Adequate Resources Research Articles

Study of Area Spatial Planning of Defense Efforts Protected Field Land

This research aims to describe policy implementation and explain the factors that influence the implementation of spatial planning policies to maintain protected rice fields based on regional regulation Number 6 of 2022 concerning Malang City's regional spatial planning plans for 2022-2042. The research method used is a qualitative descriptive method with an inductive approach. The theory used in the policy implementation theory put forward by George C. Edwards III with indicators of communication, resources, disposition and bureaucratic structure. Data collection techniques are interviews, observation and documentation. Data analysis techniques are used through data collection, data condensation, data presentation, drawing conclusions, and verification. The research results show that based on the implementation of spatial planning policies to maintain protected rice fields in Malang City, spatial planning activities were carried out without community participation. Spatial planning regulations to maintain protected rice fields are outside the vision and mission of Malang City. Space utilization is carried out through provisions on the suitability of space utilization activities, indications of leading programs, and synchronized implementation of space utilization programs. Meanwhile, control of space utilization is carried out through supervision, monitoring and administration of administrative sanctions. Supporting factors consist of clarity of regulations, adequate resources, a positive attitude of implementers, and clarity of division of authority. Meanwhile, inhibiting factors include socialization not progressing, regulatory inconsistencies, clarity of budget allocation, implementing incentives and non-existent SOPs. Apart from that, there are external inhibiting factors, namely the high selling price of land and other livelihoods. In the future, the Regional Government of Malang City needs to make special regulations that regulate the details of protected ...

The Governance, Policy, Process, and Capacity of Health Workforce Regulation and Accreditation: Qualitative Policy Analysis and Evidence from Palestine.

The significant health development achieved in Palestine last decades has been lost, in Gaza particularly. This requires fundamental health system reform and rebuilding, including health workforces. Strengthening health workforces involves essential elements: leadership, finance, policy, education, partnership, and management. The current unprecedented catastrophe in Gaza and overall instability in Palestine show the utmost necessity for rethinking and reforming all pillars of the already collapsed health system, including the workforce. Health Workforce Accreditation and Regulation (HWAR) standardizes healthcare evaluations, representing a critical research area in Palestine due to limited existing knowledge. This study aims to enhance understanding of the HWAR in Palestine, and identify gaps and weaknesses, thereby enhancing the HWAR's development and optimization. This qualitative study used an inductive approach to explore the landscape of HWAR. Data were collected from October to November 2019, when 22 semi-structured in-depth interviews - were conducted with experts, academics, leaders, and policymakers purposely selected from government, academia, and non-governmental organization sectors. Data analysis, namely, thematic and ground theory, was performed using Excel and MS programs. The study revealed an absence of transparent governance and ineffective communication within HWAR systems. National policies and guidelines are problematic, with HWAR mechanisms fractured and needing reform. Licensing for healthcare workers hinges on local education, while monitoring and evaluation of HWAR are deficient. Some institutions adhere to HWAR standards, yet widespread updates and applications are necessary. Coordination among educational, accreditation, and practice sectors is non-systematic. Adequate human resources exist, but we need to improve HWAR management. Operational and political challenges limit HWAR, leading to a focus on immediate responses over sustainable system integration. Boosting HWAR is critical for Palestine, especially after the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis that led to the dysfunction of the entire health system facilities. A collaborative strategy across sectors is needed to improve governance and outcomes. It is essential to foster strategic dialogue among academia, regulatory entities, and healthcare providers to enhance the HWAR system. Further study on HWAR's effectiveness is recommended.

Exploring the deep learning of artificial intelligence in nursing: a concept analysis with Walker and Avant’s approach

BackgroundIn recent years, increased attention has been given to using deep learning (DL) of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare to address nursing challenges. The adoption of new technologies in nursing needs to be improved, and AI in nursing is still in its early stages. However, the current literature needs more clarity, which affects clinical practice, research, and theory development. This study aimed to clarify the meaning of deep learning and identify the defining attributes of artificial intelligence within nursing.MethodsWe conducted a concept analysis of the deep learning of AI in nursing care using Walker and Avant’s 8-step approach. Our search strategy employed Boolean techniques and MeSH terms across databases, including BMC, CINAHL, ClinicalKey for Nursing, Embase, Ovid, Scopus, SpringerLink and Spinger Nature, ProQuest, PubMed, and Web of Science. By focusing on relevant keywords in titles and abstracts from articles published between 2018 and 2024, we initially found 571 sources.ResultsThirty-seven articles that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed in this study. The attributes of evidence included four themes: focus and immersion, coding and understanding, arranging layers and algorithms, and implementing within the process of use cases to modify recommendations. Antecedents, unclear systems and communication, insufficient data management knowledge and support, and compound challenges can lead to suffering and risky caregiving tasks. Applying deep learning techniques enables nurses to simulate scenarios, predict outcomes, and plan care more precisely. Embracing deep learning equipment allows nurses to make better decisions. It empowers them with enhanced knowledge while ensuring adequate support and resources essential for caregiver and patient well-being. Access to necessary equipment is vital for high-quality home healthcare.ConclusionThis study provides a clearer understanding of the use of deep learning in nursing and its implications for nursing practice. Future research should focus on exploring the impact of deep learning on healthcare operations management through quantitative and qualitative studies. Additionally, developing a framework to guide the integration of deep learning into nursing practice is recommended to facilitate its adoption and implementation.

A Narrative Review of the Factors Affecting the Mental Health of Adolescents and Young People During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, led to a worldwide pandemic. There were unprecedented changes in the mental health of children, adolescents, and youth in the age group of 8-18 years as a result of COVID-19. The objective of this review is to identify direct and indirect factors that influenced these changes. We identified three main groups of factors that could have impacted the mental health of young people during the pandemic: (i) familial factors, (ii) social and educational factors, and (iii) positive variables.Our review suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the mental health of children and adolescents through stressors like social isolation, parental unemployment and loss, and disrupted routines. As a result, sadness, hopelessness, depression, and generalized anxiety all increased significantly among adolescents during the pandemic, coupled with a simultaneous increase in substance use, suicide attempts, and violence. However, the pandemic alsooffered some positive variablessuch as reduced bullying, more family time, and improved relationships for those with adequate socioeconomic resources. The complex factors affecting the mental health of young people during the pandemic underscore the necessity for additional research to comprehend their individual effects. We advocate for collaborative youth-centered initiatives involving educational organizations, mental health experts, policymakers, healthcare systems, and other community stakeholders to effectively tackle these challenges.

The Inequitable Experiences of Left-Handed Medical Students in Surgical Education.

Left-handed medical students contend with unique educational barriers within surgery, such as lack of educational resources, lack of left-handed-specific training, and widespread stigmatization of surgical left-handedness. This study aimed to highlight the surgical experiences of left-handed medical students so educators may be empowered to act with greater care and appreciation of these students' circumstances. In this qualitative study, the authors conducted semistructured interviews on surgical experiences during medical school between January 31, 2021, and June 20, 2021, on 31 current surgical residents and fellows from 15 U.S. institutions and 6 surgical specialties. Left-handed trainees were included regardless of their surgical hand dominance. The authors identified 3 themes related to left-handed medical students' surgical experience: (1) disorienting advice from faculty or residents, (2) discouraging right-handed pressures and left-handed stigmatization, and (3) educational wishes of left-handed medical students. Trainees describe dialogues during medical school in which their handedness was directly addressed by residents and faculty with disorienting and nonbeneficial advice. Often trainees were explicitly told which hand to use, neglecting any preferences of the left-handed student. Participants also described possible changes in future surgical clerkships, including normalization of left-handedness, tangible mentorship, or granular and meaningful instruction. Left-handed medical students encounter unique challenges during their surgical education. These students report being disoriented by the variability of advice provided by mentors, discouraged by how pressured they feel to operate right-handed, and burdened by the need to figure things out by themselves in the absence of adequate left-handed educational resources. Surgical education leadership should detail the unique problems left-handed learners face, impartially elicit the learner's current operative hand preference, take responsibility for their left-handed students, promote acceptance and accommodation strategies of left-handed surgical trainees, and endeavor to improve the breadth of left-handed surgical resources.

Developing research priorities for palliative care in Colombia: a priority setting partnership approach

BackgroundA recent Lancet commission called for more research on palliative care in low- and middle-income (LMIC) countries such as Colombia. A research priority setting approach has been recommended by The Global Forum for Health Research to address the huge gap in research output between LMIC and high-income countries, with influential health service bodies recommending the active involvement of non-research expert stakeholders in establishing research priorities to address service user needs.MethodPriority setting partnership (PSP) following the four stages of the James Lind Alliance methodology; establishing the partnership, identifying evidence uncertainties, refining questions and uncertainties, and prioritization. Data from MS forms were analysed using descriptive statistics.ResultsA total of 33 stakeholders attended an online PSP workshop and completed the Mentimeter exercise in Microsoft Teams. A total of 48 attended the subsequent in person prioritisation exercise in urban Bogota (n = 22) and rural Popayan (n = 25). The stakeholders were a diverse group of health professionals (physicians, medical students, nurses, dentists, physiotherapists, nutritionist, occupational and speech therapists), financial and administrative staff and patients with life-limiting illness and caregivers. Top research priorities included patient and caregiver needs, service provider education and training, and better integration of palliative care with cancer and non-cancer services. The key challenges included a lack of interest in palliative care research, along with funding, time and resource constraints. Key solutions included collaboration across disciplines and settings, highlighting benefits of palliative research to help secure adequate resources, and multicentre, mixed method research, with patient involvement from the research development stage.ConclusionThe findings of this PSP should be disseminated among palliative care associations worldwide to inform international multicentre studies, and among governmental and nongovernmental organisations that promote research in Colombia. A focus on patient and family caregiver palliative care needs in Colombia should be prioritised.

Teaching astronomy in Romania and the Republic of Moldova: its impact on students’ education

This article analyzes the evolution of astronomy teaching in the Romanian area, from its ancient roots to the modern era, the authors focusing on the situation in the last decades in Romania and the Republic of Moldova. Astronomy, one of the oldest sciences, has a great significance in human culture and education. In Romania, the teaching of astronomy began formally in 1776, but it has fluctuated over time. In the medieval era, astronomy was linked to religious education, while in modern times, it has been integrated into various school subjects. During the communist period, the teaching of astronomy was restricted, being limited to the upper grades or being eliminated from the curriculum altogether. Recently, there have been some initiatives to reintroduce astronomy as a distinct subject of study, reflecting the desire to rekindle students’ interest in this field. This article emphasizes the need for the introduction of an integrated astronomy course in schools and the need for adequate resources, as well as the importance of astronomy in developing students' critical thinking, curiosity and interest in science

Challenges of and Opportunities for the Effective Implementation of Financial Education Policy in Selected Junior High Schools in the Philippines

Financial education is crucial for empowering individuals with the knowledge needed to make sound financial decisions, capitalize on market opportunities, and contribute to economic development. In response to Filipinos’ low financial literacy level, the government has implemented various policies, including the Department of Education’s Financial Education Policy (FEP). This policy aims to enhance financial literacy among students, teachers, and staff through capacity building and integrating financial education into the curriculum. This study focuses on assessing the challenges of and opportunities for the effective implementation of FEP in selected junior high schools in the Philippines. Interviews were conducted with experts, including the curriculum developer, schools district superintendent, curriculum and implementation division chief, education program supervisors, principals, and teachers. The results highlighted common challenges, including poor communication channels, insufficient resources, lack of a monitoring system and implementation plan, and the integration of multiple policies aside from FEP. Opportunities identified were potential collaboration with external institutions and establishing monitoring mechanisms. Thus, this study emphasizes the importance of clear communication strategies, adequate resources, implementation plans, and a monitoring system for the effective implementation of the FEP. Future research may include other key officials involved in FEP implementation for more insights and robust recommendations.

Central versus deployed drinking water treatment

Nowadays, the level of urbanization is in rapid increasing, but the freshwater resources still have the problems of unbalanced distribution of regions and time. Besides, the freshwater resources are still in short supply. However, in fact, there is always a hidden resource in the city - the wastewater. The rapid population growth and increasing urbanization have increased the needs for wastewater treatment and recycling to ensure water resources adequacy, and then improve the environmental quality. In this day and age, there are two main ways to treat wastewater: centralized treatment and decentralized treatment. Both of these methods can reduce the pollution of wastewater to water resources and provide domestic water. In this article, we will introduce and compare the two approaches with real-world examples: The Shanghai Bailonggang Sewage Treatment Plant, located in Chaoyang Village, Heqing Town, Pudong New Area, and the decentralized sewage treatment system in Germany.

STRATEGIC AND SUSTAINABLE CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONS: A STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELING ANALYSIS

Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) often grapple with allocating adequate resources toward Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), despite their crucial societal impact. This research investigates CSR assessment and CSR sustainability in the context of strategic CSR-related activities of MFIs, aiming to optimize resource allocation and enhance their CSR initiatives. Data was collected from 875 employees and clients of large MFIs in the Philippines and analyzed using structural equation modeling in AMOS. The findings revealed that CSR assessment and CSR sustainability were significantly linked to strategic CSR-related activities, and CSR assessment had a significant link with CSR sustainability. These findings emphasize the importance of strategic orientation in CSR-related activities and support the logical precedence of Carroll's CSR Pyramid and Battal's CSR Train Theories, which advocate for a balanced approach encompassing economic, legal, ethical, environmental, and philanthropic responsibilities. This study contributes to the literature by exploring strategic and sustainable CSR in MFIs in developing countries, where the topic has not been broadly studied. The results can serve as a reliable basis for ensuring transparency, assessment effectiveness, and the creation of an integrative CSR framework for MFIs.

QUALITATIVE STUDY OF THE CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES OF HISTORY TEACHERS AT SMAN 2 MEDAN IN IMPLEMENTING THE INDEPENDENT CURRICULUM

This research aims to explore the challenges faced and the strategies used by history teachers at SMA Negeri 2 Medan in implementing the Independent Learning Curriculum. Qualitative research methods were used to collect data through in-depth interviews with eight experienced history teachers. Data analysis was carried out using a thematic approach to identify general patterns in the challenges faced and strategies implemented. The research results show that history teachers face a variety of challenges in implementing the Merdeka Belajar Curriculum, including a lack of resources, the need for additional training, and pressure to balance the curriculum. To overcome these challenges, teachers use a variety of strategies, including collaboration between teachers, integration of technology, and adjustments in teaching. The implications of these findings for developing teacher professionalism and improving the implementation of the Independent Learning Curriculum are discussed in the context of this research. The challenges of implementing the Independent Learning Curriculum, including limited resources, the need for additional training, and the pressure to balance the existing curriculum with new principles, are the main obstacles for history teachers. History teachers use various strategies, such as collaboration between teachers, integration of technology in learning, and adjustments in teaching, to overcome challenges and increase the effectiveness of history teaching. The implications of these findings include the need to provide adequate resources, collaborative support from various parties, and increase the integration of technology in history learning. By understanding and overcoming the challenges faced by history teachers, as well as implementing appropriate strategies, the implementation of the Independent Learning Curriculum at SMA Negeri 2 Medan can be improved, which in turn will bring benefits to the development of teacher professionalism and improve the quality of learning in the school. Therefore, concrete steps need to be designed and implemented to support history teachers in facing challenges and improving the implementation of the Independent Learning Curriculum at SMA Negeri 2 Medan.

Corporate, Social Responsibility (CSR) in Nigeria: Investigating Discrepancy between Practices and Blind Spots

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been recognized as a significant contributor to the economy of developing countries. The study uncovers the potential causes of CSR discrepancies in Nigeria, a nation with divergent business prospects, evaluates their implications, and provides effective way-outs. CSR has achieved substantial interest worldwide as enterprises attempt to weigh profit-making services with social and environmental obligations. Yet, there is extensive interest in disagreements between organizations’ CSR obligations and their actual implementation. By synthesizing documented literature, the study reveals factors responsible for the discrepancy of CSR in Nigeria, such as ineffective stakeholder involvement, consumer attitude, inadequate resources, poor frameworks, and lack of consistent reporting. Furthermore, the implications imposed by CSR are examined, including missed chances for social impact, reputational damage, consumer perception, and workers' morale and commitment. Since CSR discrepancies are crucial to both enterprises and legislators, the study underscores addressing stakeholder engagement, clear frameworks for CSR implementation, transparency in reporting, and adequate resource allocation that can bring about sustainable development. The insights provided by this study can inform CSR policy development and effective corporate practices in Nigeria.

SUPERVISI FORMATIF TERHADAP PENINGKATAN KUALITAS PEMBELAJARAN DI MADRASAH TSANAWIYAH NEGERI 1 ACEH UTARA

The improvement of teaching and learning quality at Madrasah Tsanawiyah Negeri 1 Aceh Utara is an urgent need to strengthen the Islamic education system. In this context, the implementation of formative supervision strategy becomes the main focus in enhancing the effectiveness of learning. This research aims to analyze the impact of implementing formative supervision strategy on the quality of teaching and learning at the madrasah. The research method used is qualitative research with a case study approach. Data were obtained through classroom observations, interviews with teachers and educational staff, as well as analysis of curriculum-related documents and learning evaluations. The results show that formative supervision is effective in improving the quality of teaching and learning at Madrasah Tsanawiyah Negeri 1 Aceh Utara. With formative supervision, teachers can receive constructive feedback, support in competency development, and enhance student engagement in the learning process. However, this research also identifies several challenges faced in implementing formative supervision, including the availability of adequate resources and managerial support. Therefore, recommendations are provided to enhance teacher training in formative supervision, improve collaboration between management and educational staff, and strengthen educational infrastructure to support sustainable implementation

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION REFORM: AN IMPETUS FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE AND POLITICAL SECURITY IN NIGERIA

Over the last decade, the Nigerian government has undertaken a wide ranging policy, institutional, and legal initiatives to enhance the country’s public service delivery. Despite these efforts, the nation has grappled with a myriad of issues that still undermine good governance and political security. These challenges include weak institutional capacity, corruption, poor leadership, inadequate public service delivery, political instability, limited resources, poor infrastructure, and a shortage of skilled human resources. This paper examines the strategies and mechanisms employed by public administrators in Nigeria to enhance good governance and political security, analyses the impact of effective public administration on political stability and security and identifies the challenges affecting the implementation of good governance principles through public administration in Nigeria. The study has adopted the New Public Management Theory proposed by Hood in 1991 and relied on secondary data. Findings from the study show that Nigerian public administration has undergone a series of reforms to enhance good governance and political security through various strategies and mechanisms such as capacity building, international cooperation, and ethical conduct. The study also reveals that corruption and lack of accountability, bureaucratic bottlenecks and insufficient capacity among others have been identified as challenges of the implementation of good governance principles in Nigeria. The paper recommends that the encouragement and promotion of transparency and accountability be given top priority; citizen participation should also be encouraged in the planning and decision-making process; empowering local governments through the allocation of adequate resources to foster political security. The paper also recommends the establishment of a proper recruitment base to promote professionalism and meritocracy in the public service.

Community pharmacists' comfort levels with and barriers to application of an expanded scope of practice in Québec.

In recent years, community pharmacists have seen their profession transition from a dispensing-focused role to a rapidly evolving clinically oriented practice. In Québec, Bill 31, adopted in 2020, increased the clinical opportunities for pharmacists with independent prescribing privileges in various defined clinical situations. As this expanded role can lead to different barriers, it is crucial to explore pharmacists' comfort levels with implementing such changes in their practice. A web-based survey was conducted from March 25 to May 28, 2021, among community pharmacists in Québec. We collected data with a questionnaire developed for this study. Questions were grouped into 4 domains: (1) characteristics of the respondents; (2) workload and work setting; (3) comfort level with, and barriers to, adjusting medications and following up pharmacologic treatments (86 clinical situations evaluated); and (4) general barriers and facilitators to implementation. A total of 146 community pharmacists completed the questionnaire. Most were women (71.9%), younger than 50 years of age (86.2%), had a bachelor's degree (64.4%) as their highest academic level and had more than 10 years of experience as pharmacists (56.8%). Most of them worked exclusively in a community pharmacy (86.3%). Among the 86 clinical situations evaluated, there were 16 in which at least 80% of respondents felt comfortable. The main barriers identified were a lack of knowledge, experience and dedicated time and difficulties integrating these activities into the workflow; facilitators were having an adequate environment and resources. This study shows community pharmacists can confidently adjust pharmacotherapy for several conditions. However, they must have adequate time and resources. Also, the more complex the clinical situations were, the less comfortable community pharmacists felt adjusting pharmacotherapy. This study identified several areas where continuing education, training and mentoring could be offered and where the work environment and organization could be improved.

Project management in healthcare: An examination of organizational competence

This research aims to identify the factors that influence the organizational competence (OC) of hospitals in effectively managing projects. It follows a quantitative approach, analyzing data collected from three Portuguese hospitals (51 respondents) using R software. An organizational competence score (OCS) was calculated based on standardized values across five different competence areas.The results indicate significant associations between the competence areas and project categories, organizational alignment, governance, management, people's competence, and resources. Furthermore, the study explores the relationships between the competence areas and quantitative variables such as the number of project team members and former experience in projects. The OCS is also examined regarding project categories, region, experience in projects, and number of project members.The findings provide insights into the features that impact the OC of hospitals in PM, highlight the importance of organizational alignment, effective governance, competent management, skilled personnel, and adequate resources in enhancing PM capabilities. However, the wide confidence interval for the Odds Ratio indicates a high degree of uncertainty in the effect size estimates, suggesting the need for larger sample sizes and more robust models in future research to obtain more precise estimates.

Symposium 2: Networked Learning for Life-Long Learning in Swedish Health Care

A healthy work environment in health care requires that staff feel in control and are provided with self-development opportunities, information and adequate resources, all of which lead to job satisfaction. Lifelong learning for health care staff has received increasing attention as a step towards an attractive workplace and safer care. However, people in working life demand conditions that enable them to participate in educational activities. The aim of this paper is to describe experiences of creating and distributing short, flexible and networked courses in higher education, for health care personnel’s lifelong learning. Following research questions are included: what challenges have been identified by higher education staff when creating flexible courses for lifelong learning based on networked learning? and what, in the course design, was essential for the students networked learning? The project was built on the assumption that knowledge is empowering for staff and patients, and that organizational learning and behaviour is central for quality. The sociocultural theory of learning, which claims that all humans are willing and able to learn, and that people learn when they realize that the knowledge is relevant and important to them, has inspired. One pilot course was developed, and this paper focuses on the preliminary findings for the course “Peer learning”. E-mail, memos and notes were used as data and examined with thematic analysis. The findings showed four themes that answered the aim: identifying courses in collaboration; recruiting and maintaining the participants; learning activities in the course design and improving the course. It was important to have flexibility along with some structure in the course. The three components in networked learning contributed to learning and motivation during the course: relationship between educators, gatekeepers and students, the technology in the digital classroom, and a collaborative engagement. It seems successful working together and networking between the two organizations (university and health care) for a common purpose. The conclusion focuses further on the importance of building a robust network as well as bringing new ideas and needs for lifelong learning from the health care to the university. Further data collection is needed to get additional and deeper insights of health care managers along with workforce experiences and wishes for lifelong learning.

Free Education vs. Quality Education: A systematic analysis

Overview: The debate between free education and quality education remains a critical issue in the global education landscape. This systematic analysis aimed to dissect the intricate relationship between the provision of free education and the assurance of quality education. While free education is often lauded for its role in increasing accessibility and promoting educational equity, concerns about the potential compromise in quality cannot be overlooked. Body of Knowledge: The study’s analysis drew on a comprehensive review of existing literature, case studies, and empirical data from various countries that have implemented free education policies. Central to this analysis is the understanding that free education, though essential for fostering inclusivity, often faces challenges such as underfunding, overcrowded classrooms, and inadequate infrastructure. These issues can severely impact the quality of education delivered, resulting in poor learning outcomes and diminished educational standards. Methods: The study engaged both the qualitative and quantitative methods and a descriptive research design that sampled 150 respondents; head teachers, teachers and learners from selected secondary schools in Lusaka district, Zambia. Data was obtained from the respondents by means of interviews and questionnaires. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data whereas quantitative data were analyzed by the use of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 26) and Microsoft Excel (version 16). Results: The study’s analysis delves into the economic implications of free education. While it alleviates the financial burden on families, especially in low-income regions, the long-term sustainability of such policies is questioned. The study examined various funding models and the role of government expenditure in maintaining high educational standards without imposing direct costs on students. Recommendation: The study therefore recommended for policymakers to adopt a holistic view, ensuring that the drive towards free education is matched with adequate resources, effective management, and a commitment to continuous improvement in educational standards.

Phenomenological study on the journey of integrated schools: from the views of stakeholders

This qualitative phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of PTA officials, teachers, and school administrators in integrated schools in Montevista, Davao de Oro, from 2017 to the present. Through in-depth interviews with nine respondents, key themes for overcoming challenges and fostering a supportive educational environment were identified: collaboration, determination, unity, and effective leadership. These elements are crucial in addressing the complexities of integrated school settings. The study recommends continuous professional development to enhance skills and knowledge, fostering an inclusive school culture, and ensuring adequate funding and resources from the Department of Education. Additionally, it suggests leveraging innovative solutions such as integrating technology into teaching, establishing mentorship programs for new teachers, and forming partnerships with external organizations for additional support. Promoting resilience and a culture of continuous improvement is also emphasized for navigating future challenges and ensuring sustained success. These findings underscore the importance of these key elements in enhancing stakeholder engagement and educational outcomes, offering valuable insights and a foundation for future research in similar contexts.

Characterization and assessment of exposure risks of healthcare personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Healthcare personnel have the right to decent, healthy, and safe working conditions during COVID-19. Despite our best efforts to safeguard them against SARS-CoV-2 infection, a substantially large number of healthcare personnel fell ill and succumbed to COVID-19. This study aimed to characterize the SARS-CoV-2 exposures among healthcare personnel and determine the risk level of those events, thereby identifying and focusing on the key areas that influence workplace safety. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data from healthcare personnel on the type of exposure, place, and use of preventive measures, along with demographic and occupational data. Exposure events were categorized into low, moderate, and high-risk by using a risk categorization protocol. Doctors were primarily found to be involved in the aerosol-generating procedure, which had 94 times higher odds (95% CI: 43.9926-201.17) for high-risk exposures than other activities. In contrast, nurses were more likely to experience close-contact exposures (OR: 2.77, 95% CI: 1.44-5.33). Both critical care units and operation theaters were identified to have higher odds (OR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.33-4.23 and OR: 2.31; 95% CI: 0.99-5.42, respectively) than the wards for high-risk exposures. Use of personal protective equipment was poor, with breaches reported in 10.2% of all exposure events. The lacunae in practice were addressed by repeated training and counseling and by ensuring the adequacy of resources in required areas. The assessment was beneficial for safeguarding healthcare personnel and assuring a safer workplace during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.