Skill Acquisition Training Research Articles

Assessment of the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Orthopaedic Surgery Training Among Orthopaedic Residents in Southern Nigeria.

Surgical training is hands-on, with residents requiring optimal exposure to patients for optimal training and adequate experience. Thus, despite the increased usage of virtual, non-physical resources for medical education during the pandemic, orthopaedic surgical training still suffered adversely. To explore the overall impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Orthopaedic surgery training, teaching and practice amongst residents in southern Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional prospective study involving 54 senior orthopaedic surgery residents in southern Nigeria. Data were collected using a semi-structured online-based questionnaire created on the Google Forms and sent via online platforms (e.g., WhatsApp and Telegram). Descriptive and inferential analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Consent was also obtained from all respondents. A total of 54 orthopaedic surgery residents responded to our questionnaire. About 71.7% of the residents surveyed reported reduced exposure to surgical cases in general, and 70.3% reported reduced operative teaching exposure. About 68.5% of the respondents reported reduced opportunities for surgical skills acquisition training. More than half of respondents (63%) reported no changes in morbidity/mortality of orthopaedic cases witnessed and performed. The majority of the respondents agreed to a slight decrease in the availability of implants and courses (40.7%) whereas 44.4% affirmed an increase in the cost of training. Overall, 70.4% believed that the impact of COVID-19 on orthopaedic surgical training has been slightly negative. The average rating for experience on alternative learning methods - virtual video conferences, pre-recorded lectures, in-person small group meetings and surgical simulation activities was 2.26 on a scale of 1-4 (decreasing order of satisfaction). The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant changes in orthopaedic surgery training, with low cases exposure and reduction in operative teaching being the most significant changes and the resultant increase in alternative forms of training and skill acquisition.

Head movements affect skill acquisition for ball trapping in blind football.

Blind football players use head movements to accurately identify sound location when trapping a ball. Accurate sound localization is likely important for motor learning of ball trapping in blind football. However, whether head movements affect the acquisition of ball-trapping skills remains unclear. Therefore, this study examined the effect of head movements on skill acquisition during ball trapping. Overall, 20 sighted male college students were recruited and assigned to one of the following two groups: the conventional training group, where they were instructed to move leftward and rightward to align their body with the ball's trajectory, and the head-movement-focused group, where they were instructed to follow the ball with their faces until the ball touched their feet, in addition to the conventional training instructions. Both groups underwent a 2-day training for ball trapping according to the specific instructions. The head-movement-focused group showed a decrease in errors in ball trapping at near distances and with larger downward head rotations in the sagittal plane compared to the conventional training group, indicating that during the skill acquisition training for ball trapping, the sound source can be localized more accurately using larger head rotations toward the ball. These results may help beginner-level players acquire better precision in their movements while playing blind football.

Evaluation of Garment-Making Techniques in Vocational Skills Acquisition Training Centres in Ondo State, Nigeria

Evaluation of Garment-Making Techniques in Vocational Skills Acquisition Training Centres in Ondo State, Nigeria

Skill Acquisition Training and Unemployment Reduction among Youths in Cross River State, Nigeria

This study investigated skill acquisition training and unemployment reduction among youths in Cross River State, Nigeria. Two research questions and two null hypotheses were formulated to guide the Study. An ex-post facto research design was employed for the Study. A sample of nine hundred and seventy-one (971) respondents was used for the Study. The selection was made through a multi-stage sampling technique. The instrument for data collection was a Questionnaire. The researchers and two experts from Measurement and Evaluation, University of Calabar, validated the instrument. The reliability estimate of the instrument was established through the Cronbach alpha method. The statistical tool employed to test the hypotheses was Simple linear regression. The hypotheses were tested at .05 level of significance. The result of the analyses revealed that “fashion designing skill acquisition and unisex hairstyling skill acquisition training significantly predicted unemployment reduction among youths in Cross River State’. Based on the Study's findings, it was recommended that the government should embark on massive youth development training programmes to curb unemployment in the State.

Gender separation of entrepreneurship skills acquisition programmes for economic development

Learning entrepreneurial skills has taken on a significance never before seen as a result of their significance to economic growth. In this study, the impact of skill development initiatives on Nigeria's economic development was examined. The study used two objectives: to look into how gender differences in skill acquisition affected economic development and to determine how skill acquisition affected economic development. A quantitative method in the form of a questionnaire was used to sample two hundred (200) unemployed youths. Results revealed that there is a significant gender difference in skill acquisition for economic development and that skill acquisition has a significant influence on economic development. The study concluded that youths perceive skill acquisition programmes to have a positive effect on employment creation. Likewise, gender equality is to be considered in skills acquisition training. In general, the involvement of both genders in skill acquisition programmes will go a long way toward improving the nation's economic development.

Training law students like athletes: experimenting with the constraints-led approach in law clinics

ABSTRACT We studied to what extent insights from the “constraints-led approach” (CLA) in physical education can be applied to skills teaching for law students in preparation for law clinics. In the CLA, athletes are challenged to independently find optimal movement solutions in a dynamic setting, rather than responding to verbal cues in a fixed environment. Similarly, we designed and implemented two CLA training exercises in preparation for law clinics aimed at implicit acquisition of problem analysis skills. Our analysis of retrospective pre-test (RPT) data finds that after the training exercises participants are better able to structure a clinical problem statement, and report being better equipped to find and analyse the “real” problem of a client in a clinic. We conclude that the CLA is an effective method for skill acquisition training in preparation for clinical legal education.

The economic impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on family life and children’s eating habits

It is no tittle-tattle that the incidence of the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the world in many areas. Nigeria got her own share of this virus in February 2020, which led to the closure of schools, worship centres, businesses, and other social arenas by the Federal Government. Based on experience and occurrences, we investigated the economic impact of children eating habits during the COVID-19 lockdown in Nigeria. The snowball sampling technique was used to collect data from 334 adults across the nation. Findings revealed that families with an increase or decrease in eating patterns are not likely to support the lockdown policy by the government during COVID-19 compared to families with unchanged eating patterns, among others. Further, families' expenditures change during the COVID-19 lockdown irrespective of their income level. This implies that the pandemic has affected negatively Nigerian parents who have been facing total and partial lockdown with no increase in their income but a decrease in a savings and corresponding increase in their children’s eating rate. We, therefore, recommend that internal institutions oversee the need to have a food reservoir in case of future occurrences of this nature whereby people could have a temporal means of survival. Additionally, parents' coping strategies can be utilised to encourage their children to learn new skills (online skill acquisition training) during the lockdown.

Combating the Threat of Crime in the Security of the Bauchi Local Government Area Using Geospatial Technology

The dynamics of crime and its nature expose the State to the security threat. The types of criminal activities perpetrated within the communities, including armed robbery, kidnapping, and car and motorcycle snatching, are rapidly increasing. These crimes have” threatened security in Bauchi Local Government and hence the need to check by providing relevant information using modern technology. The geospatial technique combined with the Key Informant Interview approach was adopted to evaluate the intensity of insecurity in Bauchi LGA; from the data collected and analysed, it was established that criminal activities are increasing in various areas leading to the rapid increase in crime hotspots. As a result, the security agency needs to improve the nature of its functionality in combating crimes. Despite the fact that 70.35% of the security agency outpost are functional while 29.62% of the Outpost are non-functional, the security agency recorded 1081 crimes in 2020, which increased to 1142 crimes in 2021 and 1640 in 2022. Also, looking at the 645,000-population density of Bauchi LGA and the ratio of security personnel to individuals of 1:3581, which need to meet the United Nations standard of a ratio of 1:450. Given this, it was recommended that the State create job opportunities and skill acquisition training for unemployed youth roaming the streets. The security agency needs to develop a new strategy for combatting the security threat using geospatial technology and frequent production of security threat maps and their mitigation.

Combating the Threat of Crime in the Security of the Bauchi Local Government Area Using Geospatial Technology

The dynamics of crime and its nature expose the State to the security threat. The types of criminal activities perpetrated within the communities, including armed robbery, kidnapping, and car and motorcycle snatching, are rapidly increasing. These crimes have” threatened security in Bauchi Local Government and hence the need to check by providing relevant information using modern technology. The geospatial technique combined with the Key Informant Interview approach was adopted to evaluate the intensity of insecurity in Bauchi LGA; from the data collected and analysed, it was established that criminal activities are increasing in various areas leading to the rapid increase in crime hotspots. As a result, the security agency needs to improve the nature of its functionality in combating crimes. Despite the fact that 70.35% of the security agency outpost are functional while 29.62% of the Outpost are non-functional, the security agency recorded 1081 crimes in 2020, which increased to 1142 crimes in 2021 and 1640 in 2022. Also, looking at the 645,000-population density of Bauchi LGA and the ratio of security personnel to individuals of 1:3581, which need to meet the United Nations standard of a ratio of 1:450. Given this, it was recommended that the State create job opportunities and skill acquisition training for unemployed youth roaming the streets. The security agency needs to develop a new strategy for combatting the security threat using geospatial technology and frequent production of security threat maps and their mitigation.

Incorporating Competency-Based Training into Traditional Training for improving Skill Acquisition and Self-Employability

Technical Training is one of the most important tools in ensuring that learners in technical and vocational education and training institutions achieve a higher success rate as they acquire skills and become self-employed as a result of this specialized training. There is no doubt that technical and vocational education is not only an integral part of secondary and post-secondary education, but it is also one of the most influential aspects of preparing individuals for their careers. 230 complete questionnaires were finalized out of 280 TVET students who participated in the survey and were analyzed using SPSS ver. 20 and SMART PLS in order to examine the validity and reliability of the constructs. Based on the results of the study, traditional training has a positive correlation with skill acquisition and self-employability. Skills acquisition and competency-based training are positively correlated. Similarly, competency-based training has a positive association with self-employability. Moreover, there is a significant moderating impact of TVET Learner's Satisfaction on the relationship between traditional training and self- employability, as well as between competency-based training and self-employability. Practically, this research and the results will lead TVET institutions and students to focus more on skill-learning and re-energize their motivation and well-being, which will play a significant role in their success.

Increase in Income and its Impact on Healthcare Provision and Poverty Alleviation of the Beneficiaries of Skill Acquisition Training Programs in Nigeria

Increase in Income and its Impact on Healthcare Provision and Poverty Alleviation of the Beneficiaries of Skill Acquisition Training Programs in Nigeria

Rural households’ attitude to diversification into non-farm enterprises in Katsina State, Nigeria

The study investigated the rural households’ attitude to diversification into non-farm enterprises in Katsina State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 256 farmers for the study. Data were obtained with the aid of questionnaire and analyzed using percentage and regression analysis. The most positive attitude was “that non-farm enterprise is a crucial pathway to food security for rural households”. It was closely followed by “non-farm enterprise is a source of agricultural household savings used for food purchase in hard times” and “non-farm enterprise provides a means to cope or survive when farming fails”. Farmers expressed positive attitude to diversification into non-farm enterprises and do not depend on agriculture as a sole means of livelihood but diversified income sources; the diversified farmers had higher income level. Government should support the existing non-farm enterprises and encourage creation of new ones; also improve formal credit access. Furthermore, technical support and skills acquisition training programs should be provided to enhance the performance and efficiency of non-farm enterprises in rural areas.

510 Artificial Intelligence Tutoring Compared with Expert Instruction in Neurosurgical Simulation Training: A Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION: Resection of subpial tumors adjacent to critical brain areas is one of the most high-stakes surgical procedures that lacks opportunities for safe deliberate practice. Furthermore, performance-based assessment in neurosurgical apprenticeship is inefficient and vulnerable to subjectivity. Utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to classify neurosurgical psychomotor expertise, we developed the first AI-powered tutor in neurosurgical simulation training, known as the Virtual Operative Assistant (VOA), to augment technical skills acquisition training by providing intelligent feedback. METHODS: A multi-institutional randomized controlled trial compared VOA’s automated audiovisual metric-based feedback vs remote verbal debriefing with expert instruction and no-feedback controls. Medical students performed six simulated subpial brain tumor resections: five practice attempts followed with feedback and one complex realistic attempt evaluated skill retention and transfer. A deep learning model, Intelligent Continuous Expertise Monitoring System (ICEMS Expertise Score), and blinded Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) evaluated performance. Participants reported emotions before, during and after training and completed a cognitive load questionnaire following training. RESULTS: Seventy medical students from four institutions were randomly assigned to VOA (n=23), Instructor (n=24), and Control (n=23) Groups. 350 practice attempts were assessed by ICEMS, and 70 realistic attempts were evaluated by ICEMS and OSATS. During practice, VOA training resulted in a significant improvement of participants’ Expertise Scores that was on average 0.66 (95% CI 0.55-0.77) and 0.65 (95% CI 0.54-0.77) points higher than Instructor and Control Groups (p<.001). Realistic attempt’s average Expertise Score was significantly higher in the VOA Group compared to Instructor and Control Groups (mean difference 0.53; 0.49, respectively, p<.001). VOA and Instructor Group’s realistic attempt OSATS ratings were not significantly different. OSATS ratings demonstrated that VOA feedback resulted in significantly higher Respect for Tissue and Economy of Movement compared to Control while expert instruction significantly improved Instrument Handling compared to Control. There was no significant between-groups difference in cognitive load, positive-, and negative-activating emotions. CONCLUSION: VOA’s quantitative automated benchmark feedback demonstrated superior performance outcome, improved skill transfer, with equivalent OSATS ratings and similar cognitive and affective responses compared to remote expert instruction.

UTILIZING SKILLACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT FOR ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS IN NIGERIA

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 169 targets were announced by the United Nations (UN) in 2015. The Goals and targets were set to stimulate action over the next fifteen years in areas of critical importance for humanity and the planet. But five years after the declaration of SDGs by the UN, Nigerians are yet to see the roadmap for its achievement. This paper thus investigated how skill acquisition and development can be utilized to achieving Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria. Two research objectives and two research questions guided the study. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The population consisted of 120 training instructors operating skill acquisition training centres in Central Business District of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. All the population constituted the sample for the study, using census sampling technique. Ten items structured questionnaire titled “Utilization of Skill Acquisition and Development in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals Questionnaire”was used as instrument for data collection. Content validity was used. Apilot study was conducted at Bwari Area Council. A total of 10 copies of the questionnaire were administered to selected training instructors operating skill acquisition training centres within the community. Test-retest method of reliability was used to obtain the internal consistency. The reliability index was obtained through Cornbrash's alpha (0.89). Out of the 120 questionnaires administered, 109 were returned valid, representing 90% success rate. Data analyses were carried out based on the specific objectives and research questions of the study. Data collected was imputed into the SPSS (25) software package where descriptive statistics, in the form of tables were generated. The study discovered among other that many youth prefer to work in government establishments than acquiring skills of craftsmanship for self-employment, skill acquisition and development for selfemployment can ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Recommendations were made among which include that government at all levels should establish vocational skill acquisition and development centres in all the geo-political wards in the country, parents should encourage their children to enroll in informal apprenticeship training programme for skill acquisition and the National Orientation Agency should roll out programmes that would encourage the youth to patronize skill acquisition centres.

IMPACT OF CAPITAL FLIGHT ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

Capital flight has continued to generate debate across the world. Most developing countries Nigeria in particular are having their own share of the problem. This are burning issues regarding its actual measurement and direction of flow. This study is set to examine the effect of capital flight on economic development in Nigeria from 1980 to 2020. Due to the stochastic nature of time series data, diagnostic tests were conducted to ascertain the behavior of the series. The Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) and Philips Perron (PP) test results are reported. Based on these tests, the all the variables in the model became stationary after first differencing, that is, they are integrated of order one I(1). Because of this order of integration, the Johansen co-integration test was conducted to check for possible long run relationship. Due to the absence of long-run relationship, unrestricted Vector Autoregressive (VAR) model was specified and used for the estimation. Results from the VAR estimation reveal that Poverty is an increasing function of poverty. There is a negative impact of capital flight on economic development in Nigeria over the period of study. External debt is detrimental to economic development if mismanaged. Floating exchange rate where multiple rates are charged in different markets is detrimental to economic development in Nigeria over the period of study. This paper recommended that training in skill acquisition should be encouraged in Nigeria in order to alleviate poverty. Capital flight should be checked with serious penalties on the perpetrators. In addition, external debt should be channel to economic uses. And finally floating exchange rates where different rates are charged in different markets is should be abolished in Nigeria.

IMPACT OF NYSCS SKILL ACQUISITION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME ON JOB CREATION IN ABUJA, NIGERIA

<p>This research examined graduates’ unemployment reduction in Abuja, using the NYSC’s Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Programme as a case in point. The study adopted a descriptive approach, and anchored on the Oxenfeldt’s refugee effects theory which states that unemployment drives youth to self-employment. The study revealed that SAED programme has contributed to 35% business employment for those who completed the post-camp training. Findings also show that corps members participate in the in-camp training. However, there seems to be a very sharp decline in participation between the in-camp and post camp segments of the programme as very few participates in the post-camp exercise where the main skill acquisition training is expected to take place. The reduction in number in the post-camp training is occasioned by some challenges ranging from unconducive training/seminar venues, attitude of trainers, inadequate time etc. which leads to loss of interest in the programme. This is coupled with the fact that the post camp training attracts payment, and the NYSC is not actually involved in the negotiation of the terms of engagement of the corps members with the trainers in the post-camp training. More still, training centres do not exist in all the areas especially in the remote ones. It is against this backdrop that the study recommends that for effective and efficient skill acquisition and participation of corps members both in the in-camp and post-camp training exercise, adequate sensitization, conducive training environment, quality lectures/trainings, availability of skill acquisition centres, accessibility to credit facilities, and that NYSC should be involved in negotiation and monitoring of skill acquisition training programmes in the post-camp exercises among others.</p><p>JEL: L20; L23; O15</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0979/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

HIFASS-LOPIN-3 Empowerment Programs and the Wellbeing of Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State, Nigeria

This study examined the various empowerment programs carried out by Health Initiatives for Safety and Stability in Africa – Local OVC Partner in Nigeria – Region 3 (HIFASS-LOPIN-3) as they affect the wellbeing of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC). Three objectives were outlined to include investigating the relationship between HIFASS-LOPIN-3 educational empowerment program and OVC’s school enrolment; HIFASS-LOPIN-3 provision of health services and OVC’s accessibility to quality healthcare facilities; HIFASS-LOPIN-3 skills acquisition training/financial empowerment program and the income level of OVC/caregivers. An Ex-post facto research design was employed in this study and a sample size of three hundred and eighty (380) respondents was drawn using multi-stage, simple random, stratified and snowball sampling techniques. The reliability test of the instrument was done using the test-retest reliability method. Primary data was obtained using a questionnaire and in-depth interview schedule, while secondary data was sourced from journals, texts, newspapers, internet, unpublished papers. The hypotheses were tested using Pearson’s Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient (r) and Chi-Square statistical techniques, together with frequency/percentage analysis. The study revealed among others that HIFASS-LOPIN-3 educational empowerment has significantly improved OVC’s school enrolment; HIFASS-LOPIN-3 skills acquisition training/financial empowerment program has significantly improved the income level of OVC/caregivers, nevertheless, almost all the OVC who reported having income-generating skills experienced challenges like insufficient start-up capital, insecurity, and crippling economic policies. It was recommended that government should make provision for OVC’s subsidized medical bills and adequate provision for start-up capital/equipment or materials should be made for older OVC/caregivers who receive skills acquisition training.

Factors Predicting Participation in Skill Acquisition Training Programme and Skill Development in Ibadan Metropolis of Southwestern Nigeria

Background. Vocational skill acquisition constitutes an important component of the educational process of training both young and old adults including out-of-school children. The purpose of this study was to assess the extent to which vocational skill acquisition training programme impacted the lives of beneficiaries taking into consideration the influence of socio-cultural and environmental factors on peoples’ participation in vocational skill acquisition training programmes in Ibadan Metropolis of Southwestern Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 220 learners aged 11–50 years with at least two years of learning experience. Data were collected with a questionnaire and analyzed using frequency counts, percentages and chi-square analysis. Results. The results indicate that the majority of participants 41.3% (n=83) possesses National Diploma were unemployed youth graduates while 27.4% (n=55) possesses secondary education were out-of-school youth. A significant proportion of the age group 21 to 30 years constitutes the largest 65.7% (n=132) participated in vocational skill acquisition training programmes. The three socio-cultural important factors predicting peoples’ participation in skill acquisition training were cultural value system, social networks (family, friends and relatives) and customs and tradition disposition to vocational training programme. Again, the results also revealed that the three main environmental factors that influence learners’ participation in skill acquisition training were home environment (location of the training centres), society success stories on vocational skill acquisition and overemphasizing on skill acquisition to complement formal schooling. The main challenges facing learners to engage in vocation skill acquisition training programme were lack of motivation from the society, lack of modern machines and tools to work with after graduation, limited availability of industries for employment after graduation, limited opportunities for establishment after graduation and poor government policies on vocational skill acquisition programme. Conclusions. The out-of-school youths and unemployed youth graduates who participated in the study are willingly enrolled in vocational skill acquisition training programme based on the socio-cultural and environmental factors with the intention to acquired one skill or the other to be self-reliance. Having identified the importance of socio-cultural and environmental factors on peoples’ participation in vocational skill acquisition training programme will enable government put into consideration these factors in planning, organizing and implementing their vocational skill acquisition training programme in order to achieve desirable results on the citizenries. However, there are critical perceived barriers that need to be addressed, to enable more out-of-school youths and unemployed youth graduates with the desire to participate in vocational skill acquisition training programme to reduce unemployment rate in the country.

Implication of Household’s Income Composition on Infrastructure Maintenance in Residential Core of Akure, Nigeria

This study examines the implication of household income composition on infrastructure maintenance in the residential core of Akure, Nigeria with a view to providing suggestive recommendations that will remedy identified problems in the research locale. With regards to this, an estimated of 1% research population, amounting to 425, were served with questionnaires using systematic random sampling technique with replacement. Findings revealed that residents in the study area are low income earners with larger population influenced by market proximity, low prices of staple food items and affordable but tumbledown housing. Likewise, essential facilities are in poor state owing to poor maintenance. Besides, household income induced variables considered in the study, which accounted for 75.6% of the challenges limiting routine facilities maintenance in the study area. The study recommends skill acquisition training, resource collaborative efforts and soft loans scheme to boost the income generation of residents in this locale.

The immediate effect of deliberate practice and real-time feedback on high-quality CPR training in intern doctors, acute care providers, and lay rescuers

The quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is the main determinant of survival in cardiac arrest, so high-quality CPR (HQ-CPR) from bystanders is essential. The best instructional model for HQ-CPR performed by bystanders remains under investigation, and an instructional model’s effect on various learner types is unknown. This study examined the immediate effect of a brief, blended instructional design that combines deliberate practice (DP) with real-time feedback (RTF) on the booster training of intern doctors (IDs) and acute care providers (ACPs) as well as on the skills acquisition training of lay rescuers (LRs). This cohort crossover study was conducted in a university-affiliated hospital in January 2020. Just-in-time training on HQ-CPR that featured a popular song was provided to IDs (n = 24), ACPs (n = 29), LRs (n = 25); groups performed one-minute cardiac compressions twice, without RTF and with verbal coaching, followed by debriefing, and then with only RTF. The impact of RTF on depth, rate, compression quality (CQ), and recoil was assessed. RTF significantly improved depth, rate, CQ, and recoil (p < 0.001). Among the LRs, the depth was 0.2 millimeters below the lower cutoff. Without RTF, the previously trained IDs and ACPs tended to perform inadequately faster and deeper compressions, while the untrained LRs performed slower, shallow compressions. DP combined with RTF yielded a significant immediate effect on the HQ-CPR training outcomes of all learner types.