Supportive Environment Research Articles

Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss; Meliaceae) as the source for plant-based pesticides as an effective and sustainable biocontrol alternative

The neem tree has strengths such as effective and environmentally friendly active compounds, as well as the ability to improve the quality and productivity of plants organically. However, the use of botanical pesticides has several challenges, such as potentially lower effectiveness compared to chemical insecticides, high production costs, and requiring specific knowledge in formulation and application. Botanical pesticides are readily available tools for insect pest management and are eco-friendly. The research results show that a neem formula at a concentration of 20 ml.l-1 water can cause mortality of brown planthopper is 48.75 - 70%, while mortality in the synthetic insecticide (positive control) at a concentration of 2 ml.l-1 water (as recommended) resulted in 45% mortality. It is obvious that there is a need to develop biological control as alternatives for eco-friendly and sustainable for pests’ control in insect’s pest management strategies. This research study has both qualitative and quantitative approach, data collection strategies were desk review of information and will be based on empirical data and literature. For the desk study, relevant internet web pages were browsed to have an overview of the key concepts of the research issue, problem of pests and diseases control and benefit of neem tree as botanical pesticides. Nevertheless, the use of botanical pesticides can provide long-term benefits to the environment and human health and support more sustainable agriculture. There is a great opportunity for the development of more effective and affordable technology for botanical pesticide production for farmers, but there are also threats such as strong competition from synthetic pesticides. The objective this study aims to determine the potential of neem (Azadirachta indica A.Juss) as a plant producing botanical pesticides as an effective and sustainable biological control alternative.

The Role Of Mental Health Education In Mitigating Pandemic-Related Psychological Distress In Children

Children with pre-existing conditions, such as ADHD and anxiety, are particularly vulnerable to the mental health consequences of the pandemic. Disruptions to routine and social interactions have exacerbated their symptoms, leading to increased stress and depression. This article examines the role of mental health education in schools as a critical tool for mitigating these challenges. Mental health education equips children with essential stress-management skills through evidence-based interventions such as coping skills training, emotional regulation practices, and resilience-building. The article features case studies that detail the effectiveness of programs like the Los Angeles Unified School District's teletherapy initiative, which provided virtual mental health support to over a million students, significantly reducing stress and anxiety levels during the pandemic. Programs such as the Comprehensive School Mental Health Systems (CSMHS) employ a multitiered approach, addressing prevention, early intervention, and support for severe mental health concerns in collaboration with community health professionals. The Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework also highlights successful integration into U.S. school systems, ensuring a supportive environment through behavioral reinforcement and targeted mental health education

Analysis of socioeconomic and built environment factors influencing travel mode choice of older adults in Georgia

This paper explores the travel behavior of older adults in comparison to younger adults using the 2017 U.S. National Household Travel Survey Georgia Add-on. We employ a discrete mode choice model to examine how the relationships between travel outcomes and socioeconomic, trip, and built environment characteristics vary by age. Travel modes are categorized into automobile, public transit, and non-motorized modes (i.e., walking and biking). The analysis reveals significant differences in factors related to non-auto mode travel outcomes between age groups. The presence of health conditions is associated with a lower likelihood of older adults choosing non-auto modes, and this effect intensifies with age. The association between trip purposes and travel outcome also varies; home-based-other purpose trips, such as healthcare appointments or community activities, are associated with a higher probability of older adults choosing non-motorized modes compared to other trip purposes. Residential density is more of a factor for older adults' non-auto mode choices, and older adults living in non-auto mode supportive environments are more likely to maintain non-auto mode usage. The study further finds that older adults and those with health conditions live and travel in less dense, less walkable areas than their counterparts, which makes it difficult for them to have viable non-auto transportation options. To expand mobility options for older adults, planners should design programs for older adults with health conditions and provide services for those who can no longer drive or without access to automobiles. Additionally, considering built environment conditions and the varying needs of individuals based on trip purposes is recommended to satisfy the mobility needs of older adults in accordance with their lifestyles.

Breaking barriers: Analysing the professional landscape for female gynaecological surgeons in Italy

ObjectiveTo examine the status of female gynaecological surgeons in Italy in terms of discriminatory practices and the availability of opportunities for improvement within the operating theatre. MethodsThis study is a subanalysis of a comprehensive 83-item questionnaire, administered to 3242 female surgeons across various specialties from 1 November to 31 December 2020. This study focuses specifically on 219 female gynaecological surgeons in order to explore their unique experiences and challenges in surgical practice. Main outcome measuresData concerning subjective satisfaction of respondents were collected. Satisfaction was evaluated using a five-point Likert scale. Data are presented using mean, median or frequency. ResultsThis subanalysis included 207 respondents. Among the respondents, 47 % reported that they had children, while 31 % had decided not to have children for professional reasons. Nearly half of the respondents (42 %) were trainees. Despite a considerable workload (mean working week of 45 h), 96 % of the respondents reported spending less than half of their working time in the operating theatre. They performed a median of two operations per week, compared with five operations for their male counterparts. Despite challenges, 65 % expressed a commitment to their career path. ConclusionsEfforts to address gender bias, promote work–life balance, and enhance female leadership representation are essential. These findings emphasize the need for systemic changes to create a supportive environment for female gynaecologists. Further research with broader sampling is warranted to fully understand and address these challenges.

Framework for tailoring consumer-centric communication to boost solar energy adoption in U.S. households

This review outlines a framework for tailoring consumer-centric communication to boost solar energy adoption in U.S. households. In response to growing environmental concerns and the need for sustainable energy solutions, this framework is designed to enhance residential solar adoption rates by customizing communication strategies to diverse consumer profiles. By leveraging consumer behavior insights, the framework addresses critical factors such as individual perceptions, social influences, financial considerations, and technological barriers that affect consumers' solar adoption decisions. The proposed framework emphasizes understanding various consumer segments, including early adopters, environmentally conscious individuals, and budget-focused households, to design targeted communication strategies. It integrates key elements like demographic analysis, psychographic profiling, and attitudinal segmentation to build a comprehensive picture of potential solar consumers. Using these insights, the framework proposes tailored messaging that resonates with each segment’s unique motivations and concerns, such as energy cost savings, environmental impact, and long-term investment value. To maximize engagement, the framework recommends deploying these tailored messages across a mix of digital and traditional media channels, ensuring optimal reach and relevance. Social media, for instance, can be effectively used to reach environmentally conscious and tech-savvy segments, while community events and local partnerships may better engage older or budget-focused demographics. Moreover, the framework advocates for the use of testimonials, data visualization, and interactive content to enhance credibility and user experience, further breaking down perceived barriers such as installation costs, maintenance concerns, and technology reliability. By focusing on consumer-centric communication, this framework aims to increase awareness, interest, and trust in solar energy solutions, thereby fostering a supportive environment for adoption. It also highlights the importance of iterative feedback mechanisms to continuously refine strategies and address emerging consumer needs. Ultimately, this framework serves as a strategic guide for policymakers, marketers, and solar companies to drive meaningful consumer engagement, boost conversion rates, and contribute to the broader goal of achieving sustainable energy adoption across the U.S. residential sector.

Increasing Sexual Dysfunction in Society and Management with Psychotherapy, Rasayanam or Vajikaran

Abstract: The world's oldest medical system is called Ayurveda. The two main goals of Ayurveda are to treat ailments and to enhance life and health. To increase memory, immunity to illness, complexion, lustrous perfection, supreme strength, sense organ, intelligence, and physical strength and brilliance, is known as Rasayana. To enhance potency health and reproductive health known as vajikarana in ayurveda. Acharya Charaka mentions that rasayana and vajikaran have qualities that are used to prevent diseases or restore health, and also have advantages for sexual health. Vajikarana means to enhance ejaculation, semen quality, or both virilities. The increasing occurrence of sexual dysfunction in modern society has emerged as a significant public health concern, impacting individuals' quality of life and interpersonal relationships. Factors contributing to this rise include stress, anxiety, lifestyle changes, and societal pressures that influence sexual health. This article explores the multifaceted causes of sexual dysfunction, examining its psychological, physiological, and sociocultural dimensions. This article emphasizes the crucial role of psychological counseling as a management strategy, improving communication between partners, and fostering a supportive environment for sexual health. This article approaches the combination of psychological interventions with medical treatments to enhance overall well-being and sexual satisfaction. By raising awareness and promoting friendly counseling services.

An analysis of the use of 3D game engine technology in visualising sustainability data

Purpose Responding to calls for accountants to engage with modern technologies and explore data visualisation within a three-dimensional (3D) environment, this study aims to explore whether social and environmental accounting (SEA) data visualisation is a promising use case for 3D game engine technology. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on visual perception and embodiment theories, this study uses photo-elicitation, a qualitative research method, to explore the usefulness of two-dimensional (2D) and 3D visualisations of sustainability information in a 3D virtual environment. This study provides three stimuli: numerical data, 2D visualisations and 3D visualisations, and asks open-ended questions regarding future applications. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with academics, preparers and users of sustainability reports to obtain responses to these stimuli. Findings The key finding is that visualisation of SEA information may indeed be a strong use case for 3D game technology, but only for certain data and for certain audiences. Presenting information within a 3D virtual environment offered enhanced engagement and contextual understanding but reduced navigation speed and data clarity. Participants were enthusiastic about the potential of a museum-like experience, incorporating interactivity and community, but felt that the appropriate audience was more likely to be novices than experts. Practical implications This study suggests that deploying 3D game engine technology can be a powerful tool for presenting sustainability information but requires significant resources. The optimum audience is likely to be novices, and a key design principle is to ensure the virtual environment supports, rather than overwhelms, the information presented within that environment. Originality/value This study introduces a novel application of 3D visualisation technology within the SEA context, offering original insights into its potential to enhance user understanding and decision-making capabilities. This study highlights the technology’s value not as a replacement for traditional reporting but as a supplementary educational tool. The study also provides a novel setting for the photo-elicitation method, demonstrating this approach’s utility in a 3D environment.

Unlocking the Potential of Pediatric Virtual Care: An e-Delphi Study on a Virtual Caregiver Participation Framework in Audiology

Purpose: Virtual service delivery models in audiology have become more accessible due to recent technological advancement and improved system-level uptake following COVID-19. Although current evidence identifies the benefits of virtual care to families with children who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing and supports its use in practice, this delivery model is still underutilized. This research aimed to gain consensus on an evidence-informed virtual caregiver participation framework developed from a scoping review of the communication sciences and disorders literature. Method: A two-round modified e-Delphi study was conducted to survey 26 knowledge users from four different countries with experience in virtual audiology care, including caregivers, audiologists, researchers, and organizational leaders. The study employed Delphi techniques, building from a scoping review to synthesize existing literature informing the knowledge gap, including online surveys and team discussions. Consensus was defined numerically (75% agreement) and by comparing and interpreting text-based responses. Results: The resulting framework grouped nine categories of caregiver participation in virtual care according to three main readiness domains: core readiness (opportunities to participate, perceived value, and willingness to participate), engagement readiness (child capacity, family–provider relationship, and role in the care process), and structural readiness (environment for participation, support, and technology). Conclusion: This work adds novel contributions to the field, through the development of a framework for caregiver participation in virtual audiology care, that can be used to support family involvement and will guide clinical tool development and future research efforts.

The Impact of Domestic Violence on the experience of being a mother: a systematic review of the subjective accounts of survivors

Abstract Domestic violence (DV) is still a silent public health pandemic globally, more so during the COVID-19 pandemic. Domestic abuse has a well-documented impact on women and its potential transgenerational consequences for their children. However, the influence of DV on a survivor's experience as a parent is rarely studied, especially in developing nations. Through a systematic review, this study aimed to examine and synthesise current global research on DV survivors' experiences regarding their parenting capacities. The objective was to understand how DV survivors perceive how their parenting capacities were impacted by the experience of DV. Five databases were searched between the periods 2010 to 2020. Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Through a thematic analysis of the included articles, three core themes emerged: first, the mothers’ state of psychosocial and physical health, exacerbated or associated with the DV experience, holds association with their perceived capacity within a parental role. Second, the influence of DV on motherhood is not necessarily predictive of negative parenting practices but somewhat contingent on the mothers’ ability to mobilise supportive internal and external resources, which are often restricted and disrupted by the abusive partner. Last, decisions to leave the abusive partner are complex and subjectively reasoned by the mothers, with a common intention to protect the family. These findings suggest that more comprehensive support and preventative interventions are needed in local communities to create supportive environments that are accessible to mothers who parent in the context of DV.

Exploring the Role of Emotional and Spiritual Intelligence in enhancing Teaching Competency: A Study on the Influence of Personal Growth and Interpersonal Skills on Educator effectiveness

This study examines the role of emotional intelligence (EI) and spiritual intelligence (SI) in enhancing teaching competency, emphasizing the mediating influence of personal growth and interpersonal skills on educator effectiveness. Emotional intelligence, which encompasses self-awareness, emotional regulation, empathy, and social skills, enables teachers to manage classroom dynamics, foster meaningful relationships, and create supportive learning environments. Similarly, spiritual intelligence, defined by purpose-driven actions, ethical alignment, and resilience, equips educators to inspire students holistically while maintaining balance and moral integrity in their professional roles. The interplay of these intelligences with personal growth, characterized by self-reflection, adaptability, and continuous learning, further enriches teaching practices, enabling educators to respond effectively to evolving classroom challenges. Interpersonal skills, including communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution, are integral to building constructive relationships with students, colleagues, and parents, amplifying the impact of EI and SI on teaching effectiveness. Employing a mixed methods approach, the study combines quantitative measures of EI, SI, and teaching competency with qualitative insights from interviews and focus groups to provide a comprehensive understanding of these dynamics. Findings highlight the transformative potential of integrating EI and SI into teacher training programs, fostering a holistic approach to professional development that prioritizes emotional and spiritual dimensions alongside technical expertise. The study underscores the importance of fostering these intelligences to empower educators to navigate the complexities of modern education with resilience, empathy, and purpose. By advancing a framework that integrates emotional and spiritual intelligence with personal and interpersonal development, this research contributes to the growing body of knowledge advocating for a more inclusive and value-driven approach to enhancing teaching competency and improving educational outcomes.

Abstract C031: Targeting colorectal cancer-associated fibroblasts with all-trans retinoic acid to reprogram the tumor microenvironment

Abstract Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a prominent component of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and are known for their role in supporting tumor growth and progression through interactions with cancer cells and other stromal elements. Liver metastatic CAFs (lmCAFs), in particular, play an important role in establishing the secondary niche that facilitates tumor metastasis. Reprogramming the stroma, particularly targeting the pro-tumorigenic functions of lmCAFs, has emerged as a promising therapeutic intervention to disrupt the supportive environment tumors rely on for progression. An initial drug screen of FDA-approved oncology therapies was conducted on patient-derived colorectal cancer (CRC) CAFs and tumor organoids (PDTOs) to identify compounds that may be re-purposed as stroma targeting agents. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) was shown to specifically inhibit the proliferation of CAFs without affecting CRC-PDTOs. ATRA is an active metabolite of Vitamin A that exerts its canonical biological effects by binding to nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RAR). The differential RAR expression in multiple CAFs and PDTOs was confirmed with bulk RNA sequencing, with higher expression found in the CAF lines. Subsequent analysis included the qPCR assessment of glycolysis enzyme levels, CAF activation markers, and ATRA signaling in lmCAFs following treatment with ATRA for 5 days. Protein expression of key components of the TGF-b signaling pathway, including SMAD 2/3, Akt, and b-catenin, were also analyzed. Treatment of lmCAFs with ATRA induced expression of RARb and ALDH1A1, biomarkers associated with ATRA signaling pathways. In one patient-derived CAF line, ATRA treatment exhibited a decrease in CAF activation markers (e.g. aSMA) and glycolytic enzymes (e.g. lactate dehydrogenase). On the other hand, another CAF line showed increased fibroblast activation and a shift away from metabolic dependency on glycolysis upon ATRA treatment. Additionally, ATRA targeted TGF-b signaling through the pSMAD 2/3 and Akt pathways, highlighting the multifaceted impact on CAF function and heterogeneity. ATRA effectively reprograms some CAFs by inhibiting their proliferation and altering key signaling pathways, thereby disrupting the pro-tumorigenic environment of the TME. The results of this study suggest that ATRA holds potential as a therapeutic strategy to target and reprogram the CAFs within the permissive stromal components essential for tumor progression. Citation Format: Brandon Choi, Yuyuan Zhou, Seungil Kim, Shannon M. Mumenthaler. Targeting colorectal cancer-associated fibroblasts with all-trans retinoic acid to reprogram the tumor microenvironment [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Tumor-body Interactions: The Roles of Micro- and Macroenvironment in Cancer; 2024 Nov 17-20; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(22_Suppl):Abstract nr C031.

How offering a free introductory AI computing course at a hispanic-serving community college influences computing interests for enrolled students?

ABSTRACT Background and Context Hispanic-serving community colleges represent promising sites for broadening participation and enhancing computing interests around AI. Objectives This study investigated how students enrolled in an introductory AI computing course at an HSCC made meaning of their course experiences and how they described their interest in computing during the course. Methods Using Social Cognitive Career Theory, this study employed a qualitative, phenomenological approach with participants who took the freely offered introductory AI computing. Findings Offering a free, credit-bearing introductory AI computing course nurtured interests in computing, despite varying previous coding backgrounds. The course’s implicit prerequisite coding knowledge requirement challenged computing interests. Faculty members played a pivotal role in supporting student interests by adjusting supportive learning environments. Implications This study informs the development of introductory AI computing courses at Hispanic-serving community colleges and demonstrates how free course offerings can create interest in computing courses to increase overall interest in computing..

USO INDISCRIMINADO DOS OPIOIDES POR PROFISSIONAIS DE SAÚDE: UMA REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA

Introduction: The opioid epidemic is a global public health crisis that affects several regions, including one that is not always highlighted: health professionals. General objective: to analyze the complexity of the indiscriminate use of opioids by health professionals. Method: This is an integrative literature review, following five stages with a search in the LILACS, BDENF, MEDLINE, and SciELO databases from 2019 to 2024. Results: 109 articles were found; 06 articles were used to prepare the study. Discussion: According to the Brazilian guidelines on opioid abuse, patients with chronic pain and healthcare professionals are among the groups most at risk of acquiring opioid dependence. Concern about the abuse of psychoactive substances by healthcare professionals is not new. Historically, the population of doctors and other healthcare workers has been more exposed to the risk of abusing psychoactive substances, including prescription drugs such as benzodiazepines, opiates and amphetamines. Conclusion: The disordered use of opioids by healthcare professionals is a multifaceted problem that requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach to combat. Healthcare institutions, regulatory bodies and society in general have an important role to play in promoting a safer and more supportive working environment. Emphasizing the importance of the mental health and well-being of healthcare professionals, as well as implementing preventive measures and effective interventions, is essential to reducing opioid use and ensuring that these professionals can continue to provide quality care while protecting their own health and safety.

How should trial teams make decisions about the proportions and diversity of the ethnic groups in their trial?

The benefits of randomised trials are not shared equally, and people from ethnic minority groups are a key constituency under-served by clinical research and clinical care. The STRIDE project aimed to give trialists practical information about how to decide which ethnic groups should be in their trials, and at what proportion. We considered trials in six clinical areas: cancer, cardiovascular, diabetes, maternal health, mental health, and smoking cessation. We created a summary for each, including participants-intervention-comparators-outcomes, and data on disease prevalence by ethnicity. These were discussed with panels with clinical expertise, trial and methodology expertise, lived experience, funding, and experience of working with and on behalf of ethnic communities. For each trial, we asked panel members to decide which ethnic groups should have been involved and at what proportion. We discussed 23 trials with 40 individual panel members. Panels found our questions difficult to answer. The lack of publicly available data on prevalence by ethnicity was central to this. Where data were available, decision-making was easier but not simple. The discussions led to eight STRIDE recommendations. We recommend that discussions involve diverse teams and that discussions need time, with access to the best available data. In the absence of data or consensus, we recommend the adoption of 'default' minimum rates of inclusion, with oversampling considered. These discussions should inform site selection, and the practical challenges of recruitment and retention should not determine which groups are to be included. We also suggest five policy initiatives to support implementation of the recommendations. Broadly, these are (1) funders need to signal that ethnic diversity is expected, (2) trial teams need access to better data, (3) funders and others need to signal that ethnic diversity means better science, (4) more funding is needed for evaluation, and (5) Good Clinical Practice training should cover ethnic diversity. Agreeing targets for which ethnic groups to involve in a trial is essential but difficult. Our eight recommendations could help to make trials more ethnically diverse if followed, and we suggest five policy initiatives that would create a supportive environment for their implementation.

Exploring the Influence Factors of Digital Entrepreneurship in Improving the Digitization of Small and Medium Enterprises in Yemen

This research provides valuable insights into the impact of digital entrepreneurship on the digitalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Yemen. By integrating the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, the research examines the role of various factors-technological, organizational, environmental, and individual, affecting technology adoption and utilization in SMEs. The study primarily explores the direct and indirect influences of these factors on actual system use, with a particular focus on the mediating roles of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use in shaping attitudes toward technology adoption. Data were collected through a survey of 392 respondents, and the results were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The measurement model was validated for reliability and accuracy, followed by an evaluation of the structural model to test the proposed hypotheses. The findings highlight the critical role of information and communication technology (ICT) adoption in enhancing both perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness. Additionally, the knowledge of IT entrepreneurs and government support were found to uniquely influence perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness, respectively. Both of these perceptions, in turn, positively impacted attitudes toward and the actual use of digital tools within SMEs. To address the challenges faced by Yemeni SMEs, it is recommended to enhance digitalization through ICT adoption and promote a pro-technology culture. Policymakers should create a supportive environment via targeted policies, subsidies, and public-private partnerships to foster sustainable growth and competitiveness.

Evaluation of an Educator Mental Health Literacy Online Training Package

ABSTRACTEducators and school staff are critical to recognizing and supporting students' mental health, but frequently do not have the training to confidently bring mental health literacy into the classroom or assist students who experience distress. Moreover, few free, easily accessible trainings are available for this audience. Classroom Well‐being Information and Strategies for Educators (Classroom WISE) is a free, K‐12 mental health literacy training package that includes a self‐paced online course, video library, and resource collection. Using pre‐ and postcourse anonymous surveys from over 2000 educators, school mental health professionals, and school staff who completed Classroom WISE, this study found high levels of satisfaction, significant increases in mental health literacy knowledge, high perceived importance of mastering skills to promote student well‐being, and increased preparedness to implement mental health‐related strategies. Participants reported intentions to bring mental health literacy into the classroom, and identified barriers and facilitators to using Classroom WISE that leaders can respond to or employ when moving to implement Classroom WISE across a school or district. School district or school‐wide use of Classroom WISE can assist in building a safe and supportive school environment and help students in need to access mental health services.

Unveiling interactions among architectural sketching, parametric design, and digital fabrication using linkography

ABSTRACT A design environment represents the context and ecosystem in which design activities are conducted. Today, architectural practice includes a range of design environments, including parametric design, CAM, and digital fabrication, in addition to sketch environments, which serve to ideate and manufacture the architectural entity. However, there is a lack of empirical studies that unveil interactions among these environments. Therefore, this article aims to answer the following question: What is the role of the design environments and the cognitive impact of the interactive dialog between the design environments on design productivity while considering the parametric design and digital fabrication as an integrated process? For this purpose, an empirical study comprising 11 architects with a minimum three years/projects of Grasshopper experience was conducted. Design tasks required a transition between sketch, parametric design and digital fabrication environments. Methodologically, data were obtained by concurrent and thinking-aloud methods, and the design process was analyzed using the linkograph method. The findings indicate that the synthesis process is more pronounced during the sketching phase and diminishes during the parametric design phase because of the cognitive gaps. On the other hand, the parametric design environment is observed as a supportive representational environment for recalling previous design actions.

Storytelling: A learning tool to enhance medical students' empathy, attentive listening, clinical curiosity and reflection.

Listening to stories of sickness lies at the heart of the patient-doctor relationship. Storytelling serves as a powerful learning tool fostering empathy, attentive listening, clinical curiosity and reflection, key elements of narrative competence. The patient's story, their history, forms the fundamental core of diagnosis, and their emotions are central to crafting appropriate treatment plans that address their true concerns. This study reviews the benefits of storytelling as a learning tool, particularly in enhancing empathy, attentive listening, clinical curiosity and reflection within medical education. It also describes a practical workshop that demonstrates how storytelling can be utilised to inspire students to develop narrative competence in a supportive learning environment. Since the stories draw on participants' clinical experience, in both primary and secondary care, the article aims to engage clinicians involved in medical education and the teaching of communication skills.

Exploring ADHD understanding and stigma: Insights from an online survey in Lebanon.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder. Public knowledge of ADHD plays a crucial role in shaping attitudes, reducing stigma, and fostering a supportive environment for individuals with this disease. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and stigma of the general Lebanese population regarding ADHD and identify potential factors associated with these variables. An online cross-sectional study was conducted between July and August 2023 among adults from all Lebanese regions. The questionnaire was self-administered, available in Arabic and English, and included a sociodemographic section and the validated tools Knowledge of Attention Deficit Disorders Scale (KADDS) and the ADHD Stigma Questionnaire (ASQ). A total of 647 participants were included. Most participants (n = 483 (74.7%)) lacked prior experience with individuals who have ADHD, and only 12.8% reported having good information about the condition. The participants had a mean knowledge score of 20.49 ±3.23 and a mean ADHD stigma score of 75.71 ±20.58. A significantly higher knowledge score was associated with a university level of education (B = 0.14, p < 0.001), older age (B = 0.14, p = 0.001), using the internet (B = 0.13, p = 0.001) and lecture (B = 0.09, p = 0.015) as a source of ADHD information, having a high monthly income (B = 0.13, p = 0.001), being female (B = 0.08, p = 0.030) and having a health coverage (B = 0.08, p = 0.025). Conversely, a lower knowledge was significantly associated with obtaining ADHD information from television (B = -0.13, p = 0.001) and family (B = -0.08, p = 0.043). A significantly lower score was associated with ever being diagnosed with ADHD (B = -0.18, p < 0.001), having an intermediate monthly income (B = -0.10, p = 0.005), and consuming alcohol (B = -0.11, p = 0.004), while a higher score was significantly associated with a higher KADDS total score (B = 0.12, p = 0.002) and being employed (B = 0.07, p = 0.044). The present study addressed a gap in the existing literature by examining ADHD knowledge and stigma in the Lebanese population. Surprisingly, a positive correlation between higher ADHD knowledge and increased stigma challenges common assumptions, suggesting a complex relationship between knowledge, misconceptions, and societal attitudes. The findings emphasize the need for targeted education and advocacy to improve knowledge and alleviate misconceptions and stigma within the general population.

Harnessing the power of peer dialogue to support GTAs’ professional development: Two reflective stories

Graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) have played an essential role in supporting teaching and learning in higher education institutions (HEIs) across the globe. Enhancing GTAs’ professional development (PD) is critical for ensuring the quality of higher education. The influence of peers in GTA’s PD has been widely acknowledged (e.g., Bale &amp; Moran, 2020; Dobbins et al., 2021). However, there is limited research on the benefits of peer dialogue, one of the most accessible means of harnessing peer powers in GTAs’ PD. This qualitative study aims to explore how peer dialogue can contribute to GTAs’ PD. This study will use data from two narratives detailing the experiences of peer dialogue, completed independently by two senior GTAs in a UK-based university, who are also the first and second authors of this study. Through thematic analysis, the two researchers will first identify the themes of the data separately and then work together to synthesize the key themes from the data, to uncover the key benefits of peer dialogue in promoting GTAs’ PD. The findings of this study will add to the literature on the power of peers in GTAs’ PD and provide insights into the positive impacts of engaging in peer dialogue activities to promote GTAs’ PD. This study will have significant implications for GTAs interested in seeking PD opportunities and for stakeholders who support GTAs in higher education. By highlighting the benefits of peer dialogue, this study also underscores the need to create a supportive environment or platform for GTAs to be engaged in open and collaborative peer dialogue.