Likert Rating Scale Research Articles

Practice-Integrated Study Programs in Agriculture Sciences for A Better School to Work Transition in Albania and Kosovo: A Stakeholders Overview

The quality of study programs in higher education plays a crucial role in helping graduates transition from university to the labor market. There is a risk of losing qualified human resources in a knowledge-based society and economy if the education provided does not meet the needs of the labor market. This has led governments and higher education institutions in Albania and Kosovo to reconsider their academic offerings and study program curriculums to better integrate graduates into the labor market. This study examines how stakeholders, both private and public institutions, perceive the practical orientation of higher education study programs in agricultural sciences. A structured questionnaire with closed-ended questions using a Likert rating scale was used to analyze the views and expectations of employees in the public and private sectors about the practical skills that graduates in agricultural sciences should possess. The total number of analyzed questionnaires was 294. Employers in the labor market consider work-based placements, continuous training, and international training of students as "very important" to meet the demand for skills in the labor market. More than 91% of public institution executives stressed the importance of "practice" in reducing the practical skills gap for students, compared to 78% of private sector employees. The findings revealed that public employees are more aware than private sector employers that close cooperation between HEIs and work-life partners is crucial for producing a “university product” that meets future society's needs.

The Effect of Organic Fertilizer Type, Nutrient Composition, and Application Method on Tomato Plant Growth in Plantation Areas in the Cianjur Region of West Java

This study investigated the effect of organic fertilizer type, nutrient composition, and application method on tomato plant growth in the plantation areas of the Cianjur region, West Java. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with factorial arrangements was employed, and data were collected using Likert scale ratings from 110 tomato plants. The analysis revealed significant differences in plant growth among different organic fertilizer types, with biofertilizers exhibiting the highest mean growth score. Moreover, fertilizers with balanced nutrient compositions resulted in superior plant growth compared to those with imbalanced compositions. Additionally, foliar spraying emerged as the most effective application method, promoting higher plant growth compared to broadcasting and banding methods. These findings highlight the importance of considering organic fertilizer characteristics and application techniques in optimizing tomato plant growth in agricultural systems.

Enhancing Airway Management: A Comparative Study of Macintosh and TAS Scope in Difficult Intubations.

Intubation is essential in anesthesia for patient safety, requiring accurate techniques for difficult airways. Achieving first-attempt success is crucial. This study evaluates traditional laryngoscopes, such as the Macintosh, versus advanced tools like the TAS Scope. This observational study, conducted from April to August 2023 at Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, involved 60 patients aged 18-65. The two groups of Macintosh laryngoscope and TAS Scope 30 each are based on airway difficulty predictors and patient characteristics. The TAS Scope group had a higher first-attempt success rate and easier intubation experiences according to Likert scale ratings. The study underscores the benefits of using advanced devices like the TAS Scope for difficult airway management, showing higher success rates and ease of use. These findings support the adoption of new technologies to enhance patient safety and intubation effectiveness.

Wage Policy and Justice in Aotearoa New Zealand

We analysed the responses of 995 Year 13 students from across Aotearoa New Zealand regarding the payment of minimum and living wages. In analysing their Likert scale ratings and written responses, we found the majority of these young adults to be clearly in favour of the living wage being adopted universally. Their justifications for this stance centred around themes of survival, justice, wellbeing, economic balance and reciprocity. We assert that the voices of rangatahi have been missing in the consecutive government reviews of the minimum wage, and that listening to these voices will enhance policymaking in this area.

Using Informal Assessments in Project-Based Learning to Motivate Students to Speak Up: A Classroom Action Research Learned from ESP Courses

An assessment is a way of gathering and discussing data from various sources to gain an understanding of what a student knows, understands, and is able to do with their knowledge resulting from their education to improve their future learning. The purposes of this study were to see the motivation of students to learn the English project suggested in the ESP Course, Business Meetings Project, and also measured the student's success in language skills, especially oral communication skills.The study was conducted using an action research method where a questionnaire, students' achievements, and classroom activities were taken as the data. The questionnaire was scored using the Likert scale rating. Students will respond to this scale by rating the motivation factor on a scale. The researchers employed a pre- and post-test to determine how much the students' abilities had improved. The pre-test and post-test mean scores were compared and computed by the researcher using the T-test technique. The participants were 26 students from the Accounting Department of the State Polytechnic Of Malang. The outcome of this study was the successful implementation of the model. The T-test for the first project showed 62,30, the second project had 74,69, and the third project had 79,30.

775 A Unique Semirigid Silicone Neck Collar for Management of Hypertrophic Scars

Abstract Introduction In the realm of burn injuries, the use of rigid hard neck collars, or soft collars, is indispensable for optimizing neck positioning and scar management. However, when injuries encompass the head and neck, a critical challenge arises only one rigid orthosis can typically be worn one at a time. We are introducing a novel solution: a semirigid neck collar crafted from flexible silicone. This collar combines the benefits of semirigid support with the freedom of natural neck and allows jaw movement and may be worn with a rigid facemask. Furthermore, it can be customized to effectively manage hypertrophic scarring, making it a promising advancement in burn injury care. Methods Our semirigid neck collar is crafted with High Consistency Rubber (HCR) silicone. The HCR can be fabricated as a solid sheet or perforated. This HCR applies a gentle, consistent minimum pressure of 20mmHg as displayed by the Kikuhime pressure monitoring device while remaining pliable enough to accommodate natural neck movements and TMJ mobility. The material is mixed, pigment tinted, and rolled to achieve the desired thickness. Following this, the HCR silicone is heated and molded based on a 3D scan of the patient's neck and fit to the patient. A successful trial was conducted in a patient with severe facial and neck burns, resulting in improved neck ROM and hypertrophic scar progression. The resulting scar displayed improvement on the Vancouver Scar Scale yielded as reported on the Likert scale and the patient reporting increased compliance of the semirigid collar. Results In the trial involving a patient with severe neck and facial burns: 1. Improved Neck ROM, Eating, and Mandibular Movement: While using the semirigid silicone neck collar, the patient experienced improvements in neck ROM, eating comfort, and mandibular movement. The average Likert scale rating for these improvements was five out of five. 2. Decreased Scarring upon Vancouver Scar Scale displaying the difference between the initial and final VSS scores, indicating how much the scar improved. 3. Patient Preference: A preference for the semirigid silicone neck collar, upon rating it a perfect five on the Likert scale. The patient was able to wear it in combination with a hard TFO facial orthotic. Conclusions The semirigid silicone neck collar represents a move forward in the field of neck orthosis design, particularly concerning scar management. Its innovative blend of design elements, including flexibility, adaptability, and customizable features, holds great promise for individuals dealing with burn-related neck scarring. Applicability of Research to Practice This semirigid appliance offers increased comfort compared to traditional rigid collars and an option in the management of neck positioning and scar hypertrophy. Its flexible nature, including color-tinting, and cost-effective modification options make it a valuable tool for improving scar management outcomes neck for patients with neck and combined facial/neck scarring.

A survey of medical schoolaspirant perceptions of an unexpected lottery-facilitated admissions adaptation.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Undergraduate Medical Doctor (MD) Programme at McMaster University (Hamilton, Canada) was unable to run in-person medical school interviews in March 2020, prompting an alternate solution that maximised admission opportunities for Indigenous applicants, prioritised admission for those rated most highly in the interview determination process, and allocated subsequent offers via lottery. A short survey was administered to applicants who had been offered an admissions interview and were subsequently impacted by the admissions adaptations. The survey elicited perceptions of the adaptation through Likert scale ratings and free-text responses. Survey data were analysed via a sequential (quantitative to qualitative) mixed-methods design. 196 of 552 potential participants completed the survey. Across quantitative and qualitative analyses, respondents reported that the adaptation had a negative impact on their professional development and personal life. Ratings of negative perception were greater for those who did not receive an offer than for those who accepted or declined an offer. Free text responses emphasised considerable criticism for the lottery portion of the adaptation and displeasure that efforts made in constructing applications were less relevant than anticipated. The negative responses to this unexpected change highlight the profound upstream impact admission policies have on the preapplication behaviours of aspiring medical students. The outcomes support a refined understanding of the value candidates place on the interview in appraising their own suitability for a career as a physician.

Walking (and talking) the plank: dual-task performance costs in a virtual balance-threatening environment.

We evaluated the effects of engaging in extemporaneous speech in healthy young adults while they walked in a virtual environment meant to elicit low or high levels of mobility-related anxiety. We expected that mobility-related anxiety imposed by a simulated balance threat (i.e., virtual elevation) would impair walking behavior and lead to greater dual-task costs. Altogether, 15 adults (age = 25.6 ± 4.7 yrs, 7 women) walked at their self-selected speed within a VR environment that simulated a low (ground) and high elevation (15m) setting while speaking extemporaneously (dual-task) or not speaking (single-task). Likert-scale ratings of cognitive and somatic anxiety, confidence, and mental effort were evaluated and gait speed, step length, and step width, as well as the variability of each, was calculated for every trial. Silent speech pauses (> 150ms) were determined from audio recordings to infer the cognitive costs of extemporaneous speech planning at low and high virtual elevation. Results indicated thatthe presence of a balance threat and the inclusion of a concurrent speech task both perturbed gait kinematics, but the virtual height illusion led to increased anxiety and mental effort and a decrease in confidence. The extemporaneous speech pauses were longer on average when walking, but no effects of virtual elevation were reported. Trends toward interaction effects arose in self-reported responses, with participants reporting more comfort walking at virtual heights if they engaged in extemporaneous speech. Walking at virtual elevation and while talking mayhave independent and significant effects on gait; both effects were robust and did not support an interaction when combined (i.e., walking and talking at virtual heights). The nature of extemporaneous speech may have distracted participants from the detrimental effects of walking in anxiety-inducing settings.

Using Infographics as An Educational Technology Tool in EFL Writing: University of Baghdad Case Study

Infographics have the capability to organize and display information in a way that is easy for viewers to retrieve and make observations. While infographics have been successful in various fields, their potential benefits in composition writing have not been explored. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the perspectives of Iraqi EFL students who used infographics as an educational technology tool in composition writing, and to identify how gender influences students’ performance when using infographics in EFL writing classes. The significance of this study lies in its integration of infographics as an educational technology tool for teaching writing, aligning with the current trend of technology integration in education and meeting the demands of the 21st century. A pre-tests, post-tests, and questionnaires have been used to collect data. The questionnaire consisted of 28 close-ended items structured on a Likert rating scale, with responses ranging from Strongly Agree to Strongly Disagree. The responses were analyzed using Google Sheets and SPSS software for quantitative analysis. The conclusions indicate that a significant proportion of students consider using infographics to promote cooperative learning and teamwork. Furthermore, these results showed significant gender differences, with female students using infographics more frequently than male students. This demonstrates the substantial interest among women in utilizing technology in learning, highlighting the potential for investment in English language skills development and educational technology. Finally, it is recommended to incorporate infographics into teaching practices across disciplines to enhance students’ learning experiences and foster essential skills required in the 21st century.

Prostate diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in MR-guided radiotherapy: Reproducibility assessment on 1.5 T MR-Linac and 1.5 T MR-simulator

PurposeDiffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) holds promise for image-guided radiotherapy (MRgRT) in prostate cancer. However, challenges persist due to image distortion, artifacts, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) reproducibility issues. This study aimed to assess DWI image quality and ADC reproducibility on both a 1.5 T MR-simulator and a 1.5 T MR-Linac, employing measurements from both an ACR MRI phantom and prostate cancer patients undergoing MRgRT. MethodsDW-MRI scans were conducted on 19 patients (mean age = 69 ± 8 years, with 23 MR-visible intra-prostatic lesions) and an ACR MRI phantom using a 1.5 T MR-simulator (b-values = 0, 800, 1400s/mm2) and a 1.5 T MR-Linac (b-values = 50, 500, 800 s/mm2). ADC homogeneity in the phantom was evaluated via 1D profile flatness (FL) in three directions. Image quality was assessed through qualitative 5-point Likert scale ratings and quantitative ADC and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) measurements. Intra-observer reproducibility of image quality scores was evaluated using ICC(1, 2). Geometric distortion was measured by comparing landmark sizes on the ACR phantom against the ground truth. Mean ADC and reproducibility were assessed using Bland-Altman plots. ResultsBoth MR-simulator and MR-Linac demonstrated high ADC homogeneity (FL > 87.5% - MR-simulator: 97.23 ± 0.62%, MR-Linac: 94.75 ± 0.62%, p < 0.05) in the phantom. Image quality scores revealed acceptable ratings (≥3) for capsule demarcation, image artifacts, and geometric distortion in patients. However, intra-prostatic lesions were barely discernible in b800 images for both MR-simulator (average score = 2.37 ± 1.33) and MR-Linac (average score = 2.16 ± 1.28). While MR-Linac DWI scans exhibited significantly more severe geometric distortion than MR-simulator scans (p < 0.01), most phantom measurements fell within the image in-plane resolution of 3 mm. Significant differences were noted in MR-simulator ADC (CTV: 1.20 ± 0.14 × 10−3 mm2/s (MR-simulator) vs 1.06 ± 0.10 × 10–3 mm2/s (MR-Linac); GTV: 1.05 ± 0.21 × 10−3 mm2/s vs 0.91 ± 0.16 × 10 mm2/s, all p < 0.05), with a small non-zero bias observed in the Bland-Altman analysis (CTV: 12.3%; GTV: 14.5%). ConclusionThe significantly larger MR-simulator ADC and the small non-zero bias hint at potential systematic differences in ADC values acquired from an MR-simulator and an MR-Linac, both at 1.5 T. Although acceptable ADC homogeneity was noted, caution is warranted in interpreting MR-Linac DWI images due to occasional severe artifacts. Further studies are essential to validate DWI and ADC as reliable imaging markers in prostate cancer MRgRT.

Caregiver Perspectives on the Impact of Child Life Specialists during Pediatric Emergency Department Visits

OBJECTIVESTo describe and compare caregiver perceptions of their emergency department (ED) experiences with and without child life specialist (CLS) involvement in their child’s overall care. STUDY DESIGNA descriptive cross-sectional survey of caregivers of children 0-17 years at a tertiary care pediatric ED was completed from March to August 2021. Survey themes included perceived experience and satisfaction, and impact of child life specialists. RESULTSA total of 179 caregivers completed the survey; mean age was 38.9 years (SD 8.4), and 72.6% (122/179) were mothers. Caregivers of children with CLS involvement (CLS+) ranked their overall experience (p= 0.021) and satisfaction (p= 0.009) higher than without CLS involvement (CLS -). More CLS+ caregivers ranked their experience (57.6%, 34/61) and their satisfaction (79.7%, 47/61) as excellent (5/5 Likert scale rating), compared to CLS- caregivers (37.7%, 40/115 and 56.6%, 60/115 respectively). CLS+ families were more likely to be offered non-pharmacologic interventions (e.g., iPad, sensory lights, toys) (98.4% vs 31.3%, p=0.003); they were also more likely to have a healthcare worker explore their feelings and fears (52.5% vs 27.0%, p=0.0008), help them prepare for a procedure or exam (73.8% vs 31.3%, p<0.0001), provide distraction techniques (70.5% vs 19.1%, p<0.0001), offer strategies to help coping (47.5% vs 14.8%, p<0.0001), or provide play opportunities (55.7% vs 9.6%, p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONSCLS involvement in children’s ED care is associated with higher caregiver satisfaction and experience, beyond previously reported procedural distress management. Efforts to increase availability of CLSs should be made to better family experiences in the ED.

Towards an Inclusion Framework for Strategic Hiring

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have become a critical issue in today’s globalized and diverse workforce. The purpose of this study is to explore and analyze the best practices and implementation strategies of a strategic hiring approach that advances DEI in hiring, offering insights that can be applied across a range of industries and sectors, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and inclusive workforce. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the literature on DEI and strategic hiring practices, identify the key factors that facilitate the successful implementation of DEI practices in strategic hiring, as well as the common barriers that hinder success. The research instrument included semi-structured interviews, surveys with Likert scale ratings, and document analysis to gather qualitative and quantitative data. The sample consisted of HR managers, recruiters, and hiring managers from the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry, with a sample size of 25 participants selected through purposive sampling. The study incorporated an exploratory, descriptive, and interpretive research design to explore the best practices and implement strategies of strategic hiring for DEI. The results indicate that organizations can adopt strategies that promote DEI through strategic hiring. By identifying and highlighting these best practices, this study can help organizations create more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces, which can lead to numerous benefits for employees, customers, and society as a whole. Keywords: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Diverse Workforce, Inclusive Workplaces, Strategic Hiring, Implementation Strategies

Validation of Teacher Competency Questionnaire (TCQ) in Indian Context

Educators perform a cardinal part in the impartation of quality education. Teacher competence and itsenhancement has humongous significance in forming the new terrain of the twenty-first century whichdemands holistic development. The investigators have validated the Teacher Competence Questionnaire(TCQ) by Meicky Shoreamanis Panggabean and Karel Karsten Himawan (2016) in Indian context, which wasdeveloped to measure teacher competence. It follows a Likert-scale rating format with Student Assessmentsof Teachers (SETs) method. The tool has 42 items across five dimensions- Professional Knowledge (5 items),Professional Skills (17 items), Personal Characteristics (8 items), Personal Ethical Standards and Values (7items), and Professional Development and Lifelong Learning (5 items). Based on a sample of 350 seniorsecondary students (56% males; 44% females) across four districts in the state of West Bengal, India, analysiswas conducted through descriptive statistics such as Mean, Median and Test of normality, Kaiser-MeyerOlkin (KMO) Test, Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity (BTS), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Cronbach’sAlpha using AMOS v26 and SPSS v23. The empirical evidence determined an excellent fit of the retained 23items in final version with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.661, and can be utilized in the Indian contextto measure competence of the teacher.

A78 VALIDITY EVIDENCE FOR OBSERVATIONAL EUS COMPETENCY ASSESSMENT: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract Background Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) encompasses a range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures that require technical, cognitive, and non-technical skills. The implementation of competency-based frameworks in endoscopic education has emphasized trainee assessment based on predefined milestones, rather than procedure volume. Observational assessment tools with strong validity evidence are needed to achieve this goal. Aims To systematically identify and evaluate observational competency assessment tools employed in EUS using an established validity framework. The secondary aim is to evaluate the educational utility of assessment tools. Methods We searched three databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews) and the grey literature from inception to May 2023. Messick’s unified framework was used to evaluate validity evidence based on content, response process, internal structure, relations to other variables, and consequences. Each domain was scored from 0 to 3 with a maximum score of 15 points. Educational utility was evaluated using the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Standards considering ease of use, ease of interpretation, resources required, and educational impact. Study quality was assessed using the Medical Education Research Quality Instrument. Results Our search identified 2081 records. We screened 44 full texts and included 5 observational EUS assessment tools from 10 studies. All 5 tools are formative assessments, with 4 employed in clinical settings and one in a simulated setting. All tools use Likert rating scales and are rater-based, with 2 having additional self-assessment components. Validity evidence scores ranged from 3 to 13, with the EUS Assessment Tool (EUSAT), Global Assessment of Performance and Skills in EUS (GAPS-EUS), and The EUS and ERCP Skills Assessment Tool (TEESAT) scoring highest, with 10, 11, and 13 points, respectively. Overall educational utility was high across studies given ease of tool use. The TEESAT had the strongest educational impact considering its influence on credentialing and competence thresholds. Study quality was high overall, with scores ranging from 9.5 to 12 (maximum 13.5 points). Inter-rater agreement for validity evidence and educational utility scoring was substantial (k=0.73, raw agreement 80%) and almost perfect (k=0.92, raw agreement 96%), respectively. Conclusions The EUSAT, GAPS-EUS, and TEESAT demonstrate the strongest validity evidence for observational competency assessment of EUS and are easy to implement in educational settings. Future work should investigate barriers to implementation and evaluate utility of these tools for summative assessment. EUS Observational Competency Assessment Tool Validity Evidence Scores Funding Agencies None

Effect of Technological Innovations on Restaurant Sustainability in Nairobi County, Kenya

The hospitality industry, which is defined by social interaction and gathering, was seriously threatened by the coronavirus disease 2019. The pandemic exacerbated risk in several ways, putting sustainability as a critical objective at a crossroads. The management of restaurants needed to reorganise and innovate to survive and thrive during and after the pandemic. Technological innovations created opportunities to lower health hazards for guests and staff while maintaining operations in an unpredictable business environment. A review of the literature revealed a paucity of technological innovations and sustainability in restaurants in Nairobi County. The study sought to evaluate the effects of technological innovations and the sustainability of restaurants in Nairobi County, Kenya. Schumpeter’s theory of innovation served as the study's theoretical foundation. To explain the relationships between technological innovation and sustainability, the study employed a descriptive research design with Likert scale ratings. A census of restaurant managers from the 81 full-service restaurants housed in 54 classified hotels in Nairobi County was the unit of observation. Using self-administered questionnaires, the studies obtained a 70 per cent response rate (57 responses). SPSS version 25 was used to analyse the data and findings presented using descriptive and inferential statistics. Restaurants used innovations in technology to mitigate dangers as well as to improve cleanliness and sanitation. The relationship between technological innovations and sustainability was positive, moderate, and significant at the p = 0.05 level of significance; the Pearson correlation value was r = 0.473. Furthermore, the adjusted correlation coefficient (R2) indicated that technological innovations predict 21% of the variance in sustainability. Restaurant sustainability increased moderately due to technological innovations. As a result, the study recommends that the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife prioritise hospitality technologies to increase restaurant sustainability. Restaurant management should promote technological innovation, acquisition, and training. Finally, academia should lead the discourse about the implementation and spread of technological innovation

Curvature generation based on weight-updated boosting using shoe last point-cloud measurements

Lasts are foot-shaped forms made of plastic, wood, aluminum, or 3D-printed plastic. The last of a shoe determines not only its shape and style but also how well it fits and protects the foot. A weight-updated boosting-based ensemble learning (WUBEL) algorithm is presented in this paper to extract critical features (points) from plantar pressure imaging to optimize the shoe's last surface to satisfy a comfortable shoe's last surface optimization design. An enhanced last design is constructed from the foot measurement data of the bottom surface of the base last, the critical control lines (points) of the shoe's last body, and the running-in degree of the pressure-sensitive area lattice data. Using a Likert scale (LS) and relevant evaluation indicators, we conducted an experimental evaluation and comparative study of our enhanced last design. With a point-cloud dataset, the proposed method performs highly effectively in constructing shoes, which will help diabetes patients find comfortable and customized shoes.

Clinical practice applicability and relevance to non-specialists of a paediatric EEG online learning tool

BackgroundPaediatric electroencephalography (EEG) training is inadequate amongst healthcare practitioners and technicians managing children with epilepsy in sub-Saharan Africa. An entry level handbook was developed for healthcare practitioners in sub-Saharan Africa and subsequently made globally accessible via the International Child Neurology Teaching Network.AimTo investigate the usefulness of a paediatric online EEG handbook.MethodA survey of the ICNApedia online EEG handbook was circulated (December 2021–June 2022), to all 108 handbook registered participants (39 countries) via the research electronic data capture (REDCap) from the University of Cape Town (UCT).ResultsFifty participants from 25 countries responded: 8 from high income, 16 upper-middle income, 21 lower-middle income and 5 from low-income. 32 (64%) fully and 18 (36%) partially completed the survey. 35/50 (70%) had completed the handbook and seven respondents had partially completed the handbook. Responses supported the handbook as a good entry point to learn EEGs, especially for paediatrics. Likert scale ratings supported the handbook as relevant for gaining/enhancing knowledge and improving diagnosis and management of patients with confidence. The handbook was considered user friendly, comprehensible, and provided a practical experience. For improving EEG reading skills the handbook helped skills development via reinforcement and good illustrations. 29/32 (90%) of respondents confirmed that they are using learnt skills from the handbook in their current work.ConclusionIn resource limited settings non-specialist clinicians often provide extended services including EEG interpretation. The survey supports that the handbook is supporting this niche skills area, especially for the accessibility of knowledge gained. The handbook will continue to be adapted in-line with survey feedback.

The Influence Of Teacher Training And The Use Of Educational Technology On The Effectiveness Of Islamic Education Learning At Man 1 Bojonegoro

This research aims to investigate how teacher training and the use of educational technology influence the effectiveness of Islamic education learning at MAN 1 Bojonegoro. The research method used is quantitative. The population studied was 90 teachers, with a sample of 74 respondents selected using the Solvin formula. Data was collected through a questionnaire with a Likert rating scale. Data analysis uses linear regression and multiple regression techniques. The research results show that teacher training (X1) has a significant influence on the effectiveness of Islamic education learning, with a regression coefficient (β) of 0.47, t-value of 4.21, and p-value &lt;0.001. Likewise, the use of educational technology (X2) also has a very significant influence on the effectiveness of Islamic education learning, with a regression coefficient (β) of 0.52, t-value of 4.82, and p-value &lt;0.001. Multiple regression analysis shows that the two variables, namely teacher training (X1) and use of educational technology (X2), together make a significant contribution to the effectiveness of Islamic education learning. Teacher training has a regression coefficient (β) of 0.42 with a t-value of 3.76 and p-value &lt; 0.001, while the use of educational technology has a regression coefficient (β) of 0.55 with a t-value of 4.92 and p-value &lt; 0.001. From these findings, it can be concluded that it is important to develop more in-depth teacher training programs and more effective integration of educational technology in the context of Islamic education learning. This highlights the need for further efforts to improve the quality of Islamic education learning at MAN 1 Bojonegoro through the integration of deeper teacher training and optimal use of educational technology.

Exploring Farmers’ Perception and Constraints on the Adoption of Small‐Scale Irrigation in Hulet Eju Enesie District, North‐Western Ethiopia

Irrigation farming is one approach to reduce climate‐related risks, and make production possible throughout the year. Nevertheless, farmers were limited to using small‐scale irrigation (SSI) in the study area. This study mainly analyzed the perception of farmers’ and their constraints to use irrigation. The study used a multistage sampling technique to collect the primary data from 102 nonuser and 82 irrigation user respondents. Likert rating scale, relative importance index (RII), and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. The result of the RII indicates that, irrigation ensures high‐net income (0.87), high‐market demand for products (0.84), and insurance against drought (0.82) were highly perceived as advantageous attributes of the irrigation. Whereas, production cost (0.85), skill requirements (0.74), and declining soil fertility (0.65) were strongly perceived as relative disadvantage attributes of irrigation. Plant disease, input shortages, ineffective water distribution, and poor transportation are identified as major constraints for farmers to practice irrigation. Overall, farmers commonly noted the importance of irrigation. However, irrigation users highly perceived the positive attributes; whereas nonusers extremely perceived the negative attributes of irrigation. This implies the existence of perception differences between the two groups of farmers. Therefore, concerned stakeholders should strive to close the perception gap toward irrigation through interventions.

The House Cup: Using Longitudinal Gamification to Improve Didactic Attendance.

Determine if a point-based attendance system combined with longitudinal gamification is feasible and improves didactic session attendance and learner perceptions at our internal medicine residency. A prospective before-after cohort study. Weekly attendance was tracked from June 2022 through April 2023 at our university-affiliated internal medicine residency program. We implemented a point-based longitudinal game incentivizing residents to attend didactics with positive reinforcement in July 2022 (C: carrot). We added tiered positive reinforcement and positive punishment to the game in January 2023 (CS: carrot and stick). Attendance during these periods was compared to pre (P) and postintervention (S). Perceptions were assessed during the P, C, and CS periods with Likert scale ratings. CS was associated with higher attendance than other study periods (P = .002). Median attendance was P-51% (IQR 37.5-64.5), C-65% (IQR 50-74), CS-81% (IQR 78-94), and S-66% (IQR 63-71). Perceptions were similar during pre and intervention study periods, including perceptions of camaraderie (P-4.4, C-4.4, CS-4.5; P = .56), interest in attending didactic sessions (P-3.7, C-3.4, CS-3.2; P = .21), and mandate as the primary reason for attending didactics (P-3.1, C-3.1, CS-3.2; P = .96). A point-based attendance system combined with a longitudinal game that included tiered positive reinforcement and positive punishment was feasible and associated with higher didactic attendance but not associated with changes in resident perceptions.