Program Characteristics Research Articles

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Work Requirements and Safety-Net Program Participation.

Work requirements are a controversial feature of US safety-net programs, with some policymakers seeking to expand their use. Little is known about the demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic characteristics of individuals most likely to be negatively impacted by work requirements. To examine the association between work requirements and safety-net program enrollment. This cohort study included Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) enrollees in Connecticut. The impact of SNAP work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents-the target population-was estimated using a triple-differences research design comparing outcomes before and after the policy (first difference) in affected and exempted towns (second difference) between the targeted population and untargeted parents and caregivers (third difference). SNAP and Medicaid enrollment trends were assessed for a 24-month period, and the characteristics of individuals most likely to lose coverage were examined. Data were collected from August 2015 to April 2018, and data were analyzed from August 2022 to September 2024. The reintroduction of SNAP work requirements in 2016. Proportion of enrollees disenrolled from SNAP and Medicaid. Of 81 888 Medicaid enrollees in Connecticut, 46 872 (57.2%) were female, and the mean (SD) age was 36.6 (7.0) years. Of these, 38 344 were able-bodied adults without dependents, of which 19 172 were exposed to SNAP work requirements, and 43 544 were parents or caregivers exempted from SNAP work requirements. SNAP coverage declined 5.9 percentage points (95% CI, 5.1-6.7), or 25%, following work requirements. There were no statistically significant changes in Medicaid coverage (0.2 percentage points; 95% CI, -1.4 to 1.0). Work requirements disproportionately affected individuals with more chronic illnesses, targeted beneficiaries who were older, and beneficiaries with lower incomes. Individuals with diabetes were 5 percentage points (95% CI, 0.8-9.3), or 91%, likelier to lose SNAP coverage than those with no chronic conditions; older SNAP beneficiaries (aged 40 to 49 years) with multiple comorbidities were 7.3 percentage points (95% CI, 4.3-11.3), or 553%, likelier to disenroll than younger beneficiaries (aged 25 to 29 years) without chronic conditions; and households with the lowest incomes were 18.6 percentage points (95% CI, 11.8-25.4), or 204%, likelier to lose coverage than the highest income SNAP beneficiaries. In this cohort study, SNAP work requirements led to substantial reductions in SNAP coverage, especially for the most clinically and socioeconomically vulnerable. Work requirements had little effect on Medicaid coverage, suggesting they did not lead to sufficient increases in employment to transition beneficiaries off the broader safety net.

Ngā Kaupapa Wawata me Uara: a narrative review exploring Tiriti o Waitangi-centred population health programmes in Aotearoa New Zealand

Globally, Indigenous Peoples experience widespread health inequities. Treaties provide a potential framework to uphold Indigenous rights and progress health equity. Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Māori language version of the Treaty of Waitangi) established the relationship between Māori, the Indigenous people of Aotearoa (New Zealand), and the British Crown. Grounded in Kaupapa Māori theory, this literature review used an Indigeneity-Grounded Analysis (IGA) policy lens to identify four characteristics of Tiriti-centred population health programmes: whanaungatanga (relationships), pro-equity actions, Te Ao Māori (Māori worldviews), and accountability. Although the evidence-base is emergent, a rights-based approach identifies the centrality of Indigenous self-determination, structural and system transformation, and freedom from discrimination. Indigenous knowledge provides the foundation for treaty-centered policy supportive of Indigenous rights and health equity.

Constructing a Supplementary Benchmark Suite to Represent Android Applications with User Interactions by using Performance Counters

We find existing benchmark suites for smartphone CPU micro-architecture design such as Geekbench 5.0 fail to authentically represent the micro-architecture level performance behavior of widely used real Android applications with interactive operations such as screen sliding. It is therefore crucial to systematically construct a benchmark suite as a supplementary to Geekbench to represent the user interaction behavior of Android applications for CPU micro-architecture design. The key is to identify a small number of representative programs from a large number of real applications. To this end, a set of features used to represent a program need to be constructed, and these features should be fair for different micro-architectures and can be collected efficiently. However, this is extremely difficult for Android applications. For example, the feature collection tools for Android applications are unavailable for benchmark selection. In this paper, we propose a novel benchmark suite construction approach dubbed BEMAP to efficiently build a supplementary benchmark suite from real-world Android applications to represent their user interaction behavior. 1 BEMAP innovates four techniques. The first technique, called two-stage RFC (representative feature construction), constructs program features from performance counters (events) to represent a program for selecting benchmarks from a large number of real Android applications in two stages. The first stage identifies a set of important performance events in terms of IPC (instructions per cycle) by employing a machine learning algorithm named SGBRT (Stochastic Gradient Boosted Regression Tree). The second stage constructs representative features based on the important performance events by using ICA (independent component analysis). The second technique, named SPC-MMA (source performance counters from multiple micro-architectures), collects the performance events from multiple mobile CPUs with different micro-architectures and mixes them as the source of RFC. The goal of these two innovations is to make the program features fair to different mobile CPU micro-architectures. The third technique, called ES (Elbow-Silhouette) approach, artfully leverages the synergy between the elbow method and the silhouette method to determine an optimal K when we use K-Means to group Android applications. The fourth technique is that we design a new tool named AutoProfiler to automatically profile the micro-architecture events (e.g., IPC, L1 Icache misses) of Android applications with interactive operations. Using the proposed BEMAP methodology 2 , we constructed SPBench, a novel benchmark suite supplementary to traditional mobile benchmark suites like Geekbench, for mobile CPU micro-architecture design. It consists of fifteen benchmarks selected from one hundred real Android applications with three common user interaction operations, which is the fifth innovation of this paper. The experimental results on four significantly different micro-architectures show that SPBench can represent the micro-architecture performance behaviors of the one hundred real-world applications with three common user interactive operations on each micro-architecture with significantly higher accuracy than benchmark suites produced by the state-of-the-art approaches.

Culinary medicine in type 2 diabetes management: co-designing the Cook2DIAbeat training program

Abstract Background Type 2 diabetes (hereinafter diabetes) stands among the top ten drivers of disease burden. Globally, more than 59 million adults are living with diabetes with a projection of 15% increase by 2045. The Cook2DIAbeat project aims to develop a tailor-made nutrition training program based on culinary medicine, for patients with diabetes to achieve lifelong dietary changes. The aim of the present work was to reveal potential drivers and barriers related to lifelong dietary modifications. Methods The study was implemented in February-July 2023 in Spain, Belgium, Greece, and Cyprus. A mixed-method co-design methodology was conducted: co-creation sessions with individuals with diabetes, family members, and healthcare professionals, and an online survey with patients with diabetes. Results In total, 23 health professionals and 25 patients and family members participated in the co-creation sessions, and 212 patients in the online survey. Patients and health professionals recognized the added value of the culinary approach for diabetes management. The main perceived barriers for changing dietary habits included difficulties accessing reliable and non-conflicting information, lack of time, emotional and psychological issues, and limited social support. Individuals at an advanced age and of low socioeconomic status seem to demand specific educational approaches addressing the actual challenges of their daily life. Conclusions The study indicated that training should provide reliable information and address psychosocial aspects. The translation of the dietary guidelines through the culinary medicine approach seems to be well-received by the target group. Last, the content needs to be tailored to suit the specific age group and socioeconomic background of the patients. Key messages • Reliability, practicability are three key characteristics of a nutrition training program in diabetes management. • Cultural and socioeconomic barriers needs to be taken into consideration.

Peer-Mediated Social Skills Interventions in Primary School Settings for Autistic Children in the Light of the ICF Bio-psycho-social Model. A Systematic Review.

This systematic review expands the current knowledge about Peer-Mediated Interventions (PMIs) for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, focusing exclusively on primary school age (6-12years). The study has three aims: (1) describing the main features of the PMI programs; (2) discussing the PMIs efficacy on autistic children's social skills; (3) analyzing whether the PMIs were coherent with the bio-psycho-social model promoted by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) classification system, by referring to the person-environment interaction and to the concepts of body functions and structures, environmental factors, and activity and participation. The systematic review followed the PRISMA-P method. The literature search was conducted in August 2024 through PsycInfo, PsycArticles, Education Source, and PubMed databases. A total of 558 articles were generated; 1 study was later added. Twenty-four articles were finally included. Most of the studies used a multiple baseline design across subjects and proved to be effective. Yet, only 5 studies included a follow-up assessment, which showed contrasting results. PMIs partly fit the ICF bio-psycho-social vision, even if they were not designed for this purpose. Our analysis arises from the belief that systematically including the perspective of individual-environment interaction could better guarantee the intervention efficacy.

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) programs for monitoring symptoms among patients treated with immunotherapy: A scoping review.

Monitoring toxicities among patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) using patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures (PROMs) is relatively recent. This scoping review aims to guide decision-making in the development of PROMs ICI programs. Four electronic databases were searched from inception to January 2024. Data on PROMs ICI programs (eg, PROMs used, frequency) were extracted. Two authors with established inter-rater reliability screened titles, abstracts, and full texts. A narrative synthesis identified patterns in the data. 22 articles described 16 unique multicomponent, electronic PRO programs, mainly developed for remote monitoring of toxicities between appointments. Patients typically completed 18-26 items from the PRO-CTCAE or CTCAE weekly, with high adherence/satisfaction. Commonly monitored symptoms were diarrhea, fatigue, shortness of breath, cough, nausea, decreased appetite, rash, joint pain, pain, and mood. Other features of PROM programs included clinician alerts, with some program only flagging symptoms that had an impact on treatment. Some program also or only sent alerts to patients to contact their clinicians and gave access to symptom management information. In terms of efficacy, the only consistent finding was an increase in QOL. The findings of this scoping review provide some indication as to which components of a PROM program are promising. However, as the evidence-based for PROMs among patients receiving ICIs is growing, many questions remain, including which symptoms to monitor, using which PROM, and at what frequency. More trials are needed to answer these questions and to determine how best to implement PROM ICI programs in clinical practice.

Use and perceptions of involuntary civil commitment among post-overdose outreach staff in Massachusetts, United States: A mixed-methods study.

Involuntary civil commitment (ICC) is a legal process by which people are compulsorily admitted to substance use treatment. This study explored views about and promotion of ICC procedures for substance use disorders among public health-public safety post-overdose outreach programs and their outreach team members in Massachusetts, USA. In this mixed-methods study, survey data were collected from post-overdose outreach programs in 2019, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with outreach team members in 2019 and 2020. Massachusetts, USA. We received 138 survey responses and conducted 38 interviews with post-overdose outreach team members (law enforcement officers, recovery coaches, social workers and harm reductionists) who were majority male (57%) and white (66%). We used the survey instrument to categorize programs as more (discussed ICC at 50% or more of outreach encounters) or less ICC focused (discussed ICC at less than 50% of outreach encounters) and to identify program characteristics that corresponded with each categorization. Semi-structured interviews explored staff perceptions of ICC effectiveness. Among 138 programs, 36% (n = 50) discussed ICC at 50% or more of outreach encounters. Discussing ICC at a majority of visits was positively associated with abstinence-only program philosophies (36% v. 6%, P < 0.001) and collaborating with drug courts (60% v. 30%, P < 0.001), but negatively associated with naloxone distribution (48% v. 75%, P < 0.001) and referring to syringe service programs (26% v. 65%, P < 0.001). Qualitative interviews identified three themes: 1) some programs viewed ICC as a first line tool to engage overdose survivors in treatment; 2) other programs considered ICC a last resort, skeptical of its benefits and concerned about potential harms; 3) families commonly initiated discussions about ICC, reportedly out of desperation. Promotion of involuntary civil commitment (ICC) appears to vary widely across post-overdose outreach programs in Massachusetts, USA, with approaches ranging from seeing it as a first step to treatment to being a tool of last resort. Demand for ICC among family members may relate to inadequate access to voluntary treatment. Family interest in ICC appears to be driven by inadequate availability of treatment and other services. ICC at post-overdose outreach visits should be limited, if used at all.

The Effectiveness of Trauma-Informed Parenting Programs for Traumatized Parents and Their Components: A Meta-Analytic Study.

Parents who have been exposed to trauma face distinct challenges in parenting that can lead to negative child developmental outcomes and intergenerational transmission of trauma. Parenting programs for traumatized parents seem promising, but the existing evidence on their effectiveness has not yet been synthesized. This study aimed to examine the overall effect of trauma-informed parenting programs on (a) parenting and (b) parental mental health outcomes by conducting two three-level meta-analyses. Moderator analyses were performed to identify whether program components, delivery techniques, and other study and program characteristics were associated with effectiveness. A literature search conducted up to August 2024 yielded 15 studies reporting on 110 effect sizes. Significant overall effects were found of trauma-informed parenting programs on both parenting outcomes (d = 0.75, 95% CIs = [0.09, 1.15], p = .027) and parental mental health outcomes (d = 0.21, 95% CIs = [0.09, 0.32], p < .001). The first meta-analysis on parenting found no significant moderators, while the second meta-analysis on parental mental health indicated that programs emphasizing child disciplining skills yielded smaller effects (d = 0.04) compared to programs without this component (d = 0.31). Programs using modeling techniques yielded larger effects (d = 0.32) compared to programs without (d = 0.14). Larger program effects on parental mental health were also found for programs with longer durations and when individual sessions were used. Thus, evidence supports the effectiveness of trauma-informed parenting programs in improving parenting and reducing parental mental health problems.

National Seclusion and Restraint Trends within Child Residential Treatment Facilities: 2010-2020 in Review.

This study aimed to estimate the percentage of child RTCs utilizing seclusion and restraint (S/R) practices and examine predictors associated with increased likelihood of S/R use between 2010 and 2020. A secondary analysis of the National Mental Health Services Survey was conducted (n-range = 580-781). Facility-level client demographics and facility characteristics were examined using multi-level logistic regression. One-way ANOVA indicated that the percentage of child RTCs using S/R significantly decreased between 2010 and 2020 [F(4, 58074) = 75.62, p <.001]. A post-hoc Bonferroni test found that the percentage of facilities reporting the use of SR in 2010 was significantly higher than in 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020 (all p <.001). Multi-level logistic regression analysis found that facility-level client demographics (percent male, white, and involuntarily committed) did not significantly predict facility use of SR in 2010, 2014, or 2016. However, facility-level characteristics of SED program (all p <.01), use of psychotropic medication (all p <.001), and facility size as measured by number of mental health beds (all p <.01) consistently predicted usage of SR in 2010 [F(11) = 68.38, p <.001], 2014 [F(12) = 74.25, p <.001], and 2016 [F(12) = 74.48, p <.001]. Facility ownership and accepting Medicare payments did not significantly predict facility usage of SR. Use of SR within child RTCs significantly declined between 2010 and 2020. Larger facilities, facilities with an SED program, and facilities that used psychotropic medications with clients were more likely to use SR practices between 2010 and 2016. More high-quality, publicly available data for monitoring S/R use in mental health services within the United States is needed.

Agency Building with Early Research Exposure: A Study of an Undergraduate Science Education Exposure Program

Undergraduate research exposure provides students with opportunities to positively perceive their association with their scientific discipline through agentic experiences, and thereby fostering their disciplinary identity building. In the present study, we explore students’ experiences of participating in an undergraduate level research exposure camp in Chemistry discipline. The camp is organized under a national level nurture initiative for undergraduate science and engineering students in India. It is a two-week long residential camp in which students are engaged in lectures on theoretical topics in chemistry, problem solving sessions, long laboratory exercises, abstract writing session, and students’ seminars. The camp also serves as a first step to select a small cohort of students based on their performance in the different activities during the camp for extended research projects opportunities. We apply the critical science agency framework to examine students’ experiences during the camp, and how understand how students connect their prior experiences and future career related choices with their camp experiences. The qualitative analysis describes students’ accounts of the emergence of agentic personalities at the entry, during, and beyond the camp. We noted instances in which students’ decisions and subsequent actions of applying to and attending the camp surfaced, and through students’ narration interpreted how some of these were markers of critical science agency. Based on authors’ understanding, this is the first, and one of the few studies conducted using critical science agency framework with science undergraduate students about their early research experiences. The study provides insights about potential programmatic features for similar undergraduate research camps in India as well as on a global platform.

A review of general cognitive-behavioral programs in English and Welsh prisons and probation services: Three decades of quasi-experimental evaluations.

For over 30 years, general cognitive-behavioral programs have contributed to the rehabilitation services offered within His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service in England and Wales. There is an extensive body of international evidence that demonstrates the effectiveness of such interventions as a correctional strategy. However, there is widespread variability of program effects associated with the standards of implementation. Over the last 3 decades, British researchers have produced a steady output of quasi-experimental program evaluations that have contributed to the evidence base. The most recent additions are some of the largest and most rigorous available worldwide. This review documents those evaluations and provides a meta-analysis that statistically aggregates the effects of programs delivered in His Majesty's prisons in England and Wales. We suggest there is sufficient evidence from evaluations of acceptable scientific rigor to conclude that general cognitive-behavioral programs delivered in prisons during the last decade and a half (circa 2006 to 2019) have had a small statistically significant mean reductive effect on general reoffending (odds ratio = 0.91). Program characteristics and implementation factors, including program dose, the scale of service delivery and program integrity, are discussed as possible factors associated with the size of the effect. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Opportunities to Improve Communication With Residency Applicants: Cross-Sectional Study of Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program Websites.

As part of the residency application process in the United States, many medical specialties now offer applicants the opportunity to send program signals that indicate high interest to a limited number of residency programs. To determine which residency programs to apply to, and which programs to send signals to, applicants need accurate information to determine which programs align with their future training goals. Most applicants use a program's website to review program characteristics and criteria, so describing the current state of residency program websites can inform programs of best practices. This study aims to characterize information available on obstetrics and gynecology residency program websites and to determine whether there are differences in information available between different types of residency programs. This was a cross-sectional observational study of all US obstetrics and gynecology residency program website content. The authorship group identified factors that would be useful for residency applicants around program demographics and learner trajectories; application criteria including standardized testing metrics, residency statistics, and benefits; and diversity, equity, and inclusion mission statements and values. Two authors examined all available websites from November 2011 through March 2022. Data analysis consisted of descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA, with P<.05 considered significant. Among 290 programs, 283 (97.6%) had websites; 238 (82.1%) listed medical schools of current residents; 158 (54.5%) described residency alumni trajectories; 107 (36.9%) included guidance related to the preferred United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 scores; 53 (18.3%) included guidance related to the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination Level 1 scores; 185 (63.8%) included international applicant guidance; 132 (45.5%) included a program-specific mission statement; 84 (29%) included a diversity, equity, and inclusion statement; and 167 (57.6%) included program-specific media or links to program social media on their websites. University-based programs were more likely to include a variety of information compared to community-based university-affiliated and community-based programs, including medical schools of current residents (113/123, 91.9%, university-based; 85/111, 76.6%, community-based university-affiliated; 40/56, 71.4%, community-based; P<.001); alumni trajectories (90/123, 73.2%, university-based; 51/111, 45.9%, community-based university-affiliated; 17/56, 30.4%, community-based; P<.001); the United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 score guidance (58/123, 47.2%, university-based; 36/111, 32.4%, community-based university-affiliated; 13/56, 23.2%, community-based; P=.004); and diversity, equity, and inclusion statements (57/123, 46.3%, university-based; 19/111, 17.1%, community-based university-affiliated; 8/56, 14.3%, community-based; P<.001). There are opportunities to improve the quantity and quality of data on residency websites. From this work, we propose best practices for what information should be included on residency websites that will enable applicants to make informed decisions.

Practical Construction and Reflection on the Curriculum Development of Early Childhood Education Programs in Vocational Colleges

As society's demands for the quality of early childhood care services continue to rise, the construction of early childhood education programs in higher vocational colleges has become increasingly crucial. Scientific course design not only affects students' professional skill development but also has a profound impact on the overall advancement of the early childhood care industry. This paper first analyzes the definition and characteristics of early childhood education programs and outlines the theoretical framework for course construction. Next, it provides a detailed discussion of the practical aspects of constructing early childhood education programs in higher vocational colleges, including curriculum design, teaching methods, and evaluation mechanisms, as well as the implementation and management of practical teaching. Finally, based on actual conditions, the paper explores the challenges and issues encountered during the course construction process and proposes suggestions and strategies for improvement.

Systematic review synthesising the effects of study abroad experience on the development of language fluency

ABSTRACT Given the importance of learning contexts in second language (L2) learning, study abroad (SA) has received due attention in the L2 literature, as this context has been proposed to accelerate L2 development. In line with recent efforts to synthesise the effects of SA on L2 learning, the present study reports a meta-analysis of the effects of SA experience on the development of L2 fluency compared to the at-home environment. Our dataset comprised 14 between-group studies, all based on quasi-experimental designs, including a comparison group. The results indicate that the SA context had an overall medium effect (Hedges’ g = 0.65, SE = 0.10, 95% CI [0.44, 0.87]) on the development of L2 fluency compared to its at-home counterpart. We also identified several variables related to learner characteristics and SA programme features and further examined their moderating effects on SA. Based on our findings, an in-depth discussion of how these variables are related to the effectiveness of SA was provided, and recommendations for L2 learners and SA researchers involved in SA programmes were proposed.

РОЛЬ МІЖНАРОДНИХ ТРАНСПОРТНИХ КОРИДОРОВ У ПРОЦЕСІ ІНТЕГРАЦІЇ АЗЕРБАЙДЖАНУ У СВІТОВУ ЕКОНОМІКУ

The article discusses the concept, purposes of creation and general characteristics of international transport corridors. The authors provide a brief description of the prerequisites for the formation and development of international transport corridors, and also consider the contribution of international transport corridors to the development of the national economy of the state-participants of the transport system from the point of view of micro- and macroeconomic indicators. The purpose of the article is to analyze the role of international transport corridors in the process of integration of Azerbaijan into the world economy. The object of the research is logistic principles of international transport corridors in the process of integration of Azerbaijan into the world economy. The methods used in the research. Here are used methods of categorical analysis and synthesis to study theoretical approaches to determining the essence and features of omnichannel loyalty programs. In addition, the description of the transformation of loyalty programs required the use of the observation method to display market trends and vectors of their influence on the specified process, as well as specification - to highlight and characterize relevant digital tools. Research hypothesis. The construction of new international transport corridors in the process of integration of Azerbaijan into the world economy will be a guarantee of the development of this region and its economic opportunities. Presenting main material. The conclusions contained in this article on the importance of international transport corridors for the economy of the state can be used in the future to assess the need to develop transport and logistics infrastructure within the framework of already functioning international transport corridors, to determine new strategic directions for the formation of new international transport corridors in the context of changing macroeconomic prerequisites and redistribution of traffic flows, including due to the introduction of sanctions, as well as to assess the prospects for the formation of new transport corridors. The originality and practical significance of the research. International transport corridors (ITC) in the context of global integration processes and the global division of labor are one of the most important factors in the development of the world economy. International transport corridors ensure the creation and functioning of stable transport links between various foreign participants in international economic relations. Conclusions and perspectives of further research. Of course, it is difficult to deny the importance of international transport corridors for the development of the global economy. At the same time, scientific interest arises in relation to what prerequisites lie behind the formation of international transport corridors and what contribution they make to the development of national economies of states through whose territory the national part of international transport corridors passes.

대학 비교과 프로그램 특성에 따른 학생 학습경험 분석: 경북 소재 대학의 비교과 프로그램에 대한 분석을 중심으로

Objectives This study conducted keyword network analysis to examine student experiences based on the characteristics of extracurricular programs at universities. The aim is to understand how these programs impact students' learning experiences. Methods Keyword network analysis was used based on keywords extracted from various survey contents. The NodeXL program was used to visualize the main keywords and their relationships for each type of extracurricular program (mentoring, tutoring, experiential). Results In mentoring programs, keywords such as ‘feedback’, ‘support’, and ‘adaptation’ were central, indicating that students enhance their self-directed learning and communication skills. In tutoring programs, keywords like ‘exam preparation’, ‘study strategies’, and ‘grade improvement’ were prominent, showing that students focus on academic achievement. In experiential programs, keywords such as ‘practice’, ‘experience’, and ‘projects’ stood out, highlighting a focus on practical learning. Conclusions The keyword network analysis revealed that students' learning experiences vary according to the characteristics of the extracurricular programs. These findings provide important insights for universities to design and operate extracurricular programs that meet the diverse learning needs of students.

If cheating is optimisation then assessment must not be pure

The emergence of generative AI has broadened the question of how to ensure academic integrity. Where, in the past, many tools sought to counter specific threats to integrity (for example, detecting plagiarism or outsourcing), we now need to consider integrity more fundamentally: What work can we be assured the student did? One way of viewing cheating is from the perspective of optimisation: producing a result without performing the work. This perspective creates an interesting parallel with computer programming. A programmer often wants their compiler to optimise their program, altering its instructions to make it run more efficiently, without affecting its observable behaviour. Some characteristics of programs make this easier or harder to do. For example, a function is said to be “pure” if it always produces the same outputs for the same inputs and has no other effects. If the result is known, then performing the function can be invisibly replaced by inserting its result. If, however, a function has an observable effect, then the work of performing the function cannot be optimised away. This paper explores academic integrity assurance through the lens of “effect types”. In functional languages, functions are often written in such a manner that the types of effects they have are explicit and tracked by the compiler. The paper likens this to tracking the types of academic integrity measures that are present in each assessment, how they compose across a course, and therefore what observable effects are present to assure each learning outcome.

Impact of community-based precision functional training on older adults’ walking and cognitive abilities in rural Taiwan: a pre–posttest study

BackgroundFunctional training is essential for maintaining the independence of older adults, especially in rural areas with limited resources. In this study, we assess the short-term and long-term impacts of the Precision Functional Training (PFT) program on mobility outcomes, specifically walking performance, and cognitive ability in community-dwelling older adults. The unique feature of this training program was its countywide, community-based, and tailored approach, designed to strengthen the functional abilities of older adults living in rural areas.Methods158 older adults aged 65 years and above were assessed in this one-group pre–posttest study conducted in 11 community care stations in Chiayi County, Taiwan. Participants had two follow-ups, with data collection on mobility and cognition. The 12-week PFT program, led by certified trainers, integrated aerobic, strength, and cognitive elements. Primary outcomes, including changes in gait, falls, and cognition, were analyzed using linear mixed effects and logit models.ResultsStrengthening mobility is critical to slowing functional decline in older adults. The PFT program led to significant improvements in cognitive function and several gait parameters compared with the baseline. Participants with limited mobility showed enhanced activities of daily living 1-month post-training, but these gains did not persist at the 1-year mark. No significant differences were observed in fall occurrence and knee extension strength.ConclusionsThe training did not have a long-term effect; thus, more frequent practice may be necessary. Risk assessment and community-based interventions, particularly for older adults with a higher risk of falls, are recommended. Future prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate the PFT program’s effectiveness in preserving mobility.

Longitudinal effects of a professional development program on principals’ leadership practices: results of a baseline latent change score model

ABSTRACT Principal leadership plays an important role in teacher practices and student achievement. Professional development (PD) can help principals to improve their leadership practices – yet few studies to date have examined the effects of formal PD on principals. The present study uses matched data from n = 62 principals and n = 1112 teachers to investigate the longitudinal effects of an 18-month PD program regarding school improvement for principals in Germany. Results from baseline latent change score modelling suggest positive changes in principals’ self-reported leadership practices aimed at improving instructional quality at their schools and promoting teacher development. The positive change in practices is partly reflected in the reports of teachers in the respective schools. We find evidence for characteristics of high-quality PD programs for principals, such as joint participation of leadership pairs, group discussions, internships and coaching, that might help practitioners to design future PD activities for principals. Research should further examine characteristics of effective PD for principals taking control groups and confounding variables into account.

Implementing the Infectious Diseases Society of America Antimicrobial Stewardship Core Curriculum: Survey Results and Real-World Strategies to Guide Fellowship Programs.

The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) developed the Core Antimicrobial Stewardship (AS) Curriculum to meet the increasing demand for infectious diseases (ID) providers with AS expertise. Notable diversity in implementation approaches has been observed among ID fellowship programs using the curriculum. We sought to describe individual approaches and develop a curriculum implementation roadmap. We surveyed ID fellowship programs that had previously implemented the IDSA Core AS curriculum. The survey included questions regarding program characteristics, curriculum participants and presentation format, resources and barriers, and implementation strategies. Commonly reported program features were summarized in the context of the self-reported implementation strategies. Implementation guides were developed based on the most common characteristics observed. Of 159 programs that had purchased the curriculum, 37 responded, and 34 (21%) were included in the analysis. The curriculum was primarily taught by AS physicians (85%) and AS pharmacists (47%). The most common conference structure was a longitudinal conference series (32%), and eLearning was the most common presentation format. Limited AS faculty time (76%) and limited first-year fellow availability (62%) were frequently reported as barriers, and dedicated AS curricular time was a resource available to most programs (67%); implementation guides were created for these 3 program features. Programs reported a variety of implementation barriers and resources, with several common themes emerging, allowing for the development of tailored curriculum planners for 3 commonly observed program characteristics. This work will equip fellowship programs with curriculum implementation strategies and guide future enhancements of the IDSA Core and Advanced AS curricula.