Successful Program Research Articles

Navigating the journey into formal employment for youth with disabilities in Bangladesh: A qualitative study

Despite the fact that youth employment is a government policy priority in Bangladesh, young people have higher unemployment rates than the overall working population. Young men and women with disabilities are the most vulnerable growing up with stigma and discrimination, low self-esteem and often inequitable access to the services and skills they require to earn a living. This qualitative study adopted a workplace case-study approach to gather information on how youth with disabilities are transitioning into formal employment, and the effects of this transition on their lives and livelihoods. Twelve youth with disabilities (33 % female), eighteen co-workers (55 % female) and eight managers (25 % female) from 12 workplaces participated in the in-depth interviews. Through inductive and deductive thematic analysis, the findings suggest that the desire for independent economic and social lives was the key driver of transition into formal employment and underpinned the processes of empowerment and actions for young men and women with disabilities in their journey into formal employment. Many were struggling economically and psychologically, however getting a job had enhanced their self-esteem and confidence. Support from co-workers, supervisors, friends, and family members had helped them to confront the challenges in their journey more positively, motivating their efforts to lead independent economic and social lives. Better understanding of this transition process, the challenges youth with disabilities face, and the support needed, is important for the success of disability-inclusive employment programmes.

Policies and cultural beliefs: Community perceptions about COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Indonesia.

Vaccine hesitancy is a global concern and a significant threat to COVID-19 vaccination programs. This study aimed to explore vaccine hesitancy from the perspective of the Indonesian community related to policies and cultural beliefs. A descriptive qualitative approach was utilized in this study. Twenty participants were recruited from various settings to ensure the representation of experiences in different contexts in Indonesia. Audio-recorded, semi-structured, individual, in-depth interviews were carried out. Content analysis was performed to identify the main key themes. Twenty participants were recruited from various regions of Java Island, Indonesia. The participants revealed hesitancy about the COVID-19 vaccine, including the themes of mistrust, controversy, and the culture and beliefs of the community. This study highlights COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Indonesia, which may have implications for the community's perceptions and beliefs regarding the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine. The trust issue remains a major challenge to convincing the community to accept the vaccine at the grassroots level. Targeted education and communication strategies are essential in addressing trust issues surrounding COVID-19 vaccines among critical stakeholders and religious leaders in Indonesia. Public health nursing plays a crucial role in fostering community acceptance and ensuring the success of vaccination programs.

Assessment of Community Readiness to Address Malnutrition in Rural Southwest Guatemala

AbstractBackgroundMalnutrition is prevalent throughout southwest Guatemala, where >40% of children suffer from chronic undernutrition. Evidence supports that assessing a community's awareness and readiness to address malnutrition is a critical first step in improving the success of a nutrition intervention program. The objective of this study was to apply the community readiness model (CRM) to assess community readiness to address childhood malnutrition in a rural southwest region of Guatemala.MethodsThirteen key respondents of varied social roles and demographics residing in the region were interviewed. Interview questions related to addressing malnutrition were from the following predefined dimensions: Community Efforts, Community Knowledge of Efforts, Leadership, Community Climate, Community Knowledge, and Resources for Efforts. Interview recordings and notes were analyzed and scored according to the CRM guidelines, and a standardized analysis was conducted.ResultsThe overall community readiness score was 4.26 (preplanning: awareness of the issue). Community Efforts had a total score of 5 (Preparation: preparing to take action on the issue). Community Knowledge of Efforts, Community Climate, Community Knowledge, and Resources for Efforts Dimensions each had a total score of 4 (Preplanning: awareness of the issue). The overall score for the Leadership dimension was 2 (Denial/resistance: belief that the problem does not exist within the community). These scores demonstrate clear recognition for action to address childhood malnutrition as a problem. However, efforts to combat childhood malnutrition are not yet focused nor detailed for community action.ConclusionsThis rural southwest region of Guatemala recognizes that childhood malnutrition is a problem. However, efforts to address malnutrition are not yet focused or detailed enough to have measurable impact in addressing this issue. For the region to advance the stage of community readiness, it is essential to enhance knowledge of dietary strategies aimed at improving nutrition for children and increase engagement from local leadership.

Maternal and perinatal death surveillance and response in Bangladesh: A case study on measuring impact through health information systems

The health sector in Bangladesh is thriving, and the Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) program has been in place to investigate the causes of maternal and perinatal death. This study aimed to investigate the availability of information systems for measuring the status of an MPDSR program and the planning process and actions developed based on real-time information. This study delved into innovative information systems that can be used to monitor and measure the impact of health programs. The study included both the primary and secondary data. A total of six key informant interviews were conducted to explore the enablers and strengths of information systems. Secondary data were collected from government websites and MPDSR action plans. This study highlights the potential and challenges of governmental health information systems in notifying maternal and neonatal deaths. While the current notification rates are not up to national standards, it is encouraging to see health managers develop action plans and address this issue. The MPDSR information system is a valuable tool to help health managers measure changes in maternal and perinatal mortality rates and design locally targeted interventions. However, several obstacles must be addressed, such as insufficient data, lack of monitoring, and irregularities in MPDSR review meetings. By finding ways to overcome these challenges, we can unlock the full potential of MPDSR and improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes. The success of an MPDSR program relies on how the information is utilized to take action and measure the outcome. Advanced information systems, such as health dashboards, scorecards, and administrative data, can play a vital role in measuring the progress and impact of a program. The primary challenge lies in capturing all deaths, including their causes, and having the capacity to analyze the data effectively to develop action plans for health managers.

Mutual facilitation between foundation species Mytilus edulis and Lanice conchilega promotes habitat heterogeneity on tidal flats

Foundation species that modify their habitat can facilitate other species, including other foundation species. Most studies focus solely on a single foundation species, overlooking such facilitation cascades. In this study, we investigated the interactions between the two coastal foundation species Mytilus edulis (blue mussel) and Lanice conchilega (sand mason worm). We investigated whether these species engage in facilitative interactions or if their association simply reflects a shared ecological niche on the soft-sediment intertidal flats of the Dutch Wadden Sea. To do so, we performed species distribution modeling, manipulative field experiments, and field surveys. We found a positive association between both foundation species, with a 2.45 times higher occurrence of both species compared to a random distribution. In addition, these species partially occupied the same ecological niche. We demonstrated that L. conchilega provided settlement substrate for M. edulis spat, increasing densities by 400 times compared to bare plots. Furthermore, M. edulis reefs facilitated L. conchilega occurrence in the wake of the reef. Biogenic reef development revealed that this interspecific facilitation resulted in spatial habitat heterogeneity. Therefore, we conclude that interspecific facilitation can significantly enhance the occurrence of these two important intertidal foundation species. Acknowledgment of such complex facilitation interactions has an untapped potential for improving the success of restoration and conservation programs.

Human Resource Management Strategy in Permanent Nurseries in the Ministry of Environment and Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia (Case Study in Six Permanent Nursery Locations of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, West Java Province)

The main focus in evaluation is aspects such as policy foundations, program support, implementation processes, and success of HR programs

Outpatient CAR T-Cell Therapy as Standard of Care: Current Perspectives and Considerations.

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T) has altered the treatment landscape of several hematologic malignancies. Until recently, most CAR-T infusions have been administered in the inpatient setting, due to their toxicity profile. However, the advent of new product constructs, as well as improved detection and management of adverse effects, have greatly increased the safety in administering these therapies. CAR-T indications continue to expand, and inpatient administration is associated with increased healthcare resource utilization and overall cost. Therefore, transitioning CAR-T administration to the outpatient setting has been of great interest in an effort to improve access, reduce financial burden, and improve patient satisfaction. Establishment of a successful outpatient CAR-T requires several components, including a multidisciplinary cellular therapy team and an outpatient center with appropriate clinical space and personnel. Additionally, clear criteria for outpatient administration eligibility and for inpatient admission with pathways for prompt toxicity evaluation and admission, and toxicity management guidelines should be implemented. Education about CAR-T therapy and its associated toxicities is imperative for all clinical staff, as well as patients and their caregivers. Finally, rigorous financial planning and close collaboration with payers to ensure equitable access, while effectively managing cost, are essential to program success and sustainability. This review provides a summary of currently published experiences, as well as expert opinion regarding implementation of an outpatient CAR-T program.

“If we don’t take them off our streets, they’re going to continue to prey on innocent people.”

Mass incarceration and high rates of recidivism in the United States have long been discussed in the scientific literature. A punitive culture has fostered harsh punishments and incarceration without considerable effects on recidivism rates. At the same time, research has indicated that rehabilitative measures and treatment programs for offenders have positive effects on their reintegration into society and help to reduce recidivism rates. In the present study, the discourse surrounding recidivism in the New York Times and the New York Post is investigated with a corpus of 666,290 words. The analyses indicate that the New York Times encourages a discussion of rehabilitative measures and adopts a view of recidivism that highlights recidivists’ potential for change. The New York Post, on the other hand, takes a more conservative approach and adopts a more dire view of recidivists, considering recidivism as a character trait rather than an indicator for the relative success of rehabilitation programs.

Availability, storage, handling and administration of vaccines in community pharmacies: Southwest Nigeria as a case study

Background: Vaccines have been instrumental in thwarting the spread of infectious diseases and have been a major public health success. Community pharmacies are a critical resource for success of any immunization programme. However, pharmacists’ involvement in immunization programme in Nigeria has not been thoroughly investigated. This study assessed the involvement of pharmacists in immunization services.Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among community pharmacists, using a structured pre-tested questionnaire. The survey tool, which consisted of 72-item questions spread over five different domains, assessed vaccine availability in community pharmacies and pharmacist’s knowledge on vaccine. This (knowledge) addresses vaccine handling and administration as well as storage. The questionnaire was administered to selected community pharmacies by a combination of physical interview and electronic version through Google form link sent to pharmacist’s WhatsApp platform. Association between patients’ socio-demographics and some variables of interest was determined using Chi-square statistic.Result: One hundred and ninety-one (191) pharmacists responded to the questionnaire (99.5% response rate). About half, one hundred and three (53.93%) of the respondents were aged between 31 and 50 years. One hundred and twenty-nine (67.54%) of the pharmacists had B.Pharm degree as the highest level of education. There was a significant association between pharmacists’ age (χ2 = 30.5, p<0.01), years of experience (χ2 = 25.9, p<0.01), level of education (χ2 = 19.6, p<0.05) and knowledge on vaccine handling and administration. Also, significant association (p<0.01) existed between pharmacists’ age (χ2 = 45.1), years of experience (χ2 = 45.3), level of education (χ2 = 31.6) and knowledge of vaccine storage. Furthermore, there was a significant association (p<0.01) between being trained as a vaccine administrator and level of knowledge on vaccine storage (χ2 = 57.8) as well as handling and administration (χ2 = 45.2).Conclusion: Pharmacists’ level of education and training (as vaccine administrator) were key factors in pharmacists’ involvement in immunization care service.

Evaluation of knowledge and practice of pediatricians about Early Childhood Caries in Tehran, Iran

background: Despite efforts for improvement of oral health in the world during recent years, dental caries remained one of the most common chronic diseases in the childhood. One of the most important factors that can play a significant role in the success of oral health promotion programs is the adherence and collaboration of non dental staff of pediatric health providers such as pediatricians.
 Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate pediatricians' knowledge and practice regarding oral health and its related factors.
 Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study conducted in 2020, 90 pediatricians that were working in Tehran city participated. A newly designed valid and reliable questionnaire comprised of three sections of demographics (8 questions), knowledge (30 questions) and practice (8 questions) was provided to the participants. The knowledge questions consisted of five domains about primary teeth (8 questions), dental visits (3 questions), dental caries determinants (8 questions), eating habits (7 questions), and fluoride (4 questions). Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 22. The significance level was considered to be less than 0.05 (p < 0.05).
 Results: The participants (n=90) had an average age of 45.96 ± 9.75 years (ranged 30-76 years) and 60 percent of them were women. The mean of their knowledge score was 20.10 ±4.45 (out of a maximum 30) and for the practice, it was 15.51 ± 3.49 (out of a maximum 24). Receiving oral health training courses during education period was significantly associated with the higher knowledge of the physicians (r = 0.20, p = 0.04). Furthermore, interest in learning (r = 0.20, p = 0.04) and presence of dentists among their relatives and friends (r = 0.21, p = 0.03) were significantly related to better oral health practice of the studied pediatricians. There was no difference in pediatricians’ knowledge and practice according to age and gender.
 Conclusion: In general, the knowledge and practice of pediatricians about oral health and prevention of dental caries for their patients was not satisfactory. The associations between higher knowledge and practice with recieving the oral health training courses during education period, interest in learning and other motivations such as presence of a dentist among relatives, casts light on the importance of training such professional health staff to promote oral health in the childhood.

Private veterinarians' views of the Irish bovine TB eradication programme

There is limited understanding of Private Veterinary Practitioners' (PVPs) perceptions of, opinions about and attitudes towards the Irish Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) eradication programme. Understanding their attitudes and behaviors towards the bTB eradication programme is both timely and crucial as their actions have a great influence on the effectiveness and sustainability of the programme itself. To date, PVPs have been consulted about how they view their role in the programme, however, less is known about the challenges they face in carrying out good quality bTB testing, and how likely they feel the programme will succeed to eradicate bTB in the future. The results from this study represent a good part of the probable sphere of perceptions, behaviors, attitudes and knowledge of the respective study population and several key critical points that are believed to have hindered the success of the bTB eradication programme in Ireland to date. This study progressed our understanding of the reasons for why farmers are demotivated by and disconnected with the Irish bTB eradication programme according to PVPs, how PVPs feel challenged in their role carrying out bTB testing, and their views on how, if possible, bTB can be eradicated in the future. Their insights will influence how the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) interacts with PVPs and farmers in the future with respect to the bTB and the eradication programme.

Use of qualitative research in World Health Organisation guidelines: a document analysis

BackgroundGuidelines depend on effect estimates, usually derived from randomised controlled trials, to inform their decisions. Qualitative research evidence may improve decisions made but where in the process and the methods to do this have not been so clearly established. We sought to describe and appraise how qualitative research has been used to inform World Heath Organization guidance since 2020.MethodsWe conducted a document analysis of WHO guidelines from 2020 to 2022. We purposely sampled guidelines on the topics of maternal and newborn health (MANH) and infectious diseases, as most of the qualitative synthesis to date has been conducted on these topics, likely representing the ‘best case’ scenario. We searched the in-built repository feature of the WHO website and used standardised search terms to identify qualitative reporting. Using deductive frameworks, we described how qualitative evidence was used to inform guidelines and appraised the standards of this use.ResultsOf the 29 guidelines, over half used qualitative research to help guide decisions (18/29). A total of 8 of these used qualitative research to inform the guideline scope, all 18 to inform recommendations, and 1 to inform implementation considerations. All guidelines drew on qualitative evidence syntheses (QES), and five further supplemented this with primary qualitative research. Qualitative findings reported in guidelines were typically descriptive, identifying people’s perception of the benefits and harms of interventions or logistical barriers and facilitators to programme success. No guideline provided transparent reporting of how qualitative research was interpreted and weighed used alongside other evidence when informing decisions, and only one guideline reported the inclusion of qualitative methods experts on the panel. Only a few guidelines contextualised their recommendations by indicating which populations and settings qualitative findings could be applied.ConclusionsQualitative research frequently informed WHO guideline decisions particularly in the field of MANH. However, the process often lacked transparency. We identified unmet potential in informing implementation considerations and contextualisation of the recommendations. Use in these areas needs further methods development.

Effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Rock Phosphate on Growth, Physiology, and Biochemistry of Carob under Water Stress and after Rehydration in Vermicompost-Amended Soil.

In the Mediterranean region, reforestation programs record failures following successive drought periods. The use of different plant-growth-promoting amendments and the understanding of drought-induced physiological and biochemical responses of carob will contribute to the reforestation program's success. In this study, the effects of arbuscular-mycorrhizal-fungi (AMF), vermicompost (VC), and rock phosphate (RP) on carob seedlings under drought stress (DS) and recovery (REC) conditions were evaluated. A greenhouse experiment was conducted with carob seedlings grown in the presence of AMF, VC, and RP, applied alone or in combination under well-watered (WW), DS (by stopping irrigation for 12 days), and recovery (REC) conditions. The obtained results indicated that the triple combination (AMF + VC + RP) presented the highest improvement in water potential, photosynthetic pigment content, stomatal conductance, and chlorophyll fluorescence compared to the controls under DS and after REC. In addition, this combination resulted in improved tolerance of carob seedlings to DS and a high potential for rapid recovery after rehydration due to a high accumulation of sugars, proteins, and antioxidant enzymes. In summary, the results underline the importance of inoculating carob with AMF in combination with (in)-organic amendments in improving its tolerance to DS and its recovery performances.

ANALISA DATA MINING DALAM MEMPREDIKSI MASYARAKAT KURANG MAMPU MENGGUNAKAN METODE K-NEAREST NEIGHBOR

Poverty is one of the fundamental issues that is center of attention of the government in a country. One important aspect to support the poverty reduction strategi is the availability of accurate and targeted poverty data. One of the main problems that often hinders the success of these government programs is the availability of appropriate data on the targeting of the poor. This study aims to design an application than can predict the poor using the K-Nearest Neighbor Algorithm with the five main indicators being the type of work, number of dependents, age income and condition of the household head of the family. This prediction provides data on poor families that are suitable for receiving various assistance from the government. The data used for predictions are sample data from Pegasing District. In this study, the K-NN Algorithm was analyzed which was developed based on the web. The working principle of K-Nearest Neighbor is to find the shortest distance between the evaluated data and training data. The results of the evaluation using the confusion matrix obtained the resulting accuracy for 216 training data with 93 testing data with a ratio of 70:30 and five attributes used produced an accuracy of 86,02%, Recall 61,90%, Precision 72,22%, and F1-Score 66,04%.

Introduction to Special Issue on Remembering the 50th Anniversary of the ACJS Working Group on Criminal Justice Education Standards: The Past, Present and Future of CCJ Education

This Special Issue to remember the 50th Anniversary of ACJS Working Group on Criminal Justice Education Standards presents an array of different perspectives and views on Criminology and Criminal Justice (CCJ) education. It focuses on the past, present, and future of CCJ education, ACJS Program Endorsement, Certification, and Accreditation. The contributors emphasize that CCJ educational standards are vital to the success of CCJ programs and to provide students with a high quality of education. The authors in the Special Issue are leading experts in CCJ education.

Can Pedagogical Models Promote Students’ Basic Psychological Needs in Physical Education? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ABSTRACT The Self-Determination Theory argues that individuals are optimally motivated when their three Basic Psychological Needs (BPNs) are satisfied, which can be influenced by the learning environment created by the teachers. Student-centered frameworks are permeating worldwide. Thus, the study aimed to evaluate the effects of pedagogical models-based interventions in the promotion of students’ BPNs. Four databases were searched, and twenty-five articles were retrieved. It was found that most programs had a positive impact on the students’ BPNs, but they also uncovered interventions with no effects and a few with mixed results. The present review provides information not only to understand the effects of pedagogical models on the students’ BPNs, but also to recognize the elements that could increase the success of future intervention programs.

Farmer perspectives on desired catfish attributes in aquaculture systems in Nigeria. An exploratory focus group study

As a first step to determine the focus of potential genetic improvement programs for African catfish in Nigeria, we conducted a study to identify the preferred attributes among catfish producers across three states renowned for aquaculture production, in December 2022. Employing a qualitative approach, data were collected through 11 focus group discussions involving 123 participants. The findings indicate that farmers prioritize a range of catfish attributes related to both consumption and production. The top five production-related attributes identified by farmers include stress tolerance, disease resistance, fast growth, robustness, and high survival rates. For consumption-related attributes, preferences were for large, long, heavy catfish, with abundant flesh and thickness. Notably, the prioritization of these attributes varied among catfish farmers both between and within states, reflecting diverse farming objectives and market dynamics. Future research is essential to define precise objectives and scope for selective breeding program design, considering the investment necessary for the success of such programs and how they can accommodate the diverse preferences identified.

Using theory knitting to conceptualize social phenomena in the design and evaluation of dance programs for people living with Parkinson’s disease

Dance programs for people living with Parkinson’s disease (PwPD) offer participants an opportunity to exercise, engage in artistic self-expression, and form new relationships. While it is understood that the social dimension of dance programs for PwPD contributes to dancer satisfaction and program sustainability, the social mechanisms instrumental to program success are under-examined. Engaging with theory from wider disciplines, or “theory knitting” can help program designers and evaluators examine the mechanisms and contextual factors that make classes socially meaningful with greater detail and specificity. This study identified and examined three theoretical frameworks that program planners and evaluators could use to conceptualize social engagement in dance for PwPD contexts and inform practice. Each theory was assessed for fit using the T-CaST theory comparison and selection tool developed by Birken et al. (2018). As an example, we used anthropologist Victor Turner’s (1970; 1977) theory of liminality and communitas to identify five key areas for fostering a sense of social connection in dance for PwPD contexts: (1) selecting a meaningful dance space (2) creating a joyous atmosphere (3) marking entrance into the liminal time and space with rituals (4) embodying liminality and anti-structure and (5) inverting power relations and embracing fluid roles.

Evaluating Local Government Policy Innovations: A Case Study of Surabaya's Efforts in Combating Stunting and Enhancing Public Health Services Quality

This research aims to evaluate regional innovations in implementing Surabaya City government policies to reduce stunting rates and improve the quality of public health services. A qualitative descriptive method was used with a case study approach involving field observations and structured interviews. The research results show the success of Posyandu Prima in reducing stunting rates significantly in the last two years. The Surabaya City Government has proven effective in managing this program's human resources and budget. The active involvement of Great Surabaya Cadres (KSH) and non-governmental organizations also contributed greatly to the program's success. Cross-sector collaboration plays an important role in supporting implementation. Institutional characteristics, such as commitment to public health and ability to collaborate, also matter. Theoretically, this research shows that synergy between the parties involved and government commitment can achieve significant results in handling the stunting problem. In conclusion, the Prima Posyandu Program has proven successful in reducing stunting rates and improving the quality of public health services in Surabaya. Additionally, the collaborative efforts between community stakeholders, healthcare providers, and governmental bodies underscore the crucial role of multi-sectoral partnerships in addressing complex public health issues like stunting. This synergy fosters comprehensive approaches that combine local knowledge, resources, and policy support to effectively combat stunting and enhance the well-being of communities. Thus, the Prima Posyandu Program's success is a compelling example of how concerted action and sustained commitment can yield tangible improvements in population health outcomes.

A Qualitative Study of Preschool Children's Perspectives on an Oral Health Promotion Program in New South Wales, Australia.

In Australia, dental caries are observed in almost half of children starting school. Oral health promotion programs are being implemented in early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings to promote oral health. This study examined children's perceptions of one such program, the Bright Smiles Bright Futures (BSBF) program in ECEC settings in New South Wales, Australia. Data were collected using focus group discussions from 15 children aged 3-5 years, transcribed verbatim, and analysed through inductive thematic analysis. Three themes were identified as follows: (i) oral health knowledge of children, (ii) oral hygiene practices routine and skills development, and (iii) evaluation of the oral health promotion kit and opportunities for improvement. Children's perspectives highlight the BSBF program's success in communicating key messages to promote oral health. The integration of family-centric approaches, acknowledgement of children's preferences, and the use of interactive tools collectively enhance the overall effectiveness of the oral health promotion program.