Successful Program Research Articles

Academic Stress Interventions in High Schools: A Systematic Literature Review.

The experience of academic stress is common during high school and can have significant negative consequences for students' educational achievement and wellbeing. High school students frequently report heightened levels of school-related distress, particularly as they approach high-stakes assessments. Programs designed to reduce or prevent academic stress are needed, and their delivery in school settings is ideal to improve treatment access. The current review aimed to examine the effectiveness of high school-based programs in reducing or preventing academic stress. A systematic search returned 31 eligible studies across 13 countries. Programs were categorised according to intervention type, format, and facilitator. Results showed that the methodological quality of most studies was poor, and many used an inactive control group. As predicted by theories of academic stress, the strongest evidence was for programs grounded in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). There was evidence that both universal and targeted approaches can be beneficial. The unique implementation issues for these two formats are discussed. Most programs were delivered by psychologists and were generally effective, but almost all of these were CBT programs. A smaller proportion of programs delivered by teachers were effective. Therefore, future studies should evaluate the implementation success of programs to improve the rate of effective delivery by school staff. Overall, the field will benefit from more randomised controlled trials with comparisons to active control groups, larger sample sizes and longer-term follow-ups.

Factors contributing towards effective maritime simulator training: a systematic literature review

ABSTRACT Training is essential in every industry, and the maritime industry is no exception. Effective training plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of maritime operations. The current study is a systematic literature review examining the factors contributing to effective maritime simulator training. The study identifies key factors that influence the success of simulator training programs, including the quality of training materials, the competency of trainers, the use of realistic scenarios, and the frequency of training sessions. Other important factors include the use of feedback mechanisms, the integration of new technologies, and the inclusion of human factors in the training curriculum. Considering all these factors, the study highlights the need for a comprehensive and integrated approach to maritime simulator training. It also suggests that using advanced simulation technologies, such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence, can enhance the effectiveness of simulator training programs. Overall, this systematic literature review provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to effective maritime simulator training and offers recommendations for improving the design and implementation of such programs.

The irreconcilability of insight

We are said to experience insight when we suddenly and unexpectedly become aware of the solution to a problem that we previously took ourselves to be unable to solve. In the field of comparative cognition, there is rising interest in the question of whether non-human animals are capable of insightful problem-solving. Putative cases of animals demonstrating insight have generally attracted two types of criticism: first, that insight is being conflated with other cognitive capacities (e.g., causal cognition, or mental trial and error); and, second, that the relevant performances merely reflect associative learning—and on the received understanding of insight within comparative cognition, insight necessarily involves non-associative processes. I argue that even if we grant that some cases of animal insight do withstand these two criticisms, these cases of purported animal insight cannot shed light on the nature of insightful problem-solving in humans. For the phenomenon studied by cognitive psychologists under the heading of insight is fundamentally different from that studied in comparative cognition. In light of this impasse, I argue that the reinterpretation of the extant research on animal insight in terms of other high-level cognitive capacities (means-end reasoning in particular) can improve the prospect of a successful comparative research program.

Influence of Leadership Style on TQM Implementation in Champions Breweries, PLC, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

This study examined the influence of leadership style on Total Quality Management (TQM) implementation effectiveness at Champions Breweries in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Successful TQM adoption relies on leadership approaches that empower employees and catalyse engagement in continuous improvement. However, research shows authoritarian leadership styles focused on control remain prevalent in Nigerian firms, potentially hindering quality management. However, only some studies have quantitatively assessed the linkage between leadership style and TQM success in the Nigerian context. This study, addressed this gap by investigating whether Champions Breweries' leadership style impacted the effectiveness of TQM implementation. Quantitative survey methodology, gathered data from 218 employees on perceptions of leadership behaviours and TQM programme success. Descriptive statistics, revealed that an authoritarian leadership style, characterised by top-down decision-making, command-and-control behaviours, and limited employee empowerment prevailed. ANOVA results demonstrated a significant relationship between this authoritarian leadership style and reduced TQM implementation success. The findings align with studies showing that authoritative approaches focused on control rather than empowerment undermine quality management through reduced engagement and initiative-taking. To strengthen TQM outcomes, Champions Breweries should implement leadership training focused on participative management skills, decentralise organisational structure, and align talent management systems, to participative leadership. The study, provides empirical evidence that leadership style significantly impacts TQM success in Nigerian firms. Evolving from authoritarian paradigms is essential to build cultures of quality, which should be predicted on leadership training, reform performance management and rewards system amongst other as some of the recommendation.

Development of Male Soccer Training Model for Primary School Students in Guangzhou City

Background and Aim: Chinese soccer is progressing towards a more organized league structure, with relatively mature standardized systems, institutional models, and market operational mechanisms in place. However, upon closer examination, it's evident that there are still many issues and contradictions within Chinese soccer. This research aims to develop a male soccer training model for primary school students in Guangzhou city. Materials and Methods: This research is survey research. The research involves the following participants: (1) 7 coaches and 70 student athletes from primary school soccer teams, professional soccer clubs, and amateur sports school soccer classes in Guangzhou city, who participated in the questionnaire survey; (2) 7 experts engaged in discussions on the current state of male soccer reserve talent development through interviews; (3) 19 experts involved in the Delphi consensus process to develop the male soccer training model for primary school students in Guangzhou City; (4) 9 experts participating in connoisseurship to confirm the male soccer training model. The consensus data obtained from the study underwent analysis utilizing the median and interquartile range. The analysis criteria were established with a median threshold of ≥ 3.50 and an interquartile range constraint of ≤ 1.50. Results: Based on POLC management principles the factors for developing a male soccer training model for primary school students were divided into four aspects as follows: (1) Planning, which consists of 7 factors; (2) Organizing, which consists of 8 factors; (3) Leading, it consists of 9 factors; and (4) Controlling, it consists of 9 factors. Conclusion: This model grounded in the POLC management principles, aims to provide a framework for the effective and sustainable development of the male soccer training model for primary school students in Guangzhou City. Regular reviews and adaptations in line with these principles will contribute to the program's success in nurturing young talents in both soccer and personal development.

Influence of climate-smart technologies on the success of livestock donation programs for smallholder farmers in Rwanda

Climate change threatens the livelihoods of Sub-Saharan African farmers through increased droughts. Livestock donation programs offer a potential solution, but their effectiveness under climate stress remains unclear. This study assesses the economic viability of integrating climate-smart technologies (cowsheds and biogas plants) into these programs in Rwanda. Using a stochastic benefit–cost analysis from the beneficiary perspective, we evaluate the net gains for households receiving heifers compared to the current program. Our findings reveal that integrating climate-smart technologies significantly enhances economic viability. Households with cows and climate-smart technologies can possibly realise net benefits 3.5 times higher than the current program, with benefit–cost ratios reaching 5:1. Beyond economic benefits, adopting biogas reduces deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and respiratory illness risks. This study demonstrates that integrating climate-smart technologies into livestock donation programs can generate positive economic, environmental, and health benefits, leading to more resilient and sustainable smallholder systems. However, overcoming implementation challenges requires tailored policy packages addressing local barriers.

Operating room technologists' knowledge, attitude, and preparedness for disaster management of a Zahedan: Implications for nursing disaster education.

During the occurrence of accidents and disasters, the role of hospitals and healthcare centers is very sensitive and they are among the first units that with their quick, optimal, and timely healthcare services provision can reduce mortality and increase the number of survivors. For this purpose, this study was conducted to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and level of preparedness of operating room technologists of educational hospitals of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences in relation to disasters. The present research is a cross-sectional descriptive study that was conducted with the participation of 60 operating room technologists of Zahedan educational hospitals from January 2022 to December 2022. The sampling was performed by the census method. The data collection tool was a demographic characteristic and a researcher-made questionnaire for the assessment of attitude, knowledge, and preparation against the occurrences of accidents and disasters was completed during 2 months by referring the researcher to the hospitals. For the data analysis, descriptive statistics and analytical statistical tests were used. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26. Corp., Armonk, NY, USA. The significance level was considered P < 0.05. The results showed that the average scores of attitude, preparation, and knowledge are 9.3 ± 6.1, 75.8 ± 9.9, and 5.7 ± 4.1, respectively, and the majority of operating room technologists have a favorable level towards attitude and have relatively favorable level towards preparation and knowledge during the occurrence of disasters. The average score of knowledge and attitude of operating room technologists with work history had a significant difference from each other (P < 0.05). technologists with less work experience have more knowledge and a more positive attitudedisaster. Measuring the level of knowledge, attitude, and preparedness of surgical technologists to deal with disasters as one of the ways of receiving feedback from employee training can be a useful reflection of the success of training programs in creating the necessary capabilities in various fields of disaster preparedness, and it can be a powerful tool for increasing individual and group dynamics and organizing individual learning in coping training. Furthermore, disaster education should be incorporated into the operating room curriculum, which would play a seminal role in preparing them for future disaster management. It is also suggested to investigate the impact of intelligent training on the level of knowledge, attitude, and preparation of operating room personnel regarding disasters and obstacles in this regard in future research.

An Overview of Various Rifampicin Analogs against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and their Drug Interactions.

The success of the TB control program is hampered by the major issue of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB). The situation has undoubtedly been made more difficult by the widespread and multidrug-resistant (XDR) strains of TB. The modification of existing anti-TB medications to produce derivatives that can function on resistant TB bacilli is one of the potential techniques to overcome drug resistance affordably and straightforwardly. In comparison to novel pharmaceuticals for drug research and progress, these may have a better half-life and greater bioavailability, be more efficient, and serve as inexpensive alternatives. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is drugsusceptible or drug-resistant, is effectively treated by several already prescribed medications and their derivatives. Due to this, the current review attempts to give a brief overview of the rifampicin derivatives that can overcome the parent drug's resistance and could, hence, act as useful substitutes. It has been found that one-third of the global population is affected by M. tuberculosis. The most common cause of infection-related death can range from latent TB to TB illness. Antibiotics in the rifamycin class, including rifampicin or rifampin (RIF), rifapentine (RPT), and others, have a special sterilizing effect on M. tuberculosis. We examine research focused on evaluating the safety, effectiveness, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, risk of medication interactions, and other characteristics of RIF analogs. Drug interactions are especially difficult with RIF because it must be taken every day for four months to treat latent TB infection. RIF continues to be the gold standard of treatment for drug-sensitive TB illness. RIF's safety profile is well known, and the two medicines' adverse reactions have varying degrees of frequency. The authorized once-weekly RPT regimen is insufficient, but greater dosages of either medication may reduce the amount of time needed to treat TB effectively.

Silhouette showcards confirm altered obesity-associated body image perception in international cohort study of African-origin populations

ObjectivesGiven the increasing prevalence of obesity and need for effective interventions, there is a growing interest in understanding how an individual’s body image can inform obesity prevention and management. This...

The Significance of Disseminating Sexual Education Among Adolescents in China

In China, most adolescents do not have access to formal sexual and reproductive health education and services. This essay delves into the critical role of sexual education in enhancing the well-being of Chinese adolescents. The exploration begins by addressing the evolving cultural concepts surrounding sexuality in China, challenging traditional norms influenced by Confucianism. Subsequently, it underscores the significance of sexual education in mitigating health risks, offering insights into successful international programs as potential models. The discussion extends to the pivotal role of comprehensive sex education in promoting gender equality, combating discrimination against sexual and gender minorities, and addressing issues of consent. Despite the recognized importance of sexual education, challenges persist in its implementation, primarily due to resistance and personal biases from educators and policymakers. The essay concludes by proposing effective strategies to overcome these challenges, emphasizing the role of higher education, gender science, and decolonizing education in shaping a more inclusive and informed approach to sexual health among Chinese adolescents.

The Marginal Disutility from Corruption in Social Programs: Evidence from Program Administrators and Beneficiaries

Concerns about fraud in welfare programs are common arguments worldwide against such programs. We conducted a survey experiment with over 28,000 welfare program administrators and over 19,000 beneficiaries in Indonesia to elicit the “marginal disutility from corruption”—the trade-off between more generous social assistance and losses due to corruption. Merely mentioning corruption reduced perceived program success, equivalent to distributing more than 26 percentage points less aid. However, respondents were not sensitive to the amount of corruption—respondents were willing to trade off $2 of additional losses for an additional $1 distributed to beneficiaries. Program administrators and beneficiaries had similar assessments. (JEL D73, H53, I32, I38, O15, O17)

The use of social simulation modelling to understand adherence to diabetic retinopathy screening programs

The success of screening programs depends to a large extent on the adherence of the target population, so it is therefore of fundamental importance to develop computer simulation models that make it possible to understand the factors that correlate with this adherence, as well as to identify population groups with low adherence to define public health strategies that promote behavioral change. Our aim is to demonstrate that it is possible to simulate screening adherence behavior using computer simulations. Three versions of an agent-based model are presented using different methods to determine the agent’s individual decision to adhere to screening: (a) logistic regression; (b) fuzzy logic components and (c) a combination of the previous. All versions were based on real data from 271,867 calls for diabetic retinopathy screening. The results obtained are statistically very close to the real ones, which allows us to conclude that despite having a high degree of abstraction from the real data, the simulations are very valid and useful as a tool to support decisions in health planning, while evaluating multiple scenarios and accounting for emergent behavior.

Congenital Cytomegalovirus Testing Outcomes From the ValEAR Trial.

To determine the positivity rate of congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) testing among universal, hearing-targeted CMV testing (HT-cCMV) and delayed targeted dried blood spot (DBS) testingnewborn screening programs, and to examine the characteristics of successful HT-cCMV testing programs. Prospective survey of birth hospitals performing early CMV testing. Multiple institutions. Birth hospitals participating in the National Institutes of Health ValEAR clinical trial were surveyed to determine the rates of cCMV positivity associated with 3 different testing approaches: universal testing, HT-cCMV, and DBS testing. A mixed methods model was created to determine associations between successful HT-cCMV screening and specific screening protocols. Eighty-two birth hospitals were surveyed from February 2019 to December 2021. Seven thousand six hundred seventy infants underwent universal screening, 9017 infants HT-cCMV and 535 infants delayed DBS testing. The rates of cCMV positivity were 0.5%, 1.5%, and 7.3%, respectively. The positivity rate for universal CMV screening was less during the COVID-19 pandemic than that reported prior to the pandemic. There were no statistically significant drops in positivity for any approach during the pandemic. For HT-cCMV testing, unique order sets and rigorous posttesting protocols were associated with successful screening programs. Rates of cCMV positivity differed among the 3 approaches. The rates are comparable to cohort studies reported in the literature. Universal CMV prevalence decreased during the pandemic but not significantly. Institutions with specific order set for CMV testing where the primary care physician orders the test and the nurse facilitates the testing process exhibited higher rates of HT-cCMV testing.

Community development programs in Rural Africa: An effectiveness review

Community Development Programs (CDPs) play a pivotal role in fostering positive change and sustainable development in rural Africa. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the effectiveness of such programs, shedding light on their impact, challenges, and potential avenues for improvement. In recent decades, numerous CDPs have been implemented across rural Africa, aiming to address a myriad of socio-economic challenges faced by local communities. These programs typically encompass a range of initiatives, including infrastructure development, healthcare services, education, and livelihood improvement. The overarching goal is to empower communities, enhance their resilience, and foster long-term growth. The effectiveness of CDPs in rural Africa is a multifaceted subject, influenced by various factors. One key aspect is the context-specific nature of each community, necessitating tailored approaches that consider local cultures, traditions, and needs. Successful programs often demonstrate a deep understanding of these contextual nuances, fostering community engagement and ownership. While some CDPs have shown remarkable success in achieving their intended outcomes, challenges persist. Limited financial resources, inadequate infrastructure, and political instability can hinder the implementation of these programs. Additionally, the top-down approach adopted by some initiatives may result in a lack of community participation and, consequently, suboptimal outcomes. It is imperative to adopt a participatory and inclusive approach that involves local stakeholders in the decision-making process, ensuring sustainability and long-term impact. This review also highlights the importance of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms in assessing the effectiveness of CDPs. Rigorous data collection and analysis are essential for understanding the real impact of these programs on key indicators such as poverty reduction, healthcare access, and educational attainment. In conclusion, while Community Development Programs have made significant strides in rural Africa, there is room for improvement. Tailoring interventions to the specific needs of each community, fostering community participation, and implementing robust monitoring and evaluation processes are crucial steps toward enhancing the effectiveness of these programs. The findings of this review contribute to the ongoing discourse on community development in rural Africa, providing insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers alike.

Private Sector Engagement in Healthcare Delivery in Developing Countries: A Review

Private sector engagement is crucial for the success of health programs, as it brings in additional resources, expertise, and innovation. The main objective of this review is to understand private sector engagement in healthcare delivery. A descriptive case study design using an analytical framework was used. Literature from well-researched articles were examined. Findings demonstrated an in-depth understanding of the challenges faced by healthcare delivery in developing countries, types, contextual factors, challenges, and solutions of private sector engagement were the key elements that influenced the delivery of healthcare services, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The main contribution of this work is to provide information on private sector engagement and identify gaps that require further inquiry to enhance health systems through strengthened public-private engagements. This information from the study is important to policymakers, private sector actors, researchers, and decision makers to enhance private sector engagement for the sustainability of health programs.

The Influence of Human Connections and Collaboration on Research Grant Success at Various Career Stages: Regression Analysis.

Documenting the grant acquisition characteristics of a highly selective group of researchers could provide insights into the research and faculty development of talented individuals, and the insights gained to foster such researchers will help university management strengthen their research capacity. This study examines the role of human connections in the success of biomedical researchers in Japanese universities. This study used grant data from the Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (GIA) program, the largest competitive research funding program in Japan, to collect information on projects and their implementation systems obtained throughout the participants' careers. Grant success was measured by the number and amounts of the awards obtained while participants occupied the role of principal investigator. Human connections were quantified by the number of projects in which the participants took part as members and were classified by their relationship with the project leader. Data were matched with information on career history, publication performance, and experience of the participants with government-funded programs apart from GIA and were analyzed using univariate and multivariate regression analyses. Early-career interpersonal relationships, as measured using the h-index value of the researchers who provided the participants with their initial experience as project members, had a positive effect on grant success. The experience of contributing to prestigious research programs led by top researchers dramatically increased the cumulative amount of GIA awards received by the participants over time. Univariate logistic regression analyses revealed that more interactions with upper-level researchers resulted in fewer acquisitions of large programs (odds ratio [OR] 0.67, 95% CI 0.50-0.89). Collaboration with peers increased the success rate of ≥2 research grants in large programs in situations in which both the participant and project leader were professors (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.06-1.26). Tracking the process of research development, we found that collaboration during the periods of 10 to 14 years and 15 to 19 years after completing a doctorate degree determined the size of the project that the participant would obtain-interactions with peer researchers and subordinates during the 10- to 14-year postdegree period had positive effects on ≥2 large-program acquisitions (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.09-2.09 and OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.10-1.57, respectively), whereas interactions with subordinates during the 15- to 19-year postdegree period also had positive effects (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.25-1.07). Furthermore, relationships that remained narrowly focused resulted in limited grant success for small programs. Human networking is important for improving an individual's ability to obtain external funding. The results emphasize the importance of having a high-h-indexed collaborator to obtain quality information early in one's career; working with diverse, nonsupervisory personnel at the midcareer stage; and engaging in synergistic collaborations upon establishing a research area in which one can take more initiatives.

Investigating the Impact of IMF Programs on the Bank of Ghana and the Ghanaian Economy

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has played a pivotal role in shaping the economic policies of developing countries, including Ghana. This study aims to investigate the impact of IMF programs on the performance of the Bank of Ghana and the Ghanaian economy. Employing a quantitative research design, the study utilizes secondary data from reputable sources such as the World Bank, IMF, and the Bank of Ghana. Regression analysis is conducted to establish the relationship between IMF programs and the performance of the Bank of Ghana, as well as their impact on the overall Ghanaian economy. The findings of this study will significantly contribute to our understanding of the effectiveness of IMF programs not only in Ghana but also in other developing countries. Moreover, it will offer valuable insights into the key factors influencing the success of IMF programs in shaping the Ghanaian economy and the performance of the Bank of Ghana. Additionally, practical recommendations will be provided for policymakers, the Bank of Ghana, and other stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of IMF programs in Ghana.

Parental vaccine hesitancy and acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine: An internet-based survey in the US and five Asian countries.

COVID-19 vaccination rates for children globally are relatively low. This study aimed to investigate parental vaccine hesitancy and parents' acceptance of a COVID-19 for their children for their children in the United States, China, Taiwan, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia.We analyzed data from an opt-in, internet-based cross-sectional study (n = 23,940). Parents were asked about their acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine for their children, and if they would accept the vaccine with different risk and effectiveness profiles for themselves. Poisson regression was used to generate prevalence ratios (PR) of the relationship between vaccine acceptance for a child and vaccine profile, by country and waves and overall. Between August 2020 and June 2021, COVID-19 vaccine acceptance for children decreased in the United States (89% to 72%) and Taiwan (79% to 71%), increased in India (91% to 96%) and Malaysia (81% to 91%), and was stable in Indonesia (86%) and China (at 87%-90%). Vaccine risk and effectiveness profiles did not consistently affect parent's acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine for their children. Instead, being not hesitant was a large driver of vaccine acceptance (PR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.14, 1.36). Adolescent COVID-19 vaccination have already been established in many high and middle-income countries, but our study suggests that there is a movement of vaccine hesitancy which could impede the success of future pediatric and adolescent COVID-19 vaccination programs.

Exit Site Care in Peritoneal Dialysis: Silver as a Possible Strategy?

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a well-tolerated home renal replacement therapy for patients with end-stage renal disease. One of the critical points for the success of a PD program is the care of the peritoneal catheter and the exit site. A target for the incidence of infections/year should not exceed 0,40. The aim of the study was to observe whether our exit-site cleansing and dressing method, which involves the application of silver-releasing dressing may be associated with a reduction in the incidence of exit-site infections compared to the data reported in the literature. The data of 51 patients attending the Peritoneal Dialysis DH of the AOU Federico II in Naples in the period between July 2021 and September 2023 were analyzed. Overall, 27670 catheter days were analyzed with an average incidence of 0.23 infections/year/patient. The average incidence (0.23) is lower than the target suggested by the ISPD (0.4 infections/year/patient) and the average estimated in the USA (0.5-0.6 infections/year/patient). The average incidence from 2021 to 2023, equal to 0.23 episodes/year/patient, is therefore lower than the incidence of 2014-2015 (0.38 episodes/year/patient), a two-year period in which we did not use dressings with silver Exit-Pad. The use of Exit-Pad silver ion-releasing dressings Ag may further hinder the development of such infections by reducing the failure of peritoneal treatment and the transition to hemodialysis.

Navigating the New Normal: Exploring How School Principal Roles Impact Teacher Competency Enhancement

In the new normal, the education world is changing to be more challenging and interesting, including exploring the principal's role and improving the competence of teachers. This article aims to explain the principal's role relationship in improving the competence of teachers in the era of a new normal situation. In this study, we administered and collected data in three vocational schools (SMK). The data were obtained from 40 participants using the semi-structured interview, descriptive data analysis, and Chi-square analysis. The results found that the role of the principal reached 50% both as an educator and a school manager. In addition, it also increases the competence of teachers by around 40% less in the academic aspect and professional achievement to enter the era of the new normal. The chi-square analyzed the hypothesis that showed a significant relationship between the principal's role and the improvement of teachers' competence. It confirmed that the principal's role directly related to or affected the improvement of teachers' competence. In conclusion, the integration of both the principal roles and the improvement of teacher competence affect the educational program's success in the new normal situation.