scholarly journals Evaluating the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Dental Academics and the Future of Dental Education Across India

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rameshwari Singhal ◽  
Anil Chandra ◽  
Shuchi Tripathi ◽  
Pavitra Rastogi ◽  
Richa Khanna
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Dental Education ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
The Future ◽  
Current Scenario ◽  
Dental Schools ◽  
The Impact ◽  
New Situation

Background: The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to the transition of dental education from chair-side clinical teachings to virtual didactic lectures. The future of dental education is not clear in these uncertain times. Objectives: This survey-based study aimed to evaluate the current scenario and preparedness of dental colleges/universities and faculty in adapting to the new situation and understanding the challenges faced during this phase. The survey also explored the opinions, limitations, and possible solutions in dental academics through open-ended qualitative questions. Methods: This survey-based study utilized exploratory mixed methods through both open- and closed-ended questions. The survey was distributed electronically to the majority of dental colleges across India to be answered voluntarily by the dental academicians involved in COVID-19 planning. The survey was inspired by the pre-existing questionnaire proposed by the Association of Dental Education in Europe (ADEE), and it was modified by the committee consisting of the study authors. Validation and piloting of the study were done through in-house dental faculty. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and expressed in percentages. Broad themes for qualitative data were derived by two independent authors and collated by the third author to finalize the results. Results: The questionnaire was answered by 89 dental schools from all parts of the country with varying stages of COVID-19 prevalence. Quantitative data revealed 100% adaptation of dental schools to online teaching, uncertainty regarding online (31.46%) and offline (10.11%) exams, and assessment of clinical competence. Qualitative analysis indicated uncertainty, ambiguity, and lack of direction among study respondents regarding how best to deal with the current situation. Conclusions: According to our results, collaborative effort from governing bodies was urgently required at this point to prevent dental education from being divided into multi-directional, incoherent, and isolated units.

scholarly journals Impact of a model of clinical supervision over the emotional intelligence capacities of nurses

Rev Rene ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
pp. e60279
Author(s):  
Maria Cristina Augusto ◽  
Karine Sobral de Oliveira ◽  
António Luís Rodrigues Faria de Carvalho ◽  
Cristina Maria Correia Barroso Pinto ◽  
Ana Isabel Carvalho Teixeira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Intelligence ◽  
Clinical Supervision ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Paired Samples ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Impact

Objective: to analyze the impact of the implementation of a model of clinical supervision over the emotional intelligence capacities of nurses. Methods: mixed methods study. Quantitative data were collected before and after the implementation of the Model, using the scale of Emotional Intelligence Capacities of Nurses; analyses were carried out using descriptive statistics and paired samples were analyzed using the t-test. 47 nurses from one hospital participated. Qualitative data were obtained from the analysis of the discourses of the nurses in a public presentation, using thematic/categorizing content analysis. The findings were integrated at the end to generate the results. Results: no statistically significant differences were found with the implementation of the Model. However, the nurses involved recognized the positive impact of the SafeCare Model in the development of emotional competences. Conclusion: the study contributed for clinical supervision and for the development of emotional competences.

scholarly journals Perceptions of Clinical Dental Students Toward Online Education During the COVID-19 Crisis: An Egyptian Multicenter Cross-Sectional Survey

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reham Hassan ◽  
Ayman R. Khalifa ◽  
Tarek Elsewify ◽  
Mohamed G. Hassan
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Clinical Skills ◽  
Dental Education ◽  
Hybrid Approach ◽  
Dental Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dental Schools

Objectives: To evaluate the perceptions of clinical dental students on the role of online education in providing dental education during the COVID-19 crisis.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was sent to four Egyptian dental schools from the 20th of January 2021 to the 3rd of February 2021. Survey questions included the demographics, uses, experiences, perceived benefits, and barriers of distance learning in dentistry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Responses were collected from the clinical dental school students. Categorical data were presented as frequencies (n) and percentages (%) and were analyzed using Fisher’s exact test.Results: Three hundred thirty-seven clinical dental students across four Egyptian dental schools responded. Most students used either Google Classroom or Microsoft Teams to access the online content. The data showed that the COVID-19 pandemic affected the academic performance of most participants (97.4%) with varying degrees. On average, students were neutral when asked to rate the online lectures, but did not find online practical education as effective (81.3%) as online theoretical teaching. The commonly described barriers to online teaching included loss of interaction with educators, inappropriateness in gaining clinical skills, and the instability of the internet connection.Conclusion: Despite the reported benefits, clinical dental students in Egypt preferred the hybrid approach in dental education as distance learning represented a prime challenge to gain adequate clinical dental skills.

scholarly journals Companion Animal Type and Level of Engagement Matter: A Mixed-Methods Study Examining Links between Companion Animal Guardianship, Loneliness and Well-Being during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 2349
Author(s):  
Heather Clements ◽  
Stephanie Valentin ◽  
Nicholas Jenkins ◽  
Jean Rankin ◽  
Nancy R. Gee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Companion Animal ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mental Well Being

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, countries worldwide placed limitations on social interaction, which is anticipated to have severe psychological consequences. Although findings are inconsistent, prior research has suggested that companion animals may positively influence human well-being and reduce loneliness. In the context of COVID-19, this has important implications, as companion animal guardians may be less negatively affected by the pandemic. The primary aim of this research was to investigate the influence of companion animals on mental well-being and loneliness during the pandemic, with specific interest in the role of ornamental fishes. A mixed-methods study was conducted, using an international sample. Quantitative data were collected via an online survey (n = 1199) and analysed using robust hierarchical multiple regression analyses; the influence of level of engagement with companion animals was examined for dogs, cats and ornamental fishes. There was no evidence that companion animal guardianship was associated with loneliness and mental well-being during the pandemic but spending more time engaging physically or socially with dogs (and to a lesser extent cats) was generally associated with poorer outcomes. Qualitative data were collected through open-ended survey responses (n = 757) and semi-structured interviews (n = 25) and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Two themes were developed—one related to companion animals as providers of social and emotional support, and the other to companion animals as providers of purpose and perspective. Concerns regarding the impact of the pandemic on animal welfare were also identified. Compared to other animal types, more participants expressed indifference regarding the impact of their fishes on their well-being during the pandemic, possibly because fishes cannot provide comfort via physical touch. The findings of this study reflect the wider field of human–animal interaction; although qualitative data suggest guardians believe their companion animals are a positive influence in their lives, there is little convincing quantitative data to support these beliefs. This highlights the need to refine theories regarding which aspects of companion animal guardianship may influence human well-being; the findings from this research may be useful in the refinement of such theories.

scholarly journals Youth Enterprise Development Funds Services and Youth Empowerment in Wajir County, Kenya

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (II) ◽  
pp. 280-292
Author(s):  
Hassan Adow Mohamud ◽  
Fredrick Ndede
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Theory Of Change ◽  
Youth Empowerment ◽  
Enterprise Development ◽  
Market Linkages ◽  
The Government

Youth empowerment is vital for any nation. Most Kenyan youths aspire to get white-collar jobs after completing education in order to build self and the nation. To most, achieving their career goals after the 8-4-4 education system is the most critical thing hence they will not settle for anything less than what they have trained for. The Government of Kenya has made efforts over the years to empower the youth by coming up with policies that enable the youth to venture in education as well as create opportunity for income generating projects. It is on this basis that this study therefore sought to examine the effect of YEDF services on youth empowerment in Wajir County. The study objectives were: to assess the effect of YEDF entrepreneurial training on job creation, to examine the effect of YEDF provision of loans on income and to determine the effect of YEDF provision of market linkages on youth enterprise development in Wajir County. The study adopted social capital, theory of change and reform theory to assess relationship among the various factors that have been identified as important to the study problem. This study adopted the descriptive survey research design. The target population of the study consists of the 200 youth groups in Wajir County. This study used a closed and open – ended questionnaire to administer to the sample since time may be limited and information needed could easily be described in writing. The data was coded and entered on a Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software that aids in analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data. The researcher adopted content analysis to analyse the qualitative data based on the objectives. The descriptive statistics was used in analysing quantitative data. The researcher adopted content analysis to analyse the qualitative data based on the objectives. The descriptive statistics was used in analysing quantitative data. In analysing the relationship between variable (YEDF services and youth empowerment) the study used regression analysis. The study found out that attending the entrepreneurship training is important in improving business performance. The youths are trained on ways of improving and retaining customers. The researcher found out that most youths in the county have loan accessibility and have been accessing it for the past one year. The study found out that most youths have attended market linkages program. By attending the programs, they have learnt various ways of improving their business performance and sharing of business ideas. Finally, the study found out that there is a significant relationship between market linkages and youth’s empowerment in the County. The study recommended that the government and stakeholders to promote entrepreneur training, offering of loans and market linkages to equip youths with business skills. The study took a year to be completed, the researcher started in June 2017 and ended in July 2018. This is an open-access article published and distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License of United States unless otherwise stated. Access, citation and distribution of this article is allowed with full recognition of the authors and the source.

Role and Clinical Significance of Il-33 in Patients with Asthma

2017 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-55
Author(s):  
Elena Jovanovska Janeva ◽  
Angelko Gjorchev ◽  
Biserka Kaeva ◽  
Gorica Breskovska ◽  
Zlatica Goseva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Targeted Therapy ◽  
Clinical Significance ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Reference Value ◽  
Chronic Inflammatory Disease ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Elisa Method ◽  
Asthma Patients ◽  
Kolmogorov Smirnov

Abstract Introduction. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways in which many cells play a role with secreting a variety of mediators responsible for the clinical manifestation of asthma. It is assumed that IL-33 is one of the earliest-released mediators and can orchestrate the immune cascade of the disease. The aim of this study was to examine the role and clinical significance of IL-33 as a new and insufficiently explored mediator of inflammation in patients with uncontrolled moderate asthma. Methods. The study included 87 patients with asthma. Serum IL-33 was measured in all patients by ELISA method. The obtained data were statistically analyzedusing the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk's test. Qualitative data were presented in absolute and relative numbers, and quantitative data were presented with measures of descriptive statistics. Statistically significant values were considered forp <0.05. Results. Majority of included patients were female (75.86%). The average age of patientswas 42.3±15.9 years. The results of IL-33 in all patients were significantly increased compared to the reference value of IL-33 which is 0pg/ml. The average values of IL-33 ranged from 6.47±29.3 and they were insignificantly higher in the group with female patients compared to males (p=0.27), and insignificantly correlated with age (p=0.26). Conclusion. Even though a limited number of studies haveexplored the IL-33, results have shown higher serum level of IL-33 in asthma patients compared to healthy people, emphasizing the factthat IL-33 is an attrac tive candidate for targeted therapy and prognosis inasthma patients.

scholarly journals Accountability Complexities in Non-governmental Organisation: A Reflection of Practical Mechanisms for Instilling Accountability in Selected Tanzania's Non-governmental Organisations

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (05) ◽  
pp. 2196-2210
Author(s):  
Richard Sikira
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Dar Es Salaam ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Term Basis ◽  
Complex Phenomena

Non-governmental Organisations are key development partners who receive funds and other support from various stakeholders for supporting human development. Receiving funds and other supports require a well-established accountability framework to which most NGOs do not adhere. The downward and upward accountability phenomena seem overly complicated for NGOs to strike a balance as they have diverse and antagonistic interests. Given that scenario, it was imperative to examine how the existing mechanisms, influence the accountability of NGOs with the bias of ANSAF, UCS and HAWA. The study used Dar es Salaam as the case study employing the case study research design with a sample size of 30. Data were gathered through interviews and semi-structured questionnaires and analysed through content analysis for qualitative data. Quantitative data were analysed through simple descriptive statistics. This study aims to examine the mechanisms selected NGOs employ to instil accountability in Tanzania. The study found that the selected NGOs apply various accountability mechanisms, while the most used one is performance assessment based on a short-term basis, followed by disclosure of funding sources. The study concludes that upward and downward accountabilities are overly complex phenomena in actual practice. Thus, NGOs need a proper dedicated balance between the two.

scholarly journals The effectiveness of knowledge translation interventions for promoting evidence-informed decision-making among nurses in tertiary care: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Yost ◽  
Rebecca Ganann ◽  
David Thompson ◽  
Fazila Aloweni ◽  
Kristine Newman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Knowledge Translation ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Informed Decision Making ◽  
Client Outcomes ◽  
The Impact

Nurses are increasingly expected to engage in evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) to improve client and system outcomes. Despite an improved awareness about EIDM, there is a lack of use of research evidence and understanding about the effectiveness of interventions to promote EIDM. This project aimed to discover if knowledge translation (KT) interventions directed to nurses in tertiary care are effective for improving EIDM knowledge, skills, behaviours, and, as a result, client outcomes. It also sought to understand contextual factors that affect the impact of such interventions. Methods A systematic review funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (PROSPERO registration: CRD42013003319) was conducted. Included studies examined the implementation of any KT intervention involving nurses in tertiary care to promote EIDM knowledge, skills, behaviours, and client outcomes or studies that examined contextual factors. Study designs included systematic reviews, quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method studies. The search included electronic databases and manual searching of published and unpublished literature to November 2012; key databases included MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Excerpta Medica (EMBASE). Two reviewers independently performed study selection, risk of bias assessment, and data extraction. Studies with quantitative data determined to be clinically homogeneous were synthesized using meta-analytic methods. Studies with quantitative data not appropriate for meta-analysis were synthesized narratively by outcome. Studies with qualitative data were synthesized by theme. Results Of the 44,648 citations screened, 30 citations met the inclusion criteria (18 quantitative, 10 qualitative, and 2 mixed methods studies). The quality of studies with quantitative data ranged from very low to high, and quality criteria was generally met for studies with qualitative data. No studies evaluated the impact on knowledge and skills; they primarily investigated the effectiveness of multifaceted KT strategies for promoting EIDM behaviours and improving client outcomes. Almost all studies included an educational component. A meta-analysis of two studies determined that a multifaceted intervention (educational meetings and use of a mentor) did not increase engagement in a range of EIDM behaviours [mean difference 2.7, 95 % CI (−1.7 to 7.1), I 2 = 0 %]. Among the remaining studies, no definitive conclusions could be made about the relative effectiveness of the KT interventions due to variation of interventions and outcomes, as well as study limitations. Findings from studies with qualitative data identified the organizational, individual, and interpersonal factors, as well as characteristics of the innovation, that influence the success of implementation. Conclusions KT interventions are being implemented and evaluated on nurses’ behaviour and client outcomes. This systematic review may inform the selection of KT interventions and outcomes among nurses in tertiary care and decisions about further research.

scholarly journals Challenges Faced By Ward Officers in Practicing Accountability and Participation: A Case of Arusha City, Tanzania

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica Augustin Mshanga
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
The Public ◽  
Descriptive Research ◽  
Interview Guide

This study observed challenges faced by Ward Officers (WOs) in practicing accountability and participation in the wards in Arusha city. The study adopted descriptive research design and used mixed method research approach. The population involved 175 ward officers in 25 wards in Arusha city from which a sample of 70 ward officers was drawn, but only 68 (97%) of them participated. Purposive sampling and simple random technique were used to obtain respondents. Data was collected through questionnaires and interview guide. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis. Findings revealed that challenges faced by WOs in practicing accountability and participation in their wards includes: little turn up of citizens in political election, lack of interests to participate in decision making, misuse of resources and environmental pollution, corruption and insufficient funds. The study recommended that local government authorities should educate its people on the importance of participating on different development activities from planning to implementation, and WOs should ensure ward information are accessible by the public.

scholarly journals Does Problem-Based Learning Affect Students’ Speaking Skill and Attitude toward ELL?

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 131-138
Author(s):  
Gede Sutrisna ◽  
Luh Putu Artini
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Method ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Problem Based Learning ◽  
Affective Attitude ◽  
Mixed Method Design ◽  
Scientific Approach ◽  
Speaking Skill ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Approach Problem

As a typical learning method which is grounded from a scientific approach, problem-based learning (PBL) does not only enhance students’ critical thinking but also helps them actively construct their knowledge and skill. The objectives of this study were to investigate the impact of PBL on (1) students’ speaking skill and (2) their attitude toward ELL. This study employed an embedded mixed-method design which combined one-group pretest-posttest and descriptive qualitative design. It involved a group of 41 students as the sample. The quantitative data were collected through pretest-posttest and questionnaire (closed-ended). Meanwhile, the qualitative data were obtained through observation and open-ended questionnaire. The findings of the study found that students demonstrated better speaking performance after being treated through PBL activities. Besides, they exhibited more positive behavioral, cognitive, and affective attitude toward ELL.

scholarly journals Students Perceptions in Online Class Learning During the Covid-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 83-95
Author(s):  
Dewi Surani ◽  
Hamidah Hamidah
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Student Perceptions ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Student Perception ◽  
Learning Objectives ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Online Class ◽  
Insight Into

The article was to determine student perceptions in online learning. This research was conducted by survey method by giving questionnaires to 239 active students of Bina Bangsa University. Quantitative data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and qualitative data from open-ended questions to gain insight into student perceptions. The analysis shows that 80% of students are willing to take part in online learning, 62% of students claim online learning provides benefits, and 32% of students have difficulty understanding the material. In conclusion, the perception of students in online learning is relatively good with several obstacles that require improvement. So it is recommended that online learning should be planned, implemented, and evaluated in order to minimize problems and maximize the achievement of learning objectives An abstract should explain a brief, comprehensive summary of article contents; it allows readers to survey. Keywords:  Student Perception, Online Learning, Covid-19 Pandemic

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