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The estimation of unknown quantities from multiple independent yet non-homogeneous samples has garnered increasing attention in various fields over the past decade. This interest is evidenced by the wide range of applications discussed in recent literature. In this study, we propose a preliminary test estimator for the common mean (μ) with unknown and unequal variances. When there exists prior information regarding the population mean with consideration that μ might be equal to the reference value for the population mean, a hypothesis test can be conducted: H 0 : μ = μ 0 versus H 1 : μ ≠ μ 0 . The initial sample is used to test H 0 , and if H 0 is not rejected, we become more confident in using our prior information (after the test) to estimate μ. However, if H 0 is rejected, the prior information is discarded. Our simulations indicate that the proposed preliminary test estimator significantly decreases the mean squared error (MSE) values compared to unbiased estimators such as the Garybill-Deal (GD) estimator, particularly when μ closely aligns with the hypothesized mean ( μ 0 ). Furthermore, our analysis indicates that the proposed test estimator outperforms the existing method, particularly in cases with minimal sample sizes. We advocate for its adoption to improve the accuracy of common mean estimation. Our findings suggest that through careful application to real meta-analyses, the proposed test estimator shows promising potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) are non-invasive nuclear medicine techniques that can identify areas of abnormal myocardial perfusion. We assessed the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing SPECT or PET stress myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). Based on significant risk factors associated with an abnormal MPI, we developed a nomogram for each cohort as a pretest that would be helpful in decision-making for clinicians. Methods: A total of 6,854 patients with suspected CAD who underwent stress myocardial perfusion imaging by SPECT or PET/CT was studied. As part of the baseline examination, clinical teams collected information on traditional cardiovascular risk factors: age, gender, body mass index, angina, dyspnea, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, family history of CAD, and smoking. Results: The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors was different in the two cohorts of patients undergoing SPECT (n = 4,397) or PET (n = 2,457) myocardial perfusion imaging. A statistical significance was observed in both cohorts for age, gender, and diabetes. At multivariable analysis, only age and male gender were significant covariates in both cohorts. The risk of abnormal myocardial perfusion imaging related to age was greater in patients undergoing PET (odds ratio 4% vs. 1% per year). In contrast, male gender odds ratio was slightly higher for SPECT compared to PET (2.52 vs. 2.06). In the SPECT cohort, smoking increased the risk of abnormal perfusion of 24%. Among patients undergoing PET, diabetes and hypertension increased the risk of abnormal perfusion by 63% and 37%, respectively. For each cohort, we obtained a nomogram by significant risk factors at multivariable logistic regression. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve associated with the nomogram was 0.67 for SPECT and 0.73 for the PET model. Conclusions: Patients with suspected CAD belonging to two different cohorts undergoing SPECT or PET stress myocardial perfusion imaging can have different cardiovascular risk factors associated with a higher risk of an abnormal MPI study. As crude variables, age, gender, and diabetes were significant for both cohorts. Net of the effect of other covariates, age and gender were the only risk factors in common between the two cohorts. Furthermore, smoking and type of stress test were significant for the SPECT cohort, where as diabetes and hypertension were significant for the PET cohort. Nomograms obtained by significant risk factors for the two cohorts can be used by clinicians to evaluate the risk of an abnormal study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background History taking and clinical reasoning are important skills that require knowledge, cognition and meta-cognition. It is important that a trainee must experience multiple encounters with different patients to practice these skills. However, patient safety is also important, and trainees are not allowed to handle critically ill patients. To address this issue, a randomized controlled trial was conducted to determine the effectiveness of using Virtual Patients (VP) versus Standardized Patients (SP) in acquiring clinical reasoning skills in ophthalmology postgraduate residents. Methods Postgraduate residents from two hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan, were randomized to either the VP group or the SP group and were exposed to clinical reasoning exercise via the VP or SP for 30 min after the pretest. This was followed by a posttest. One month after this activity, a follow-up posttest was conducted. The data were collected and analysed using IBM-SPSS version 25. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to track the effect of learning skills over time. Results The mean age of the residents was 28.5 ± 3 years. The male to female ratio was 1:1.1. For the SP group, the mean scores were 12.6 ± 3.08, 16.39 ± 3.01 and 15.39 ± 2.95, and for the VP group, the mean scores were 12.7 ± 3.84, 16.30 ± 3.19 and 15.65 ± 3.18 for the pretest, posttest and follow-up posttest, respectively (p value

Spatial regression models are widely available across several disciplines, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging analysis, econometrics, and house price analysis. In nature, sparsity occurs when a limited number of factors strongly impact overall variation. Sparse covariance structures are common in spatial regression models. The spatial error model is a significant spatial regression model that focuses on the geographical dependence present in the error terms rather than the response variable. This study proposes an effective approach using the pretest and shrinkage ridge estimators for estimating the vector of regression coefficients in the spatial error mode, considering insignificant coefficients and multicollinearity among regressors. The study compares the performance of the proposed estimators with the maximum likelihood estimator and assesses their efficacy using real-world data and bootstrapping techniques for comparison purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Traditional didactic lecture methods were previously dominant in medical education in India, where students tend to lose their concentration after 15–20 min of lectures. In the context of competency-based medical education, a teaching–learning method that includes pre- and posttests were hypothesized to have the potential to enhance the learning process and make difficult topics easier for students to understand. This method was implemented for phase 2 MBBS students at Rampurhat Government Medical College and Hospital in India. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the department of microbiology in October 2021, with 65 male and 33 female students who provided informed consent. All the students were allotted immunology topics and were asked to present seminars. The students were required to complete a pretest and posttest questionnaire covering key areas of immunology. The mean and standard deviation of the scores were calculated. Paired Student's t-test was used to compare pre- and posttest scores, and P values were calculated using SPSS 20. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The total number of correct responses on the posttest was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the number of responses on the pretest. Gender-specific posttest responses were also significant (for males, P < 0.001; for females, P < 0.001). Overall marks were improved on the posttest, and the mean scores among all the students showed significant improvement in their posttest scores compared to their pretest scores. Conclusions: Evaluating students using a pretest and posttest was found to be a practical and feasible tool for learning. The majority of students reported that this method of learning helped them engage in critical thinking and understand topics more systematically, which they believed would contribute to their success as competent Indian Medical Graduates.

The estimation of unknown quantities from multiple independent yet non-homogeneous samples has garnered increasing attention in various fields over the past decade. This interest is evidenced by the wide range of applications discussed in recent literature. In this study, we propose a preliminary test estimator for the common mean (μ) with unknown and unequal variances. When there exists prior information regarding the population mean with consideration that μ might be equal to the reference value for the population mean, a hypothesis test can be conducted: H0:μ=μ0 versus H1:μ≠μ0. The initial sample is used to test H0, and if H0 is not rejected, we become more confident in using our prior information (after the test) to estimate μ. However, if H0 is rejected, the prior information is discarded. Our simulations indicate that the proposed preliminary test estimator significantly decreases the mean squared error (MSE) values compared to unbiased estimators such as the Garybill-Deal (GD) estimator, particularly when μ closely aligns with the hypothesized mean (μ0). Furthermore, our analysis indicates that the proposed test estimator outperforms the existing method, particularly in cases with minimal sample sizes. We advocate for its adoption to improve the accuracy of common mean estimation. Our findings suggest that through careful application to real meta-analyses, the proposed test estimator shows promising potential.

One of the problems that occur in mathematical subjects was the ability for students to solve problems that need the Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) still low. This problem also occurs in high school students (SMA) in Jember. The cause of the problem was that the mathematics teacher has not been skilled in making HOTS problems and has not guided students to solve HOTS problems. To overcome this problem, training activities followed by 118 high School Mathematics teachers held on 02 February 2019 at the center of MGMP (Teachers' discussion group) in Jember. The methods used were sharing information, discussions, and assignments to made HOTS mathematical problems, observation, test, and giving questioner. The results gained were the teacher's knowledge of the HOTS problem increasing from the average score of pretest 62 to the average score of posttest 85. The teacher's ability to make HOTS problems was already in good category, and all participants (100%) actively participate in training activities and give positive responses to the activity. The community services activity need to be continued in the future, because it is very important for improving teachers’ professionalism.

Introduction:Basic life support (BLS) is a non-medicated intervention to ensure that oxygen is delivered to the lungs and blood is pumped from the heart to save life in emergency situations where the heartbeat stops, respiratory functions become dysfunctional or both. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of non-healthcare staff on BLS and to investigate the contribution of BLS training to the development of their knowledge levels.Methods:The current study was a retrospective, non-invasive descriptive study. It covers the BLS training given to hospital employees who are not health personnel and have not received BLS training before. Between June 1, 2021 and December 1, 2021, we performed pre-education knowledge measurement test and post-education evaluation test at Mardin State Hospital. The data were recorded on the spreadsheet program and their percentage changes were calculated using the tabulation program statistical formulas.Results:A total of 594 subjects were included in the study plan, of which 290 did not complete the study. Of the 304 people who completed the study, 238 successfully passed the test at the end of the training process. Sixty-six people failed the test. The occupations of 304 people were examined and it was seen that these people consisted of 29 different occupational groups who had not received BLS training and were not health personnel.Conclusion:As a result of the research, it has been seen that the BLS information of the personnel other than the healthcare workers is insufficient, but this problem can be overcome to a large extent with the regular training given and to be given. It was found that the knowledge levels of the employees who participated in the study and received BLS training were significantly higher than before they received BLS training.

BACKGROUND: In this era of evidence-based medicine, only systematic research can help in providing judicious and precise healthcare to individual patients based on updated knowledge and skills. However, many medical professionals do not feel competent and confident enough to conduct research. One of the reasons could be the lack of a research-based curriculum in undergraduate courses. The National Medical Council has also stressed the need for formal training in research methodology for healthcare professionals. The research methodology workshops help to familiarize the participants with basic, clinical, and translational research required to impart optimum patient care. The objective of our study was to evaluate a research methodology workshop conducted for postgraduate students by assessing the participant’s knowledge, feedback, and expected impact using Kirkpatrick’s evaluation model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quasi-experimental, single-group study was conducted among 132 first-year postgraduate students. The four levels of Kirkpatrick’s model were applied for evaluation. Feedback forms, scores of the pretest and posttest, quality of the research proposal drafted by the postgraduates for their thesis, and finally successful submission of the research proposal were the components used to evaluate the four levels of outcome of Kirkpatrick’s model. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data collected were compiled and tabulated into MS Excel. Proportions were calculated for categorical variables and mean and standard deviation (SD) for scores. A comparison of means between pre- and postworkshop scores was made with paired t-test. A value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS Statistics version 20.0 software. RESULTS: Out of 132 participants, 29% (38) were males and 71% (94) were females. The mean ± SD pretest and posttest scores at a 95% confidence interval were 10.55 ± 2.537 and 12.43 ± 2.484, respectively. The difference was found to be statistically significant by paired sample t-test (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Participant feedback is vital for improving research methodology workshops. The workshop met the overall requirements of the participants. There was a significant improvement in the knowledge of participants after the workshop completion.

Spatial regression models are widely available across several disciplines, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging analysis, econometrics, and house price analysis. In nature, sparsity occurs when a limited number of factors strongly impact overall variation. Sparse covariance structures are common in spatial regression models. The spatial error model is a significant spatial regression model that focuses on the geographical dependence present in the error terms rather than the response variable. This study proposes an effective approach using the pretest and shrinkage ridge estimators for estimating the vector of regression coefficients in the spatial error mode, considering insignificant coefficients and multicollinearity among regressors. The study compares the performance of the proposed estimators with the maximum likelihood estimator and assesses their efficacy using real-world data and bootstrapping techniques for comparison purposes.

As a research method, focus groups have methodological advantages for understanding the views and behavior of group members or for understanding the social system as a whole, since it covers the interaction between people, groups, and the interpersonal environment quite well that widely recognized in the social sciences. These advantages are introduced in the context of mixed-methods, including conducting a survey together with focus groups as a pretest questionnaire in a comparative perspective in cross-national and cross-culture research. Focus groups provide to reach construct equivalence and elaborate an appropriate context-oriented language for questionnaire questions. Using the focus groups in this way can be an effective approach to overcoming the initial limited ability of surveys to valid measure more complex socially constructed concepts, the meaning of which can vary significantly from one group to another, especially from a comparative perspective in cross-national and cross-culture research. Using focus groups, data is collected in a more natural way, that is, more close to the real world, while the generalization is ensured by a detailed description of specific conditions, participants, and research environment. In addition, the discussion group is a miniature thinking society, and unlike dyadic interviews or surveys, focus group discussions give participants the opportunity to express their opinions, discuss their views and opinions with other participants, listen to other peoples opinions, disagree or to develop thoughts by reasoning out loud - this is similar to what happens in real life. This increased awareness about the described advantages of the approach for cross-cultural and cross-national comparative research likely contributes to its more active employ.

This study aimed to measure the effectiveness of a training experience involving a simulation of the work environment in developing the translation skills of a group of translation trainees. It also sought to investigate the participants’ views about their training experience, as well as measure their level of satisfaction with the program. Thirty participants with qualifications in English language and translation from different regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia participated in this study. This research is a quasi-experimental study in the form of a one-group pretest and posttest design. Initially, the participants underwent a preliminary assessment (pretest) of their translation abilities. Afterward, they undertook the experiment, an intensive course in translation and its required skills, which extended over a 2-month period. At the end of the program, the participants underwent a posttest to measure whether there were statistically significant differences in their performance in the pre- and posttests, with the results showing statistically significant differences in program performance (p < 0.05). The data from the attitudinal questionnaire administered to the participants at the end of the program showed that they held positive opinions about the program and they benefited significantly from the training experience. Based on these results, suggestions and recommendations are proposed to those interested in the field of training and translation to further improve the work.

Introduction: AIIMS Delhi developed an online platform Mortality in India established through Verbal Autopsies, which ultimately provides data on the cause of death in the country. AIIMS Patna being one of the partner institutions in this initiative of AIIMS Delhi, thus, conducted a 2-day workshop of Registrar General of India supervisors with the objective to strengthen the knowledge of participants and improve their practices on writing a good narrative during verbal autopsy (VA) using a key symptom list. Materials and Methods: A total of 32 participants attended the 2-day workshop at the Department of Community and Family Medicine, AIIMS Patna, in January 2019. A pretest questionnaire was administered before the start of the workshop and to test the improvement in knowledge of participants after attending the workshop, the same questionnaire was again administered as a posttest at the end of the workshop. Feedback of participants was also collected on a predesigned semi-structured questionnaire. The collected responses were entered in MS Excel 2010. Descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated using SPSS version 16.0 software. Results: There was a statistically significant improvement (P < 0.001) in the mean posttest score (8.6 ± 1.2) as compared to the mean pretest score (6.1 ± 2.8). Maximum participants, i.e., 15 (46.8%), reported that filling VA forms in a narrative way was the most useful part of the workshop. All the participants, i.e., 32 (100%), strongly agreed that the workshop was appropriately organized, content of the training was relevant, they were encouraged to actively participate, and adequate material was provided. Conclusion: Further intensive workshop with more field training and refresher training at regular intervals is expected in future.

The Autoregressive Conditionally Heteroscedastic (ARCH) model is useful for handling volatilities in economical time series phenomena that ARIMA models are unable to handle. The ARCH model has been adopted in many applications that contain time series data such as financial market prices, options, commodity prices and the oil industry. In this paper, we propose an improved post-selection estimation strategy. We investigated and developed some asymptotic properties of the suggested strategies and compared with a benchmark estimator. Furthermore, we conducted a Monte Carlo simulation study to reappraise the relative characteristics of the listed estimators. Our numerical results corroborate with the analytical work of the study. We applied the proposed methods on the S&P500 stock market daily closing prices index to illustrate the usefulness of the developed methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objetivo: Determinar la eficacia de un programa sobre conocimiento de autoexamen de mama en madres de estudiantes educadores de una institución educativa pública, 2018. Materiales y métodos: Enfoque cuantitativo y de tipo preexperimental en el que participaron 124 madres de alumnos educadores del 4.° año de secundaria de una institución educativa pública en 2018. Resultados: El 54,84 % de alumnos educadores eran del sexo femenino y el 45,16 %, del sexo masculino. El 98,40 % de las madres de estudiantes educadores tenía entre 35 y 59 años, el 66,10 % era conviviente, el 47,60 % tenía estudios secundarios y el 47,60 % era de religión evangélica. En el pretest, los conocimientos sobre autoexamen de mama alcanzaron un puntaje promedio de 8,94 puntos, donde el 83,10 % obtuvo un nivel bajo y el 16,90 %, un nivel medio. En el postest el puntaje promedio fue 13,48 puntos, donde el 14,52 % alcanzó un nivel alto; el 71,77 %, un nivel medio, y el 13,71 %, un nivel bajo. Hubo una diferencia significativa (p = 0,000) entre el puntaje del pretest y el postest de conocimientos sobre autoexamen de mama, lo cual demuestra la eficacia del programa educativo. Asimismo, se evidenció una diferencia significativa entre el puntaje del pretest y el postest en las dimensiones pertenecientes a los conocimientos de cáncer de mama, factores de riesgo, métodos de diagnóstico y autoexamen de mama (p = 0,000) en las madres de los estudiantes educadores. Conclusiones: Según los resultados obtenidos, se concluye que existe una eficacia del programa sobre conocimiento de autoexamen de mama en las madres de estudiantes educadores de una institución educativa pública, 2018; los resultados de la prueba estadística de Wilcoxon demostraron una diferencia significativa (p = 0,000).

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of using math educational software in the academic achievement and attitude of the learners in a business mathematics course. The experimental research design was used particularly the pre-test post-test control group design. The experimental group was exposed to math educational software namely, the QM for Windows while the control group was taught using the traditional teaching approach. The results of the study showed that the experimental group performed better in academic achievement and showed a higher positive attitude towards the course than the control group. Hence, educational software is effective and has a positive impact on the academic achievement of the learners in business mathematics as well as their attitude toward the course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a no-cost-to-workers, slip-resistant footwear (SRF) program in preventing workers’ compensation injury claims caused by slipping on wet or greasy floors. METHODS: The study population was a dynamic cohort of food service workers from 226 school districts’ kindergarten through 12th grade food service operations. A two-arm cluster randomized controlled study design was implemented, with school districts randomized to the intervention group receiving SRF. Data were analyzed according to the intent-to-treat principle. Logistic regression was used to analyze dichotomous response data (injured based on workers’ compensation injury claims data, or not injured, for each month worked). Changes in slipping injury rates from baseline to post-intervention follow-up periods were compared between treatment groups. RESULTS: The probability of a slipping injury was reduced significantly in the intervention group, from a baseline measure of 3.54 slipping injuries per 10 000 worker-months to 1.18 slipping injuries per 10 000 worker-months in the follow-up period [adjusted odds ratio (OR_adj) 0.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.17–0.63]. In the control group, slipping injuries were 2.01 per 10 000 worker-months in the baseline, and 2.30 per 10 000 worker-months in the follow-up. The interaction between treatment group and time period (baseline or follow-up) indicated that the decline seen in the intervention group was significantly different than the increase seen in the control group (OR_adj 0.29, 95% CI 0.11–0.74, adjusted for age >55 years). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence for the effectiveness of a no-cost-to-workers SRF program in reducing slipping-related workers’ compensation injury claims in food service workers.

The most important tool of effective teaching learning process is teaching technigues. The use of innovation and digital eguipment in the teaching processes has made learning process very simple, easy and student friendly. Digital innovation has revolutionized the instructional strategies for a sustainable development. Student teachers of today will become gualified teachers tomorrow and the demand for present time is that they should be trained with not only traditional learning methods but also trained them with new digital instructional technigues. Explain the differences between traditional learning methods and innovative technigues and bring awareness of new technigue is the aim of our study. The purpose of this exercise is to invigilate the outcomes of Digital instructional strategies on the performance of the teacher's students. This experiment was conducted on a teaching subject Life Skill Education of fourth semester of teacher education program. A sample of 50 students was selected randomly out of 100 students of Semester IV in a teacher training college. Two groups of 25 students each were made. Pre -test was given to both the groups and the results were recorded. One group was taken as a control group which was taught the subject by the teacher who used conventional method of teaching while the other i.e. the experimental group was taught by the teacher who used innovative digital teaching technigues. After two week time of teaching, a post-test was conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For downloading the full-text of this article please click here. Background and Objective: Despite the fact that the mission statement of Islam has been defined as achievement of happiness in this world and the afterlife, humans have come to understand the significance of spiritual well-being in recent years. In many verses, the Quran is introduced as “healing”. As a pioneer study in this area, the current research aimed to examine how the use of the Quran may enhance spiritual well-being among university students. The ultimate goal was to propose some strategies to improve spiritual well-being. Method: This study adopted a pretest-posttest design and utilized the Spiritual Well-Being Scale developed by Paloutzian and Ellison for data collection. The participants (N=63) were divided into two groups. To provide intervention to improve spiritual well-being, the members of the first group were advised to recite the Quran twice a week when they were sad, while the members of the second group were invited to listen to the Quran recitation twice a week, each time for ten minutes, when they felt down. The time interval between the pretest and posttest was three months. Levene test, chi-square, paired-samples t-test, analysis of covariance, and one-way analysis of variance were employed for data analysis. All ethical issues were observed in this study and the researchers declared no conflict of interests. Results: Based on the results of the pretest, the mean scores of spiritual well-being of participants in the recitation and listening groups were 87.88±18.12 and 90.74±14.48 respectively. The same mean scores in the posttest rose to 94.09±13.719 and 95.30±12.135 in the same order. The university students therefore enjoyed a moderate level of well-being. Furthermore, age, gender, major, marital status, illness, and employment status were significantly associated with spiritual health (p

Abstract Background A multitude of different rehabilitation interventions and other specific health care services are offered for individuals with disorders of consciousness in long-term care settings. To investigate the association of those services and patient-relevant outcomes, a specific instrument to document the utilization of those services is needed. The purpose of this study was to develop such a questionnaire administered to caregivers in epidemiological studies or patient registries in Germany. Methods The development process of the RECAPDOC questionnaire was carried out in three steps. Step 1 consisted of a systematic literature review and an online-based expert survey to define the general content. Step 2 was an expert interview to evaluate the preliminary content of the questionnaire. Step 3 was a pretest including cognitive interviews with caregivers. After each step, the results were combined into a new version of the questionnaire. Results The first version of the questionnaire included items on utilization of medical care, medical aids, nursing and therapeutic care. The results of the expert interview led to the integration of five new items and the modification of six other items. The pretest led to some minor modifications of the questionnaire since it was rated as feasible and acceptable. The final questionnaire consisted of 29 items covering the domains “living situation”, “social insurance status”, “utilisation of home health care”, “domestic services”, “outpatient health care”, “specific diagnostic measures”, “adaptive technologies”, “medical aids” and “utilization of therapies”. Also the experience of family support and multidisciplinary collaboration of health professionals is covered. Conclusions The developed questionnaire is a first step to make the situation of patients with disorders of consciousness in the long-term care setting accessible for evaluation in epidemiological studies and in the context of patient registries. However, further reliability and validity studies are needed.

Purpose: In quantitative studies, providing a valid and reliable instrument is necessary to ensure accurate results when measuring sustainable manufacturing practices (SMPs) and sustainability performance (SP). Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the validity and reliability of the measurements of SMPs and SP. Methodology/Approach: The population of this study is top managers who have experience in the oil and gas industry (O&GI) in Iraq. Two tests were carried out in the present study: the pre-test and the pilot test. Findings: In the pre-test, the comments made by six academician experts and three practitioners were used to rephrase the measurements items and modify them according to the requirements of the O&GI by the Iraqi context. Moreover, in the pilot test was all the items were reliable and were sufficiently correlated with their constructs. Research Limitation/implication: There are some limitations to the current study. First, due to the small size of the study population, the pilot test sample in the current study was only 12 respondents. Future researchers can increase the sample size for the pilot test when they have a large population. Second, the validity and reliability of the measurements were tested in the current study in the oil and gas industry only. Future studies can test these measurements in other industries or small and Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Originality/Value of paper: Theoretically, there are four contributions to the body of knowledge: first, introduce measures for SMPs according to the product life cycle view, it is limited in the literature. Second, these measures can be used by researchers to study the extent of SMPs and the SP of companies using descriptive statistics. Third, these measures can be used to investigate the impact of SMPs on SP by regression testing or structural equation modelling. Fourth, measures can be modified into open-ended questions for use in qualitative or mixed studies. Practically, there are two practical implications which explain in the conclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In this era of evidence-based medicine, only systematic research can help in providing judicious and precise healthcare to individual patients based on updated knowledge and skills. However, many medical professionals do not feel competent and confident enough to conduct research. One of the reasons could be the lack of a research-based curriculum in undergraduate courses. The National Medical Council has also stressed the need for formal training in research methodology for healthcare professionals. The research methodology workshops help to familiarize the participants with basic, clinical, and translational research required to impart optimum patient care. The objective of our study was to evaluate a research methodology workshop conducted for postgraduate students by assessing the participant's knowledge, feedback, and expected impact using Kirkpatrick's evaluation model., Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental, single-group study was conducted among 132 first-year postgraduate students. The four levels of Kirkpatrick's model were applied for evaluation. Feedback forms, scores of the pretest and posttest, quality of the research proposal drafted by the postgraduates for their thesis, and finally successful submission of the research proposal were the components used to evaluate the four levels of outcome of Kirkpatrick's model., Statistical Analysis: Data collected were compiled and tabulated into MS Excel. Proportions were calculated for categorical variables and mean and standard deviation (SD) for scores. A comparison of means between pre- and postworkshop scores was made with paired t -test. A value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS Statistics version 20.0 software., Results: Out of 132 participants, 29% (38) were males and 71% (94) were females. The mean ± SD pretest and posttest scores at a 95% confidence interval were 10.55 ± 2.537 and 12.43 ± 2.484, respectively. The difference was found to be statistically significant by paired sample t -test ( P < 0.001)., Conclusion: Participant feedback is vital for improving research methodology workshops. The workshop met the overall requirements of the participants. There was a significant improvement in the knowledge of participants after the workshop completion., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2024 Journal of Education and Health Promotion.)

Objective: To improve the awareness and knowledge regarding Maternal Near Miss (MNM) among health service providers in the selected districts and women's hospitals in Maharashtra, India. Methods: A one-day training programme on MNM was conducted at four Family Welfare Training Centres in the state of Maharashtra, India, for the health service providers, viz. gynaecologists, pathologists, anaesthesiologists, medical officers, staff nurses, other paramedical workers of the selected 29 districts/women's hospitals in Maharashtra. A total of 147 participants participated in the training programme. The participants filled a questionnaire before (pretest) and after the training (post-test) with the same set of questions pertaining to knowledge on the basic and operational aspects of MNM. Results: There was a significant improvement in the level of knowledge (post-test responses vs pretest responses) about the correct definition and classification of MNM, as per the instructions in the MNM-R guidelines by the Government of India. The service providers informed regarding the challenges in the implementation of the MNM-R guidelines at their hospitals such as shortage of manpower in terms of specialists and need of quality assurance. Conclusion: The training programme improved the knowledge of the service providers about MNM, which would help them to implement the MNM-R guidelines effectively at their hospitals. This training effectively upgraded the knowledge level, and therefore, such trainings should be organized for all obstetricians, high-dependency unit (HDU) personnel and critical care teams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of research to determine and describe whether the concept of flash card utilization is able to increase students activity students in learning in Geography subject. Though geography is a very important subject, particularly in determining the ample number of fauna found in Indonesia, which is even categorized as an endemic fauna. In addition, the manner in delivering subtopic which is considered monotonous by relying solely on reading books and summarizing what they have read are two things that are not surprising. Hence, those two facts encourage students not perform geography lessons enthusiastically. Considering the problems that occur, therefore I am interested in engaging the learning media "Flash Card" in delivering Subtopic of fauna distributions, especially in Indonesia. In each of these Flash Cards there is information regarding the fauna, starts from the picture, name, location of the distribution area, and animal characteristics. After performing the learning process engaging Flash Cards, students were divided into several groups and present Indonesia map along with regions name in front of the class. Then, the teacher would provide some questions related to the fauna characteristics and the groups were asked to answer questions by mentioning names and showing the origin of the fauna asked in the map. During this learning, students will likely compete againts other groups, but happened to be a pleasant circumstance without pressure. And at the end of the chapter, students will take a written test related to fauna distribution subtopic. The final result after applying the media "Flash Cards" turned out to be succeesful in improving student learning outcomes, especially upon fauna distribution subtopic in Indonesia at class XI IPS 1 SMA XinZhong Surabaya. As many as 28 students out of 36 students who did not accomplishminimum standard of 75 points, after engaging the media "Flash Card" they decreased up to only 3 students who did not meet the minimum criteria. Thereby, this result indicates that "Flash Card" mediautilization helps students to understand properly, embrace the subtopic adequately, and assist students to obtain better grades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study evaluated the effectiveness of a no-cost-to-workers, slip-resistant footwear (SRF) program in preventing workers' compensation injury claims caused by slipping on wet or greasy floors. Methods The study population was a dynamic cohort of food service workers from 226 school districts' kindergarten through 12th grade food service operations. A two-arm cluster randomized controlled study design was implemented, with school districts randomized to the intervention group receiving SRF. Data were analyzed according to the intent-to-treat principle. Logistic regression was used to analyze dichotomous response data (injured based on workers' compensation injury claims data, or not injured, for each month worked). Changes in slipping injury rates from baseline to post-intervention follow-up periods were compared between treatment groups. Results The probability of a slipping injury was reduced significantly in the intervention group, from a baseline measure of 3.54 slipping injuries per 10 000 worker-months to 1.18 slipping injuries per 10 000 worker-months in the follow-up period [adjusted odds ratio (ORadj) 0.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.17-0.63]. In the control group, slipping injuries were 2.01 per 10 000 worker-months in the baseline, and 2.30 per 10 000 worker-months in the follow-up. The interaction between treatment group and time period (baseline or follow-up) indicated that the decline seen in the intervention group was significantly different than the increase seen in the control group (ORadjj 0.29, 95% CI 0.11-0.74, adjusted for age >55 years). Conclusions This study provides evidence for the effectiveness of a no-cost-to-workers SRF program in reducing slipping-related workers' compensation injury claims in food service workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh pemberian pre-test dan post-test terhadap hasil belajar mata diklat HDW.DEV.100.2.A pada siswa SMK Negeri 2 Lubuk Basung. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian eksperimen. Jenis data yang diperoleh berupa data primer. Hasil yang diperoleh dari penelitian ini sebagai berikut: (1) hasil belajar siswa yang diberikan Pre test dan Post test lebih tinggi dari siswa yang belajar dengan metode biasa (tanpa diberikan Pre test dan Post test). Siswa yang diberikan Pre test dan Post test nilai rata-ratanya (72.41) lebih tinggi dari siswa yang belajar dengan metode biasa (59.05). (2) terdapat pengaruh pemberian pre-test dan post-test terhadap hasil belajar mata diklat HDW.DEV.100.2.A pada siswa SMK Negeri 2 Lubuk Basung.

It is very difficult to motivate students when it comes to a school subject like Mathematics. Teachers spend a lot of time trying to find something that will arouse interest in students. It is particularly difficult to find materials that are motivating enough for students that they eagerly wait for the next lesson. One of the solutions may be found in Vedic Mathematics. Traditional methods of teaching Mathematics create fear of this otherwise interesting subject in the majority of students. Fear increases failure. Often the traditional, conventional mathematical methods consist of very long lessons which are difficult to understand. Vedic Mathematics is an ancient system that is very flexible and encourages the development of intuition and innovation. It is a mental calculating tool that does not require a calculator because the calculator is embedded in each of us. Starting from the above problems of fear and failure in Mathematics, the goal of this paper is to do research with the control and the experimental group and to compare the test results. Two tests should be done for each of the groups. The control group would do the tests in the conventional way. The experimental group would do the first test in a conventional manner and then be subjected to different treatment, that is to say, be taught on the basis of Vedic Mathematics. After that, the second group would do the second test according to the principles of Vedic Mathematics. Expectations are that after short lectures on Vedic mathematics results of the experimental group would improve and that students will show greater interest in Mathematics.

The research examines the effectiveness of utilization of practicing materials using ICT and classical study support – printed material in teaching Mathematics. The research was held as a pedagogical experiment at the Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Pardubice in academic year 2012-13. In the research group there were included 559 students in their first semester of study. Students were subjected to pretest and posttest, between these tests they were encouraged to practice through a material on basic calculus of functions of one variable. The practicing material was prepared both in classical (paper) form, both with an application of ICT. We registered results in pretest and posttest (in points), used practicing materials, successfulness in exam and continuing in studies after the first semester. The experiment looks for statistic relations among these variables. We present part of these statistic results. Further quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the project is planned to be a component of dissertation.