Regular Program Research Articles

State of Sanitation in Public Schools of Banke District: Practices and Challenges

The study aimed to assess the sanitary facilities and practices of public schools in Nepalgunj Sub Metropolitan. The study used a descriptive research design based on primary data from questionnaires. The data were analyzed using percentage and frequency tables. The results showed that the schools had concrete boundary walls, but lacked gardens and playgrounds. The water supply was adequate, but the purification was poor. Only 20% of the schools used purified water. The toilets were satisfactory, but 80% of them had no facilities inside. The waste disposal was haphazard and unmanaged. Only 20% of the schools cleaned their surroundings and classrooms daily. The study concluded that the sanitary facilities and practices were satisfactory, but not well managed. The schools had no plans or ideas for improving their physical plant. The study recommended that the government should include regular programs on sanitation in the curriculum and the schools should implement them properly.

ANÁLISE E MODELAGEM AMBIENTAL PARA SIMULAÇÃO DOS IMPACTOS DO CÓDIGO FLORESTAL BRASILEIRO NA ESTRUTURA DA PAISAGEM NO DF

In this paper, we analyzed the impacts of changes in environmental legislation and the implementation of the Brazilian Forest Code – BFC, on the landscape structure. In order to achieve this, data from the Rural Environmental Registry – RER and vegetation/soil coverage maps were used, in addition to a series of other environmental variables, for the construction, calibration and validation of an environmental model capable of simulating the impacts of changes in the law in the Landscape structure, from the perspective of three distinct scenarios. Scenario 1 considers the recovery of Areas of Permanent Preservation – APP and percentages of Legal Reserves – LR in accordance with the current BFC, maintaining the excess of native vegetation – ENV, which are outside these areas; Scenario 2 considers the application of the current BFC and suppression of all remaining native vegetation – RNV which are not located in protected areas; Scenario 3 considers the full recovery of the APP and LR bands, regardless of the size of the property and maintenance of the ENV. As main results, it was identified that in the Federal District, in relation to APP, the change in law represents a loss of 5,285 ha that will no longer be recovered. Most of this unrecovered area, 53%, is located in properties with more than 15 fiscal modules – the larger properties. The amnesty in relation to LR represents 2,459 ha, mainly due to the exceptions found in article 67 of the BFC. Keywords: Rural Environmental Registry, Environmental Regularization Program, Simulation.

Understanding among dialysis therapist and technologist about prevention protocols of COVID-19 in north-west zone of India: a questionnaire-based survey

Background: All over the world human community fighting with COVID-19. It affected a large number of population. Our immune system helps fighting with COVID-19, CKD patients which are on MHD are more prone to COVID-19 infection. MHD patient required twice or thrice a week dialysis. During dialysis, a therapist plays a major role in COVID-19 HD procedure of CKD patients. Dialysis therapist works like a frontline warrior. Aim was to observe the understanding of dialysis therapist/technologist about COVID-19 protocols for prevention of COVID-19 infection. Methods: A total 122 responder from northwest zone of India attended question-based survey form on the understanding of the infection prevention procedure of COVID-19 maintenance hemodialysis patients. Question set was based on union health ministry of Indian government guideline for dialysis unit set up for COVID-19 patients, Dialysis therapist and patents care taker. Data collection was done by online sampling method. Results: Study observed dialysis therapist of northwest India about understanding of COVID-19 prevention protocols. Approximate- 122 participants include in this study. But major case of COVID-19 treating in government sector hospitals. This study observed that mostly participants have good understanding about COVID-19 infection prevention protocols. Conclusions: Required a regular education training program for all government and private sector health workers for infection control practices of COVID-19. Dialysis therapist and other health workers are doing work like a frontline warrior, their safety is a major concern so we can avoid the risk of transmission of disease to dialysis therapist.

Incentives, Assistance, and Social Sanction in Changing The Community Behavior of Waste-Management in Indonesia

This paper examines the role of incentives, assistance, and social sanctions in shaping community behavior towards waste management in Indonesia. Combining rational choice theory with an ethnomethodological perspective, the study challenges the conventional assumption that economic condition or environmental knowledge and awareness are the primary drivers of individual/social action in waste management. Using the qualitative participatory research in the "Mentari Elok" housing complex located in the suburban area of Yogyakarta Indonesia, this study found that the behavior of the majority of residents did not relate to the economic condition or the level of education. The pattern in waste management remains conventional: throwing the garbage without sorting it first, dumping the trash in any place, or burning it in an open space. The research, which is based on qualitative data gathered through observation and assistance during community service activities, demonstrates that the lack of incentives for eco-friendly activities acts as a deterrent to sustainable waste management techniques. Furthermore, the lack of constant and quantitative assistance from social empowerment facilitators makes it more difficult to adopt good waste management behaviors. Furthermore, the lack of social sanctions affects the community's motivation to follow waste management rules. The findings add to the existing body of knowledge by emphasizing the necessity for focused interventions that address these characteristics. These insights can be used by policymakers and waste management practitioners to create policies that provide actual advantages, establish regular support programs, and employ social punishments to encourage good behavioral change. However, it is vital to recognize the study's limitations, such as its concentration on a certain cultural and socioeconomic environment. Future studies should broaden the scope to include different contexts of places and times, as well as longitudinal studies to evaluate the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of the interventions.

Identifying gaps between research results and education

Although research results can enhance the content of education programs at various university levels, many important research results are only partly covered in major university-level textbooks. It is more difficult to transfer contributions from research results to practitioners if the former is not part of regular education programs. Here, we identify areas where researchers and educators can bridge the gap between theory and research results based on empirical studies, allowing findings to be more easily implemented by practitioners in situations that can improve their output. We take the use and accuracy of security and financial statement analysis as our prime target to examine empirical research results. Financial statement analysis and security valuation are two important applications in accounting and finance, and it is possible to measure changes in the models’ parameters and the effect these have on the outcome. We focus on five aspects of security and financial statement analysis: analysts’ use of valuation models, their estimates and accuracy, peer selection using multiples, valuation models target price accuracy, and differences in industry-specific valuation models and valuation factors. We find that most of the important research results are not referenced in major financial accounting textbooks.

Deeper reading of poetry and prose

The main result of this effectiveness study is that a reading program with a focus on students’ poetry reading processes, based on observational learning via eye movement modeling examples, can improve students’ reading comprehension for different text types. In a pretest-posttest design with an experimental group (ten classes) and a control group (five classes), students’ self-efficacy regarding their own reading process and their reading comprehension were measured. Over a six-week period, teachers of Dutch and their students worked with the six experimental lessons, instead of the regular reading program: students observed and evaluated contrasting peer reading processes, reflected on differences with their own reading process, and then they practiced aspects of a deep reading process. The program resulted in significant progress in the reading comprehension of “expository texts” (ES = .66), “short stories” (ES = .66), and especially “poetry” (ES = .81). Furthermore, the self-efficacy test results show that students in the experimental condition experienced significantly more learning effect after the intervention period than those in the control group. Moreover, based on the learning reports, evaluation tasks and interviews, it appears that the participants in the innovative program have become aware of their reading and how they improved their performance.

Health Status of 20,769 Rohingya Refugees in Cox’s Bazar Refugee Camp, Bangladesh

We aimed to access the burden of primary health issues in two refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar. We compared the burden of disease between different age groups and gender. Data on primary health issues, referrals, maternal and child services, and family planning services were collected from November 2017 to May 2018. The sample population was 20,769 Rohingya refugees who had sought medical care; 38.2% (7,935) were males and 61.8% (12,834) were females. Those younger than five years of age constituted 28.1% (5,831), and those five years old and older constituted 71.9% (14,938). The findings revealed that 48% of the sample population sought medical care due to infectious diseases. Acute respiratory infection (29.3%) was the most frequent primary health problem encountered by refugees, followed by diarrhea (9.2%), skin problems (4.6%), injuries/wounds (2.0%) and unexplained fever causes (1.4%). There was a significant difference in the infection rate (p<0.001) between those younger than five years of age (71.7%) and those five years of age or older (38.6%). For communicable diseases, we recommended regular health awareness programs to reduce and prevent outbreaks. For noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), regular treatment and monitoring were essential. Improving the health and social status of refugees will definitely benefit the host country.

Identity Development: Analyzing the Professional Identity of After-school Tutors in China's Competitive Private Education Sector

After-school tutoring has grown rapidly in China, employing millions of tutors. However, little research explores these tutors' professional identity development. This study aims to understand the factors shaping tutors' professional identity in Nanning's private tutoring sector. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 experienced tutors in Nanning selected through purposive sampling. The interview questions explored four dimensions of professional identity and influencing factors. Transcripts were analyzed using qualitative coding techniques. Major Findings show that Tutors' professional identity is shaped by their values, academic background, relationships, and work context. Passion for teaching competes with business priorities. Role confusion and lack of belonging challenge identity. Clear expectations, training, and institutional support are needed. The study concludes that by analyzing tutors' identity formation, this study provides insights into strengthening the tutoring profession. Regular training programs, positive student-tutor relationships, and a supportive work environment can enhance tutors' professional identity. Findings inform policies on tutor development in China's expanding private tutoring industry.

Can the Curriculum of Creativity Affect Motivation to Dance?

The aim of this study is to investigate whether the curriculum of creativity affects motivation to dance. The experiment was conducted. Forty dancers were divided into experimental and control groups. The experiment was carried out for sixteen weeks. Dancers in the control group were educated according to a regular programme designed by the teacher, while dancers in the experimental group were given the creativity curriculum. To assess the effect of different curricula on dancers' motivation, a questionnaire survey was conducted at the beginning and at the end of the experiment.

Micro-Business Transformation: Product Diversification After Obtaining Capital Loan from PNM Mekaar

This research explores the implementation of the Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM) Mekaar program in supporting the development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Ternate Baru District. The focus is on the challenges faced by business owners, especially those related to obstacles in obtaining funding during their business operations. The study is centered on the experiences of women who are MSME entrepreneurs in Ternate Baru and how they access business capital through the PNM Mekaar program, a non-bank financial institution committed to serving women entrepreneurs with a joint responsibility system. The research method used is qualitative descriptive, with data collected from primary sources through observation, interviews, and documentation, supported by secondary data. Data analysis includes the processes of reduction, presentation, and deduction of conclusions. Six informants participated in this study. The research results show positive business growth among participants in the regular Mekaar program. However, challenges such as payment arrears from customers and delays in implementing the PNM Mekaar program remain significant issues that need to be addressed in efforts to support the development of MSMEs in the area.

Evaluation of an OSCE's implementation and a two-step approach for a theoretical and practical training program in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) is a well-known assessment method to evaluate clinical skills and competence in healthcare. Following the recently reformed National Competence-Based Catalog of Learning Objectives in Medicine, the implementation of this assessment method in the training program for medical students is now obligatory in Germany. This major change requires a reorganization not only of the training programs but also of the students themselves and the way they learn. We performed a poll evaluating the students' opinions regarding these major changes and the implementation of the OSCE with a new training program. To implement this assessment method and to evaluate the OSCE, Kern's six-step approach comprising (1) problem identification and general needs assessment, (2) needs assessment of the targeted learners, (3) goals and objectives, (4) educational strategies, (5) implementation, and (6) evaluation and feedback was applied. To evaluate and gather feedback, a poll was used to analyze the student's opinions regarding OSCE in gynecology and obstetrics and OSCE in general, in addition to the regular analysis of the students' results. To reform the educational strategy, a two-step approach was developed: First, the students completed the regular training program and a written examination, and second, they participated in a 1-week clerkship, in small group teaching, and in the OSCE. The OSCE stations were developed primarily based on the National Competence-Based Catalog and the German Catalog of Learning Objectives in Medicine, as well as on the feedback of experts reflecting their expectations for physicians beginning their careers. The students performed well in the OSCE and gave positive feedback regarding this examination method. Furthermore, they welcomed the upcoming changes by considering OSCE a valuable assessment tool, and they showed appreciation for the two-step approach by supporting the combination of an OSCE and a written examination. Thus, this article presents the implementation of an OSCE and a strategy for the adaptation of the curriculum to fulfill the new OSCE requirements and-to our knowledge-reveals students' primary opinions regarding the changes in their medical training program for the first time.

Evaluation of Awareness and Knowledge Levels of Dental Assistants on Dental Materials and Sterilization Processes

Objective: The aim of this study is to measure the knowledge level of materials and equipment for endodontics and pedodontics, as well as sterilization and disinfection procedures, of dental assistants in dental institutions and intern oral and dental health technician students studying at college. Methods: Four hundred ninety-eight people, including dental assistants working in public, private and university institutions, between the ages of 18-65, and students of the Oral and Dental Health Technician School of Universities, participated in the study. A questionnaire was applied to the participants. With the help of the survey consisting of different questions, the participants' knowledge levels about pedodontic and endodontic materials and sterilization procedures were measured. Results: The knowledge level of dental assistants about dental materials was found to be low in 5.2% of the participants, medium in 32.5% of the participants, and high in 62.3% of the participants. There isn’t any significant difference between the assistants' knowledge level and their gender (p=0.23), age group (p=0.09), educational status (p=0.41), professional experience (p=0.51), certification (p=0.39), and the institution that they work for (p=0.24). Conclusion: It was found that dental assistants have a lack of knowledge in this subject. It is thought that planning and perform regular training education programmes in terms of both acquiring new information and repeating existing information can be effective for eliminating the deficiencies of dental assistants.

Investigation of the Effects of Mat Pilates and Apparatus Pilates on some Physical Fitness Parameters, Posture, Joint Mobility and Functional Movement Analysis in Women

Abstract Objectives The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of mat Pilates and apparatus Pilates on some physical fitness parameters, posture, joint mobility, and functional movement level in adult women. Materials and Methods A total of 45 female participants were included in the study, and they were divided into 3 groups of 15 people in each group. The groups were determined as mat Pilates, apparatus Pilates, and control groups. While the participants in the mat and the apparatus Pilates groups performed the exercise program for 12 weeks, the participants in the control group did not participate in any regular physical activity program. The physical fitness parameters, posture, joint mobility, and functional movement level of the participants were evaluated before and after the exercise program. Results At the end of the exercise program, muscle strength, muscular endurance, balance, posture score, joint mobility, and functional movement level increased significantly in both the mat and the apparatus Pilates groups (p<0.05). For the post-test values of the parameters evaluated within the scope of the study, a significant difference was found between the mat and the apparatus Pilates groups in favor of the apparatus Pilates group in terms of back strength, leg strength, and balance (p<0.05). Conclusion Both mat and apparatus Pilates exercise programs provided an increase in muscle strength, muscular endurance, joint mobility, functional movement level, and positive effects on balance and posture in adult women.

The Impact of the Cross Fit Program for 12 Weeks on the Maximum Oxygen Consumption and Some Body Components Among Students in the Military Sports Training Department at AL –istiqlal University for Security Sciences/Palestine

The research aims to investigate the impact of a 12-week Cross Fit program on the maximum oxygen consumption and some physiological components of the body among students of the Military Sports Training Department at University of AL-istiqlal for Security Sciences. The researchers utilized an experimental approach to achieve optimal results, focusing on the quality of the training program to understand its physiological effects on maximum oxygen consumption, various body components, and the performance of the students. The study examined the impact of two different training programs from The cross-fit program.The first program was applied on the experimental group, while the regular training program was implemented for the control group. The sample consisted of 40 military students from the Military Sports Training Department at AL-istiqlal University. They were purposively selected from the study population and were in good health The sample individuals were randomly assigned to two groups: control (20) and experimental (20). They were evaluated through measurements and physiological tests before and after a 12-week period of military training. The training program for the experimental group, known as Cross Fit, demonstrated a significant impact and improvement on maximum oxygen consumption and some body components "Where the improvement rate reached the maximum oxygen consumption (38.8%) milliliters/kg/min, the improvement rate on the body mass index (-9.95%) kg/m², and the improvement rate on muscle mass (9.67%) kg. The improvement rate on metabolic rate during rest for students was (5.55%) kcal/day. The experimental group showed a favorable outcome in the dimensional measurement. Researchers recommend the incorporation of diverse cross-fit exercises into daily military programs at AL-istiqlal University due to their numerous benefits on vital body functions and components."

Prevalence of tobacco and areca-nut use among patients attending dental teaching hospital in the central province of Sri Lanka and its association with oral mucosal lesions; a cross sectional study

IntroductionTobacco and areca-nut are risk factors for oral cancer and potentially malignant disorders. Oral cancer is ranked as the commonest among males in Sri Lanka (18.4 %). This research aims to determine the prevalence of tobacco and areca-nut use and its association with oral lesions. MethodIt is a cross-sectional study using 368 patients attending the Dental Diagnostic Clinic. Details of tobacco and areca-nut use were collected and participants were examined for mucosal lesions. ResultsIt revealed that 23.9 % had tobacco use. Out of these, 41.1 %, 22.2 % and 36.7 % had smokeless-tobacco use, smoking and both, respectively. Similarly, 25.3 % had areca-nut/betel-quid use and majority (72.8 %) added tobacco to it. Tobacco (93.2 %) and areca-nut (79.6 %) use was higher among males (p < 0.05). Significant associations of areca-nut use with age (p = 0.001) and education level (p = 0.025) were noted. Oral lesions like de-pigmentation, white patches, ulcers, growths and oral sub-mucous fibrosis (OSF) had prevalences of 2.4 % each. Prevalence of pigmentation, lobulated tongue and erosive lesions was 10.6 %, 4.6 % and 1.4 %, respectively. 32.6 % had abnormalities like linea-alba, periodontal problems, pericoronitis and hairy tongue. The study revealed that >90 % of those who used tobacco and areca-nut had oral lesions (p < 0.05). ConclusionThe prevalence of tobacco and areca-nut use is high among patients attending the Dental Teaching Hospital, and its association with mucosal lesions is significant. Hence regular awareness programs on the adverse effects of tobacco and areca-nut use should be carried out at the Diagnostic clinic as a preventive measure.

Impact of Capacity Building Programmes on Farmers of Hassan District of Karnataka, India

The study was conducted in 5 villages of Channarayapattanataluk of Hassan district in Karnataka. The College of Agriculture, Hassan, Karnataka has conducted Rural Agricultural Work Experience Programme for the final year B.Sc (Hons.) Agriculture, B.Tech (Bio Technology) and B.Tech (Food Technology) in those 5 villages during the year 2021-22 for 3 months. The regular capacity building programmes were organized for the farmers by the students in the presence of scientists of the college. During the capacity building programmes such as training, method demonstration, exposure visits etc., the pre and post evaluation was also done to understand the knowledge and skill of the farmers about the bio agents and its application in crop production. The data was collected from 100 farmers to assessimpact of capacity building programmes on bio agentssuch as Trichoderma, Pseudomonas, Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria etc. Thestudy reveals that, majority (78.00%) of the farmers were not aware about the availability of different bio agents in the market, 80.00 per cent of them were unaware about the importance of application of bio agents in crop production, around 89.00 per cent were not having knowledge about use of bio agents in different crops. Nearly 90.00 per cent of farmers were having poor knowledge and skill on how to use the bio agents in crop production practices. After the pre evaluation the different programmes like training programmes about the importance and application of bio agents, skill on demonstration about the bio agents treatment, exposure visits etc., were organized and conducted post evaluation also. The data from the study reveals that, there was increase in the knowledge level and skill in the application of bio agents to an extent of 25 to 30 per cent among the participants. During the year 2022, the study was conducted to assess the adoption level of farmers in the same villages about the importance and application of bio agents in their crop production practices. It was observed that, still farmers were using the bio agents in their farming practices and they were happy to share that, there was a good result in crop yield due to non incidence of pest and diseases and also due to reduced cost of pesticide application.

Assessing radioactivity in soil in the vicinity of steel production industries: a pioneering investigation in Bangladesh

ABSTRACT The steel production process results in the emission of naturally occurring radioactive and toxic heavy metals, which are inherent in the raw materials employed as the initial components. To assess the public exposure through atmospheric dispersions of such radiotoxic metals originating from the production plants and the disposal of associated wastes in nearby landfills, a pioneering study was conducted to assess the radioactivity in forty-four soil samples collected from the environs of sixteen different steel mills in the megacity of Dhaka, Bangladesh, using high-purity germanium (HPGe) γ-ray spectrometry. The results indicated activity ranges of 6 ± 1 to 37 ± 3 Bq/kg, 6 ± 1 to 45 ± 4 Bq/kg, and 101 ± 9 to 470 ± 45 Bq/kg for 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K, respectively, in the soil samples. Radiological hazard parameters were assessed, and none surpassed the recommended limits set by various international organisations. These results underscore that soil samples obtained from the vicinity of the steel mills do not present an immediate and significant risk to the local community in terms of radiation hazards. Nevertheless, given the observed physical alterations in the soil samples, likely resulting from chemical reactions with pollutants released from the steel mills, it is advisable to refrain from using the examined soil samples for agricultural or construction purposes. This study aims to establish a foundational dataset, serving as a crucial reference for the upcoming commissioning of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in the fiscal year 2024–25. This study advocates for the adoption of a systematic and regular monitoring programme to assess radiation levels in the vicinity of steel production industries across the country.

Knowledge of Young Women Regarding the Components of 'My Plate' as a Strategy for Stunting Prevention

Introduction: Stunting represents a chronic malnutrition process with significant implications for life productivity. Adolescents, especially young women, wield considerable influence in stunting prevention. Nutritional education stands out as a key strategy in addressing stunting, especially among teenagers. Enhancing nutritional education for adolescents holds promise for shaping their future dietary patterns and behaviors, with knowledge serving as a pivotal catalyst for attitude change. Objective: This research aims to assess the knowledge of young women at SMPN 1 Ciamis regarding the components of 'My Plate' as a preventive measure against stunting. Method: The research methodology employed is descriptive research. The study population comprises young women at SMPN 1 Ciamis, with a sample size of 214 individuals selected through accidental sampling. The questionnaire serves as the primary measuring instrument, and univariate analysis is applied for data analysis. Result: The research findings reveal that the majority of young women exhibit sufficient knowledge, accounting for 91.1%, while the second-largest group demonstrates a lower level of knowledge at 6.1%. Conclusion: There remains a need for increased awareness and socialization regarding the contents of 'My Plate' as a preventative measure against stunting. Collaborative efforts between schools and healthcare providers are encouraged to implement regular programs, including counseling specifically addressing 'My Plate' components and broader initiatives focused on stunting prevention.

Mpact of SDGs Retraining Workshops on Pedagogical Competencies of Primary School Teachers

The qualities of a teacher are the essential factors that influence learners’ academic performance. Most of these qualities are acquired through retraining programmes. As a result of this, many in-service training programme have been on-going. This study was undertaken to ascertain the impact of SDGs retraining workshop on pedagogical competencies of primary school teachers. It is a descriptive survey design guided by four research questions. The population of the study consisted of 3,115 primary school teachers who participated in SDGs retraining workshops. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 360 teachers. The researchers developed a structured questionnaire titled primary school teachers’ pedagogical competence questionnaire (PSTPCQ, r=0.86). Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions. The results of the data analysis revealed that the SDGs retraining workshops impacted basic science and technology teachers’ pedagogical competencies positively in areas of teaching methods, construction of instructional materials and assessment of learning outcomes but negatively on the out-of-class science teaching strategy. It was recommended among others that all primary school teachers should be given opportunity to attend the SDGs retraining workshop and that adequate fund should be made available for regular and consistent retraining programmes to ensure greater and effective instructional delivery of BST lessons.

The Conceptualizing Learning Agility of University Students in the COVID-19 Era

COVID–19 caused schools and universities to change their regular program to online learning. Online learning requires the student to be agile and engaged in the learning process. This paper investigated the impact of goal orientation, openness to experience, and psychological safety toward learning agility on university students. This research used PLS–SEM to analyze the relationships among learning agility constructs. The author conducted quantitative research by developing an online survey using questionnaires from the previously widely used and well–validated instrument. The participants of this study are 206 industrial engineering students of Telkom University, Indonesia. The instrument was fulfilled to what extent the participant agreed with the statement using a six–point Likert scale. A significant relationship was found between learning agility factors: goal orientation, openness to experience, and psychological safety toward learning agility. It was found that goal orientation has a large effect size on learning agility. Thus, it played a central role in the model. Future studies should be conducted with a larger sample with several individual attributes. It may determine whether individual attributes predict difference variation of learning agility. The differences could be examined by making group–specific comparisons.