Impact Of Program Research Articles

Can energy transition interventions promote financial inclusion? Measuring unintended effects of Ghana's energy transition program

Global concerns about climate change and its effects and the quest for sustainable development have necessitated policy actions, including energy interventions. Besides the intended goal of energy transition, these interventions often have unintended impacts, which ought to be measured when assessing the overall effects of these energy interventions. This study investigated the impact of a clean cooking fuel transition program in Ghana on financial inclusion. It used a cross-sectional survey of over 900 households in two districts in Ghana where a clean energy transition intervention had been implemented. The study employed linear probability and matching techniques and found that clean energy interventions can promote financial inclusion among beneficiary households. The probability of being significantly associated with financial inclusion is at least 6.6% higher for treated households than it is for households that did not benefit from the program. The findings are robust across different outcome variables and the potential transmission mechanisms are discussed. The study provides evidence for policymakers to count the effect of financial inclusion in measuring the program's overall impact. Furthermore, the findings underscore the need for policies that provide the needed infrastructure and financial ‘ecosystem’ to support financial inclusion, particularly in rural areas where the energy interventions are implemented.

Unveiling Character Education Practices: A Case Study of SMP IT Nur Hasan

This study examines the impact of character education programs at SMP IT Nur Hasan on the formation of religious character and student independence. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of programs such as "Sekolahku Hijau Sekolahku Sehat", "Clean Today", "Dhuha Time", extracurricular programs, and congregational prayer. The method used was a qualitative approach with a case study design, involving in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis. The results show that the programs significantly strengthen students' moral values, religiosity, and independence, in accordance with existing character education theories. The implications of the findings include important contributions to the development of character education theory and provide practical guidance for the implementation of effective character education programs in boarding schools. This study also identifies methodological limitations that can be addressed in future research to deepen the understanding of character education in boarding schools.

Diving into Diversity: Integrating Intercultural Competence into a PETE Curriculum

This article explores the integration of intercultural competence into one physical education teacher education (PETE) curriculum to address the increasing number of culturally and linguistically diverse children in physical education. Highlighting a potential lack of PETE student preparation, the article recommends adopting a framework based on Deardorff’s process model of intercultural competence. The proposed approach spans four methods courses, aiming to embed culturally relevant pedagogy. Emphasizing the importance of fostering culturally responsive and inclusive physical educators, the framework underscores the need for teacher education programs to enhance intercultural competence, thereby improving the quality and impact of PETE programs.

Enhancing Educational Practices through AI and Data Visualization: Insights from a Community Engagement Workshop

This community engagement explores the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data visualization in the context of education through an interactive workshop. The workshop aims to enhance the capacity of high school teachers in Jakarta to utilize technology for data analysis using applications like Tableau. Participants engage in hands-on practice with four case studies: analysis of student performance by gender, the influence of parental education on student outcomes, evaluation of the effectiveness of exam preparation courses, and analysis of the impact of lunch programs on student achievement. Results indicate a significant improvement in participants' understanding and skills in using data to support evidence-based decision-making in educational settings.

Impact of a school-based water and hygiene intervention on child health and school attendance in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a cluster-randomised controlled trial

BackgroundSchool-based water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) may improve the health and attendance of schoolchildren, particularly post-menarcheal girls, but existing evidence is mixed. We examined the impact of an urban school-based WASH programme (Project WISE) on child health and attendance.MethodsThe WISE cluster-randomised trial, conducted in 60 public primary schools in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia over one academic year, enrolled 2–4 randomly selected classes per school (~ 100 pupils) from grades 2 to 8 (aged 7–16) in an ‘open cohort’. Schools were assigned 1:1 by stratified randomisation to receive the intervention during the 2021/2022 or the 2022/2023 academic year (waitlist control). The intervention included improvements to drinking water storage, filtration and access, handwashing stations and behaviour change promotion. Planned sanitation improvements were not realised. At four unannounced classroom visits post-intervention (March–June 2022), enumerators recorded primary outcomes of roll-call absence, and pupil-reported respiratory illness and diarrhoea in the past 7 days among pupils present. Analysis was by intention-to-treat.ResultsOf 83 eligible schools, 60 were randomly selected and assigned. In total, 6229 eligible pupils were enrolled (median per school 101.5; IQR 94–112), 5987 enrolled at study initiation (23rd November–22nd December 2021) and the remaining 242 during follow-up. Data were available on roll-call absence for 6166 pupils (99.0%), and pupil-reported illness for 6145 pupils (98.6%). We observed a 16% relative reduction in odds of pupil-reported respiratory illness in the past 7 days during follow-up in intervention vs. control schools (aOR 0.84; 95% CI 0.71–1.00; p = 0.046). There was no evidence of effect on pupil-reported diarrhoea in the past 7 days (aOR 1.15; 95% CI 0.84–1.59; p = 0.39) nor roll-call absence (aOR 1.07; 95% 0.83–1.38; p = 0.59). There was a small increase in menstrual care self-efficacy (aMD 3.32 on 0–100 scale; 95% CI 0.05–6.59), and no evidence of effects on other secondary outcomes.ConclusionsThis large-scale intervention to improve school WASH conditions city-wide had a borderline impact on pupil-reported respiratory illness but no effect on diarrhoeal disease nor pupil absence. Future research should establish relationships between WASH-related illness, absence and other educational outcomes.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT05024890.

Impact of a diabetic retinal exam screening program on quality measure gaps at a family medicine practice

BackgroundDiabetic retinopathy is a common complication in people with diabetes, and annual screening is recommended by the American Diabetes Association. This annual exam is also a Health Effectiveness Data and Information Set quality measure. Barriers such as lack of access to healthcare or cost of specialist visits may impact the number of patients who receive these exams. ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to describe the impact of a diabetic retinal exam screening program at a rural family medicine center on the number of quality measure gaps resolved. Practice descriptionThis study occurred at a rural family medicine center in southwestern Pennsylvania with a medically underserved patient population. A pharmacist at the site holds board certifications in Advanced Diabetes Management and as a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist and manages diabetes through a collaborative practice agreement. Practice innovationA regional Medicaid plan provided a list of patients with a quality measure gap for an annual diabetic retinal exam and loaned a RetinaVue 700 Imager to take retinal photos. After screening eligible patients via phone, retinal exams were administered by student pharmacists and medical assistants to consenting patients over the course of 9 days. Images were then sent to an ophthalmologist to be interpreted. Evaluation methodsThe rate of quality measure gaps closed and satisfaction survey results are reported using descriptive statistics. ResultsA total of 61 patients were included in the analysis. This program closed quality measure gaps for 11 (18.0%) patients who were able to receive an in-office eye exam. ConclusionThis pilot project shows that offering in-office diabetic retinal exams may be an effective strategy to close quality measure gaps and provide access to screening among a medically underserved population.

Developing an 8-Week, Tele-Education Weight Control and Exercise Programme, and Evaluating Its Effects on Weight and Pain Reduction in Patients With Obesity and Knee Osteoarthritis: A Double-Blinded Randomised Clinical Trial.

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability among the elderly and is often exacerbated by obesity. Research supports weight loss and exercise therapy as key strategies for managing knee OA-related disability. Concurrently, telemedicine is becoming a popular healthcare approach. This study aimed to develop and evaluate an 8-week tele-education programme's impact on weight control and knee OA outcomes. Participants with knee OA and obesity were included. Baseline data on pain (VAS index), physical activity (GPAQ questionnaire), and quality of life (EQ5D and KOOS questionnaires) were collected. Performance tests, including the 30-second Chair Stand test (30CST) and the Timed Up-and-Go test (TUG), were recorded. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: a control group receiving oral advice on diet and exercise, and an intervention group receiving educational videos on nutrition, lifestyle changes, physical activity, individualised exercises, and psychosocial support. Evaluations were repeated after 8weeks. Data from 25 of 30 participants were analysed. In the intervention group, body composition, waist, and abdominal circumference decreased significantly (p<0.05). The KOOS questionnaire showed significant improvements in pain, activity, and daily tasks (p=0.00). The EQ5D questionnaire and health satisfaction also showed positive results within the intervention group (p=0.00) and between groups (p=0.008). The pain index improved significantly within (p=0.00) and between groups (p=0.02). Functional test results were significant within the intervention group (p=0.00) and between groups (p=0.017 for 30CST and p=0.004 for TUG). An 8-week tele-education programme for weight control and exercise therapy in knee OA patients significantly improved body composition, quality of life, and functional performance. Given the costs of obesity and knee OA on both people and the health system, tele-education can be a cost-effective treatment strategy.

Impacts of a Summer Transition Program on Kindergarten Readiness for Children from Disadvantaged Backgrounds

ABSTRACT Kindergarten transition programs support successful school transitions for families and may reduce disparities in academic readiness upon school entry. Yet, access and participation in high-quality summer transition programs are lower among children from disadvantaged backgrounds. This study examined the impact of a summer kindergarten transition program on children’s readiness in language and literacy, mathematical thinking, and social foundations and the strength of their home-school relationships. Assessment scores of 416 kindergartners within 30 classrooms in 28 elementary schools in one southeastern state were analyzed. Children who participated demonstrated significantly more readiness in their language and literacy, mathematical thinking, and social foundation skills compared with children who were eligible but did not participate in the program. Further, children who participated in the program had significantly stronger home-school relationships compared to children who were eligible but did not participate and those who were not eligible to participate in the program. The findings provide preliminary evidence that summer transition programs are an equitable strategy to reduce achievement gaps upon kindergarten entry. School administrators should consider implementing summer transition programs to support academic readiness and develop strong home-school relationships in communities with a high population of children who are at risk for later school difficulties.

Sarcopenia in Children Post Liver Transplant: Development of a Home-Based Video Program to Support Muscle Strength and Function-A Pre-Post Controlled Pilot Study.

Sarcopenia is common in children after liver transplantation (LTx). Resistance training (RT) may be effective in combating sarcopenia. The purpose of the study was to test the feasibility and impact of a 12-week RT program on skeletal muscle mass (SMM), muscle strength, physical performance (PP), and child-parent perspectives about RT. Children (6-18 years) post-LTx and healthy controls (HC) underwent progressive RT using resistance bands. SMM and adipose tissue (MRI: abdomen and thigh), muscle strength (handgrip, push-ups, sit-to-stand), and PP (6-minute walk test [6MWT], timed-up-and-down-stair test [TUDS]) were measured before and after 12-weeks of RT. Ten children post-LTx (11.9±3.5 years) and 13 HC (11.7±3.9 years) participated. LTx children significantly increased abdominal SM-index (+4.6% LTx vs. a -2.7% HC; p=0.01) and decreased visceral adipose tissue-index (-18% LTx vs. -0.8% HC; p=0.04) compared to HC. No thigh SMI changes were noted. Significant increases in 6MWT distance (LTx; p=0.04), number of push-ups (p=0.04), and greater reduction times for TUDS (-10.6% vs. +1.7%; p=0.05) occurred after 12 weeks. Higher thigh muscle-fat content was associated with worse physical performance. These results were impacted by adherence (≥75% vs. <75%) and family engagement. RT in children post-LTx is feasible and effective. RT in children post-LTx may alleviate adverse outcomes associated with sarcopenia.

Effect of speed sintering process on the microstructure, flexural strength and translucency of zirconia

ObjectivesTo determine the impact of the speed sintering program on the microstructure, flexural strength and translucency of zirconia in comparison with those of the conventional sintering program. Materials and methodsrectangular shape specimens (12.5 × 15.5 × 1.2 mm) were prepared from four commercial pre-sintered zirconia ceramics (KATANA HTML, KATANA STML, InCoris TZI and InCoris ZI) that were sintered with conventional and speed sintering programs according to the manufacturer's instructions. The phase composition of the sintered specimens was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The grain size was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while the three-point flexural strength was assessed based on the ISO 6872: 2015 standard. Translucency was assessed using a spectrophotometer. The data were analyzed using independent t tests (α = 0.05) and one-way ANOVA. ResultsThe XRD patterns were similar for all the groups, indicating that there was no phase transformation. SEM revealed that the average grain size was lower than 1 μm. The grain size, flexural strength and translucency results showed increasing trends when speed sintering is compared with the conventional one but the differences were not significant (P > 0.05). ConclusionsThe results of this research indicate that the speed sintering program had no significant impact on the microstructure, flexural strength and translucency of the examined zirconia, a speed-sintering program can process the ceramic material within a short time with slightly increase their flexural strength and translucency Therefore, a speed-sintering program is appropriate for zirconia (Y-TZP).

60 Sustainable impact of an outdoor exercise program on health outcomes of older adults: a quasi-randomized controlled trial with a 3-month follow-up

Abstract Older people benefit in several health-promoting outcomes from needs-oriented exercise programs in their immediate living environment. For a low-threshold, and thus sustainable and cost-effective design of exercise programs a transfer to self-organisation is favourable. The aim of our study is to examine the health-promoting impacts of an outdoor exercise program developed for older persons, as well as its sustainability after 3 months. Ninety-five persons aged 60+ were randomized according to their residence (IG: n = 40, mean age = 72.35 years, 24 female; KG: n = 55, mean age = 75.05 years, 34 female). An age-adjusted exercise program was carried out over 12 weeks (2x/week á 45-60min; adherence: 90.9%) by professional exercise instructors in urban parks. During this instructor-led exercise phase, seven participants were trained as mentors, and thus, enabled to continue the exercise program for further 12 weeks (1-2x/week á 45-60min; adherence: 2-3x/month = 11.5%, 1-2x/week = 88.5%). Before (T1) and after the instructor-led exercise phase (T2) as well as after the mentor-led exercise phase (T3), health outcomes (e.g., walking distance/6MWT, neurocognitive performance/DSST) of IG and CG (no intervention) were assessed and analysed using paired t-Tests. 75.1% of IG participants completed both phases of the exercise program. Neurocognitive performance improved significantly for IG between T1 and T2 (+2.32 correct number-symbol matches; p = .003; d = -.509) and remained stable between T2 and T3 (+0.15 correct matches; p = .863; d = -.028) while for CG the opposite development was observed (T1-T2: -0.6 correct matches; p = .451; d = .102; T2-T3: +2.18 correct matches; p = .004; d = -.423). IG improved their walking distance for T1-T2 by 21.39m (p = .172; d = -.223), which could be maintained for T2-T3 (+5,1m; p = .648; d = -.074). Improvements in CG for walking distance were smaller (T1-T2: +2.8m; p = .690; d = -.055; T2-T3: +14.26m, p = .315; d = -.147). The mentoring of the exercise groups proved to be very successful, as evidenced by the maintained effects in the mentor-led phase, ensuring sustainability of health-promoting interventions. (Funded by the Free State of Saxony, “Demographics” #100535625)

Impact of short-term functional training program on lower-body isometric muscle endurance in cricket players

Impact of short-term functional training program on lower-body isometric muscle endurance in cricket players

446.2: The impact of a continuous training program in deceased donation rates of different countries: Transplant procurement management (TPM) effect.

446.2: The impact of a continuous training program in deceased donation rates of different countries: Transplant procurement management (TPM) effect.

The impact of global food and agriculture organization programs on sustainable Rural development in the Red Sea State

The impact of global food and agriculture organization programs on sustainable Rural development in the Red Sea State

The Impact of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation on Ventriculoarterial Coupling in Post-Coronavirus Disease-2019 Patients.

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) affects the cardiovascular system even after the acute phase of the disease. Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation may improve post-COVID-19 symptoms. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program after acute COVID-19 on arterial stiffness, left ventricular function, and ventriculoarterial coupling (VAC). Forty-eight adults were examined 1 (T0) and 3-mo (T1) following recovery from COVID-19 and randomized 1:1 to participate or not in a 3-mo rehabilitation program. Matched subjects were enrolled as a non-COVID-19 group. Arterial stiffness was evaluated by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV). Left ventricular (LV) systolic performance was evaluated with global longitudinal strain (GLS). The PWV/LV-GLS ratio was calculated as an index of VAC. High-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP) was measured. At T0, convalescent patients with COVID-19 had impaired PWV ( P =.001) and reduced VAC ( P =.001) compared to non-COVID-19 subjects. PWV (8.15±1.37 to 6.55±0.98 m/sec, P <.001) and LV-GLS (-19.67±1.98 to-21.3±1.93%, P <.001) improved only in convalescent patients with COVID-19 undergoing rehabilitation. Similarly, VAC was only improved in the rehabilitation group (-0.42±0.11 to-0.31±0.06 m·sec -1 ·% -1 , P <.001). A significant improvement in VO 2max was noted after rehabilitation (15.70 [13.05, 21.45] to 18.30 [13.95, 23.75] ml· kg -1 ·min -1 , P =.01). Finally, hs-CRP was improved in both groups with a significantly greater improvement in the rehabilitation group. A 3-mo rehabilitation program in convalesced patients with COVID-19 enhances the recovery of arterial stiffness, left ventricular function, and VAC, highlighting the beneficial mechanisms of rehabilitation in this patient population.

Impact of a ROP mentoring program in rural regions of Colombia

PurposeTo assess the impact of a retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) mentoring program in four rural regions with 31 neonatal units in Colombia between 2011 and 2019. MethodsIndicators recommended by the national program were used for assessment: screening coverage of eligible preterm newborns, proportion screened with any stage of ROP, and proportion of screened infants treated. Data were also collected on the number of units with ROP services and birth weight (BW) and gestational age (GA) of babies treated. Data on the number of preterm births, BWs of infants screened, and their ROP status (any/none) were extracted from the national health information system. Ophthalmologists in each region provided data on the number screened and treated. A linear-by-linear statistic was used to assess trends in the indicators before and during mentoring. ResultsOf the 31 neonatal units, the number providing ROP services increased from 7 (23%) to 26 (84%). The number of eligible infants born in the four regions (total 33,521) was stable over the study period, the proportion screened increased from 14% to 41%, the proportion of those screened who were found to have any ROP tended to decrease overtime, and the proportion of those screened who were treated declined from 9% to 3%, with some regional variation. By year 3 no infant with a BW ≥2000 g or GA of >36 weeks was treated. ConclusionsIn our study, mentoring rural providers proved a valuable strategy for inducing new screening programs, increasing coverage, and improving local capacities in neonatal care and ROP services.

Enhancing Myeloma Care: The Impact of the 5E Management Program

Enhancing Myeloma Care: The Impact of the 5E Management Program

Education program and experiential learning in Chinese entrepreneurship education: A year-long Social Cognitive Theory intervention's impact on self-efficacy and intention

Entrepreneurship education helps young people create their first job, typically through either experiential learning or education programs. Our study evaluated the effect of integrating both methods in a single intervention involving 40 people aged 18 to 25.Our research intervention was grounded in the Social Cognitive Theory. We assessed its impact via ANCOVA analyses. We looked for shifts in entrepreneurial self-efficacy (across six subdimensions) and intention of 20 intervention participants compared with an equal number of control participants. The results indicated statistically significant changes in all the measures except initiating investor relationships and building an innovative environment.To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to examine the effect of delivering entrepreneurial education in non-formal Chinese settings. It also pioneers exploring the impact of education programs and experiential learning in a single intervention. Finally, it assesses this impact over one year, sharply contrasting with the more typical exploring of relationships at a single time point.Our findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on the efficacy of entrepreneurship education programs in China, providing support for offering such programs outside formal education. Our results also emphasize the significance of comprehending the surroundings in which the programs are being delivered and the potential external forces that participants may be exposed to.

104 Impact of a School-Based Physical Activity Intervention program on Physical Activity Levels, Sleep Patterns, Aerobic Fitness, and Motor Competence

104 Impact of a School-Based Physical Activity Intervention program on Physical Activity Levels, Sleep Patterns, Aerobic Fitness, and Motor Competence

Evaluating the Impact of a Clinical Breast Examination Screening Program within the IraPEN Project.

Breast cancer is a prevalent global cancer and a leading cause of mortality in developed countries. In 2015, Iran introduced the Package of Essential Noncommunicable Diseases (IraPEN) as a pilot project to tackle prevalent noncommunicable diseases, including breast cancer. However, there is limited research evaluating the implementation, costs, and outcomes of breast cancer screening within IraPEN. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the costs and outcomes of the clinical breast examination screening program in Isfahan from 2017 to 2020. This descriptive cost-outcome study utilized data from 450,876 individuals aged 30 to 69 who participated in clinical breast examination screening. The outcomes assessed in this program encompassed the number of participants, the number of individuals identified with symptoms, referrals to the next level of examination, the number of individuals undergoing mammography, recorded mammography results, and the number of cases of breast cancer identified. Direct costs were estimated, including personnel, infrastructure, equipment, and other related expenses. ‌The findings revealed that the direct costs of the breast cancer screening program in Isfahan between 2017 and 2020 were 310,514,608,558 Rials, equivalent to approximately 15,470,633 PPP$. These expenses led to the identification of 134,508 individuals with symptoms, referrals of 258,599 individuals to the subsequent level of examination, and approximately 55,974 individuals undergoing mammography tests. This study demonstrates that the breast cancer screening program provides a significant number of women in the target age group with breast self-examination education while raising public awareness about this disease.