Regular Training Research Articles

CONTRIBUTION OF INCLUSIVE EDUCATION ON PERFORMANCE OF LEARNERS WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES IN PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS OF RWANDA A CASE OF KICUKIRO DISTRICT

Background: Inclusive Education is problematic in several countries including Rwanda and has been held back by a number of factors including negative attitudes towards people with disabilities. School administrators and teachers have not sufficient skills so that they can manage inclusive schools and it requires several and regular training to be equipped with necessary knowledge and get sensitized on how to introduce inclusive practices. The study examined the contribution of inclusive education on performance of learners with learning difficulties in Rwandan public primary schools especially in Kicukiro District. To examine the level of implementation of inclusive education to the performance of learners with learning difficulties in public primary schools, to assess the performance of learners with learning difficulties in public primary schools in general education, to establish the relationship between inclusive education and the performance of learners with learning difficulties in public primary schools. The target population of this research was 240 population, from which a sample size of 148 respondents chosen as the participants of the study were 70 parents of learners with disabilities from public primary schools selected 69 teachers, 6 head teachers and 3 sector educational inspectors of 3 sectors of Kicukiro District. Nine respondents (6 HTs and 3 SEIs) were sampled using a purposive sampling technique, while 148 respondents (69 teachers and 70 parents of learners with disabilities) were selected using a simple random sampling. Methods and Methodology: This study used a survey research design with questionnaires as instruments of data collection and guided interview. The SPSS version 2.0, Logical analysis and Microsoft Excel 2010 was used in description and interpretation of results via tables, chart and figures. The researcher provided recommendations and conclusions depending on the findings of the research. Results: The findings showed that the effort put in the implementation of inclusive education practices and their relationship between inclusive education and performance contributed to the learners achievement as 95% of teachers and 89% of the head teachers with SEIs, they assumed there was a close relationship between inclusive education and learners performance because one affected the other one. Conclusion: It is recommended to the ministry of education of Rwanda (MINEDUC), to include the contents and strategies that facilitate teaching and learning processes for learners with learning difficulties at all level of education. The further research should consider collecting data via observational methods, fieldwork, and classroom visits to check if the competencies that this study identified are indeed being applied in Rwandas classrooms.

Assessment of the approach to managing medical emergencies during dental procedures.

This study aims to investigate the knowledge of dental interns and post-graduated doctors regarding dental emergencies and their occurrence in the clinic and examine the doctors' ability to intervene in these emergencies. Note that, 150 dental interns and 101 post-graduated doctors were surveyed with sixteen questions regarding their knowledge and experience with syncope, orthostatic hypotension, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, asthma, and anaphylactic shock. Also, post-graduate doctors answered nine additional questions about their emergency response capabilities. This study found that interns and doctors exhibited similar knowledge about emergencies. Nonetheless, the count of dental interns encountering emergencies is relatively limited. Syncope was the most frequently encountered condition (61.8%). Doctors' increase in years of experience correlated positively with a higher rate of intervention in epilepsy, orthostatic hypotension, and anaphylactic shock (p=0.001, 0.024, and 0.02, respectively). The ability to check the carotid pulse and to perform intramuscular injections was high in post-graduated doctors (90.09% and 81.2%, respectively). Although interns believe their knowledge about emergencies to be sufficient, their intervention skills may need to be improved due to the low frequency of encounters. After graduation, their inability to intervene adequately during emergencies in the clinic can lead to fatal consequences. The lack of improvement in doctors' knowledge and intervention abilities with experience could be attributed to insufficient training after completing their formal education. To prevent such scenarios, regular training sessions should be provided to interns and doctors, focusing on the emergencies they may encounter.

Optimizing vision screening and referral of students: A pre-post analysis of a comprehensive multifaceted intervention for school nurses in Qatar

Background: Vision acuity screening and referrals are pivotal in the early detection and management of visual disturbances among school children. This quality improvement project aimed to evaluate the adherence of school nurses in governmental schools in Qatar to established vision acuity screening and referral standards and to enhance this adherence through a targeted intervention. Methods: Utilizing a before-and-after study design, this clinical audit focused on students in grades 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 during the academic years 2021–2022 (baseline) and 2022–2023 (post-intervention). The methodology encompassed a baseline assessment, root cause analysis, intervention implementation, and a post-intervention assessment. Data extraction was performed from Qatar’s electronic health records (EHRs) system. Results: In the baseline assessment, 75.5% (95%CI 73.4–81.6) of 48,089 eligible students were screened, with 9.9% displaying abnormal visual acuity. Only 38.6% of those with abnormal visual acuity were referred. Post-intervention, screening compliance increased to 91.5% (95%CI 91.2–93.9, p < 0.001) among 48,946 students. Of those screened, 10.1% showed abnormal visual acuity, with referrals surging to 99.6% (p < 0.001). The appropriateness of referrals also improved significantly post-intervention (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The intervention yielded a statistically significant improvement in the adherence of school nurses to vision acuity screening and referral standards in Qatar. Application to practice: The study highlights the importance of targeted interventions in improving school nurses’ adherence to vision screening and referral protocols, emphasizing the need for regular training, policy support, and the use of EHRs to enhance the early detection and management of visual disturbances among students, contributing to better health and educational outcomes.

The impact of regular physical training on the function of the autonomic nervous system in patients with inappropriate sinus tachycardia

Introduction: Sympathetic overactivity plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST). It has been shown that regular physical activity positively affects the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which may benefit patients with IST.Objective: This study aimed to assess the impact of regular physical training on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) function in patients with IST, focusing on heart rate variability (HRV) as an indicator of autonomic balance.Methods:The study included 32 female patients diagnosed with IST, with 16 in the study group (Group A) and 16 in the control group (Group B). The women in Group A participated in a structured physical training program lasting 12 weeks. HRV was analyzed based on 24-hour Holter monitoring recordings before and after the intervention. The statistical data obtained were presented as graphs illustrating changes in selected HRV parameters in response to physical training.Results:The study results indicate a significant improvement in heart rate variability (HRV) after 12 weeks of regular physical training in the study group. Notably, there was an increase in parameters associated with parasympathetic activity, such as the HF (High Frequency) index. Additionally, the SDNN index, which measures overall heart rate variability, also improved. These observations suggest that physical training contributed to an improvement in autonomic balance. The graphs in the study clearly depict changes in individual HRV parameters, confirming the positive impact of physical activity on the function of the autonomic nervous system in patients with IST.

Improving surgical technical skills for emergency fixation of unstable pelvic ring fractures: an experimental study using a pelvic ring fracture simulator

BackgroundThe management of hemodynamically unstable pelvic ring injuries necessitates surgical intervention, often involving procedures such as external fixation and percutaneous screw placement. Given the infrequent performance of these procedures, regular training is imperative to ensure readiness for emergencies. Our pre- post simulation study aimed to adapt and validate a realistic simulation model for stabilizing unstable pelvic ring injuries, facilitating participants’ knowledge retention and procedural confidence enhancement.MethodsA standardized simulator of an unstable pelvic ring utilizing synthetic pelvic bones featuring complete disruption of the symphysis and sacroiliac joint was developed. Trauma surgeons of a level one academic hospital were invited to perform external fixation and emergency sacroiliac screw application under C-arm guidance. Prior to and following the simulation session, participants completed a subjective questionnaire assessing their confidence in emergency interventions on a 10-point Likert scale (10-LS). Objective parameters, such as intraoperative imaging quality, reduction accuracy, and the positioning of screws, wires, and external fixators, were also evaluated as secondary outcome measures.ResultsFifteen trauma surgeons (10 residents, 5 consultants) participated in the simulation over the course of one day. The mean total operation time was 20.34 ± 6.06 min, without significant differences between consultants and residents (p = 0.604). The confidence for emergency SI-Screw placement increased significantly after the simulator (10-LS: Before = 3.8 ± 3.08 vs. After = 5.67 ± 2.35; p = 0.002) as well as after external fixation (10-LS: Before = 3.93 ± 2.79 vs. After = 6.07 ± 2.52; p = 0.002). In addition, confidence in (intraoperative) pelvic imaging increased significantly (10-LS: Before = 4.60 ± 3.0 vs. After = 6.53 ± 2.39; p = 0.011). Overall, the model was rated as a realistic simulation of clinical practice (10-LS = 7.87 ± 1.13).ConclusionsOur unstable pelvis fracture model is a tool to practice emergency interventions such as external fixation and percutaneous techniques. Participants benefitted from this in terms of technical instrumentation as well as intraoperative imaging. Further studies are required to validate the objective benefits and improvements that participants undergo through frequent training.

Randomized controlled trial on ankle biomechanics in the treatment of functional ankle instability with joint mobilization

Functional ankle instability (FAI) patients often experience restricted ankle dorsiflexion, increased inversion angle, and elevated ground reaction forces during walking, all related to altered kinematics of the talocrural and subtalar joints. This study aimed to investigate the potential positive impact of joint mobilization on FAI patients from a biomechanical perspective. The experimental group (EG, n = 17; Age: 20.06 ± 1.34 years; Height: 1.74 ± 0.07 m; Weight: 69.79 ± 11.20 kg; BMI:22.88 ± 2.63 kg/m2; CAIT:15.59 ± 2.58; M/F: 15/2) received joint mobilization + routine rehabilitation training, while the control group (CG, n = 16; Age: 20.50 ± 0.73 years; Height: 1.73 ± 0.09 m; Weight: 64.59 ± 7.21 kg; BMI: 21.65 ± 2.47 kg/m2; CAIT: 16.75 ± 2.21; M/F: 14/2) only received regular rehabilitation training. Biomechanical tests were performed in both groups after the 4-week intervention. The spatial parameters during walking (including step length, stride length, step width, step time, cadence, step speed, support time, and swing time), ankle flexion and dorsiflexion angle, inversion, and eversion angles, internal and external rotation angles, ankle torque, as well as the vertical ground reaction force were measured before and after the intervention. The results of the two-way ANOVA showed that the main effect of time was significant for step length (P < 0.001), stride length (P = 0.008), step speed (P < 0.001), the sagittal plane angle at touchdown (P < 0.001), maximum dorsiflexion angle (P = 0.005), sagittal plane toe off-ground angle (P < 0.001), peak flexion-dorsiflexion torque (P = 0.033), the first peak vGRF (P = 0.013), and second peak vGRF (P = 0.011). The main effect of Time * Group was significant for step speed (P = 0.044). The EG demonstrated significant improvements in step speed (P = 0.047), maximum dorsiflexion angle (P = 0.047), and the first peak vGRF (P = 0.028) compared to the CG. This study reveals that joint mobilization intervention enhances gait spatiotemporal parameters, kinematics, and kinetics, particularly in step speed, maximum dorsiflexion angle, and the first vGRF peak for the EG compared to the CG. Therefore, the rehabilitation strategy for patients with functional ankle instability should appropriately increase the use of joint movement to promote the functional recovery of FAI patients.

Free-Weight Resistance Training Enhances Core Muscle Strength but Does Not Translate to Improved Athletic Performance in Adolescent Canoe/Kayak Athletes.

While previous evidence has shown that using free weights for resistance training is a more practical approach to enhancing strength, there is a relatively low prevalence of free-weight resistance training among adolescent kayak/canoe athletes. Therefore, this study aims to assess the impact of free-weight resistance training on body composition and various performance factors among adolescent canoe/kayak athletes. Twenty-seven young sprint kayakers and canoeists (14 ± 1 years; 164 ± 7 cm; 56 ± 8 kg) completed this study. Following baseline assessments, athletes were randomly divided into two training groups: the free-weight resistance training group (FW) or the control group (C). The FW group underwent free-weight resistance training sessions twice weekly for 24 weeks. The C group maintained their regular bodyweight training sessions during the same timeframe. All participants performed both the pre- and post-training assessments for the following dependent variables: body composition, upper-body power, upper-body isometric muscle strength, isometric mid-thigh pull, core strength, countermovement jump, balance, anaerobic ability, and aerobic performance. After 24 weeks of training, the free-weight resistance training group exhibited a significant increase in body weight (from 56 ± 5 kg to 58 ± 4 kg, p < 0.05) and improvements in the number of straight leg raise repetitions (from 23 ± 6 to 26 ± 4, p < 0.05) compared to the control group. However, the two groups observed no significant differences between upper-body isometric muscle strength, power, balance, and anaerobic/aerobic performance. A 24-week training duration might be insufficient for novice participants in resistance training. Future research should consider incorporating an adaptation period or a learning phase for movements before training, thereby enhancing the efficacy of free-weight resistance training in increasing strength.

PROBLEMS OF FREIGHT CAR FLOWS DISTRIBUTION ON RAILWAY NETWORKS

Purpose. The purpose of the article is a critical analysis of the existing methods of freight car flows distribution on the railway network and the determination of the directions of these methods adaptation to the operating conditions of the Ukrainian railway transport. Methodology. The research was carried out on the basis of the processing of literary sources in the scientometric databases Scopus and Google Scholar. Results. The distribution of car flows on the railway network is one of the stages of developing a plan for the trains formation. The methods of solving this problem, which are currently used in the practical work of railway transport, were developed during the time of the planned state economy. They are based on the solution of a single-criterion optimization problem aimed at finding such a distribution of car flows on the network that minimizes the cost of transportation for the railway. Reforming the railway transport market with the aim of introducing competition requires the complication of methods of solving the problem of distribution of car flows to take into account the conflicting goals of independent participants in the transport process. The conducted studies showed that the main method of modeling the structure of the railway transport network and the volumes of car flows in it is the theory of graphs; determination of the carrying capacity of elements of the railway network is carried out by the methods of the theory of railway operation, simulation modeling and correlation analysis; determination of the optimal distribution of bandwidth is carried out by comparing competing options, as well as by linear and non-linear programming methods, adaptive control methods using neural networks; the behavior of participants in the transportation process during the allocation of bandwidth is investigated by game theory methods. It has been established that in modern conditions, the task of determining the criterion of equal access to congested sections on the branched railway network and the task of distributing car flows on the network in conditions of fluctuating car flows during transportation by regular trains and trains to order require additional research. Originality. The scientific novelty of the work consists in the critical analysis and generalization of modern methods used to solve the problem of distribution freight car flows distribution on railway networks. Practical value. The practical significance of the results lies in determining the inconsistency of the methods that are practically used on the railways of Ukraine for the distribution of car flows, with the modern conditions of operation of railway transport. Scientific methods have been established that allow to improve approaches to solving the problem of rational distribution of car flows, taking into account the interests of various participants in the transportation process.

Assessment of occupational dose during abdominal fluoroscopic-guided procedures in Thailand using nanoDot OSL dosimeters

Interventional radiology is one of the most widely used treatment options for abdominal abnormality. Due to new dose limitations, radiation is a hazard that needs to be considered when choosing the international treatment technique. The aim of this study was to measure the effective/equivalent doses and to investigate the associated factors correlating with the doses during Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) and Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage (PTBD) for radiologists, technologists and nurses involved with the treatment. This prospective study reports occupational dose per procedure of 57 cases (TACE = 42, PTBD = 15) in a Thailand hospital spanning one year. All staff included in this study wore 30 nanoDot Optically Stimulated Luminescence Dosimeter for measuring doses at 7 bodily locations. The average dose area product and cumulative doses was 151.3 Gy·cm2, 1,185.1 mGy during TACE and 21.3 Gy·cm2, 212.2 mGy during PTBD. The radiation exposure of the radiologists was significantly higher than technologists and nurses (p-value < 0.05). The lead protection equipment was a dose-reducing factor which decreased the dose up to 93%. The present study also contributes to the establishment of an individual dose location report and identifies significant correlations between associated factors and dose values. The left hand (1.2 mSv) and the left eye (1.1 mSv) showed maximum doses during the PTBD procedure. The exceeded dose over the limitation was observed in the left eye. We concluded that the dose feedback was able to increase awareness of the occupation staff. So, dose monitoring, updating education and regular training could be applied simply and effectively to improve skills, while reducing the occupational dose.

Crossers in a Segmented Labour Market: Occupational Advancement and Wage Changes from Semi-Skilled and Unskilled Jobs

How the upward mobility chances of workers in unskilled or semi-skilled jobs are shaped by influences at the organisational and sectoral level remains an open question. This article aims to close this research gap by examining the role of internal labour market characteristics in the promotion prospects and wage increases of workers in semi-skilled and unskilled positions. The hypotheses are derived from dual and segmented labour market theory. Regression analyses based on linked-employer-employee-data (LIAB), covering 44,024 workers in semi-skilled and unskilled positions from 2005 to 2010, underline the importance of the internal labour market. A considerable share of workers moved to skilled positions through company change. For the workers who stayed with the company, career advancements were associated with regular training investments and formalised regulations at the company level. Collective agreements, in contrast, were associated with lower chances of upward mobility, but higher wages.

Immune status of students with different levels of physical activity

The nature of changes in the immune system during physical work is a complex process involving many different mechanisms. Research in this direction is an urgent problem. The purpose of the research was to study the indicators of cellular and humoral immunity in students with different levels of physical activity. A total of 77 male students were examined, consisting of 3 groups: 1) with a low level of physical activity (n = 32) – students who were not involved in sports activities on a regular basis; 2) students with an average level of physical activity (n = 22) – beginner sambo wrestlers without sports categories; and 3) students with a high level of physical activity (n = 23) – highly qualified sambo wrestlers – first-class athletes, candidates for masters and masters of sports. In students of all groups, the quantitative content of various phenotypes of lymphocytes in the blood was studied by flow cytometry; serum immunoglobulin levels by laser nephelometry; phagocytic parameters by traditional methods; and oxygen-dependent metabolism of neutrophils by chemiluminescence. In students with a high level of physical activity, the content of T and B lymphocytes in the blood was significantly increased compared to similar indicators of the group with a low level of physical activity and the group of students who did not participate in sports. The concentration of class G immunoglobulin in the blood serum of students with a high level of physical activity significantly exceeded the corresponding values in students with an average level and students not engaged in sports. The highest concentration of class M immunoglobulin was observed in students with high levels of physical activity. Phagocytic activity and phagocytic count in individuals with high levels of physical activity and neutrophils were significantly higher than those of students with medium and low levels of physical activity. The rates of spontaneous and induced chemiluminescence in the groups with high and medium levels of physical activity were significantly higher than in students with low levels. The studies carried out indicate the positive effect of regular training physical activity on the factors of humoral and cellular links of immunity in students in the conditions of the educational environment of a higher educational institution.

Influence of Teachers’ Professional Training and Development on Students’ Academic Performance in Public Secondary Schools in Ndhiwa Sub-County Homabay County, Kenya

Purpose: The persistent academic underperformance in public secondary schools in Kenyan rural areas has raised concerns among educators, policymakers, and local communities. The purpose of the study is to evaluate how teacher professional training and development influence academic performance. One of the key factors believed to have contributed to this challenge is the lack of sufficient and effective professional training and development programs for teachers. There is a growing need to examine how teachers' professional training and development influence students' academic outcomes. The problem this study seeks to address is the unclear and under-researched relationship between teachers' professional development and students' academic performance in Ndhiwa Sub-County. Methodology: The study used descriptive research design and 15 public secondary schools, 113 teachers and 522 students were involved in the study as study respondents. The study used document analysis and semi structured questionnaires to collect the quantitative data, which was analyzed through descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages). Findings: The study reveals that teachers' professional training and development have a significant impact on students' academic performance in public secondary schools in Ndhiwa Sub-County. The findings also indicated that teachers who undergo continuous professional development are better equipped with modern teaching strategies, content knowledge, and student engagement techniques, which in turn positively influence students' academic outcomes. Teachers with higher levels of training and access to ongoing professional development demonstrate improved classroom management, increased use of learner-centered methodologies, and more effective assessment technique. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: From the study findings, the study recommends that schools and educational authorities should develop more structured and regular Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programs that focus on subject-specific training, pedagogical skills, and updated teaching methodologies. This is because the study findings likely indicate that teachers who engage in regular training and development show better performance in student outcomes. The education policy makers should come up with the programs that forge partnerships between secondary schools and local universities or teacher training colleges to provide advanced training opportunities and access to educational research.

Home-based long-term physical endurance and inspiratory muscle training in children and adults with Fontan circulation.

Regular physical activity is highly recommended for patients with Fontan hemodynamics. Our aim was to investigate the effects of a long-term individualized home-based endurance training (IHET) on a bicycle ergometer in combination with inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in pediatric and adult patients after Fontan palliation. Additionally, factors influencing the trainability of Fontan palliated patients were analyzed. From 2018 to 2021 a single-center prospective study was performed initially including 25 Fontan palliated patients. During study period nine patients were excluded due to incompliance. A Magbike® bicycle ergometer (DKN Technology, France) was used for IHET and a POWERbreathe® Medic plus device (HaB GmbH, Germany) was utilized for the IMT. Over the study period, bike training was increased from 90 min of basic endurance training per week to additional 25 min of interval training per week. IMT consisted of 30 breaths per day for 6-7 days per week with pressure adaption over time. Patients underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and body plethysmography including measurement of respiratory muscle strength at baseline and at follow-up examinations at 4, 10 and 22 months. Follow-up examinations were completed by 18/25 patients (72.0%) at 4 and 10 months and 16/25 patients (64.0%) at 22 months. Median exercise capacity slightly increased by 0.13 W/kg from baseline to last follow-up (p = 0.055, 95%CI: 0.0-0.36). However, a significant increase of oxygen pulse of 0.7 ml/beat (p = 0.006, 95%CI: 0.38-2.22) was detectable. IMT significantly improved respiratory function with an increase of inspiratory vital capacity (VCin/reference) by 4.0% (p = 0.016, 95%CI: 0.8-8). Median maximal inspiratory pressure increased by 1.2 kPa (p = 0.003, 95%CI: 0.64-3.19) and expiratory pressure by 1.5 kPa (p = 0.036, 95%CI: 0.08-2.29). No adverse events or unplanned interventions occurred during the study. Patients' subjective quality of life did not significantly change over the study period. In Fontan palliated patients, IHET in combination with IMT leads to a significant increase in oxygen pulse, inspiratory vital capacity as well as median maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure but not to significant improvement of quality of life. Fontan patients should be encouraged to perform regular home-based exercise training.

Postoperative rehabilitation after knee arthroplasty

Postoperative rehabilitation after knee arthroplasty plays adecisive role in restoring the function and mobility of the affected joint. However, there is still disagreement regarding the setting, structure and content of rehabilitation after knee arthroplasty, and the evidence on the individual measures is largely unclear. The aim of this article is to provide an evidence-based overview of the current status of rehabilitation after knee arthroplasty and to critically discuss the points that are still unclear. In view of the increasing prevalence of knee osteoarthritis and the rising number of knee endoprosthesis implantations, the optimization and scientific processing of postoperative rehabilitation is more important than ever in order to be able to offer scientifically sound, practice-oriented and cost-effective rehabilitation measures in the future. This review is based on asystematic literature search in Medline, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases on the topic of postoperative rehabilitation after knee arthroplasty. Regarding specific treatment components, duration and frequency after knee arthroplasty, the evidence is unclear. Passive therapies should only be used supportive to active interventions. Educational programmes before and after knee arthroplasty can play acrucial role in outcome and patient satisfaction. Regular strength training should always be combined with centrally oriented components, such as motor imagery, to achieve better movement visualization and central anchoring. There is still afrequent lack of scientific evidence regarding individual therapeutic measures, their intensity, frequency, duration, exercise selection and their specific implementation in rehabilitation after knee arthroplasty. In the future, digital diagnostic and training tools will become established in both inpatient and outpatient therapy, supporting the urgently needed data collection for the scientific analysis of individual therapeutic measures.

Career management practices and job performance among university library personnel in southwest Nigeria

This study investigated the level of career management practices and job performance among library personnel in university libraries in south-west Nigeria. The study adopted a correlational survey research design. Data was collected from 433 respondents using a questionnaire. The results showed a moderate level of career management practices, with personnel moderately agreeing that human resource development programs contribute to achieving library objectives and impact productivity and performance. The level of job performance was rated as high, with very high scores for administrative duties and working with co-workers. Career management practices like receiving performance feedback, allowing staff decision-making, and using weaknesses for training were moderately implemented. Common career management strategies employed included library linkages, staff engagement, and deployments/retraining, while workforce planning and promotion exercises were least used. A positive correlation was found between career management practices and job performance (r = 0.086, p &lt; .05). The study concludes there is a correlation between career management practices and job performance of library personnel in these university libraries. The study recommends that university libraries strengthen their human resource development programs, ensuring HRD is given adequate attention and resources, including regular training and development opportunities and comprehensive HRD policies and strategies.

Analysis of Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Teachers' Understanding of Differentiated Learning Training for Merdeka Curriculum

Differentiated learning is crucial for addressing student diversity and ensuring all students have equal opportunities to achieve their learning objectives. Therefore, it is essential that teachers understand and implement these strategies in the classroom. This study analyzes Islamic primary school (Madrasah Ibtidaiyah/MI) teachers' understanding of differentiated learning. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research involved 54 MI teachers (10 male and 44 female) from 34 MI schools in Babat Lamongan, East Java. Instruments included written tests and interviews. The written test featured a pre-test and post-test via the Quizizz application, while interviews followed the differentiated learning training. Data analysis combined quantitative and qualitative techniques. Quantitative results showed that the MI teachers' conceptual understanding, measured by the N-gain score, was 0.078, categorizing it as low. However, qualitative findings revealed that, post-training, MI teachers demonstrated a solid understanding of all indicators: explaining concepts, identifying characteristics, providing examples and non-examples, and applying differentiated learning strategies. The study concludes that training in differentiated learning significantly enhances teachers' understanding. Regular and consistent training is recommended to sustain and further develop teachers' expertise in this area.

E-Procurement Systems and Organizational Performance in Germany

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the e-procurement systems and organizational performance in Germany. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The implementation of e-procurement has streamlined procurement processes, reducing costs and improving efficiency through automation and better supplier management. Organizations adopting e-procurement systems report enhanced transparency, reduced procurement cycle times, and improved compliance with procurement regulations. Additionally, the data-driven nature of e-procurement allows for better decision-making and strategic sourcing, contributing to overall organizational effectiveness and competitiveness in the market. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Technology acceptance model (TAM), resource-based view (RBV) &amp; institutional theory may be used to anchor future studies on analyze the e-procurement systems and organizational performance in Germany. Establish regular and comprehensive training programs tailored to the needs of procurement staff to ensure effective utilization of e-procurement systems. Develop a national policy framework that encourages e-procurement adoption in both public and private sectors.

CPR Memory and Skill Degradation Among Non-Allied Healthcare Professionals

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is defined by the Mayo Clinic as a lifesaving technique that is useful in many emergencies, such as a heart attack, stroke, choking, or drowning, in which someone’s breathing and heartbeat have stopped.Under the guidelines put forth by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) and the Emergency Cardiovascular Care Organization (ECC), the American Red Cross and American Heart Association currently require that an individual’s CPR certification be renewed every two years. However, data has suggested that non-allied healthcare providers, such as school-based personnel, may require more regular training to maintain required CPR proficiency levels. Four hundred non-allied healthcare professionals from a school district in central Georgia were CPR-certified under the American Heart Association (AHA) Heart-Saver curriculum. Participants included 153 males and 247 females from elementary, middle, and high school settings. Participants included administrators, teachers, coaches, and staff. Two tenured college professors from the School of Health and Human Performance were responsible for teaching and certifying study participants. Each of these professors possessed a minimum of five years of CPR certification experience with the American Heart Association. Course sizes were limited to 12-15 participants. All CPR certification courses were implemented under standardized, controlled circumstances. Following the initial certification, twenty-five percent of participants were randomly selected to be reassessed at either three, six, nine, or twelve months, respectively, to determine memory and skill degradation rates and patterns. Degradation of declarative and procedural knowledge was observed during subsequent retest sessions at each of the three-, six-, nine-, and twelve-month marks. Scores depreciated approximately 10% each three-month retesting period, to 88%, 79%, 69%, and 57%, respectively. Data suggest that after six months, participants failed to meet the AHA standards for demonstrating acceptable declarative and procedural knowledge related to CPR implementation. Due to the observed degradation in both declarative and procedural knowledge, it is apparent that a more periodic training and recertification process in CPR is required for school-based personnel. A more consistent and periodic approach to preparing school-based first responders may prove beneficial in maintaining CPR proficiency rates, which very well could save lives.

EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF KAYAKALPA PRACTICES AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN SOUTH ZONE PHCs OF BENGALURU DISTRICT: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: Kayakalpa practices, introduced under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, focus on improving cleanliness, hygiene, and infection control in healthcare facilities. Evaluating their effectiveness, particularly among healthcare workers (HCWs), is crucial for ensuring these objectives are met. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the awareness, adherence, and perceived effectiveness of Kayakalpa practices among healthcare workers in the South Zone PHCs of Bengaluru District, as well as to identify the factors influencing these outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 healthcare workers from selected PHCs in the South Zone of Bengaluru, using stratified random sampling to ensure representation across different job roles. A structured questionnaire was administered to assess awareness, adherence, perceived effectiveness, and barriers to adherence. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, employing descriptive statistics, chi-square tests for associations, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis to identify predictors of adherence and perceived effectiveness. Results: Awareness of Kayakalpa practices was high, with 75% of participants reporting knowledge of the guidelines. However, adherence was lower at 55%. Chi-square tests revealed significant associations between job role and adherence (χ² = 12.34, p &lt; 0.05), and between perceived effectiveness and the frequency of training (χ² = 9.67, p &lt; 0.01). Correlation analysis showed a significant positive relationship between awareness and adherence (r = 0.45, p &lt; 0.01). Multiple regression analysis revealed that both awareness (β = 0.35, p &lt; 0.05) and availability of resources (β = 0.28, p &lt; 0.05) were significant predictors of adherence. Perceived effectiveness was significantly associated with adherence (β = 0.42, p &lt; 0.01) and regular training (β = 0.31, p &lt; 0.05). Discussion: The study highlights a gap between awareness and adherence to Kayakalpa practices among HCWs, with adherence being influenced by both awareness and resource availability. The effectiveness of the practices was found to be closely linked to adherence and the provision of continuous training. The chi-square analysis underscores the role of job role and training frequency in adherence and perceived effectiveness. Conclusion: While awareness of Kayakalpa practices is relatively high, adherence remains a challenge, limiting the overall effectiveness of the initiative. Targeted interventions, including regular training and improved resource allocation, are necessary to enhance adherence and maximize the impact of these practices on hygiene and infection control in PHCs. KEYWORDS: Kayakalpa, healthcare workers, primary health centres, awareness, adherence, infection control, multiple regression, chi-square

Awareness, knowledge, and attitude towards artificial intelligence: Perspective of medical students in Ghana

The adoption of emerging technologies among university students has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. AI-assisted technologies are gradually permeating medical education and practice to improve healthcare delivery and reduce resource waste. This study aimed to investigate the awareness, use, and perception of AI among medical students in Emmanuel Quaye Archampong Library at the University of Ghana. Using a survey research design, data were collected from medical students at the University of Ghana Medical School. Structured questionnaires were administered to the respondents online using Google Forms. With a total of 1366 respondents, Krejcie and Morgan's published table was employed to select the study sample size of 302 medical students. Forty-eight (39.0%) medical students agreed that the use of AI-assisted technologies was voluntary without being coerced to use them. More than half of the respondents (50.4%) reported being moderately aware of AI-assisted technologies and adequately understanding the concept of AI. Grammarly and ChatGPT were predominantly used in medical studies, despite the lack of opportunities for training on AI-assisted technologies. It is recommended that regular training and guidance be provided to students to appropriately use AI-assisted technologies in research and learning.