Staff Members Of Institutions Research Articles

The Double-Edged Sword: Analyzing the Influence of Technology on English Language Learning in Kuwait Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)

This study explores the dynamic interplay between advanced technology and teaching English to non-native speakers within university contexts. Focused on insights from academic staff at Kuwait University, the research explores both the merits and challenges associated with integrating technology into language education. The literature review examines the evolution from traditional to modern teaching methods, emphasizing technology's role in creating engaging and personalized learning experiences. As a global lingua franca, English is a focal point, with technology-driven approaches reshaping language education for non-native speakers. The consequences of integrating advanced technology unfold nuancedly, showcasing both positive and negative outcomes. The study reveals that while technology enhances access to diverse learning resources and improves writing tools, it poses challenges such as distractions, dependence, and potential superficial learning. The research design involves a qualitative approach, employing semi-structured interviews with 11 academic staff members in Kuwaiti institutions. Thematic analysis is utilized to extract key patterns and themes from the gathered data, providing valuable insights into teacher perspectives on the consequences of technology integration. The findings highlight drawbacks, including concerns about the quality of online content, overreliance on technology, and potential isolation, along with obstacles faced by higher education institutions, such as cost considerations and faculty challenges. The study proposes strategic solutions, advocating for professional development, equitable access to technology, and a balanced approach that integrates traditional and technology-driven methods. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of thoughtful and ethical technology integration in English language education. It advocates for a holistic approach, considering the quality of instruction, critical thinking development, and the need for a supportive culture of innovation. As universities navigate the complexities of technology, these insights offer guidance for creating inclusive and impactful language learning experiences for non-native speakers in the ever-evolving landscape of higher education.

Exploring the connection among employee performance, employee retention, and employee engagement within higher education institutions (HEIs)

The current research examined the connection between employee retention, their performance, and engagement in higher education institutions (HEIs). The study aimed to determine if employee engagement and retention are directly correlated with one another and with staff productivity. In order to collect information from staff members of various colleges and institutions in India’s National Capital Region (NCR), a survey questionnaire was created. SEM analysis was done to assess the relationship on a total of 313 valid replies. The results show that employee engagement positively affects employee retention, with a critical ratio (CR) of 2.569 and a standardised regression coefficient β =0.47, p = 0.000). The study also demonstrates that, with β = 0.51 and CR = 2.119, p=0.000, engagement had a favourable impact on employee job performance. Furthermore, with β = 0.34 and a CR of 1.992, p = 0.000, retention had a favourable impact on employee job performance. For HEIs, the study has important practical ramifications. To improve employee job performance, organisations should try to develop a supportive work environment that encourages employee engagement and retention. HEIs should establish friendly workplace environments for staff members and encourage constructive peer connections. The study also has societal repercussions. The variables that influence employee engagement and retention are indicative of a strong workplace culture, which has the potential to bolster the company’s standing in the community. Hence, if these requirements are addressed, employees will be given considerable focus.

Cybersecurity Strategies for Safeguarding Customer’s Data and Preventing Financial Fraud in the United States Financial Sectors

As the financial sectors in the United States deal with expanding cyberthreats and a rising danger of financial crime, cybersecurity has become a top priority. This paper examines the crucial cybersecurity techniques used by financial institutions to protect client information and counter the growing risk of financial fraud. It proves that understanding common fraud tactics used to defraud financial institutions and customers, putting fraud detection and prevention techniques like anomaly detection and machine learning into practice, and using transaction monitoring and anti-money laundering tactics to spot and stop fraudulent activity are all necessary for preventing financial fraud. The paper begins by reviewing the common cyber dangers affecting the financial industry and the strategies used by cybercriminals to circumvent security precautions and take advantage of weaknesses. After looking at potential risks, the paper highlights the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures and risk mitigation techniques. It highlights crucial components of cybersecurity frameworks, including strong data encryption, multifactor authentication, intrusion detection systems, and ongoing security monitoring. This paper also emphasizes the value of educating and training financial institution staff members to increase cybersecurity resilience. It underlines the significance of building a strong security culture, educating personnel about potential dangers, and encouraging responsible management of client data. The study also explores the advantages of financial organizations working together and exchanging threat knowledge. It examines industry alliances, information-sharing platforms, and public-private partnerships as crucial methods for group protection against cyber threats. This paper highlighted the significance of artificial intelligence and machine learning in cybersecurity domain. It demonstrates how these technologies improve cybersecurity systems' capabilities by spotting irregularities and potential attacks. It emphasizes the significance of taking a proactive and dynamic strategy to securing client information and maintaining faith in the United States’ financial sectors. Overall, this paper provides a thorough overview of cybersecurity tactics crucial for protecting consumer data and avoiding financial fraud in the financial sectors across the United States. By taking a vigilant, team-based, and technology-driven strategy, financial institutions may strengthen their cyber defenses, protect the data of their clients, and defend the integrity of the financial system.

Motivational Compensation Design for Surgeon in Neurosurgical Group Services in Surabaya

An effort was made to fulfill one of the citizen's fundamental rights, which was known as the right to acquire health services, and the development of health care was part of that endeavor. In addition, it was an investment made to help promote the growth of the economy and the alleviation of poverty. To improve the general welfare of the community, the Surabaya Neuroscience Institute worked towards implementing various health development initiatives, particularly those linked with neurological conditions. The effectiveness of the Surabaya Neuroscience Institute's staff members was a critical factor in determining its ability to achieve its goals, vision, and mission. In order to reach their full potential, the physicians who worked at the Surabaya Neuroscience Institute needed to maintain a high level of motivation. An effective remuneration scheme will support the motivation of the worker. On the other hand, when it came to the implementation of this compensation scheme, the culture that prevailed in the medical area was quite distinct. In addition to the justice components, the ethical and seniority aspects continued to be very relevant for both the performance of physicians and the remuneration model. The version of physicians at the Surabaya Neuroscience Institute needed to be improved. Thus, this study aimed to develop a motivating compensation system that might do so. In this study, a descriptive qualitative method alongside an in-depth interview was used, and the respondent was chosen using a method known as non-random purposive sampling. A total of six individuals were utilized to represent the population of 19 members at the Surabaya Neuroscience Institute. In light of the findings, an examination of the respondents' points of view revealed that almost all of them believed there was still an issue with the level of motivation exhibited by the physicians working at the SNeI. Concerning the compensation system, the results showed that the design of the financial compensation is deemed suitable. Still, the issue of nonfinancial compensation needs to be studied and improved because it can significantly impact the performance of physicians.

Retirement Planning and Financial Anxiety among Nigerian Civil Servants: Insights from Social Comparison Theory.

The psychological implication of retirement is underemphasised. This study examined the relationship between proactive personality, social comparison, and retirement anxiety among Nigerian civil servants. The study is a cross-sectional design, using proactive personality, social comparison orientation, and Nigerian pre-retirement anxiety scales. Five hundred and eight staff members in government-owned tertiary institutions with five years or less to go until retirement, and at a mean age of 57.47 (SD = 3.02), were surveyed. The study established that a proactive personality negatively predicted retirement anxiety and that civil servants engage in diverse forms of intrapreneurship/entrepreneurship to augment their savings. The study also revealed that social comparison (opinion) mediated the relationship between proactive personality and retirement anxiety (financial preparedness and social alienation). In addition, the study found that social comparison (opinion and ability) mediated the relationship between proactive personality and retirement anxiety (financial preparedness) in a sequential order. The findings suggest that retirees in Nigeria face complex challenges, including financial unpreparedness, social alienation, and uncertainty. The study highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between personality traits, social comparison, and retirement anxiety in order to develop effective interventions and policies that support retirees in Nigeria.

Investigation and research on elderly people's willingness to combine medical and health care and related factors in coastal cities in eastern China.

BackgroundThe problem of global aging was becoming increasingly prominent. At present, the empty nest and miniaturization of family structure reduce the function of home-based elderly care.MethodsA questionnaire survey was conducted on 347 elderly people in multiple communities and nursing homes in eastern coastal cities of China, and 13 institutional staff members of eight nursing institutions that carried out the medical-nursing integration model were interviewed as the research objects. The survey mainly focuses on the basic characteristics of the elderly, the family support system, and the acceptance of medical care and health care. The influencing factors were screened by t test, univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis. SPSS software was used to test the reliability and validity of the questionnaire, and the Crobach’s was 0.792, which can be considered that the questionnaire had good internal reliability. The classification of the questionnaire was reasonable, the reliability of the questionnaire was high, and the internal consistency of the scale was high. According to KMO and Bartlett test, KMO = 0.826, χ2 = 853.731, the degree of freedom was 36, and the P value was 0.000.ResultsThe proportion of male and female respondents was 48.1% and 51.9% respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that gender had no statistical significances on the degree of support for combine medical and health care in the elderly (P > 0.05). The results showed that gender, age, marital status, medical insurance type and old-age insurance type had little effect on the support of the combination of medical care and health care for the elderly (P > 0.05). Compared with the control group with education below primary school, the elderly with bachelor’s degree or above are more willing to support the combination of medical care and health (P < 0.05). The registered residence type is more obvious than that of the urban residents (P < 0.05). Compared with the enterprise employees in the control group, the elderly who were employed as migrant workers before retirement were more willing to support the combination of medical care and health (P < 0.05). From the perspective of family monthly income, the elderly with family income ≥10,000 RMB have more obvious support for the combination of medical care and health than the elderly with family monthly income <3,000 RMB in the control group (P < 0.05). In terms of the degree of understanding, the degree of understanding and support in different degrees are significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05).ConclusionThrough multivariate logistic regression analysis, education level, registered residence, pre-retirement occupation and family income are more obvious for the elderly to support medical care and health. It is necessary to increase investment in elderly activity centers, actively carry out activities.

Where is the greatest risk of COVID-19 infection? Findings from Germany's largest public health department, Cologne.

BackgroundSARS-CoV-2 has been spreading worldwide since late 2019. Before vaccines became available, exclusively non-pharmaceutical measures were used to prevent transmission of infection. Despite the fact that vaccinations are now available, it is still important to identify relevant transmission routes in order to contain the COVID-19- or further pandemics. Therefore, this study aims to systematically analyse data from the largest public health department in Germany to determine the significance of the various known and unknown transmission situations in terms of the proportion of infections.MethodsAll infections in Cologne were systematically recorded by the local health department. In addition to clinical data, the transmission situations were recorded and categorised as pertaining to social contact, work contact, travellers, health care workers, users of educational institutions, visitors of community institutions, infection in the context of medical treatment, and unknown infection.FindingsThe analysis included 25,966 persons. A transmission situation could be identified in 82.7% of the cases (n = 21,477). Most persons (42.1%) were infected due to social contact, primarily within their own household. Another 22.3% were infected at their place of work; this was particularly common among staff members of medical facilities, nursing homes and educational institutions. In 17.3% of the cases, the transmission situation remained unknown; the cases with unknown transmission situation were slightly more often symptomatic (75.2%) than the cases with known transmission situation (69.4%).InterpretationConsidering that during the study period the leading strains were the wild-type and alpha-variant transmission rather occurred during scenarios involving close contacts than in anonymous situations. Presumably, however, the findings can be transferred to the new variants. Therefore, in order to prevent transmission, besides vaccination regular antigen tests and/or appropriate protective measures remain relevant until this pandemic has subsided.

A Guideline to Respecting the Staff Members and the Administration to Students in the Educational Stages and Its Impact on Their Motivation for Academic Achievement--A Qualitative Study

The current study sought to launch a guideline for how the staff and the administration members treat students respectfully in the different educational stages. Given the importance of effective communication in the educational process and achieving the goals of learning efficiently, there is a need to develop practical guidelines for how all members of the educational system deal with students since they are the target group of the educational process.Considering the recent global changes and the successive effects on the educational system, the practices within the education system have been similarly affected. Some students refrained from completing their scientific studies due to maltreatment by the administration or some staff members in many educational institutions. Accordingly, the motivation and passion for scientific research and learning decreased. Hence, it requires interventions by those in charge of the educational system to set ethical and academic adjustments for the staff members and administration. They should be more attractive elements for students for learning and scientific research than be factors for reluctance and expulsion outside the educational organization.Consequently, preparing a guideline that includes practices and moral situations for dealing with the students at various educational levels may be purposeful in improving dealing with their students with respect.

COVID-19 Prevalence in UNIVI Group Nursing Homes and Multilevel Geriatric Hospitals: Epidemiological Study of Immunological Status with Rapid Serological Tests for Diagnostic Guidance and Follow Up.

Background/ObjectivesTo date, data are lacking on the proportion of residents, and employees who have actually been exposed to SARS-Cov-2 in nursing homes and geriatric healthcare institutions, as well as the evolution of their serological status and the recurrence of Covid-19. The primary objective was to determine the prevalence of COVID-19 using NG Biotech rapid serological tests among caregivers and residents. The secondary objectives were to determine: prevalence according to RT PCR tests or clinical diagnosis; the risk factors (autonomy, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus) and clinical presentation (e.g. respiratory, abdominal or cutaneous symptoms, asthenia, fever) among residents; the risk factors (age, sex, profession, family situation) among caregivers; the evolution of the serological status at 1, 3 and 6 months using NG Biotech rapid serological tests; the symptomatic recurrence of Covid 19 at 1, 3 and 6 months.DesignMulticentric prospective observational.SettingStudy location: 27 nursing homes and 3 multilevel geriatric hospitals belonging to the UNIVI Group in France.Participants1334 professionals: 692 among multilevel geriatric hospitals (mean age: 43.6+/−11.8; 441 (82.4%) female) and 642 among nursing homes (mean age: 43.5+/−12.4; 685 (85.9%) female), and 1145 residents (mean age: 89+/−7.5; 898 (78.7%) female).MeasurementsPrevalence using NG Biotech rapid serological tests, medical diagnosis, RT-PCR tests. Risk factors among residents using the medical file and among caregivers using questionnaires. Clinical presentation in residents using the medical file.ResultsThe prevalence using NG Biotech rapid serological test in residents was 14.4 % (168 of 1142 available diagnostics), the global prevalence (positive RT-PCR or positive serological test) was 22.7% (203 of 895 available diagnostics). The prevalence using NG Biotech rapid serological test in professionals was 12.8% (164 of 1315 available diagnostics), the global prevalence (positive RT-PCR test or positive serological test) was 23.8% (222 of 933 available diagnostics). The risk factors among residents were: living in an Alzheimer unit, and being a contact case. Being independent for activities of daily living was protective. The risk factor among caregivers was being a contact case. Another risk factor was the job; nurse assistants, nurses, and physicians were the most exposed. Residents had atypical clinical presentations including frequent geriatric syndromes (falls, delirium). 68.3% (71 of 104) of the initially positive residents still had a positive rapid serological test at 1 month follow up and 74 % (54 of 73) at 3 months follow up. 77.9% (88 of 113) of the initially positive employees still had a positive rapid serological test at 1 month follow up. Symptomatic reinfection was exceptional in caregivers or in residents during follow up.ConclusionCOVID 19 prevalence among caregivers and residents in nursing homes and geriatric health Institutions is underestimated when using only one method for diagnosis. Geriatric syndromes such as falls and delirium in residents should trigger further investigations on a COVID-19 cause. Immunity was persistent in ¾ of caregivers and residents during the 3 months follow up. The high prevalence of COVID 19 in geriatric institutions pleads in favor of the French vaccination policy, initially targeting as a priority the most vulnerable and dependent people, followed by staff members in healthcare institutions and nursing homes. More studies on the persistence of immunity and the perspective of Covid 19 mutations will help determine the long-term vaccine booster policy.

التطوير المهني لأعضاء هيئة التدريس : مدخل لتحقيق الجودة في التعليم الجامعي

This study tackled the professional development of staff members in higher education institutions, with emphasis on the diverse roles of the staff members they are associated with the spirit of the currently accepted educational theories and thoughts.The study aimed to clarify the roles, tasks and competences of staff members in higher education institutions and the need and justifications of the importance of professional development. The study tried to find answers for a number of questions; the most important are: What are the roles, tasks and competencies of staff members? Why is it necessary to pay attention for the staff members' performance development? What are the competencies the teaching staff in these institutions should be equipped with? What are the means and patterns of training needed to develop competencies of the teaching staff members?The study adopted the descriptive analytical methodology by analyzing the views and ideas of experts on the topic. The study summed up with a number of conclusions and recommendations.

The Interaction between Personal Values and Perception of Organizational Politics in Predicting Stress Levels of Staff Members in Academic Institutions

Educational systems throughout the world have been impacted by neoliberal ideology and practices transforming higher-education institutions. As a result, changes relating to the academic environment have become more complex. The well-being of academic staff is deteriorating as a result of overwhelming busy work or continual redirection culminating in high levels of stress in academic settings. Given that the perceptions of organizational politics have been shown a significant relevance to employees’ attitudes in public and private sectors, the study aims to examine whether perceptions of organizational politics predict stress levels among faculty members in an academic environment. Moreover, the study examines the importance of personal values underlying the inclination toward stress in academic staff members. The study focuses on the extent to which personal values (self-enhancement and openness to change) moderate the relationships between the perception of organizational politics and stress level. The sample includes 376 academic staff from higher-education institutions. The study highlights the importance of personal values by showing that the extent of politics’ negative consequences on stress levels depends on the employee’s personal values. Findings suggested that a staff member’s values seem to be significant in modifying the way in which he/she experiences the academic environment.

College Disability Service Office Staff Members’ Autism Attitudes and Knowledge

Disability support office (DSO) staff are responsible for providing appropriate support for an increasing population of undergraduate students with autism. A total of 153 DSO staff members in higher education institutions in the United States completed an online survey on their autism attitudes and knowledge, previous contact with autistic people, and demographic characteristics. Multiple regressions were conducted to investigate which variables uniquely predict their attitudes and knowledge. Quality of contact and education level predicted openness toward autism. Quality and quantity of contact, knowledge, and public versus private status of institutions predicted social distance toward autistic individuals. Finally, quality of contact, school size, and average annual cost predicted their knowledge. The underlying mechanisms between institutional variables and autism attitudes and knowledge need to be explored. Understanding what kinds of institutional supports and context-appropriate training should be provided to promote collaborative relationships between DSO staff and autistic students is a promising avenue for future studies.

Mental health care of medical workers during COVID-19 pandemic

During the pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, healthcare workers are at the forefront of the battle undergoing not only significant physical but also emotional stress. At the same time medical workers are considered to be at high risk for the incidence of COVID-19. Staying in a state of constant emotional stress over time leads to the emergence of both mental and somatic disorders. The purpose of this article is to conduct a literature review on the principles of consistency regarding the mental health of staff members of medical institutions providing care to patients with COVID-19. A systematic literature search has been carried out, as a result of which 32 articles with reports of mental and behavioral disorders during the pandemic have been selected for analysis. The main group of disorders are disorders of the anxious-depressive spectrum. According to various sources, from a quarter to a third of medical workers have clinically significant anxiety, about a third – depression. Significant prevalence of sleep disorders in individuals providing medical care to patients with COVID-19 has also been indicated. In the long term, the expectation of an increase in the level of post-traumatic stress disorder has been indicated. The article also provides modern views on the socio-psychological effects of epidemics and pandemics. Excessive attention, especially on social media devoted to the problem of COVID-19 significantly complicates the fight against the real problem of overcoming the pandemic. It has been proven that overconcentration on problems associated with COVID-19 is a factor of the increased risk of developing generalized anxiety disorder in the end. Thus, the protection of mental health and the socio-psychological support of medical workers are some of the important directions in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. The management of psychological crises during pandemics should be based on psycho-hygienic and psycho-preventive measures both at the level of the individual and society as a whole.

Assessment of serum electrolytes and kidney function test for screening of chronic kidney disease among Ethiopian Public Health Institute staff members, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

BackgroundChronic kidney disease (CKD), which is characterized by its asymptomatic nature until an end stage, is one of the most common public health problems in the world. Thus, a regular checkup, especially for those individuals with high risk groups is inevitably important, and the screening has been done with laboratory findings. However, in developing countries, including Ethiopia screening for CKD are rarely done, and it is becoming common to hear sudden death from the kidney failure. Therefore, we aimed to screen serum electrolyte levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) among Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) staff members for an early detection of CKD and to identify the factors associated with it.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from July 1 to October 28, 2018 among EPHI staff members. The level of serum creatinine and electrolytes were measured using COBAS 6000 analyzer. Then, eGFR was calculated using MDRD and CKD-EPI equations. Data analysis were done using SPSS version 20, and the factors associated with the outcome variable were assessed using logistic regression. P values < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant.ResultsThis study found that 3.6 and 1.9% of the study participants were at CKD stage II by MDRD and CKD-EPI equations, respectively. Out of the total study participants, 9.5% had hyperkalemia (serum potassium level > 5.0 mmol/L) and 8.5% had hypocalcemia (serum calcium level < 2.15 mmol/L). An older age (P = 0.006), high BMI (P = 0.045) and previous history of CVDs (P = 0.033) were found to be significantly associated factors with reduced glomerular filtration rate. Nine percent of the study participants were obese, 6.1% had family history of kidney failure, 18% self-reported history of hypertension, 3.4% diabetic and 5.3% had CVDs. About 51.2% of the study participants were males, and the majorities, (66%) of the study participants were found to be alcohol consumers.ConclusionsThe prevalence of a stage II kidney disease was relatively low and none of the participants was under serious kidney disease (GFR < 60 mmol/min/1.73m2). An older age, high BMI and previous history of CVDs were significantly associated with reduced GFR. Hyperkalemia and hypokalemia were the major electrolyte disorders in the study participants.

Technical guidelines for seasonal influenza vaccination in China (2020-2021)

Influenza virus infection is a respiratory infectious disease that can seriously affect human health. Influenza viruses can have frequent antigenic variation and changes, which can result in rapid and widespread transmission resulting in annual epidemics and outbreaks in places of public gathering such as schools, kindergartens and nursing homes. According to WHO estimation, seasonal influenza epidemics have caused an annually 3 to 5 million severe cases and 290 000 to 650 000 deaths globally. Pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and persons with chronic illnesses are at high risk for severe illness and death associated with influenza virus infection. Especially, COVID-19 pandemic might co-circulate with other respiratory infectious diseases such as influenza in the coming winter-spring season. Seasonal influenza vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza virus infection and complications from infection. Currently, China has licensed trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV3) which includes split-virus influenza vaccine and subunit vaccine, quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV4) which is split, and trivalent live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV3) which was newly licensed. Except for a few major cities, influenza vaccine is a category Ⅱ vaccine, which means influenza vaccination is voluntary, and recipients must pay for it. In 2018 and 2019, the China CDC issued the "Technical Guidelines for Seasonal Influenza Vaccination in China" . In the past year, new research evidences home and abroad have been published, and new seasonal influenza vaccine has been licensed in China. To strengthen the technical guidance for prevention and control of influenza and operational research on influenza vaccination in China, the National Immunization Advisory Committee (NIAC) Influenza Vaccination Technical Working Group (TWG), updated the 2019-2020 technical guidelines and compiled the "Technical guidelines for seasonal influenza vaccination in China (2020-2021)" . The main updates in this version include the following: First, new research evidences especially studies of China, including disease burden, effectiveness, Vaccine-avoidable disease burden, vaccine safety monitoring, and cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit. Second, policies and measures for influenza prevention and control issued by National Health Commission (PRC) in the past year. Thirdly, new type seasonal influenza vaccine licensed and issued in 2020-2021 in China. Fourth, northern hemisphere influenza vaccination composition for the 2020-2021 season which included trivalent and quadrivalent influenza vaccine. Fifth, Influenza vaccination recommendations for 2020-2021 influenza season. The recommendations described in this report include the following: Points of Vaccination clinics (PoVs) should provide influenza vaccination to all persons aged 6 months and above who are willing to be vaccinated and do not have contraindications. No preferential recommendation is made for one influenza vaccine product over another for persons for whom more than one licensed, recommended, and appropriate product is available. Considering the situation of globally pandemic of COVID-19, to decrease the risk of influenza virus infection and minimize the impact on COVID-19 prevention and control, we recommend the following priority for seasonal influenza vaccination: healthcare workers, including clinical doctors and nurses, public health professionals, quarantine professionals; vulnerable groups living in nursing homes or welfare homes and staffs who take care those vulnerable groups; people work or stay in high population density places, such as teachers and students in kindergartens, primary and secondary school, prisoners and staffs of prisons; other high risk group of influenza, including adults ≥60 years of age, children aged 6-59 months, persons with specific chronic diseases, the family members and caregivers of infants <6 months of age, and pregnant women or women who plan to become pregnant during the influenza season. Children aged 6 months through 8 years require 2 doses of influenza vaccine administered a minimum of 4 weeks apart during their first season of vaccination for optimal protection. People whoever get IIV or LAIV all apply to the principle. If they were vaccinated in 2019-2020 influenza season or a prior season, 1 dose is recommended. People more than 8 years old require 1 dose of influenza vaccine. It is recommended that people receive their influenza vaccination by the end of October. Influenza vaccination should be offered as soon as the vaccination is available. For the people unable to be vaccinated before the end of October, influenza vaccination will continue to be offered for the whole season. Influenza vaccine is also recommended for use in pregnant women during any trimester. These guidelines are intended for use by staff members of the CDCs at all levels who work on influenza control and prevention, PoVs staff members, healthcare workers from the departments of pediatrics, internal medicine, and infectious diseases, and staff members of maternity and child care institutions at all levels. These guidelines will be updated periodically as new evidence becomes available.

Technical guidelines for seasonal influenza vaccination in China (2020-2021)

Influenza virus infection is a respiratory infectious disease that can seriously affect human health. Influenza viruses can have frequent antigenic variation and changes, which can result in rapid and widespread transmission resulting in annual epidemics and outbreaks in places of public gathering such as schools, kindergartens and nursing homes. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that seasonal influenza epidemics have caused an annual 3 to 5 million severe cases, and 290000 to 650000 deaths globally. Pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and persons with chronic illnesses are at high risk for severe illness and death associated with influenza virus infection. Especially, COVID-19 pandemic might co-circulate with other respiratory infectious diseases such as influenza in the coming winter-spring season. Seasonal influenza vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza virus infection and complications from infection. Currently, China has licensed trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV3) which includes split-virus influenza vaccine and subunit vaccine, quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV4) which is split, and trivalent live attenuated influenza vaccine(LAIV3) which was newly licensed. Except for a few major cities, influenza vaccine is a category Ⅱ vaccine, which means influenza vaccination is voluntary, and recipients must pay for it. In 2018 and 2019, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention issued the"Technical Guidelines for Seasonal Influenza Vaccination in China". In the past year, new research evidences home and abroad have been published, and new seasonal influenza vaccine has been licensed in China. To strengthen the technical guidance for prevention and control of influenza and operational research on influenza vaccination in China, the National Immunization Advisory Committee (NIAC) Influenza Vaccination Technical Working Group (TWG), updated the 2019-2020 technical guidelines and compiled the "Technical guidelines for seasonal influenza vaccination in China (2020-2021)". The main updates in this version include the following: First, new research evidences especially studies of China, including disease burden, effectiveness, Vaccine-avoidable disease burden, vaccine safety monitoring, and cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit. Second, policies and measures for influenza prevention and control issued by National Health Commission(PRC)in the past year. Thirdly, new type seasonal influenza vaccine licensed and issued in 2020-2021 in China. Fourth, northern hemisphere influenza vaccination composition for the 2020-2021 season which included trivalent and quadrivalent influenza vaccine. Fifth, Influenza vaccination recommendations for 2020-2021 influenza season. The recommendations described in this report include the following: Points of Vaccination clinics (PoVs) should provide influenza vaccination to all persons aged 6 months and above who are willing to be vaccinated and do not have contraindications. No preferential recommendation is made for one influenza vaccine product over another for persons for whom more than one licensed, recommended, and appropriate product is available. Considering the situation of globally pandemic of COVID-19, to decrease the risk of influenza virus infection and minimize the impact on COVID-19 prevention and control, we recommend the following priority for seasonal influenza vaccination: (1) healthcare workers, including clinical doctors and nurses, public health professionals, quarantine professionals; (2) Vulnerable groups living in nursing homes or welfare homes and staffs who take care those vulnerable groups; (3) People in some key places, such as teachers and students in kindergartens, primary and secondary school, prisoners and staffs of prisons; (4) Other high risk group of influenza, including adults ≥60 years of age, children aged 6-59 months, persons with specific chronic diseases, the family members and caregivers of infants <6 months of age, and pregnant women or women who plan to become pregnant during the influenza season. Children aged 6 months through 8 years require 2 doses of influenza vaccine administered a minimum of 4 weeks apart during their first season of vaccination for optimal protection. People whoever get IIV or LAIV all apply to the principle. If they were vaccinated in 2019-2020 influenza season or a prior season, 1 dose is recommended. People more than 8 years old require 1 dose of influenza vaccine. It is recommended that people receive their influenza vaccination by the end of October. Influenza vaccination should be offered as soon as the vaccination is available. For the people unable to be vaccinated before the end of October, influenza vaccination will continue to be offered for the whole season. Influenza vaccine is also recommended for use in pregnant women during any trimester. These guidelines are intended for use by staff members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at all levels who work on influenza control and prevention, PoVs staff members, healthcare workers from the departments of pediatrics, internal medicine, and infectious diseases, and staff members of maternity and child care institutions at all levels. These guidelines will be updated periodically as new evidence becomes available.

Workplace violence, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, and personality

Patient violence against staff members in forensic psychiatric institutions is highly prevalent. To date, little is known about individual characteristics that increase the likelihood of being victimized. Therefore, the current cross-sectional study was designed to investigate the extent to which staff members' Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms and the Big Five personality traits are linked to perceived patient violence. Moreover, it was investigated to what extent staff members' personality affected the association between PTSD symptoms and perceived workplace victimization. Data were obtained from 353 staff members in forensic psychiatric institutions (51.8% female, age, M = 42.4, SD = 12.1). Regression analyses showed that lower levels of emotional stability and higher reports of PTSD symptoms were associated with experiencing more verbal patient violence, whereas lower levels of openness and higher levels of extraversion were associated with experiencing more physical patient violence. Personality moderated the association between PTSD symptoms and physical victimization with the association being stronger for individuals with higher levels of conscientiousness and lower levels of agreeableness. These findings provide useful information for tailoring interventions in clinical practice aimed at reducing the risk of patient-staff violence.

Building Islamic Ethics into Development: Exploring the Role and Limitations of “Islamic” Microfinance in Poverty Alleviation—An Indonesian Case Study

Abstract In this article, we examine the role and ethics of IBF in the context of development and address the critique that IBF is merely a rebranding of the conventional sector and merely exploits and further marginalises beneficiaries for profit. We focus on Islamic microfinance (IMF) in Indonesia and explore how it is applied to poverty alleviation. In addition to a review of the research to date, we perform a qualitative sociolegal study involving 27 interviews of two IMF institutions’ (BMT Muda and BPRS Mitra Syariah in East Java) beneficiaries, field staff, management and industry stakeholders. Our fieldwork investigates how institution staff members apply Islamic rules and norms when implementing programs, noting any discrepancies between the rhetoric of the Islamic ethical framework for development and the practice. We ultimately argue that while IMF is still a work in progress that would benefit from further regulatory and institutional reform, it is generating wide-ranging economic, social and spiritual benefits. We find evidence of social empowerment and brotherhood in IMF, emblematic of Islamic ethics, as well as genuine contributions to the economic and social development of Indonesia

Creating conditions for sustainable degree apprenticeships in England

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on a study funded by the Edge Foundation, an independent educational charity, to investigate what is needed in order for English higher education to operate degree apprenticeships (DAs) on a sustainable basis.Design/methodology/approachThe study, conducted in 2019–2020, took the form of a literature review, semi-structured interviews with employers, institutional staff members and apprentices in three fields, and an open online survey.FindingsThis study illustrates a high level of support for DAs amongst those who are involved in them, whether as educators, employers or apprentices. Degree Apprenticeships aid public-sector recruitment, support progression routes and social mobility within the existing workforce, and contribute to recruitment and productivity in public services and economically critical industries. Practices in the organisation and delivery of apprenticeships are variable, but a clear need is illustrated for strong institution–employer partnerships, integration between on- and off-the-job learning, expansive workplace learning environments, and co-ordination of assessment and quality assurance. There is also a need for external bodies to provide a consistent policy and funding environment.Practical implicationsThe findings illustrate the need for strong partnerships, for programmes that are designed from the ground up as apprenticeships, and for effective integration of apprentices into the organisation's working environment.Originality/valueThis study updates and adds to the literature on DAs and work-integrated higher education. It emphasises three aspects that have hitherto been given little attention: the value of DAs for public-sector recruitment and for creating social mobility within the existing workforce, and the importance of ensuring apprenticeships are aligned with organisational objectives.

Issues related to personal and social self-development of academic staff members of higher education institutions in today's Russia

The issues addressed in the article are of particular relevance due to the growing role of teachers of higher education institutions in the modern society. The article is dedicated to the current issues of self-development of teachers and is aimed to identify the main reasons for their poor social and personal self-development. The most important research method used by the authors was the pedagogic experiment, including such particular empirical methods as monitoring, tests, surveys, questionnaires, interviews, self-assessment and psychological diagnostics. As a result of the study, it was found out that teachers' leisure time is not properly organised, therefore they have no opportunities for rehabilitation and recreation in their free time, which considerably reduces effectiveness of their personal self-development. The article describes a set of measures aimed to enhance the effectiveness of teachers' self-development through the organization of cultural and creative associations in higher education institutions, including four stages and six spheres of activity that can be implemented in such cultural and creative associations. Materials of this article may be useful for the management of higher education institutions and department heads, advanced training centres for higher education professionals and for all academic staff members.