Targeted Training Programs Research Articles

Self-Efficacy in Disaster Preparedness: Insights from Nurses in Emergency and Intensive Care Units

Self-efficacy is a critical factor influencing nurses' performance in disaster scenarios, particularly in high-pressure environments like Emergency Departments (ED) and Intensive Care Units (ICU). This study aimed to evaluate the self-efficacy of nurses in disaster preparedness and identify its key predictors, including demographic characteristics, training experience, and professional factors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 185 nurses working in the ED and ICU of three hospitals in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Data were collected from January to February 2024 using a structured questionnaire that included the Disaster Response Self-Efficacy Scale (DRSES). Descriptive statistics summarized demographic data and self-efficacy scores. Inferential analyses, including t-tests, ANOVA, and multiple regression, were performed to explore relationships between self-efficacy and potential predictors, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Disaster training experience emerged as the strongest predictor of self-efficacy (β = 0.65, p < 0.001), with nurses who underwent regular training demonstrating significantly higher confidence. Years of experience (β = 0.48, p = 0.01) and age (β = 0.25, p = 0.04) were also positively associated with self-efficacy. However, gender, education level, and marital status showed weak and non-significant correlations (r = 0.12–0.18, p > 0.05). Correlation analysis reinforced the importance of disaster training (r = 0.65, p < 0.001) and professional experience (r = 0.48, p = 0.01) in shaping self-efficacy. The findings underscore the importance of regular disaster training and leveraging professional experience to enhance self-efficacy among ED and ICU nurses. Policymakers and hospital administrators should prioritize targeted training programs to build a resilient nursing workforce capable of responding effectively to disasters

Effect of segmental tongue function training on tongue pressure attributes in individuals with dysphagia after receiving radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the impact of segmental tongue function training on tongue pressure characteristics in nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy(NPCR) patients who experience dysphagia. The findings of this research are crucial in understanding the potential benefits of tongue rehabilitation exercises for individuals with NPC patients. Hence, it is essential to explore the effects of this type of training on tongue pressure and its associated characteristics.MethodsA group of eighteen NPCR dysphagia patients underwent a two-week segmental tongue function training. The researchers assessed their tongue motor function by measuring the tongue pressure (P) and endurance time (ET) in three different regions of the tongue-the anterior tongue region (TAR), central tongue region (TCR), and posterior tongue region (TPR). To gather accurate data, a new flexible tongue pressure sensor with 9 measuring sites arranged in a 3 × 3 configuration was used to measure the pressure exerted by the tongue on the palate. The measurements were taken both before and after the segmental tongue function training.ResultsThe segmental tongue function training resulted in significant improvements in tongue pressure for the anterior(PTAR) and central(PTCR) parts of the tongue(P < 0.05). However, there was no significant change in tongue pressure for the posterior(PTPR) part of the tongue(P > 0.05). Additionally, there were no significant differences in the endurance time for each part of the tongue(P > 0.05).ConclusionsSegmental tongue function training improved the PTAR and PTCR in NPCR dysphagia patients within 2 weeks, and the improvement gradually decreased from the anterior part of the tongue to the posterior part of the tongue. Meanwhile, there were no significant differences in PTPR and ET of between each part before and after treatment. This suggests that a longer duration weeks of training may be needed to improve the PTPR and ET in these patients, or alternatively, more targeted training programs could be designed.

Empowering Palliative Wound Care in Long-Term Care Facilities: A Comprehensive Nursing Competency for Palliative Wound Care

Purpose: The importance of wound care as a part of end-of-life care is rising due to aging populations and increased chronic disease prevalence. This study developed a comprehensive competency framework on palliative wound care for nursing staff within long-term care facilities (LTCFs). Methods: The study utilized a three-phased exploratory methods approach involving topic modeling, expert interviews, and a Delphi survey. Results: Four key competencies emerged regarding nursing competency for palliative wound care in LTCFs: (1) building partnerships with patients and caregivers, (2) an individual approach to wound treatment based on understanding the patient's situation, (3) a holistic approach through shared information and cooperative decision-making, and (4) integration of wound management knowledge within end-of-life care. Conclusion: This framework supports developing targeted training programs for nurses to improve the quality of life for terminally ill patients in LTCFs.

Sharia-supervisory board’s characteristics and green banking disclosure: exploring from Islamic banking in MENA countries

Purpose This study aims to investigate the extent to which the characteristics of Sharia supervisory boards (SSB) in banking institutions impact the disclosure of information pertaining to green banking practices. Design/methodology/approach A comprehensive dynamic panel data analysis approach was applied to a data set comprising Islamic banks from 15 countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, covering the period from 2012 to 2022. In addition, a series of robustness and endogeneity analyses were conducted to ensure the consistency of the main findings. Findings This study shows that the characteristics of the SSB significantly impact the green banking disclosure practices of Islamic banks. Specifically, the proportion of board members who hold multiple SSB positions and the presence of foreign board members exhibit a negative and significant effect on green banking disclosure. Conversely, the size of the SSB is positively and significantly associated with green banking disclosure. Thus, the extent of green banking disclosure in Islamic banks is likely to increase with the size of the SSB. However, an increase in board members’ external commitments and a higher proportion of foreign board members are associated with a decline in green banking disclosure. Further analysis supports these findings, confirming their consistency across different contexts. Research limitations/implications The findings of this study highlight the critical role that the composition and characteristics of the SSB play in shaping the green banking practices of Islamic banks in MENA countries. These insights provide valuable guidance for policymakers and Islamic financial institutions aiming to strengthen sustainability practices while adhering to Shariah principles. As green banking becomes increasingly crucial in the global financial landscape, optimizing the SSB’s composition could be a key driver in advancing the environmental goals of Islamic banking in the MENA region. Practical implications Islamic banks in the MENA region should focus on optimizing their SSB composition to enhance green banking disclosure. Increasing the size of the SSB can positively influence disclosure practices. However, banks should manage board members’ external engagements to ensure they have sufficient focus on green initiatives. Strategic recruitment of foreign members with a commitment to sustainability, coupled with targeted training programs, can further improve disclosure. Originality/value Specific SSB characteristics such as size and foreign board members influence disclosure of green banking, which previous studies did not conduct research on.

Evaluation of the Procedure and Content of Forensic Reports Issued for Judicial Cases in Emergency Departments

Objective: This study aims to assess the procedural aspects and content quality of forensic reports prepared for cases deemed judicial in the emergency department of Bursa Yüksek İhtisas Education and Research Hospital. Material and Methods: The study reviewed a total of 3,211 patients who presented to the emergency department between December 1, 2014, and February 28, 2015, and were classified as forensic cases. Of these, 2,029 patients were included in the analysis, while 1,182 were excluded. Data collection was followed by statistical analysis performed using SPSS version 22.0. Descriptive statistics were expressed as frequencies and percentages, and variance distribution was assessed with the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Concordance analysis was conducted using the Kappa test. Results: Of the 3,211 cases reviewed, 1,182 were excluded for the following reasons: 138 cases (11.67%) involved forensic chases, 827 cases (69.96%) were related to blow-coercion examinations, 30 cases (2.53%) were alcohol examinations, 46 cases (3.89%) had unreadable reports, 88 cases (7.44%) were improperly documented, and 52 cases (4.48%) were missing from the forensic case archive. Among the 2,029 cases included in the analysis, 113 cases involved life-threatening conditions. However, in 13 of these cases (0.6%), errors were identified in recognizing life-threatening conditions as defined by the Yeni Türk Ceza Kanunu Çerçevesinde Düzenlenecek Adli Raporlar İçin Kılavuz (Guide for Forensic Reports to Be Prepared Within the Framework of the New Turkish Penal Code). Among the 1,916 cases (94.4%) without life-threatening conditions, 82 cases (4.0%) demonstrated inconsistencies according to the same guideline. Conclusion: This study underscores significant errors in the identification and documentation of life-threatening conditions in forensic reports, with a notable 0.6% error rate among such cases and 4.0% inconsistencies in non-life-threatening cases. These findings reveal gaps in compliance with the Yeni Türk Ceza Kanunu Çerçevesinde Düzenlenecek Adli Raporlar İçin Kılavuz, highlighting the need for stricter adherence to established guidelines. To enhance the accuracy and reliability of forensic reports, targeted training programs, regular audits, and the implementation of standardized reporting procedures are recommended. Addressing these issues is crucial to improving the quality of forensic evaluations and fostering trust in judicial processes.

Navigating the Post-Pandemic Landscape: Challenges and Strategies of a Beverage Company

This study explores Coca-Cola's adaptive responses to challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on how targeted training programs can enhance resilience and drive innovation in areas such as supply chain management, marketing strategies, and employee adaptation. Using a mixed-method approach, the research gathered quantitative and qualitative data through Google Forms surveys and focus groups with Coca-Cola employees in Malaysia. Results highlight that supply chain disruptions and shifting consumer demands were significant obstacles, while an increased focus on employee well-being and digital transformation provided notable opportunities. Findings reveal that Coca-Cola's "well-being-first" approach and approachable leadership style positively impacted employee morale and communication. Training programs, while effective, have room for improvement in areas like digital marketing and sustainability. The study concludes that targeted training in digital literacy, supply chain management, and wellness can strengthen Coca-Cola’s adaptability in a post-pandemic environment, enhancing both workforce resilience and organizational competitiveness

Assessment of Dairy Farmers' Knowledge Regarding Good Dairy Farming Practices in Uttar Pradesh, India

Dairy farming is essential for households with low and moderate-income, serving as a crucial component of both subsistence and commercial farming. The dairy sector holds significant potential and offers ample opportunities to enhance the socio-economic status of farmers due to its ability to generate higher productivity and profits within a shorter timeframe compared to other businesses. The study was conducted to measure dairy farmers' knowledge level regarding good dairy farming practices in Uttar Pradesh. Being the highest milk-producing state in India, Uttar Pradesh was selected purposively for the study. Further selection of districts, blocks, and villages for two each was done randomly. While selecting respondents, 10 percent of dairy farmers from the total household of each village were considered under a proportionate random sampling method. The criteria of the respondents were the dairy farmers should have at least one lactating dairy animal at the time of investigation. From the study, it was observed that 64.85 percent of respondents had knowledge about how many days is the colostrum-free milk available from animals and 81.21 percent of respondents knew about animals going to repeat their heat cycle. The majority (97.88%) of respondents had knowledge about colostrums feeding to newborn calves and 62.42 percent respondents had knowledge about special bedding for newborn calves. 84.24 percent of respondents had knowledge about ill animals and 56.36 percent of respondents had knowledge about the proper disposal of dung. 94.24 percent of respondents knew how many workers manage 5 animals on their farm. 48.79 percent of respondents had overall knowledge about good dairy farming practices. Study identified require a clear strengthening of extension services through targeted training programs to improve the knowledge of key practices among the farming community. Another low awareness is about schemes by the government on support to farmers in terms of finances and technical means. This can be improved through better communication channels by working with local cooperatives and NGOs.

Exploring the open-source impact on Bangladesh academic library service sustainability

PurposeThis study investigates the impact of open-source software (OSS) on the sustainability of academic library services in Bangladesh. It aims to understand how OSS can address budget constraints, technological demands and the need for enhanced service delivery in these libraries.Design/methodology/approachAn in-depth qualitative research approach was used, involving semi-structured interviews with library administrators, IT staff and librarians from various academic institutions across Bangladesh.FindingsThe study reveals that OSS adoption is primarily driven by financial imperatives and the need for flexible, customizable solutions tailored to specific institutional needs. Key benefits identified include significant cost savings, improved customization and flexibility of services and enhanced community support and collaboration. However, challenges such as a lack of in-house technical expertise, resistance to change among staff and stakeholders and inadequate IT infrastructure impede successful OSS implementation.Practical implicationsTo harness the full potential of OSS, academic libraries must invest in capacity building through targeted training programs, improve IT infrastructure and foster a culture of collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the library community. These strategies are essential to overcoming existing barriers and ensuring long-term sustainability.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the understanding of OSS’s role in enhancing the sustainability of academic library services. It provides practical recommendations for academic libraries seeking to leverage OSS for improved service delivery and operational efficiency.

ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AMONG NURSES REGARDING THE PREVALENCE OF MALNUTRITION IN CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 5 YEARS

Malnutrition remains a critical public health issue in Pakistan, significantly affecting children under five years of age. Nurses play a pivotal role in identifying, managing, and preventing malnutrition. However, their knowledge and practices regarding malnutrition prevalence often remain insufficient. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of nurses at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan regarding malnutrition among children under five years of age. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Children’s Hospital Lahore over three months. A sample of 90 degree-holding staff nurses was selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographics, knowledge about malnutrition forms, clinical features, risk factors, diagnostic methods, attitudes, and practices. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22.0 to calculate frequencies, percentages, and associations. Results: The study revealed significant knowledge gaps among nurses regarding malnutrition. Only 35.6% correctly identified Vitamin A deficiency as the most common form of malnutrition, and 47.8% incorrectly identified overweight as a clinical feature. Most nurses (46.7%) considered lack of education a key risk factor, while 41.1% cited poverty. Confidence in identifying malnutrition was low, with only 22.2% feeling very confident. Despite this, 75.6% reported screening children for malnutrition, and 82.2% used growth charts. However, only 1.1% of nurses expressed a strong willingness to provide nutritional education. Conclusion: The findings highlight critical gaps in the knowledge and attitudes of nurses, which could impact the quality of malnutrition care. While practices such as screening and documentation were common, limited confidence and willingness to provide education suggest a need for targeted training programs. Strengthening nurses' capacity to manage malnutrition is essential to improving pediatric health outcomes in Pakistan.

Nurses' Characteristics Associated with Good Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) of the Malaria Vaccine in Bungoma County, Kenya.

The study examined nurse characteristics associated with Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) regarding malaria vaccination in Bungoma County, Kenya. Malaria remains a major health burden in Kenya, with 3.4 million cases and 12,000 deaths in 2021. Bungoma County, a malaria-endemic area, implemented the RTS S1 malaria vaccine, but dropout rates for subsequent doses are high. The fourth dose dropout, particularly in Bungoma and Siaya, poses a significant challenge to vaccine adherence. A cross-sectional descriptive study comprising mixed research methods; comprising key informant interviews was conducted among nurses in Bungoma County. A stratified random sampling was used to select 63 health facilities providing malaria vaccine. Data collection involved structured questionnaires, observation checklist, and key informant interview guide. Hawthorne effect was minimized by rapport building or familiarizing the participants by spending a whole morning at the facility CWC and assuring sampled participants of anonymity, this made the participants calm and can provide immunization services without fear of being judged. Data was analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics to determine associations between nurse demographics and KAP scores. The study found good KAP was significantly associated with characteristics such as age, years of experience, education level, and prior malaria vaccine training. Nurses aged over 35, with higher education, and those trained in malaria vaccine administration had a higher likelihood of exhibiting good knowledge and positive attitudes. The study concludes that implementing targeted training programs and mentorship initiatives for less experienced and younger nursing staff is essential for strengthening vaccine implementation effectiveness. Enhanced continuous education programs in Bungoma County would likely improve malaria vaccine practices and outcomes. Additionally, the findings indicate that structured support systems and ongoing professional development are crucial elements in maintaining high standards of vaccine delivery. The study recommends that mandatory comprehensive training programs should be established, incorporating both theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical skills development. These programs should be regularly updated to reflect current best practices and emerging challenges in vaccine delivery. Furthermore, the implementation of structured on-site mentorship programs, combined with continuous supervision, should be prioritized to ensure consistent application of proper vaccination protocols. Regular refresher courses should be offered to maintain and update healthcare workers' knowledge and skills, while a peer support system should be established to facilitate knowledge sharing and professional development.

Exploring the Role of Coordinating Centre Tutors in Implementing Early Grade Reading Initiatives in Wakiso District, Uganda

The adoption of Early Grade Reading (EGR) Methodology in 2013 in Uganda brought on board different stakeholders to effectively implement it in the education eco-system. With reference to this particular study, we examined the crucial role of Coordinating Center Tutors (CCTs) in Wakiso District, Central Uganda in the effective implementation of EGR methodology. Wakiso District’s socio-economic and cultural diversity necessitates an adaptive approach to EGR, making CCTs indispensable in tailoring instructional methods. Specifically, we set out to scrutinize how CCTs assess EGR instructional practices, and effectiveness of their training programs on effective implementation of EGR in primary schools in Wakiso district. Data was collected from six purposively selected CCTs through face-to-face interviews. Key findings reveal the multidimensional role of CCTs as trainers, mentors, and community engagers. Their instructional practices, range from center-based training to partnered reading, showcasing a holistic strategy. Positive impacts on literacy development, including enhanced comprehension and confidence among learners, under-score the effectiveness of these practices. Continuous professional development initiatives and targeted training contribute significantly to CCT competency, bridging gaps in their earlier college training. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the dynamic role of CCTs in carrying out ongoing support and targeted training programs. The recommendations encompass mentorship programs, collaborative learning environments, diverse instructional methods, continuous professional development, strengthened partnerships, increased community involvement, a structured referral system, and a dynamic learning environment. This study contributes to the understanding of the intricate dynamics surrounding EGR implementation, providing insights for educational policy-makers, practitioners, and researchers aiming to optimize literacy outcomes in diverse contexts.

The contributions of motor skill proficiency to cognitive and social development in early childhood

With limited evidence from intervention studies, causal relationships between motor competence and cognitive and social development have yet to be clearly established. In this research, we investigated whether a targeted training programme to improve fundamental movement skills (i.e., object control, locomotor) in young children would also lead to improvements in the cognitive (i.e., executive function) and social (i.e., socioemotional competence) domains. Using a two-arm group randomised intervention design, 185 children aged 36 to 60 months (mean 47.51, SD 8.11 months) were allocated to a motor skill intervention group or an active control group. The intervention was implemented over one school year, and outcomes were monitored across five time points. Longitudinal analysis was performed using hierarchical linear mixed-effects and latent growth curve models. Participation in the motor skill intervention led to higher rates of development of object control skills (p < 0.001) and executive function (p < 0.001). A dose‒response relationship was found in which those children who displayed greater development of object control skills over time also displayed greater development of executive function (p = 0.001). We found no significant effects of the intervention on locomotor skills, social behaviours, or socioemotional competence. These findings provide evidence of a causal relationship between motor and cognitive development.

Challenges of mainstreaming institutional policy and frameworks of disaster risk management in Ethiopia

ABSTRACT This research examines the challenges of mainstreaming disaster risk management (DRM) policies and frameworks into the existing institutional structures in Ethiopia. Employing an exploratory sequential mixed method approach, incorporating qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, the study delves into the effectiveness of DRM implementation within the Ethiopian context. Primary data was mainly collected through a survey of 120 individuals and interviews with 18 experts. The findings showed that the Ethiopian sector encountered significant challenges in integrating DRM policies and frameworks due to limited resources and capacity. Implementation faced obstacles like insufficient data, coordination gaps between government agencies, and a lack of awareness among stakeholders. Additionally, frequent natural disasters exacerbate these challenges, demanding more robust and adaptive DRM strategies. The study underscores the necessity of enhancing the capacity of governmental institutions, civil society organisations, and local communities through targeted training programmes and knowledge-sharing platforms to facilitate effective DRM implementation. Moreover, the research emphasises the apparent gap related to the policies and frameworks and the imperative of strengthening institutional coordination and collaboration among relevant government ministries, agencies, and stakeholders, advocating for the establishment of inter-ministerial task forces or committees dedicated to DRM.

Do undergraduate art and design students’ entrepreneurship skill sets influence their intention to own a business?

PurposeDrawing on a competency-based approach, this empirical study explores whether art and design students’ entrepreneurship skill sets (technical, managerial and entrepreneurial skills) influence their intention to own a business and whether gender and/or business ownership influence their entrepreneurship skill sets.Design/methodology/approachA total of 204 respondents were selected using a random sampling technique. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including independent sample tests and two-way ANOVA.FindingsThe independent samples test revealed interesting results regarding art and design students’ entrepreneurship skill sets, distinguishing between those who own businesses and those who do not. The two-way ANOVA analysis indicated that certain factors significantly affect art and design students’ entrepreneurship skill sets while others do not.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that higher education institutions should reconsider their curricular frameworks to better equip art and design graduates with not only artistic skills but also robust entrepreneurial competencies based on targeted training programs that could be developed to enhance the managerial and entrepreneurial skills among art and design students.Originality/valueThis study addresses a gap in the literature by empirically examining the impact of entrepreneurship skill sets on the art and design students’ business ownership and investigating whether business ownership and/or gender influence their entrepreneurship skill sets, offering valuable insights for educational institutions and policymakers.

College Teachers’ Informatization-Based Teaching Ability and Performance

Teachers' informatization teaching ability is vital for integrating modern technology with educational practices, especially as technologies continue to evolve. These skills are critical for advancing the modernization of education and improving teaching quality, particularly in higher education. National policies in China, such as the "Education Informatization 2.0 Action Plan," highlight the importance of enhancing teachers' technological capabilities to meet the challenges of contemporary education. Focusing on the informatization teaching abilities of college teachers in Hunan Province, this research employed a descriptive quantitative method, gathering data from students and teachers at five universities. Significantly low to no correlation was shown between students' evaluations of teachers' technological proficiency and teachers' self-efficacy, though other factors, including in pedagogical strategies and digital resource integration, did not show significant relationships. Although college teachers have acquired basic informatization teaching skills, there remains room for improvement in areas like teaching implementation and evaluation. To address these gaps, targeted training programs, collaborative skill development initiatives, and up-to-date professional development aligned with technological advancements are recommended as strengthening these areas is essential for enhancing teachers' informatization capabilities and supporting the ongoing modernization of higher education in China.

Impact of training dairy farm personnel on milking routine compliance, udder health, and milk quality

Among various farm procedures, an appropriate milking routine is crucial for reducing mastitis and enhancing milk safety and quality. However, inadequate compliance with milking routines remains a primary factor contributing to variability of milk quality among herds. Training farm workers is essential for ensuring compliance with milking routines, which directly impacts milk quality and udder health. In this study, we aimed to assess the impact of a training session on dairy farm workers' understanding of the milking routine, behavioral changes during milking, and subsequent effects on milk quality and udder health. Farm workers (n = 112) from 16 commercial dairy farms in Michigan and Ohio participated in the project. The training session was delivered using an active learning approach prioritizing group discussions, and focused on the pathogenesis, identification, and risk factors for mastitis, and the rationale and importance of each step in the milking routine. Pre- and post-training evaluations were conducted to measure changes in knowledge, parlor evaluations were performed to determine behavioral change, and data from clinical mastitis cases and bulk tank somatic cell count were used to estimate udder health and milk quality. Segmented and linear mixed regression analyses were used to assess the impact of the training intervention. Participants were mostly milking technicians (61.1%) with 70% of them having less than 1 year of experience and a median tenure in their jobs of 9 mo. Knowledge of the milking routine increased from 49.3% to 67.6% of correct answers after training. Based on parlor evaluations, the pre-milking disinfectant contact time increased by 9 s per cow. The percentage of milkings with inadequate preparation time decreased from 69% (before training) to 48% (after training). The proportion of insufficient teat coverage during post-milking disinfection decreased from 9.8% (77 out of 782) before training to 5.9% (34 out of 572) after training. There was a significant increase in clinical mastitis cases during the immediate week after the training. Additionally, the upward trend in bulk tank somatic cell count was halted. Our results suggest an improvement in overall mastitis identification and milk quality, underscoring the importance of targeted training programs for farm workers in improving milking routine compliance, enhancing milk quality, and promoting better udder health.

Agricultural Drones in Africa: Exploring Adoption, Applications, and Barriers

The adoption of drone technology in agriculture is transforming farming practices across Africa by enhancing resource efficiency, reducing operational costs, and promoting environmental sustainability. This paper explores the various applications of drones in African agriculture, including precision farming, crop monitoring, pest control, and livestock management. Drones enable farmers to optimize the use of water, fertilizers, and pesticides, leading to increased yields and improved profitability. Despite the potential benefits, the deployment of drones faces challenges such as high costs, lack of technical expertise, and regulatory barriers. This study highlights the importance of addressing these obstacles to facilitate the widespread adoption of drone technology among both small and large-scale farmers. By leveraging drones, African agriculture can improve food security, scale up operations, and contribute to the continent’s sustainable development goals. The findings of the review include case studies from Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria which show that government intervention and private-sector partnerships are crucial for overcoming these barriers. This paper highlights the need for targeted training programs and policy reforms to enhance accessibility for smallholder farmers. By leveraging drones, African agriculture can improve food security, scale up operations, and contribute to the continent’s sustainable development goals.

Impact of various training programs on lower limb biomechanics in adolescent Latin dancers

Latin dance attracts many young dancers globally. While these adolescents exhibit flexibility and imitation skills, their muscular strength and neuromuscular control often fall short, making complex movements challenging. Thus, incorporating functional training methods is essential for enhancing performance and reducing injury risk. This study, a total of 30 adolescent female Latin dancers aged 12–14 years with at least one year of training and competition experience were recruited for this study and randomly divided into two groups: One group of 15 students (average height 154.37 ± 3.82 cm, average weight 45.31 ± 5.29 kg) received traditional Latin dance training, and the other group of 15 students (15 students average height 154.73 ± 4.28 cm, average weight 44.63 ± 4.37 kg) received traditional Latin dance training and based on traditional Latin dance training, functional exercise was carried out for 12 weeks. A Vicon motion capture system, force platform, and electromyography were used to collect biomechanical data. Paired samples t-tests assessed significant differences between groups pre- and post-intervention. The experimental group showed significant improvements post-intervention: in the sagittal plane, ankle joint angles improved by 14.01% to 52.21% (p &lt; 0.001); in the coronal plane, knee joint angles increased by 0% to 31.21% (p &lt; 0.001) and 66.67% to 100% (p &lt; 0.001); in the horizontal plane, hip joint angles improved by 4.99% to 76.00% (p &lt; 0.001). Muscle activation showed significant increases in gastrocnemius lateral (p = 0.016), gluteus maximus (p = 0.001), tibialis anterior (p = 0.014), and rectus femoris (p &lt; 0.001). Functional training enhances joint flexibility, muscle activation, balance, and overall performance in adolescent Latin dancers. Integrating functional training into regular routines can improve athletic performance and lower injury risk, informing the development of targeted training programs.

Digital Technology Adoption as a Game Changer for Community-based Tourism (CBT) Homestay Operators: A Qualitative Investigation

Malaysia’s tourism industry has incorporated digital technology to attract, inform and serve travellers, but its adoption is limited among community-based tourism (CBT) providers. Because of its importance in the tourism industry, exploring the factors that trigger or hinder the adoption of digital technology among CBT operators is essential. A qualitative approach was utilised, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 35 CBT homestay operators selected through purposive sampling. The study found differences in the perception and usage behaviour of tourism-related technology among homestay operators. They find digital technology has improved their business operation efficiency and revenue performance. By improving internet connectivity and access to digital resources, homestay operators will be better positioned to utilise digital technology effectively, facilitating improved communication and marketing strategies. Besides, implementing targeted training programmes to enhance homestay operators’ digital literacy is crucial. The study also identified specific challenges that hindered homestay operators’ use of digital technology. Study implications and limitations are also discussed.

Assessment of trunk and shoulder muscle asymmetries during two-armed kettlebell swings: implications for training optimization and injury prevention.

Greater side-to-side asymmetry can indicate impaired skill, reduced power production, and an increased risk of injury. Bilateral differences highlight the presence of asymmetries that should be assessed to understand their impact on both injury risk and performance enhancement. This study aimed to assessment muscle activation and bilateral asymmetry in major trunk and shoulder muscles during a two-armed kettlebell swing exercise. Twenty-seven participants (age: 24.2 ± 2.6 years; body mass: 82.9 ± 7.7 kg; height: 176.9 ± 7.0 cm) were included in the study. Electromyographic (EMG) data were collected bilaterally from twelve muscles (six muscles per side: anterior deltoid [AD], posterior deltoid [PD], erector spinae longissimus [ESL], erector spinae iliocostalis [ESI], external oblique [EO], and rectus abdominis [RA]). Results indicated that asymmetry indices for the AD, ESL, ESI, and RA muscles during the upward propulsion phase fell within the determined threshold of 15%. However, the asymmetry indices for the PD and EO muscles exceeded this threshold by 3.36% and 2.62%, respectively. The findings suggest that trunk muscle asymmetries during the kettlebell swing are generally less pronounced than those of the shoulder muscles, particularly during the float phase. These results provide valuable insights into bilateral muscle asymmetry during a two-armed kettlebell swing, which can inform the development of targeted training programs. The methods and findings of this study may further contribute to understanding the effects of muscle balance, symmetry, and injury mechanisms in dynamic movements.