Orientation Program Research Articles

Topographic and Geodetic Survey for Samarkand's Administrative Boundaries

General Background: Administrative and territorial boundary delineation is vital in the effective governance and economic planning of urban regions globally, with digital technologies increasingly integrated into these processes for accuracy and efficiency. Specific Background: In Uzbekistan, the city of Samarkand’s administrative boundaries are undergoing significant realignment as part of a broader initiative to incorporate strategic urban centers and enable digital land management across administrative zones. Knowledge Gap: Existing methods lack precise integration with digital geospatial frameworks, leaving a gap in high-resolution topographic data essential for clear administrative delineation. Aims: This study seeks to develop and apply an accurate, digitally supported methodology for determining the boundaries of Samarkand's administrative units using advanced geodetic and topographic techniques. Results: By utilizing the CREDO DAT program, this study achieved precise boundary coordinates through the automated processing of survey points, and further analysis was conducted using the Panorama program for detailed map orientation. Novelty: This research presents a unique approach by integrating CREDO DAT with geospatial tools in administrative boundary demarcation, enabling accurate and reproducible results that surpass traditional methods in efficiency and scalability. Implications: The findings support the strategic planning of Samarkand’s infrastructure and resource allocation while also laying the groundwork for applying similar methodologies in other urban regions, advancing Uzbekistan’s digital transformation efforts in land management.Highlights: Digital tools enhance accuracy in administrative boundary mapping. CREDO DAT and Panorama software streamline data processing for precise mapping. This method supports effective urban planning and resource management in Samarkand. Keywords: Administrative Zones, Border, Territory, District, City

Evaluation of an Orientation Program for Adjunct Clinical Instructors in Nursing

Abstract Part-time clinical nurse instructors teach students in many nursing schools in the United States. They are often unprepared for this role and require instruction in teaching methods. We developed and evaluated an online orientation program to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for nurses to become confident clinical instructors. For this project, 55 nurses completed the program; 28 were part-time faculty. Significant statistical differences were noted after completing the orientation program. Part-time faculty notably benefited from the online program and felt more confident in their ability to work with students.

Challenges Facing Students with Special Needs During the Transition from Primary Special Schools to Public Secondary Schools in Morogoro Municipality

The study aimed at investigating the challenges that students with special needs face during the transition from primary special schools to public secondary schools in Morogoro Municipality. The research was conducted in Morogoro Municipality and employed a cross-sectional research design alongside a mixed research approach. The target population included regular teachers and those specializing in special needs education within the municipality. The study sampled 155 respondents, comprising 131 regular teachers and 24 specialized teachers. Data collection was by means of questionnaires and interviews. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The study reveals major challenges for students with disabilities transitioning to public secondary schools, such as inadequate teacher training, insufficient curriculum adaptation, and limited support systems, compounded by social stigma, financial constraints, and inadequate preparation. To enhance the educational experience for students with disabilities, it is essential to implement comprehensive teacher training on inclusive strategies, adapt curricula to diverse learning needs, and establish robust orientation programs. Increasing funding for assistive technologies, combating social stigma with anti-bullying policies, and improving peer support networks and accessible transportation will further support these students’ integration and development and consequently enhance learning

“Confident, Supportive, and Capable”: A Retrospective Analysis of an Outdoor Orientation Program

“Confident, Supportive, and Capable”: A Retrospective Analysis of an Outdoor Orientation Program

Social Media in Higher Education: A Study on Use of Social Media by New Entrants at the Faculty of Dental Sciences, University of Peradeniya, SRI LANKA, during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The transition to online education prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on educational institutions globally, especially in developing countries. The absence of formal online learning management systems (LMS) in many of these institutions presented significant challenges. In response, many educators and higher educational institutions turned in to social media platforms and other digital tools to continue providing education and support the learning process. The present study attempts to understand social media behaviour of new entrants to the faculty of Dental Sciences of University of Peradeniya, more specifically for fulfilling their information need related to academic programs during the CORONA outbreak. The study was carried out at the Faculty of Dental Sciences during the library orientation program for new entrants. Although 117 undergraduates registered with the dental library for the academic year 2022/2023, only 112 students participated in the survey. An online questionnaire made with Google Forms was administered among the research sample.According to key findings, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Research Gate were the most popular social media platforms used by Dental Science new entrants for the purpose of academic information during the COVID-19 pandemic. More specifically, 65% of them had been used these online platforms as a tool of searching scientific and academic information related to their academic programs. There were some positive impacts of using social media for academic purposes. One significant benefit was that social media helped them to maintain better relationships with their peers during the CORONA pandemic, facilitating peer support and collaboration etc. However, the students have perceived some negative impacts of social media as well i.e. students found social media to be quite time-consuming. Despite the potential of educational benefits of social media, the study indicated a gap in awareness and utilization of them for academic purposes. A significant proportion of students, about 35%, were not aware of the educational potential of social media. The majority of respondents appeared to prioritize using social media for entertainment rather than accessing educational content or utilizing academic features available on these platforms. On top of these findings, it can be recommended that educational institutions and policymakers in Sri Lanka consider strategies to harness the educational potential of social media for undergraduates. By raising awareness and encouraging the use of social media for academic purposes, they could enhance the learning experience and make better use of digital tools to support education in the context of ongoing and future disruptions.

Navigating New Terrain: Exploring Orientation Programs For New Academic Staff and Their Experience

Commencing a new job can instigate anxiety, especially for those without prior work experience. The excitement of a fresh employment endeavour may coincide with feelings of discomfort, stemming from unfamiliar expectations. A comprehensive overview and understanding on orientation programs for new staff can play a crucial role in facilitating their adaptation, fostering departmental understanding, fostering colleague connections, and grasping job essentials. This research seeks to assess orientation activities carried out for new academic staff joining the faculty by the management while investigating the orientation program experience of recently onboarded staff members with less than six years of experience in one of the language academies in a public university in the Klang Valley. An interview and survey were conducted and revealed notable areas of concern including employee benefits, performance expectations, departmental and faculty structures, policies and procedures and training development. The findings delineated key areas of concern as a foundational framework to be concentrated by the management during future faculty staff recruitment. This study also highlights the need to develop a tailored orientation kit for new onboarding staff to the faculty.

Privacy Awareness and Social Media: Personal Data Protection among Facebook** and Instagram** Users

This study investigated the level of awareness of personal data protection among Facebook** and Instagram** users. The research evaluated the number of Facebook and Instagram users who have taken precautions to secure their personal data, why they did so, and the identification of regulatory authorities responsible for data protection in Nigeria. The Privacy Calculus Theory was used as the theoretical framework. The survey research design was used for this study, with the web-based questionnaire as the instrument for data collection. A sample size of 396 was drawn from the student population at the University of Port Harcourt. The data were analyzed in tables using frequency and percentage. The results indicated that users are strongly aware of the significance of safeguarding personal data on Facebook and Instagram. The users acknowledged implementing precautionary steps to safeguard their personal data. However, they still need to determine the specific agencies and regulatory entities accountable for ensuring the safety of personal data. In order to tackle this problem, the study recommended that the University management and student bodies should organize specific educational workshops to promote understanding of the pertinence of safeguarding personal data on social media platforms (Solove, 2021), create easily accessible materials and guidelines on the University of Port Harcourt portal designed for social media users, outlining the best methods for protecting personal data, including personal data protection awareness in its orientation programs and student events and also set up a system for reporting potential data breaches and offer assistance to affected users. ** – A social network owned by “Meta”, which is recognized as extremist in Russia

Towards a Better Transition to University: A Student-Centric Welcome Day for the New Undergraduate Students in a Mathematics Department

This case study delves into a Welcome Day event organised by the Department of Mathematical Sciences at a UK university for the incoming first year students in the department. This report reflects some of the practicalities and the evaluation of the event. The event, primarily focused on student engagement activities along with reduced amount of traditional presentations, was aimed at facilitating peer networking and smoothing the transition from school to university, hence nurturing a sense of belonging within the student community. The structure of the event was crafted to align with the department's unique ethos, with an emphasis on activities that resonate with the field of mathematics. Evaluation of the event is done based on the responses from the students during the event via an online questionnaire. The event not only demonstrated high levels of student satisfaction but also served as a good example of department-specific orientation programs. These localized events can complement university-wide initiatives, offering a more tailored setting for new students to acclimate to their specific academic environment. This paper has the prospect to guide others and to reinforce the notion of seeking to tailor welcome days to match the needs of new cohorts.

Enhancing Hospital Reimbursement Through a Pediatric Surgery Resident Orientation Program: A Focus on Accurate Diagnosis Code Documentation for Acute Appendicitis

BackgroundThe usage of specific ICD-10 diagnosis codes significantly influences hospital reimbursement compared to non-specific codes. This study hypothesized that a formal orientation program for pediatric surgery residents would enhance the selection of accurate and specific diagnosis codes for acute appendicitis such as K35.30 for “Acute appendicitis with localized peritonitis” rather than K35.80 for “Unspecified acute appendicitis,” thereby improving hospital reimbursement. MethodsWe implemented a comprehensive orientation for pediatric surgery residents at our institution in late 2020, a component of which emphasized the importance of having specific ICD-10 diagnosis codes. We conducted a retrospective analysis of laparoscopic appendectomy billing data for pediatric patients, comparing the use of specific versus unspecified diagnosis codes and associated hospital reimbursement rates before (2020) and after (2022) the program's initiation. Patients without payment were excluded. Statistical significance was determined by a two-tailed p-value of ≤0.05. ResultsAnalysis of 267 patient records showed a significant increase in the use of the specific diagnosis code (K35.30) from 3.6% in 2020 to 87.5% in 2022 (p < 0.0001). Adjusted for inflation and billing changes, mean hospital reimbursement per case increased by $661 (from $4414 to $5,075, p = 0.027), totaling an additional $84,616 in 2022, just for a single subset of appendicitis patients. ConclusionsA targeted resident orientation program significantly improves the use of specific ICD-10 codes for acute appendicitis, leading to increased hospital reimbursement. Such programs represent a valuable approach for enhancing the financial outcomes of pediatric surgical care while reinforcing the importance of accurate medical documentation. Study DesignRetrospective. Level of EvidenceIII.

Evolution of Postpandemic Nurse Orientation Through an Academic-Practice Partnership.

An academic-practice partnership engaged in redesigning the postpandemic orientation process for newly hired nurses in a large academic health system. Results from needs assessments and collaboration efforts informed the orientation program redesign, and the National Implementation Research Network framework guided project development. The orientation redesign aimed to enhance efficiency, readiness for unit-specific orientation, and stakeholder satisfaction. This article highlights strategies for fostering successful academic-practice partnerships in addressing nursing workforce challenges postpandemic.

Investigating factors associated with operating room nurses’professional transition in Singapore health system

Background: The nursing workforce in Singapore has been highly depended on foreign nurses to fill its nursing shortfalls. The recent SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has further exacerbated issues of global nursing shortage onto the Singapore nursing workforce. This was reflected by the recent 1,500 healthcare workers, which included nurses, that have left the workforce entirely in the first half of 2021 due to the physical toll such pandemics had on the healthcare workforce. Within the operating room units, similar insights behind the nursing shortfall globally have been discussed in the extant literature. This issues however, lacked exploration in Singapore nursing context. The quintessential question was to understand the associating factors of nursing induction programmes on new nurses transitioning into their operating room unit. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate factors associated with nursing professional transition in the operating room units in Singapore health system. Design: The research used a cohort study design with a descriptive self-administered quantitative survey administered to obtain data. The researcher developed the self-administered quantitative survey titled the ‘Impacts on Operating Room Nurses with Transitional Support Programmes’survey. Results: At the time of the study, 91 of 96 responses received met the inclusion criteria. Respondents came from across majority of operating room units in Singapore. 75.3% (n = 75) of respondents had worked in their operating room unit for less than two years.13 questions from the self-developed survey were used to identify relationships that existed between variables that affected operating room nurses in Singapore because of the IP they received. The Spearman correlation test reflected 3 majors factors associated with nursing induction programmes on new nurses transitioning in the operating room units. These include lack of adaptation time, facilitators guidance and topic and skills insufficiency leading towards challenges reaching competence. Conclusions: The findings of this quantitative study called for the review of the contents outlined in existing operating room nursing induction programmes in Singapore. While the survey respondents mainly acknowledged that they were satisfied with their orientation programmes, responses in the survey outlined those nurses’ faced challenges with knowledge and skills acquired during their induction programme that affected their initial transition to practice in the operating room.

Patterns of utilization of advanced practice providers in reproductive endocrinology: a 2023 national survey

ObjectiveTo evaluate the current utilization of advanced practice providers (APPs) within the field of reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI). DesignCross sectional. SubjectsA total of 201 APPs surveyed through the American Society of Reproductive Medicine APP Professional Group. ExposureAnonymized online survey. Main Outcome MeasuresDemographics, scope of practice and responsibilities, and training and onboarding. ResultsRespondents were primarily Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs, 26.4%), Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners (WHNPs, 33.3%), or Physician Associates (PAs, 29.8%). Two-thirds (67.4%) reported that their scope of practice is limited by their employer or practice, 43.5% by state restrictions, and 25.2% by insurance. Survey respondents reported that 44.4% of their time at work is dedicated to performing procedures and scans and 30.6% to conducting consults and follow-ups. The most commonly reported duties were physical exams (88.6%), intrauterine inseminations (IUI; 86.6%), saline sonohysterograms (79.6%), endometrial biopsies (76.6%), ultrasounds (74.6%), and problem visits such as for pain, cysts, and bleeding (73.1%). The majority of survey respondents (61.7%) reported having autonomy in deciding protocols and treatment options for patients in their practice. Respondents described their onboarding training as including observation/on-the-job training (94.0%), independent reading of texts and journals (66.7%), ASRM online courses (45.3%), formal orientation (34.8%), and practice-organized training programs (29.4%). ConclusionsAPPs are highly trained members of the care team, but continue to be underutilized within the field of REI. Improvements in educational resources and/or use of a formalized program to train APPs to their full scope of practice may help increase clinic efficiency and improve patient access to care.

An Analytical Study of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices regarding NEXT among the Medical Students of G.S. Medical College, Hapur, U.P., India

The National Exit Test (NEXT) is a newly introduced licensing examination in India, aiming to standardize medical education and ensure quality assurance. There is no clarity regarding NEXT among MBBS students. To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of medical students regarding NEXT and identify areas for improvement. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 medical students of different batches using a pretested questionnaire, with a response rate of 100% (200 respondents). The study revealed significant gaps in knowledge (36% aware of NEXT resources) and preparedness (32% joined preparatory classes), with students expressing uncertainty and negativity towards NEXT. The study highlights the need of clear guidelines , targeted interventions, including orientation programs and standardized preparation resource material to support students in navigating the challenges of NEXT

Evaluating the Efficacy of Venous versus Arterial Grafts in CABG: A Cross-Sectional Retrospective Study

Background: Angiography of the coronary arteries is the most noninvasive advanced method of establishing graft patency post-coronary artery bypass grafting. The emergence of multi-slice computed tomography has opened a wide avenue for fast imaging around coronary angiography, with a featured scan time of 0.25 seconds, up to 32-slice detection, and multirow detector arrays, which are very important for quick evaluation. Methods and Results: This study was a retrospective cross-sectional case series that involved 56 individual patients who underwent CABG in the Erbil Cardiac Center. Clinical and radiological evaluations were carried out to evaluate arterial and venous grafts' patency, considering the sociocultural pattern of the individual, type of conduits used, and patency in relation to multiple risk factors. The patency of arterial grafts was 84.9%, while that of venous was 61.9%. Features like hypertension, diabetes mellitus, exercise, and dietary restriction were shown to have a significantly associated vessel occlusion with a P-value of less than 0.05%. Conclusion: The results of our study also confirm that arterial grafts have far better patency rates than saphenous vein grafts (SVG) in coronary artery bypass grafts. Contributory factors for graft occlusion are diabetes mellitus, hypertension, double antiplatelet therapy, and smoking habits. There is also suggestive evidence that dietary and exercise modification in the patient orientation program would improve the long-term outcome of patients after CABG.

One size doesn’t fit all: how different types of learning motivations influence engineering undergraduate students’ success outcomes

BackgroundMotivation is the inherent belief to guide students learning goals and behaviors to make continuous efforts and strengthen learning outcomes. Previous research reported the positive impacts of learning motivation on student success, but there have been limited efforts in systematically and structurally studying different types of motivations and their impacts on students’ success in engineering education. The current study contributes to the literature by systematically examining two important types of motivations and their influences on undergraduate engineering students in a theoretically grounded manner while using an advanced analytical approach.MethodsThe current study conducted a cross-sectional survey with undergraduate engineering students (n = 514) from 18 different schools across nine U.S. states. The survey assessed students’ self-report scores on six types of motivations to study developed based on formative research and the current literature and then collected students’ self-reported learning outcomes, current GPA, university satisfaction, engineering program satisfaction, and individual demographic factors. The data were then analyzed using structural equation modeling.ResultsThe results showed that motivations related to family, personality, and academic expectations were consistently positively associated with all measured students’ success outcomes; motivations related to educators were associated with all four outcomes but student GPA; motivations related to course contents were associated with learning outcomes and student GPA; and motivations related to peers did not predict any of the four measured students’ success outcomes.DiscussionWe explain some of the unexpected results with further literature that examines engineering culture and ecology. We also make recommendations related to cognitive training, tailored engineering education, peer culture interventions, and family orientation programs.

AI Application (ChatGPT) and Saudi Arabian Primary School Students’ Autonomy in Online Classes: Exploring Students and Teachers’ Perceptions

In education, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) has presented opportunities to transform the dynamics of online learning. This study investigated the impact of an AI-powered application, namely ChatGPT, on the autonomy of Saudi Arabian primary students participating in online classes. It also explored how the implementation of Chat GPT influenced Saudi Arabian primary students’ autonomy. In this mixed-methods study, a quasi-experimental design assessed the impact of ChatGPT on learner autonomy among 250 Saudi Arabian primary students from six primary schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The quantitative analysis employed descriptive statistics and t-tests, while the qualitative data underwent interpretative phenomenological analysis. To ensure coding reliability, 20% of the codes were independently reviewed by an external coder, with a 94% inter-coder agreement coefficient reached through consensus. Findings revealed that ChatGPT significantly affected the participants’ perceptions of autonomy and its different dimensions. Qualitative data showed that AI-powered applications contributed to the students’ autonomy in 10 different ways. Participants also mentioned that AI-powered apps might have some negative consequences. This study has theoretical implications for redefining learner autonomy in the digital age and calls for the exploration of many facets of autonomy. Practical applications from this study include strategic integration of AI into online education, data security, and the need for orientation programs.

The Effectiveness of English as a Science Medium Instruction in Higher Education

This research presents a comprehensive analysis of English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) in higher education, drawing insights from seven studies involving 150 students. The investigation delves into various factors such as academic proficiency, TOEFL scores, and gender distribution. Findings reveal a clustering of TOEFL scores around the midpoint of the range, suggesting a normal distribution. However, gender distribution exhibits significant deviations from normalcy. Despite these variations, detailed statistical analyses offer valuable insights into student performance within EMI programs. Moving beyond data analysis, a systematic review explores the impact and effective practices of EMI in higher education. It acknowledges the ongoing debate regarding EMI's influence on language proficiency and academic achievement. While some studies suggest positive outcomes, others highlight challenges and discrepancies, emphasizing the complexity of evaluating EMI's success. The review underscores the importance of examining diverse linguistic and non-linguistic factors and calls for further research to inform instructional strategies. Furthermore, the study identifies effective practices in EMI implementation, emphasizing instructional techniques, curriculum design, language support services, assessment procedures, faculty development, and reflective practice. These approaches aim to create inclusive learning environments conducive to language acquisition, subject matter learning, and student success. Additionally, the review proposes solutions to address challenges and promote inclusivity in EMI contexts, including cultural orientation programs, academic assistance, institutional regulations, social justice initiatives, intercultural competencies, and student-centered teaching approaches. This holistic approach seeks to enhance the long-term success and well-being of students within the EMI framework in higher education.

Transforming in the Digital Era: Uncovering the Potential of Self-Reliance and Technology for the Success of New UT Students in Distance Learning

This study aims to analyze the influence of self-directed learning skills and technology use on the academic success of new students at Universitas Terbuka (UT). A quantitative research method was employed, using an online survey distributed to new students across various study programs. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS statistical software to obtain descriptive and inferential results. The findings indicate that both self-directed learning skills and technology use positively and significantly impact students' academic success. Among these factors, technology use has a greater influence. The combination of high self-directed learning skills and effective technology use significantly enhances learning outcomes. This study is limited to a sample of new students and utilizes a survey method. The implications of these findings suggest the need for developing more effective learning programs, educational policies supporting technology use, and additional academic support for new students. Recommendations for future research include providing specialized technology training, developing comprehensive orientation programs, and conducting studies with larger samples and qualitative approaches for deeper insights.

Using simulated patients to teach de-escalation during Registered Nurses' onboarding

BackgroundWorkplace violence and aggression toward healthcare professionals are concerning trends in the industry, with increasing incidents over the last decade. The COVID-19 pandemic put additional stress on health systems, healthcare workers, patients, and family members. These additional stressors resulted in increased aggressive behaviors. Education and training on de-escalation techniques is paramount to increased safety of health professionals and patients. Nursing education programs and hospital orientation programs often lack de-escalation training. MethodsFrom January to October 2023, 102 nurses participated in a de-escalation simulation encounter. Quantitative and qualitative data was captured via Redcap survey. Facilitators tracked behaviors of the simulated patients and reactions of the nurses, in real-time, using a survey designed by the education team. Participants completed a post-survey which elicited information about prior de-escalation training and application of skills learned during the de-escalation simulation encounter to future practice. ResultsSixty-five percent of new graduate nurses revealed that they had some form of de-escalation training most of which was provided through a lecture (36%) or online module (19%). Following participation in the simulation encounter, 98.5% of participants felt better prepared to manage an escalating patient/family member situation. Structured debriefings identified educational gaps regarding hospital resources, behavioral strategies for averting escalating incidents, methods for maintaining safety, and discreetly seeking assistance. ConclusionThe simulated patient training offered participants an opportunity to apply de-escalation techniques in a safe environment. Targeted de-escalation training using simulated patients increased the authenticity and realism of the immersive experience and resulted in enhanced de-escalation skill development in new hire nurses.

Exploring lifestyles, work environment and health care experience of Nepalese returnee labour migrants diagnosed with kidney-related problems.

In recent years, international media and the scientific community have expressed concerns regarding rising kidney health-related risks among Nepalese labour migrants in Gulf countries and Malaysia. Previous studies have highlighted poor lifestyles and work conditions among Nepalese migrants, which could potentially impact their kidney health. This qualitative study aims to explore the lifestyles and work environment of returnee Nepalese migrants who were diagnosed with kidney health problems. In-depth interviews were carried out with twelve returnee migrants, all males, with half having worked abroad for at least a decade. Our analysis yielded seven themes: (a) living and lifestyles; (b) work environment; (c) exposure to pollutants; (d) Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) experience; (e) use of painkillers and healthcare; (f) medical expenses for CKD patients; and (g) pre-departure training. This study indicates that Nepalese migrants face numerous challenges, including limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities, poor diets, exposure to occupational hazards, and overuse of pain medication, all of which may contribute to an increased risk of kidney disease. An enhanced pre-departure and on-arrival orientation programme focusing on kidney health-related topics, including the necessary advocacy at the country of destination to provide access to basic services, may encourage migrants to adopt healthy lifestyles and safe working environments, as well as help sensitise migrants to their kidney health risks.