Group Meetings Research Articles

Does optimizing Choose to Move – a health-promoting program for older adults – enhance scalability, program implementation and effectiveness?

BackgroundInvestment in scale-up and sustainment of effective health-promoting programs is often hampered by competing demands on scarce health dollars. Thus, optimizing programs to reduce resource use (e.g., delivery costs) while maintaining effectiveness is necessary to promote health at scale. Using a phased approach (2015–2024), we adapted and scaled-up an evidence-based, health-promoting program for older adults (Choose to Move; CTM). For CTM Phase 4 we undertook a systematic, data-driven adaptation process to reduce resource use. In this paper we: 1) describe the CTM Phase 4 program (‘CTM Phase 4’) and assess its 2) implementation and 3) effectiveness.MethodsFor CTM Phase 4 (30-min one-on-one consultation and 8, 60-min group meetings with an activity coach), we reduced activity coach hours by 40% compared to Phase 3. To evaluate effectiveness of CTM Phase 4 we conducted a type 2 hybrid effectiveness-implementation study involving 137 programs (1126 older adults; 59–74 years, 75 + years) delivered by 29 activity coaches. We assessed implementation indicators (e.g., dose, fidelity, adaptation, participant responsiveness, self-efficacy) via survey in activity coaches and older adults. We assessed older adults’ physical activity (PA), mobility, social isolation, and loneliness before and after (0, 3 months) the program.ResultsImplementation indicators demonstrated that CTM Phase 4 was delivered successfully. Post-intervention, PA (+ 1.4 days/week; 95% CI 1.3, 1.6), mobility limitations (-6.4%), and scores for mobility (+ 0.7; 95% CI: 0.4, 1.3), social isolation (+ 0.9; 95% CI: 0.67, 1.17), and loneliness (-0.23; 95% CI: -0.34, -0.13) were improved in those < 75 years. Among those ≥ 75 years, PA (+ 1.0 days/week; 95% CI, 0.7, 1.2), mobility score (+ 1.1; 95% CI: 0.4, 1.8), and social isolation score (+ 0.5; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.86) were improved post-intervention. Participant-level benefits were comparable to, or greater (PA and social isolation in those < 75) than, those observed in Phase 3.ConclusionsCTM was co-designed as a flexible program, adapted over time based on user group needs and preferences. This flexibility enabled us to reduce activity coach delivery hours without compromising implementation or benefits to older adults’ health. Optimizing effective health-promoting programs to enhance their scalability and sustainability provides an important pathway to improved population health.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05678985. Registered 10 January 2023 – Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05678985.

The Protective Effects and Mechanism of Mulberry Leaf Flavonoids on Type 2 Diabetic Nephropathy Mice

Purpose: This study investigated the protective effects and mechanism of mulberry leaf flavonoids on type 2 diabetic nephropathy (DN) in mice. Methods: The DPPH free radical scavenging activity of mulberry leaf flavonoids was measured in vitro. To establish a type 2 DN model, male ICR mice were induced with streptozotocin (STZ) after a high-fat diet regimen. The mice were then divided into groups: a normal control group, a DN model group (DM), a positive control group receiving 200 mg/kg metformin (Met group), and a treatment group receiving 1 g/kg mulberry leaf flavonoids (FM group). Both Met and FM groups received daily intragastric administration for 4 weeks, while the DM and control groups were given equivalent volumes of normal saline. Fasting blood glucose levels were recorded regularly during the intervention. After the treatment period, serum creatinine (CRE), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and renal glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were measured. Additionally, kidney histopathological changes and glycogen deposition were evaluated by HE and PAS staining, while Nrf2 and HO-1 expression in kidney tissue was assessed through immunohistochemistry. Results: Mulberry leaf flavonoids effectively scavenged free radicals, significantly reduced blood glucose levels, CRE, BUN, and MDA in serum and kidney tissues, and increased SOD and GPx activities. Histopathological improvements in kidney and pancreatic tissues were observed, alongside increased Nrf2 and HO-1 expression. Conclusions: Mulberry leaf flavonoids ameliorate renal damage in DN mice, potentially through oxidative stress reduction and activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Transnational economic development: Pakistani and Indian diaspora in focus

IntroductionType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) often leads to elevated blood glucose levels and lipid metabolism disorder, which is generally accompanied by dysbiosis of gut microbiota and metabolic dysfunction.MethodIn this study, a mouse model of T2DM was established by feeding a high-fat/sucrose diet combined with injecting a low dose of streptozotocin. The aim of this study was to analyze the regulatory effect of Suaeda salsa extract (SSE) on T2DM and its effect on the intestinal flora of mice.ResultsThe results showed that SSE could significantly improve the body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG), area under the curve (AUC) of the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), glycosylated serum protein (GSP) and islet function index. Moreover, 4-week body weight, FBG, AUC of OGTT, GSP, as well as intestinal acetic and butyric acid were significantly better in the SSE-L than in the MET group (p &amp;lt; 0.05). In addition, it was also found that the potential hypoglycemic mechanism of SSE was related to the expression of Akt serine/threonine kinase (AKT-1) and glucose transporter-2 (GLUT-2) genes. Compared with the model group, SSE intervention significantly increased the abundance of probiotics, such as Soleaferrea, Alloprevotella, Lactobacillus and Faecalibaculum, while decreasing the relative abundance of harmful bacteria, such as Phocaeicola and Bilophila. Analysis of the correlation among intestinal microbiota, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and the hypoglycemic index showed that Dwaynesavagella was significantly correlated with acetic, propionic and butyric acid, as well as all the diabetes-related indexes analyzed in this study.DiscussionThus, this taxon can potentially be used as a microbiological marker of type 2 diabetes. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that SSE can alleviate T2DM and its complications by improving glycemia-related indicators and modulating the structure of intestinal flora.

Development of a web-based tool to assess daily rating of perceived exertion in agility dogs

ObjectiveTo develop a web-based tool for daily use by agility handlers to log rating of perceived exertion (RPE) for dogs as an aid in quantifying daily exercise and training load and to improve training and conditioning strategies.ProceduresFocus group meetings with small groups of handlers were conducted via internet—based video conferencing using a semi-structured interview format. Meeting notes were coded for reflexive thematic analysis. The RPE logging tool was revised based on handler feedback. Each handler was asked to log their dog’s daily RPE data for 1 week. Data were analyzed to assess compliance and timeliness of entries. Participants completed a post-logging questionnaire to provide feedback about their experiences.ResultsEighteen agility dog handlers participated in all phases of the project. Handler and dog demographics were similar to previously reported demographics of agility participants in the United States. Reflexive thematic analysis of their comments related to the initial draft RPE logging tool yielded 3 initial themes, all of which supported a fourth and major theme: the need for specific and detailed training resources before agility handlers utilized the RPE tool. Of 18 handlers, 14 (78%) submitted logging records for the full week. Median time for data entry was 87 s (IQR = 56–117 s), and 92% of logging records were entered within 1 day of the events which were being recorded. In the follow-up questionnaire the handlers did not identify any major concerns. Based on all available data from the handlers, a final version of the RPE logging tool was produced.Conclusion and clinical relevanceAgility dog handlers are very interested in developing and validating tools to quantify training load for their dogs. The final RPE logging tool was quick and easy to use. Further validation of this logging tool is required with a larger number of handlers and comparison to physiologic data from exercising dogs.

Building a community of practice to address alcohol harms in Canada: Experience from the Canadian Alcohol Policy Evaluation project.

Alcohol is a major cause of health and social costs and harms in Canada. While research and awareness of harms caused by alcohol are on the rise, few transdisciplinary platforms exist that are committed to facilitating bold alcohol policy change to reduce health inequities and improve lives. In response to feedback heard during engagement for the Canadian Alcohol Policy Evaluation project, an alcohol policy-focused community of practice (CoP) was launched in January 2022. Webinars, roundtable discussions, working group meetings, networking events, and a digital platform allow practitioners from various sectors (e.g. public health, alcohol regulation and distribution, public safety, justice, non-governmental organizations), researchers, and people with lived/living experience (PWLLE) to connect, share experiences and resources, and build capacity. More than 500 members have joined the CoP from all Canadian provinces and territories, and international jurisdictions. CoP members engage in learning opportunities, contribute to letter-writing campaigns in support of alcohol policy initiatives, and lead a working group focused on alcohol warning labels. Through the CoP, members report gaining and applying new knowledge in their work, while also establishing valuable connections and collaborations that have supported positive change. This cross-jurisdictional, intersectoral alcohol policy CoP facilitates knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration among practitioners, policymakers, advocates, and PWLLE, while contributing to public health efforts to prevent alcohol harms. Furthermore, as transdisciplinary approaches continue to be prioritized in research and practice, this CoP offers an example that could be applied to other public health initiatives.

Improving the process of evaluating the quality of care in “maternal near miss” at hospital level: an action research study protocol

BackgroundThe fifth Millennium Development Goal aims to improve maternal health by reducing maternal mortality by 75% from 1990 to 2015. Consequently, utilizing quality care indicators and performance evaluations is crucial for providing effective services. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of care for critically ill mothers in hospitals through action research.Methods/designThis study involves action research utilizing reform cycles, including focus group meetings with the head of the midwifery office, maternity hospital officials, gynecologists, and midwives from Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. Following a severe morbidity incident resulting in maternal death, a hospital meeting will convene to investigate the root causes. This committee will review the hospital records from the mother's admission to discharge to identify necessary preventive measures against malpractice. Sampling is purposeful. Sample size will be determined by data saturation. The project's final results, along with participant feedback, will inform the planning of the second action research cycle, which will encompass planning, implementation, observation, and reflection. The final report will be submitted to officials for approval, and the number of invitees for subsequent meetings will be based on study findings, facilitating discussion and decision-making for ongoing processes. Ultimately, the final care quality assessment process will be prepared for presentation.DiscussionIn many birth blocks, women experiencing severe complications from pregnancy and childbirth face similar health issues. Quality care is essential for global strategies aimed at eliminating avoidable deaths.Ethical code IR.MUMS.NURSE.REC. 1402.024.

Assessing the Environmental Sustainability Corridor for BRICS Nations by Integrating Three SDGs, ‘Biocapacity’ and ‘Ecological Footprint’

The present study makes an attempt to analyse the co-integrating relation between ‘ecological footprint’ on one hand and GDP, trade openness, forest area and biocapacity on the other for the period 1992–2015 for five BRICS economies with the objective of ascertaining whether the rapid growth achieved by the BRICS is along a ‘sustainable’ path. Further, the study also tries to lookout for signs of ‘convergence’ of ‘ecological footprint’ amongst all BRICS economies. The methodology employed includes ARDL Co-integration Model, TY Causality and Beta Convergence Models. The results showed existence of long run co-integration amongst four BRICS nations (except for India where no co-integration was proved) with fast speed of adjustment towards long run equilibrium. Further, short-run causality was seen moving from ‘GDP’ and ‘forest area’ towards ‘ecological footprint’ in three of the five BRICS nations, while variable ‘trade’ was not seen causing ‘ecological footprint’. ‘Beta convergence’ was also proved for ‘ecological footprint’ amongst all BRICS nations. These results thus provide a clear indication as to which variables need to be targeted to achieve a ‘sustainable’ growth. The results also reveal the pace of long-term adjustment as shown by ECM(1) term, which would enable policymakers to plan their action for fulfilment of the objective of tackling ‘environmental degradation’ in BRICS economies. Also, convergence of ‘ecological footprint’ across BRICS indicates that similar policies to tackle environmental degradation could be framed for BRICS at their group meetings.

Methionine supplementation regulates eggshell quality and uterine transcriptome in late-stage broiler breeders

This study aimed to compare the effects of dietary methionine (Met) and 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)-butanoate (HMTBA) on the eggshell quality of broiler breeder hens and elucidate the mechanism of Met in improving eggshell quality from the perspectives of eggshell microstructure and shell gland physiological function. A total of 720 WOD188 broiler breeder hens at 40 wk old were assigned to 3 groups, with 8 replicates per group and 30 birds per replicate. Over 7 weeks, birds were fed a basal diet or the same diet supplemented with 0.15% Met or 0.17% HMTBA. Our findings revealed significant improvements in the Met group for egg shape index, shell thickness, breaking strength, and fracture toughness (P < 0.05), whereas the HMTBA group showed no significant improvements (P > 0.05). Met supplementation increased calcium and phosphorus levels in both serum and shell gland tissue (P < 0.05), and enhanced Ca2+ ATPase activity in shell gland tissue (P < 0.05). Histomorphological changes included enhanced mucosal fold dimensions and increased epithelial height in the shell gland (P < 0.05). Met also improved eggshell ultrastructure, resulting in a thicker effective layer and broader mammillae with fewer type B structures (P < 0.05). The mRNA levels for genes regulating eggshell ultrastructure, such as OC-116, CALB1, and ITM2C, were significantly upregulated in the Met group (P < 0.05). Transcriptome analysis identified 248 differentially upregulated genes in the Met group, primarily linked to the non-canonical Wnt/Ca2+ signaling pathway, crucial for calcium ion transport and cellular proliferation. This research highlights that Met supplementation improves eggshell quality by enhancing calcium transport and cellular proliferation in uterine function, particularly through the modulation of WNT11 and CALB1, influencing calcium deposition and ultrastructural development.

Improving medication safety for intensive care patients transitioning to a hospital ward: development of a theory-informed intervention package.

Care of critically ill patients is complex, requiring effective collaboration co-ordination and communication across care teams and professions. Medicines are a fundamental component of the acute interventions intensive care unit (ICU) patients receive, requiring frequent review and optimisation according to patient needs. ICU patients recovering to transfer to a hospital ward are at risk of medication transition errors, contributing to poorer patient and health-system outcomes. We aimed to develop of a theory-informed intervention package to improve medication safety for ICU patients transferring to a hospital ward. We conducted a qualitative study comprising two UK face-to-face focus group meetings in April and May 2022. There were ten participants in each meeting (7-8 healthcare professionals and 2-3 patient and public representatives). Each meeting had four foci: (i) What needs to change (intervention targets)? (ii) What are the core intervention components? (iii) What will the intervention components change and how (mechanisms of action), and what key outcomes will the changes impact on? (iv) What are the barriers and facilitators to intervention delivery? A background to the problem and previous intervention development work was provided. Meetings were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Iterative analyses, informed by the Behaviour Change Wheel framework, were conducted to provide a behavioural diagnosis, identify key behaviour change techniques and outline the mechanisms of action through which the intervention might impact on key outcome. We identified what needs to change to improve medication safety for UK ICU patients on this care transition. A theory-informed intervention package was developed, based on seven core intervention components (e.g., medication review (targeted), task organisation and prioritisation). For each intervention component the mechanism of action, targeted change, and key outcomes were identified (e.g., medication review (targeted); action planning; decreases problematic polypharmacy; decreased preventable adverse drug events). Barriers and facilitators to intervention component delivery were described. We developed a theory-informed core intervention package to address the limitations in medication safety for ICU patients transferring to a hospital ward. Understanding what needs to change, and the accompanying facilitators provides a basis for intervention feasibility testing and refinement prior to future evaluation of effectiveness.

Assessment of Maternal and Infant Health Status in Durham Region

I completed my practicum as a Student Epidemiologist at the Durham Region Health Department with the Health Analytics and Research Team (HART). HART is tasked with conducting population health assessments in the Durham Region. As a member of HART, I played a critical role in assessing the maternal and infant health status of the local population using data from the Better Outcome Registry and Network (BORN) information system (BIS), a database that contains critical reproductive and child health data in Ontario. Specifically, my primary responsibilities included data extraction and data coding, which encompassed a series of tasks, spanning from data cleaning to data analysis in STATA. By analyzing BORN data, I was able to refine my statistical and programming skills. Moreover, I collaborated with public health program staff to develop infographics that disseminated critical maternal and infant health information to various communities. The infographics I assisted with covered a wide range of maternal and infant health topics, including issues such as gestational diabetes and maternal mental health concerns. From here, I was able to effectively communicate health information in a concise and understandable manner. In addition, I had the opportunity to attend various public health workshops and group meetings during my practicum. These experiences not only expanded my knowledge of diverse public health topics but also afforded me greater familiarity with public health practice. In summary, my time at the Durham Region provided me with an exceptional opportunity to apply the knowledge I gained in school to real-world practice. It was a valuable and enriching experience that significantly contributed to my professional development in the field of public health.

Análisis de prácticas ambientales, comerciales, seguras y saludables en comunidades artesanales rurales y urbanas de Cali

The objective of this article is to document the experiences and results of the project “Technical Assistance for Environmentalmanagement, safe and healthy practices in rural and urban artisanal communities, Cali 2023", based on the potential of theartisan of the handicraft sector in the popular economy and its contribution to the Colombian economy, supported by tradition,culture, in the environmental, commercial, social and labor dimensions. Artisan communities in Cali and its rural areas wereinvited so that various group and individual meetings were held with artisans in their territories and other agreed-upon spaces.The identification and selection of the participating artisan communities was carried out, by characterizing the populationof interest through a rubric for the identification of needs and a interview data collection instrument This made it possible to propose a plan of action aimed at training and advice tailored to the artisan and the artisan community, as well as the developmentof a pilot test of a web-based application for the strengthening competencies in digital economy.

Advancing Gender Inclusion in Forest Governance in Selected Communities; Kori Chiefdom, Southern Sierra Leone

In Sierra Leone, existing cultural norms are believed to limit gender mainstreaming in sustainable forest management. This study investigated women’s involvement in decision making regarding forest governance and management in five communities within Kori Chiefdom Southern Sierra Leone. Respondents were selected using both probability and non-probability sampling methods. Stratified sampling was used to classify key respondents into youth and adults (male and female, based on age classes and gender. Consequently, due to the small populations of selected communities (Kawella, Lagor Kawema, Nyamawabu, Kangahun and Foya), purposive sampling was used to select 100.0% of male and female youth (ages 18 to 35), and adults (age 36 and above). Data was collected using structured questionnaires and interview schedule. Data from respondents was analysed using descriptive analysis and presented in tables and charts. The 2010 Sierra Leone National Forest Policy was analysed using content analysis. Findings revealed that 100.0% of youth, men and women sampled, confirmed that women attend forest-user group meetings and were actively involved in decision making concerning forest governance. Likewise, majority of men sampled (above 56.2%) opined that the chiefs took final decision over forests use in their respective communities. Furthermore, most of the youth (above 50.0%) in each community and men (above 87.5%), with the exception of those in Foya, (25.0% in Kangahun), revealed that women held positions in forest-user groups. Similar proportions of youth and men also confirmed that women actively engage in implementing decisions made regarding forest governance. All, (100%) of women attested that there was no existing gender marginalization in forest governance within the communities sampled. Finally, content analysis of the 2010 Sierra Leone National Forest Policy revealed that there aren’t any women specific - provisions or roles assigned to or reserved for women in any part of the policy document. In conclusion, in spite of the absence policy provisions to promote mainstreaming women’s involvement in forest governance, this research confirmed that women are not hindered from participating in forest decision making and governance in the study areas. It is therefore recommended that women should be given more encouragement to participate in forest decision making and assigned more leadership roles in forest governance.

Museum Educators Perspective of Failure: A Collective Frame Analysis

ABSTRACTMuseums offer a unique role and safe space in shaping how youth view and react to experiences with failure. The purpose of this study was to add to the conversation around failure in out‐of‐school learning, particularly from the perspective of educators within museum settings that implement STEAM‐related making exhibits, workshops, and/or camps for youth. We analyzed approximately 9 h of video data from two sources: video recordings of virtual group meetings with 14 museum educators from six partnering institutions, and video recordings from five of the individual partnering sites discussing failure as a concept within their organization and programming. In this article, we demonstrate how the framings of failure by museum educators are bounded, and transformed, by un/seen external forces that ultimately impact the professional practices of educators in their organizations. We contend that the significance of this study lies in how perspectives around failure are produced and how they influence educators' professional practice, specifically in how failure is framed and communicated within STEAM‐related learning opportunities in museum settings.

Collaborative dynamics and shared motivation: exploring tobacco control policy development in Zambia.

In Zambia, efforts to produce a tobacco control policy have stalled for over a decade, and the country is not yet close to developing one. Limited studies have explored the dynamics in this policy process and how they affect the attainment of policy goals and outcomes. This study explored how collaborative dynamics within tobacco control policy development shaped shared motivation among stakeholders in Zambia. The study used a qualitative case study design that adopted a collaborative governance lens, comprising an in-depth exploration of the tobacco control policy working group meetings and their internal collaborative dynamics. The integrative framework for collaborative governance, which identifies mutual trust, mutual understanding, internal legitimacy and shared commitment as key elements of shared motivation, was adapted for this study. Data were collected from 27 key informants and analysed using thematic analysis. Several collaborative dynamics thwarted mutual trust among tobacco control stakeholders, including concerns about associated loyalties, fear of a ban on tobacco production, silo-mentality and lack of comprehensive dialogue. All stakeholders agreed that the limited sharing of information on tobacco control and the lack of reliable local evidence on the tobacco burden hindered mutual understanding. Diverse factors hampered internal legitimacy, including sector representatives' lack of authority and the perceived lack of contextualization of the proposed policy content. Acknowledgement of the need for multisectoral action, lack of political will from other sectors and limited local allocation of funds to the process were some of the factors that shaped shared commitment. To accelerate the development of tobacco control policies in Zambia and elsewhere, policymakers must adopt strategies founded on shared motivation that deliberately create opportunities for open discourse and respectful interactions, promote a cultural shift towards collaborative information sharing and address unequal power relations to enable shaping of appropriate tobacco control actions in respective sectors.

THE PROBLEM OF PROFESSIONALLY SIGNIFICANT EXPERIENCE IN CONTEMPORARY PSYCHOLOGY

It was proved in the article, that among the students of experimental and control groups, before the experimental training, the most important instrumental values were: high demands, cheerfulness, independence, accuracy, education, conscientiousness in the execution of assignments. Unfortunately, such important instrumental values for the future psychologist as sensitivity, tolerance for the opinions of others, the ability to make thoughtful decisions, self-control and others have a rather low level of formation (for example, sensitivity; tolerance of others’ opinions). According to the results of our research, individual experience is actualized during the formation of the subject, the so-called “going out to meet something”. This is explained by the fact that our self-realization, although important in itself, is optional, an additional product of our desire, that is, in other words, a human calling that inspires a person to perform actions. In this context we’d remark on subjective experience (“awareness”), which is a component of a real dialogue is quite important. We call another danger from the person’s focus on his/her personality “hidden spontaneity”. This spontaneity is hidden because we want to become spontaneous, we set this as our goal, but then we try to structure this spontaneity. Such a process takes place during encounter groups. However, we point out, the danger is that what worked for one person in one situation may not necessarily work in another situation, so transference should not be applied in every case. But, as a rule, at the moment when a person becomes experienced, then he/she wants to transfer this experience to other subjects. As a result of this, the emergence of authoritarianism on the part of the coach during the group meetings classes is possible. In the context of the analysis of the experience that we carry out, one can see the efforts to overcome the methodology of simplified determinism. Thus, Humanistic Psychology paradoxically comes close to weakening its own subjective idea. Directly for the results of our research, the key point in our theory was the construction of a universal scale of needs from lower to higher, which differs from the levels of the formation or functioning of needs in representatives of behavioral psychology or known levels of psychoanalysis, in their essence, only an instruction to look for the key to anatomy not from below, but from above. The heuristic nature of the classification and ranking of human needs in the operational-procedural plan is not in doubt, but, nevertheless, objections arise when even any broad normalization of human actualizations enters the limits of the methodological paradigm. It is difficult to say to what extent such regulation is unhumanistic, but it is clear that to a large extent it appears as undemocratic.

Perceptions of pupil poverty: what do trainee teachers really think?

ABSTRACT This study gained an understanding of trainee teachers’ perceptions of poverty and the effects on primary school children. Previous research is limited but has suggested that trainees may hold stereotypical deficit views about children in poverty, which can negatively impact the learning and progress of such children. The study took place over a three-year period at a university in the East Midlands region of England. Participants were volunteers from three Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes. Qualitative data were collected from three snapshot focus group meetings with participants from each programme (n = 6; n = 5 and n = 7). These were followed by three focus group meetings with another group of trainees (n = 5), which were convened across their one-year course. The findings showed that the trainees often viewed poverty in terms of income and lack of material possessions. They expressed negative opinions couched in derogatory language, equating poverty with a lack of aspirations, care and supervision on the parents’ part. However, there were indications of some shifts in perceptions during training. The findings suggest that it is important for ITE courses to offer trainees opportunities to facilitate the disruption of stereotypical beliefs by engaging meaningfully with issues of social justice.

High Yielding Pest and Disease Tolerance Variety (DHLM-14-1) in Little Millet (Panicum sumetrense. L) Developed through Recombinant Breeding Technology

The little millet variety DHLM-14-1 developed at the Agricultural Research Station (ARS) Hanumanamatti under the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. With a maturation period of 85-90 days, this variety features an erect, tall plant stature ranging from 112 to 130 cm and produces bold, oval-shaped gray grains. DHLM-14-1 stands out for its notable tolerance to shoot fly, exhibiting only a 13.89% incidence compared to 19.15% in the national check JK-8. Its impressive yield performance is evident, yielding 18.42%, 30.58%, and 3.14% more than the national checks OLM-203, JK-8, and KOPLM-53, respectively, making it a beneficial option for millet producers looking for resilient, high-yielding crops. Across trials conducted from 2011 to 2014, DHLM-14-1 showcased exceptional agronomic performance, achieving a mean seed yield of 42.41q/ha, significantly outperforming local check TNAU-63 and national check OLM-203 by 26.63% and 23.75%, respectively. Its consistent yield superiority, with an average of 15.89 q/ha over three years, illustrates the cultivar's adaptability to diverse agro-climatic conditions, surpassing OLM-203 and JK-8 by 18.42% and 30.58%. Recognized during the 29th Annual Group Meeting of the ICAR All India Coordinated Research Project on small millets, DHLM-14-1 has shown strong disease resistance against grain smut, brown spot, and sheath blight, with disease incidences similar to OLM-203 and significantly lower than JK-8. Additionally, its effective resistance to shoot fly underscores its potential to reduce pest damage, reinforcing DHLM-14-1's value as a high-yielding, resilient cultivar that not only enhances sustainable millet production but also supports food security and improves farmer livelihoods across India.

Co-Design of a Facilitated Self-Management Toolkit for People With Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease is a complex progressive neurodegenerative disease increasing globally. Self-management interventions have shown promise in improving the quality of life for people with chronic conditions. This paper aims to describe the development processes and the core components of a facilitated self-management toolkit to support people with Parkinson's disease to self-manage their condition. An iterative co-design approach was adopted and included the use of systematic reviews, qualitative methods and theory to develop the Live Well with Parkinson's toolkit. A co-design group was established consisting of people with Parkinson's, family carers and health and social care experts to produce and refine an online self-management toolkit to be tested in practice. Five co-design groups were conducted alongside several phases of toolkit development. An online self-management toolkit, called Live Well with Parkinson's, was developed with core aspects such as tailored information to the individual, a well-being section using an asset-based approach and problem-solving skills to create and maintain goals, symptom review and management sections and a tracker of medication, symptoms and activities/actions. A paper-based alternative version was also created for those who cannot use an online resource. The toolkit is fully manualised and facilitated by six sessions from a 'supporter' who is trained in behaviour change techniques. It can be shared with carers and healthcare professionals. The toolkit is a robust and comprehensive approach to self-management of Parkinson's disease. It is evidenced based, incorporates theory and was developed with people with Parkinson's and experts in the area. The Live Well with Parkinson's toolkit has the potential to be embedded within routine healthcare, aligning with self-management policies. Author B.M. is our patient and public involvement (PPI) representative and author on this paper. B.M. supports a team of 15 PPI members who have contributed to the development of the toolkit. This involvement has included attending research team and steering group meetings, attending and facilitating co-designed workshops, reviewing all the toolkit information before approval and supporting with the user testing.

Application of artificial intelligence and machine learning for risk stratification acute kidney injury among hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients: PCRRTICONIC AI Initiative Group Meeting Proceedings.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent, severe complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have showcased their proficiency in predicting AKI, projecting disease progression, and accurately identifying underlying etiologies. This review examines the central aspects of AKI post-HSCT, veno-occlusive disease (VOD) in HSCT recipients, discusses present-day applications of artificial intelligence in AKI, and introduces a proposed ML framework for the early detection of AKI risk.

Determinants of Loan Repayment Behavior of Tanzanian Microfinance Borrowers

ABSTRACT Microfinance institutions (MFIs) play a vital role in promoting financial inclusion and reducing poverty by providing credit to marginalized populations. However, sustainability issues arise due to challenges in loan repayment. This study examines the factors influencing loan repayment among microfinance borrowers in Tanzania, specifically the impact of dynamic incentives, joint liability, and regular group meetings. Using survey data from 251 MFI borrowers, we analyzed repayment behavior among individuals in group loans through correlation and multiple regression techniques. The results indicate that dynamic incentives and joint liability improve repayment behavior, supporting information asymmetry and carrot/stick theories by reducing information gaps. Joint liability, in particular, fosters mutual trust and accountability, as members become more involved in monitoring and reporting each other’s activities to lenders. These findings suggest that MFIs should enhance group lending management practices. For regulators, formalizing and legally recognizing community groups would further support their access to financial services. This study highlights the importance of structured group dynamics in improving loan repayment rates, which are crucial for the sustainability of MFIs.