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A list is presented of newly credentialed technologists, with registration and certification in several fields including electroencephalography, evoked potential technology and neurophysiologic intraoperative monitoring.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Entrustable professional activities (EPAs) will be used for initial certification by the American Board of Pediatrics by 2028. Less than half of pediatric fellowships currently use EPAs for assessment, yet all will need to adopt them. Our objectives were to identify facilitators and barriers to the implementation of EPAs to assess pediatric fellows and to determine fellowship program directors' (FPD) perceptions of EPAs and Milestones. METHODS: We conducted a survey of FPDs from 15 pediatric subspecialties. EPA users were asked about their implementation of EPAs, barriers encountered, and perceptions of EPAs. Nonusers were queried about deterrents to using EPAs. Both groups were asked about potential facilitators of implementation and their perceptions of Milestones. RESULTS: The response ratewas 65% (575/883). Of these, 344 (59.8%)were EPA users and 231 (40.2%)were nonusers. Both groups indicatedwork burden as a barrier to implementation. Nonusers reportedmore barriers than users (mean [SD]: 7 [3.8] vs 5.8 [3.4], P< .001). Both groups identified training materials and premade assessment forms as facilitators to implementation. Users felt that EPAs were easier to understand than Milestones (89%) and better reflected what it meant to be a practicing subspecialty physician (90%). In contrast, nonusers felt thatMilestoneswere easy to understand (57%) and reflectedwhat itmeant to be a practicing subspecialist (58%). CONCLUSIONS: Implementing EPA-based assessment will require a substantial investment by FPDs, facilitated by guidance and easily accessible resources provided by multiple organizations. Perceived barriers to be addressed include FPD time constraints, a need for additional assessment tools, and outcomes data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nursing certification test prep examination on topics like the use of mechanical ventilation in patients, how to deal with patients with suspected tricyclic antidepressant overdose, and how to address patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

This commentary provides additional depth and perspective related to the state of postsecondary educational standards in criminology and criminal justice (CCJ) discussed in Academic Accreditation and Certification in Criminology and Criminal Justice Education: From Ricohets to Reckonings. Elements of discussion include struggles between field demands and value in postsecondary education, conflicting institutional demands related to educational standards, and rising complications related to online learning formats and field support of professional organizations.The full breadth of CCJ postsecondary education and professional environments must be examined to determine the strongest path forward related to the overall support of educational standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay examines criminology and criminal justice educational programs seeking to establish quality programming though academic standards. Since the inception of criminal justice as a standalone academic degree program, questions about the quality of such programs has plagued the discipline. Examining the history of the discipline including the challenges brought from such a fast development of a great number of academic programs in criminal justice/criminology, and the resultant issues stemming from this explosion of growth, leads to questions about the quality of these programs. We examine the quality issues when the programs first started to develop and then blossom to the quality issues that still exist today. We address the development of "standards" as a measure of quality and ACJS' role in establishing standards through certification and accreditation. We conclude with a suggestion about how to get back on track with ensuring quality programming in criminal justice programs utilizing an accreditation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Higher education in criminology and criminal justice has evolved over the last 100 years in fits and starts. The road was long, and it took many turns, reflecting not only the need for training and professionalism among criminal justice practitioners, but for the development of a new academic field of study at colleges and universities. This article traces the history of the quest for academic standards in higher education, specifically the role of ACJS in this endeavor. Both authors have contributed to ACJS's efforts over the years and were involved in the two most recent iterations of ACJS Academic Program Review: Certification and Program Endorsement. We chronicle the rise and fall of certification and the recent effort to create an endorsement program that seeks to balance the need for quality control while providing the desired flexibility for individual programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the distribution of nurse practitioners (NPs) across Japan and their perceived facilitators and barriers to NP implementation in Japan. Background: NP certification examinations have been conducted in Japan since 2011, and by 2020, there were 487 NPs in the country. The momentum of NP implementation is slower in Japan compared with other countries. Methods: A cross‐sectional descriptive study, following the STROBE guidelines, was conducted. Web‐based survey questionnaires, developed by the authors, were administered to 248 NPs whose email addresses were maintained by the certification management body. Results: Valid responses were obtained from 101 NPs (response rate: 40.7%), of which 34% were male. The respondents had more than 12 years of registered nurse experience on an average before enrolling in the graduate NP program. 53% were employed as NPs from the beginning, while 25% were initially employed as registered nurses and later advanced to NPs, and 11% still worked as RNs. A majority worked in hospitals with beds. Many NPs perceived the lack of NP national licensure and reimbursement benefits as barriers to NP implementation, whereas recognition from superiors and organizations was considered facilitators. Conclusions: Despite their small numbers in Japan, NPs take on crucial tasks and contribute to the appropriate distribution of medical resources. The NP licensure system and recognition from superiors and organizations may be necessary to promote NP roles in Japan. Implications for nursing and health policy: Some certified NPs still work as registered nurses. Recognition from nursing and organization administrators is critical to implementing NPs. To this end, a reimbursement system benefiting the organizations and a legislation facilitating NP employment are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring of disease severity is of great importance for treatment and management of clinical trials. The Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) is a frequently used, short and easily applicable clinical scale used to assess the severity of ataxia. The objective of our study was to develop a training and certification tool for the SARA. SARA scores were recorded according to a standardized protocol and rated by three clinical experts in consensus. Four hundred thirty-eight videos of 67 patients were included in the SARA training tool. The tutorial section demonstrates a complete SARA examination on a healthy control. In the training section, users can compare their ratings to consensus ratings and access a video library covering the complete SARA range. The tool also includes a section that allows optional certification. The SARA training tool provides comprehensive and standardized training material and certification to reduce variability in applying the SARA. Standardization aims to improve the quality of patient care and research in ataxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the influence of having a green certification logo (versus no logo) supplementing with text (versus no text) on hotel guests using water behaviours. Focus group interviews (Study 1) found that hotel guests are aware of common green practices in hotels. A quasi-experimental survey (Study 2) indicated the interaction effect of a green certification logo and text on hotel guests' environmental awareness and water-saving behavioural intention. Another quasi-experimental survey (Study 3) indicated that an explicit green message is more effective than an implicit green message in reducing hotel shower time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of a hydrogen economy as part of the response to the challenges especially of climate change and energy security will depend upon the solution not only of technical problems, but also of legal and regulatory problems. Whereas these are most obviously related to health and safety, this paper focuses on the fact that support for hydrogen is increasingly contingent upon the method of its production and specifically upon the level of greenhouse gas emissions involved. The paper examines emerging arrangements in Australia and the EU as examples of likely future key hydrogen exporters and importers, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the wake of the pervasive digitalisation of industry, the disruption of global supply chains during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a geopolitical race for the development of artificial intelligence models, the European Union has pivoted towards promoting ‘digital sovereignty’ across the technological stack. The paper looks more specifically at the cloud layer and analyses the draft European Union Cloud Services Scheme (EUCS) launched by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity in December 2020. While EUCS is a highly technical scheme, the attempt to include digital sovereignty provisions in it provoked unexpected controversies around who pushes for ‘digital sovereignty’, why, and how feasible it is. The paper argues, first, that distributive conflicts between member states have led to strong objections towards including digital sovereignty provisions in EUCS. Second, diverging national preferences have also played out in horizontal inter-institutional conflicts around competences between the European Commission and the European Parliament. All in all, the paper makes a novel empirical contribution by studying the overlooked case of EUCS. Theoretically, it bridges the growing literature on digital sovereignty with classic theories of EU integration to identify key factors hindering the translation of digital sovereignty discourses into policy within a broader context of limited technological capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing integration of technology in the workplace (World Economic Forum), and with it, organizations are increasingly relying on advanced technological approaches for improving their human capital processes to stay relevant and competitive in complex environments. All professions must keep up with this transition and begin integrating technology into their tools and processes. This paper centers on how advanced technological approaches (such as natural language processing (NLP) and data mining) have complemented a traditional practice analysis of the accounting profession. We also discuss strategic selection and use of subject‐matter experts (SMEs) for more efficient practice analysis. The authors have adopted a triangulation process—gathering information from traditional practice analysis, using selected SMEs, and confirming findings with a novel NLP‐based approach. These methods collectively contributed to the revision of the Uniform CPA Exam blueprint and in understanding accounting trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article enumerates the nine steps of creating an evidence-based precepting philosophy, including specific recommendations for each step. These include preparing an introduction that includes a discussion of why the individual wanted to serve as a preceptor, naming and describing a precepting belief, and explaining the importance of the precepting belief.

Unsustainable wildlife trade is a major contributor to biodiversity loss; however, trade regulations have failed to prevent the decline of high‐profile species. Where wildlife is traded legally, opportunities exist to launder protected species through legal channels. The legal commercialization of olive ridley sea turtle eggs from Ostional, Costa Rica, has been criticized with some suggesting that the legal trade stimulates illegal extraction and sale of eggs. We aimed to identify whether the traceability rules, under which the Ostional project operates, were suitably robust. We surveyed markets across Costa Rica, by purchasing openly available sea turtle eggs and recording qualitative and quantitative data at the point of sale. We found that 378 (80%) of turtle eggs openly sold in the market were from olive ridley sea turtles. Green (n = 5) and leatherback (n = 6) turtle eggs were only on offer on three occasions, but no vendor referred to Ostional. Vendors frequently breached trade regulations, which appeared to be due to these regulations misaligning with consumer demand. Although the Ostional traceability rules are regularly flouted, we found no evidence that Ostional is being used as a cover to sell eggs from other turtle species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implementation of a comprehensive point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) program for nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) in an intensive care unit (ICU) setting improves their diagnostic and therapeutic skills and enhances patient care. Overcoming staffing, IT infrastructure, and administrative challenges has allowed our critical care medicine service to develop a successful program that empowers NPs and PAs and boosts their professional growth. Our POCUS program underscores the necessity of institutional support, dedicated mentorship, collaboration with qualified faculty, and creation and maintenance of a curriculum that adheres to accepted national guidelines. Insights gained from our experiences can serve as a valuable resource for institutions aiming to develop their own POCUS programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Healthcare workforce diversity is essential for increasing access and reducing racial/ethnic health disparities. We examined the growth and trends in physician assistant/associate (PA) workforce demographic composition by initial year of certification. Methods: Drawing on data from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, we aggregated gender, age (1975-2020), race/ethnicity, and underrepresented in medicine (URiM) (2000-2020). Descriptive statistics of demographics were calculated by the initial certification year and assessed for trends using the Cochran-Armitage test. Results: Analyses revealed an 11.7% annual growth rate in PAs earning initial certification and a change in gender composition (23.9% to 74.2% female) from 1975 to 2020. Between 2000 and 2020, we observed significant increases (all p<0.001) in the proportions of PAs who self-identify as Asian (5.7 percentage points), Hispanic/Latino(a) (3.5 percentage points), and multiracial (2.4 percentage points). However, there was a decline (all p<0.001) in the proportions of PAs who self-identify as Black/African American (1.2 percentage points), American Indian/Alaska Native (0.1 percentage points), Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (0.1 percentage points), and other race (1.1 percentage points). Trend analyses revealed that the proportion of PAs identifying as URiM decreased over the past 21 years. Conclusion: Ongoing assessment of the PA workforce demographics is essential to track the progress and effectiveness of diversification initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivation: Initiatives to promote sustainable practices in agriculture in China have been little documented in the literature. Preliminary investigations suggested that the way agricultural certification schemes worked in China differed considerably from such schemes in Europe and the United States. Purpose: We investigated how sustainability certification schemes (SCSs) were perceived by farmers, processors, government staff, and other stakeholders in Chinese agriculture. We examine three types of certification: sustainability standards for agricultural exports; organic labelling for the domestic market; and certification of ecological practices. Methods and approach: We interviewed 16 stakeholders in 2013– 2014 about their experiences and perceptions of certification. The interviews were transcribed and coded to derive themes and interpretations. Findings: Certification was rigorous for agricultural exports because importers, mainly in high-income countries, demanded high standards—and were prepared to pay a premium for those standards. It was in the best interests of Chinese exporters to certify their produce. Some farming companies had specific farms that were run to make sure the standards were upheld, whereas their farms producing for the domestic market operated differently. Organic certification of produce was less systematic, with proliferation of labels used to try to convince domestic consumers that the food so labelled was safe. No single standard was used. Farmers were concerned that organic production was costly but that they would not get a price to reflect those costs. Most actors expected the state to set standards and police them. A public scheme intended as payment for environmental services also certified land managers; but the scheme as applied operated to pay farmers on low incomes often in marginal lands an income supplement— payments were not necessarily linked to environmental objectives. Policy implications: In China, the perception of stakeholders was that the central government should establish and monitor standards. Certification was not seen as something that private enterprise could or even should establish. This appreciation translated into dependence on central government to co-ordinate and regulate all collective action for pursuing social and environmental sustainability, leaving little space for market-led initiatives to flourish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current era of EU-driven strategies for sustainable local development, the EU Commission has designated the geographical indication (GI) policy as a flagship initiative in 2024. The certification procedure has been simplified, with increased involvement from national and local authorities. This study explores the potential impact of reforms on GIs in Italy, focusing on whether the birthplaces of regional council members receive preferential acknowledgment. Analysing municipal-level data, we employ a Difference in Differences approach and machine learning for counterfactual analysis. Results indicate a higher likelihood of GIs for councillors' birth municipalities, particularly in areas with lower ex-ante institutional quality. These findings underscore the potential consequences of EU reform, warning against political favouritism and inefficient policy management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reduce ergonomic risks for their workforce, many industries in Thailand seek assistance from professional ergonomists. However, most academic programs are delivered by instructors with limited human factor and ergonomics (HFE) background, who incorporate either physical or cognitive parts of HFE. To reliably assess and design systems according to HFE principles and standards, programs should be provided by creditable HFE professionals and based on holistic HFE knowledge. The objective of the present study was to initiate a transformation of the professional development in Thailand. The process included a consolidation of the details of HFE education through questionnaires, and identification of requirements from industries through a focus group interview. The results showed a prevalent lack of holistic considerations of HFE knowledge and a primary focus on physical ergonomics. Problems with lack of resources and basic knowledge in design were also reflected by concerns from the industry regarding limited experience, design competency and use of objective methodologies of HFE practitioners. This information was subsequently used to constitute the development of preliminary competencies and a pilot certification system. The proposed competencies and system were then disseminated and additional requirements that need to be incorporated into the professional HFE system were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This review aims to comprehensively summarize, compare, and evaluate screeners used to identify risk for developmental language disorder (DLD), a common learning disability that is underidentified. Screening for DLD is a cost-effective way to identify children in need of further assessment and, in turn, provides much needed supports. Method: We identified 15 commercially available English language DLD screeners in North America. We then characterized each screener on 27 aspects in three domains, including (a) accessibility information (acronym, subtest, website, cost, materials included, publish year, examiner qualification, age range, administration time, and administration format), (b) usability features (dialect compatibility, progress monitoring function, actionable follow-up instruction, group assessment capability, and online administration availability), and (c) technical standards (the availability of a technical manual, conceptual definition, the sample size used in classification accuracy calculation, sample distribution, year of sample collection, outcome measure, sample base rate, cutoff score, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value). Results: We obtained sufficient accessibility information from 14 out of 15 (93%) screeners. In contrast, none of the screeners (0%) included comprehensive usability features. Ten screeners (67%) included a range of classification accuracy (70%–100% sensitivity and 68%–90% specificity). We provided areas of strength and weakness for each screener as a quick reference for users and generated screener recommendations for five practical scenarios. Conclusions: Our findings presented some DLD screeners that meet most standards and highlight numerous areas for improvement, including improving classification accuracy and clarifying follow-up instructions for children who are identified with DLD risk. Screening for DLD is critical to provide timely early identification, intervention, and classroom support, which in turn facilitates student outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the 2023-2024 Annual Reports of the Florida Bar's Admiralty & Maritime Law Certification Committee. Topics include the effort of the committee to update and revise the certification examination to test the knowledge and abilities of Florida lawyers in the area of admiralty and maritime law, the areas of admiralty and maritime law covered by the exam, and the goal of the committee and the Bar to increase the number of certified lawyers in admiralty and maritime specialty.

Background and aims: Conversion to laparotomy is among the serious intraoperative complications and carries an increased risk of postoperative complications. In this cohort study, we investigated whether or not the Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System (ESSQS) affects the conversion rate among patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer. Methods: We performed a retrospective secondary analysis of data collected from patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for cStage II and III rectal cancer from 2014 to 2016 across 56 institutions affiliated with the Japan Society of Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery. Data from the original EnSSURE study were analyzed to investigate risk factors for conversion to laparotomy by performing univariate and multivariate analyses based on the reason for conversion. Results: Data were collected for 3,168 cases, including 65 (2.1%) involving conversion to laparotomy. Indicated conversion accounted for 27 cases (0.9%), while technical conversion accounted for 35 cases (1.1%). The multivariate analysis identified the following independent risk factors for indicated conversion to laparotomy: tumor diameter [mm] (odds ratio [OR] 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.05, p = 0.0002), combined resection of adjacent organs [+/−] (OR 7.92, 95% CI 3.14–19.97, p < 0.0001), and surgical participation of an ESSQS-certified physician [−/+] (OR 4.46, 95% CI 2.01–9.90, p = 0.0002). The multivariate analysis identified the following risk factors for technical conversion to laparotomy: registered case number of institution (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.99–1.00, p = 0.0029), institution type [non-university/university hospital] (OR 3.52, 95% CI 1.54–8.04, p = 0.0028), combined resection of adjacent organs [+/−] (OR 5.96, 95% CI 2.15–16.53, p = 0.0006), and surgical participation of an ESSQS-certified physician [−/+] (OR 6.26, 95% CI 3.01–13.05, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Participation of ESSQS-certified physicians may reduce the risk of both indicated and technical conversion. Referral to specialized institutions, such as high-volume centers and university hospitals, especially for patients exhibiting relevant background risk factors, may reduce the risk of conversion to laparotomy and lead to better outcomes for patients. Trial Registration: This study was registered with the Japanese Clinical Trials Registry as UMIN000040645. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is widely used by clinical coders worldwide for clinical coding morbidity data into administrative health databases. Accordingly, hospital data quality largely depends on the coders' skills acquired during ICD training, which varies greatly across countries. Objective: To characterise the current landscape of international ICD clinical coding training. Method: An online questionnaire was created to survey the 194 World Health Organization (WHO) member countries. Questions focused on the training provided to clinical coding professionals. The survey was distributed to potential participants who met specific criteria, and to organisations specialised in the topic, such as WHO Collaborating Centres, to be forwarded to their representatives. Responses were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: Data from 47 respondents from 26 countries revealed disparities in all inquired topics. However, most participants reported clinical coders as the primary person assigning ICD codes. Although training was available in all countries, some did not mandate training qualifications, and those that did differed in type and duration of training, with college or university degree being most common. Clinical coding certificates most frequently entailed passing a certification exam. Most countries offered continuing training opportunities, and provided a range of support resources for clinical coders. Conclusion: Variability in clinical coder training could affect data collection worldwide, thus potentially hindering international comparability of health data. Implications: These findings could encourage countries to improve their resources and training programs available for clinical coders and will ultimately be valuable to the WHO for the standardisation of ICD training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Artificial intelligence, specifically large language models such as ChatGPT, offers valuable potential benefits in question (item) writing. This study aimed to determine the feasibility of generating case-based multiple-choice questions using ChatGPT in terms of item difficulty and discrimination levels. Methods: This study involved 99 fourth-year medical students who participated in a rational pharmacotherapy clerkship carried out based-on the WHO 6-Step Model. In response to a prompt that we provided, ChatGPT generated ten case-based multiple-choice questions on hypertension. Following an expert panel, two of these multiple-choice questions were incorporated into a medical school exam without making any changes in the questions. Based on the administration of the test, we evaluated their psychometric properties, including item difficulty, item discrimination (point-biserial correlation), and functionality of the options. Results: Both questions exhibited acceptable levels of point-biserial correlation, which is higher than the threshold of 0.30 (0.41 and 0.39). However, one question had three non-functional options (options chosen by fewer than 5% of the exam participants) while the other question had none. Conclusions: The findings showed that the questions can effectively differentiate between students who perform at high and low levels, which also point out the potential of ChatGPT as an artificial intelligence tool in test development. Future studies may use the prompt to generate items in order for enhancing the external validity of the results by gathering data from diverse institutions and settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study article is to present an analysis of the first national policy framework, which provides a coherent approach to integrating nursing education into a newly defined band for higher education programmes in South Africa. The significance of this policy framework is ensuring the seamless transition from legacy nursing programmes to NQF-registered nursing programmes. It explores the agenda-setting process, analyses the prevailing context and outlines the rationale for the policy. Walt and Gilson's policy triage analysis process outlines the key elements of the policy development process. Drawing upon Tarlov's two-phased public policy development process, the article outlines the steps completed in the policy development process. Recommendations are proposed to expand access, improve quality and diversify the provisioning of nursing education and training in South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractAddressing food waste is a growing priority for hotel groups. However, aligning corporate sustainability goals with the practicalities of individual hotels is challenging. While hotels increasingly adopt certification programs to enable transparency on sustainability performance, there is a risk that compliance-based assessment systems may not fully capture the nuances of each hotel’s local context. The notion of regeneration, emphasizing reinvestment in people, place and the natural world, offers the potential to bridge the gap between corporate waste targets, hotel operations and local outcomes. Food waste, recoverable through a biological cycle, aligns with the principles of regeneration. This study explores the perspectives of practitioners involved in certification and benchmarking and those advocating for regeneration in the tourism sector. This study explores whether compliance assessment systems are sufficient to account for the challenges associated with hotel food waste and whether regenerative enhancements could be conceptualised. Through in-depth interviews, the research reveals a divide between compliance assessment and regeneration across key areas. A conceptual framework is introduced, highlighting areas of convergence that could enhance existing certification programs – with the ultimate aim of helping hotels reconsider their relationship with food waste and their local ecological system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractProfessional credentialing schemes based on experience and examination are used to clarify the scope and required competencies associated with the practice of a profession. National occupational hygiene (OH) credentials developed in 17 nations have been recognized by the International Occupational Hygiene Association (IOHA) to meet or exceed the requirements of a model certification program. To date, there is no credentialing or certification scheme for occupational hygienists in Spanish-speaking regions. To fill this void, a new credentialing body has been created named the Iberoamerican Board of Occupational Hygiene (JIHO). As a first step to the development of a certification exam for a profession, it is necessary to determine the interest in an occupational hygiene certification exam in Spanish and to clarify the most common work practices for those practicing the profession. To determine the proper exam weightings for occupational hygiene competencies needed to practice in Spanish-speaking regions JIHO conducted a comprehensive survey of professional practice of occupational hygiene in nations where Spanish is spoken as the primary language. Surveys were sent to 456 practicing occupational hygienists in nine different countries on a variety of topics. Results indicated that 79% of respondents felt the need for an OH certification exam in Spanish was very or extremely important. The most frequent and important technical competencies utilized in practice were (1) awareness about the health effects of hazardous agents to make decisions about workplace activities and exposures, (2) application of the hierarchy of controls, control banding, hazard communication, training of employees and other methods to reduce worker exposure and workplace risks, and (3) application of principles to recognize and control biohazards in the workplace. The study results have been used to guide the weighting and importance of various technical topics and rubrics on the JIHO exam. Data from this study can be used in the development of certification examinations, to improve international coherence in the profession, and the development of educational programs in OH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In the past, the German Cancer Society has implemented a certification program for colorectal cancer centers with the aims of standardizing oncological treatment, endorsing a multidisciplinary approach, and improving the outcomes. However, some critical views have argued that fulfilling the certification requirements alone would not necessarily enhance the treatment quality for colorectal cancer patients. In the present study, our objective was to investigate the treatment outcomes for patients with rectal cancer in hospitals of different medical care levels, before and after the certification process. The results of the present study indicate an improvement in terms of the treatment quality and outcomes after the official certification process. Further prospective clinical trials are necessary to investigate the influence of certification on the treatment of patients suffering from colorectal cancer. Introduction: The certification of oncological units as colorectal cancer centers (CrCCs) has been proposed to standardize oncological treatment and improve the outcomes for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). The proportion of patients with CRC in Germany that are treated by a certified center is around 53%. Lately, the effect of certification on the treatment outcomes has been critically discussed. Aim: Our aim was to investigate the treatment outcomes in patients with rectal carcinoma at certified CrCCs, in German hospitals of different medical care levels. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospective, multicentric database (AN Institute) of adult patients who underwent surgery for rectal carcinoma between 2002 and 2016. We included 563 patients from 13 hospitals of different medical care levels (basic, priority, and maximal care) over periods of 5 years before and after certification. Results: The certified CrCCs showed a significant increase in the use of laparoscopic approach for rectal cancer surgery (5% vs. 55%, p < 0.001). However, we observed a significantly prolonged mean duration of surgery in certified CrCCs (161 Min. vs. 192 Min., p < 0.001). The overall morbidity did not improve (32% vs. 38%, p = 0.174), but the appearance of postoperative stool fistulas decreased significantly in certified CrCCs (2% vs. 0%, p = 0.036). Concerning the overall in-hospital mortality, we registered a positive trend in certified centers during the five-year period after the certification (5% vs. 3%, p = 0.190). The length of preoperative hospitalization (preop. LOS) was shortened significantly (4.71 vs. 4.13 days, p < 0.001), while the overall length of in-hospital stays was also shorter in certified CrCCs (20.32 vs. 19.54 days, p = 0.065). We registered a clear advantage in detailed, high-quality histopathological examinations regarding the N, L, V, and M.E.R.C.U.R.Y. statuses. In the performed subgroup analysis, a significantly longer overall survival after certification was registered for maximal medical care units (p = 0.029) and in patients with UICC stage IV disease (p = 0.041). In patients with UICC stage III disease, we registered a slightly non-significant improvement in the disease-free survival (UICC III: p = 0.050). Conclusions: The results of the present study indicate an improvement in terms of the treatment quality and outcomes in certified CrCCs, which is enforced by certification-specific aspects such as a more differentiated surgical approach, a lower rate of certain postoperative complications, and a multidisciplinary approach. Further prospective clinical trials are necessary to investigate the influence of certification in the treatment of CRC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examines the factors influencing students' decisions to pursue accounting certification and their impact on Certified Public Accountant (CPA) qualification. It focuses on academic, financial, social, and career motivations, investigating their relationships with age, gender, and year level. Utilizing the convergent parallel method with a descriptive correlational approach and stratified random sampling, the research was confined to Aldersgate College, Inc. A survey questionnaire was administered to 115 accountancy students across all year levels. The findings suggest several key insights. Firstly, students aged 19-20, predominantly female, and in their first year exhibit a heightened interest in accounting certification. Financial, social, and career motivations emerge as the most influential factors, with academic motivation following closely behind. Secondly, while significant correlations exist between motivational factors and age/gender, their relationship with year level is comparatively weaker. Notably, motivational factors display a positive association with age and gender, indicating their substantial influence. Conversely, the correlation with year level is marginal, suggesting its limited impact. Consequently, age and gender emerge as more salient variables than year level in driving students' motivation towards CPA certification. These findings have important implications for accounting educators, policymakers, and practitioners who can use them to develop more effective strategies to motivate accounting students towards achieving CPA certification and success in their careers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Literature on occupational risks among organic farmers is scarce. This study explored safety practices and non-fatal injuries among organic producers, and the role of sociodemographic, work, and farm characteristics on safety and injury. Cross sectional survey of certified organic crop producers in the Southwest (SW) region of the United States (US). The Organic Integrity Database was used for recruitment. Data were collected through an electronic and paper survey. Analyses were conducted on 115 cases; response rate was estimated at 25%. A high majority of respondents owned their operation and were younger than 65 years, male, educated beyond high-school, and non-Hispanic whites. Less than half had more than 10 years of experience in organic farming; one-third worked off the farm year-round. Safety practices were very basic despite the widespread use of equipment and machinery, and limited to wearing normal clothing and apparel such hats and glasses. About half of respondents (52.6%) reported non-fatal injuries in the past year; and one-third (32.7%) time lost due to injuries. The overall cumulative incidence rate was estimated at 5.3 injuries per 10 workers within the last year. The injury rate decreased with hours worked. Significant differences were found on gender and education level and safety practices, with female respondents and the more educated being more proactive in practicing safety. Those working less than 40 h/week, in farms smaller than 50 acres, using light machinery or compact utility tractors, and tractors without roll-over protection reported significantly higher injury frequency compared to their counterparts. This study contributes unique data on an essential workforce not captured by current occupational injury and illness surveillance systems. It identifies important personal and contextual factors that may contribute to safety and injury in this population. The findings indicate the need to promote safety and prevent injuries that result in work time lost. This study may also inform future occupational safety and health research and practice, including surveillance, injury prevention programs that target certain workers and production practices, and policies that support and protect the organic farmer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To examine the experiences of internationally qualified nurses, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, transitioning to and working in the aged care sector of high-income countries. Design: A scoping review. Data Sources: CINAHL, MEDLINE and PSychINFO databases were searched to find eligible literature published from January 2010 onwards. Review Methods: This scoping review was based on the framework by Arksey and O'Malley and the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The literature search was conducted by the first author, and all three authors reviewed the retrieved studies for eligibility and inclusion. Results: Fourteen articles were eligible. Data was categorized into three broad themes: stress of migration and transition; miscommunication, racism and discrimination; and aged care specific challenges which included two sub-themes ‘shock of aged care’ and ‘bottom care’. Conclusion: Internationally qualified nurses, particularly if they are culturally and linguistically diverse, face unique stresses and challenges in aged care and face barriers in the recognition of skills and qualifications. The under-utilization of skills is not only a loss in terms of patient care but is linked to fears of de-skilling, losing professional development and opportunities for career progression. Impact: Internationally qualified nurses are positioned as a solution to aged care shortages in high-income countries; however, there is a scarcity of research exploring their experiences. In the context of the global aged care staffing crisis, an understanding of the stresses and challenges faced by internationally qualified nurses will further strengthen efforts to recruit, support and retain skilled nurses in aged care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By deciding to condition the access of research organizations to its €95.5 billion Horizon Europe funding programme (2021–7) on providing evidence of a gender equality plan, the European Commission has made the challenge of certifying the gender equality performance of research organizations extremely urgent, not least to avoid the risk that such plans become a mere formality ('box-ticking'). This challenge should not be underestimated, considering the extremely complex nature of the dynamics surrounding gender equality. In this article, we analyse the feasibility of establishing a European certification scheme that would assess gender equality policies and outcomes of research organizations, and present four alternative scenarios for its set-up, co-created with a wide range of stakeholders in a participatory step-by-step process. The results of the two-stage validation process of the four scenarios are also presented, providing policy implications and recommendations to support the effective roll-out of the certification schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

* Context.--Two major categories of laboratories performing nonwaived testing under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) are the Certificate of Accreditation (CoA) and Certificate of Compliance (CoC) laboratories. Accreditation organizations collect more detailed laboratory personnel information than the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (QIES). Objective.--To estimate total numbers of testing personnel and testing volumes in CoA and CoC laboratories, by laboratory type and state. Design.--We developed a statistical inference method by using the respective correlations between testing personnel counts and test volume by laboratory type. Results.--QIES reported 33 033 active CoA and CoC laboratories in July 2021. We estimated testing personnel to be 328 000 (95% CI, 309 000-348 000), which is supported by the count of 318 780 reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. There were twice as many testing personnel in hospital laboratories as in independent laboratories (158 778 versus 74 904, P < .001). Independent laboratories had the highest test volume per person, which was twice as high as physician office laboratories (62 228 versus 30 102, P < .001). Hospital and independent laboratories comprised 34% of all CoA and CoC laboratories but performed the largest portion of testing (81%). Physician office laboratories, accounting for 44% of all CoA and CoC laboratories, performed a comparatively low proportion of total tests (9%). Conclusions.--Numbers of testing personnel vary considerably by laboratory type and across states. These data can provide valuable insight when assessing laboratory workforce training needs and planning for public health emergencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Only 62.6% of fellowship‐trained and American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM)‐certified geriatricians maintain their specialty certification in geriatric medicine, the lowest rate among all internal medicine subspecialties and the only subspecialty in which physicians maintain their internal medicine certification at higher rates than their specialty certification. This study aims to better understand underlying issues related to the low rate of maintaining geriatric medicine certification in order to inform geriatric workforce development strategies. Methods: Eighteen‐item online survey of internists who completed a geriatric medicine fellowship, earned initial ABIM certification in geriatric medicine between 1999 and 2009, and maintained certification in internal medicine (and/or another specialty but not geriatric medicine). Survey domains: demographics, issues related to maintaining geriatric medicine certification, professional identity, and current professional duties. Results: 153/723 eligible completed surveys (21.5% response). Top reasons for not maintaining geriatric medicine certification were time (56%), cost of maintenance of certification (MOC) (45%), low Medicare reimbursement for geriatricians' work (32%), and no employer requirement to maintain geriatric medicine certification (31%). Though not maintaining geriatric medicine certification, 68% reported engaging in professional activities related to geriatric medicine. Reflecting on career decisions, 56% would again complete geriatric medicine fellowship, 21% would not, and 23% were unsure. 54% considered recertifying in geriatric medicine. 49% reported flexible MOC assessment options would increase likelihood of maintaining certification. Conclusions: The value proposition of geriatric medicine certification needs strengthening. Geriatric medicine leaders must develop strategies and tactics to reduce attrition of geriatricians by enhancing the value of geriatric medicine expertise to key stakeholders. See related articles by Ouslander et al., Colenda and Applegate, and Chad Boult in this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a question and answer related to enabling registered nurses, licensed practical and vocational nurses, and assistive personnel to practice to the fullest extent of their license or certification.

A quiz about critical care nursing is presented, with topics including a patient not taking medications as prescribed before admission, patient conditions to anticipate insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter, and assessment of a patient with suspected Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Why you should read this article: • To recognise the challenges that may be involved in undertaking mental health assessments of people with learning disabilities • To identify appropriate communication skills, strategies and approaches that can be used when conducting mental health assessments of people with learning disabilities • To contribute towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD (UK readers) • To contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers). Mental health issues are not only more prevalent in people with learning disabilities compared with the general population, but they are also more challenging to assess and diagnose. Reasons for this may include the communication issues and cognitive impairments often experienced by people with learning disabilities. This article describes some of the challenges that nurses and other healthcare professionals may encounter when assessing mental health issues in people with learning disabilities. It provides practical advice on how to conduct an effective mental health assessment and outlines a range of communication strategies that can be used to overcome any issues that occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The Joint Surgery-Thoracic Surgery (JS-TS) pathway began as a pilot program to grant both general surgery (GS) residency and thoracic surgery (TS) fellowship credit for 12 months of the PGY-4 and 5 years. This review updates the outcomes of this novel program. STUDY DESIGN: GS and TS programs in all approved JS-TS institutions were contacted for data collection, including JS-TS enrollee demographics and GS and TS case logs (CLs). National GS and TS CL data, and program and institutional data were publicly available. Enrollee case numbers were compared with those of their contemporaries. The American Board of Surgery and American Board of Thoracic Surgery provided certification data. Only enrollees who completed GS through 2019 were included. RESULTS: There were 90 JS-TS enrollees in 14 institutions. Two enrollees withdrew and 1 had not completed TS at the time of data collection leaving 87 for analysis. GS CLs were available for all 87 enrollees. TS CLs were available for all 62 enrollees who completed fellowship in 2016 or later. In GS, enrollees recorded fewer cases than their contemporary PGY-5s nationally in all domains except thoracic and endocrine. In TS, mean enrollee case numbers exceeded those of national contemporaries in every major category. Sixty-two JS-TS enrollees have achieved American Board of Surgery certification. Eighty-two enrollees are American Board of Thoracic Surgery certified with 5 currently in the certification process. CONCLUSIONS: The JS-TS pathway has proven a successful alternative route for TS training and could be a blueprint for other specialties considering novel avenues to specialty training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify training gaps and continuing education (CE) needs for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in evaluating and treating children with cleft palate across and among areas of varying population density. Method: An anonymous 35-question survey lasting approximately 10-15 min was created in Qualtrics based on a previously published study. The survey information and link were electronically distributed to American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)-certified SLPs through ASHA listservs, social media, individual-state SLP organizations, and an e-mail list of publicly listed SLPs. A total of 359 survey responses were collected. Results: Respondents varied in terms of age, type of certification, practice location, and clinical experience with cleft palate, with the largest percentage (46.7%) of respondents in a school-based setting. Only 28.5% reported currently feeling comfortable treating children with cleft palate. Respondents reported conventions/conferences (25.4%) and webinars (23.2%) were the most helpful resources, but DVDs were frequently not used for CE. Information from the child's cleft team (84.4%) and mentors/colleagues (70%) were considered high-quality resources. Respondents indicated information on treatment of articulation (79.2%) and resonance (78.4%) disorders as well as specific therapy techniques (76.9%) would be very helpful for clinical practice. Population density significantly influenced how respondents ranked the perceived helpfulness and quality of different resources as well as desired topics for future resources. Conclusions: There is a continued need for adequate training and CE opportunities for SLPs, particularly related to assessing and treating children with cleft palate. Increased access to high-quality CE resources will be key to filling educational gaps present for SLPs, especially in areas of low-population density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have recently witnessed the emergence of many farm certification schemes whose common objective is to identify and promote certain agroecological practices with a view to attaining environmental goals and meeting consumer expectations. Our study evaluated how farmers are economically impacted when adopting France's voluntary high environmental value (HEV) certification scheme. Focusing on multiple crop types and interacting with multiple stakeholders, we estimated the added costs and coordination requirements engendered by HEV certification. Our results show that these costs can increase in a crop-dependent manner. Thus, to further encourage the spread of the HEV certification scheme, it is essential to improve coordination and cost-sharing among value-chain stakeholders. In its latest CAP Strategic Plan, France proposed supporting HEV-certified farms via the European Union's eco-scheme instrument, which should provide an additional boost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global halal cosmetics industry is a lucrative market worth US$ 27.31 billion in 2021, and its value is expected to grow to US$ 54 billion by 2027. However, the overall cosmetics industry is monopolized by multinational companies, and many products have no halal certification, an assurance system for certifying a particular product as permissible and good for Muslims to use. Among Muslim consumers, the level of awareness about halal cosmetics is low in comparison to their awareness of halal food. These low levels of uptake by cosmetics manufacturers and consumer awareness must be addressed, especially since cosmetics are utilized in everyday Muslim life. In addressing these issues, a comprehensive understanding is needed of the halal ecosystem for cosmetics. An initial step in this direction would be to study the system of halal certification for cosmetics. Utilizing the Viable System Model (VSM) as the framework, this study diagnosed the halal certification system for cosmetics in Malaysia. This study gathered data from interviews with representatives from institutions and departments directly involved in the halal certification system. The halal certification system for cosmetics in Malaysia was found to already have established some elements of viability. However, there is neither a dedicated policy for the development of halal cosmetics nor a comprehensive legal framework governing the development of halal cosmetics and its usage. There are also some missing links related to the monitoring function and among the operating units. This understanding paves the way for developing a viable certification system for halal cosmetics in Malaysia and worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of machine learning (ML) in airborne safety-critical systems requires new methods for certification, as the current standards and practices were defined and refined over decades with classical programming in mind and do not support this new development paradigm. This article provides an overview of the main challenges to the demonstration of compliance with regulation requirements raised by the use of ML and focuses on one particular case where the formal verification may become mandatory in future regulations, which is the verification of (partial) monotony properties. For this case, we propose a method to evaluate the monotony property using mixed integer linear programming. Contrary to the existing literature, our analysis provides a lower and upper bound of the space volume where the property does not hold, that we denote "Non-Monotonic Space Coverage". This work has several advantages: (i) our formulation of the monotony property works on discrete inputs, (ii) the iterative nature of our algorithm allows for refining the analysis as needed, and (iii) from an industrial point of view, the results of this evaluation are valuable for the aeronautical domain, where it can support the certification demonstration. We applied this method to an avionic case study (braking distance estimation using a neural network) where the verification of the monotony property is of paramount interest from a safety perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: According to regulations, aircraft must be in an airworthy condition before they can be operated. To ensure airworthiness, they must be maintained by an approved component maintenance organisation. This study is aimed to identify potential errors that may arise during the final inspection and certification process of aircraft components, categorise them, determine their consequences and quantify the associated risks. Any removed aircraft components must be sent to an approved aircraft component maintenance organisation for further maintenance and issuance of European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Form 1. Thereafter, a final inspection and certification process must be conducted by certifying staff to receive an EASA Form 1. This process is crucial because any errors during this stage can result in the installation of unsafe components in an aircraft. Design/methodology/approach: The Systematic Human Error Reduction and Prediction Approach (SHERPA) method was used to identify potential errors. This method involved a review of the procedures of three maintenance organisations, individual interviews with ten subject matter experts and a consensus group of 14 certifying staff from different maintenance organisations to achieve the desired results. Findings: In this study, 39 potential errors were identified during the final inspection and certification process. Furthermore, analysis revealed that 48.7% of these issues were attributed to checking errors, making it the most common type of error observed. Originality/value: This study pinpoints the potential errors in the final inspection and certification of aircraft components. It offers maintenance organisations a roadmap to assess procedures, implement preventive measures and reduce the likelihood of these errors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Certification schemes and alternative food networks have often been studied separately or using different analytical concepts. Ethnographic research in Sichuan Province, China shows how a cooperative used both labels and people to inform consumers about the ecological quality and trustworthiness of its food, thereby obtaining price premiums. Using information infrastructure as the common analytical vocabulary for exploring both certification and performances of face-to-face relations unearths unexpected commonalities amidst presumed otherness. The infrastructure lens draws attention to the importance of scientific planning and materiality: the force of specific features of different crops and modes of production. Information infrastructures – whether labels or people – depend on, and affect, the materiality of whatever they are supposed to be informing about. They do not simply convey information, but shape value as they interact with and intervene in what is produced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A range of existing and newly developed hydrogen standards, certification and labelling (SCL) schemes aim to promote the role of 'renewable', 'clean' or 'green' hydrogen in decarbonising energy transitions. This paper analyses a sample of these SCLs to assess their role in the scaling up of renewable hydrogen and its derivatives. To analyse these hydrogen SCLs, we embellish a novel conceptual framework that brings together Sustainability, Systems Thinking, and Governance (SSG) literatures. The results reveal noteworthy scheme differences in motivation, approach, criteria, and governance; highlighting the complex, interconnected, and dynamic reality within which energy systems are embedded. We consider whether the sustainable utilisation of renewable hydrogen is well-served by the proliferation of SCLs and recommend an SSG-informed approach. An SSG approach will better promote collaboration towards an authoritative, global, multistakeholder, compromise on hydrogen certification that balances economic considerations with social, and environmental dimensions. [Display omitted] • There is a proliferation of hydrogen standards, certification and labelling (SCL) schemes. • We analyse a sample of SCLs to investigate their role in scaling green hydrogen. • We employ a Sustainability, Systems Thinking, and Governance (SSG) approach. • We recommend an SSG lens to help craft a global multistakeholder initiative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study reviews state certification requirements for teachers of students with visual impairments (TVIs). Method: TVI certification criteria were systematically reviewed and coded from 55 states and territories. Fifteen variables captured a broad overview of criteria including license and endorsement data (i.e., terminology, grade and age range, and standards and testing requirements) and provisional and emergency certification data (i.e., terminology, length of time, and renewability). Results: Thirty-two of 55 states required some form of initial teaching license on which to add a TVI endorsement. Sixty-five percent of states specified certification as required for working with students aged 3–21 only. Slightly over half of the states did not have coursework requirements. Forty-two states had provisional certification and 20 states had emergency certification. Discussion: Multiple pathways to certification with varied terminology across states suggest that becoming certified in the visual impairment field is complex. Implications for practitioners: Variations across states make requirements for certification difficult to navigate and differences in required competencies across states may create varied quality of certified professionals in the field impacting the services to children who are visually impaired. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]