Programmers Research Articles

Development of Calculation Program for Thermophysical Properties of Artificial Sand Mold

Development of Calculation Program for Thermophysical Properties of Artificial Sand Mold

Machine Learning as a “Catalyst” for Advancements in Carbon Nanotube Research

The synthesis, characterization, and application of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have long posed significant challenges due to the inherent multiple complexity nature involved in their production, processing, and analysis. Recent advancements in machine learning (ML) have provided researchers with novel and powerful tools to address these challenges. This review explores the role of ML in the field of CNT research, focusing on how ML has enhanced CNT research by (1) revolutionizing CNT synthesis through the optimization of complex multivariable systems, enabling autonomous synthesis systems, and reducing reliance on conventional trial-and-error approaches; (2) improving the accuracy and efficiency of CNT characterizations; and (3) accelerating the development of CNT applications across several fields such as electronics, composites, and biomedical fields. This review concludes by offering perspectives on the future potential of integrating ML further into CNT research, highlighting its role in driving the field forward.

Structure and functions of talking book mobile applications: a comparative study of Google Play Books, Audible, LibriVox, Storytel and Loyal Books

PurposeTalking book mobile applications have introduced the concept of reading through listening. Though conventional reading methods are preferable, talking book mobile applications have the advantage that they treat every user equally. The purpose of this paper is to compare the five popular talking book mobile applications namely Google Play Books, Audible, LibriVox, Storytel and Loyal Books.Design/methodology/approachThis research compares and evaluates features and functionalities of five different talking book mobile applications using a checklist method. A structured checklist is prepared to compare the five popular talking book mobile applications comprising 261 dichotomous questions divided into 13 categories.FindingsAfter evaluating the features, an attempt was made to rate the selected applications. According to the evaluation, Audible application performed better than others. This study about the features and functions of talking book mobile applications considered a total number of 261 features from the selected five mobile applications. Audible is ranked first with 182 (69.7%) features and is rated “Above average”; Storytel (68.2%) is second with 178 features, also rated “Above average”; Google Play Books ranked third with 161 (61.7%) features, rated “Average”; LibriVox ranked fourth with 151 (57.9%) features and is rated “Below average”. Fifth is Loyal Books with 130 (49.8%) features, rated “Below average”.Research limitations/implicationsThe study covers only five talking book mobile applications. The checklist used in the study is generic covering limited features. Further, the perceptions of users were also not included while comparing the talking book mobile applications. The study does not comprehend whether the talking book mobile applications fulfil the information needs of the users.Practical implicationsUsers can use the findings of the study in choosing the suitable talking book mobile application suitable to their requirements. Instructors of information literacy programmes can use the checklist to train the users in using talking book mobile applications that can accelerate the usage of these mobile applications.Originality/valueThe study identifies the features that should be available in a model talking book mobile application. Features of the talking book mobile applications were evaluated after preparing the detailed checklist. Features were divided into 13 different categories. The checklist used in the study is original and the first of its kind. The findings of the study can be used by developers of talking book mobile applications to improve their functionalities.

The crystal structure of Nictaba reveals its carbohydrate-binding properties and a new lectin dimerization mode.

Nictaba is a (GlcNAc)n-binding, stress-inducible lectin from Nicotiana tabacum that serves as a representative for the Nictaba-related lectins, a group of proteins that play pivotal roles in plant defense mechanisms and stress response pathways. Despite extensive research into biological activities and physiological role(s) of the lectin, the three-dimensional structure of Nictaba remained largely unknown. Here, we report crystal structures for Nictaba in the apo form and bound to chitotriose. The structures reveal that the Nictaba protomer has a jelly-roll fold, similar to the cucumber lectin Cus17, but exhibit a unique and previously unseen mode of dimerization. The chitotriose binding mode, similar to Cus17, centers around the central GlcNAc residue, providing insights into the determinants of specificity of Nictaba towards carbohydrate structures. By integrating these structural insights with inputs from glycan arrays, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations, we propose that Nictaba employs a single carbohydrate-recognition domain within each of the two subunits in the dimer to display pronounced specificity towards GlcNAc-containing carbohydrates. Furthermore, we identified amino acid residues involved in the extended binding site capable of accommodating structurally diverse high-mannose and complex N-glycans. Glycan array and in silico analyses revealed interactions centered around the conserved Man3GlcNAc2 core, explaining the broad recognition of N-glycan structures. Collectively, the structural and biochemical insights presented here fill a void into the atlas of lectin structure-function relationships and pave the way for future developments in plant stress biology and lectin-based applications.

Doping effects in strontium hexaferrite: Theoretical and experimental analysis

Hexagonal ferrites based on SrFe12O19 (SFO) are vital materials in the field of permanent magnets, valued for their cost-effectiveness and reliable magnetic properties, making them a more affordable alternative to rare-earth permanent magnets. This study focuses on understanding the doping effects of commonly used elements in SFO system. DFT calculation results show that doping La or La-Co can enhance the phase stability of SFO, in which Co has a preference for the 4f1 sites of Fe. The total magnetic moment was observed to slightly decrease with La doping, whereas it exhibited an increasing trend with La-Co and La-Ca-Co co-doping and the largest increase of 6.5 % can be obtained in Sr2LaCaFe44Co4O76 (SLCFCO). The increase in the total magnetic moment is mainly attributed to the smaller antiferromagnetic moment of Co than that of Fe on 4f1 sites, as well as the reduction in the antiferromagnetic Fe moments at 4f1 and 4f2 sites. The total density of states indicates a transition from semiconductor behavior to a metallic character both in the La-Co and La-Ca-Co doped versions. The experimental results validate the theoretical predictions, confirming enhancements in magnetic performance. The saturation magnetization increased from 63.86 Am2/kg in SrFe11.7O19 (SFO) to 67.53 Am2/kg in Sr0.4La0.4Ca0.2Fe10.5Co0.5O19 composition. These findings provide a vital understanding of tuning the magnetic and electronic properties in doped SFO, which will enable the development of advanced applications in magnetic materials.

The potential cutaneous benefits of bentonites and montmorillonites.

Bentonites and montmorillonites, natural clay minerals originating from volcanic ash, possess unique properties that have traditionally been utilized in industrial applications. Recently, their potential biomedical applications, particularly in dermatology, have garnered significant interest. This review explores the cutaneous benefits of bentonites and montmorillonites, highlighting their anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, oil-absorbing, drug delivery, photoprotective, and anti-aging effects. Evidence from in vitro experiments, animal studies, and preliminary clinical trials demonstrate that these clays can significantly reduce inflammation, accelerate wound healing, absorb excess oil, enhance drug delivery, protect against ultraviolet radiation, and improve skin hydration and elasticity. Larger scale randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are needed to further establish the safety and efficacy of bentonites and montmorillonites. Given the increasing consumer demand for natural ingredients in skincare, bentonites and montmorillonites present a promising area for further research and development in dermatologic applications.

Adverse Childhood Experiences in Parental History and how they Relate to Subsequent Observed Parent–Child Interaction: A Systematic Review

Abstract Background Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in parental history have been associated with higher self-reported rates of negative parenting behaviors and lower self-reported rates of positive parenting behaviors. Further research is needed to explore the association between parental ACEs and the observed parent–child interaction quality. Parent–child interactions are a potential pathway behind the continuity of ACEs across generations. Objective This review aimed to expand on existing literature by synthesizing evidence on the associations between parental ACEs and parent–child interactions, assessed through videotaped observations, the gold standard for interaction assessment. Methods A systematic literature search conducted in October 2022 in Medline, EMBASE, and PsycInfo identified twenty-four articles. The studies assessed parental childhood adversity and the quality of parent–child interaction across high- and low-risk samples. Results In 79% of studies, higher rates of childhood adversity were related to lower quality of observed parent–child interaction. Childhood abuse and neglect were linked to fewer positive and more negative parenting behaviors. Among household challenges, only witnessing family violence negatively impacted interaction quality. In 58% of studies, ACEs directly influenced interaction, while in 21% this effect was mediated by other factors. This pattern held across different sample types. Conclusions The evidence suggesting a relationship between parental ACEs and lower quality of parent–child interaction is robust, given the reliability and validity of observational measures. Considering the influence of the quality of parent–child interaction on a child’s development, interventions and prevention programs focusing on parent–child interaction should consider screening for parental ACEs.

Impacts of human resources management strategies and practices on workers performance in construction industry: a review

Human resource management (HRM) plays a vital role in the growth and sustainability of companies and in achieving company objectives, as HRM relates to the workers’ practices and their functional roles. The main objective of this paper is to identify the HRM strategies, practices and their impact on worker’s performance in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) Industry. The method which was used in this study was based on three stages. After the completion of the database and web engine search, the total number of sources found were 149. Next, the sources’ titles and abstracts were reviewed and those marked as relevant to the review were chosen to be retrieved and thoroughly reviewed. The sources were chosen based on the following inclusion criteria: (a) the sources implied in HRM strategies in the AEC industry, (b) the sources released between 2010 and 2023, (c) the online sources, and (d) the English-language sources. Also, the selected sources are reviewed to extract the factors using the content analysis method which is a thorough and systematic study of the contents of a specific body of material. In addition, content analysis is carried out to extract practices of HRM strategies and their impact on worker performance. This can be followed up and observed through the figures and tables that come later. As a final result, which concludes the outputs of the previous stages which results in a first-round total of 31 HRM strategies practice but in the second-round result of reaching 39 different sources from 149 related sources. After that, discussing the most popular between them based on the appearance of it in the sources which reviewed beside that, the impact of it on worker’s performance were viewed in the AEC industry. Based on that, it was found the following 5 categories of strategies: (1) Human Resources Planning; (2) Polarization and Recruitment; (3) Training and Development; (4) Human Resources Following-up; (5) Career Planning. At the same time the most popular practices are based on appearance in sources: In terms of Human Resources Planning Strategy, “The company’s management analyses the functions accurately”. In Polarization and Recruitment Strategy, “The company’s internal resources are the best to provide its human resource needs” and “Selection and recruitment policies are in line with the company’s current and future needs”. In Training and Development of Human Resources Strategy, “The company evaluates the results of development and training programs to achieve the purpose of feedback”. In Human Resources Following-up Strategy, “There is a fair incentive system in the company”. In Career Planning Strategy, “There is a clear description of the relationship of workers to each other”. Finally, human resource management strategies and practices are one of the major players in the AEC industry, which is evidenced by its impact on the performance of workers. First published online 22 October 2024

Identifying factors associated with instructor implementation of three-dimensional assessment in undergraduate biology courses.

Recent national calls to transform undergraduate science education have centered on engaging students in scientific practices as a means to help them develop deeper insights into science. The three-dimensional framework for science education encapsulates the goals of these national calls by recommending that instructors integrate scientific practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas throughout their courses. Prior research has found that introductory undergraduate biology exams contain few three-dimensional items suggesting that instructors likely face barriers in meeting the goals of national calls. To better understand these putative challenges, we explored factors potentially associated with three-dimensional alignment. Our generalized linear mixed model indicated that instructors who used three-dimensional items on their exams were more likely to use Bloom's Taxonomy when designing their exams and were more likely to write these items using a constructed-response format. We also found that professional development opportunities did not necessarily change the likelihood an instructor would employ three-dimensional items. We previously identified that few items in our sample fully aligned to scientific practices, making scientific practices the limiting dimension for three-dimensional alignment. Our subsequent analysis here revealed that most biology instructors had exam items that were at least partially aligned to scientific practices. Based on our results, we highlight the significant time and resources that instructors likely need to write and grade constructed-response assessments, suggest that instructors build on items that are mostly aligned to scientific practices to increase their three-dimensional alignment, and propose ways that professional development programs and communities might further support instructors in meeting national calls.

Influence of Leadership Styles on Performance of Local Government Agencies: Case of Central Equatoria State Local Government in South Sudan

An organization's success depends on successful leadership and good organizational culture. This study investigates the influence of various leadership styles on the performance of local government agencies in Central Equatoria State, Juba, South Sudan. It explores how transformational, transactional, and laissez-faire leadership styles influence the performance of the central Equatoria state local government. The general objective of the study was to examine the influence of various leadership styles under the long-range leadership model on the performance of the central Equatoria state local government. The specific objectives of the study include the following: To assess the influence of transformational leadership style on performance of the central Equatoria state Local Government, to establish the influence of transactional leadership style on performance of the Central Equatoria state Local Government and to examine influence of laisses-faire leadership style on performance of the Central Equatoria state Local Government. The research employed a descriptive design, targeting 791 individuals, including local government officers and leaders from public institutions. A sample of 138 respondents was selected through stratified random sampling, and data was collected via questionnaires, interviews, and document analysis. To ensure validity of the finding, the researcher performed a pilot study on the data collection and analysis instruments in Juba County. This was done to guarantee the instrument's content coverage and authenticity by enhancing problems, the format, and the measuring scales. the researcher ensured protection of the research process to ensure reduction of anomalies, inaccuracy and scoring in the measurements to guarantee reliability of the data obtained. This research was focused on both primary and secondary data. Questionnaires was used as the main tool of data collection supported by both physical and telephone interview. Analysis of reports published on newspapers and internet was as well done. The study utilized the full range leadership model by James MacGregor Burns (1985) and Bernard M. Bass (1985), which encompasses transformational, transactional, and laissez-faire leadership styles. The findings revealed that both transformational and transactional leadership styles are not widely practiced by the CESLG Leaders and had limited impact on performance of the central Equatoria state local government while laissez-faire leadership being the most practiced style, significantly influenced poor performance outcomes of the central Equatoria state local government and it’s one of the reasons for the poor performance of the CESLG institutions. As such the researcher recommend among others, the following to both the CESLG leaders and other stake holders for implementation; The CESLG leaders need to consider recruiting young and well-educated local government officer as the study revealed that majority 48.8% of the local government officials are aged between 51 to 60 years whose performance are average , the local government leaders need to consider initiating executive training and development Programme for local government officers, The CESLG leadership is advised to conduct regular performance review for its institutions and staff. the CESLG leaders and other stakeholders/institutions are encouraged to adopt modern leadership styles such as transformational and transactional in their management styles.

An IQ Industry Perspective on Informing Dosing Recommendations in Patients With Renal Impairment.

The IQ CPLG Organ Impairment WG conducted a survey to understand how various IQ member companies develop dosing recommendations for patients with renal impairment. Eighteen IQ member companies participated in the survey. The survey results were summarized by the working group in light of the regulatory renal impairment guidance documents as well as recent publications from the pharmaceutical industry and nephrology community. There were two important learnings from the survey: (i) pharmaceutical companies do not use a consistent methodology to assess renal function in their drug development programs. (ii) there has been significant improvement in predicting how kidney function affects drug pharmacokinetics (PK) and thus dose recommendations. Applying model-based methods such as population PK, physiologically-based PK (PBPK), and virtual controls has enabled earlier prediction of how kidney function influences PK, leading to the participation of more patients with impaired kidney function in Phase 2 and 3 trials.

Role of Eco-spirituality in Psychological Well-Being of Selected Working Women

This study intended to determine the role of ecospirituality in the psychological well-being of selected working women in Metro Manila; thus, casual research design as well as a cross-sectional survey were utilized in this study. Moreover, this study aimed to identify the level of ecospirituality and psychological well-being of the participants. A total of 574 working women in Metro Manila were conveniently selected. They participated and voluntarily answered the survey questionnaires, such as the Ecospirituality Scale and the Psychological Well-being Scale. The Ecospirituality Scale measures emotional and spiritual states about nature and has five aspects such as dwelling, caring, revering, experiencing, and relating. Moreover, the Psychological Well-being Scale measured six aspects of wellbeing and happiness, such as autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relations with others, purpose in life, and self-acceptance. Findings revealed that working women were low in dwelling, caring, revering, experiencing, and relating the same as with psychological well-being in terms of personal growth and personal relations with others. On the other hand, they were high in psychological well-being as to autonomy, environmental mastery, purpose in life, and self-acceptance. Findings also revealed that ecospirituality in terms of caring predicts psychological well-being as to autonomy and personal relations with others. Likewise, ecospirituality in terms of dwelling predicts environmental mastery. Further, ecospirituality in terms of relating predicts psychological well-being as to personal growth, personal relations with others, and purpose in life. On the other hand, all aspects of ecospirituality do not predict psychological well-being as to self-acceptance. It can be concluded that working women’s life fulfillment and happiness were influenced by their spiritual connection with nature; hence, the need to design an employee development program focused on ecopsychology was recommended.

Cohort-based programs facilitate skill development and community building for postdoctoral scholars: a pilot study

Postdoctoral scholars (“postdocs”) occupy a distinct academic stage and therefore have unique career and professional development needs. We aimed to explore whether a cohort-based program could promote skill development, support career preparation, and facilitate community building among postdocs at our institution. We applied the design thinking process, commonly used in engineering and industrial design, to create a 4-month long leadership and project management program. Pre- and post-surveys with Likert-scale questions measured participants' self-confidence in and self-assessment of competencies related to leadership and project management (e.g., creating an inclusive environment, developing a project charter). Fourteen postdocs from STEM and humanities disciplines participated in the pilot program. Matched responses from participants indicated an 82% positive shift in leadership self-confidence (n = 11) and a 56% positive shift in project management self-confidence (n = 9). Postdocs also showed a positive shift in all 12 competencies related to leadership (n = 11), and a positive shift in nine of 10 competencies related to project management (n = 9). In the optional open-ended questions provided in the surveys, postdocs articulated that the cohort created an environment to share experiences, safely practice new skills, and discuss their career goals. Applying the principles of design thinking to develop a cohort-based professional development program resulted in participant learning gains and their feedback suggests that the program supported a greater sense of belonging. Administrators could use our approach to innovate programming that meets the professional and personal needs of postdocs at their institution.

Development, field testing, and initial validation of an adherence rubric for caregiver coaching

IntroductionThe translation and use of evidence-based practices (EBPs) within early intervention (EI) systems presents challenges. The Office of Special Education (OSEP) has emphasized results-driven accountability to expand state accountability from compliance to also include quality services that align with EBPs. OSEP’s results-driven accountability provided states the opportunity to design State Systemic Improvement Plans (SSIP) to strengthen the quality of EI services by increasing the capacity of EI systems to implement, scale-up, and sustain use of EBPs. Caregiver coaching is widely accepted as an EBP within EI settings, yet uptake and fidelity to coaching practices remains limited. Such widespread implementation of caregiver coaching is partially limited by a lack of measurement tools that operationalize behaviors consistent with coaching. In this study, we describe the development of the Kentucky Coaching Adherence Rubric-Revised (KCAR-R) and psychometric testing of the instrument.MethodsWe developed and tested the KCAR-R to measure fidelity of coaching practices within a state-wide professional development program, the Coaching in Early Intervention Training and Mentorship Program. We define operational elements of the KCAR-R and rubric design elements related to: creators; users and uses; specificity, judgment complexity; evaluative criteria; quality levels; quality definitions; scoring strategies; presentation; explanation; quality processes; accompanying feedback information; secrecy; and exemplars. With regard to psychometric validation of the KCAR-R, interrater reliability was analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients across eight raters and 301 randomly selected video submissions. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha across 429 video submissions.ResultsResults showed 0.987 agreement, indicating excellent interrater reliability; item level internal consistency values ranged from 0.860 to 0.882. for scale if item deleted and 0.834 for the total scale.DiscussionFindings from this study showed that the KCAR-R operationalized behaviors that exemplify caregiver coaching and may serve as a resource for other states or programs to document the quality and fidelity of evidence-based EI services. To influence EI provider practices at a systems level, we used implementation science to guide our work and provide examples of how EI systems seeking ways to create sustainable quality services may build upon our approach.

Teaching for Social Justice: How Educators Address Inequalities in STEM Education

Inequalities in STEM education remain a persistent issue, disproportionately affecting underrepresented groups, including women, minorities, and low-income students. This study aims to explore how educators address these inequalities through social justice frameworks in their teaching practices. Grounded in theories of culturally relevant pedagogy and critical pedagogy, the research investigates the role of teachers as key agents in promoting equity in STEM classrooms. A systematic literature review was conducted, drawing from case studies, academic articles, and policy reports, focusing on strategies that educators use to create more inclusive and supportive learning environments. The findings reveal that educators utilize a range of methods, such as differentiated instruction, inclusive curriculum design, and culturally responsive teaching, to address disparities in STEM education. However, significant challenges, including limited resources and inconsistent institutional support, hinder full implementation. This paper highlights the importance of teacher agency and the need for professional development programs that equip educators to better address social justice in STEM education. It contributes to existing literature by providing a comprehensive analysis of best practices while identifying gaps in research on long-term impacts and global applicability.

Community Engagement in Local Governance

Community engagement in local governance is crucial for effective and inclusive decision-making. Lack of Awareness and Information has been found that limited knowledge can have its community members may not fully understand the governance processes or their rights and responsibilities. Information gaps have been found that the insufficient information about local issues and decision-making processes can hinder meaningful participation. Low Participation Rates have been found that apathy and disinterest is that some community members may be disengaged due to a lack of trust in the system or a perception that their participation will not make a difference. Barriers to access has been found that the physical, economic, or social barriers may prevent certain groups from participating, such as the elderly, disabled, or economically disadvantaged. During the initial phase (2008-2013) of the Local Governance and Community Development Program (LGCDP) in Nepal, social mobilization emerged as one of its most effective components. Approximately 1 million citizens actively influenced local government decisions, leading many local bodies to develop annual plans that more accurately addressed the needs of citizens, particularly marginalized and disadvantaged groups. However, there remain several lessons to be learned in addressing the challenges of implementation. It is crucial to harmonize local social mobilization efforts and enhance the quality and support of social mobilization initiatives across Nepal. Addressing the challenges of community engagement in local governance involves a multifaceted approach that includes enhancing communication, building capacity, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring accountability. Public education campaigns have been found to Conduct outreach programs to educate community members about their rights, governance processes, and how they can participate. Workshops and training have been identified to offer workshops and training sessions to increase understanding of local governance and decision-making procedures. Diverse engagement channels have to utilize multiple platforms for engagement, including town hall meetings, online forums, surveys, and community events, to reach a broader audience. Inclusive scheduling has to schedule meetings and events at times that are convenient for different community groups, including evenings and weekends.

Legal and economic perspectives on fair and equitable benefit sharing in the Nagoya Protocol.

Adopted in 2010 as a supplementary agreement to the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity, the Nagoya Protocol (NP) mandates the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources provided by Indigenous peoples. Member states must newly enact or amend domestic laws to align with the NP. Consequently, many countries are currently implementing legislative, administrative, and policy measures to ensure fair benefit sharing from the use of Indigenous genetic resources. We examined the inclusion of intellectual property (IP) protection in the sharing of benefits from research and development that utilizes Indigenous genetic resources. The NP does not specify guidelines for IP-related benefit sharing, leaving each member state to establish its own rules. We used an economics-based approach to explore the optimal scope and duration of IP protection for maximizing stakeholder interests, including those of Indigenous peoples, at the national level. The optimal duration of IP protection was when the marginal social cost and benefit of IP protection were equal. When this point occurred varied depending on various factors, such as the type of genetic resources in the country, existence of alternatives, number of users, and competing actors. The optimal scope of IP protection was when the social benefit of investment in fundamental research equaled the social benefit of application development. Likewise, this point of implementation also varied based on various factors, such as the type, uniqueness, potential for further discovery, and diversity of providers in the country.

Cybercrime and the Necessity of Self-Protection in Fighting Cyber-Attacks

A cyberattack is an attack initiated from a computer against a website, computer system, or individual computer … that compromises the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of the computer or information stored on it. Every man’s activity nowadays is guarded, controlled, and directed majorly by the internet. The internet which seeks to connect individuals and corporate bodies has no doubt been infiltrated by bandwagons of internet fraudsters, cyber attackers, and computer programmers who have fashioned out so many means of attacking internet users like phishing, writing virus codes, installing rootkits, cross-site scripting and a host of others which in turn causes damages by stealing private personal data, attacking companies and their websites, attacking corporate entities, and organizations, etc. There’s equally no doubt to the fact that all these attacks by whatever mode always affect the receiver of the attack ineptly and in so many cases, lead to the loss of some personal data, private documents, and some others in monetary terms/values. It has become so important that individuals and corporate entities adopt various strategies and devise means to protect and guard themselves against cyberattacks. This article seeks to explain the concept of self-protection by identifying some types of cyber threats and explaining various ways by which individuals and bodies can protect themselves on the internet against cyberattacks thereby ensuring cyber security.

Leaders development program by 360 degree feedback: reflection on head nurses' leadership practices.

Leadership in nursing is crucial for delivering high-quality healthcare and ensuring positive outcomes for patients, staff, and institutions. Many nurses in leadership positions lack formal training, which can compromise their effectiveness. This study aims to evaluate the effect of a leadership development program utilizing 360-degree feedback on head nurses' leadership practices. A true-experimental design was employed in three healthcare institutions. The study involved 80 head nurses (40 intervention, 40 control), 240 staff nurses, and 29 supervisors. The intervention group participated in a six-week leadership development program using 360-degree feedback. Data were collected pre- and post-intervention using the Leadership Development and 360-Degree Feedback Knowledge Questionnaire and the Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI). The intervention group showed significant improvements in leadership knowledge and practices across all dimensions. Knowledge scores increased from 25.1 ± 8.8 to 93.0 ± 5.1 post-intervention, maintaining at 83.2 ± 7.1 at follow-up. Self-assessed leadership scores improved from 88.1 ± 6.0 to 97.5 ± 2.7, and 98.5 ± 2.0 at follow-up. Supervisor and staff assessments also showed substantial increases. Multiple linear regression analyses confirmed the strong positive impact of the intervention on leadership outcomes. The leadership development program using 360-degree feedback significantly enhanced head nurses' leadership knowledge and practices. The results suggest that such programs can improve leadership capabilities in healthcare settings, leading to better patient care and organizational performance. Future research should address group homogeneity and explore long-term impacts on patient outcomes.

Genetic variability, character association and path analyses effects on fiber yield and yield attributing morpho-agronomic traits of tossa jute (Corchorus olitorius L.)

Jute (Corchorus spp.) is a natural fiber crop having a lower extent of genetic variability due to its self-pollinating nature. The success of any breeding program for variety development primarily depends on the presence of genetic variation in the parental genotypes. A field experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design at ManikganjStation of Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI) during 2019-2020. The genetic divergence of 58 tossa jute (C. olitorius) genotypes including two pre-released standard varieties (O-9897, BJRI Tossa pat 4) and 56 accessions were studied to select genotypes having the most divergence in natural rainy condition. The jute genotypes were categorized into five clusters based on Mahalanobis D2 analysis. Cluster I and IV showed maximum inter-cluster distance (181.44) while the maximum intra-cluster distance (16.15) was recorded in cluster I. Cluster V revealed the highest values for number of nodes, stem mid-diameter, core diameter, green weight with leaves, dry stick weight and dry fiber weight per plant while cluster IV showed higher means for plant height, green bark thickness and leaf area. The highest contribution (47.14%) was wielded by plant height of total deviations. The results recommended that hybridization between genotypes of cluster V, IV and III could provide a wide range of discrepancies in the segregating generation which could offer chance for isolation of good genotypes with high fibre yielding lines.