Work Experience Research Articles

Trends of Rising Research Production Among Otolaryngology Residency Applicants.

As competitiveness to obtain a residency position in the field of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (Oto-HNS) has continued to rise, applicants have endeavored to set themselves apart. One increasingly popular strategy is maximizing research output. Over the past 6 years, applicant metrics such as board scores and volunteer and work experiences have risen incrementally, while research production has more than doubled, from 8.4 mean number of abstracts, presentations, and publications in 2016 to 17.2 in 2022. This coincides with the exponential surge of new research fellowships among Oto-HNS departments over a similar period, which is now up to at least 68 advertised positions. With a significant difference between the research production of matched and unmatched applicants, programs may be signaling a positive bias towards research-heavy applicants. Whether this is intended and/or preferable should be examined more closely.

Predictors and outcomes of genomic knowledge among nurses in a middle eastern country: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundGenomics has received significant attention in recent years. Nurses can uniquely contribute to the field of genomics and improve genomic healthcare. However, they lack the necessary knowledge to accomplish this, impacting their confidence, willingness, and ability to implement genomics healthcare negatively. Given Oman's unique healthcare context, its prospective genomics application, and the global trend toward genomic competency, it is essential to gauge nurses' genomic knowledge as basis for equipping them. AimThis study assessed the genomic knowledge among nurses in the Sultanate of Oman. It also explored the predictors and outcomes of their genomic knowledge. DesignThis study used a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional design. SettingsNurses from four public hospitals in Muscat Governorate, Sultanate of Oman were recruited to participate in the study. MethodsA total of 661 out of 700 nurses responded to the pen and paper self-report questionnaire (94 % response rate). Univariate, bivariate, and regression analyses were used for data analysis. ResultsConsistent with international studies, nurses in Oman had low to moderate genomic knowledge. Years of experience in genetics healthcare and working in either the surgical and maternity units were positively associated with higher genomic knowledge. Working in the bone marrow transplant unit and having a family history of consanguinity were associated with poorer genomic knowledge. Higher genomic knowledge was associated with an increased willingness to care for patients with genetic issues, higher confidence in providing genomic healthcare, and a lower intention to pursue continuing education on genomics. ConclusionStrategies targeting variables, particularly those that are amenable to interventions, should be developed and implemented to foster genomic knowledge in nurses.

Gen Y in Uncertain Times of Remote Working: From the Employees’ Perspective

Objective: The purpose of this article is to identify the experiences of Generation Y employees of remote work and to identify the key factors that, in their opinion, develop or limit its effectiveness and efficiency. Research Design & Methods: The authors carried out a questionnaire (CAWI) which was filled in by 304 respondents from Generation Y who worked remotely during COVID-19. Descriptive statistics measurements were used in the analysis. The original questionnaire was based on two measurement scales: ordinal on the Likert scale and nominal (binary and categorical). Then, the two-way data analysis method was used. Due to the nominal nature of the variables, frequency and percentage statistics were used in the statistical evaluation. For variables on the Likert scale, measures of descriptive statistics were used. In addition, hierarchical clustering analysis was used as part of the conducted research. Quantitative research was supplemented by unstructured interviews, conducted with eight HR Business Partners. Findings: The obtained results made it possible to conclude that workers from Gen Y have adapted quite well to remote work and were very involved in the workplace when working remotely. Unfortunately, they were also overworked and tired. Gen Y strive to effectively perform their duties, regardless of whether they work on location or from home. Implications / Recommendations: The experience of remote work gained by organisations and employees during the pandemic was an opportunity to implement innovative solutions, suitable for pandemic and post-pandemic conditions of the functioning of enterprises in the remote work era. Contribution: The article recognises and analyses the experiences of employees from the Y Generation who are professionally active, working remotely during COVID-19. The value of the study is the presentation of two perspectives on the experience of switching to a different mode of work organisation – remote mode. Conclusions drawn from the empirical research have an application value primarily for leaders, managers, and supporting departments, such as HRM.

“This is Not My War:” Moral Challenges Faced by Migrant Home Care Workers at Times of War

ObjectiveThe present study aimed to examine the experiences of migrant home care workers following the October 7 massacre and the Israel-Hamas war that followed. MethodsAbout 25 interviews with migrant home care workers were conducted. Interviews were analyzed thematically. ResultsAn overarching theme of moral challenges at times of war was identified. The first theme addressed the challenges faced by migrant home care workers who find themselves during a war that is not theirs. A second theme concerned the requirement to seek shelter within a very short period, which means that at least some older care recipients under certain conditions are unable to reach a safe room on time. The third theme concerned the dilemma of staying in Israel versus going home to a safe place, given the ongoing war. ConclusionsThe findings highlight the interdependence which is formed within the migrant home care arrangement and the challenges faced by migrant home care workers, who transitioned for financial reasons, but found themselves in a war situation with financial, emotional, and social commitments that challenge their loyalties.

Exploring career choices of specialist nurse students: Their decision-making motives. A qualitative study.

To explore Registered Nurses' motives to undergo specialist training and to choose a particular speciality. A descriptive qualitative interview study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted during 2021 with 20 Swedish specialist nurse students from different specialisation areas. Qualitative content analysis was used. The COREQ checklist was used to report the study. Specialist nurse students' motivations for further training were divided into three main categories with two sub-categories each. The main categories were 'toward new challenges and conditions in work life', 'contributions to the development and higher competencies in health care' and 'personal work and life experiences as ground for choice'. Our study demonstrates the importance of motivating factors in the career choices of Specialist nurse students, such as personal challenges, desirable working conditions, career growth opportunities and personal experiences in the career choices. Creating a supportive work environment that helps to prioritise work-life balance and offers the development of new skills might help retain nurses. No patient or public contribution was used. However, if more nurses would choose to undergo specialist training, especially in areas facing significant shortages, it would most likely lead to improved health-related outcomes for patients or populations.

Quantitative EEG correlates of ‘Kriya yoga’ benefits for mental health among health care providers

Background: Health care workers (HCWs) experience abounding physical and mental exhaustion mandating a deliverable solution for their mental health care. Kriya yoga (KY) includes several relaxation techniques and offers a stress-alleviating experience. The objective signature of KY benefits needs to be investigated. Aim: To study the effects of KY practice on brain oscillations and perceived stress in health care providers. Methods: This prospective interventional study was conducted during coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. HCWs were enrolled to the intervention group (IG) and control group (CG) after obtaining an informed consent. IG visited the yoga center for learning the KY technique. Electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded in both the groups, at baseline, and at the end of 6 weeks in the EEG Laboratory. Perceived stress scale (PSS) scores and participants’ subjective response to KY practice were also collected. Paired t-test and independent t-test were used for statistical comparison wherever applicable. Results: Age and baseline EEG powers among the IG and CG (N = 25) were statistically comparable. Absolute power analysis revealed a statistically significant increase in alpha and delta powers after 6 weeks of KY practice. The PSS scores revealed a statistically significant decrease in perceived stress after KY practice. Furthermore, 83% of the participants reported the subjective calming effects of KY practice. Conclusion: KY practice ensues relaxing effects on the brain, as evident from the EEG absolute power analysis, PSS scores, and participants’ subjective response. As KY is a brief technique, it may be encouraged during short break session among the HCWs for promotive health.

Are workers also vulnerable to the impact of ambient air pollution? Insight from a large-scale ventilatory exam

It remains unclear how ambient air pollution may affect the prevalence of obstructive ventilatory dysfunction (OVD) among workers. We aim to assess the association of a comprehensive set of ambient air pollutants with OVD prevalence in workers and to explore the potential interactive effects of the occupational factors. This is a population-based cross-sectional study among 305,022 participants from the Guangdong Province, China. Mixed-effects models were used to obtain differences in the OVD risk associated with a 10 μg/m3 increase in ambient air pollution. We found that for each 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5, PM10, PM coarse, O3, and NO2 concentrations, the odds ratio (OR) for OVD in workers is 1.324 (95 % confidence interval (CI), 1.282–1.367), 1.292 (95 % CI, 1.268–1.315),1.666 (95 % CI, 1.614–1.719), 1.153 (95 % CI, 1.142–1.165), and 1.023 (95 % CI, 1.012–1.033). We observed that young participants (18–38 years old), women, participants with longer work experience (>48 months), participants working in large enterprises, professional skills workers, and production and manufacturing workers have higher estimated effects. In addition, we also found that workers exposed to high temperatures have higher estimated effects under air pollutants exposure, while workers exposed to noise have higher estimated effects under PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and O3 exposure. Workers exposed to dust have a lower risk of developing OVD under exposure to ambient air pollutants compared to those not exposed. Our results indicate that ambient air pollution increases the risk of OVD in workers. Moreover, air pollutants exhibit a greater estimated effect among workers exposed to high temperatures or noise. Our research findings highlight the importance of fully considering the impact of ambient air pollution on protecting the respiratory health of workers.

Interpersonal competence as a moderator in the relation between occupational stress and organizational adaptation among nurses: A cross-sectional study

PurposeThis study examined the relationship between occupational stress and organizational adaptation among nurses and analyzed the moderating effects of interpersonal competence on this association. BackgroundIn the rapidly changing medical industry, nurses must adapt to their healthcare organizations and competently provide care. Higher levels of stress in nurses, which have been reported recently, can decrease their organizational adaption levels. This highlights the need for more research examining ways to address the impacts of nurses' occupational stress on organizational adaptation. Since interpersonal competence has been shown to mitigate the negative consequences of job stress, we hypothesized that improved interpersonal competence would moderate the relationship between occupational stress and organizational adaptation. Design and methodsWe employed a cross-sectional study design using online survey data from 500 nurses in Korea, recruiting participants through a recruitment advertisement on a mobile application widely used by nurses. We used descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression to conduct our data analysis, testing eight models to fit occupational stress (7 subdomains and overall), interpersonal competence, organizational adaptation, and the interaction term (stress*interpersonal competence) while controlling for demographic variables. ResultsOf the 500 sampled nurses, most were female with a mean age of 27 and four years of nursing work experience. All models tested were significant, explaining 52–61 % of the variance in organizational adaptation. As hypothesized, our analysis revealed negative relationships between occupational stress (overall and subdomain scores) and organizational adaptation. Nurses' interpersonal competence had significant moderating effects on the negative relationships between all subdomains of occupational stress and organizational adaptation, except job insecurity and interpersonal conflict. ConclusionsTo raise nurses' organizational adaptation levels, stakeholders should address occupational stressors. Cultivating interpersonal competence will alleviate the negative impacts of stress in nurses. Stakeholders should acknowledge the importance of interpersonal competence for nurses and prioritize providing continuing education in schools and hospitals to foster interpersonal competence.

“Locate the Law” Activity: Evaluating Student Pharmacists' Ability to Locate and Use Legal Resources

Pharmacy students must be able to locate and use legal resources to prepare for licensure and be practice-ready. We aimed to assess pharmacy students' ability and confidence in locating and using publicly available legal resources. The "Locate the Law" activity was implemented in a pharmacy law course in fall of 2021, 2022, and 2023 for third-year pharmacy students at one college of pharmacy in the Mid-South. The activity consisted of a 108-question (61 law questions) survey that evaluated the students' confidence before and after they were required to locate publicly available legal resources online and answer a set of guided questions about each resource. Descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted to evaluate student responses. The University of Tennessee IRB approved this study. A total of 363 students participated in the study (response rate:77%) over a three-year period. Most students were female (67%), on average 25 years old, and reported having pharmacy work experience (95%). Before the activity, students reported being slightly to somewhat confident in finding a statute (mean[M]:2.5) or regulation (M:2.5). Most graded question responses averaged 90% or above, and no question scored below a 75% average. After the activity, students' confidence increased significantly increased in finding a statute ([M:4.1) or regulation (M:4.1). The "Locate the Law" activity significantly improved student pharmacists' self-reported confidence to locate publicly available legal resources, and most students correctly answered most activity questions. Pharmacy law educators should consider incorporating training on using legal resources in the pharmacy law course.

A Cross-sectional Study for Examining Catastrophic Healthcare Expenditure Across Socio-demographic Variables among Employees in a Sedentary Occupation

Health expenditure above a certain threshold level can result in a financial catastrophe by reducing the expenses on necessities. Certain socio-demographic variables have been observed to play a role in influencing catastrophic healthcare expenditure, guiding the present study to examine this scenario for employees in sedentary occupations. A cross-sectional study has been conducted among 370 employees recruited through a random sampling technique. Multinomial logistic regression was used to test the main objective of the study. The factors associated with a higher probability of catastrophic healthcare expenditure were males with increasing age. Years of work experience tend to be associated with a lower likelihood of catastrophic healthcare expenditure. No conclusive evidence could be drawn for BMI, income, marital status and education.

INVESTIGATING THE MULTIFACETED DRIVERS OF JOB PERFORMANCE: INSIGHTS FROM SETIAUSAHA KERAJAAN NEGERI SEMBILAN (SUKNS) EMPLOYEES AT WISMA NEGERI, NEGERI SEMBILAN

This study investigates the multifaceted determinants influencing job performance among employees of Setiausaha Kerajaan Negeri Sembilan (SUKNS) at Wisma Negeri, Negeri Sembilan, with a keen focus on their implications for organizational success and individual satisfaction. In addition to exploring critical factors such as motivation, workload, work experiences, technology advancement, and stress levels, this research delves into nuanced issues within the public sector context. Through a comprehensive examination of these dynamics, the study offers insights into the complex interplay shaping job performance outcomes. Utilizing a convenient sampling method, the research engages 169 SUKNS respondents, employing a meticulously crafted questionnaire as the primary data collection tool. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) serves as the analytical lens to interpret the collected data. Notably, the influence of technology advancement on job performance emerges as a significant finding, prompting strategic recommendations for intervention. Proposed initiatives encompass skill development programs, motivation enhancement strategies, and an enhanced focus on employee well-being, all aimed at optimizing job performance at Wisma Negeri, Negeri Sembilan. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamics driving job performance within the public sector and offers actionable insights for organizational enhancement.

ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT OF EMPLOYEES: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM TELECOM SECTOR IN KERALA

In the modern world, businesses operate in a very competitive and constantly changing environment. Therefore, organisations need to have highly skilled and dedicated personnel. Therefore, any company must address the demands that foster employee dedication. Organisational commitment refers to the psychological attachment that employees form with their organisation. Given the paucity of research on the organisational commitment of employees in the telecom sector, the present study focused on filling that gap. The study aimed to explore the levels of organisational commitment of telecom sector employees in Kerala. It also aimed to investigate the association of age and work experience with organisational commitment in the telecom sector. The study was conducted based on primary data collected from the employees working in Jio and BSNL using the structured questionnaire. The study found that employees have moderate levels of affective commitment and lower levels of normative and continuance commitment. Employees’ overall organizational commitment is recorded at a moderate level. The study also noted significant differences in organisational commitment among employees in different age groups and employees with different years of work experience. Commitment increases as age increases and experience increases. The study has implications for recruiting employees and formulating practices for service excellence

Albuterol off-label use in the management of hyperkalemia and students survey

This study aimed to explore the evidence in the off-label use of albuterol in the acute management of hyperkalemia. It also aims to explore the knowledge and opinion of first-year pharmacy students related to this topic. Based on the literature survey, it shows a lack of awareness among first-year pharmacy students regarding albuterol, hyperkalemia, and the use of albuterol for hyperkalemia. Demographic factors, such as income and years of work experience, were shown to influence students' understanding of the topic. Regarding the survey, a total of forty participants completed an online survey, providing information on demographic factors such as age, gender, residency state, employment status, income, education, and work experience. Results revealed a predominantly female and younger student population, with diverse geographic representation and varied employment and income levels. Most participants selected the wrong answer to questions related to albuterol and hyperkalemia, suggesting potential knowledge gaps in this area. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational interventions to enhance student understanding and clinical decision-making skills in pharmacotherapy-related concepts. Further research could evaluate the effectiveness of such interventions in improving student knowledge and patient care outcomes.

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES AND THE RESILIENCE OF UKRAINE'S SOCIAL PROTECTION SYSTEM: WARTIME EXPERIENCE

The article focuses on the problem of digitalization under military shocks in Ukraine. The research key aim is to substantiate the digitalization of the social sector of Ukraine as a strong determinant of its societal resilience in the full-scale war conditions. One of the main objectives is to determine the impact of digital technologies on the stability of the social security population under martial law. The study applies a comprehensive methodology based on a combination of logical-historical, analytical, institutional, graphical, and sociological approaches. It is all-important that in 2020 Ukraine adopted the Strategy for Digital Transformation of the Social Sphere, and within its framework carried out digitalization. Since the beginning of the war in February 2022, the Unified State Web Portal of Electronic Services "Diia" provided the opportunity to: receive pension and social payments on bank cards; new registration or recalculation of such payments; the restoration of documents on work experience (E-work book) or disability; etc. Digital technologies such as access to ID cards, digital signatures, etc. also helped economically active Ukrainians during the war. It is concluded that digitalization has become a strong factor for stability of the national social protection system, as well as the Ukraine’s socio-economic and societal resilience in in the most difficult times of war.

Methods for the formation of monologue speech in the Russian language classes in a non-linguistic university

In the article topical issues of teaching Russian as a foreign language in Kazakh language groups were considered. The authors focus on the topical problem of forming the skills of monological speech at the basic and academic levels. Based on the practical experience of working in the basic and academic level groups in a technical university the authors analyze the effectiveness of the very method of combining multilevel groups and working on the monological speech with the use of innovative methods. In this article on the example of particular classes such methods as “Tandem”, excursion, case-study, project were studied in the aspect of working out the skills of monological speech. The authors offer the plan of organizing classes at different levels of groups, defining the ratio of topics and the most adequate methods aimed at forming skills of monological speech in the course of studying these topic

Conceptualization and Manifestation of Anger in Context of Islamic Psychology

Anger is one of the most common issue of current times. A qualitative research was conducted to understand the concept and manifestation of anger in Islam as explained by Muslim Scholars and verified by original scripts. Constructivism research paradigm and Criterion sampling were used. 16 Muslim Scholars who has specialization in Quran and Hadith and have work experience of at least 5 years were interviewed. Thematic analysis was carried out. Scholars explained questions regarding concept of anger in Islam and its expression by quoting references and sharing incidents of Prophet and his companions that gave a comprehensive view of anger in Islam. Two major themes emerged i.e., conceptualization of anger and anger manifestation. Anger conceptualization was further divided into 2 sub-themes i.e., natural emotion and anger spectrum whereas second theme was categorized in 3 sub-themes of verbal, non-verbal and behavioral manifestation and expression of anger. Results showed anger as universal experience but it needs to be in balance and anger’s Islamic context. The study has important implication in field of Islamic psychology as it would guide clients about the Islamic concept of anger which can relate to them and their belief.

Conceptualization and Manifestation of Anger in Context of Islamic Psychology

Anger is one of the most common issue of current times. A qualitative research was conducted to understand the concept and manifestation of anger in Islam as explained by Muslim Scholars and verified by original scripts. Constructivism research paradigm and Criterion sampling were used. 16 Muslim Scholars who has specialization in Quran and Hadith and have work experience of at least 5 years were interviewed. Thematic analysis was carried out. Scholars explained questions regarding concept of anger in Islam and its expression by quoting references and sharing incidents of Prophet and his companions that gave a comprehensive view of anger in Islam. Two major themes emerged i.e., conceptualization of anger and anger manifestation. Anger conceptualization was further divided into 2 sub-themes i.e., natural emotion and anger spectrum whereas second theme was categorized in 3 sub-themes of verbal, non-verbal and behavioral manifestation and expression of anger. Results showed anger as universal experience but it needs to be in balance and anger’s Islamic context. The study has important implication in field of Islamic psychology as it would guide clients about the Islamic concept of anger which can relate to them and their belief.

Applications of augmented reality (AR) in chemical engineering education: Virtual laboratory work demonstration to digital twin development

With advances in information technologies, virtual technologies have become a viable option for chemical engineering educators. Although traditional teaching methods remain effective, they have many limitations when presenting complex phenomena. Virtual technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) have shown great potential as an addition to traditional teaching methods. This study explored the practicality and potential applications of AR technologies in chemical engineering education. In this work, traditional 2D representations of CFD simulation results were replaced by AR experiences to visualise the flow pattern and assist the understanding of the working mechanism behind different devices. Other than CFD result integration, animations were also included in AR experiences for personalised training and inclusive laboratory work experience. AR-assisted training has shown good potential in reducing financial loss and equipment downtime due to improper handling. Besides delivering teaching content, the development process of a digital twin with an AR interface was used to demonstrate how virtual technologies can be involved in digitalisation in Industry 4.0. Beyond the technical contents, important design philosophies were also taught as part of the courses.

Psychological and Physiological Changes in Firefighters Based on Roadside Flowerscape Models and Plant Colors

Background and objective: This study was conducted to examine the psychological and physiological changes in firefighters according to roadside flowerscape (RFS) models and color stimulation.Methods: EEG and ECG measurement was taken and a survey was conducted on a total of 30 firefighters with a mean age of 35.3 ± 9.4 years in Jeonju.Results: For the violet RFS among the four colors (white, yellow, pink, and violet) of the RFSs, RST(radio of SMR to theta), RSMT(ratio to mid beta to theta), RMT(ratio of mid beta to theta), RMB(relative mid beta power spectrum), and ASEF(spectral edge frequency of 50% alpha spectrum band), which is a comfort indicator, were the highest in all lobes, including the prefrontal lobe, a finding which was statistically significant. The radio of alpha to high beta (RAHB), an indicator of calm and relaxation, was the highest for the white flowerscape. As for the level of gardening activity, the higher the age, the higher the average monthly income and rank, and the longer work experience, the higher the average value. The stress level of firefighters was 46.7%, indicating the need for expert help. Among the four colors (white, yellow, pink, and violet) of the RFSs, the preference for the yellow flowerscape was the highest, and "pleasant" was also the most common emotion, a finding which was statistically significant. As for the correlation between loyalty to the RFSs and key variables, a positive correlation was found between loyalty and gardening activity level, while a negative correlation was found between loyalty and job burnout. By examining the effects of key variables, as well as demographic variables such as gardening activity level and job burnout on respondents' loyalty, a sense of calm was found to be the most influential variable.Conclusion: Based on these findings, it is expected that supporting the development of RFS models and improving a sense of calm and the level of gardening activities, which affect the loyalty of firefighters, who are high-risk workers, will reduce high stress levels and job burnout, and increase interest in plants and psychological and physiological relaxation effects.

State Civil Apparatus Welfare of Public Elementary School Teachers in Bandar Lampung City

Teacher welfare is an important aspect that affects the standard, quality of life, and work of teachers. The components of welfare for the Indonesian State Civil Servant (ASN) are basic salary, allowances, work environment, security aspects in granting civil servant (PNS) status, awards, work-life balance between working hours and workload, and the development of certified teacher professionalism. The study population was ASN SDN teachers totaling 1466 people. Sampling using purposional sampling random method based on the lottery obtained a sample size of 155 people. The research objective was to determine the effect of consumption expenditure, education level, training, work experience, and teacher certification on the welfare of ASN SDN teachers in Bandar Lampung City. The estimation method used Ordinary Least Square (OLS). The findings are that the level of education, training, work experience, and teacher certification have a positive and significant effect on the welfare of ASN primary school teachers in Bandar Lampung City, while consumption expenditure has a negative and significant effect on the welfare of ASN primary school teachers in Bandar Lampung City. In the future, it is necessary to improve education, training, and experience, as well as teacher certification to improve welfare. In addition, it is necessary to maintain the purchasing power of teachers' income so that it is not eroded by inflation which reduces purchasing power.