Successful Transition Research Articles

Practical tips for a fast and successful transition to an online curriculum.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the following lockdown forced educational institutions to transform their face-to-face curriculum into an online programme in a matter of weeks. In this article, we present 12 tips for a successful transition based on the challenges that we faced in the Bachelor of Medicine at Amsterdam Medical Centre. These tips are divided in four main themes: infrastructure, faculty development, student engagement, and teaching activities. The Community of Inquiry model is used as backbone in all tips, since the three elements, teaching presence, social presence, and cognitive presence are essential factors in effective online education. These tips can be useful for everyone who wants to implement online education in their curriculum, whether borne out of necessity or by design.

Exploring the role of high-value crops to reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions in New Zealand

This study explores the potential benefits of transitioning from livestock farming to high-value alternative crops as a strategy for mitigating agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in New Zealand. The government has set ambitious targets for reducing methane (CH4) emissions. However, since animal product exports play a crucial role in New Zealand’s economy, any shift in land use will have significant impacts on both the regional and national economy. We developed a GIS framework that integrated (i) growing requirements, (ii) GHG emissions and (iii) profitability for crops. Analysis of export market opportunities identified twelve high-value “alternative crops”. Availability of suitable land for crop expansion was not a limiting factor. Working with the Ministry for Primary Industries, we explored how land use change scenarios contributed to Government 2050 biogenic CH4 emission reduction targets. Doubling the area of alternative crops (a 195,000-ha increase) by reallocating land from livestock farming resulted in reducing biogenic CH4 emissions by 1.2 to 5.4% (0.35 to 1.57 Mt CO2-e) compared to 2017 baseline values, contributing to between 2.6 and 22.5% of the 2050 CH4 reduction targets, simultaneously increasing profitability by $NZ1.25 to 1.32 billion annually. While this approach demonstrates potential benefits of land use change, a deeper understanding of the complexity of land use decision-making is required to enable successful transitions. Addressing barriers to change requires collaborative efforts from land users, researchers and policy makers.

EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS FOR WAR VETERANS AND MEMBERS OF THEIR FAMILIES: ENSURING SUCCESSFUL INTEGRATION INTO UKRAINIAN SOCIETY

The author researched and conducted an analysis that points to the critical importance of developing and implementing effective integration programs for veterans aimed at ensuring their successful transition to civilian life and active participation in society. Aspects including education, professional development, work opportunities, social integration, psychological support and assistance to families are clarified, systematized and analyzed as components of a large and interconnected system. It has been determined that an individualized and flexible approach is critical to the successful integration of veterans, taking into account their unique needs and experiences. It is noted that systemic solutions, especially the involvement of different sectors of society, are seen as successful and adaptive responses to the complex tasks and challenges faced by veterans. The research is substantiated, supporting the need for continuous improvement and adaptation of integration programs to the rapid changes in today's world. The relevance and necessity of developing and implementing comprehensive programs for veterans, which take into account their unique needs and promote full integration into society, are emphasized.

A scoping review of the research evidence of the developmental assets model in Europe.

Positive Youth Development (PYD) is a strength-based perspective that focuses on the resources to promote a successful transition to adulthood, derived from the Relational Developmental Systems theory. In this line, the Developmental Assets (DA) model focuses on describing the personal resources (Internal Assets) and contextual resources (External Assets) that help to reach PYD. Most research from this approach has been carried out in United States and, to a lesser extent, in the European continent. The aim of this scoping review was to examine the evidence collected for the DA model in Europe. Web of Science database was used to search for articles published between 2013 and February 2024. Initially, there were 55 possible articles to be included, but after applying the exclusion criteria, this number was reduced to 11. The findings suggested that the evidence for DA in Europe was in line with North American research, so that a higher presence of DA was related to higher well-being, better psychological adjustment, and lower risk behaviors. Internal Assets were the most influential assets, with the Positive Identity category being especially remarkable. Commitment to Learning and Social Competencies were also highlighted in the studies included in the review. Concerning External Assets, Positive Boundaries-expectations and Empowerment were emphasized as protective factors in youth development. These assets were found to present a protective effect against risk behaviors and were positively associated with PYD and socioemotional skills. Thus, these findings support the applicability of the DA framework in promoting PYD in European context, and some intervention strategies are discussed considering cultural diversity.

TRACING THE TRAJECTORY: A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF HISTORY EDUCATION TEACHER TRAINEES' CAREER PATHS

This study investigates the career trajectories of history education teacher trainees, aiming to understand their professional paths and factors influencing their choices. The study objectives aim to analyze the factors shaping the careers and paths of history education trainees. Researcher employed the synthesis research method to integrate findings from various studies to generate new insights and perspectives on the career paths of history education teacher trainees. Findings highlight the significance of mentorship, professional development opportunities, and the role of teaching philosophies in shaping the career trajectories of history education teacher trainees. The study underscores the need for tailored support mechanisms to facilitate successful transitions into the teaching profession and promote long-term retention among educators.

Effect of chewing gum in bowel preparation for patients undergoing small bowel and colon capsule endoscopy: Systematic review with meta-analysis.

Background and study aims Quality of bowel preparation and successful transit are critical factors for complete small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) and colon capsule endoscopy (CCE). The aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to assess the impact of chewing gum as part of the bowel preparation regimen on the completion rate in both SBCE and CCE. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science and Embase. Data were extracted upon quality assessment of included studies. Two reviewers conducted the screening process according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis. Eighty-four studies met the search criteria and four randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis, these were assessed for bias using Minors. Pooled completion rate of SBCE studies was defined as the primary outcome. Results Three randomized controlled trials were SBCE studies and one was a CCE study. The pooled completion rate (91%) was not significantly higher in SBCE patients who were given chewing gum after capsule ingestion compared to those who were not (85%). Variance information was not reported in all studies, and therefore, pooled transit time estimates could not be calculated. Conclusions Chewing gum has a good safety profile but has only been used as a booster in one CCE study and a few SBCE studies. More prospective randomized controlled trials, therefore, are needed to investigate the efficacy of chewing gum for achieving complete capsule examination.

Reprint of: Profiling the plight of disconnected youth in America

In a successful transition from youth to adulthood, individuals pass through a sequence of roles involving school, work, and family formation that culminate in their becoming self-sufficient adults. However, some “disconnected” youth spend extended periods of time outside of any role that constitutes an element of the pathway towards adult independence. Assisting these youth requires a systematic understanding of what “disconnection” means, how many disconnected youth there are, who these youth are, and how the scale of the problem has evolved over time. Using the National Longitudinal Surveys of Youth for 1997 and 1979, we address these issues by creating concrete definitions of “disconnection spells” using rich data on youths’ enrollment, work, and personal histories. We estimate a multi-state duration model to account for right censoring and to understand differences across salient sub-groups. Our estimates imply that in the early 2000s, almost 19% and 25% of young men and young women, respectively, experienced a disconnection spell by age 23 using our basic definition. These rates are substantially higher for certain sub-groups defined by race/ethnicity, parental education, and government aid receipt, rising as high as 30+% by age 23. Approximately 60% of youth with a disconnection spell have it last longer than a year, and close to 10% have it last longer than 4 years. However, once reconnected, a majority of youth go at least three years without a re-disconnection spell. Patterns of initial disconnection changed markedly from the 1980s to the 2000s, as young women saw a 12 percentage point decline over time. Moreover, the Black-White gap in disconnection has fallen for women, but increased for men. Our profile of disconnection experiences provides a starting point for government agencies aiming to understand where, how, and with whom to intervene to prevent lengthy disconnection spells.

Place‐based and people‐centred: Principles for a socially inclusive Net Zero transition

AbstractThe transition to Net Zero marks a radical reshaping of many aspects of everyday life in the effort to reduce human‐caused climate change. It also has the potential to influence positively a number of social challenges: improving public health, reducing the effects of poverty, increasing well‐being and bringing neighbourhoods together. However, these positive outcomes are by no means a given. Households on low incomes are less resilient than ever following austerity, COVID‐19 and the cost‐of‐living crisis. In this paper, we report on research undertaken in seven low‐income neighbourhoods in Leeds and Newcastle in the UK, in which we ran a series of workshops to understand perspectives and concerns on this issue. We found that people's perceived ability to engage in Net Zero was shaped by the neighbourhood they live in (due to its geographical location, local services and infrastructure), their housing (the building and its tenure) and household (the people they live with) as well as by their inability to access funds. It is clear from our data that people have big concerns about their ability to participate in the substantial changes they can see ahead. Our research suggests that ensuring a successful Net Zero transition for low‐income neighbourhoods will require a place‐based and people‐centred approach. We conclude by offering three principles for tailoring research and policy to specific geographic and socio‐economic needs, including (1) recognising patterns of difference and their spatial and social roots, (2) bringing whole life experiences into narratives of the future and (3) prioritising social inclusion in climate policy.

Effects of reservoir mechanical properties on induced seismicity during subsurface hydrogen storage.

The intermittent storage of hydrogen in subsurface porous media such as depleted gas fields could be pivotal to a successful energy transition. Numerical simulations investigate the intermittent storage of hydrogen in a porous, depleted subsurface reservoir. Various parametric studies are performed to assess the effect of mechanical properties of the reservoir (i.e. Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, Biot coefficient and permeability) on the induced fault slip of a single through-going fault that transverses the entire reservoir. Simulations are run using a three-dimensional, finite element, fully coupled hydromechanical code with explicit representations of layers and faults. The effect of the domain mesh refinement and fault mesh refinement on the fault slip versus operation time solution is investigated. The fault is observed to slip in two distinct events, one during the second injection period and one in the third injection period. The fault is not observed to slip during the storage or withdrawal periods. It is found that in order to minimize seismic risk, a reservoir rock with high Young's modulus (>40 GPa), high Poisson's ratio (>0.30) and high Biot coefficient (>0.65) would be preferable for hydrogen storage. Reservoir rocks of low Young's modulus (10-30 GPa), intermediate Poisson's ratio (0.00-0.30) and low-to-intermediate Biot coefficient (0.25-0.65), at high injection rates, were found to have higher potential of inducing large seismic events.This article is part of the theme issue 'Induced seismicity in coupled subsurface systems'.

Redes de productores-consumidores como impulsores de la transición hacia la sostenibilidad en contextos rurales. Dos casos de Costa Rica

Successful sustainability transitions are crucial to answer to ongoing crises. Focusing strongly on biocultural heritage, local customs, and traditions, as well as the natural environment and landscape aesthetics, rural regions have great potential to promote sustainable development and growth. This sustainable development of rural regions further contributes not only to local, but also to national and supranational development by strengthening sustainable economic growth, alleviating unemployment, and poverty, and improving living conditions. Local entrepreneurs are continuously included in discussions on sustainability transitions in rural regions as an important driver through their innovative entrepreneurial activities. By comparing two example regions within rural areas of Costa Rica - the Dota and Turrialba region - the role of these entrepreneurial endeavors is illustrated. For this purpose, we exemplify how both regions contribute to rural, sustainable development based on their geographical, entrepreneurial, and collective characteristics. Specifically, the role of entrepreneurs’ specific mind- and skillset, their embeddedness in producer-consumer-networks and the encompassing geographical context is investigated. Implications on the different levels of analysis are drawn in terms of learning opportunities for both, the respective included regions, as well as supra-regional development in a broader sense. The sCoRe project is presented as an exemplary initiative designed to foster collaboration between rural entrepreneurs and academic initiatives to enhance local producer-consumer-networks, and thus contribute to the establishment of sustainable communities.

Redes de productores-consumidores como impulsores de la transición hacia la sostenibilidad en contextos rurales. Dos casos de Costa Rica

Successful sustainability transitions are crucial to answer to ongoing crises. Focusing strongly on biocultural heritage, local customs, and traditions, as well as the natural environment and landscape aesthetics, rural regions have great potential to promote sustainable development and growth. This sustainable development of rural regions further contributes not only to local, but also to national and supranational development by strengthening sustainable economic growth, alleviating unemployment, and poverty, and improving living conditions. Local entrepreneurs are continuously included in discussions on sustainability transitions in rural regions as an important driver through their innovative entrepreneurial activities. By comparing two example regions within rural areas of Costa Rica - the Dota and Turrialba region - the role of these entrepreneurial endeavors is illustrated. For this purpose, we exemplify how both regions contribute to rural, sustainable development based on their geographical, entrepreneurial, and collective characteristics. Specifically, the role of entrepreneurs’ specific mind- and skillset, their embeddedness in producer-consumer-networks and the encompassing geographical context is investigated. Implications on the different levels of analysis are drawn in terms of learning opportunities for both, the respective included regions, as well as supra-regional development in a broader sense. The sCoRe project is presented as an exemplary initiative designed to foster collaboration between rural entrepreneurs and academic initiatives to enhance local producer-consumer-networks, and thus contribute to the establishment of sustainable communities.

A Surgical Skills Rotation for Mid-Level Residents.

The University of Iowa orthopaedic residency previously designed a month-long surgical skill rotation for postgraduate year (PGY)-1 residents. This successful initiative has become a model of interest for other teaching institutions. In addition to the intern year, an important phase in residency occurs during the transition from PGY2 to PGY3, when residents assume greater responsibility and autonomy in leading surgical procedures. To directly address this transition and assess residents' readiness, our residency program established a week-long PGY2 surgical skills rotation. This rotation serves as a training checkpoint and focuses on both training and evaluation of level-appropriate skills in joint arthroplasty, trauma, arthroscopy, and wire navigation. The primary objective of the PGY2 surgical skills rotation is to enhance orthopaedic residents' operative skills and experience by providing increased exposure and practice of requisite technical skills. Similar to the Orthopedic In-Training Examinations that assess residents' knowledge, this week-long program, aimed at assessing residents' proficiency in fundamental orthopaedic technical skills, occurs before their PGY3 year. Faculty-led training and assessment sessions in each area offer residents many opportunities for dedicated practice and improvement. Transferring these acquired skills from the laboratory to the operating room is essential for a training program. To confirm improvement, the final day of the surgical skills rotation was exclusively dedicated to structured performance evaluations, with a specific emphasis on establishing proficiency benchmarks. We herein describe the University of Iowa's PGY2 surgical skills rotation, providing insights into its development, implementation, and outcomes. By sharing our experience, we offer a framework for other academic departments seeking to optimize surgical skills education and ensure the successful transition of mid-level residents.

Personal Growth and Well-Being Among University Students: A Comprehensive Analysis

This comprehensive analysis examines the current research on personal growth and well-being among university students with a comparative approach. The review explores the key dimensions of personal growth, including the tendency to make long-term goals and possessing effective resource allocation skills. It also investigates the influential factors that shape personal growth, such as social support, academic engagement, and coping strategies, which can help students adapt to university learning environments. The relationship between personal growth and overall student well-being is critically analyzed. This comprehensive analysis also provides valuable insights into the contextual and institutional factors that may impact personal growth and well- being in higher education settings. The review concludes by discussing evidence-based interventions and strategies that can be implemented to foster holistic student development and support successful transitions to adulthood. Moreover, it explores the reciprocal nature of the relationship between personal growth and well-being, unveiling the dynamic interplay between these two constructs. By synthesizing existing literature and incorporating empirical evidence, this article provides valuable insi ghts into the vital connection between personal growth and well-being, offering a nuanced understanding of this crucial association for researchers, educators, and practitioners in the field of higher education.

The story of staying out of normal routine life in adolescent mothers in marginal areas in Urmia through the Lenz of conventional content analysis approach

BackgroundAdolescent pregnancy is a main health concern in relation to adolescent mothers and their neonates especially in deprived areas. AimThis study aimed to explore the experiences of adolescent mothers who live in deprived marginal areas in Urmia in Iran. MethodsThis qualitative study was conducted in 2022–2023 using the conventional content analysis approach. Participants were eighteen adolescent mothers purposefully selected from healthcare centers in marginal areas in Urmia. Data were gathered via semi-structured interviews and were analyzed by the conventional content analysis method proposed by Graneheim and Lundman. Findings‘‘Staying out of the life normal routine’ was the main theme consisted of four categories ‘forced early marriage', 'experience of abuse', 'learned helplessness', and 'impulses of hope under the shadow of motherhood' and five sub-categories role conflict, lifelong regret, attachment, reviving the lost self-value and the delight of family establishment. ConclusionBased on the results of the study health care providers, especially midwives, will be oriented to deal with adolescent mothers to help them to have successful transition to motherhood.

Microcarrier-based clinical-grade manufacturing of therapeutic Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stromal cells

Due to their immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, tissue repair capabilities and regenerative potential, Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (WJMSCs) have been widely investigated as potential treatment for diverse clinical indications. WJMSCs have been found to be well-tolerated and safe, positioning them as a promising candidate for cellular therapy. To address the commercial need for manufacturing WJMSCs for clinical applications, the production scale should be capable of generating large quantities of cells that retain their expected identity, purity and potency. This study aimed to establish a current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) compliant robust and scalable expansion process representing a critical step towards a cGMP-compliant large-scale production platform for WJMSC-based clinical applications. Using our in-house cGMP-manufactured WJMSCs, which are currently being tested in a Phase Ib clinical trial (NCT03158896) using two-dimensional (2D) planar systems, we optimized various culture parameters including type of microcarrier, seeding density, agitation and culture feed regime in a 3D microcarrier-based culture system in spinner flasks. The results showed that cell adhesion was potentiated under intermittent stirring (3 min of agitation at 25 rpm followed by a period of non-agitation for 30 min), with reduced supplementation (0.05%) during the initial 8 h of cultivation with an initial cell concentration of 0.45 × 105 cells/mL. Microcarrier-based WJMSC expansion in spinner flasks achieved greater cell densities of 1.67 × 106 cells/mL with a maximum of 37-fold expansion, yielding ∼84 × 106 cells after 6 days of culture with a 95% harvest efficiency. Additionally, post 3D expansion, WJMSCs maintained their phenotypic characteristics, differentiation potential, normal karyotype, functional properties and sterility in the culture systems evaluated. This cGMP-compliant expansion process described herein demonstrates a successful transition of an established 2D planar culture process of clinical grade WJMSCs to 3D microcarrier-based suspension process generating higher cell yields, is cost-effective and represents an important step toward fulfilling the commercial demand of clinical grade mesenchymal stromal cells.

Emotional Maturity as a Predictor of Marriage Readiness in Early Adult Women from Batak Ethnic Groups

This study explores the relationship between emotional maturity and marriage readiness among early adult women in Batak families. Utilizing a quantitative correlational research design, the study involved 87 participants aged 21-25 years. Emotional maturity and marriage readiness were measured using the Emotional Maturity Scale (EMS) and the Criteria for Marriage Readiness Questionnaire (CMRQ), respectively. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, assumption testing, and Pearson correlation analysis. Results indicated a significant positive correlation (r = 0.193, p = 0.036) between emotional maturity and marriage readiness, suggesting that higher levels of emotional maturity are associated with higher levels of marriage readiness. The findings highlight the importance of emotional stability, progression, social adjustment, personality integration, and independence in preparing individuals for marriage. This research underscores the critical role of fostering emotional maturity to enhance marriage readiness, providing valuable insights for future studies and interventions aimed at supporting early adult women in Batak families. The study concludes that emotional maturity is a significant factor influencing marriage readiness, contributing to the successful transition into married life.

Gender Differences in Faculty Experience with Start-up Packages: A Case Study from a Public University in the Southeastern U.S.

Start-up packages are a tool for successful transition to an academic career. This institutional case study examined the faculty experience with start-up packages at one public university in the Southeastern United States including gender differences, content, negotiation, and perceived outcomes. A mixed method research design was utilized to answer the study research questions. Data were gathered through an online survey with quantitative and qualitative questions. Data from 121 participants were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi‐squared test, and thematic analysis. Most start-up package agreements included moving expenses, personal computer and software, and start-up funds. On the other hand, child daycare, guaranteed junior sabbatical, and salary advancement were the most missing benefits in the agreements. Male faculty were able to obtain, significantly more often than female faculty, a specific number of years for secure funding, laboratory space, and student or postdoc funding in their agreements. Faculty were not well prepared for the negotiation process, and they were not aware what exactly they needed to establish a successful research program. Universities should focus more on the influence of start-up packages on faculty careers because perceived unfair treatment during the negotiation process or during administration can influence faculty performance and their turnover intentions.

Critical factors of green supply chain management on SMEs business performance Indonesia

The COVID-19 pandemic has altered lifestyle and sparked a greater interest in GSCM. This study logically contributes to the branch of knowledge by demonstrating how resource-based attributes and integration can improve SME business performance while concurrently facilitating the successful transition from traditional to green supply chains. This study focused on batik SMEs that make their products using natural resources. The goal is to analyze SME performance models that affect GSCM, owner commitment, and supply chain connectivity. The data analyzed were gathered from a total of 163 experienced SME managers in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. PLS-SEM is the data analysis method used. The results validate that SME business performance is positively impacted by OC, SCC, and GSCM. The function of OC and SCC in SME business performance can also be mediated by GSCM.

Barriers and Facilitators to Establishing Partnerships for Substance Use Disorder Care Transitions Between Safety-Net Hospitals and Community-Based Organizations.

The effectiveness of hospital-based transitional opioid programs (TOPs), which aim to connect patients with substance use disorders (SUD) to ongoing treatment in the community following initiation of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) treatment in the hospital, hinges on successful patient transitions. These transitions are enabled by strong partnerships between hospitals and community-based organizations (CBOs). However, no prior study has specifically examined barriers and facilitators to establishing SUD care transition partnerships between hospitals and CBOs. To identify barriers and facilitators to developing partnerships between hospitals and CBOs to facilitate care transitions for patients with SUDs. Qualitative study using semi structured interviews conducted between November 2022-August 2023. Staff and providers from hospitals affiliated with four safety-net health systems (n=21), and leaders and staff from the CBOs with which they had established partnerships (n=5). Interview questions focused on barriers and facilitators to implementing TOPs, developing partnerships with CBOs, and successfully transitioning SUD patients from hospital settings to CBOs. We identified four key barriers to establishing transition partnerships: policy and philosophical differences between organizations, ineffective communication, limited trust, and a lack of connectivity between data systems. We also identified three facilitators to partnership development: strategies focused on building partnership quality, strategic staffing, and organizing partnership processes. Our findings demonstrate that while multiple barriers to developing hospital-CBO partnerships exist, stakeholders can adopt implementation strategies that mitigate these challenges such as using mediators, cross-hiring, and focusing on mutually beneficial services, even within resource-limited safety-net settings. Policymakers and health system leaders who wish to optimize TOPs in their facilities should focus on adopting implementation strategies to support transition partnerships such as inadequate data collection and sharing systems.

Multi-level factors linked to young adult primary care transitions: evidence from a state all-payer claims analysis

ObjectiveDelayed transitions from pediatric to adult primary care leads to gaps in medical care. State all-payer claims data was used to assess multilevel factors associated with timely transition from pediatric to adult primary care.Materials and methodsWe created a cohort of 4,320 patients aged 17–20 in 2014–2017 continuously enrolled in health insurance 36 months between 2014 and 2019 and attributed to a pediatric provider in months 1–12. We also constructed primary care provider networks identifying links between providers who saw members of the same family. Logistic regression was used to predict adult primary care in months 25–36 on family, provider, and county-level factors. Finally, we modeled the effect of county and network cluster membership on care transitions.ResultsMale sex, having another family member seeing a pediatrician, and residing in a county with high pediatric care capacity or low adult primary care capacity were associated with lower odds of adult primary care transition.DiscussionWe investigated factors associated with successful transitions from pediatric to adult primary care. Family ties to a pediatrician and robust county capacity to provide primary care to children were associated with non-transition to adult primary care.ConclusionMultiple level factors contribute to non-transition to adult primary care. Understanding the factors associated with appropriate transition can help inform state and national policy.