Mandatory Training Program Research Articles

Digital Flexible Ureteroscope: Evaluating Factors Responsible for Damage and Implementing a Mandatory Certification Program for Usage.

Objective: Digital flexible ureteroscopes (DFUs) play a crucial role in endourological procedures, and scope breakages are often avoidable with proper measures in place. We aimed to evaluate the effect of mandatory training on DFU durability and to assess the influence of various factors on instrument damage. Materials and Methods: Mandatory training involving instructional videos on DFU care was introduced for all processing and operating room staff handling DFUs. Only certified personnel were allowed to handle DFUs, with meticulous usage documentation. The average annual usage of each DFU was compared pre and post program implementation. We examined factors such as patient demographics, procedure details, and operator experience impacting scope life using negative binomial regression. Results: The average usage of DFU increased by 21%, from 6.38 to 7.74 cases. We found that post-graduate year stood out as a significant predictive factor (estimate = 3.28, p = 0.04). Moreover, the streamlined model revealed that previous ureteral-stent use (estimate = 0.94, p < 0.001), struvite stones (estimate = 3.08, p = 0.01), and a higher number of stones (estimate = 0.11, p = 0.04) were associated with an increased number of procedures before DFU breakage, whreas in situ lithotripsy in the lower calyx was associated with a reduced number of procedures before DFU breakage (estimate = -1.11, p = 0.003). Conclusion: Implementing a mandatory training program showed an increase in DFU durability by 21%, suggesting a potential reduction in annual repair and replacement costs by the same percentage. Furthermore, outcomes were more favorable when experienced practitioners conducted treatments, especially in cases involving struvite stones.

Profiling Voice Characteristics of Female Speech-Language Pathologists

PurposeThe present study examines the effects of service delivery on voice quality and Voice related quality of life among young female speech-language pathologists in India. MethodForty-four female speech-language pathologists (aged 19-40) working in Karnataka and Kerala clinics participated. A multi-faceted comprehensive voice evaluation was conducted pre- and post-service delivery. ResultsAuditory-perceptual analysis (CAPE-V) identified a significant shift towards mild dysphonia after service delivery. Aerodynamic evaluation showed a decrease in Maximum Phonatory Duration (MPD), suggesting reduced vocal efficiency. Acoustic analysis revealed significant post-service delivery changes in AVQI, CPPS, HNR, F0, and jitter, reflecting negative impacts on voice quality. Quality of life assessments using the V-RQOL questionnaire revealed limited heterogeneity in scores. ConclusionThese findings highlight the vulnerability of young female speech-language pathologists to voice problems due to service demands. The study underscores the importance of voice care practices and advocates for mandatory training programs across healthcare institutions to mitigate voice disorder risks. This research contributes to understanding the challenges faced by young female speech-language pathologists and emphasizes the need for strategies to promote vocal health and professional satisfaction.

French Dentists’ knowledge, attitudes and practices toward oral cancer detection: A national survey

BackgroundFrance is ranked 6th in Europe in terms of oral cancer incidence. Dental surgeons are on the front line in examining the oral mucosa, but little is known about the knowledge, attitudes and practices of French dental surgeons with respect to lesions suspected of malignancy. MethodsAn online survey including 18 self-administered questions was widely shared on social media using major networks of French dentists. Items included socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents, their self-assessed knowledge, screening practices and training on oral cancer detection and care. ResultsA total of 676 dental surgeons participated in this survey. The vast majority, 92.8 %, were general dental surgeons, 83.9 % had a private practice and 49.1 % had less than 5 years of dental experience. Almost 55 % declared that they did not conduct systematic examinations of the oral mucosa and 45 % reported that they did conduct such examinations. In-hospital practice, lower patient age, dental surgeon experience, and specialty were all positively associated with systematic examination of the oral mucosa. Conversely, absence of a patient complaint, absence of an obvious lesion, lack of time, and lack of training/skills were all negatively associated. DiscussionThis is the first survey to analyze the practices of French dental surgeons in oral cancer screening. Only half of the respondents, the best trained, performed systematic oral mucosa examinations which objectively help to early detect mucosal cancer lesions. To improve oral cancer early detection, we recommend mandatory screening training programs for all dental students and dental surgeons.

The effectiveness and efficacy of driving interventions with ADHD: a Dutch perspective

The diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been identified as a factor associated with an increased risk of involvement in car crashes. As a result, individuals in the Netherlands who are diagnosed with ADHD are mandated to undergo a psychiatric evaluation before obtaining their driving licence, optionally complemented with a driving test. Recent research has, however, demonstrated that 96% of individuals pass this procedure and can drive unrestrictedly, suggesting that current regulations have a limited impact and that a different regulatory approach may be warranted. This paper addresses three such potential interventions, exploring the scientific basis of implementing mandatory behavioural training programmes, the mandatory installation of driver monitoring systems, and temporary driving restrictions. To initiate this exploration, an analysis is made of the body of literature pointing towards a subpar driving performance in those with ADHD, accompanied by a discussion of the underlying symptoms and behaviours contributing to these findings. Furthermore, between- and within-individual factors affecting ADHD driving performance are reviewed. This examination illuminates a consistent pattern of substandard driving performances among those with ADHD, whereby the period shortly post-licensure stands out as a focal point for regulatory approaches. Following these results, the three potential driving interventions are reviewed to discern their impact on road safety when implemented specifically for drivers with ADHD. Corresponding studies suggest that all these interventions hold promise in improving driving performances, but the analysis is limited by the scarcity of long-term, ADHD-specific research. The paper concludes by discussing the feasibility of these ADHD-specific driving interventions, weighing their potential benefits, e.g., reduced crash rates, along with their associated costs, such as potential stigma and hindrance in societal integration and participation. Additionally, avenues for future research in these domains are outlined.

Ensuring Accuracy: Making the Case for Inter-rater Reliability in Hospital Acquired Infection Surveillance

Background: Infection preventionists (Ips) have self-reported surveillance as the most time-consuming job task (1,2). APIC’s MegaSurvey 2020 reported that 60% of Ips consider themselves proficient or expert within this competency domain (2). Accurate coding of health care acquired infections is critical to identifying epidemiologically significant events, using data to improve practice, and compliance with state and federal mandated CMS reporting (3,4). Validated case study scenarios were distributed to infection preventionists to better understand how experience level and time spent performing surveillance affects interrater reliability (IRR) in applying the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) surveillance definitions (5,6). Methods: Case study scenarios determined to have high item discrimination were added to an online test bank and distributed annually to Ips of varying experience levels and care settings as part of a mandatory training program (5). The test bank currently consists of forty-two validated questions. Each year, the participants receive approximately thirty questions, including twenty randomly selected from the test bank and ten beta scenarios under development. Only validated test bank scenarios are used to calculate the passing score of 85%. Participants are blinded to which questions are test bank scenarios versus beta scenarios. Additional information was gathered at the beginning of the test to determine CIC status, years of experience, and weekly hours spent doing surveillance. Data was analyzed for passing score on the first attempt for testing years 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023. Results: Thirty-six Ips passed the IRR test on the first attempt (33%). Of those who passed on the first attempt, twenty-nine (81%) were certified and twenty-two (61%) reported at least nine hours a week performing surveillance. Of the seventy-three Ips (67%) who did not pass on the first attempt, thirty were certified (41%) and sixty (82%) reported performing surveillance for 8 hours or less per week. Conclusion: The first-time pass rate for certified and non-certified Ips was 33%, markedly lower than the self-reported proficiency rate of 60%. The majority of Ips who passed on the first attempt were certified and spent at least nine hours per week performing surveillance. certified and non-certified Ips who did not regularly perform surveillance as part of their weekly job tasks were less likely to pass the test on the first attempt. Given the first-time pass rate among all participants is below optimal, establishing inter-rater reliability systems and ongoing surveillance education for Ips is crucial to ensure accuracy of publicly reported data.

A SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in a public order and safety training facility in England, June 2021.

The public order and safety (POS) sector remains susceptible to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreaks, as workplace attendance is typically compulsory and close physical contact is often needed. Here, we report on a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak with an attack rate of 39% (9/23), which occurred between 19 and 29 June 2021 among a cohort of new POS recruits participating in a mandatory 18-week training programme in England. The COVID-OUT (COVID-19 Outbreak investigation to Understand Transmission) study team undertook a multidisciplinary outbreak investigation, including viral surface sampling, workplace environmental assessment, participant viral and antibody testing, and questionnaires, at the two associated training facilities between 5 July and 24 August 2021. Environmental factors, such as ventilation, were deemed inadequate in some areas of the workplace, with carbon dioxide (CO2) levels exceeding 1,500 ppm on multiple occasions within naturally ventilated classrooms. Activities during safety training required close contact, with some necessitating physical contact, physical exertion, and shouting. Furthermore, most participants reported having physical contact with colleagues (67%) and more than one close work contact daily (97%). Our investigation suggests that site- and activity-specific factors likely contributed to the transmission risks within the POS trainee cohort. Potential interventions for mitigating SARS-CoV-2 transmission in this POS training context could include implementing regular rapid lateral flow testing, optimizing natural ventilation, using portable air cleaning devices in classrooms, and expanding use of well-fitted FFP2/FFP3 respirators during activities where prolonged close physical contact is required.

Unveiling Healthcare Practitioners' Knowledge and Acceptance of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

Background: The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to revolutionize healthcare delivery systems profoundly. With its capacity to enhance diagnostics, treatment, and patient care, understanding AI's role and integration in healthcare is crucial for medical professionals and students. Objective: This study aims to assess the familiarity, knowledge, and comprehension of AI among medical students and physicians, identifying both challenges and opportunities associated with its use in medicine. Methods: A structured questionnaire, adapted from established scales, was used to collect data from students and physicians at a public sector medical university. The study employed simple random sampling to ensure a representative sample, with a focus on collecting comprehensive demographic and AI-related knowledge data. Results: Of the 600 participants surveyed, 70% reported basic knowledge of AI, yet only 28% were aware of its specific applications in healthcare. Interestingly, 85% of respondents acknowledged the potential of AI to significantly enhance healthcare delivery and research. Conclusion: While there is a basic awareness of AI among medical professionals and students, there is a notable gap in understanding its specific applications in healthcare. The study highlights the need for mandatory training programs that enhance AI awareness and application in medical settings.

Early evidence of implementation of District Residency Programme: experiences and challenges of residents in Rajasthan, India

BackgroundDistrict Residency Programme (DRP) was introduced by National Medical Commission as mandatory three-months training program for postgraduate residents. The program was for the first time implemented in April 2023 in Rajasthan. However, it ran into several teething problems, especially for residents. With a lack of any precedence, this study was planned to explore experiences and challenges of residents posted in DRP.MethodsCross-sectional study was conducted at 12 DRP sites attached to SMS Medical College, Jaipur between August-October 2023. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information from residents who had completed DRP. Questions were scored on a five-point Likert scale. Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to show association.ResultsOnly around 17% residents felt that the learning objectives of DRP were fulfilled and nearly 60% residents felt isolated from academic activities and parent department. Over half of the residents were never posted with their concerned specialty services. Around four-fifth residents felt concerned about safety at least sometimes and more than three-fourth residents were dissatisfied with basic amenities. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests showed significant association of gender and specialisation strata with multiple outcome variables.ConclusionThe study finds high degree of dissatisfaction among residents towards learning objectives, academic learning, and basic amenities during DRP. There was also a clear lack of specialty-exposure and high concerns of safety, especially for female residents. The study findings should alarm and inform policymakers and administrators to improve DRP implementation so as to better achieve laid objectives.

An assessment of entrepreneurial skills of LIS students in Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara-State, Nigeria

The study assessed the entrepreneurial skills of LIS students in Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State, Nigeria. The descriptive research survey design was used for this study. The population for the study consisted of 250 HND I and HND II students of Department Of Library and Information Science for 2021/2022 academic session. Purposive sampling technique was used since it is believed that they have completed their mandatory Industrial Training Programme and offered entrepreneurship education course for at least 5 semesters. 250 questionnaires were distributed and 236 questionnaires (representing 94.4%) were returned and found usable. Data from the study were analyzed using mean. Mean was used to answer all the research questions and decision rule for positive (agreed) response was set at mean score of 2.50 and above, while a mean score of below 2.50 set as negative and rejected. The major findings of the study included low level of entrepreneurial skills acquisition by the LIS students; out of the sixteen skills examined, they only agreed to have 4; the major challenges identified were lack of financial support to start a business, high student population among others. It was recommended that the curriculum should be reviewed and practical skills required to function effectively as an entrepreneur after graduation should be included.

A policy model for regulating and standardizing financial advisory services in Nigeria’s capital markets

This paper presents a policy model for regulating and standardizing financial advisory services in Nigeria’s capital markets, addressing the urgent need for structured oversight to enhance market integrity and investor protection. The model proposes a comprehensive regulatory framework that integrates stringent standards for financial advisors, uniform guidelines for service delivery, and robust compliance mechanisms to ensure adherence to best practices. It emphasizes the establishment of a central regulatory body responsible for setting and enforcing standards, alongside a system of periodic audits and performance evaluations to maintain high-quality advisory services. Key components of the proposed policy include the development of a certification process for financial advisors, mandatory training programs, and the implementation of transparent disclosure requirements to aid investors in making informed decisions. The model also advocates for leveraging technological advancements, such as digital platforms for real-time monitoring and data analytics, to streamline regulatory processes and enhance transparency in financial advisory practices. The policy model aims to address existing gaps in regulatory oversight by providing clear guidelines and enforcement mechanisms to prevent conflicts of interest, ensure ethical conduct, and foster investor confidence. By aligning Nigeria’s capital markets with international best practices and integrating technological solutions, the model seeks to create a more resilient and trustworthy financial advisory environment. Expected outcomes include improved service quality, increased investor protection, and enhanced market efficiency. The model’s implementation will contribute to greater market stability and confidence, supporting sustainable growth in Nigeria’s capital markets. This approach not only addresses current regulatory challenges but also positions Nigeria as a leader in financial advisory standards within the global financial community.

Embracing Diversity: Rethinking Inclusive Education at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde

This qualitative study, employing focus group discussions as the primary research method, delves into the imperative of inclusive education at De La Salle College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), aligning with its "Benilde for All" vision. Guided by the Center for Inclusive Education (CIE), the research identifies two core concerns: the necessity to heighten awareness about inclusive education and the urgency of implementing mandatory faculty training in inclusive teaching practices. Participants, including faculty members from the School of Multidisciplinary Studies, CIE staff, and administrators, offer diverse perspectives within the institution. Thematic analysis of the data reveals that a lack of awareness and insufficient faculty training pose significant challenges to DLS-CSB's commitment to accessible education. Recommendations include implementing awareness campaigns, establishing comprehensive guidelines integrated into institutional policies, and mandatory faculty training programs. The proposed "Benildean for All Framework" emphasizes stakeholder awareness, enhancing the CIE manual, faculty development, academic support for students with specific learning needs, and addressing social barriers to inclusivity. The ultimate goal is to transform DLS-CSB into a model of inclusivity, championing the rights and dignity of all members, regardless of abilities or disabilities. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on inclusive education and provides actionable steps for fostering a supportive and accessible learning environment at DLS-CSB.

Road Accident and Safety Issue in Bangladesh: A Critical Review

Road accidents are a major public health concern in Bangladesh, causing significant harm to individuals and society as a whole. Despite various initiatives taken by the government, the number of road accidents continues to increase, highlighting the need for a legal approach to address this issue. This study aims to analyze the current legal framework in Bangladesh with regards to road safety and identify potential areas for improvement. The study found that the current legal framework in Bangladesh contains several provisions aimed at promoting road safety, including the Bangladesh Road Transport Act, the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation Act, and the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority Act. However, these laws lack effective enforcement mechanisms, and there is limited accountability for those who violate traffic rules. This has led to widespread flouting of traffic regulations and a high incidence of road accidents. The study recommends the introduction of stricter penalties for those who violate traffic rules, including fines and imprisonment. It also suggests the establishment of an independent road safety commission to monitor compliance with traffic rules and to ensure effective implementation of road safety measures. The commission should have the authority to investigate road accidents and to take appropriate actions against those found responsible persons. Additionally, the study recommends the introduction of mandatory training programs for all drivers and the provision of better infrastructure and technology to support road safety. This may include the installation of traffic lights and speed cameras, as well as the use of innovative technologies such as GPS-based monitoring systems. In conclusion, a legal approach is crucial in addressing the problem of road accidents in Bangladesh. By introducing stricter penalties, establishing an independent road safety commission, and investing in road safety infrastructure and technology, the government can help to reduce the number of road accidents and save lives. Further research is needed to understand the impact of these measures and to identify additional ways to promote road safety in Bangladesh.

Road Accident and Safety Issue in Bangladesh: A Critical Review

Road accidents are a major public health concern in Bangladesh, causing significant harm to individuals and society as a whole. Despite various initiatives taken by the government, the number of road accidents continues to increase, highlighting the need for a legal approach to address this issue. This study aims to analyze the current legal framework in Bangladesh with regards to road safety and identify potential areas for improvement. The study found that the current legal framework in Bangladesh contains several provisions aimed at promoting road safety, including the Bangladesh Road Transport Act, the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation Act, and the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority Act. However, these laws lack effective enforcement mechanisms, and there is limited accountability for those who violate traffic rules. This has led to widespread flouting of traffic regulations and a high incidence of road accidents. The study recommends the introduction of stricter penalties for those who violate traffic rules, including fines and imprisonment. It also suggests the establishment of an independent road safety commission to monitor compliance with traffic rules and to ensure effective implementation of road safety measures. The commission should have the authority to investigate road accidents and to take appropriate actions against those found responsible persons. Additionally, the study recommends the introduction of mandatory training programs for all drivers and the provision of better infrastructure and technology to support road safety. This may include the installation of traffic lights and speed cameras, as well as the use of innovative technologies such as GPS-based monitoring systems. In conclusion, a legal approach is crucial in addressing the problem of road accidents in Bangladesh. By introducing stricter penalties, establishing an independent road safety commission, and investing in road safety infrastructure and technology, the government can help to reduce the number of road accidents and save lives. Further research is needed to understand the impact of these measures and to identify additional ways to promote road safety in Bangladesh.

To err is human: A healthcare organization blueprint towards safety and reliability.

392 Background: In 2019, a comprehensive cancer center was audited by a regulatory agency that identified opportunities to improve the safe delivery of healthcare. Even though the organization has been engaged in multiple continuous improvement initiatives, we found that to run a complex enterprise efficiently, we needed to break silos, learn from the frontline, and educate and train leaders in a psychologically safe environment. The overarching goal is to improve our culture of safety by developing a safety-focused workforce, improving robust processes around high-harm events, increasing transparency/feedback regarding safety events, and advancing the institution towards a High Reliability Organization (HRO)1 with zero preventable patient harm. Methods: Key interventions implemented: 1. Revamped our Root Cause Analysis; 2. Developed a Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI)2 council with leadership from the enterprise and representatives of the Patient Family Advisory Program, patients of the organization; 3. Implemented a Tiered Readiness Briefing (TRB) 7 days a week; 4. Selection of Serious Safety Event Rate (SSER)3 as the organization's measurement of patient safety and made it transparent; 5. Implementation of a mandatory training program in HRO skills and tools necessary to change behaviour. Training of leadership first goal was to get their buy-in so that the rest of the workforce would comply with the training; 6. Created Priority Focus Areas (PFA) initiatives supported by QAPI, the board, and leadership- providing resources to improve widespread, problem-prone, high-risk issues. Also, a system of accountability. Results: From June 2020 to April 2023- 59% reduction on SSER and sustained rate &lt;0.9; 96% of leaders and 86% of medical faculty trained in HRO; 100% of “Start the Clock” issues identified in TRB are acted on within 24 hrs.; PFA success: the creation of the Blood Shortage Safety Decision Matrix- resulted in no surgery cancellation due to blood shortage. Conclusions: Rigorously implementing HRO principles in a comprehensive and complex cancer center resulted in improved process outcomes and patient safety outcomes that significantly reduced serious safety events.

Understanding preservice teachers’ perspectives on challenges experienced during work integrated learning

The demands on educational institutions in the 21st century are constantly changing, necessitating adapted teaching, and learning techniques both within and outside of the classroom. Central to these evolutionary changes is the teacher who is expected to initiate innovative teaching strategies that often come with a variety of challenges. This requires preservice teachers to consequently complete extensive work-integrated learning (WIL) for a defined period as part of their initial teacher training. The article sought to ascertain the challenges, faced by preservice teachers during WIL using the situated learning theory, which emphasises the relevance of the integration of new ideas and human actions in dealing with ongoing environmental challenges. The methodology of the study is built on an interpretive paradigm, employing a qualitative case study design. Data was collected through interviews from Fourteen B.Ed. Honours preservice teachers were selected through a non-probability sampling method, known as purposive sampling. Data analysis was done thematically and with the use of Atlas ti 9. The study found some degree of complexities and inter-relationship between the preservice teachers challenges and their inability to deliver content. Exceptionally, however, some challenges like the delegation of responsibilities, pedagogy and especially transportation issues show high-level association with an implication to WIL for preservice teachers. The study however makes some crucial recommendations to policy and practice, which include an expansion and emergency modification in teaching pedagogy to incorporate technology, mandatory professional training and induction programmes for mentors and the need to enhance the environmental approach to teaching

Regional problems of foreign languages education (by the example of the Crimea)

The article addresses the problem of foreign language education that is still very important in the country. The problem concerns teaching, learning, and improving foreign languages, from a starter level (development of basic skills such as speaking, reading, writing, listening) to a proficiency one (language-specific skills in translation studies and applied linguistics). The author aims to investigate the issue from different sides. To explode them, the author used data from official web site of the Russia Government, methodological guides, professional forums. The findings showed that laws prescribe the rights and duties of each participant in the educational process and officially all the fine points are considered. In accordance with legislative acts, every Crimean can learn several languages from early childhood. The law takes care to increase the level of teaching: it provides training of highly qualified teachers, guarantees technical assistance, equipment and material support and helps to develop exchange programs. However, there are certain difficulties with the implementation. Main reasons for this include poverty of educational institutions, weak academic mobility of students and teachers, ill-conceived exchange programs, low motivation, moral and material. Thus, in conclusion the author provides some recommendations. First, to work more carefully on the development of mandatory and additional training programs. Second, to become more responsible for issues of professional orientation. Third, to provide better teaching and learning conditions for teachers. Fourth, to expand education exchange programs.

Healthcare students’ prevention training in a sanitary service: analysis of health education interventions in schools of the Grenoble academy

BackgroundThe sanitary service is a mandatory prevention training programme for all French healthcare students. Students receive training and then have to design and carry out a prevention intervention with various populations. The aim of this study was to analyse the type of health education interventions carried out in schools by healthcare students from one university in order to describe the topics covered and the methods used.MethodThe 2021–2022 sanitary service of University Grenoble Alpes involved students in maieutic, medicine, nursing, pharmacy and physiotherapy. The study focused on students who intervened in school contexts. The intervention reports written by the students were read doubly by independent evaluators. Information of interest was collected in a standardised form.ResultsOut of the 752 students involved in the prevention training program, 616 (82%) were assigned to 86 schools, mostly primary schools (58%), and wrote 123 reports on their interventions. Each school hosted a median of 6 students from 3 different fields of study. The interventions involved 6853 pupils aged between 3 and 18 years. The students delivered a median of 5 health prevention sessions to each pupil group and spent a median of 25 h (IQR: 19–32) working on the intervention. The themes most frequently addressed were screen use (48%), nutrition (36%), sleep (25%), harassment (20%) and personal hygiene (15%). All students used interactive teaching methods such as workshops, group games or debates that was addressed to pupils’ psychosocial (mainly cognitive and social) competences. The themes and tools used differed according to the pupils’ grade levels.ConclusionThis study showed the feasibility of conducting health education and prevention activities in schools by healthcare students from five professional fields who had received appropriate training. The students were involved and creative, and they were focused on developing pupils’ psychosocial competences.

Road Accident and Safety Issue in Bangladesh: A Comprehensive Study

Road accidents are a major public health concern in Bangladesh, causing significant harm to individuals and society as a whole. Despite various initiatives taken by the government, the number of road accidents continues to increase, highlighting the need for a legal approach to address this issue. This study aims to analyze the current legal framework in Bangladesh with regards to road safety and identify potential areas for improvement. The study found that the current legal framework in Bangladesh contains several provisions aimed at promoting road safety, including the Bangladesh Road Transport Act, the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation Act, and the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority Act. However, these laws lack effective enforcement mechanisms, and there is limited accountability for those who violate traffic rules. This has led to widespread flouting of traffic regulations and a high incidence of road accidents. The study recommends the introduction of stricter penalties for those who violate traffic rules, including fines and imprisonment. It also suggests the establishment of an independent road safety commission to monitor compliance with traffic rules and to ensure effective implementation of road safety measures. The commission should have the authority to investigate road accidents and to take appropriate action against those found responsible. Additionally, the study recommends the introduction of mandatory training programs for all drivers and the provision of better infrastructure and technology to support road safety. This may include the installation of traffic lights and speed cameras, as well as the use of innovative technologies such as GPS-based monitoring systems. n conclusion, a legal approach is crucial in addressing the problem of road accidents in Bangladesh. By introducing stricter penalties, establishing an independent road safety commission, and investing in road safety infrastructure and technology, the government can help to reduce the number of road accidents and save lives. Further research is needed to understand the impact of these measures and to identify additional ways to promote road safety in Bangladesh. Keywords: Safety, Transport, Traffic, Accident, Punishment DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/132-05 Publication date: May 31 st 2023

Effects of dolphin-swim activities on the behaviour of an Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin population off the south coast of Mozambique

Swim-with-dolphin (SWD) activities are popular but can negatively impact target populations. It is important to consider the behavioural responses of dolphins, and quantify the impact on individuals and populations, as well as maximise opportunities for sustainable tourism that benefits socio-economic growth while encouraging pro-environmental behaviour. This is of relevance in `developing countries, where ecological studies are scarce and tourism industries may have developed before science-based management measures were implemented.This study aimed to determine the effects of SWD tourism on the behaviour of resident Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in the Ponta do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve (PPMR), Mozambique. Markov-chain models were used to describe dolphin behaviour transition probabilities in different tourism contexts between 2007 and 2009 (low tourism) and 2017–2019 (high tourism). Results detected significant short-term changes in the behaviours of dolphins. In the early years (2007–2009), dolphins were likely to remain in their preceding behaviour if they were resting, travelling, and foraging. However, for later years (2017–2019) this only occurred if they were travelling. Overall, after tourist swims, and under both tourism contexts, dolphins were more likely to travel and less likely to socialise, rest, or forage. The findings raise concerns that, despite current management measures, SWD activities still affect dolphin behaviour and impose short-term negative effects to their activity budget. Our study recommends time- and area-closures, speed restrictions, and mandatory training programmes to all SWD staff. Given that SWD and whale-watching activities take place along the coast of Mozambique, national regulations are urgently needed to minimise potential long-term negative effects on cetacean populations.

An Analysis of How the Construction Business in Ethiopia Is Affected by the Rising Cost of Building Materials

The construction industry differs significantly from other economic sectors due to a variety of distinctive features. Construction projects fail with a disproportionately high frequency in Ethiopia's construction industry today because it is fragmented and highly subject to political and economic cycles. However, due to the numerous risks inherent in how the sector functions, phrases like project business failure, collapse, and bankruptcy frequently used in Ethiopian construction. Assessing existing issues with Ethiopian construction project failure was the goal of this study. According to the study's findings, the main causes of current construction project failure are delays in clients' (donors') debt collections, border closures, heavy dependence on bank loans and payment of high interest on these loans, lack of capital, absence of industry regulations on building materials costs due to high neglect in free market and lack of experience in contract management. Finally, realities of the focus group showed that the construction project failure is valid and it represent a step forward in the way of construction industry development in Ethiopia. The results of the research also recommended to that there be an urgent need for an independent and responsible body to take the lead of the adoption and the application of the ethical code and more efforts need to done to help construction sectors to understand and realize the importance and role of ethics professional in construction industry. Education and mandatory training programs can conducted for stakeholders about the content of the market inflation and rising Cost of Building Materials to control. Media's role and research development also is very important. Based on these findings, approvals to all stakeholders are obey for National Trade Industry Regulations that currently work in Ethiopia construction industry.