Training Requirements Research Articles

Effects of COVID-19 on Dental Surgery Teaching Methods among Final Year Students in Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Post-Pandemic Study

Background: The COVID-19 Pandemic which took the world by a storm in the year 2020 has had a far-reaching effect on all segments of human development, and especially on education and dental surgery, through the social distancing measures and the phases of lockdowns it imposed, infection prevention measures, among other things. Objectives: To assess the impact COVID-19 has had on dental surgery teaching methods and skill acquisition among final year students of dentistry and dental surgery in a developing country like Nigeria. Methodology: A cross-sectional study of final-year dental students across four (4) dental schools in Nigeria using a structured online Google form. Data was collected from fifty-four (54) respondents and the data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Results: The respondents agreed that COVID-19 reduced metrics such as physical practical sessions (83.3% of the respondents), contact times with patients (85.2%), physical classes’ reduction (31.5%), theatre experiences (61.1%), ability to meet up with training requirements (72.2%), flow chart affectation (79.6%), and availability of equipment for dental surgery training (53.7%). The cost of training increased according to 70.4% of the respondents while dental skills acquisition further reduced according to 61.1% of the respondents. There was an association between the institution of study and the effect of the pandemic on dental skills acquisition, however, the association wasn’t significant (Fischer’s exact value – 15.326. Degrees of significance p = 0.06. There was also no significant correlation between age and the effect of the pandemic on dental skills acquisition. (Pearson’s correlate = -0.030, Significance (2-tailed) = 0.892) Conclusion: The effect of COVID-19 on dental surgery teaching methods have been largely negative, reducing amount of practical sessions, reducing student’s interaction with patients, increasing cost and length of training among other negative effects, with a minor increase in access to journal groups and website links. Recommendation: Despite the reduction in overall teaching experience, there is a need to inculcate training in infection prevention and control to arm dental trainees with the wherewithal to protect themselves from infection. In addition, to further improve access to the online classes, the government can channel a part of the budget on education towards subsidizing the cost of data access to online learning platforms like Zoom and Google meet, by liaising with internet service providers and making provision for WiFi in the different campuses.

Nutritional Preparation for an Ultra-Endurance Swimmer: A Case Report

Introduction: Nutritional considerations and metabolic determinates for ultra-endurance events continue to evolve with the increasing popularity of events. This case study assessed the nutritional requirements required of 30-year-old male ultra-endurance athlete to successfully complete an endurance open-water swim. Methods: Dietary intake in preparation for the event was assessed, estimated caloric needs, and a nutritional analysis was performed on the athlete to determine nutritional intake that was required to successfully complete the endurance swim event. The athlete was monitored for 24.3 miles (Ontario, Canada to Northeast, Pennsylvania, United States). Day of nutritional changes were observed, and body composition was assessed pre- and post-event. Results: The swimmer was monitored for 11 hours, 28 minutes and 5 seconds. Determination of athletes’ potential metabolic energy would shape the energy cost to complete the endurance event. Modifications prior to the ultra-endurance swim event met the athlete’s energy requirement for training and the energy reserve needed for the endurance swim event. Conclusions: The addition of calories and nutritional modifications prior to the ultra-endurance swim event met the athlete’s energy requirement for training and the energy reserve needed for the endurance swim event. This case study highlights the importance of providing nutritional support for ultra-endurance athletes and the difficulty in predicting energy expenditure for such an event.

Advancements in Minimally Invasive Techniques in Pediatric Dentistry: A Review.

Minimally invasive dentistry (MID) has revolutionized pediatric dental care by emphasizing the preservation of healthy tooth structures, reducing treatment-related trauma, and improving patient compliance. This narrative review explores advancements in MID techniques, including silver diamine fluoride (SDF), resin infiltration, atraumatic restorative treatment (ART), bioactive materials, laser-assisted therapies, and three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies. These approaches prioritize early diagnosis, prevention, and conservative management, aligning with patient-centered and sustainable practices. SDF demonstrates high efficacy in arresting caries progression but presents esthetic challenges due to discoloration. Resin infiltration provides esthetic and noninvasive treatment for white spot lesions, while ART offers cost-effective and child-friendly caries management in resource-limited settings. Bioactive materials support tissue regeneration, and laser technologies enable precise and painless procedures, although their adoption is limited by high costs and training requirements. Emerging tools, such as artificial intelligence and 3D printing, enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment precision. Despite challenges related to cost, operator training, and infrastructure, MID techniques continue to evolve, offering promising solutions for pediatric dental care. Future research should focus on optimizing materials, improving accessibility, and integrating digital technologies to broaden the impact of minimally invasive approaches. This review highlights MID's transformative role in improving oral health outcomes and ensuring sustainable, patient-focused care for children.

The Social Prescribing Link Worker—Clarifying the Role to Harness Potential: A Scoping Review

Recent work outlines definitions of social prescribing, but the role of a social prescribing link worker (SPLW) remains ill defined. Core components of the role must be clarified to enable the study of its impact in connecting people to community‐based support and subsequent outcomes. This review compiles and summarises published information on the SPLW role. A scoping review was completed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis for Scoping Review. Suitable online databases were searched using identified terms, a review of the reference lists of identified papers was completed and relevant grey literature was identified through Google Scholar. Relevant reports from UK‐based social prescribing networks and government organisations were gathered. Eligibility of each paper was determined based on the specified criteria. Inclusion criteria were identified using the PCC (Population; Concept; Context) framework. Of the 251 search results originally identified, 15 peer‐reviewed papers met the criteria for inclusion. Five additional published reports from government and community organisations and networks were identified. Data were extracted and collated in tabular form. Thematic data analysis highlighted four common themes clarifying the role of the SPLW and identifying improvements required to advance social prescribing referral processes. (1) SPLW works in collaboration with the participant, to identify personal needs and goals, and monitors progress over time. (2) SPLW connects service users to community/statutory support. (3) SPLW views health in a holistic manner. (4) The importance of training for SPLWs, and those referring into the system, to improve the referral process. Disparity in language and roles is evident, making it difficult to describe and compare the role across social prescribing services. The importance of training is outlined, and training recommendations are made. Additional effort is needed to clarify the role, impact and training requirements within social prescribing, to strengthen the evidence base, and allow applicability and transferability across services.

Biofoundry-Assisted Golden Gate Cloning with AssemblyTron.

Golden Gate assembly is a requisite method in synthetic biology that facilitates critical conventions such as genetic part abstraction and rapid prototyping. However, compared to robotic implementation, manual Golden Gate implementation is cumbersome, error-prone, and inconsistent for complex assembly designs. AssemblyTron is an open-source python package that provides an affordable automation solution using open-source OpenTrons OT-2 lab robots. Automating Golden Gate assembly with AssemblyTron can reduce failure-rate, resource consumption, and training requirements for building complex DNA constructs, as well as indexed and combinatorial libraries. Here, we dissect a panel of upgrades to AssemblyTron's Golden Gate assembly capabilities, which include Golden Gate assembly into modular cloning part vectors, error-prone polymerase chain reaction (PCR) combinatorial mutant library assembly, and modular cloning indexed plasmid library assembly. These upgrades enable a broad pool of users with varying levels of experience to readily implement advanced Golden Gate applications using low-cost, open-source lab robotics.

Physician's Attitudes Toward Patients With Opioid Use Disorder and Use of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Vary by Training.

This study compared whether different addiction treatment educational experiences were associated with physicians' attitudes toward patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) and perceived efficacy of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Ohio physicians (n = 2757) with and without a waiver to prescribe buprenorphine (Drug Addiction Treatment Act 2000 [DATA 2000] waiver) were surveyed regarding their attitudes toward treating patients with OUD and on the effectiveness of MOUD. We divided physicians into 3 groups: physicians with DATA 2000 waivers, non-waivered physicians with experiential training, and non-waivered physicians without experiential training. We defined experiential training as educational experience directly working with individuals with OUD including those in recovery. Analysis of variance was used to detect statistically significant group differences. We found significant main effect differences in attitudes toward patients with OUD and perceived efficacy of MOUD between groups (P ≤ .01) for all but one attitude. Post hoc comparisons revealed waivered physicians had the most favorable attitudes. Among physicians without a waiver, those with experiential training had significantly more favorable attitudes toward treating OUD and perceived MOUD to be more effective, including items such as "OUD are treatable illnesses" and "medication assisted treatment is a crucial part of treatment for OUD." The results suggest that physicians with DATA 2000 waiver and experiential training, as compared to physicians without either a waiver or experiential training in OUD, are associated with less stigmatizing views of treating patients with OUD and prescribing MOUD. While legislation in December 2022 eliminated DATA 2000 waiver training requirement, these findings suggest an ongoing need for training opportunities.

ADVANCING AGE-FRIENDLY CARE IN THE VA: MIXED-METHODS IMPLEMENTATION RESULTS OF 39 IMPLEMENTATION INSTANCES

Abstract Age-friendly care integrates the 4Ms (what Matters, Medication, Mentation, Mobility) to promote evidence-based care for older adults. The Safer Aging through Geriatrics-Informed Evidence-Based Practices Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (SAGE QUERI) is a hybrid type-III implementation-effectiveness trial comparing an implementation strategy bundle to dissemination as usual. We implemented four evidence-based practices (EBPs) aligned with the 4Ms across 9 VA Medical Centers. We used descriptive statistics and qualitative interviews with 30 implementing clinicians to report mixed-methods outcomes for reach, adoption, implementation, and maintenance across 39 implementation instances. Reach to Veterans varied widely across EBPs: Mobility n=30; Mentation n=37; Medication n=184; what Matters n=8000+. Eligibility criteria impacted reach; clinicians reported the ease of enrolling Veterans in an EBP with wide eligibility (e.g., every Veteran who is a candidate for surgery) versus an EBP with strict eligibility (e.g., “all the moons have to be aligned” to identify/enroll Veterans). Across 39 implementation instances, 77% (n=31) initially adopted the EBP, with a total of 169 clinicians trained (what Matters n=21; Mobility n=29; Medication n=30; Mentation n=89). Clinicians described training requirements, alignment of EBPs with current practices, and organizational support as key factors influencing adoption. Implementation fidelity varied by EBP: 34% what Matters; 80% Mobility; 100% Mentation and Medication. Clinicians noted the wider impact of EBP-related practice changes, including using new skills with Veterans ineligible for the full EBPs. Across 39 implementation instances, 51% (n=20) reached full maintenance; an additional 23% (n=9) achieved implementation. Sites that had successfully integrated EBPs into practice expressed intentions to sustain EBPs.

Advancing nuclear transfer cloning in zebrafish (Danio rerio) into a translational pathway using interdisciplinary tools.

The Zebrafish International Resource Center (ZIRC) is an NIH-funded national stock center and germplasm repository that maintains and distributes genetically modified and wild-type zebrafish (Danio rerio) lines to the biomedical research community. The ZIRC and its community would benefit from incorporating somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) cloning which would allow the preservation of diploid genomes. The goal of this study was to advance a zebrafish SCNT cloning protocol into a reproducible community-level pathway by use of process mapping and simulation modeling approaches to address training requirements, process constraints, and quality management gaps. Training, for most steps in the SCNT protocol, could be completed within two months; however, steps that involved micromanipulation of eggs required more than four months of training. Dechorionation of embryos and egg micromanipulation were identified as major constraints because the processes were performed manually and required advanced operator manual skills. Chemical dechorionation and microfluidic devices to aid micromanipulation were identified as ways to eliminate these constraints. Finally, quality control steps to record the initial quality of collected germplasm were recommended to prevent production defects and harmonize the SCNT pathway across multiple facilities. By beginning to enhance the reproducibility of the SCNT cloning pathway, this technique can be implemented across zebrafish research facilities and facilities that work with other biomedical models.

Directive of the minimum training requirements for pharmacists: a lost opportunity to incorporate One Health into the training of future pharmacists?

Directive of the minimum training requirements for pharmacists: a lost opportunity to incorporate One Health into the training of future pharmacists?

Is it the right time to promote competency-based European Training Requirements in Ophthalmology? A European Board ofOphthalmology survey.

To report national practices and recent progress in competency-based medical education (CBME) implementation in ophthalmology across European countries. A 30-question online survey was emailed to European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS) ophthalmology section delegates, European Board of Ophthalmology Diploma (EBOD) examiners and presidents of ophthalmology societies affiliated with UEMS/EBO. A total of 230 ophthalmologists with an average age of 54.7 years [30-77] and from 28 countries completed the survey. Half of them had been involved as medical educators for more than 10 years. The majority (74%) exercised their educational role in a University Hospital. Ninety six percent of them dedicated less than 50% of their activity to teaching. A third dedicated more than a half of their activity to patient care. The teaching of skills reported (medical, surgical, research, attitudinal and theoretical knowledge) was significantly better applied than their assessment. While 91% of the respondents found it necessary to harmonize European Training Requirements (ETR) in ophthalmology, competency-based education concepts were rarely implemented in their country (for instance, 8% for CBME; 6% for entrustable professional activities (EPAs) and 3% for ETR). Despite considerable diversity in European residency programmes, post-graduate medical education leaders in ophthalmology agree on the need to find a platform for equivalence in the content of the basic training requirements that constitute the professional identity of a practicing ophthalmologist.

Challenges And Needs In Integrating Sustainable Development Goals (Sdgs) Into High School Physics Curriculum: A Study In Lhokseumawe, Indonesia

This study examines the challenges and needs faced by high school physics teachers in Lhokseumawe, Indonesia, regarding the integration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their curriculum. A cross-sectional survey using a Likert-scale questionnaire was administered to 11 physics teachers to gather data on key barriers such as time constraints, availability of teaching materials, teachers’ understanding of SDGs, facility needs, training requirements, and school policy support. The results reveal that time constraints are perceived as a moderate barrier, with 36.36% of teachers reporting occasional difficulty in managing both the physics curriculum and SDG integration. A significant challenge is the limited availability of teaching materials related to SDGs, as 45.45% of teachers indicated a lack of resources to effectively teach these topics. Teachers also expressed a moderate level of difficulty in understanding SDGs, with 36.36% identifying this as a challenge in their teaching. The study highlighted the strong need for training on SDG concepts, with 45.45% of teachers strongly agreeing on the importance of professional development. Adequate facilities for teaching SDGs were less of an issue, as 36.36% of teachers reported that sufficient facilities were available. Finally, while some school policy support exists, 36.36% of teachers noted that policy alignment with SDG integration is still insufficient. These findings emphasize the need for targeted professional development programs, better teaching resources, and stronger policy support to facilitate the integration of SDGs in high school physics education.

Advancing Pediatric Robotic Colorectal Surgery: Trends, Outcomes, and Future Directions - A Comprehensive Review.

Introduction Pediatric robotic colorectal surgery has rapidly evolved, offering enhanced precision and safety for treating complex conditions such as Hirschsprung disease (HSCR), anorectal malformations (ARM), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This review analyzes recent trends, outcomes, and complications in robotic colorectal procedures for pediatric patients. Materials and Methods A systematic review was performed using PubMed, yielding 1,112 articles related to pediatric robotic colorectal surgery. After applying exclusion criteria, 35 papers were analyzed, focusing on patient characteristics, procedure types, and clinical outcomes. Results Since 2001, approximately 700 pediatric patients have undergone robotic colorectal procedures, with Hirschsprung disease being the most commonly treated condition (n=421). The review highlights that 1.7% of patients experienced Clavien-Dindo grade III complications, while 11.5% had grade I-II complications, indicating a favorable safety profile. The use of robotic platforms facilitated improved precision during perirectal dissection and reduced risk of damage to adjacent structures, particularly in cases requiring complex pelvic dissections. Despite promising outcomes, the uptake of robotic colorectal surgery remains lower than that for urologic procedures due to challenges such as cost, instrument size, and specialized training. Conclusion Robotic colorectal surgery in children is a safe and effective approach, particularly for complex conditions like HSCR and ARM. While adoption is currently limited by cost and training requirements, ongoing advancements in technology and techniques promise to broaden its application and improve outcomes in pediatric surgery.

Proactive Approaches for a Wheelchair User in Pediatric Residency: A Case Study for Disability Inclusion.

Despite encountering many barriers to inclusion, people with disabilities are entering residency training in increasing numbers. However, the increase in representation among people with physical disabilities remains low and published case studies and accommodations processes for wheelchair users in pediatric residency are absent in the literature. To support the inclusion of residents with physical disabilities in residency, we outline a proactive approach to the accommodations process and inclusion of a resident with a physical disability in pediatric residency. A multidisciplinary team including residency program leadership, disability professionals, the hospital system, and the resident, developed and implemented reasonable accommodations for a resident wheelchair user entering pediatric residency utilizing an iterative and interactive process. A pediatric resident wheelchair user completed residency training and specialty requirements utilizing reasonable accommodations. Early planning and communication regarding necessary accommodations and the presence of an inclusive and supportive learning environment are key components for the successful inclusion of residents with physical disabilities in residency programs.

Teacher training and multidimensional systems management for the delivery of mental health care for schools

ABSTRACT Objectives According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than one in four young people globally experience a mental health issue each year. Alongside traditional care undertaken by hospitals, the justice system, and community care, schools also provide care for students with mental health issues. As a result of increased numbers of students presenting in school with undiagnosed disorders and behavioural and learning problems, schoolteachers have been asking for more mental health training. We sought to explore teachers’ needs for a mental health teacher-training curriculum to support students with mental health issues. Method A qualitative method was used consisting of 18 in-depth interviews with currently serving teachers from Catholic, Independent and Public schools in Australia. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. Results Data revealed that the immediate requirement for training is knowledge of mental health. However, we found this to be insufficient to support teachers and found instead that a multidimensional model was needed comprising of training in the following areas: mental health management skills; training to deliver mental health programs in class; working with and partnering with external agencies, including roles and referral protocolsls; as well as caring teachers own mental health. Discussion We developed a multidimensional model for teacher training and for other school staff to meet the increasing demand on schools to manage students’ mental health issues in their classrooms.

General Educational Institutions of Tyumen in 1945–1953

Introduction. The aim of the work is to determine the significance of the transformation of the educational process in general educational institutions of Tyumen in the post-war period. In the context of the study, the authors study the expansion of the network and the technical condition of general educational institutions, note changes in the staffing of schools, reveal various aspects of the methodological training of teachers, as well as the process of transforming the educational programs of educational institutions. Methods and materials. The basis of the research work was made up of previously unpublished archival records and statistical materials, regulations that were published as part of collections of documents during the period under study, as well as information from periodicals of the post-war years. In addition, over the past decade, a significant number of regional studies have appeared in historiography concerning the problem of school education in the period under study. Analysis. Soviet education in 1945–1953 was experiencing a serious crisis. School buildings in need of repair, lack of a sufficient number of classrooms and teaching staff, difficult financial and living conditions of general education institutions, difficulties in implementing the law on universal education, increasing requirements for the general education training of students and the teaching activities of teachers – these are not all the problems that Soviet education faced in the post-war period. Results. The researchers come to the conclusion that the post-war years became an important time for the transformation of the educational process in the schools of Tyumen, causing its transition to peacetime. During the study period, the network of educational institutions in the city was expanding, and the number of students was also growing. At the same time, a number of problems remained unresolved, which concerned the low technical condition of educational institutions and multi-shift classes. In the mid-1940s and early 1950s, in the schools of the city, there was an increase in the number, experience, and level of education of teaching staff. Author’s contribution. The search, systematization, and analysis of archival documents, regulations, periodicals, as well as research literature on the topic of research work, followed by composing the main part of the article, was carried out by Candidate of Sciences (History), Associate Professor of the Department of History of Tyumen State University, E.V. Borodulina. Posing general conclusions and checking references was carried out by A.V. Skochin. Funding. The study was carried out with the financial support of the Russian Foundation for Basic Research within the framework of the scientific project No. 20-49-720018.

Digital glossary as an instrument of the effectiveness improvement of CLIL model at the technical (aviation) university

Importance. The study presents the results of implementing a methodological model for content and language integrated learning (CLIL) in a technical university, utilizing a digital glossary as both a repository for professional and linguistic data and a pedagogical instrument, aimed at enhancing the learning experience within the context of the aviation English course. The purpose is to foster a consistent improvement of students’ foreign language speaking and related language skills, thereby contributing to the professional development of future aviation professionals capable of effectively carrying out their duties in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization requirements.Materials and Methods. This study utilizes methods such as analyzing relevant scientific literature and documentation from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which govern the requirements for aviation personnel language training. Additionally, online platforms suitable for developing a digital glossary are compared and selected. Furthermore, an experiment is conducted and observations are made.Results and Discussion. Based on the experience of implementing digital technologies in the process of foreign language teaching an experimental training has been conducted on the basis of Saint-Petersburg State University of Civil Aviation.Conclusion. An introduction of digital g lossary as an element o f model in the content and language integrated learning process provides the conditions for development and improvement of foreign language proficiency and professional knowledge and, consequentially, provides a better qualification of future civil aviation pilots

CONTRATAÇÕES DE PROFISSIONAIS DA EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL: O QUE REVELAM OS EDITAIS DE MUNICÍPIOS DO ESTADO DO PARANÁ?

This article aims to problematize the relationship between training and the requirements for hiring early childhood education professionals, considering the professional profile, the workload of the contract, the salary and the duties. It stems from an inter-institutional research project entitled “Level of training and hiring of professionals for early childhood education in the state of Paraná: strategies adopted and implications for teaching”, which identified and analyzed the training requirement for hiring professionals working in early childhood education in four municipalities in two regions of the state of Paraná, via public examination notices. It is justified by its impact on the expansion of academic studies and social actions aimed at early childhood education in Paraná. Methodologically, we carried out a documentary analysis of the public notices published between 2009 and 2019, accessed via the city halls' official websites. We found that, although the requirement for training to work in early childhood education is a higher degree in Pedagogy, many municipal administrations issued public tender notices that approved positions under different nomenclatures, without the requirement of higher education pedagogical training or, at the very least, the normal modality at high school level, with longer working hours and lower salaries. From this, we conclude that the municipalities investigated have employed strategies to make teaching more precarious, which jeopardizes quality education for all children

Assessment of the Influence of Safety Training on the Technicians Safety Culture in the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Industries in Kenya

<i>Introduction:</i> Technicians in pharmaceutical manufacturing industries work in a high risk occupational setting. They are routinely exposed to chemical hazards due to the nature of their work. In order for them to perform, safety is paramount. This research intended to assess the influence of safety culture of technicians in pharmaceutical manufacturing industries. <i>Methods:</i> In order to achieve the objective, descriptive survey research design was used. Purposive sampling was used to select ten pharmaceutical Manufacturing industries which formed the research sample. Data was collected through questionnaires. The collected data was subjected to quantitative and qualitative analysis by use of SPSS. The<i> results</i> showed that the safety maturity level of 85% of the PMI’s were continually improving safety maturity level and only 15% in the involving safety maturity level. This was based on an analysis of the safety culture in four key dimensions. The study also established that majority of the respondents at 75.4% had their first encounter with OSH training at work environment commonly referred to as On the Job Training and only 23.3% were trained during their academic/professional education. The findings show that the majority of the respondents; 89.0 % and 80.8% of the respondents had been trained on the requirements of OSH Act 2007 and Evacuation procedures respectively. Notably, the training area with the least awareness was Exposure Limits of hazardous chemicals and substances at 29.1% across all PMI’s. The p values for OSH Training and Safe work documentation are p<0.001 and 0.421 respectively, indicating that OSH training is a statistically significant predictor of safety Culture. <i>Conclusion:</i> The hypothesis, there is statistically significant influence of training on safety culture of technicians among pharmaceutical manufacturing industries in Kenya, was accepted. Therefore we can conclude that OSH training has a significant positive influence on safety culture in pharmaceutical manufacturing industries in Nairobi, Kenya. The study therefore recommends that there is need to incorporate an OSH competency in the professional training of potential employees in the PMI’s in Kenya. This will enhance awareness of hazards and shape attitudes towards safety, well in advance hence enhance the safety culture maturity levels. The government thought the Ministry Of Labour And Social protection should ensure frameworks are able to enforce the implementation of OSHA (2007) training requirements to fill the gap in the training topic on handling of hazardous chemicals for workers in the PMI’s.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Enhancing the Future of Regulatory Affairs

This review examines the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in pharmaceutical regulatory affairs, with a focus on enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making in regulatory compliance, drug approvals, and post-market surveillance. Using peer-reviewed articles, regulatory guidelines, industry reports, and case studies, this article explores AI and ML tools such as Natural Language Processing (NLP), advanced analytics, machine learning algorithms, and automated document management. Key applications include risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and the streamlining of drug development processes. The review addresses challenges such as ethical considerations, data quality, transparency, and workforce training requirements that can hinder the implementation of AI and ML. Future opportunities are identified, including the potential for regulatory agencies and pharmaceutical companies to leverage AI/ML for faster decision-making, reduced regulatory delays, and a more efficient regulatory landscape. However, successful integration will require ongoing workforce training, adaptive regulatory frameworks, and a focus on patient safety and public trust. In conclusion, while AI and ML hold promise for revolutionizing regulatory processes, addressing these challenges will be essential to ensure safe and ethical implementation.

Preventing Musculoskeletal Injury: Security Forces Occupational Wellness and Improvements

United States Air Force Security Forces members face unique hazards associated with law enforcement and security duties similar to civilian law enforcement agencies. They also balance combat training requirements and rigorous physical conditioning that creates a high propensity for musculoskeletal injuries. The literature shows that awareness and education of contributing hazards can reduce the rate of injury among at-risk populations. This study explored the experience of Security Forces (SF) veterans to understand how actions on the job, training, and other key factors significantly contributed to their musculoskeletal injuries and chronic conditions. The research employed a phenomenological qualitative method to understand the workplace implications that may contribute to SF injury. We interviewed ten Security Forces veterans, five male and five female, to gain their insights and perspectives on their injuries and preventative measures that took place. The results showed a high rate of injury occurring on the job and a low rate of prevention. Participants described how their injuries were compounded by organizational culture and the hesitance to seek care options based on an underlying stigma. We introduce three considerations for practice to improve the musculoskeletal injury incidence rate among Security Forces: (1) developing a law enforcement-centric educational awareness program that places emphasis on physical conditioning, flexibility, and endurance to withstand occupational duties, (2) focusing on building core strength to reduce lower back and correlating injuries, (3) apply a top-down approach to remove negative stigma with seeking medical treatment for injuries.