Search Results (159)

Objective: As performance progression provides an essential indicator for talent selection and development, this study aimed to compare annual swimming performance progression between different competitive levels and to establish benchmarks for long-term athlete development. Methods: Annual best times of swimmers who competed up to the age of 21 years and achieved over 450 World Aquatics points were extracted from the database of European Aquatics. A total of 13,310 male and 7798 female pool swimmers of all race distances were grouped into three performance levels. Results: The results showed a continuous decline in annual performance progression throughout the years across all race distances (all p < 0.001) and in both sexes. There were differences between performance level across the age groups for all race distances in male swimmers, but only for the 100–400 m races in females (p < 0.05). Absolute performance showed significant main effects for level and age over all race distances for both sexes (all p < 0.001). Conclusions: Annual performance progression of swimmers consistently decreases across the competitive lifetime in both sexes, regardless of race distance and performance level. The event-specific benchmarks should be used as a framework to set realistic goals for both sexes and swimmers of different competitive levels, as well as to guide swimmers throughout their careers. Full article

Background/Objectives: This scoping review critically evaluated existing literature and summarized the impact of occupational, physiological, and psychological stressors on adrenal and neuroendocrine responses, body composition, and physical performance amongst women in tactical occupations. Methods: Boolean searches identified potentially qualifying reports involving: (1) adult women (≥19 y) currently employed or completing their training for a tactical profession; (2) ≥1 marker of “stress”; and (3) ≥1 adrenal, neuroendocrine, body composition, or fitness/performance outcome. Quantitative data (e.g., sample characteristics, outcomes of interest) were extracted and summarized. The completeness of reporting for each study was documented using existing checklists and quantified as: low (<50%), moderate (50–79%), or high (≥80%). Results: 40 studies (k) of moderate reporting quality (~64%) were included in the final sample (3693 women); 11 studies (28%) focused on women exclusively, and 16 studies identified sex differences in ≥1 outcome. Most studies involved military trainee populations (80%, k = 32). Occupation-related stress tended to negatively impact adrenal, neuroendocrine, body composition, and performance outcomes. Conclusions: This review highlights progress in assessing occupational performance in female tactical personnel exposed to diverse stressors; however, our understanding remains incomplete due to methodological and conceptual limitations in the literature. Holistic research strategies are needed to capture the complexity of performance readiness in women, integrating how stress affects key tactical performance aspects such as muscle physiology, reproductive health, and energy and nutrient balance in realistic operational contexts. Integrating such data is vital for informing policy, improving readiness, and enhancing the health and career longevity of female tactical personnel. Full article

This paper explores the complex power dynamics of UK social work higher education through an autoethnographic account of a Black woman course leader’s experiences over a period of two years, focusing on issues related to race, internalized oppression, and class. Drawing on Critical Race Theory (CRT), narrative analysis, and lived experience, it examines how systemic inequities manifest through three interlinked themes: (a) academic contrapower harassment (ACPH), (b) internalized oppression and toxic team dynamics, and (c) the interplay of harassment, institutional failure, managerial inaction, and the marginalization of social work as a discipline. This study illustrates how the intersectionality of multiple identities—namely, race, gender, and professional identity—impacts career progression, well-being, and institutional inclusion. This study examines the tensions between social work’s ethical foundations and performance-driven academic environments, advocating for systemic and policy interventions to stimulate institutional reform and cultivate a more equitable culture that enhances educational outcomes and, ultimately, improves social work practice. Full article

Background/Objectives: Clinical Research Nurses (CRNs) have emerged as pivotal actors in the conduct, coordination, and oversight of clinical trials globally. Over the past three decades, the role of the CRN has evolved in response to the increasing complexity of research protocols, ethical standards, and regulatory frameworks. Originating as task-oriented support figures, CRNs have progressively assumed broader responsibilities that include patient advocacy, protocol integrity, ethical vigilance, and interprofessional coordination. By mapping the global literature on CRNs, this review will examine how their role has been defined, implemented, and evaluated over the past three decades. Methods: A scoping review was conducted using JBI methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The search covered the peer-reviewed and gray literature from 1990 to 2024 across major databases. Data analysis combined traditional extraction with topic modeling, Multiple Correspondence Analysis, and k-means clustering to identify key themes. Results: From the 128 included studies, four major themes emerged: clinical trial management, role perception and team integration, professional competencies and development, and systemic barriers. Despite formal competency frameworks, CRNs face inconsistencies in role recognition, unstable contracts, and limited career pathways. Emotional strain and professional isolation are recurrent. Over time, their functions have evolved from task execution to broader responsibilities, including advocacy and ethical oversight. However, no studies reported patient-level outcomes, revealing a critical gap in the evidence base. Conclusions: CRNs play a vital but undervalued role in clinical research. Persistent structural challenges hinder their development and visibility. Enhancing institutional support and generating outcome-based evidence are necessary steps toward fully integrating CRNs into research infrastructures. Full article

Despite progress in inclusive education, students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) often lack valid, tailored tools for career assessment, limiting equitable transitions to adulthood and employment. Closing this gap is crucial for Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which calls for quality and inclusive educational opportunities. This study addresses this need by adapting and validating a 16-item Career Maturity Inventory-Form C (CMI-C) for Chinese post-secondary SEN students (n = 34) in vocational training in higher education. Rasch modeling, supported by exploratory factor analysis, indicated that a two-factor structure—‘career choice readiness’ and ‘intention to seek career consultation’—provided the best fit to the data, rather than the originally hypothesized four-factor model. The results were more consistent with a two-dimensional structure than with prior four-factor frameworks, though both were explored. Two poorly performing items were removed, resulting in a fourteen-item scale with acceptable item fit and reliability indices in this hard-to-reach group. This restructuring suggests constructs such as concern, confidence, and curiosity are closely linked in SEN populations, underscoring the value of context-sensitive assessment. The revised instrument demonstrated satisfactory model fit and internal consistency; however, convergent validity and practical utility should be interpreted cautiously given the modest sample size. While further validation in larger and more diverse samples is warranted, this study offers preliminary evidence for an adapted, inclusive assessment tool that aligns with SDG 4’s aim to promote equity and empower SEN students in educational and career pathways. Full article

Despite decades of ongoing efforts to address gender equality, female physicians, particularly women of color, continue to face significant barriers in medicine, which are exacerbated by microaggressions. In this qualitative study, 133 female physicians recalled experiences with microaggressions and the impact of these experiences on their professional identities and career progression. Thematic analysis revealed four major themes: (1) disregard for professional status; (2) undermining contributions; (3) intersectionality; (4) impact on career mobility and professional confidence. Further, there was one emerging theme: leadership and culture. The results underscore the compounding effects of microaggressions for female physicians with intersecting identities. Highlighting the application of social identity theory, intersectionality, and organizational justice, this study provides a comprehensive view of the impact of microaggressions on female physicians, offering new perspectives on the intersectional nature of discrimination and its effects on professional identity and career satisfaction. Full article

This study explores how Speech and Elocution Training (SET) activates language potential and fosters career-oriented development among higher vocational students through self-efficacy mechanisms. Through qualitative interviews with four vocational graduates who participated in SET 5 to 10 years ago, the research identifies three key findings. First, SET comprises curriculum content (e.g., workplace communication modules such as hosting, storytelling, and sales pitching) and classroom training using multimodal TED resources and Toastmasters International-simulated practices, which spark language potential through skill-focused, realistic exercises. Second, these pedagogies facilitate a progression where initial language potential evolves from nascent career interests into concrete job-seeking intentions and long-term career plans: completing workplace-related speech tasks boosts confidence in career choices, planning, and job competencies, enabling adaptability to professional challenges. Third, SET aligns with Bandura’s four self-efficacy determinants; these are successful experiences (including personalized and virtual skill acquisition and certified affirmation), vicarious experiences (via observation platforms and constructive peer modeling), verbal persuasion (direct instructional feedback and indirect emotional support), and the arousal of optimistic emotions (the cognitive reframing of challenges and direct desensitization to anxieties). These mechanisms collectively create a positive cycle that enhances self-efficacy, amplifies language potential, and clarifies career intentions. While highlighting SET’s efficacy, this study notes a small sample size limitation, urging future mixed-methods studies with diverse samples to validate these mechanisms across broader vocational contexts and refine understanding of language training’s role in fostering linguistic competence and career readiness. Full article

The construction industry is perceived as an industry that is not viable for females to progress their careers in. Existing research studies focused on retaining senior female construction professionals are lacking. Particularly, the existing challenges and strategies found through a critical literature review were scattered and not specific to the retention of senior construction professionals. Identifying this gap, this study led to an empirical research phase to gather the firsthand experiences of 14 senior female professionals in Australia through semi-structured interviews. Subsequently, the gathered data was analysed through content analysis using NVivo software (2020). This study revealed several barriers, which were categorised into three clusters: culture in construction, disrupted career progression, and difficult working conditions. The results revealed that some barriers were consistent with the broader literature findings, while some were interesting context-specific barriers such as a lack of recognition and respect, a lack of confidence in decision-making, misalignment of childcare and construction hours, and lack of on-site feeding facilities. Similarly, the strategies were also discussed under three categories: to support females to adapt in construction, support them in their return to work from leave, and increase flexible work. Finally, recommendations were provided for individuals, organisations, and the industry to retain female employees in construction. Theoretically, this study advances understanding by identifying barriers and retention strategies specific to senior female construction professionals, framing retention as a multi-level challenge, while practically, the findings inform targeted policies to address gaps in the Australian context and improve gender equity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Primary prevention, germline, familial, or other pre- or post-diagnostic and standard treatment-elevated progression or recurrence risk and mitigating adverse events from systemic treatment are all clinical opportunities to reduce the risk of lethal prostate cancer. This review attempted to provide a practical and realistic consensus via an international committee of experts who, in general, harbor career-long experience in this discipline. Methods: A PubMed review primarily utilizing the latest meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and methodologically robust epidemiologic recent data adjusting for multiple confounding variables was conducted. The goal of this committee was to highlight tangible options for clinicians and patients. Results: Behavioral patterns and metrics known to reduce cardiovascular morbidity, mortality, and all-cause mortality (premature death) appear to prevent numerous lethal common cancers, including prostate cancer. This practical approach allows for the greatest probability of patient success since cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of death in men with and without prostate cancer, and a notable source of morbidity and mortality in men with advanced disease due to systemic conventional treatment as well as the inflammatory contribution of cancer itself. Heart-healthy dietary patterns, exercise, healthy weight/waist circumference, eliminating tobacco, minimizing alcohol exposure, and other behaviors to reduce the risk of CVD should be prioritized. CVD-preventive medications, including aspirin, GLP-1 agonists, metformin, statins, etc., should receive attention to improve compliance for those that already qualify for these agents and to increase the probability of enhancing the quality and quantity of life. Dietary supplements do not have favorable data currently to espouse their utilization to prevent lethal prostate cancer but may have an ancillary role in mitigating some adverse effects of treatment. Conclusions: Remarkably, heart-healthy lifestyle changes, metrics, and promising repurposed medications known to reduce cardiovascular events, promote longevity, and improve mental health could simultaneously prevent lethal prostate cancer. This serendipitous association provides clinicians and their patients a higher probability of success, regardless of their prostate cancer pathway or circumstance. Full article

This study examines the relationship between training and job satisfaction among public sector employees in Portugal through a sequential mediation model. Understanding the factors that influence job satisfaction among public administration employees is essential for fostering healthier and more productive work environments. This study investigates the role of competency acquisition, performance appraisal (PA), and career progression opportunities in the relationship between training and job satisfaction, using a sequential mediation model. The sample consisted of 340 public sector employees aged between 20 and 65 years. A cross-sectional, quantitative design was employed to analyze the relationships among the variables and test the proposed hypotheses. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to a convenience sample. The mediation analysis revealed that training influences job satisfaction indirectly by promoting the development of competencies that contribute to improved PA results, which, in turn, facilitate career advancement. These findings highlight the importance of implementing organizational strategies that align training with transparent performance evaluation systems and career development plans, offering valuable guidance for public human resource policies aimed at strengthening institutional efficiency. Full article

(1) Background: Physicians and medical students face unique barriers balancing career progression and their mental health. Some medical schools and residency programs have described interventions in which senior clinicians, residents, or medical students disclose their experiences with mental health diagnosis and treatment to peers, students, and those junior in training status. (2) Methods: The authors conducted a scoping review to describe how medical training environments incorporate the self-disclosure of mental health diagnosis and treatment by senior clinicians to junior trainees. They searched six databases and hand-searched references from relevant publications. Following Arksey and O’Malley’s steps for scoping reviews, at least two reviewers independently screened all publications for eligibility and extracted data from included publications. (3) Results: A total of 2326 unique publications were identified; eight were included. Psychiatry was the medical specialty most represented by physician–authors. One publication described an intervention that impacted learner’s behaviors, while the remainder (n = 7) focused on participant satisfaction. (4) Conclusions: Research aims often sought to describe behavior changes. However, most (n = 7) of the literature included in this study did not present the behavioral outcomes of implementing these interventions. This study aims to direct future research into the role of mental health history self-disclosure in medical training environments. Full article

This review provides an overview of defects in silicon carbide (SiC) with potential applications as quantum qubits. It begins with a brief introduction to quantum qubits and existing qubit platforms, outlining the essential criteria a defect must meet to function as a viable qubit. The focus then shifts to the most promising defects in SiC, notably the silicon vacancy (V_Si) and divacancy (V_C-V_Si). A key challenge in utilizing these defects for quantum applications is their precise and controllable creation. Various fabrication techniques, including irradiation, ion implantation, femtosecond laser processing, and focused ion beam methods, have been explored to create these defects. Designed as a beginner-friendly resource, this review aims to support early-career experimental researchers entering the field of SiC-related quantum qubits. Providing an introduction to defect-based qubits in SiC offers valuable insights into fabrication strategies, recent progress, and the challenges that lie ahead. Full article

Over the past few decades, numerous efforts have been made to increase the proportion of women in the construction industry, coupled with various calls for legislation and rules to prohibit gender discrimination. Despite these efforts, minimal progress has been noticed in the construction industry. While recruitment remains crucial, the current culture in construction reveals a knowledge gap in recruitment and retention in employment—a concept known as a ‘leaky pipeline’. Lack of awareness of career options and the challenges of working in a male-dominated, occasionally discriminatory workplace are some of the significant barriers to attracting and keeping women in the construction industry. Much of the research in South Africa shows that most construction companies employed few women but only in lower secretarial and administrative positions. Therefore, this study investigated the barriers facing women’s entry and retention in construction-related employment in South Africa using fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE) to understand and prioritise the barriers. Data were collected through the administration of online and paper-based questionnaires. The results of the analysis show that the barriers in the order of criticality include support and empowerment issues (SEs), educational/academic-related barriers (ABs), barriers from professional conditions and work attributes (BPs), social perception and gender stereotype barriers (SPs), professional perceptions and gender bias (PP), and individual confidence/interest/awareness/circumstance-related barriers (IBs), respectively. Based on the findings of the study, several recommendations, including on-the-job tutoring and flexible work arrangements, amongst others, were provided. Full article

Objectives: A dentist may assume incorrect working positions throughout their professional career, which can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This study aimed to quantify the prevalence of self-reported MSDs in dentists and the body region most affected, as well as to evaluate the most frequent working position, the area of work and the age group most frequently associated with MSDs. Methods: This is a cross-sectional observational study adhering to the STROBE and CHERRIES guidelines, approved by the local Ethics Committee. An online questionnaire (including the Nordic Musculoskeletal Symptoms Questionnaire) was applied to a convenience sample of Portuguese and Italian dentists. Data analysis was conducted with non-parametric comparisons (IBM© SPSS^® Statistics vs. 28.0, p < 0.05). Results: A total of 341 dentists (170 Portuguese, 171 Italian) aged 18–75 years participated. The prevalence of self-reported MSDs in Portugal and Italy was 78.8% and 81.9%, respectively. The most affected self-reported MSD body regions were the neck (65.3% Portuguese and 61.4% Italian dentists), shoulder (49.4% Portuguese and 39.2% Italian) and lumbar region (52.4% and 39.2%, respectively). The neck region was the one reported to cause the highest work absenteeism. The higher age group (41–50 years and higher) has a higher risk for self-reported MSD. Multivariate analysis highlighted increased practice time as a significant risk factor for MSDs in the previous year in both countries. Age group, practice duration and work position relative to the patient were significantly linked to MSD occurrence and work avoidance. Conclusions: Dentists showed a high prevalence of self-reported MSD despite performing clinical activity mostly seated. It was concluded that dentists older than 40 years and those who have been working for more than 20 years have a higher risk of MSD, and that endodontics is the area where they report feeling more discomfort. Dentists should be encouraged to take more breaks between appointments and regular exercise to prevent the development/progression of MSDs. Full article

Personal Branding (PB) has gained significant attention in recent years, especially in career advancement and business success. This study addresses the research gap in Personal Brand Equity (PBE) measurement by developing and validating a standardized framework. Using mixed-methods research combining interviews with 10 professionals and surveys of 396 individuals across diverse professional categories, the study identifies and validates three dimensions of PBE: Brand Appeal, Brand Differentiation, and Brand Recognition. Factor analysis revealed six critical attributes influencing PBE (visibility, credibility, differentiation, online presence, professional network, and reputation) and distinguished between external- and self-Personal Brand Equity components. Data were analyzed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA), with reliability assessed through Cronbach’s alpha (>0.7). Findings demonstrate significant correlations between high PBE scores and positive career outcomes including job satisfaction, salary progression, and advancement opportunities. The resulting Personal Brand Equity Scale (PBES) provides both a measurement tool for professionals seeking to enhance their personal brands and a validated framework for future academic research on personal branding effectiveness. Full article