Official Program Research Articles

Children’s Individual Differences in the Responses to a New Method for Physical Education

Children’s fundamental movement skills (FMS) require planned and guided interventions to develop appropriately. We investigated the effect of a novel Physical Education (PE) method to develop children’s object control, locomotor skills, and motor competence. Further, we examined children’s trainability, i.e., their differential responses to the new method, and identified low and high responders to the intervention. The study lasted three months and included six to seven-year-old children in two groups: control (the current, official PE program; n = 38) and experimental (the new method; n = 52). Twelve FMS [object control (OC), locomotor (LO)] were reliably assessed using the Meu Educativo® app. Using a mixed-effects model, results showed that the experimental group experienced greater changes (p < 0.05) than the control group in OC and LO. Positive individual changes were more frequent with the new method, but children showed a similar pattern in their interindividual variability in both methods. There was a greater reduction in the number of children with lower proficiency in the experimental group. In sum, the new PE method proved superior to the current, official one. Individual responses to the new method showed considerable variation, highlighting the need for personalization in teaching strategies and necessary support for children with lower proficiency levels, ensuring that no child is left behind in their motor development process.

Affinitas origine in a letter from King Sisebut to Adalwald and Theodelind: political and diplomatic uses of ethnogenesis in the seventh-century Visigothic kingdom

ABSTRACT Between 616 and 621, King Sisebut of the Visigoths sent a letter to the Langobard kings Adalwald and Theodelind that became famous for its complexities. The Iberian monarch urged his Italian counterparts to convert the Langobard people from the Homoean to the Nicene faith, appealing to the kinship affinity between him and the Langobard rulers. This appeal to kinship has been variously read as an indication of literal kinship bonds between the kingdoms. This paper points out some nuanced contradictions in these previous interpretations and proposes a different reading linked to a collaboration between King Sisebut and Isidore of Seville and involving the consolidation of an official programme of Visigothic history and ancestry.

Canadian Strategy Against Gender-Based Violence and Gaps

Promoting the Essential Services Package (ESP) for Women and Girls Subject to Violence has led to an emphasis on legislative commitments to a survivor-centred strategy. Such legislation includes provisions for fiscal planning, standards of services, and official programs to support networks of community-based interventions to build capacity, share information, and co-generate knowledge across regions. This study identifies gaps in the Canadian strategy against gender-based violence in the operation of mechanisms for coordinating multi-sectoral trauma-informed “wrap-around” services that prioritize survivors in their distinct and diverse contexts and communities. It also recommends ways to transform the Canadian strategy in a global context.

Retrospective cumulative dietary risk assessment of craniofacial alterations by residues of pesticides

In 2022, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) conducted a dietary cumulative risk assessment for active substances of plant protection products on two types of craniofacial alterations: 1) craniofacial alterations due to abnormal skeletal development and 2) head soft tissue alterations and brain neural tube defects. These effects were selected based on developmental biology knowledge and a hypothetical teratogenic process. Cumulative risk assessment was conducted for 14 European populations of women in childbearing age. The dietary cumulative exposure was determined using individual consumption data collected under national food consumption surveys, and the calculations were based on occurrence data collected by Member States under their official monitoring programmes. A rigorous uncertainty analysis was performed using expert knowledge elicitation. Considering all sources of uncertainty, their dependencies, and differences between populations, it was concluded that the total margin of exposure (MOET) resulting from cumulative exposure to residues of pesticides is above 100 for both types of craniofacial alterations and therefore the threshold for regulatory consideration is not exceeded. For the head soft tissue alterations and brain neural tube defects the MOET was even above 500 while for the alterations due to abnormal skeletal development, it was found about as likely as not that the MOET is above 500 in most populations. These results need to be interpreted in the light of the conservatism of the hazard assessment methodology. This review is a summary of the EFSA report on a retrospective cumulative dietary risk assessment of craniofacial alterations by residues of pesticides published in 2022.

Representations of Nonhuman Animals in Bulgarian Literary Education

Through an educational perspective, the paper traces the attitudes towards nonhuman animals, the human-nonhuman relations, and the ideologies included in the literature curriculum developed by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Sciences. Comparing the official programmes with certain literary textbooks, I examine various representations of nonhuman animals in the latter. I study which authors who wrote about nature and nonhuman animals are included in the curriculum, which of their literary works are studied in school, what interpretational directions are offered, what approaches to human-nonhuman relations are chosen, and what types of thinking are encouraged and cultivated.

Assessment of regional official development programs on solid waste management via system dynamics approach considering their GHGs emissions

Assessment of regional official development programs on solid waste management via system dynamics approach considering their GHGs emissions

Māori leadership and early childhood educational leadership in Aotearoa: A critical literature review

Abstract Five early childhood teacher educators in Aotearoa New Zealand explored a range of literature to respond to the question: What does literature tell us about Māori leadership and how are our findings relevant to leadership in early childhood education (ECE) in Aotearoa? The process of finding and reviewing literature sources about Māori leadership led us to think critically about how Māori values, concepts, and customs have been diminished or sustained in fields such as education and business. ECE in Aotearoa is shaped by the bicultural curriculum Te Whāriki and underpinned by obligations to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Although education and leadership structures and processes in Aotearoa are overwhelmingly produced within Westernised perspectives, ECE curriculum and practice foregrounds Māori ways of knowing, being, and doing. Through the literature review process, we shared insights and critical discussions that enriched our perceptions of leadership by and for Māori, and of relevance to ECE leadership through shared values. The literature reviewed provided examples from education and business settings where Māori leadership grounded in values of whanaungatanga/reciprocal relationality originating in Māori traditional beliefs and societal structures has been sustained, remembered, and reclaimed through processes of navigating and negotiating present-day colonised contexts. Literature also provided examples of official programmes and policies that seek to acknowledge and enhance Māori leadership in education.

Screening for congenital Chagas disease in a non-endemic area: a cost-effectiveness analysis

Abstract Background Due to climate changes, immigration, and globalization, Chagas Disease (CD) also afflicts nations without vector transmission. In Europe, congenital CD (cCD) is a significant public health issue, perpetuating the disease: it is crucial to perform CD screening in pregnant women at risk, as the treatment of infants is effective in eradicating the infection. Only a few European regions have a definite algorithm for diagnosing cCD, but no official guidance has been published at the national or European level. To support policymakers, this study aims to outline a cost-effectiveness analysis of CD screening in non-endemic areas, such as Italy, in pregnant women born or arriving from endemic countries and in their newborns. Methods To measure the economic impact of cCD screening, a decision tree model will be used to compare the test option (screening, diagnosis, treatment, follow-up) with no test option (no screening, progression of disease). Model parameters will be taken from relevant scientific literature. The primary outcome will be the Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) between the two options. Sensitivity analyses will be conducted to determine how changes in prevalence, transmission rate, screening adherence, and treatment adherence may affect the ICER. Results We expect the ‘test’ option to be cost-effective even with significant reductions in prevalence, transmission rate, adherence to screening or treatment. Threshold levels of these variables will allow to critically extend the results to areas with reduced immigration, patchy distribution of migrants at risk, health logistical limitations, and limited access to care for immigrants. Conclusions Our findings can help policymakers implement official screening programs and diagnostic algorithms for cCD in Italy and other non-endemic countries. This contributes to SDG 3 by combating the spread and burden of neglected tropical diseases and contributing to maternal, child, and migrant health. Key messages • Screening for congenital Chagas Disease in a non-endemic area may be cost-effective and cost-saving. • Study findings could provide useful information for health policymakers to combat Chagas Disease in Europe.

Boris Tsonev’s Contribution to Bulgaria’s Participation in the 1936 Olympic Games

A significant influence on the development and enrichment of the arts competitions for the 1936 Olympic Games was the presence of German political propaganda, which aimed to manifest the power and strength of the German political, economic and socio-cultural model of government. This is one of the reasons for including dance competitions in the official cultural program, even though they are not approved by the International Olympic Committee. Undoubtedly, this fact later had its influence on a large part of the Bulgarian and foreign scientific publications, which relied on official IOC sources, rejecting German publications. The aim of the study is to present new information about the historical participation of Bulgaria and the dance troupe „Bulgarian Kitka“ and the choreographer Boris Tsonev in the first dance competitions in the arts held at the XI Olympic Games in Berlin, in which our country won the Olympic gold medal. Several areas of information gathering are covered: a study of foreign literature, a review of all publications by Bulgarian researchers in the field of the Olympic movement in Bulgaria that present information on the subject. In terms of methodology, all the information found in scientific and popular sources was systematized and processed based on the biographical method, content analysis, comparative and critical analysis. This publication presents newly discovered information, in Bulgarian and foreign periodical publications, which enable an attempt to reconstruct the events in order to clarify the participation of Boris Tsonev and the ensemble „Bulgarian Kitka“ in these competitions. These discoveries will shed light on the history of the Olympic movement in Bulgaria and form a new perspective in the discussions on the subject discussed by other contemporary researchers of the Olympic movement.

Digital Media Competence in the Mexican Interactive Generation. Have Digital Competence Programs Worked in Mexico?

Objective: This research presents results of the digital media competence scale applied to Mexican youth during the period 2009-2023. With this evidence, the study is contrasted theoretically and empirically with the five major official programs on digital media competence implemented by the Ministry of Public Education of Mexico in said period. Theoretical Framework: The study was adjusted to the recommendations of international organizations such as UNESCO (2018) and the European Union (Livingstone, 2019). The scale was developed and adapted from a broader study on Internet consumption habits, digital skills, and online sociability in young people (León, et al., 2013; 2014; 2015). Method: A quantitative methodology of longitudinal descriptive cut was applied to present the empirical results of the scale on a sample of (N=4,753) high school students in Mexico. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed the need to include a permanent teacher training program on literacy and basic digital skills in the field of basic education, as well as the creation of content on digital communication and information in all basic education plans and programs. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research provide sensitive information to modify future management programs within the public policy on digital culture. Originality/Value: The study contributes to the specialized literature by highlighting the management challenges that the New Mexican School headed by the current government should consider. The relevance and value of the data presented show a critical and independent position in contrast to the government's positions.

Navigating the path: regulatory readiness and stakeholder insights in Indonesia's citywide inclusive sanitation landscape

Inadequate sanitation has catastrophic consequences for public health, standard of living, and productivity, as well as gender equality and social inclusion. Urban sanitation programmes yield suboptimal outcomes regarding long-term impact, effectiveness, sustainability, and fairness. To ensure that all urban dwellers in Low- to Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) have access to sanitation facilities that are properly maintained and safe, it is crucial to bring about a fundamental change in the urban sanitation sector through the implementation of Citywide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS). This research analyses the sanitation regulatory framework and stakeholders' perspectives in Bandung City, Indonesia. The goal is to determine the possible obstacles and advantages of implementing a comprehensive CWIS (Citywide Inclusive Sanitation) system in Indonesia. The CWIS idea has been recognised at the national level in Indonesia. While existing legislation and policies partially govern and deal with CWIS components, there is no official programme establishment yet and limited implementation at the local level. Some challenges that have been identified include conflicting priorities in serving marginalised populations, a lack of political commitment and capacity to provide comprehensive services for all types of domestic wastewater (including grey water) and throughout the entire sanitation service chain (from containment to treatment and/or reuse and recovery), inadequate knowledge management and data transparency, a lack of incentives and penalties for local governments to meet sanitation standards, and limited motivation for meaningful and institutionalised private sector involvement. This study also delineates four crucial domains for efficiently fostering the deployment of CWIS in Indonesia.

A Comprehensive Review of the Integrated Program for Out-of-School Adolescents (IPOSA) in Tanzania

The purpose of this study was to analyze how the Integrated Program for Out-of-School Adolescents (IPOSA) addresses the educational challenges of out-of-school adolescents in Tanzania through its flexible, competency-based approach. The study also sought to provide insights for improving the program’s effectiveness and scalability. A descriptive and analytical design were employed, using existing data from official reports, program documentation and previous studies. The study draws on qualitative and quantitative data to assess the program’s development, structure and outcomes. Key documents analyzed include the 2015/2016 profiling study on out-of-school children, IPOSA administrative and real-time implementation reports, comprehensive reports from UNICEF and Tanzania’s national education strategies. Key study revealed that IPOSA is distinct from previous educational models due to its emphasis on flexibility, inclusivity and competence-based learning. It effectively addresses the diverse needs of out-of-school adolescents, equipping them with practical, real-world skills that align with workforce demands. The program’s design, which integrates literacy, life skills, vocational training and entrepreneurship, has demonstrated a significant impact on marginalized groups. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, along with the Institute of Adult Education, allocate additional resources to expand IPOSA’s reach, particularly in marginalized communities. Additionally, regular curriculum updates, enhanced collaboration between stakeholders and improved monitoring and evaluation systems are recommended to ensure the program’s continued success and scalability.

DNA Metabarcoding Approach as a Potential Tool for Supporting Official Food Control Programs: A Case Study.

Food authentication significantly impacts consumer health and the credibility of Food Business Operators (FBOs). As European regulations mandate the verification of food authenticity and supply chain integrity, competent authorities require access to innovative analytical methods to identify and prevent food fraud. This study utilizes the DNA metabarcoding approach on meat preparations, sampled during an official control activity. It assesses animal and plant composition by amplifying DNA fragments of the 12S rRNA and trnL (UAA) genes, respectively. The results not only confirmed the declared species but also revealed undeclared and unexpected taxa in products labelled as containing a single animal species and various unspecified plant species. Notable findings such as the presence of Murinae, Sus scrofa, Ovis aries, and Pisum sativum could raise public health concerns, compromise consumer choices made for ethical or religious reasons, and reflect the hygienic conditions of the processing plant. This study demonstrates that the DNA metabarcoding approach looks to be a promising support tool for official control authorities to ensure food authenticity and safety, and to develop risk profiles along the supply chain.

Acceptability of the use of health related quality of life measurements for decision-making in healthcare science in Vietnam: a qualitative study

ObjectiveThis study was conducted with the objective of exploring the usage of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes and willingness of health technology assessment (HTA) and public health stakeholders to...

Public finance management reform in the Kyrgyz Republic and Ukraine: Ways to increase transparency and efficiency in the use of budget funds

The purpose of the study was to analyse the existing problems of using the budgets of the Kyrgyz Republic and Ukraine and to develop recommendations for improving the management of public funds in the two countries. A comparative analysis of public finance management in Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan for the period 2019-2023 was carried out based on official statistical data, government programmes, and other theoretical sources. As a result of the analysis, it was found that budget deficits are typical for both countries. This situation has been observed in two countries for 2019-2023, with the exception of the situation in Kyrgyzstan in 2023. The annual increase in public debt is typical for both countries. For Kyrgyzstan, over the period 2019-2023, by more than 75.1%, and for Ukraine – by more than 3 times. Also characteristic of the two countries is the annual decrease in the transparency of the use of budgetary funds with deterioration in indicators by 25 points for Ukraine and 2 points for Kyrgyzstan for the period 2019-2023. As a result of the analysis, the main measures to improve the current situations in the two countries were identified: attracting foreign capital and changing the structure of expenditures and revenues to reduce the budget deficit, and digitalisation of public budget management and increasing the level of digital literacy of management staff to increase transparency in the use of public finances. It is more difficult for Ukraine to achieve such an effect, given the state of war. Such measures should be implemented gradually step by step for their synergistic effect as a result

Factors influencing HIV testing uptake in Sub-Saharan Africa: a comprehensive multi-level analysis using demographic and health survey data (2015–2022)

BackgroundHuman Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a global health concern, causing over 35 million deaths, with 97% occurring in developing nations, particularly impacting Sub-Saharan Africa. While HIV testing is crucial for early treatment and prevention, existing research often focuses on specific groups, neglecting general adult testing rates. This study aims to identify predictors of HIV testing uptake among adults in Sub-Saharan Africa.MethodData were obtained from the official Demographic and Health Survey program database, which used a multistage cluster sampling technique to collect the survey data. In this study, a weighted sample of 283,936 adults was included from thirteen Sub-Saharan African countries. Multilevel multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to identify predictors of HIV testing uptake. Akaike’s information criteria guided model selection. Adjusted odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals determined significant predictor variables.ResultAmong adults in Sub-Saharan African countries, the prevalence of HIV testing uptake was 65.01% [95% CI (64.84%, 65.17%)]. Influential factors included male sex [AOR: 0.51, 95% CI (0.49,0.53)], varying odds ratios across age groups (20–24 [AOR: 3.3, 95% CI (3.21, 3.46) ], 25–29 [AOR: 4.4, 95% CI (4.23, 4.65)], 30–34 [AOR: 4.6, 95%CI (4.40, 4.87)], 35–39 [AOR: 4.0, 95%CI (3.82, 4.24)], 40–44 [AOR: 3.7, 95%CI (3.50, 3.91)], 45–49 [AOR: 2.7, 95%CI (2.55, 2.87)], 50+ [AOR: 2.7, 95%CI (2.50, 2.92)]), marital status (married [AOR: 3.3, 95%CI (3.16, 3.46)], cohabiting [AOR: 3.1, 95% CI (2.91, 3.28)], widowed/separated/divorced [AOR: 3.4, 95%CI (3.22, 3.63)]), female household headship (AOR: 1.28, 95%CI (1.24, 1.33)), education levels (primary [AOR: 3.9, 95%CI (3.72, 4.07)], secondary [AOR: 5.4, 95%CI (5.16, 5.74)], higher [AOR: 8.0, 95%CI (7.27, 8.71)]), media exposure (AOR: 1.4, 95%CI (1.32, 1.43)), wealth index (middle [AOR: 1.20, 95%CI (1.17, 1.27)], richer [AOR: 1.50, 95%CI (1.45, 1.62)]), Having discriminatory attitudes towards PLWHIV [AOR: 0.4; 95% CI (0.33, 0.37)], had multiple sexual partners [AOR: 1.2; 95% CI (1.11, 1.28)], had comprehensive knowledge about HIV [AOR: 1.6; 95% CI (1.55, 1.67)], rural residence (AOR: 1.4, 95%CI (1.28, 1.45)), and lower community illiteracy (AOR: 1.4, 95%CI (1.31, 1.50)) significantly influenced HIV testing uptake in the region.ConclusionThis study highlights the need for tailored interventions to address disparities in HIV testing uptake among adults in Sub-Saharan Africa and progress towards the achievement of 95-95-95 targets by 2030. Thus, tailored interventions addressing key factors are crucial for enhancing testing accessibility and emphasizing awareness campaigns, easy service access, and targeted education efforts to improve early diagnosis, treatment, and HIV prevention in the region.

Is a Simple Checklist Associated With Improvement in Gender Representation at the AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting?

In September 2017, the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) added 2 questions querying panel organizers if gender/racial diversity was considered in selecting panel presenters, beginning with the 2018 Annual Meeting (AM). This study examines how this checklist impacted the gender diversity of panel presenters at the AAO-HNS AM. This was a cross-sectional investigation comparing female representation before and after the addition of questions inquiring about diversity in 2018. A review of abstract submissions for the AMs from 2015 to 2021. AM Official Program Abstracts were used to obtain presenter names and specialty area for each panel. The percentage of female presenters, in total and stratified by specialty area, were compared before and after 2018 to quantify changes following the addition of the checklist. There was a significant increase in the proportion of female panel presenters from 22.3% (total n = 1199) in 2015 to 2017 to 33.0% (total n = 1868) in 2018 to 2021 (P < .001) and in all panel specialties. The number of female moderated panels also significantly increased after checklist implementation from 22% to 38% (P < .001). Correspondingly, the number of panels with no female representation decreased from 42% in 2015 to 2017 to 23% in 2018 to 2021 (P < .001). The addition of a checklist asking panel organizers to consider diversity in selecting panelists was associated with an increased proportion of female presenters at the AM. This simple strategy can be implemented by all medical conferences to help close the gender gap.

Decoding Seafood: Multi-Marker Metabarcoding for Authenticating Processed Seafood.

Given the recognized nutritional value of fish and shifting consumer lifestyles, processed seafood has become increasingly prevalent, comprising a significant portion of global food production. Although current European Union labeling regulations do not require species declaration for these products, food business operators often voluntarily provide this information on ingredient lists. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) approaches are currently the most effective methods for verifying the accuracy of species declarations on processed seafood labels. This study examined the species composition of 20 processed seafood products, each labeled as containing a single species, using two DNA metabarcoding markers targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) and 16S rRNA genes. The combined use of these markers revealed that the majority of the products contained multiple species. Furthermore, two products were found to be mislabeled, as the declared species were not detected. These findings underscore that NGS is a robust technique that could be adopted to support routine food industry activities and official control programs, thereby enhancing the 'From Boat to Plate' strategy and combating fraudulent practices in the complex fisheries supply chain.

Turkish parents’ perspectives on the roles and responsibilities of paraeducators: framing experiences

Objectives Paraeducators provide crucial support for individuals with special needs in inclusive educational settings, but their roles and responsibilities lack clarity. The resulting ambiguity emphasizes the need for clear role definitions. In inclusive education, paraeducators are perceived as the individuals who are most in communication with families. In this process, the perspectives of parents, who are important stakeholders, are crucial. Our purpose in this study was to examine the experiences and perspectives of parents with respect to the assistance given by paraeducators in inclusive educational settings. Methods We used a phenomenological research design to collect data, and we conducted semi-structured interviews with 14 parents of children with special needs. We reached the participants through snowball sampling. We collected the data using a 11-item Parent Interview Form developed based on the literature and expert opinion. We analyzed the data through thematic analysis. Results Data analysis revealed five themes: (a) preservice process; (b) employment process; (c) experiences and views related to roles and responsibilities during school time; (d) experiences and views related to roles and responsibilities outside of school time; and (e) expectations, needs, and recommendations. Conclusions The findings emphasize the importance of legal regulations, clear guidelines, and standardized qualifications for employing paraeducators in schools. We found that families managed the pre-service process on their own without any support. In the service processes, paraeducators were found to take on complex and non-standard roles. Among the issues reported by families as needs were the implementation of paraeducator supports within an official structure and training programs to enhance paraeducator qualifications. Additionally, families reported financial support needs in paraeducator employment. Based on the research findings, we can propose the establishment of vocational training institutions for paraeducator training and the planning of paraeducator employment in schools by official institutions within a specific protocol framework.

The Association of Medical Cannabis Use with Pain Levels and Opioid Use in Illinois’ Opioid Alternative Pilot Program

Objective The state of Illinois’ Opioid Alternative Pilot Program (OAPP) is the first and only official harm-reduction program in the US to address the opioid crisis via facilitation of safe and legal access to medical cannabis. This study evaluates the association of medical cannabis use with pain level and frequency of opioid use in the first cohort of OAPP participants in 2019. Methods A survey was sent OAPP enrollees between February and July 2019. Cannabis users (n = 626) were compared to non-users (n = 234) to determine whether there was an association between cannabis use and self-reported (a) pain level and (b) frequency of opioid use. Backward stepwise regression models were used. Results A total of 860 participants was included in the analysis. Overall, 75% of the study sample reported pain as their primary medical symptom, and 67% of cannabis users reported having a disability. The mean difference in pain level between cannabis users and non-users was 4.5 units (on a 100-point scale) higher among cannabis users than non-users (p = 0.03); and cannabis use was statistically associated with pain level. High-frequency opioid users had lower odds of reporting cannabis use within the past year than low/no opioid users. Conclusions Although there was a statistical association between cannabis use and pain, the difference of 4.5 points in pain level between users and non-users was too small to reflect a clinically meaningful relative difference. This study may provide useful information to providers and clinicians about how the OAPP and similar programs may reduce opioid use and improve health outcomes.