken by the Department of Community Medicine, Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical College and Hospital (SMVMCH), Puducherry, in the field practice area of Primary Health Centre (PHC), Thirubuvanai. The STOP TB, ENGAGE-TB, and National TB Elimination Program (NTEP) guidelines were used for interventions. Key community leaders (KCL) list (N = 117) was obtained from Mannadipet commune panchayat and PHC. The study was conducted in four phases: phase 1 (baseline): quantitative data: proportion of presumptive TB cases from notification register; phase 2 (intervention): training program for staff nurses, auxiliary nurse midwife (ANM), Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA), and Anganwadi workers (group activity), participatory rural appraisal (PRA) activity for self-help group (SHG) leaders, and health education session for religious leaders and ex-panchayat leaders; phase 3: strengthening of ongoing activity: health education session and active case finding for TB; and phase 4: end line: outcome of the intervention, evaluated using the RE-AIM framework. As an outcome of the intervention, there was a marginal increase (21 cases) in the proportion of presumptive TB cases when comparing before (2018) and after (2019) intervention. The proportion of presumptive TB cases identified and referred by KCL was 312. A total of 77 presumptive TB cases were identified through community-based active case finding (ACF). Two sputum samples (on the spot early morning) were collected and sent for Cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification testing (CBNAAT), of which three cases were positive. This study was community led and involved leaders from diverse backgrounds, optimizing the chance of success. For sustainability, we have initiated TB support group.

Webcam-Based Bus Passenger Detection System Using Single Shot Detector Method

Buses are one of the most widely chosen transportation methods to support the mobility of the Indonesian people. Mobility that is often found in addition to public transportation, is also often found in the mobility of tourism tour activities for a travel group. The number of tourist destinations to which passengers go up and down makes the assistant bus driver or group leader work hard to ensure that the number of passengers boarding the bus matches the number of groups. It often takes a long time to ensure the accuracy of the number of passengers before departure to the next destination. This conventional method results in the delay of the tourism tour schedule. In this research, the author designs a webcam-based bus passenger face detection system using the Single Shot Detector (SSD) method that can provide real-time information to bus drivers, assistant bus drivers or group leaders. The results obtained by the system obtained an achievement of 95% of the total system creation along with testing the detection of bus passenger faces in actual conditions resulted in an average accuracy of 77.5%.

Transitions in development - an interview with Peng Du.

Peng Du is Associate Professor at Peking University College of Life Sciences, where he started his own lab in 2018. Peng's research focusses on post-transcriptional RNA regulatory pathways in early mammalian embryonic development and disease. We spoke to Peng over Zoom to find out more about his career path, his transition from plant to mammalian research and his experience becoming a group leader.

심리적으로 소진된 중등교사의 생활지도 역량 향상을 위한 집단상담 프로그램 개발

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a group counseling program to improve competencies of
 guidance for psychologically burnt-out secondary school teachers and verify the effect of the program
 through its implementation.
 Methods: The research participants were twenty teachers selected from 310 secondary school teachers
 who had answered a Teacher Burnout Inventory(TBI). The participants were those with results of
 a T-score higher than 55 on the “psychological burnout” scale combined with a T-score higher than
 55 on either the “sense of incompetency” scale or the “frustration” scale. They were divided into
 two groups: ten teachers in the experimental group and the other ten in the control group. After
 implementing the program, the quantitative data were statistically processed using Mixed ANOVA
 and the qualitative data such as reflective reports written by the participants in each session and
 observations of the group leader were utilized as well.
 Results: First, the program has a significant effect on an improvement of the competencies of guidance
 of psychologically burnt-out secondary school teachers. Second, the participants responded positively
 to the program according to the reflective reports and observations of the group leader. Third, there
 was a significant difference between the change in the competency of student counseling, empathy
 for students and managing students’ behavior.
 Conclusion: The group counseling program developed in this study was shown to be effective in
 improving the competencies of guidance of psychologically burnt-out secondary school teachers.

Dissemination and implementation of an evidence-based voluntary medical male circumcision program: The Spear & Shield program.

Despite compelling evidence linking voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) with 60-70% HIV risk reduction in sub-Saharan Africa, Zambian men have been especially reluctant to undergo VMMC. The Government of Zambia set targets for VMMC uptake and promoted community-level interventions. Spear & Shield (S&S) is an innovative, evidence-based, service program promoting VMMC uptake while ensuring both VMMC supply and demand. This study assessed the large-scale provincial rollout of the program (S&S2) utilizing the RE-AIM model for translating interventions into the community. The S&S2 study was conducted between November 2015 and December 2020, and sequentially rolled out over four Zambian provinces in 96 clinics; 24 observation clinics received VMMC training only. Local clinic healthcare workers were trained to conduct the VMMC procedure and HIV counselors were trained to lead S&S group sessions. Using the RE-AIM model, primary outcomes were: Reach, the number, proportion, and representativeness of S&S attendees; Effectiveness, the impact of S&S2 on VMMC uptake; Adoption, the number, proportion, and representativeness of clinics implementing S&S2; Implementation, fidelity to the S&S intervention manual; and Maintenance, the extent to which S&S2 became an element of standard care within community clinics. Initially, n = 109 clinics were recruited; 96 were sustained and randomized for activation (Adoption). A total of 45,630 clinic patients (n = 23,236 men and n = 22,394 women) volunteered to attend the S&S sessions (Reach). The S&S2 program ran over 2,866 clinic-months (Implementation). Although the study did not target individual-level VMMCs, ~58,301 additional VMMCs were conducted at the clinic level (Effectiveness). Fidelity to the S&S intervention by group leaders ranged from 42%-95%. Sustainability of the program was operationalized as the number of CHCs initially activated that sustained the program. Intervention delivery ended, however, when study funding ceased (Maintenance). The S&S2 program successfully utilized the RE-AIM model to achieve study goals for implementation and dissemination in four Zambian provinces. Innovative VMMC programs such as S&S2 can improve the uptake of VMMC, one of the most effective strategies in the HIV prevention arsenal.

How Group Leaders Build Stable Community Buying Groups: A Perspective Based on the Differential Mode of Association

How Group Leaders Build Stable Community Buying Groups: A Perspective Based on the Differential Mode of Association

ECONOMIC AND LIVING CONDITIONS OF THE SELECTED SCHEDULED CASTE SHG’s WOMEN BENEFICIARY HOUSEHOLDS IN KURNOOL DISTRICT OF ANDHRA PRADESH

The economic empowerment of Women is very essential for the development of vulnerable section of the society particularly Scheduled Caste women. Present study analyzed the economic and living condition of SC women members of SHGs participated and expressed their views from three selected revenue divisions of the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. The study found that, majority of the around 90 percent of SC women occupation is agriculture in nature, while 30 percent of SC women are landless, and 55 percent are only marginal landholder. Similarly, majority of women are acquiring skills such as leadership skills, occupation skills and group management skills. The low income, poor health and inadequate marketing skills are major problems exposed by the SC women in the selection region. KEY WORDS: Economic Conditions, Living conditions, SC women, SHGs and Kurnool district.

Advancing Diversity in Microbiology: A 55-Year Retrospective Analysis.

Background For over 50 years, affirmative action helped advance equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in educational institutions in the United States (U.S.). However, the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision to end affirmative action in college admissions threatens the progress toward EDI. Objective This study aimed to assess the progress in promoting gender and racial diversity within the discipline of microbiology over a 55-year period. We sought to analyze the representation of women and minority groups in faculty ranks, tenure positions, and leadership to identify disparities and trends and determine who will likely be impacted most with the end of affirmative action. Materials and methods This longitudinal retrospective study utilized publicly available and non-identifiable Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) data on full-time microbiology faculty from 1967 to 2021. Faculty members were categorized based on academic ranks and tenure status, while gender and racial data were also considered. Results The analysis revealed a consistent dominance of white faculty, with over 60% representation across all academic ranks throughout the study period. The Asian and female faculty representation decreased in senior academic ranks. We observed a positive trend in the annual increase of women in faculty positions, academic ranks, chairs, and tenure positions. Furthermore, Asian faculty demonstrated the most robust surge in representation. However, disparities persisted for black, Hispanic, and Native American faculty members, reflecting broader challenges in their representation. Discussion Although efforts to enhance diversity within microbiology have yielded positive results, underrepresented minority groups still face obstacles in attaining leadership positions and senior academic ranks. The diminishing proportion of women at higher academic ranks raises concerns about potential attrition or lack of promotion opportunities. The end of affirmative action poses a risk of perpetuating this trend, leading to a decline in diversity among microbiology faculty.

Transitions in development - an interview with Berna Sozen.

Berna Sozen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Genetics at Yale University, USA. Berna's lab studies early mammalian development, metabolism, and maternal-fetal interactions using mouse and human embryos, as well as stem cell-derived embryo-like models. In 2022, Berna received the NIH Director's New Innovator Award. We spoke to Berna over Zoom to learn more about her journey to becoming a group leader and the importance of making science careers accessible.

Analisa Kelas Kemampuan Kelompok Tani Di Kabupaten Sijunjung Sumatera Barat

This study aims to assess and analyze the class ability of farmer groups in Sijunjung District, West Sumatra. The research was conducted for three months, from September to November 2022 in farmer groups from 4 sub-districts: Sijunjung sub-districts, IV Nagari sub-districts, Koto VII sub-districts, and Tanjung Gadang sub-districts. The population of this research was all farmer groups in Sijunjung District. Furthermore, samples were randomly selected using the Slovin formula, and 92 samples were assessed using a questionnaire/assessment guide. Then the score of each group was calculated and grouped into four classes of farmer group abilities. The determination of respondents was proportional to the class level of the farmer group, namely beginner, advanced, intermediate, and main classes. Analysis of farmer group ability class referad to the guideline of farmer group class ability (Regulatory chief BPPSDMP : 168/Per/SM.170/J/11/11), namely assessment in planning, organizing, carrying out activities, controlling and reporting, and developing farmer group leadership. The results of calculating scores are grouped into several ability classes, which are then used for developing strategies like coaching, escorting, and mentoring. There ware: 28 farmer groups (30.4%) which were beginner class, 57 groups (62%) of advanced class, and seven groups of farmers (7.6%) were middle class. Mean while, there were no farmer groups in the main class. Regarding planning activities obtained a total score of 38.57; organizing activities of 54.28; the ability to carry out activities 37.52; activity reporting of 5.22; and developing the leadership of 11.51. Among the five aspects, the reporting aspect was the lowest score

Farmers’ Knowledge and Perceptions in the Production of Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros) for Enhanced Food Security in Kenya

Local knowledge and perceptions regarding the value of edible insects among smallholder farmers are critical to introducing such enterprises and designing effective insect productivity-enhancing interventions. However, limited studies have been done in Kenya regarding insects as agricultural enterprises, specifically in the Kilifi region. A survey was carried out among 207 smallholder farmers of coconut palm in Kilifi North and South sub-counties to assess their knowledge and perceptions about Oryctes rhinoceros as a farm enterprise. The primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire triangulated by key informant interviews from the Department of Agriculture, Nuts and Oil Crop Directorate, and farmer group leaders. Descriptive statistics and a chi-square test were the major analyses. Results showed farmers had adequate knowledge and positive perceptions regarding the beetle and its useful larval stage, represented by the mean of 0.97 and 3.44, respectively. The age, education level, prior exposure to training on edible insect farming, religion, and years of coconut farming of the farmers are associated with the levels of knowledge and perceived values of the Oryctes rhinoceros farming. Considering the positive knowledge levels and perceptions among Kilifi farmers, rather than focusing on general awareness creation, there is a need to enhance the access to and use of agricultural training resources to learn the importance of agricultural innovations as a tool for food insecurity alleviation through intensive processes. The extension systems need to incorporate the concepts of edible insects. This will render an innovation sustainable and useful for economically disadvantaged people. Further studies should be done among livestock feed traders and even food and feed processors to enable effective commercialisation interventions

Loneliness: Adolescents’ perspectives on what causes it, and ways youth services can prevent it

Loneliness particularly affects adolescents and is linked to long-term health and social difficulties. Existing literature lacks clarity on young people’s perspectives around how loneliness develops and can be prevented. We examined young people’s views on ways youth services can prevent loneliness, and how this can be further informed by their perspectives of its causes. We spoke to fourteen adolescents living in England, with a diverse range of abilities and ethnicities,aged 10–18. Adolescents were identified by youth group leaders of a youth group they regularly attend to take part in interviews and focus groups. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted. Causes of loneliness includedpersonal experiences, inappropriate interpersonal skills, and society. Ways youth groups can prevent loneliness include promoting self-development, emotion regulation, and interpersonal skills. Our research illustrates young people’s perspectives, and we make practical recommendations which we hope services will implement to reduce the risk of loneliness in young people.

Professionally led support groups for people living with advanced or metastatic cancer: a systematic scoping review of effectiveness and factors critical to implementation success within real-world healthcare and community settings.

To examine the effectiveness of professionally led support groups for people with advanced or metastatic cancer, and identify factors critical to implementation success within real-world settings. Databases (MEDLINE; PsychINFO; CINAHL) and grey literature were searched for empirical publications and evaluations. Articles were screened for eligibility and data systematically extracted, charted and summarised using a modified scoping review methodology. Implementation factors were mapped using Proctor's implementation framework and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research 2.0. A total of 1691 publications were identified; 19 were eligible for inclusion (8 randomised controlled trials, 7 qualitative studies, 2 cohort studies, 2 mixed methods studies). Most (n=18) studies focused on tumour-specific support groups. Evidence supported professionally led support groups in reducing mood disturbances (n=5), distress (i.e. traumatic stress, depression) (n=4) and pain (n=2). Other benefits included social connectedness (n=6), addressing existential distress (n=5), information and knowledge (n=6), empowerment and sense of control (n=2), relationships with families (n=2) and communication with health professionals (n=2). Thirteen studies identified factors predicting successful adoption, implementation or sustainment, including acceptability (n=12; 63%), feasibility (n=6; 32%) and appropriateness (n=1; 5%). Key determinants of successful implementation included group leaders' skills/experience, mode of operation, travelling distance, group composition and membership and resourcing. Professionally led tumour-specific support groups demonstrate effectiveness in reducing mood disturbances, distress and pain among patients. Successful implementation hinges on factors such as leadership expertise, operational methods and resource allocation. Professionally led support groups may fill an important gap in supportive care for people with advanced or metastatic cancer.

The development of Innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems in cities: An institutional work approach

The innovation literature is growing rapidly, and a primary concern revolves around the contexts that foster and enhance innovation and entrepreneurial outcomes. Research on innovation environments still requires further development. This paper sheds light on fostering and developing innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems in cities from the institutional work perspective, emphasizing the need to institutionalize collaboration. The paper employs the case study method with a process data approach. The study took place in two Latin American cities, Porto Alegre and Florianópolis, within a cultural context characterized by a non-cooperative background. The findings are linked to the institutionalization of collaboration in the development of innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems, unfolding in three phases involving three groups of roles: leaders, supporters, and the community. The practices are associated with the leader's group in the first phase (Preparing for Collaboration). The second phase (Strengthening Collaboration) expands the practices and adjusts the focus to the supporter's group. Additionally, the third phase (Disseminating Collaboration) continues to broaden the scope and gains relevance for the community's group. Therefore, the evolution of the phases is connected to the expansion of the range of institutionalization practices and a focus on the most active roles. These results carry significant implications for the theory and practice of innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem emergence, offering insights into the phases and roles critical for fostering innovation environments. Furthermore, they can provide practical guidance for other cities or regions aiming to cultivate robust innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Effect of Hands-On Instructional Approach on Pupils’ Achievement and Retention in Cultural and Creative Arts

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a hands-on educational approach on pupils' achievement and retention in the Cultural and Creative Arts.
 
 Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework for this study is based on cognitive learning and experiential learning.
 
 Methodology: Study participants were primary five pupils in Oshimili South Local Government Area, Delta State. As part of this study, ten hands-on activities were used to engage primary five pupils in the learning process. Hands-on activities included magazine family puppets, musical glasses, painting to music, PVC sculptures, roll an activity, sound boxes, sound cans, sun shadow pictures, and swinging to music. Using a quasi-experimental design, two research questions and two hypotheses were developed and tested at a 0.05 level of significance. The study involved 100 primary five pupils from ten primary schools. Participants were divided into experimental and control groups (n=50). Culture and creative arts were taught through hands-on activities in the experimental group, but not to their counterparts in the control group. Despite this, after four weeks of experimentation, pretest and posttest data were collected from both groups. Data were collected using the Cultural and Creative Arts Achievement Test (CCAT) and the Cultural and Creative Arts Retention Test (CCRT). Participants were given the instruments directly by their respective group leaders. Based on the mean and standard deviation of the test scores, ANOVA was used to test the hypotheses.
 
 Findings: A significant effect of hands-on instruction on pupils' achievement and retention in cultural and creative arts was found. Based on the findings, the researchers recommended that pupils should be exposed to sophisticated hands-on materials to improve their achievement and retention in cultural and creative arts, and that teachers also be trained on how to use hands-on instructions in the classroom.
 
 Research, Practical & Social Implications: The study promotes active engagement and participation, which allows pupils to actively participate in the learning process. They gain a better understanding of the subject matter and retain more information. The hands-on approach promotes creativity and problem-solving skills. Pupils are encouraged to think critically, solve problems, and come up with innovative solutions through hands-on activities. As a result, their creative thinking skills are enhanced, and they are prepared for future challenges in the creative arts industry.
 
 Originality/Value: In the cultural and creative arts domain, hands-on instructional methods offer originality and uniqueness. Pupils gain a deeper understanding of subjects through interactive and hands-on classroom experiences. Hands-on activities can assist teachers in creating a more engaging and effective learning environment, resulting in improved pupil performance and retention.