Non-pharmaceutical interventions and COVID-19 cases in US summer camps: results from an American Camp Association survey

BackgroundMost camps remained closed during Summer 2020, due to concerns regarding child transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and limited information about the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) within child congregate settings.MethodsWe surveyed US camps about on-site operations, camper and staff demographics, COVID-19 cases among campers and staff, and NPI usage as related to pre-camp quarantine, facial coverings, physical distancing, cleaning and facility modifications. For all NPIs, save quarantine, responses were provided on a 5-point Likert scale format.ResultsWithin 486 on-site camps, a range of NPIs were instituted, most often related to reduced camper interactions, staff face coverings, cleaning and hand hygiene. Camper facial coverings were less common, with campers always wearing masks at ~34% of the camps. Approximately 15% of camps reported 1+ confirmed COVID-19 case in either campers or staff, with three camps reporting a COVID-19 outbreak. In both single and multi-NPI analyses, the risk of COVID-19 cases was lowest when campers always wore facial coverings. Constant use of staff facial coverings and targeted physical distancing measures, but not pre-camp quarantine, also reduced COVID-19 risks.ConclusionsWe found constant facial coverings, especially for campers, and targeted physical distancing measures to reduce risks of SARS-CoV-2 transmission within summer camps. Our findings provide valuable insights for future operations of summer camps and other child congregate settings regarding the use of NPIs to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Exploring barriers and possible actions suggested in rural libraries for information society: Perspectives from library practitioners in Malaysia

This study aims to explore the barriers when developing information societies and to suggest possible actions for rural libraries to participate in information societies, tailored to the needs of Malaysian rural libraries. This study employed a three-round Delphi technique; including a face-to- face interview in the first round, followed by two rounds of close-ended survey questions presented in a Likert-type scale format distributed to a selected group of leaders with experience in rural library planning and strategies. It reveals how funding, library infrastructures, information communication technology, local content resources, and human resources adversely affected rural libraries in the development of an information society. Based on the recommendation elicited for the five categories, this study suggests possible actions that provide practical guidance on the actions to be taken by the rural libraries in developing an information society.

Sustainable Corporate Governance: The Impact Factors for Top Consulting Engineering Companies in Taiwan

The objective of this research was to explore the impact factors of sustainable corporate governance for top consulting engineering companies in Taiwan, to facilitate managers in meeting stakeholders’ needs and adapting to the challenges of the global markets. Nine hypotheses derived from a literature review were proposed and used to develop a survey. Based on the concept of structural equation modeling (SEM) and these hypotheses, a questionnaire containing six aspects and comprising 46 stems was developed using the Likert 5-scale format. The survey took around four months to administer with 324 effective returns, with only five hypotheses confirmed. This was followed by factor analysis to determine the weight sequence for the 28 impact factors and four aspects. The contributions of the findings are as follows: (1) the weighted factors provide practitioners with guidelines for the proper order for the implementation of measures to improve corporate governance, and (2) they answer questions about the degree of influence and the relationship among all aspects and factors for sustainable corporate governance.

Assessment of Factors Responsible for Encroachment on Public Land in Ajoda New Town in Oyo State, Nigeria

Public land is crucial for the execution of developmental projects in many nations. However, studies have indicated that most of the time, public land is often being encroached. The issue of concern in this paper is: why do people encroach on public land? A contextual investigation approach was embraced for this study and residents of Ajoda New Town (ANT) - a scheme of Oyo State Government, Nigeria were involved as respondents to a structured questionnaire prepared on a five-point Likert scale format. Respondents were randomly selected, and, a total of 322 completed copies of the questionnaire were found valid for data analysis. The study employed Weighted Mean Score and Principal Component Analysis in determining the factors that led to the land encroachment in the community. Results indicate that faulty administrative/implementation, the hostile attitude of original settlers, and excessive land acquisition by the government are the major factors responsible for land encroachment in the study area. It was recommended that during the acquisition process, the government should imbibe the culture of acquiring a reasonable portion of land which will not be far more than what is required to avoid encroachment, and adequate compensation paid to the affected persons.

FACTORS AFFECTING KNOWLEDGE SHARING OF ENGINEERS IN OIL AND GAS COMPANIES

Knowledge sharing among employees has been identified as one of the factors that contribute to improved job performance. Thus, this study examines the relationship between engineer’s perceived enjoyment, perceived status and subjective norm on their intention towards knowledge sharing in public oil and gas firms in Iraq. The study selects 240 engineers from oil and gas companies in Iraq to participate in the research. A questionnaire designed in a Likert scale format was used for the data collection. The data were analysed using descriptive statistical analysis and Correlation analysis. The results of the analysis show that there is a positive relation between engineer’s perceived enjoyment, perceived status and subjective norm on their intention towards knowledge sharing in public oil and gas firms in Iraq. The paper makes some recommendations on how to increase engineers’ perceived enjoyment, perceived status and subjective norm and eventually increase intention towards knowledge sharing.

Diseño y validación del Cuestionario para valorar la Carga Mental en los Deportes de Equipo (CCMDE)

El objetivo del presente estudio fue diseñar y validar un cuestionario para valorar la carga mental en los deportes de equipo. Este cuestionario está formado por cuatro ítems en formato Likert (0-10): exigencia física, cognitiva, emocional y afectiva, y fue diseñado mediante acuerdo entre expertos (n = 10). Un total de 218 jugadores semiprofesionales de fútbol (M = 22.40; DT = 2.25) completaron el cuestionario tras finalizar un entrenamiento. Se analizó la fiabilidad mediante Alfa de Cronbach y coeficiente de Omega. Además, para la validez concurrente se realizó un análisis de correlaciones bivariadas, utilizando la Escala Visual Analógica y la Escala de Percepción del Esfuerzo. Los resultados muestran que este cuestionario presenta una adecuada consistencia interna (α = .73; ω = .75) y validez concurrente (p < .05). Por tanto, es una herramienta válida y fiable que permitirá a los entrenadores y preparadores físicos valorar la carga mental específica en los deportes de equipo. The aim of the present study was to design and validate a questionnaire to quantify the mental load in team sports. Four items with Likert scale format (1-10) composed the instrument: physical, cognitive, emotional and affective exigence. A group of expert judges (n = 10) participated in the design. Later, a total of 218 semi-professionals soccer players (M = 22.40; SD = 2.25) answered the questionnaire after a training session. The internal consistency was evaluated with Cronbach´s α (.73) and ω (.75). The concurrent validity was evaluated with Visual Analogue Scale´s and Ratio Perceived Exertion´s bivariate correlations (p < .05). Thus, the present questionnaire is a reliability and adequate instrument for asses the specific mental load in team sports. O objetivo do presente estudo foi elaborar e validar um questionário para quantificar a carga mental em esportes coletivos. Quatro itens com formato de escala Likert (1-10) compuseram o instrumento: exigência física, cognitiva, emocional e afetiva. Um grupo de juízes especialistas (n = 10) participou do projeto. Um total de 218 jogadores semiprofissionais de futebol (M = 22,40; DP = 2,25) responderam ao questionário após um treino. A consistência interna foi avaliada com α de Cronbach (0,73) e ω (0,75). A validade concorrente foi avaliada com as correlações bivariadas da Escala Visual Analógica e Razão Percebida do Esforço (p <0,05). Assim, o presente questionário é um instrumento confiável e adequado para avaliar a carga mental específica em esportes coletivos.

Enhancing validity, reliability and participation in self-reported health outcome measurement for children and young people: a systematic review of recall period, response scale format, and administration modality

Introduction Self-report is the gold standard for measuring children’s health-related outcomes. Design of such measures is complex and challenging. This review aims to systematically appraise the evidence on recall period, response scale format, mode of administration and approaches needed to enable children and young people < 19 years to participate in valid and reliable self-reporting of their health outcomes. Method PsycInfo, Medline, CINAHL and Embase were searched from 1 January 1990 to 15 March 2020, and citation searching undertaken in Scopus. Articles were included if they were primary research or case reports of ≥ 3 participants reporting the following: recall period, response scale selection, administration modality. Quality was assessed using QualSyst, and results synthesised narratively. This review was conducted and reported according to PRISMA guidelines. Results 81 of 13,215 retrieved articles met the inclusion criteria. Children < 5 years old cannot validly and reliably self-report health outcomes. Face scales demonstrate better psychometric properties than visual analogue or Likert scales. Computerised and paper scales generally show equivalent construct validity. Children prefer computerised measures. Children ≤ 7 years old think dichotomously so need two response options. Those > 8 years old can reliably use a 3-point scale. Conclusion The results of this review have both clinical and research implications. They can be used to inform appropriate choice of PROM for use with CYP in the clinical setting. We also give eight recommendations for future development of self-reported outcome measures for children and young people.

Impact Of Technological Innovation On SMEs Performance In Taraba State (A Study Of SMEs In Wukari Metropolis)

Over the years, SMEs has been the tool for economic growth of many nations. The application of technological innovations by SMEs to meet emerging business opportunities, social needs and environmental challenges has been on increase. The study investigated the impact of technological innovations on SMEs performance in Wukari metropolis. The study adopted survey research design to study a sample of 100 SMEs in the area. Primary data used for the study is structured questionnaire which was structured in a (5) five likert scale format. Data collected from the study was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistic. Simple percentage was the descriptive statistic used while ordinary least square (OLS) multiple regression, was the inferential statistic used. The study revealed that communication innovation, mobile transfer innovation and computing system innovation has significant effect on SMEs performance in Wukari metropolis. The study thus, recommend that SMEs managers should sustain and invest more on communication innovation, mobile transfer innovation and computing system innovation to improve their business and ensure cost reduction, prevention of bad debts and loss of stock.

IMPACT OF TRAINING, JOB ROTATION AND MANAGERIAL COACHING ON EMPLOYEE COMMITMENT IN CONTEXT OF BANKING SECTOR OF PAKISTAN

This study investigated the impact of training, job rotation and managerial coaching on employee commitment in banking sectors of Faisalabad, Pakistan. Employee training is the essential element for the success of an organization in order to achieve its goals. Training helps the organizations in building more productive and committed workforce. By providing opportunities for individual employees to grow professionally, training programs i.e. job rotation and managerial coaching can thus foster greater employee commitment. The data for this research was gathered through use of close ended questionnaire that is designed in a Likert scale format. Based on convenience sampling method 273 participants participated in survey. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) was used for analyzing the data. Results obtained reveal that the training, job rotation and managerial coaching given to the employees in banking sectors of Faisalabad, Pakistan improves their commitment. In the Last, recommendations are also given for future research studies.