Program Performance Research Articles

Teaching and Safety-Net Hospital Penalization in the Hospital-Acquired Condition Reduction Program

The Hospital-Acquired Condition Reduction Program (HACRP) evaluates acute care hospitals on the occurrence of patient safety events and health care-associated infections. Since its implementation, several studies have raised concerns about the overpenalization of teaching and safety-net hospitals, and although several changes in the program's methodology have been applied in the last few years, whether these changes reversed the overpenalization of teaching and safety-net hospitals is unknown. To determine hospital characteristics associated with HACRP penalization and penalization reversal. This retrospective cross-sectional study assessed data from 3117 acute care hospitals participating in the HACRP. The HACRP penalization and hospital characteristics were obtained from Hospital Compare (2020 and 2021), the Inpatient Prospective Payment System impact file (2020), and the American Hospital Association annual survey (2018). Hospital characteristics, including safety-net status and teaching intensity (no teaching and very minor, minor, major, and very major teaching levels). The primary outcome was HACRP penalization (ie, hospitals that fell within the worst quartile of the program's performance). Multivariable models initially included all covariates, and then backward stepwise variable selection was used. Of 3117 hospitals that participated in HACRP in 2020, 779 (25.0%) were safety-net hospitals and 1090 (35.0%) were teaching institutions. In total, 771 hospitals (24.7%) were penalized. The HACRP penalization was associated with safety-net status (odds ratio [OR], 1.41 [95% CI, 1.16-1.71]) and very major teaching intensity (OR, 1.94 [95% CI, 1.15-3.28]). In addition, non-federal government hospitals were more likely to be penalized than for-profit hospitals (OR, 1.62 [95% CI, 1.23-2.14]), as were level I trauma centers (OR, 2.05 [95% CI, 1.43-2.96]) and hospitals located in the New England region (OR, 1.65 [95% CI, 1.12-2.43]). Safety-net hospitals with major teaching levels were twice as likely to be penalized as non-safety-net nonteaching hospitals (OR, 2.15 [95% CI, 1.14-4.03]). Furthermore, safety-net hospitals penalized in 2020 were less likely (OR, 0.64 [95% CI, 0.43-0.96]) to revert their HACRP penalization status in 2021. Findings from this cross-sectional study indicated that teaching and safety-net hospital status continued to be associated with overpenalization in the HACRP despite recent changes in its methodology. Most of these hospitals were also less likely to revert their penalization status. A reevaluation of the program methodology is needed to avoid depleting resources of hospitals caring for underserved populations.

High-Precision Joint TDOA and FDOA Location System

Passive location based on TDOA (time difference of arrival) and FDOA (frequency difference of arrival) is the mainstream method for target localization. This paper proposes a fast time–frequency difference positioning method to address issues such as low accuracy, large computational resource utilization, and limited suitability for real-time signal processing in the conventional CAF (cross-ambiguity function)-based approach, aiming to complete the processing of the target radiation source to obtain the target parameters within a short timeframe. In the mixing product operation step of the CAF, a frequency-domain approach replaces the time-domain convolution operation in PW-ZFFT (pre-weighted Zoom-FFT) to reduce the computational load of the CAF. Additionally, a quadratic surface fitting method is used to enhance the accuracy of TDOA and FDOA. The localization solution is obtained using Newton’s method, which can provide more accurate results compared to analytical methods. Next, a signal processing platform is designed with FPGA (field-programmable gate array) and multi-core DSP (digital signal processor), and works by dividing and mapping the algorithm functional modules according to the hardware’s characteristics. We analyze the architectural advantages of multi-core DSP and design methods to improve program performance, such as EDMA transfer optimization, inline function optimization, and cache optimization. Finally, this paper constructs simulation tests in typical positioning scenarios and compares them to hardware measurement results, thus confirming the correctness and real-time capability of the program.

Individual differences in computer programming: a systematic review

ABSTRACT The demand for programmers has grown exponentially in recent years, making programming an indispensable skill. However, the complex nature of programming poses various challenges for novice programmers, leading to high dropout rates in programming courses. The recognition of individual differences, encompassing distinct neurocognitive profiles, is acknowledged to influence the accuracy of predicting programming skill outcomes. As a result, an increasing awareness exists regarding the substantial contribution of human factors, including personality or cognitive ability, to programming performance. This study conducts a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to explore recent research on individual differentiation or programmer profiling in programming tasks. The primary goal is to examine pertinent research exploring personal characteristics’ influence on programming in various contexts. As a result of this review, a taxonomy has been introduced to enhance the comprehension of programmers’ multifaceted individual differences, categorising influential factors into nine distinct dimensions. Furthermore, it has been found that individual differences influence performance in programming tasks, as well as in the learning of this discipline. In conclusion, this SLR emphasises human factors’ critical role in programming and proposes a taxonomy that is a valuable framework for researchers, educators, and practitioners to enhance their understanding of human factors’ influence on programming performance.

A Systematic Review of Variables Used in Physical Therapist Education Program Admissions Part 2: Noncognitive Variables.

Physical therapist (PT) education professionals agree on promoting holistic admissions practices to increase student body diversity but lack consensus about what factors in an application should be part of this process. This systematic literature review aimed to understand the value of noncognitive variables in PT education admissions. The initial literature search identified 1,592 articles in databases and relevant journals. Of the 39 studies meeting the inclusion criteria, 29 reported on noncognitive variables. Commonly used noncognitive variables (interviews, written essays, letters of recommendation, and clinical experiences) were insignificant or inconsistently associated with performance in the PT program or on the National Physical Therapy Examination. Sociodemographic variables appeared to negatively affect the academic qualifications of applicants who were older, identified with underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, and reported English as a second language. Finally, 5 studies identified personal attributes, such as emotional intelligence and grit, as having a significant relationship with successful student outcomes. Cognitive variables should serve as only one of several factors considered in admissions to achieve a more diverse class of students. Physical therapist education programs may use this evidence to reevaluate their admissions practices to include a balanced consideration of cognitive and noncognitive variables.

Community perceptions of community health worker effectiveness: Contributions to health behaviour change in an urban health district in South Africa

Background. Community health worker (CHW) programmes contribute towards strengthening adherence support, improving maternal and child health outcomes and providing support for social services. They play a valuable role in health behaviour change in vulnerable communities. Large-scale, comprehensive CHW programmes at health district level are part of a South African (SA) strategy to re-engineer primary healthcare and take health directly into communities and households, contributing to universal health coverage. Objective. These CHW programmes across health districts were introduced in SA in 2010 - 11. Their overall purpose is to improve access to healthcare and encourage healthy behaviour in vulnerable communities, through community and family engagements, leading to less disease and better population health. Communities therefore need to accept and support these initiatives. There is, however, inadequate local evidence on community perceptions of the effectiveness of such programmes. Methods. A cross-sectional descriptive study to determine community perceptions of the role and contributions of the CHW programme was conducted in the Ekurhuleni health district, an urban metropolis in SA. Members from 417 households supported by CHWs were interviewed in May 2019 by retired nurses used as fieldworkers. Frequencies and descriptive analyses were used to report on the main study outcomes of community acceptance and satisfaction. Results. Nearly all the study households were poor and had at least one vulnerable member, either a child under 5, an elderly person, a pregnant woman or someone with a chronic condition. CHWs had supported these households for 2 years or longer. More than 90% of households were extremely satisfied with their CHW; they found it easy to talk to them within the privacy of their homes and to follow the health education and advice given by the CHWs. The community members highly rated care for chronic conditions (82%), indicated that children were healthier (41%) and had safer pregnancies (6%). Conclusion. As important stakeholders in CHW programmes, exploring community acceptance, appreciation and support is critical in understanding the drivers of programme performance. Community acceptance of the CHWs in the Ekurhuleni health district was high. The perspective of the community was that the CHWs were quite effective. This was demonstrated when they reported changes in household behaviour with regard to improved access to care through early screening, referrals and improved management of chronic and other conditions.

Evaluation of the Quality of Academic Programs from the Perspective of Students in the College of Arts and Social Sciences at Sultan Qaboos University

Objectives: This study assesses the quality of academic programs in the College of Arts and Social Sciences at Sultan Qaboos University from the students' perspective. It examines variations in perceived program quality among the college's scientific departments.
 Methods: The study employs a descriptive survey approach, utilizing a questionnaire with 48 items across five dimensions to gauge the quality of academic program performance from the perspective of first-stage undergraduate students. A five-point Likert scale measures students' attitudes. The study population comprises all first-stage undergraduate students with a minimum of 75 credited hours across various programs, totaling 761 students for the spring semester of 2020. It consists of 336 students.
 Results: The overall evaluation of the quality of academic programs in the college, from the students' perspective, was rated as "moderate." It revealed that the quality levels of academic programs in the departments of Media, Arabic Language and Literature, English Language and Literature, and Geography were higher than the remaining departments: History, Information Studies, Tourism, Music, and Musicology. It identified significant differences in response means across all dimensions of academic program quality based on scientific department. No statistically significant differences were found in student responses across quality dimensions when considering the variable of gender.
 Conclusions: The study suggests implementing targeted programs in scientific departments to maximize the advantages of academic accreditation and improve academic program quality. It also recommends creating effective monitoring programs to address feedback from accreditation bodies and international evaluators, focusing on identifying strengths, weaknesses, and optimal methods for enhancement.

PERAN AGAMA DALAM MEMBANGUN JIWA NASIONALISME SERTA EDUKASI LEMBAGA KEUANGAN SYARIAH DI ERA DIGITAL PADA MASYARAKAT

Social Work Lectures (KKS) are a concrete manifestation of implementing the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, namely the service aspect. The theme of the Social Work Lecture (KKS) that the author uses is religious teaching and education about sharia financial institutions with program targets for RA Darul Fallah and TPQ An-Najah students, MI Nurut Taqwa, as well as the community in the student's neighborhood. The author designed several special programs related to the KKS theme. It is hoped that the programs that the author has designed can achieve the objectives of the chosen theme. The aim of this KKS activity is to strengthen and support the community's economy as well as improve the quality of Islamic Religious Education in Bojongrangkas Village in the form of community service by planning several collaborative activities between PAI, PBA and PS study programs in the form of Teaching FAI, Sharia Banking Socialization on Financial Planning, NOBAR (Watch together) about Islam with students, Blessed Friday Program, Competitions and Art Performances.

Spatial pattern and associated factors of timely vaccination in Ethiopia using EDHS-2016 data: A multilevel and spatial analysis.

Age-appropriate vaccination or vaccine timeliness is the administering of vaccines on the specified schedule of immunization. One of the qualities of the immunization program is an age-appropriate vaccine, it has become an ignored indicator of program performance. Even though age-appropriate vaccination is critical for child health, there are no national-level studies to generate conclusive and tangible evidence about the determination of timely vaccination in Ethiopia. To assess the spatial pattern and associated factors of timely vaccination in Ethiopia using EDHS-2016 data: A multilevel and spatial analysis. Community based cross-sectional study design was employed from 18 January to 27 June 2016. To select the participants, two-stage cluster sampling was employedin the Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey 2016 data. Permission was obtained via online request by explaining the aim of this particular study from DHS international. A statistical package for social science-21 software was used for data cleaning, recoding, and analysis. Arc GIS 10.3 software was used to show the spatial variation of age-appropriate vaccination practices. A generalized linear mixed-effect model was used. For all models, intra-class correlation, a proportional change in variance, the log-likelihood test, and the Akaike information criterion were calculated. The best model was selected by the lowest value Akaike information criterion. Variables with a p-value less than 0.05 and a 95% confidence level were considered for the statistically significant association. The spatial distribution of age-appropriate vaccination practice in Ethiopia was non-randomly distributed with the global Moran's I value of 0.22 (p-value <0.001). The prevalence of age-appropriate vaccination practice in Ethiopia was 33.8%. Women who receive ≥ 2 TT vaccines (AOR = 1.48; 1.22, 1.79), women who lived in rural residences (AOR = 0.77; 0.62, 0.96), gave birth at a health facility (AOR = 1.2; 1.12, 1.37), ANC follow up (AOR = 174; 1.45, 2.1), richest (AOR = 1.65; 1.15, 2.37), richer (AOR = 1.72; 1.3, 2.22), middle-level income (AOR = 1.65; 1.16, 2.36), poorer (AOR = 1.47; 1.11, 1.96) were the factors of age-appropriate vaccination practice. The spatial distribution of age-appropriate vaccination practice in Ethiopia was non-randomly distributed across the regions. Age-appropriate vaccination practice was low in Ethiopia. Wealth index, usual caretaker of the child, ANC utilization, history of TT vaccination, place of delivery, and residence were associated with age-appropriate vaccination practice.

From efficacy to effectiveness: a comprehensive framework for monitoring, evaluating and optimizing seasonal malaria chemoprevention programmes

BackgroundSeasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) is a highly effective intervention for preventing malaria, particularly in areas with highly seasonal transmission. Monitoring and evaluating (M&E) SMC programmes are complex due to the scale, time-sensitive delivery of the programme, and influence of external factors. This paper describes the process followed to develop a comprehensive M&E framework tailored specifically for the SMC context.MethodsThe Framework was developed through a literature and programme review, and stakeholder dialogues across three implementing countries—Burkina Faso, Chad, and Nigeria. Expert consultation further refined the Framework through an iterative approach drawing upon data collected through the three sources. The Framework was designed using the Logical Framework Approach incorporating external factors and intentionally aligned with global malaria M&E standards.ResultsAn overall aim and seven programme objectives were developed measured by 70 indicators. The indicators also capture the causal links between the implementation and results of the programme. The Framework leverages the use of current data sources and existing mechanisms, ensuring efficient data use without requiring a significant increase in resources for overall programme optimization. It also promotes the use of data triangulation, and stratification for a more nuanced understanding of factors affecting programme performance and timely data informed decision-making.ConclusionsThe SMC M&E Framework presented here provides a standardized approach for programme implementers to enhance decision-making for optimal programme performance. This is an essential tool as the scope of SMC programmes expands to new geographies and target age groups.

Abstract WMP33: Translating Evidence Into Practice: Early Supported Discharge in Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background: The 2022 guidelines from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association underscore the significance of coordinated multidisciplinary care and early discharge planning for spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients. Early Supported Discharge (ESD) programs have been found to curtail hospital stays for ICH patients. Purpose: This Quality Improvement initiative aimed to optimize our ESD program, originally designed for acute ischemic stroke patients, by expanding eligibility to encompass mild to moderate spontaneous ICH patients. The primary objectives were to evaluate the effects on the hospital length of stay and discharge-to-home rates. Methods: In 2020, a collaboration between our acute care hospital and homecare organization led to the development of an ESD program, Homeward Stroke Recovery, for ischemic stroke survivors in local catchment areas. Eligibility criteria were broadened to include ICH patients in July 2022. Descriptive statistics were used to track the program's performance, specifically discharge-to-home rates and hospital length of stay for ICH survivors discharged with Homeward Stroke Recovery. Results: Following the expansion of Homeward Stroke Recovery Program eligibility, the discharge-to-home rate for ICH patients at the site increased by 14.2% (27.5% to 41.7%). Additionally, the median length of stay decreased by 2 days (6 days to 4 days). Conclusions: In conclusion, our Quality Improvement project has successfully enhanced the Homeward Stroke Recovery program. This was achieved by aligning eligibility criteria with evidence-based recommendations for patients with mild to moderate spontaneous ICH, leading to a substantial positive impact on patient outcomes. The outcomes of this initiative not only affirm the efficacy of broadening eligibility for ESD programs but serves as a beacon and blueprint to widen scope through evidence-guided improvements.

Resilience of Social Transfer Programs to Large Unexpected Shocks

Large, unexpected shocks are becoming more frequent, making the design of robust social transfer programs more vital than ever. We evaluate the performance of the Food Friendly Program (FFP), the largest in-kind social transfer program in Bangladesh, before and during the nation-wide COVID-19 lockdown. Using two-rounds of nationally representative household surveys combined with administrative data, we document that high leakages and large welfare losses are related to corruption. This contrasts with the performance of the pre-lockdown FFP, when leakage was low and coverage high. We then compare the performance of the FFP with two initiatives launched following the pandemic: an in-kind and cash transfer program, respectively. These programs have markedly higher levels of leakage than the FFP. Our findings are relevant to other large shocks, such as those caused by climate change, and have important policy implications for the design and delivery of transfer programs in developing countries characterized by institutional weaknesses.

Lifetime maximization of wireless sensor networks while ensuring intruder detection

Wireless sensor networks (WSN) have a wide variety of application areas and one of these areas is border crossing security. Unauthorized crossing of border areas, unauthorized arms and drug trafficking can be avoided at a lower cost and easier than conventional methods by monitoring the borders with the help of a WSN. In this study, we offer a mathematical model that guarantees the detection of possible intruders by scheduling the activities of the sensors whatever the route the intruder follows throughout the border zone or whatever the time the intruder enters to the route. To achieve the highest possible WSN management efficiency, we integrate coverage, routing, data routing, and sensor scheduling WSN design issues into the mathematical model. We first demonstrate the effectiveness of scheduling the sensors by the help of the offered mathematical model by comparing it against a random activity schedule of the sensors with respect to network lifetime and intruder detection ratio performance measures. We also develop a Lagrangean heuristic strategy to solve realistic sized instances of the proposed problem. We produce several random border zone instances with varying sizes and test the proposed solution strategy to illustrate the effectiveness of the offered solution strategy by comparing its performance against the performance of a commercial mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) solver.

Monitoring Behaviour Change of Farmers to Support Ecologically Friendly Agricultural Management Program in Peatland Ecosystems

Conserving peatland areas requires the commitment and the capacities of all stakeholders, including farmers living within the areas. Two business models, agro-silvo-fishery and Trigona apiculture, have been established in a demonstration plot in the peatland ecosystem of Baru Village, Banyuasin, South Sumatra, as new options for farmers to improve livelihoods while also managing peatland sustainably. Trainings on sustainable production, post-harvest, and markets were provided to the rice-based farmers to help them manage new livelihood options. Monitoring the behavioural transformation of farmers engaged in the two business model pilots is a crucial aspect of the program. This is accomplished using the ADKAR approach, which posits that attaining long-term behavioural change involves progressing through stages of Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement. A survey instrument was created to monitor farmers behaviour changes in (i) collective action, and (ii) managing agroecosystems sustainably, reflecting collaborative effort required to conserve peatland. Prior to the intervention program, a baseline survey (n=43) was conducted to record farmers’ current knowledge. The findings revealed that most farmers (60%) never joined a group but motivated to actively participate, whereas 25% of farmers had actively participated in groups and were eager to urge other farmers to join. Most farmers (52%) acknowledge the significance of safeguarding peatland areas but lack the knowledge to do so, whereas 25% have implemented ecologically friendly agricultural management in peatland areas. When the program began, none of the farmers were involved in agro-silvo-fishery or Trigona apiculture. According to a mid-program assessment aimed at recording the performance of the business models, 3 farmers have adopted apiculture with a total of 101 beehives. While none of the farmers adopt agro-silvo-fishery individually, 5 farmers produced organic fertilizer individually using the training program’s new competence. However, producing organic fertilizer as collective action was halted, suggesting farmers partiality to work individually rather than collectively. A final survey to assess behavioural changes is planned towards the end of the program next year. The ADKAR approach for monitoring farmers’ behavior change is useful for evaluating the performance of intervention programs and seek solutions to ensure it is aligned with the landscape level NRM goals.

Characterization of program and erase speed of memory capacitors with nanolaminated HfO2/Al2O3 stacks for application in non-volatile memories

The programming and erase performance of atomic layer deposited HfO2/Al2O3 memory stacks is investigated depending on the thickness of the tunnel oxide and the annealing of the structures. The as-grown stacks require applying of voltage pulses with duration of about 10-3 s for a measurable electron trapping (programming). The time dependence of the electron trapping process is quite sharp initially - the increase of the charging time from 4×10-4 s to 4×10-3 s provides more than 80% of the saturation value of the trapped charge obtained at durations above 1 s. The annealing increases the time needed for the onset of the electron trapping. For the chosen voltage amplitudes the programming characteristics does not depend on the tunnel oxide thickness. The electron detrapping (erase) is observed even at durations of ~10-7 s, but with a low efficiency. The erase characteristics is more gradual then the program one, and shows some dependence on tunnel oxide and annealing. The complete erase is achieved for times comparable to those for programming the cell. Erase pulses with duration > 10-2 s results to accumulation of positive charge in the capacitors.

Colorectal Cancer Screening Programs in Latin America

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally, with increasing incidence and mortality in Latin America. CRC screening programs can reduce disease burden, but information on screening programs in Latin America is limited. To describe characteristics (eg, type of program, uptake, neoplastic yield) of CRC screening programs in Latin America. PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, PsycINFO, Web of Science Core Collection, LILACS, and SciELO were searched from inception to February 2023. Relevant references from bibliographies, conference proceedings, and gray literature were considered. The search strategy included English, Spanish, and Portuguese terms. Included were studies of CRC screening programs in Latin America using fecal immunochemical test (FIT) or colonoscopy as the primary screening method. Four reviewers independently assessed study eligibility based on titles, with review of abstracts and full texts as needed. Guidelines from Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) were followed for data abstraction and quality assessment. Descriptive information was extracted, and data were pooled using a random-effects model. Program performance indicators included rates of participation and FIT positivity, adenoma detection rate (ADR), advanced adenoma detection rate (AADR), CRC detection rate, and colonoscopy quality indicators. There were 17 studies included from upper middle-income and high-income countries in Latin America with a total of 123 929 participants. Thirteen studies used FIT as the initial screening method, whereas 4 used screening colonoscopy. The participation rate in FIT-based programs was 85.8% (95% CI, 78.5%-91.4%). FIT positivity rates were 15.2% (95% CI, 9.6%-21.8%) for the 50-ng/mL threshold and 9.7% (95% CI, 6.8%-13.0%) for the 100-ng/mL threshold. For FIT-based studies, the pooled ADR was 39.0% (95% CI, 29.3%-49.2%) and CRC detection rate was 4.9% (95% CI, 2.6%-7.9%); for screening colonoscopy-based studies, the pooled ADR was 19.9% (95% CI, 15.5%-24.8%) and CRC detection rate was 0.4% (95% CI, 0.1%-0.8%). This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that CRC screening in upper middle-income countries in Latin America is feasible, detecting rates of neoplasia comparable with those of high-income regions. Population-based screening programs should be developed or enhanced in these settings. There is a knowledge gap regarding feasibility and yield of screening programs in lower middle-income countries.

EFL students’ motivational currents during Extensive Reading Programs: A retrodictive qualitative modelling

Motivation to read, the driving force to achieve one’s reading goals, plays a significant role in language learning as it relates to reading engagement and achievement. Its presence is prominently necessary for a longer learning period. This article explores the features of nine pre-service students’ motivational currents and how their motivation changes throughout the task performance in Extensive Reading Programs (henceforth ERPs). Data were collected from diaries, and a retrodictive qualitative model was applied to recount the experiences of the student participants’ motivational currents following Dörnyei’s Directed Motivational Currents (DMC). Themes of diaries and interviews were generated following the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The findings show that the features of DMC are salient and functioning throughout the student’s learning experiences and facilitate the construction of their future identity as readers. Four patterns of motivational currents during the students’ learning were a steady wave, slight wave, moderate wave, and great wave patterns. The variability and stability of task performance motivation indicate that students’ motivational trajectories are unique, conditional, and context-bound. Identifications of the sources of motivators and demotivators provide hints for designing more engaging classroom activities, enriching the task features, and sustaining students’ motivation. This study concludes with possible directions for future motivation research.

디지털 교육 체제 전환을 위한 교사단의 양성연수 성과 분석

This study is to conduct a survey to check the performance of the teacher training program of the Digital Leadership School. As a result, the pre and post surveys of the teachers of digital leading schools showed significantly improvements in their ability to utilize AI courseware in all areas. Therefore, the educational effectiveness of the teachers of digital leading schools is high enough. Second, differentiated training courses are needed according to trainees' capabilities. Rather than compulsorily organizing the teacher corps of digital leading schools by school, we should seek a selection method centered on teachers who want to participate among teachers with basic competencies. Finally, in addition to AI courseware, teachers will need a platform where they can share experiences on practical applications of digital education.

The Relationship between Characteristics, Attitudes and Community Participation on CSR Program Performance

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a company's commitment to behaving ethically and contributing to sustainable development. CSR is implemented through collaboration with company stakeholders to improve people's lives. CSR prioritizes balancing the company's financial, social and environmental aspects. This research aims to determine the relationship between attitudes, participation and community characteristics on the performance of the CSR program by PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Fuel Terminal Samarinda. This study uses a quantitative approach. The total number of respondents who will be included in this research is 90 people who are members of the community who participate in the Bank Ramli CSR program by PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Fuel Terminal Samarinda. The Spearman Rank correlation test will be used to measure the relationship between variables such as characteristics, attitudes and community participation on CSR program performance. This research found that community characteristics such as community income and level of knowledge have a significant correlation with CSR program performance, while other characteristics such as gender, age, education, number of family dependents, and employment do not have a significant influence on CSR program performance. Community attitudes in the affective aspect have a significant positive correlation with the company's responsibility towards society. Apart from that, community participation in the aspect of enjoying the program also has a very significant correlation to company profits and the company's responsibility towards the community.

Predictors of standardized in-service examination performance and residency outcomes in a graduate periodontics program.

The objectives of this study were to assess the influence of learner- and education-related factors on standardized in-service examination performance and determine whether in-service examination scores predict residency outcomes. American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) In-service Examination (AIE) scores from 10 periodontics residency classes at a single center were recorded and compared against a panel of learner- and education-related variables using multiple linear regression models. Defined residency outcome measures were analyzed against AIE scores using binomial logistic regression. No evaluated learner- or education-related variable was a statistically significant predictor of AIE score in this study sample. Likewise, AIE score was not a statistically significant predictor of any assessed residency outcome. The AAP has performed a tremendous service to periodontics residents and programs by marshaling the leadership and expertise necessary to offer a professionally constructed assessment instrument. However, in the current study, no relationship could be identified between AIE score and any outcome, including first-attempt board certification. The AAP In-service Committee appears well situated to provide additional leadership focusing on exam implementation, which may enhance AIE value in competency decision making.

Entrepreneurship Mentoring Programme and Market Performance: Evidence from SIDO Supported Micro and Small Enterprises in Arusha, Tanzania

The overall market performance of Micro and Small Enterprises in Tanzania has been observed to be poor because entrepreneurs are unable to compete, identify opportunity, identify the needs of customers and produce what is needed and failure to retain and satisfy their customers. As a result, the graduating rate of micro to small, medium and large enterprises in Tanzania is absolutely very low. This high failure rate is mainly caused by lack competent entrepreneurs who can compete, explore market environment, identify and exploit business opportunities. The purpose of this study was to establish the association between entrepreneurship mentoring programme and Small Industrial Development Organization (SIDO) supported Micro Small Enterprises’ (MSEs) market performance in Arusha Municipality. The study used cross-sectional research design. Data were collected using survey questionnaire on 230 sampled Small Industrial Development Organization (SIDO) supported MSEs and analysed by using Structural equation model (SEM). The results revealed that there was positive relationship between entrepreneurship mentoring programme and SIDO supported MSEs market performance. The study contributes in providing empirical evidence to body of knowledge and provides an insight to policy makers on the role of entrepreneurship mentoring programme in supporting or facilitating performance of MSEs in the market. The study concluded that overall entrepreneurship mentoring programme has strong positive association with MSEs market performance. The study recommended that SIDO and other institutions offering entrepreneurship training programmes to establish incubation Centres that will incubate MSEs after graduating from entrepreneurship trainings so that they can be well mentored and monitored.