Moderate Perception Research Articles

Organizational Agility and Job Engagement among Staff Nurses

Context: Agility is one of the adjustments organizations must make in a tumultuous environment. Organizational agility is a collection of concepts that aims to maximize both tangible and intangible resources while continuously improving the organization as a whole. It has a great impact on job engagement among nurses. Aim: To assess the relationship between organizational agility and job engagement among the staff nurses. Methods: A descriptive, correlational study approach was employed. Ain Shams University Hospital, one of the hospitals affiliated to Ain Sham University, served as the study's setting. Of the 303 staff nurses, 170 were chosen randomly for the study. The two instruments utilized were the Job Engagement Scale and the Organizational Agility Assessment Questionnaire. Results: The findings demonstrated that although 20% of the studied staff nurses exhibited a high perception level of organizational agility, the largest proportion (55%) demonstrated a moderate perception level. Additionally, 30% of the staff nurses reported moderate job engagement, and a larger percentage (60%) reported a high engagement level. Conclusion: A statistically significant positive relationship was observed between job engagement and organizational agility among staff nurses. The study recommends that hospital managers cultivate an agile atmosphere, enhance self-awareness, and ensure that organizational strategies promote resilience to effectively address daily challenges.

Positive Development Patterns in Left-Behind Adolescents: Do Resilience and Making Sense of Adversity Have Beneficial Effects?

Despite increased attention to the positive development of left-behind adolescents, research findings remain inconclusive. Utilizing latent profile analysis, we identified various positive development profiles among the left-behind adolescents and explored the association between resilience and positive development profiles, alongside the mediating role of making sense of adversity. A multi-stage cluster sampling procedure was employed, randomly selecting four provinces-Zhejiang, Guangdong, Henan, and Jiangxi-from the central and coastal regions. The sample comprised 718 left-behind adolescents recruited from primary and junior high schools across grades 4, 5, 7, and 8. Three scales were utilized, and analyses included latent profile analysis and mediation analysis. Three latent subgroups of positive development among left-behind adolescents were identified: low, moderate, and high. Those with higher resilience and positive perceptions of adversity tended to belong to the high group rather than the low (β = -0.45, p < 0.001; β = -0.09, p < 0.001) or moderate group (β = -0.23, p < 0.001; β = -0.04, p < 0.05). Left-behind adolescents with higher negative perceptions of adversity tended to belong to the high group rather than the moderate group (β = -0.07, p < 0.01). Mediation analysis revealed that resilience facilitated the development of positive appraisals of adversity, subsequently increasing the likelihood of being categorized into the high (95% CI of -0.09 to -0.03) or moderate group (95% CI of -0.05 to -0.01) rather than the low group. These findings hold significant implications for intervention formulation. Educators should focus on strengthening resilience and fostering positive perceptions of adversity among the low group. For the moderate group, maintaining moderate negative perceptions of adversity may stimulate the intrinsic potential for positive development more effectively.

Perception of human rights in health care: A cross-sectional study among tribal young adults of Puruliya, West Bengal.

Human rights provide a universal foundation for pursuing justice in public health in order to achieve the dignity of all individuals. In spite of international attempts to promote human rights in the context of health, a significant portion of India's indigenous population continues to have a limited understanding of these rights. This study aims to analyze tribal people's attitudes towards human rights in health care. The population consists of tribal residents from Manbazar - I and Puncha Blocks in the Puruliya district of West Bengal, India. Tribal young adults between the ages of 18 and 35 were the subject of a cross-sectional study. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect data. MS Excel and SPSS 27 were used for analysis. A descriptive analysis was carried out. The participants' mean scores for awareness, accessibility and communication, autonomy and sexual and reproductive health and sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) were 8.06, 15.76, 7.35 and 32.52 revealing a moderate perception level among the young adult tribal population in the selected blocks. A holistic focus of the governmental and other non-governmental organizations towards the tribals is required. Introducing various aspects of human rights in healthcare in the education curriculum along with community outreach would by all likelihood improve the perception of 'Human Rights' and thus help in better utilization of various services including health among tribal populations in India.

THE EFFECT OF BUY NOW, PAY LATER FINTECH ON TRADITIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES AND CONSUMER BEHAVIOR IN SAUDI ARABIA

This research investigates the impacts of financial technology (Fintech) on traditional financial services and the emergence of Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) companies within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Fintech signifies a paradigmatic shift in the financial landscape, utilizing technology to transform banking, payment systems, investment strategies, and lending practices. The BNPL model, recognized for its disruptive nature, enables consumers to divide purchases into interest-free installments, thereby reshaping global consumer spending patterns. This study concentrates specifically on the Saudi Arabian context, where Fintech adoption is experiencing rapid growth. It scrutinizes the factors that influence BNPL adoption behavior among Saudi consumers, addressing a research void in localized studies. A sample of 100 consumer participants responded to an online survey. The statistical analysis underscores the strength, significance, and correlation between financial elements and the factors crucial to the decision-making process for BNPL adoption. The descriptive analysis of Independent Variables (IVs) encompassing Performance Expectancy (PE), Effort Expectancy (EE), Social Influence (SI), and Facilitating Conditions (FC) has provided significant insights into the perceptions of consumers regarding the adoption of Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services. The analysis has revealed noteworthy patterns in the data. Performance Expectancy (PE) demonstrates moderate perceptions (Mean = 2.98), indicating a measured belief in the usefulness of BNPL. Furthermore, Facilitating Conditions (FC) registered moderate scores (Mean = 3.04), underscoring the significance of favorable external factors. Collectively, these findings depict a moderate inclination and a generally positive outlook among respondents towards BNPL adoption, providing insights into the factors influencing their adoption behaviors. The research findings contribute to academic comprehension, provide insights for industry stakeholders, and inform the development of policies and regulations within Saudi Arabia's dynamic Fintech ecosystem. Future studies may utilize longitudinal studies, conduct cross-cultural comparisons, and explore technological integration in exploring the BNPL consumer behavior studies.

Trends in HIV prevalence and risk factors among men who have sex with men in Mozambique: implications for targeted interventions and public health strategies

BackgroundMen who have sex with Men (MSM) are known to contribute to increased HIV prevalence as an integral part of key populations with high vulnerability to HIV/AIDS due to their sexual behaviours. Mozambique conducted two rounds of bio-behavioral surveys (BBS) in this population with the main objective of estimating HIV prevalence and associated risk behaviors among MSM in Mozambique. The present study aims to estimate the trend of HIV prevalence and determine the correlations of HIV infection among MSM.MethodsA repeated cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from secondary data from the first and second rounds of BBS in Mozambique conducted in 2011 and 2020–2021 respectively. Each round used a similar methodology which allowed for comparison between the two surveys. Chi-square test and logistic regression was used to compare the HIV prevalence between the BBS rounds, identify factors associated with HIV, and assess changes in HIV prevalence across selected risk factors.ResultsThere was a significant increase in HIV prevalence among MSM (7.1–14.9%), living in Maputo (9.3–14.7%), uncircumcised (11.7–25.1%), and those who reported two sexual partners in the last year (5.2–14.4%). In contrast, there was a decrease in prevalence among adult MSM aged between 25 and 29 years (24.7–13.9%), aged 30 years or older (45.7–27.7%), married (29.1–16.8%), with higher education (16.7–5.9%) and moderate perception of HIV risk (10.9–3.4%). Multivariable analysis showed that factors such as age, marital status, religion, sexual identity, circumcision, and the use of lubrication during anal sex are significantly associated with the risk of HIV infection.ConclusionsThis study underscores the continuing need for HIV prevention and education efforts. The rise in prevalence among specific population segments and the sustained presence of risk factors emphasize the requirement for holistic strategies tailored to the unique requirements of each subgroup. Understanding trends and risk factors is crucial to guiding public health policies and designing efficacious prevention programs that aim to curtail HIV transmission while enhancing the well-being of those impacted by the condition.

A systematic search, heuristic evaluation and analysis of dental trauma mobile applications.

Despite the exponential growth of mobile device applications in promoting awareness on traumatic dental injuries (TDIs), the overall validity of existing applications in content, engagement, usability, functionality, esthetics, and user perception remains largely uncertain. The primary aim was to systematically search and assess the quality, functionality, perceived impact and usability of available applications related to TDIs using the User Version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS) and the Coventry, Aberdeen, and London-Revised (CA-LO-RE) scale. A heuristic evaluation was additionally performed. The secondary aim was to categorize existing mobile applications according to their target users, including general population, dentists, dental students, medical healthcare professionals, and researchers. A systematic search for dental trauma applications (free and paid) was conducted using the AppStore and Google Play store. Two reviewers independently performed data extraction and quality assessment for all the included applications using uMARS and CA-LO-RE. A user experience architect conducted a heuristic evaluation. Only 6 of the 3061 initially screened applications were eligible for qualitative and quantitative assessments. These applications' average star uMARS rating was 12.5 (standard deviation [SD] 2.6). The mean and SD for the uMARS objective items were as follows: A-engagement (mean 12.1 [SD 3.3]), B-functionality (mean 15.5 [SD 1.4]), C-esthetics (mean 9.5 [SD 2.5]), and D-information (mean 13 [SD 4.5]). The severity rating for the heuristic evaluation criteria was low to moderate for all the included applications, excluding tooth emergencies with a high severity score. Despite moderate quality, functionality, user perception, behavioural impact and usability scores, the inclusion of advanced features to "engagement" and "usability" in existing trauma based apps will enhance their purpose. A design-thinking approach coupled with interactive features is recommended for future mobile applications on TDIs.

The Impact of Cryptocurrency Investor Risk Perception and Awareness on the Current Uses and Future Projections of Cryptocurrencies: A Research on Istanbul Provincial Health Directorate Employees

This study investigates cryptocurrency knowledge, risk perception, and investment strategies among İstanbul Provincial Health Directorate employees. Analyzing data from 399 participants using the Cryptocurrency investment Trust Scale, which is developed by Ozyesil and Tembelo (2023), results indicate limited cryptocurrency awareness, moderate risk perception, and conservative investment tendencies. While most participants have heard of cryptocurrency, their understanding remains shalloyv, perceiving it as high-risk and favoring traditional financial instruments. The study emphasizes the necessity of educational initiatives and regulatory frameworks to facilitate safe and compliant cryptocurrency usage within the healthcare sector.

Facilitators and Barriers of Employing Electronic Exams as Perceived by Nursing Students and the Relation to their Satisfaction

Context: Nowadays, during the COVID-19 pandemic, electronic exams are perceived as a fast-evolving assessment tool because of their accuracy and reliability. It provides relatively more accurate results and immediate feedback for students and instructors. Aim: To assess facilitators and barriers of employing electronic exams as perceived by nursing students and the relation to their satisfaction. Methods: A descriptive correlational research design was used to achieve the aim of this study. The study was conducted at the Faculty of Nursing at Benha University on 970 nursing students from the four academic years (2020/2021). They were selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Data was collected using three tools. The student perception of electronic-exams facilitators questionnaire, the student perception of electronic-exams barriers questionnaire, and the nursing students’ satisfaction assessment scale. Results: More than half of nursing students (59.9%) had a high perception level about facilitators of electronic exams, whereas nearly two-thirds of nursing students (60.9%) had a moderate perception level about barriers to electronic exams, and 75.5% had a high satisfaction level regarding electronic exams. Conclusion: This study concluded that more than three-quarters of students had high satisfaction. There was a positive, statistically significant correlation between total students' satisfaction with facilitators of the electronic exam and a statistically significant negative correlation with barriers to the electronic exam. The study recommends that students must receive regular, periodic in-service computer skills courses and study the factors that influence university students to embrace and use electronic exams with an online test system.

Comparision of Consumer Preferences in Regards to Food Retail Formats in Tirupati City, India

This study conducted in the year 2023 aimed to compare consumer preferences for various food retail formats in Tirupati city, focusing on organized and unorganized sectors, and to identify factors influencing their choices. A representative sample of 120 consumers was selected using simple random sampling, and primary data was collected through personal interviews. The findings revealed that 73.33 percent of the consumers in showed a moderate perception of both organized (62.50%) and unorganized (73.33%) food retail formats. Kirana stores (unorganized) and supermarkets (organized) were the preferred choices for purchasing food and groceries. The reasons for preferring organized retail formats included a wide range of products and better product presentation, while unorganized retail formats were favoured for more bargaining opportunities and locally sourced products. Income levels were found to influence retail format choices, with lower-income groups more likely to shop at unorganized formats. The SWOT analysis indicated that organized stores benefit from a wide range of products but face competition from unorganized formats and online platforms, while, unorganized stores build strong customer relationships but struggle with limited product variety and changing consumer preferences.

Understanding Adolescents' Experiences With Menstrual Pain to Inform the User-Centered Design of a Mindfulness-Based App: Mixed Methods Investigation Study.

Digital interventions are increasingly popular for the provision of nonpharmacological pain interventions, but few exist for adolescents with menstrual pain. User-centered design involves incorporating users across phases of digital health intervention design, development, and implementation and leads to improved user engagement and outcomes. A needs assessment is the first step of this approach. The goal of this study was to conduct a needs assessment to understand menstrual pain management needs and preferences and mindfulness experiences, preferences, and knowledge of adolescents with menstrual pain to inform the future development of an app for managing menstrual pain. We used an explanatory sequential mixed method design that included a survey followed by focus groups. Adolescents aged 13-17 years completed a survey (n=111) and participated in focus groups (n=16). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis and synthesized to provide specific recommendations based on adolescent responses. Adolescents (n=111) who completed the survey reported a moderate understanding of mindfulness and menstrual pain. Over three-quarters (n=87, 78%) of participants practiced some form of mindfulness and 87% (n=97) of survey participants used nonpharmacological pain management strategies. Teens had a moderate perception that mindfulness could help their menstrual pain (mean 4.51/10, SD 2.45, with higher scores suggesting more interest). Themes were generated related to mindfulness experiences, menstrual pain knowledge and experiences, and app functionality. These themes underscored adolescents' need for continued support and flexible access to mindfulness activities; their awareness of multiple influences to pain, with potential for further education in this area; and the need for menstrual pain-specific content, along with content relevant to typical day-to-day experiences of adolescents. Adolescents with menstrual pain have an interest in using a mindfulness app for pain but have unique needs that need to be addressed to ensure app engagement and relevance for this population. Concrete recommendations for future app development are provided.

Assessing the relationship between ethical reasoning confidence and self-esteem among female nursing students for enhancing the quality of work life: A cross-sectional study.

To investigate the relationship between ethical reasoning confidence and self-esteem among female nursing students for enhancing the quality of work life. A necessary component of professional competence and a prerequisite for high-quality care is ethical reasoning confidence competence. As well as, self-esteem is the subjective perception of one's own worth and significance. This was a descriptive correlational cross-sectional study design. Data was collected within a month starting from December 2022 to January 2023, and 164 nursing students were recruited from one College at a governmental university in Riyadh. Respondents completed the self-administered, online questionnaires. Measures included self-esteem, and ethical reasoning confidence questionnaires. Findings investigated via descriptive and inferential statistics as well as structured equation modeling to examine the mediating effect of self-esteem on behaviors and attitudes of the nursing students toward ethical reasoning confidence. Nursing students had a moderate perception regarding their self-esteem as well as their ethical reasoning confidence (Mean = 2.99, SD ± 0.58; and Mean = 3.57, SD ± 0.55, respectively). Data revealed that self-esteem was accounted for the prediction of 54% of positive variance of nursing students' behaviors toward ethical reasoning confidence and 78% of the variance of their attitudes toward ethical reasoning confidence. Self-esteem is a significant determinant of nursing students' behaviors and attitudes toward their ethical reasoning confidence. Further research is required to ascertain whether this approach enhances nursing students' moral decision-making, moral reasoning, practical considerations, and acquaintance with ethical concerns.

Levels of adherence to treatment, illness perception and acceptance of illness in patients with coronary artery disease - descriptive and correlational study

BackgroundUnderstanding the disease and its acceptance significantly influence adherence to prescribed medications, a critical aspect in managing coronary artery disease (CAD). This study is designed to explore the multifaceted factors influencing medication adherence specifically in CAD patients. Of particular interest is investigating the interconnectedness between medication adherence, the perception of illness, and the level of acceptance of the illness itself among these individuals.MethodsThis cross-sectional study involved 280 confirmed CAD patients who were selected through a convenience sampling method adhering to predefined inclusion criteria. The study was conducted between March and September 2023. Three primary parameters—medication adherence, illness perception, and acceptance of illness—were evaluated using standardized tools: The Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8, Illness Perception Questionnaire-Brief, and Acceptance of Illness Scale. Statistical analyses using SPSS (version 25) were used to analyze the data.ResultsPatients had moderate illness perception (51.82 ± 7.58) and low acceptance to illness (16.98 ± 4.75), and 61.8 of them adhered to their medication regimen. A positive relationship between acceptance of illness and medication adherence (r = 0.435, p-value < 0.01) was found. Level of education, type of drug and marital status had significantly impact on medication adherence, and gender, level of education, intention to stop drug and marital status were associated with acceptance of illness (p < 0.05).ConclusionThese results underscore the pivotal role of medication adherence in CAD management. Future interventions should target improving illness perception and acceptance of illness among CAD patients to enhance their overall adherence to prescribed medications and ultimately improve disease management.

Perceived Participation to Kindergartens, Teachers, and Parents of Physical Education in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China

Background and Aim: This study addresses the scarcity of empirical evidence on children's participation in Physical Education (PE) and the perspectives of teachers and parents within the Chinese context. The study aims to determine the level of student engagement in PE and identify factors influencing their participation. It also seeks insights into how teachers and parents view PE's importance in children's well-being. Materials and Methods: Conducted in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China, the study involved 201 kindergartens, 200 parents, and 65 teachers. Analytical methods included tables, frequencies, percentages, mean proportion analysis, standard deviation proportion analysis, confidence interval analysis, one-sample z-score test for proportion, two-sample z-score test for proportion, and correlation analysis. The research also led to the development of a guide for creating a kindergarten's physical literacy model. Results: Kindergartens exhibit a moderate perception of PE, with males generally having a higher perception than females. Teachers view PE positively, considering it moderately beneficial for physical and mental development. However, barriers to teaching PE include limited event space, security concerns, venue and equipment issues, weather-related inconveniences, and parents' lack of sports proficiency. Parents have a favorable view of PE, acknowledging its positive impact. Barriers for parents include safety concerns, extracurricular workloads, limited interest in after-school sports, venue limitations, and academic pressures. Kindergartens express enthusiasm for sports like basketball and football, but challenges may reduce physical activity and lead to frustration. Conclusion: The perception of physical education in kindergartens varies among different stakeholders, with gender differences and positive attitudes from teachers and parents. However, numerous barriers, including space limitations and safety concerns, need to be addressed to ensure a more effective and enjoyable PE experience for children in this educational setting.

The Impact of Work Environment on Structural Empowerment among Nurses in Governmental Hospitals.

The work environment is considered an important factor for the success of any healthcare organization that keeps upstanding and can compete with others to achieve the organization and employee's goals. This study aims to examine the effect of the workplace environment on the structural empowerment of registered nurses in governmental hospitals. A cross-sectional, descriptive survey study. The sample consisted of 405 nurses from three Jordanian governmental hospitals. Data were collected using an online self-reported questionnaire that was distributed to the participants. The questionnaire included sections on demographic characteristics, the structural empowerment scale, and the work environment scale. Data collection took place between 1 January 2023 and 15 February 2023. The participants demonstrated various levels in their perceptions of the working environment. They demonstrated a moderate perception level toward stress and work pressure, role clarity, peer cohesive subscale, and for working environment scale while they reported a low perception level on ethical, autonomy, work practices, managerial support, commitment, and social responsibility subscales. However, the nurses' work environment overall score was found to be at a moderate level (3.15 out of 5 ± 0.61). Furthermore, their structural empowerment level was found to be at a moderate level (19.40 out of 30 ± 3.68). Highly empowered nurses' work environments display higher structural empowerment. Applying structural empowerment in work environments is very important to improve nurses' performance, ensure the highest level of patient care quality, and achieve organizational goals.

A descriptive study to assess the level of perception and satisfaction regarding online learning among undergraduate nursing students in selected nursing college, Guwahati, Assam

The COVID 19 pandemic has disrupted the educational system and lead to a drastic shift of professional undergraduate teaching for nursing students into online mode. The definition of satisfaction in online learning is complex and multidimensional and includes manufacturers such as communication student participation in online discussion flexibility workload technology support and feedback. Satisfaction with online learning is based on three learning theories: -social cognitive theory interaction equivalency theory and social integration theory. There is a growing body of literature showing that satisfaction has a positive relationship with student engagement and academic performance the quality of learning is effectiveness success and institutional cost-effectiveness. To assess the students’ level of perception regarding online learning. To determine the level of satisfaction regarding online learning.A descriptive study of 138 sample nursing students. Qualitative research approach was used in this study and convience sampling techniques was used Research methodology means an agreement that depicts how, at what times and information is to be collected and scrutinized. It involves all the approach, to answer the research problem. The techniques used to structure a study and to gather and analyze information in a systematic fashion is referred as the research methodology. It includes the steps, action and approaches for the gathering and analyzing the data. The present study adopts a qualitative research approach.: The data analysis was done with the help of descriptive inference statistics for level of satisfaction. 88(63.76%) of undergraduate nursing student had moderate level of satisfaction regarding online learning. 30(21.73%) undergraduate nursing student had poor level of satisfaction regarding online learning and 20(14.49%) undergraduate students had good level of satisfaction. For perception the majority i.e., 90(65%) of undergraduate nursing student had poor perception, 43(32%) of undergraduate nursing student had moderate perception and 5(3.6%) of undergraduate nursing student had good perception regarding online learning.: Nursing is the practice where we can learn theoretically as well as practically. The online learning has played a major role in the development of the skill and knowledge of the nurses and nursing student, in order to that the study which we have conducted says that The e-learning has affected the level of perception and satisfaction among the nursing undergraduate student.

Usage, knowledge and perception of the ketogenic diet and associated factors in Saudi adults: A cross-sectional study.

The ketogenic diet (KD) is a popular weight management method. However, knowledge, perceptions, and use of KD have not been studied in the Saudi population. This cross-sectional study aims to assess the knowledge, perceptions, and use of the KD in Saudi Arabia, to compare medical and nonmedical students in their awareness of KD, and to determine factors associated with knowledge and perception of KD. A total of 1071 Saudis aged ≥ 18 years old were included. Participants were excluded if they were younger than 18, non-Saudi, pregnant, breastfeeding, had chronic illnesses, were using any medication, or were diagnosed with psychiatric conditions. Knowledge, perception, and use of KD were collected between 2021 and 2022 in Saudi Arabia using a prevalidated tool and its scoring protocol; higher scores indicated higher level of knowledge or perception. Among Saudi adults, 24% (n = 253) and 55% of them (n = 138/253) followed the KD for 1 month or less, respectively. The KD knowledge score was mean ± SD: 7.95 ± 3.97 and half of the participants (49.5%) had a low knowledge level. Students had a significantly lower knowledge score (mean ± SD: 7.69 ± 3.85) compared to nonstudents (mean ± SD: 8.68 ± 4.19). Students in medical majors had a higher knowledge score compared to nonmedical major students (P < .001). The KD perception score was mean ± SD: 28.74 ± 4.83 and 76% of the participants had moderate perception level. Males had a significantly higher perception score compared to females (P < .001). Students in medical majors had a lower perception score compared to nonmedical major students. Age and body mass index had a significantly weak positive correlation with knowledge and perception scores. Half of the sample had low knowledge and moderate level of perception about KD. Students with medical majors had higher knowledge but lower perception scores compared to nonmedical majors. Dieticians may measure the knowledge and perception of the KD diet in outpatient clinics to lose weight. Educational institutions may increase students' knowledge and perception of the KD in all majors. Future experimental studies examining the efficacy of the KD are needed to provide recommendations of the KD as a strategy for weight loss.

Exploring rural households’ knowledge and perception of acute kidney injury in the southern region of The Gambia: a mixed-method community-based cross-sectional study design

BackgroundThe Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) outbreak in The Gambia is a national tragedy attracting international concern, linked to nearly 100 deaths in children. This situation arose due to the use...

Teacher Education and Gender Equality in Greece: A case study

In the sociology of education, a great debate on the issue of gender has been created. Nowadays, educating teachers about gender equality (GE) is a matter of sustainable development especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. The special living conditions of the global social confinement as a measure to eradicate the virus disclosed a worrying outbreakof domestic and gender-based violence in all social categories. After the pandemic, the educational community has been engaged in GE and gender issues with the development of schools’ action plans as reflected in relevant studies in Greece and all over the world. The present study attempts to examine the teachers’ self-efficacy and needs concerning their training for a sustainable GE practice. The importance of the study originates from the necessity to highlight the teachers’ attitudes towards the issues of GE as Greece ranks last in the European Union on the GE Index. For this research, the tool, a validated questionnaire of teacher efficacy for GE practice is administered to secondary education teachers in Greece. Teachers are asked to assess their confidence in gender knowledge, skills, and awareness. The findings of the research showed that the majority of the teachers express their moderate perceptions, great concern, and need for training in developing practices on GE issues at school. However, there are findings that show that patriarchal values are firm in pedagogical practices. This study will create awareness of the necessity of integrating practices of GE in teacher training and education and give the initiative for further studies on the local or national level concerning the attitudes towards GE in education. Integrating GE in the national curricula through suitable teacher interventions could bridge gender inequalities and lead to a more balanced living for future generations.

Farmers’ Perception Towards District AgroMet Unit (DAMU) Agro Advisory Services in Agriculture and Allied sectors in Tamil Nadu

A study was undertaken between 2022 and 2023 to assess farmers’ perceptions of District Agro Meteorological Unit (DAMU) Services in Cuddalore, Ramnad, and Aruppukottai districts of Tamil Nadu. DAMU offers specialized weather information to support local agricultural activities. Employing an ex post facto research design, a random sample of 180 registered farmers was selected. Data was collected using a standardized questionnaire. Results revealed that Short-Range Forecasts (1-3 days) were most preferred (51.11%) followed by Medium-Range Forecast (4-7 days) with 31.11 per cent offering valuable insights to plan their activities for the upcoming week in making decisions related to crop protection, disease management and resource allocation of weather predictions. About three fourth (72.28 %) of farmers held a moderate perception of DAMU’s agromet services followed by high perception (15 per cent). The first ranked Perception Index (PI: 91.11) statement was that “weather-based advice assists in timing of sowing and transplanting” then “Information provided under DAMU is clearly understandable” (PI: 89.44); “advisory services in the form of video link are understandable, useful &amp; effective” (PI: 86.11) and least agreement for judicious application of fertilizers (PI: 66.29) and temperature forecasts (PI: 64.62) aid in safeguarding crops from cold, frost, and heat damage.

Assessment of radiation safety culture among radiological technologists in medical imaging departments in Saudi Arabia

This study aimed to evaluate the perception of radiation safety culture among medical radiological technologists (MRTs) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study was performed from June 2022 to February 2023 and involved MRTs from various hospitals and medical centres in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered and previously validated radiation safety culture survey instrument in medical imaging departments. The survey comprises 11 determinants of radiation safety culture, including personal accountability, teamwork in imaging, teamwork across imaging stakeholders, questioning attitude, feedback loops, organisational learning, leadership actions, non-punitive response, error reporting, radiation policy and overall perception of radiation safety. A total of 496 MRTs participated in this study. Results showed that most of the MRTs were male (75.0%), between 25 and 44 yr old (71.0%), with a bachelor’s degree (53.2%) and had less than 5 yr of experience (41.1%). The highest mean scores were for personal accountability (4.43 ± 0.62) and teamwork in imaging (4.22 ± 0.91), while the lowest mean score was for non-punitive response (2.94 ± 1.01). The majority of the MRTs reported good perception for the personal accountability (71.8%), teamwork in imaging (56.5%) and organisational learning (46%) scales; moderate perception for the teamwork across imaging stakeholders (53.2%), questioning attitude (71%), feedback loops (47.6%), leadership actions (74.2%), error reporting (53.2%), radiation policy (54.8%) and overall perception of radiation safety (62.1%) scales; and poor perception for the non-punitive response scale (45.2%). Individual and organisational interference are warranted to adhere to a strong radiation safety culture with continuing education. Moreover, repeated measures are necessary to assess for categorical improvement associated with the relevant determinants that are also important to support a positive radiation safety culture.