Initiation Of Program Research Articles

The link of FOXO1 and FOXO4 transcription factors to development of the lens.

The FOXOs regulate the transcription of many genes, including ones directly linked to pathways required for lens development. However, this transcription factor family has rarely been studied in the context of development, including the development of the lens. FOXO expression, regulation, and function during lens development remained unexplored. In studies of the embryonic lens, we showed that both FOXO1 and FOXO4, which share many downstream targets, are expressed in a differentiation-state-specific manner, most highly in lens epithelial and differentiating cortical fiber cells. Their expression patterns and subcellular distributions suggest both shared and distinct functions. Stabilization of FOXO cytoplasmic pools involved their binding to the chaperone protein 14-3-3. FOXO association with β-catenin linked this transcription complex to fiber cell-specific gene activation. Inhibition of PI3K/Akt signaling promoted FOXO1/FOXO4 nuclear localization in lens epithelial and fiber cells and expression of the CDKi p27 in the lens epithelium where it has been linked to lens cell withdrawal from the cell cycle and initiation of the lens differentiation program. We showed that FOXO1 transcriptional activation is required for the induction of p27 when Akt signaling is blocked, demonstrating the linearity of the PI3K/Akt/FOXO1/p27 pathway. PI3K/Akt signaling regulates FOXO-dependent lens cell differentiation.

BenchAMRking: a Galaxy-based platform for illustrating the major issues associated with current antimicrobial resistance (AMR) gene prediction workflows

BackgroundThe Joint Programming Initiative on Antimicrobial Resistance (JPIAMR) networks ‘Seq4AMR’ and ‘B2B2B AMR Dx’ were established to promote collaboration between microbial whole genome sequencing (WGS) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) stakeholders. A key topic discussed was the frequent variability in results obtained between different microbial WGS-related AMR gene prediction workflows. Further, comparative benchmarking studies are difficult to perform due to differences in AMR gene prediction accuracy and a lack of agreement in the naming of AMR genes (semantic conformity) for the results obtained. To illustrate this problem, and as a capacity-building exercise to encourage stakeholder involvement, a comparative Galaxy-based BenchAMRking platform was developed and validated using datasets from bacterial species with PCR-verified AMR gene presence or absence information from abritAMR.ResultsThe Galaxy-based BenchAMRking platform (https://erasmusmc-bioinformatics.github.io/benchAMRking/) specifically focusses on the steps involved in identifying AMR genes from raw reads and sequence assemblies. The platform currently comprises four well-characterised and published workflows that have previously been used to identify AMR genes using WGS data from several different bacterial species. These four workflows, which include the ISO certified abritAMR workflow, make use of different computational tools (or tool versions), and interrogate different AMR gene sequence databases. By utilising their own data, users can investigate potential AMR gene-calling problems associated with their own in silico workflows/protocols, with a potential use case outlined in this publication.ConclusionsBenchAMRking is a Galaxy-based comparison platform where users can access, visualise, and explore some of the major discrepancies associated with AMR gene prediction from microbial WGS data.

New indices to track interoperability among US hospitals.

To develop indices of US hospital interoperability to capture the current state and assess progress over time. A Technical Expert Panel (TEP) informed selection of items from the American Hospital Association Health IT Supplement survey, which were aggregated into interoperability concepts (components) and then further combined into indices. Indices were refined through psychometric analysis and additional TEP input. Final indices included a "Core Index" measuring adoption of foundational interoperability capabilities, a "Pathfinder Index" representing adoption of advanced interoperability technologies and auxiliary exchange activities, and a "Friction Index" quantifying barriers. The first 2 indices were scored from 0 (no interoperability) to 100 (full interoperability); the Friction Index was scored 0 (no friction) to 100 (maximum friction). We calculated indices annually from 2021 to 2023, stratifying by hospital characteristics. Items within components created reliable and meaningful measures, and associations between components within indices followed the TEP's expectations. Weighted mean scores for the Core (2023), Pathfinder (2022), and Friction (2023) Indices were 61, 57, and 30, respectively. Hospitals with 500+ beds (large), not designated as critical access, in metropolitan areas, and using market leading electronic health records had statistically significant higher mean scores on all indices. Index values also improved modestly over time. Hospitals performed best on the Core Index. Given recent policy and programmatic initiatives, we anticipate continued improvement across all indices. Ongoing index tracking can inform policy impact evaluations and highlight persistent interoperability disparities across hospitals.

Guerrilla teacher educators: identity considerations of school-based teacher educators in Ireland

The intense focus on teacher quality has raised questions internationally about ‘who’ should be considered as a teacher educator and ‘where’ is best suited for education across the continuum. The school-based turn has naturally focused attention on those referred to as school-based teacher educators and the work they do across the continuum in their first-order settings. However, Ireland is an interesting case as the role of a school-based teacher educator is not formally constructed at a policy level, additionally, the identification of a teacher educator has been confined to those working within the academy on initial teacher education programmes alone. Therefore, drawing on the Irish data set from an international 12-country survey, we set out to understand who may self-identify as school-based teacher educators in Ireland and what activities they engage in that provide meaning to their identities. We frame the paper from an identity perspective and given the officially unrecognised role and subsequent work, we introduce the novel idea of a guerrilla identity. The paper concludes by highlighting spaces for coherence across the continuum that may bolster school-based teacher educators’ work and, problematises the need for a teacher to act in a guerrilla capacity within so-called ‘learning organisations’.

Examination of land surface temperature variations due to urban growth

Land surface temperature refers to the analysis of heat on the surface of the earth. It is identified by measuring the surface using Thermal Infrared wavelength, which includes areas such as rooftops, building tops, water bodies, and ice formations. This research aims to examine land surface temperature and land use using satellite data spanning 5 years (2019-2023). The process consists of three primary stages: 1) Analyzing land surface temperature with data from Sentinel-3 Satellite through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) initiative, 2) Employing data from Sentinel-2 Satellite for land-use classification using supervised classification with maximum likelihood classifier, categorizing land-use into water, forest, urban, and agriculture, 3) Conducting accuracy assessment. The findings from the 5-year research revealed that urban areas exhibit the highest average land surface temperature, with forests, agriculture, and water areas following in descending order.

Smallholder maize farming in Zambia: A systematic review of challenges and opportunities

Agriculture remains a key priority sector in many developing countries, serving as the backbone of their economies and providing livelihoods for a significant portion of the population. In Zambia, agriculture plays a crucial role in ensuring food security, generating employment, and fostering rural economic development. Smallholder farmers dominate the Zambian agricultural landscape, primarily engaging in maize production, which is the country's staple food. The smallholder maize farmers play a crucial role in ensuring food security, creating employment opportunities, and contributing to rural development. Despite their important role to food security and economic growth, smallholder maize farmers in Zambia have consistently struggled with low productivity over the years, even though a substantial part of the agricultural budget is dedicated to maize support. Understanding the challenges faced by smallholder maize farmers and identifying opportunities is essential to unlocking their potential, boosting yields, and improving livelihoods across rural communities. This paper explores the challenges and opportunities encountered by smallholder maize farmers in Zambia. Relying on secondary sources through a systematic literature review, including academic literature, agricultural reports, and publications from research institutes and private organizations from 2013 to 2023, the study employs thematic analysis using NVivo software to interpret the data. Key themes of challenges identified include; limited access to finance, inadequate farming inputs, limited market access, fluctuating maize prices, climate change impacts, inadequate extension service, and poor infrastructure. Conversely, opportunities such as the adoption of climate-smart agriculture, increased funding towards agricultural program initiatives, and regional market opportunities can be leveraged to enhance the productivity and sustainability of smallholder maize farming. Understanding these dynamics enables policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders to devise strategies and interventions that enhance the resilience and productivity of smallholder maize farming in Zambia. This paper contributes to the existing literature on smallholder farming and offers insights for sustainable smallholder maize farming in Zambia and similar contexts. Key words: Agriculture, smallholder maize farmers, challenges, opportunities, thematic analysis, Zambia

Retrospective Comparison of Outcomes and Cost of Virtual Versus Center-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs.

Despite robust evidence supporting an association with improved outcomes in eligible patients, cardiac rehabilitation (CR) remains underused, with a minority of eligible patients participating. Virtual cardiac rehabilitation (VCR) has been proposed as an alternative to traditional center-based CR (CBCR) to improve usage rates. However, data supporting the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of VCR are limited. In the present study, we compared the outcomes and cost of a VCR versus traditional CBCR program. In a retrospective cohort study comparing VCR versus CBCR, CBCR data were collected from a period of January 2018 to September 2023. VCR data were collected from program initiation in July 2021 to September 2023. Primary health outcomes measured were 1-year mortality rates, recurrent myocardial infarction, all-cause hospital readmission, and emergency department visits. Primary cost outcomes were analyzed as cost ratios related to VCR versus CBCR assessing total medical costs allowed, pharmacy costs, and total costs of care over the 12 months post-CR enrollment. VCR was associated with a significant reduction in 1-year all-cause hospital readmission (incident rate ratio [IRR], 0.616 [95% CI, 0.489-0.777], P<0.001) and ED admission (IRR, 0.557 [95% CI, 0.452-0.687], P<0.001) at 1 year. The IRR of myocardial infarction and all-cause mortality did not significantly differ between VCR and CBCR. In addition, VCR was associated with significant reductions in medically related (cost ratio, 0.814 [95% CI, 0.690-0.960], P=0.0144) and total costs allowed (cost ratio, 0.838 [95% CI, 0.725-0.970], P=0.0176). VCR is a viable alternative to CBCR with at least comparable efficacy and cost, and as such, represents a key mechanism for improving access to and participation in CR for eligible patients.

A realist review of medication optimisation of community dwelling service users with serious mental illness

BackgroundSevere mental illness (SMI) incorporates schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, non-organic psychosis, personality disorder or any other severe and enduring mental health illness. Medication, particularly antipsychotics and mood stabilisers are the main...

"Quantifying the Impact of Football Program Participation on the Holistic Development of Middle School Students: Basis for Training Program Initiatives"

This study examines the effects of a football program on the overall development of middle school students aged 18-19. Using a quantitative approach, the research aims to measure how regular participation in the program influences various aspects of student growth, including physical fitness, emotional well-being, social interaction, and cognitive skills. To assess these outcomes, students underwent evaluations before and after participating in the program, with the data analyzed through statistical tools. The study uses Jamovi software to compare the results and identify any significant changes. The goal is to provide concrete evidence of the positive role sports can play in education, offering insights that could help shape future policies focused on student development through physical activity.

Are more data always better? – Machine learning forecasting of algae based on long-term observations

Bloom-forming algae present a unique challenge to water managers as they can significantly impair provision of important ecosystem services and cause health risks to humans and animals. Consequently, effective short-term algae forecasts are important as they provide early warnings and enable implementation of mitigation strategies. In this context, machine learning (ML) emerges as a promising forecasting tool. However, the performance of ML models is heavily dependent on the availability of appropriate training data. Consequently, it is essential to determine the volume of data necessary to develop reliable ML forecasts. Understanding this will guide future monitoring strategies, optimize resource allocation, and set realistic expectations for management outcomes. In this study, we used 30 years of fortnightly measurements of 13 different parameters from a lake in the English Lake District (UK) to examine the impact of training data duration on the performance of ML models for forecasting chlorophyll-a two weeks in advance. Once training data availability exceeded four years, a Random Forest model was found to consistently outperform naive benchmarks (mean absolute percentage error 16.4 % lower than the best-performing benchmark). With more than 5 years of training data, model performance generally continued to improve, but with diminishing returns. Furthermore, it was found that equivalent and, in some cases, better performance could be achieved by only using a subset of the most important input features. Additionally, it was found that reducing the sampling frequency had negative impacts on performance, both due to the reduced number of training observations available, and increased forecast horizon. Our findings demonstrate that for lakes ecologically similar to the study site, a consistent and regular sampling programme focused on monitoring a limited number of key parameters can provide sufficient observations for generating short-term algae forecasts after approximately five years of data collection. Importantly, this result provides justification for the initiation of new monitoring programmes for sites where algal blooms are a concern, and suggests that there are likely many pre-existing monitoring datasets which would be suitable for training algae forecast models.

Assessment of national tobacco control program (NTCP) initiative on tobacco cessation among transgenders in Puducherry - A quasi-experimental study.

This study aims to evaluate the impact of the National Tobacco Control Program initiative on the attitudes toward tobacco use and tobacco dependency among transgender individuals in Puducherry. A Quasi-experimental design was used to examine the effectiveness of the intervention. The study involved 52 transgender individuals from the SCOHD organization in Puducherry. The intervention included two awareness sessions, the Distribution of IEC materials during each session, and recreational activities for the participants. Changes in attitude toward tobacco use were measured using the Intention to Quit Tobacco questionnaire, while tobacco dependency among participants was assessed using the Fagerstrom Nicotine Dependency Scale (FNDS). Measurements were taken at baseline and third month to track the evolution of attitudes and dependency. The program resulted in significant shifts in attitude and nicotine dependency among transgender individuals. This program indicated a positive trend, with an increase in individuals progressing to the contemplation and preparation stages, suggesting a growing willingness to reduce or quit tobacco use. The Fagerstrom Nicotine Dependency Scale showed a decrease in nicotine dependency over three months. The NTCP awareness sessions and follow-ups had a noticeable impact on altering attitudes toward tobacco use and reducing nicotine dependency among transgender individuals in Puducherry.

Job satisfaction among blood center nurses based on the job crafting model: A mixed methods study.

Job satisfaction among blood center nurses is suboptimal due to challenging working conditions, characterized by unexpected tasks resulting from sudden schedule changes and frequent weekend shifts. This study aimed to quantitatively examine the relationships between job stress, psychological capital, person-job fit, job crafting, and job satisfaction, based on the job crafting model. Additionally, qualitative data were collected through mixed methods to gain a better understanding of the experiences related to job satisfaction among blood center nurses. A convergent mixed-methods research design was employed to simultaneously collect quantitative and qualitative data and to integrate the findings from both analyses. A total of 127 full-time nurses who had completed at least a three-month probationary period at blood centers participated in the study. Participants were recruited from three blood centers operated by the Korean Red Cross in three metropolitan cities. The survey included open-ended qualitative questions and five quantitative measures covering job satisfaction, job stress, psychological capital, person-job fit, and job crafting. The data collection occurred from September to October 2022. Regression analysis identified key factors influencing job satisfaction as person-job fit, job stress, psychological capital, and marital status, explaining 80.0% of the variance. Qualitative analysis of the open-ended responses showed five main themes: "deriving fulfillment from work," "challenges encountered at work," "driving forces behind positive outcomes," "congruence between individual's traits and job requirements," and "efforts to perform a meaningful work." The findings suggest the need for developing an Employee Assistance Program and educational initiatives aimed at enhancing job satisfaction among blood center nurses. These should focus on improving person-job fit, managing stress, aiding with emotional labor, and bolstering psychological capital.

Determinants of Smart Healthcare Utilization: A Focus on Individual Characteristics and Goal-setting Behavior

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the relationship between individual characteristics and health-related behaviors in the context of wearable devices and information and communications technology (ICT) healthcare technology adoption and use. Methods: Using large data from the Smart Healthcare Pilot Project Phase 1, implemented by the Seoul Metropolitan government, we estimate the relationship between individual characteristics and health-related behaviors, namely, physical activity level and sustained usage of ICT. Results: Our empirical analysis reveals variations in physical activity levels and smart healthcare usage sustainability based on participants’ gender, age, obesity status, and goal-setting behavior at program initiation. Notably, we find that setting specific goals is positively associated with higher step counts and sustained engagement in wearable device usage. Conclusions: These findings suggest that future smart healthcare programs should adopt tailored approaches based on participant characteristics and emphasize the importance of goal-setting. Our research contributes to the understanding of factors influencing the effectiveness of wearable devices and ICT healthcare technologies in promoting health-related behaviors.

Integrating Information Technology and Reading Teaching to Promote the Development of Students' Reading Ability

A survey was conducted among students from Class VI to VIII at Sarpang Middle Secondary School to understand their perception of the reading culture at the school. The survey also aimed to evaluate the impact of a recent reading program initiative during morning hours on their reading habits and how the development of ICT helped them inculcate reading habits. One hundred students were selected through multi - stage sampling and responded to reading - related questions using a questionnaire. The survey was conducted both before and after the intervention, and data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and frequency distributions. This systematic review examines how information and communication technology (ICT) is used to teach reading in the classroom and its effect on students' behaviour and motivation. The results showed that most students spent 30 minutes to 1 hour on reading, with books and text provided through technology. Students understood 80% of what they read, and their teachers were reported as their primary source of inspiration for reading. Additionally, all respondents felt that the reading program using ICT was helpful in the post - test survey. Lack of interest and lack of time were the two main constraints students faced in cultivating reading habits, with fiction and non - fiction books, both print and digital, dominating their interests. Overall, the recent intervention of introducing a reading program using both e - readers and library books significantly impacted students' reading habits, with some slight negative differences observed.

The Application of Digital-Genomic Tools to Improve Productivity and Profitability in Smallholder Dairy Systems in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract The dairy sector contributes 30% and 44% of the livestock-related agricultural GDP in Tanzania and Kenya, respectively. Despite this significant contribution, it is predominantly comprised smallholder farmers with few cows providing vital support in terms of food security, household income and employment for millions of farmers. Research aimed at enhancing productivity and sustainability in these smallholder dairy systems is crucial for rural development, increasing farm incomes, creating employment and supporting women and youth. However, a major challenge is the absence of a routine performance data collection system. Previous efforts to address this limitation often relied on methods from well-established dairy systems in developed countries which frequently failed to adapt effectively. Advances in mobile technology have prompted attempts to investigate alternative cost-effective and practical data recording systems in the smallholder dairy farming with a major focus on information and communications technology (ICT). Successful implementation of digital tools for data collection and synthesis to generate management information as feedback to farmers using ICT-based extension tools has led to increased productivity and household income. Additionally, the use of genomic information allows for genetic evaluation with minimal pedigree information and supports the initiation of breed improvement programs for increased productivity. Information © The Authors 2024

Genome-wide association insights into the genomic regions controlling vegetative and oil production traits in Acrocomia aculeata

BackgroundMacauba (Acrocomia aculeata) is a non-domesticated neotropical palm that has been attracting attention for economic use due to its great potential for oil production comparable to the commercially used oil palm (Elaeis guineensis). The discovery of associations between quantitative trait loci and economically important traits represents an advance toward understanding its genetic architecture and can contribute to accelerating macauba domestication. Pursuing this advance, this study performs single-trait and multi-trait GWAS models to identify candidate genes associated with vegetative and oil production traits in macauba. Eighteen phenotypic traits were evaluated from 201 palms within a native population. Genotyping was performed with SNP markers, following the protocol of genotyping-by-sequencing. Given that macauba lacks a reference genome, SNP calling was performed using three different strategies: using i) de novo sequencing, ii) the Elaeis guineenses Jacq. reference genome and iii) the macauba transcriptome sequences. After quality control, we identified a total of 27,410 SNPs in 153 individuals for the de novo genotypic dataset, 10,444 SNPs in 158 individuals using the oil palm genotypic dataset, and 4,329 SNPs in 167 individuals using the transcriptome genotypic dataset. The GWAS analysis was then performed on these three genotypic datasets.ResultsStatistical phenotypic analyses revealed significant differences across all studied traits, with heritability values ranging from 63 to 95%. This indicates that the population contains promising genotypes for selection and the initiation of breeding programs. Genetic correlations between the 18 traits ranged from -0.47 to 0.99. The total number of significant SNPs in the single-trait and multi-trait GWAS was 92 and 6 using the de novo genotypic dataset, 19 and 11 using the oil palm genotypic dataset, and 1 and 2 using the transcriptome genotypic dataset, respectively. Gene annotation identified 12 candidate genes in the single-trait GWAS and four in the multi-trait GWAS, across the 18 phenotypic traits studied, in the three genotypic datasets. Gene mapping of the macauba candidate genes revealed similarities with Elaeis guineensis and Phoenix dactylifera. The candidate genes detected are responsible for metal ion binding and transport, protein transportation, DNA repair, and other cell regulation biological processes.ConclusionsWe provide new insights into genomic regions that map candidate genes associated with vegetative and oil production traits in macauba. These potential candidate genes require confirmation through targeted functional analyses in the future, and multi-trait associations need to be scrutinized to investigate the presence of pleiotropic or linked genes. Markers linked to traits of interest could serve as valuable resources for the development of marker-assisted selection in macauba for its domestication and pre-breeding.

Final year oral hygiene students’ perceptions and reflections on experiential learning in a special needs oral health care program

BackgroundOral health care programs offer a platform for experiential learning that include prospects for skills development; opportunities for knowledge application and for the creation of an awareness of community responsibilities. Gaining experience in the care for special needs patients is ideally achieved through exposure in special needs settings such as the school community.AimThis study investigated the perceptions and reflections of experiential learning by final year oral hygiene students in a special need’s oral health care program at the University of Western Cape.MethodsThis study incorporated a concurrent triangulation study design that included final year Oral Hygiene students who participated in a special need’s oral health care program. Students completed an on-line self-administered questionnaire, a reflective journal and participated in a focus group discussion.ResultsAll respondents understood the concept of experiential learning. The predominant dispositions that emerged included student adaptation, awareness, empathy, and experience which were regarded as particularly important for personal growth. With regards to academic growth, facets of confidence, theory translation, clinical skill development and improved communication were identified as critical elements in development. Challenges included lack of cooperation from the learners and lack of kills in non-verbal communication. An increased awareness and a strong willingness to participate in community projects was also reported amongst the student respondents.ConclusionThe experiential learning opportunity in the school-based special needs oral health care program was invaluable to the children as well as the students. This community -based program supported personal and academic growth and it provided authentic learning opportunities; facilitated professional development, improved clinical skills and competence, enhanced problem solving and communication skills and raised awareness on social responsibility. Challenges experienced pertained to cooperation and communication with the children. Suggestions included maintaining access to care for the children through oral care program initiatives, as well as ongoing rotation of Oral Hygiene students who are ideally positioned to provide promotive and preventive oral care to special needs individuals. Schools for special needs children provide an ideal platform to facilitate access to care and to provide experiential learning opportunities in authentic settings.

Opportunities and challenges associated with the launch of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid) in British Columbia during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study to explore community pharmacists' perspectives.

In February 2022, a novel antiviral for the treatment of COVID-19, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid), was approved by Health Canada and made available to patients in British Columbia (BC). BC community pharmacists did not prescribe nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, but dispensing involved a detailed assessment with close attention to drug-drug interactions and patient monitoring. As the nirmatrelvir/ritonavir service was unique in BC, and not all pharmacists participated in the program, it is important to evaluate the perspectives of all the pharmacists who were affected so that lessons learned from the program can inform future pandemic planning and government initiatives. A qualitative research study using key informant semistructured interviews was conducted. Community pharmacists with varying degrees of experience with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir were recruited using multiple methods of recruitment through e-mail and fax invitations and social media posts. Open-ended questions explored pharmacists' experiences with the nirmatrelvir/ritonavir program, including barriers and facilitators to dispensing it, and recommendations for future pharmacy initiatives. Forty-three community pharmacists participated in the study. Most participants were between the ages of 30 and 39 years and had practiced for less than 10 years. Thematic analysis yielded 36 codes that were organized into 3 overarching themes related to the following: learning; in-process experiences, supports, difficulties; and perceptions about the expanded scope of practice. The following strategies may be helpful to consider including in future initiatives: preprinted forms, a hotline for peer support, slower rollouts, a single source for communicating changes, a patient portal, addressing the divisions between dispensary and clinical work, and having specialized positions to support future rollouts. Lessons learned from the nirmatrelvir/ritonavir service included a slower approach to program initiation with additional training opportunities and more streamlined prescription options. Pharmacists also wished for better communication support and involvement in the planning of future initiatives.

Re-Defining Youth and Women Empowerment: Interogating the NAFA Program Initiative in The Gambia

With the extreme poverty level and its widespread in the Gambia as of 2012 and government’s concern to counter it, empowerment became one of the strategies to tackle the problem through social protection program, gazette as a policy for reduction of the shocks on the marginalized and the vulnerable. This study centered on the NAFA project-a quick cash transfers project mechanism and its execution in the Barrow administration to needy households in tackling poverty and hunger in the Gambia and towards empowering the perceived vulnerable women and youths in the Gambian communities. The study examined the execution of the scheme and its effectiveness by the government and the extent to which it had been used to adequately improve the poor conditions of women and the youths under the program. A descriptive research design with analytical approaches was employed to explore the objectives of the scheme in the pandemic era that people found it most difficult to earn living due to COVID-19 outbreak. Findings confirmed that NAFA scheme was relatively successful amidst inadequacies. The research advised on further reforms for a sustainable implemented NAFA scheme.

Towards cultural inclusion for older adults from culturally and linguistically diverse communities: A commentary on recent aged care reforms.

Due to the high and increasing number of older people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds in Australia, it is essential to ensure that the upcoming Support at Home program and other new initiatives incorporate culturally responsive aged care provision. Failing to address these challenges perpetuates inequalities in access to quality care for CALD older adults. This paper reviews recent reforms and initiatives in aged care, identifies culturally responsive provisions and proposes new approaches for upcoming reforms that focus on CALD older people and their support networks. We summarise current standards of cultural appropriateness in aged care to identify areas for improvement. There are instructive interactions between cultural responsiveness and standardising or mainstreaming provision in recent aged care policies and initiatives. We argue that culturally adapting the aged care assessments and Support at Home frameworks through co-production collaborations in the Aged Care Data and Digital Strategy (2024-2029) is not just beneficial but necessary. These actions involve (i) developing culturally tailored assessment tools that consider linguistic and cultural factors, such as using bilingual questionnaires and incorporating culturally responsive communication materials, and (ii) incorporating cultural competence training. Implementing these changes, though complex, will enable equitable and inclusive aged care. It involves overcoming language and cultural barriers that impede effective communication and care. We advocate for ongoing testing and evaluation of these approaches to determine their feasibility for integration into digitisation plans within the aged care sector.