Opportunistic Sampling Research Articles

Violence against Deaf Women from an Intersectional Framework in Mexico

This research aimed to analyse the association between violence with linguistic knowledge in Mexican Sign Language (LSM) and sociodemographic data of Mexican Deaf women. To collect data from an intersectional framework, this study applied an opportunistic and chain sampling of 46 Deaf women from different areas of Mexico. Methods included in-person and remote interviews. Forty-one per cent of women indicated that they had been victims of abuse by their partner. In comparison, 73.9% of women had suffered some abuse in schools, and 39% of women had been victims of sexual abuse. The analyses with Spearman bivariate correlation showed that as the LSM learning age of the Deaf women increased, the levels of labour abuse (rs = .50, p < .0001), violence in a bank (rs = . 51, p < .0001), violence in school (rs = .56, p < .0001), and violence by an interpreter (rs = .45, p < .01) increased too. Results also revealed that a more excellent LSM family knowledge of LSM is moderately related to less labour abuse (rs = -.53, p < .0001), violence in a bank (rs = -.45, p < .01), violence in school (rs = -.43, p < .01), violence by an interpreter (rs = -.39, p < .01), and with lower magnitude to institutional violence (rs = -.37, p < .05).

Which pandemic working practices should be kept? Perspectives from staff working in a breast cancer service

Background/Aims Breast cancer is the most common female cancer in the UK, with approximately 60 000 new cases diagnosed each year. The service changes implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic altered ways of working and influenced care delivery. The aim of this study was to explore how these changes affected staff members' care practices and experiences, and how this has influenced subsequent changes to breast cancer services. Methods Purposive, snowball and opportunistic sampling was used to recruit 18 clinical and administrative staff members at the Nottingham Breast Institute. Data were collected from participants using semi-structured qualitative interviews, held either over the telephone or via Microsoft Teams. The interview transcripts were analysed and coded using thematic analysis. Results Interview responses covered adaptations to services in response to COVID-19, attitudes towards working during the pandemic and future recommendations. Participants highlighted the rapid response to the pandemic and the crucial role of information technology to support remote working. They also emphasised the role of partnerships with private hospitals to maintain surgical capacity. Participants supported the idea of maintaining some of the changes going forwards, such as telephone clinics, the increased flexibility of work, and help from the private sector. Conclusions Changes made to breast cancer services during the pandemic helped to create a more sustainable workforce. Services need to continue to implement change and target issues to create a more resilient NHS that is better equipped to deal with future challenges.

Health-Related Stigma and Challenges Faced by Men Living with Celiac Disease: A Qualitative Analysis

BackgroundCeliac disease (CD) is an autoimmune condition managed by strict adherence to a gluten-free diet. Dietary choice has gendered connotations, and men with CD may face judgment from others when following a gluten-free diet. However, little is known about health-related stigma in men with CD. ObjectivesThe study aim was to explore the health-related stigma and challenges faced by men with CD, and the influence of CD on their lives. MethodsQualitative semistructured online interviews were conducted with men living with CD. ParticipantsTwenty adults (aged 18 years or older) identifying as men living in the United Kingdom, with self-reported CD, were recruited using social media and opportunistic sampling. Statistical analysesParticipants provided rich, detailed discussions about aspects of their experience of living with CD. Reflexive thematic analysis was used, with a critical-realist lens that enabled researchers to connect men’s experiences within wider sociocultural constructs such as masculinity and social identity. ResultsThree themes were identified: CD threatens social inclusion; others’ assumptions about CD and microaggressions have a psychological influence, and masculine norms, health-related stigma, and power dynamics influence men’s health behaviors and everyday experience. Health-related stigma was found to be interconnected with these men’s gendered social environment, suggesting thatmay be an important social and structural determinant of dietary, health-related, and health support-seeking behaviors in men diagnosed with CD. ConclusionsContrary to prior assumptions, health-related stigma influences men with CD of all ages, particularly in social settings. The study unveils the complex interplay of individual beliefs, social norms, and power dynamics, in particular with other men, that influence individual beliefs and emphasize the performative aspect of food consumption. Internalized stigma and microaggressions influence men’s well-being. To better support men with CD, health providers, charitable organizations, and the food industry should address the social influence of adherence to a gluten-free diet, in particular perceived threats to social status and inclusion, which may cause concern, influence food choice, and influence dietary adherence.

Utilizing Molecular Epidemiology and Citizen Science for the Surveillance of Lagoviruses in Australia.

Australia has multiple lagoviruses with differing pathogenicity. The circulation of these viruses was traditionally determined through opportunistic sampling events. In the lead up to the nationwide release of RHDVa-K5 (GI.1aP-GI.1a) in 2017, an existing citizen science program, RabbitScan, was augmented to allow members of the public to submit samples collected from dead leporids for lagovirus testing. This study describes the information obtained from the increased number of leporid samples received between 2015 and 2022 and focuses on the recent epidemiological interactions and evolutionary trajectory of circulating lagoviruses in Australia between October 2020 and December 2022. A total of 2771 samples were tested from January 2015 to December 2022, of which 1643 were lagovirus-positive. Notable changes in the distribution of lagovirus variants were observed, predominantly in Western Australia, where RHDV2-4c (GI.4cP-GI.2) was detected again in 2021 after initially being reported to be present in 2018. Interestingly, we found evidence that the deliberately released RHDVa-K5 was able to establish and circulate in wild rabbit populations in WA. Overall, the incorporation of citizen science approaches proved to be a cost-efficient method to increase the sampling area and enable an in-depth analysis of lagovirus distribution, genetic diversity, and interactions. The maintenance of such programs is essential to enable continued investigations of the critical parameters affecting the biocontrol of feral rabbit populations in Australia, as well as to enable the detection of any potential future incursions.

Exploration and Identification of Ectomycorrhizal Fungi at IPB University Campus Forest

The exploration of ectomycorrhizal fungi diversity around the campus could provide insights into the presence and distribution of these symbiotic fungi in the area. This study aimed to observe, identify, and provide information regarding ectomycorrhizal fungi diversity in the IPB University Campus Forest. The sampling sites represent various tree species including forests, parks, and green spaces. The exploration was done using opportunistic sampling method. The obtained basidiomata were examined for macromorphological and micromorphological examination to identify the ectomycorrhizal fungi. The identification results based on the morphological characteristics confirmed our specimens as Inocybe cf. squarrosolutea (Corner & E. Horak) Garrido and Suillus bovinus (L.) Roussel. The Inocybe was characterized by having small to medium-sized, pileus squamules, dry surface, light brown to yellowish cap, lamellae crowded, cylindrical or attenuated stipe towards the apex, clavate basidia, and hemispheric knobs basidiospores. The Suillus was distinguished by having a cap that is convex in shape with a slightly brownish yellow color and the surface texture of the cap is smooth, lamella in the form of pores that are quite large and angular, brownish yellow in color, yellow tubular stipe, clavate basidia, and oval spores. These two macrofungi are new records in the sampling area and I. cf. squarrosolutea could be the new information for Indonesia. Our finding provides valuable information for ecological studies and contributes to the additional data on Indonesian ectomycorrhizal fungi diversity.

When, how and why should we involve trusted contacts when serious concerns are raised about a student's well-being?

PurposeThis study investigates the relationship between mental well-being (MWB) and social support (SS) whilst addressing the paucity of research on students' support for emergency contact schemes (ECSs) and their views on how and when such schemes should be implemented.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 113 students recruited via opportunistic sampling completed an online survey including the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List - shortened version (Cohen et al. 1985), Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (Tennant et al. 2007) and questions about ECS. A correlational design used the Pearson product-moment correlation to explore the relationship between MWB and SS. A between-subjects design using independent measures t-test investigated differences in SS and MWB between those with and without a “trusted person” (TP).FindingsThe preferred name was “Named Trusted Person Scheme” (NTPS), the preferred TP was parent/guardian or partner, and the preferred means of contact was Personal Tutor to mobile phone. Most students (96%) supported the use of an NTPS when serious concerns were raised about mental or physical health, personal safety or student engagement. Those opposed were concerned about a loss of agency, identifying a TP or the TP worsening the situation. MWB was positively correlated with SS, and those with a TP had higher levels of MWB and SS than those without.Originality/valueThis study addresses the under-explored area of students' support for ECS, whilst enhancing our understanding of the relationship between MWB and SS especially amongst those without a person they can trust. This research provides valuable insights for universities looking to implement or refine such schemes, with the potential to improve students' MWB, academic achievement and retention by enhancing support.

Genetic analysis of two species of Mnomen in the Kalamazoo Watershed reveal panmixia in Z. Aquatica, structure among Z. Palustris, and hybridization in areas of sympatry.

Mnomen or wild rice of the genus Zizania is an important part of Native American culture, especially in Michigan for the Ojibwe nation. An oil spill in 2010 along the Kalamazoo River and the subsequent clean-up lead to renewed interest in management of Mnomen within the Kalamazoo watershed. The affected water bodies were surveyed for Zizania species to map existing populations, determine the existing genetic diversity and species present, and to identify potential hybridization. Using Traditional Ecological Knowledge of rice beds and opportunistic sampling of encountered plants, 28 rice beds were sampled. Two species of Zizania were identified Z. palustris and Z. aquatica. Genetic diversity was measured using 11 microsatellite loci and was moderately high for both species (Z. aquatica HE = 0.669, H0 = 0.672, n=26 and Z. palustris HE = 0.697, H0 = 0.636, n=57). No evidence of population bottle-necking was found. Z. palustris was found to have k=3 populations on the landscape, while Z. aquatica was found to be a single panmictic population. Several individual hybrids were confirmed using genotyping and they were all found in areas where the two species co-occurred. Additionally, Z. aquatica was found to have expanded into areas historically with only Z. palustris downstream of the oil spill, potentially due to dredging and sediment relocation as part of the clean-up effort.

Abundance and Diversity of Pleurotus Species and Host Trees for Sustainable Management in Ngel-Nyaki Montane Forest Ecosystem

Abundance and diversity of Pleurotus species (Oyester mushroom) and host trees for sustainable management in Ngel-Nyaki montane forest was conducted with the view to examine how abundant and diverse are Pleurotus species and their host trees in Ngel-Nyaki montane forest. A preliminary survey across the montane forest was carried out using opportunistic sampling protocol. Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index (SWDI) was used to determined Pleurotus and host trees diversity. The species richness of the Pleurotus species and host trees spotted was determined as well as species evenness. SWDI for Pleurotus species was 1.15 and that of host trees was 0.74; species richness was 0.026 and 0.0125; while species evenness was 0.248 and 0.189 respectively. The Pleurotus species observed at Ngel-Nyaki montane forest were Pleurotus pulmonarius, P. ostreatus, P. djamor and P. eryngii and Polyschias fulva, Anthonata noldeae, and Ficus lutea as host respectively. Mushroom in general including Pleurotus species serves as a source of food and income for many locals as well as urban dwellers. Pleurotus host trees play important role in the survival of Pleurotus and also function as source of fuelwood, medicine, timber, global warming fight. Government, conservation societies as well as stakeholders should sponsor training workshops for the locals on how to raise mushroom farms in order to reduce their over dependence on the wild for services of Pleurotus and host trees.

The Drivers of Change for Future Learning: How Teachers Were Taught in the COVID-19 Crisis and What Will Come Next?

The COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on education and resulted in huge changes. This research paper investigates on the factors driving change for future learning by studying the training of teachers during the COVID-19 crisis and their perceptions regarding the future of teaching. The study employed the methodology of opportunistic or emergent sampling to collect data from teachers aged 30–50 years who had experience in conducting online classes in different schools in KSA. The study suggests that effective virtual education depends on careful instructional design, audience consideration, and a systematic implementation model that produces various forms of teaching tailored to educational objectives. The research findings can guide future decisions about implementing online teaching, and the dimensions identified in this research can be compared with previous studies to derive key learning axes for future schools. The pandemic transition presents an opportunity to develop sustainable paradigms for future generations.

From Two Dimensions to Multidimensions: A Mechanistic Model to Support Deliberate CPD Development, Coordination, and Evaluation.

The effectiveness of continuing professional development as an intervention to improve health professional behavior and patient health is variable and contentious. To clarify the causal relationships underlying program outcomes and facilitate a necessary shift from outcomes-only-based approaches to outcome-based and theory-based approaches in program development and evaluation, we developed a model of mechanisms mapped to relevant outcomes. Mechanisms identified in a prior realist synthesis of opioid agonist therapy continuing professional development programs were iteratively tested and refined using purposive and opportunistic sampling and realist approaches against two systematic reviews of programs in analgesic prescribing and palliative care. Further testing involved practical application within programs in sustainable health care and pain management. Ninety reports on 75 programs and practical application to multiple additional programs informed the final model consisting of five distinct mechanisms: motivation transformation, expert influence, confidence development, self-efficacy facilitation, and community of practice expansion. The mechanisms and related analysis emphasize that continuing professional development is heterogeneous, complex, and context dependent. Shifting toward outcome-based and theory-based approaches facilitates further conceptual shifts at intraprogram and interprogram and interintervention levels toward more deliberate program development and evaluation, increased program complementarity and subsequent collaboration. It clarifies opportunities for intercalation of continuing professional development with other intervention sciences. The model presents a resource for practitioners, researchers, and policymakers to advance continuing professional development planning, coordination, and evaluation.

Evaluating Habitat Distributions and Conservation Challenges of Himalayan Newt (Tylototrinus verrucosus Anderson, 1871) in Thinleygang, Punakha District, Bhutan

Aims: This study reports the distribution of Tylototriton verrucosus in different habitats and its conservation challenges in the locality.
 Study Design: Opportunistic collection and measurements in diverse habitats (forest, stream, paddy fields, and roads) were gathered in the post-monsoon seasons. A semi-structured questionnaire survey was employed to gather perceptions and awareness of locals on the occurrence and survival of Himalayan newt. A 3200m2 area was surveyed by dividing it into 32 plots for sampling (8 plots per habitat type).
 Place and Duration of Study: The study area is located in Thinleygang (27.66°N by 89.83°E), in Punakha district.
 Methodology: Opportunistic sampling across diverse habitats (forest, stream, paddy field, and roads) recorded 70 newt individuals. Questionnaire surveys (n=30) gathered local perceptions. Data on habitat distribution, threats, and awareness were analyzed to inform conservation challenges faced by the species.
 Results: A population of 70 newts was observed. Female dominance was noted (1:1.45). Morphological traits showed minimal sexual dimorphism. The highest density occurred in paddy fields (31.05/100 m²). People were aware of newts, but habitat changes, pollution, and habitat loss were perceived threats. Altitude and slope showed no significant correlation with newt distribution in the study area. Conservation was deemed important due to cultural beliefs and habitat deterioration.
 Conclusion: Newts were prevalent in various habitats, with the highest occurrence in paddy fields (52%), followed by forests (24%), streams (22%), and roadsides (2%). Their activity was influenced by weather conditions, being more frequent during rainy periods and specific duration of the day. Habitat preferences and behavior varied during the breeding and non-breeding seasons. Conservation concerns were evident, with perceptions of population decline attributed to human-induced threats like land use change, pollution, and habitat loss. Potential conservation strategies include preserving existing habitats, creating new aquatic environments, and promoting traditional agricultural practices.

Escitalopram and Sertraline Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis in Pediatric Patients.

Escitalopram and sertraline are commonly prescribed for anxiety and depressive disorders in children and adolescents. The pharmacokinetics (PK) of these medications have been evaluated in adults and demonstrate extensive variability, but studies in pediatric patients are limited. Therefore, we performed a population PK analysis for escitalopram and sertraline in children and adolescents to characterize the effects of demographic, clinical, and pharmacogenetic factors on drug exposure. A PK dataset was generated by extracting data from the electronic health record and opportunistic sampling of escitalopram- and sertraline-treated psychiatrically hospitalized pediatric patients aged 5-18 years. A population PK analysis of escitalopram and sertraline was performed using NONMEM. Concentration-time profiles were simulated using MwPharm++ to evaluate how covariates included in the final models influence medication exposure and compared to adult therapeutic reference ranges. The final escitalopram cohort consisted of 315 samples from 288 patients, and the sertraline cohort consisted of 265 samples from 255 patients. A one-compartment model with a proportional residual error model best described the data for both medications. For escitalopram, CYP2C19 phenotype and concomitant CYP2C19 inhibitors affected apparent clearance (CL/F), and normalizing CL/F and apparent volume of distribution (V/F) to body surface area (BSA) improved estimations. The final escitalopram model estimated CL/F and V/F at 14.2 L/h/1.73 m2 and 428 L/1.73 m2, respectively. For sertraline, CYP2C19 phenotype and concomitant CYP2C19 inhibitors influenced CL/F, and empirical allometric scaling of patient body weight on CL/F and V/F was significant. The final sertraline model estimated CL/F and V/F at 124 L/h/70 kg and 4320 L/70 kg, respectively. Normalized trough concentrations (Ctrough) for CYP2C19 poor metabolizers taking escitalopram were 3.98-fold higher compared to normal metabolizers (151.1 ng/mL vs 38.0 ng/mL, p < 0.0001), and normalized Ctrough for CYP2C19 poor metabolizers taking sertraline were 3.23-fold higher compared to normal, rapid, and ultrarapid metabolizers combined (121.7 ng/mL vs 37.68 ng/mL, p < 0.0001). Escitalopram- and sertraline-treated poor metabolizers may benefit from a dose reduction of 50-75% and 25-50%, respectively, to normalize exposure to other phenotypes. To our knowledge, this is the largest population PK analysis of escitalopram and sertraline in pediatric patients. Significant PK variability for both medications was observed and was largely explained by CYP2C19 phenotype. Slower CYP2C19 metabolizers taking escitalopram or sertraline may benefit from dose reductions given increased exposure.

Gray wolves as sentinels for the presence of Echinococcus spp. and other gastrointestinal parasites in France

Over the past 30 years, the gray wolf population has recovered in France, initially to wolves from Italy passing through the Alps. The population is carefully monitored, but little information is available on their helminth fauna, which includes parasites of public health importance: Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. Capitalizing on the availability of 911 fecal samples collected for the noninvasive genetic monitoring of French wolf populations, along with the intestines from 15 dead wolves, the presence of Echinococcus species among others helminth species was evaluated in French wolves. A copro-PCR approach amplifying a large spectrum of parasites was used for fecal samples while intestines were analyzed using SCT. The fecal occurrences of E. granulosus sensu stricto (2.4%) and E. multilocularis (0.3%), and indeedother parasitic species, are similar to those of other European wolf populations including Taenia hydatigena (7.2%), Taenia krabbei (2.4%), Uncinaria stenocephala (2.4%), Mesocestoides litteratus (1.9%), Taenia ovis (0.3%), Taenia multiceps (0.1%), and Toxascaris leonina (0.1%). The three most abundant species were also found in the intestines. Infections by E. granulosus sensu stricto are in accordance with the overlap of wolf pack areas and sheep breeding pastoral units. However, the wolf does not appear to play a significant role in the lifecycle of E. granulosus sensu stricto. The availability of this opportunistic fecal sampling of wolves in southeastern France means that they can be used as sentinels for the surveillance of E. multilocularis in the context of its southward expansion observed in recent years.

Marriage and Family Instability in Modern Kenya: The Case of Western Kenya

Marriage institution has provided the anchorage and the rationale for Africa to be termed as the ‘continent of the family’. This coveted identity is however, in total decline given the new realities and circumstances surrounding the institution. This is occasioned by family instability in which most marriages no longer hold. Traditional African family patterns are slowly but progressively being altered as a result of modernization. Family patterns that were the norm in African societies are gradually being altered and substituted by modern values and the vows common in churches ‘until death do we part’ are no-longer tenable. Changes in the African family is being felt in fertility rates, are at marriage, marriage patterns and marital stability. Based on opportunistic sampling that conveniently selected 26 maternal dyads (consisting of mothers and their daughters who are married with at least two children) within the Western Kenya region, the study examined through in-depth interviews, the trends that depict family patterns in Kenya. It teased out two key issues connected with the African family patterns that is marriage and familial stability with the goal of illuminating the changes that are characterizing their prevalence. The comparative study between the mothers and their daughters regarding the nature of their marriages and the effects on familial stability concludes that marriage is under siege and innovative processes are needed to change the tide since the present generation are too casual in their marital relationship and the institution is fast losing its grip.

Presence-Only for Marked Point Process Under Preferential Sampling

Preferential sampling models have garnered significant attention in recent years. Although the original model was developed for geostatistics, it founds applications in other types of data, such as point processes in the form of presence-only data. While this has been recognized in the Statistics literature, there is value in incorporating ideas from both presence-only and preferential sampling literature. In this paper, we propose a novel model that extends existing ideas to handle a continuous variable collected through opportunistic sampling. To demonstrate the potential of our approach, we apply it to sardine biomass data collected during commercial fishing trips. While the data is intuitively understood, it poses challenges due to two types of preferential sampling: fishing events (presence data) are non-random samples of the region, and fishermen tend to set their nets in areas with a high quality and value of catch (i.e., bigger schools of the target species). We discuss theoretical and practical aspects of the problem, and propose a well-defined probabilistic approach. Our approach employs a data augmentation scheme that predicts the number of unobserved fishing locations and corresponding biomass (in kg). This allows for evaluation of the Poisson Process likelihood without the need for numerical approximations. The results of our case study may serve as an incentive to use data collected during commercial fishing trips for decision-making aimed at benefiting both ecological and economic aspects. The proposed methodology has potential applications in a variety of fields, including ecology and epidemiology, where marked point process model are commonly used.

Proximate nutrients of selected forage and the diet composition of adult elephants in Udawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka, a preliminary study

Asian Elephants feed predominantly on grass. The comparative nutritional contribution of grasses and other elephant forage is not known. Therefore, the proximate nutrition of food plants selected by elephants, and the relationship of their diet composition to body condition and gender were examined in this study. Proximate analysis was conducted on 11 plant species recognised upon 66h of opportunistic focal animal sampling. Five species among them were grasses, including the invasive Megathyrsus maximus. The micro-histological composition of freshly collected dung from 26 identified elephants was assessed against their body condition and gender. Associations, comparisons, and hypotheses were tested. Dicots were significantly high in dry matter and low in moisture, while monocots were high in moisture and low in dry matter (p &lt;0.001). The average monocot: dicot ratio was 1: 0.73 in elephant diet. However, it was observed that the monocot composition in the male diet was significantly higher than dicots (p &lt;0.001), while there was no significant difference in the female diet composition. Elephant body condition did not show any correlation with the abundance of monocot or dicot plant tissues. The preliminary study implies that dry matter nutrients in dicots and moisture in monocots influence diet selection of elephants. Their diet composition was associated with gender but did not correlate with body condition. M. maximus was not outstanding in nutrition from the selected plant species.

Model-informed precision dosing of antimicrobial drugs in pediatrics: experiences from a pilot scale program.

Antibiotics are among the most utilized drugs in pediatrics. Nonetheless, there is a lack in pharmacokinetics information for this population, and dosing criteria may vary between healthcare centers. Physiological variability associated with maturation in pediatrics makes it challenging to reach a consensus on adequate dosing, which is further accentuated in more vulnerable groups, such as critically ill or oncology patients. Model-informed precision dosing is a useful practice that allows dose optimization and attainment of antibiotic-specific pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic targets. The aim of this study was to evaluate the needs of model-informed precision dosing of antibiotics in a pediatrics unit, at a pilot scale. Pediatric patients under antibiotic treatment were monitored with either a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic optimized sampling scheme or through opportunistic sampling. Clindamycin, fluconazole, linezolid, meropenem, metronidazole, piperacillin, and vancomycin plasma concentrations were quantified through a liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry method. Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated using a Bayesian approach to verify pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic target attainment. A total of 23 pediatric patients aged 2 to 16years were included, and 43 dosing regimens were evaluated; 27 (63%) of them required adjustments as follows: 14 patients were underdosed, 4 were overdosed, and 9 patients needed infusion rate adjustments. Infusion rate adjustments were mostly recommended for piperacillin and meropenem; daily doses were augmented for vancomycin and metronidazole, meanwhile linezolid was adjusted for under- and overdosing. Clindamycin and fluconazole regimens were not adjusted at all. Conclusion: Results showcase a lack of antibiotic pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic target attainment (particularly for linezolid, vancomycin, meropenem, and piperacillin), and the need for model-informed precision dosing in pediatrics. This study provides pharmacokinetic evidence which can further improve antibiotic dosing practices. What is Known: • Model-informed precision dosing is performed in pediatrics to optimize the treatment of antimicrobial drugs such as vancomycin and aminoglycosides, while its usefulness is debated for other groups (beta-lactams, macrolides, etc.). What is New: • Vulnerable pediatric subpopulations, such as critically ill or oncology patients, can benefit the most from model-informed precision dosing of antibiotics. • Model-informed precision dosing of linezolid, meropenem, piperacillin, and vancomycin is particularly useful in pediatrics, and further research mayimprove dosing practices altogether.

Biodiversity Conservation in Mining Landscapes: a Systematic Review of Assessment Approaches in the Philippines

Mining is an important sector of the Philippine economy, but it often results in negative impacts on biodiversity. To mitigate these impacts, it is crucial to assess biodiversity in mining areas and integrate conservation efforts into mining operations. As part of the national policy guidelines on biodiversity compliance for mining companies, this study has conducted a systematic review to examine the various biodiversity assessment methods, tools, sampling designs, diversity parameters, values, and indices used in the Philippines' mining sites. Search engines and research databases were utilized in identifying diversity assessment-related research. Based on the eligibility criteria, only 25 of the 100 papers downloaded and two project terminal reports were eligible and considered in the review. It was found that authors commonly used transect line and quadrat methods for floral studies and transect line, mist netting, point count, and opportunistic sampling for faunal studies. Species abundance, relative abundance, dominance, frequency, relative frequency, density, relative density, percent cover, and importance value were the most frequently assessed biodiversity parameters, whereas the Shannon-Wiener diversity index, Simpson index, species richness, and evenness were the most commonly used indices. Endemism, economic importance, invasiveness, and conservation status were additional factors evaluated. Overall, this review provides an overview of the various biodiversity assessment methods used in the country's mining areas and offers guidance for future assessments in other mining landscapes. The limited number of studies related to biodiversity assessment in mining areas in the Philippines over the last decade highlights the urgent need for more research in this field.

Assessment of Bees’ Diversity within Ngel-Nyaki Forest Reserve at Taraba State, Nigeria

A field survey was conducted in Ngel-Nyaki Forest Reserve to assess the diversity of bees within the Reserve. Two methods of sampling techniques were used to sample bee species, opportunistic sampling and systematic sweep netting. Opportunistic sampling method was applied by sweep netting bees along 100 m plot where flowering plants were blooming. Collection was conducted by a single collector using an active search by walking randomly around the plot observing flowering plants and searching for bees foraging on the flowers then a sweep net was used for capturing bees. Sweep netting was conducted, line transect established within the plots for two hours, from 6:00am to 11:00am spending 20 minutes in each plot considering when the weather is conducive for bees’ activity. This was done using entomological sweep net. Bees captured were killed in a killing bottle containing 70% ethanol. Specimens were pinned on a board and unique codes were assigned to each species before identification. Bees were identified to species level by using published systematic keys, Bees field guide and use of online materials. All data were computed using Microsoft® Excel® 2016 and percentage abundance composition of bees were calculated.575 bees spreading across 3 families and 12 species were sampled. The most abundant species was the honey bee (Apismellifera) (245; 42.53%),followed by memic bee (Megachile sp.)(89;15.45%),and the least was leafcutter bee(Osmiasp.) (2;0.35%). In terms of diversity by species, Shannon Diversity Index (H) and Shannon Equitability Index (EH) were 1.694893 and 0.736083respectively while diversity by plots using Shannon Diversity Index (H) and Shannon Equitability Index (EH) were 1.750688 and 0.977078 respectively. This study therefore, brings to the fore the diversity of bees within Ngel-Nyaki Forest Reserve and underline the need for sustainable actions to be taken to conserve beneficial rare species while managing the abundant ones.

Community practices of face mask use and associated knowledge and attitude in a Malaysian town during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Among the vital measures to effectively curb the incidence of COVID-19 is the use of face masks. Little is known about what people understand and how they perceive and use face masks. This study aimed to determine the community's knowledge, attitude, and practice on the correct use of face masks. A cross-sectional study. The study was carried out in Seremban 2, Malaysia using a self-administered questionnaire adapted from validated questionnaires of two previous studies. Through opportunistic sampling, three hundred and ninety-two literate adults (above 18) residing in Seremban 2, Malaysia, participated in this study. Knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were assessed among the participants. Three hundred seventy (94.4%) respondents demonstrated satisfactory knowledge. A satisfactory attitude score was achieved by 349 (89%) respondents, while 281 (71.7%) achieved a satisfactory practice score. Better knowledge was significantly associated with college or university education (p=0.028). Female gender (p=0.011) and college or university education (p=0.043) were significantly associated with better practice (p<0.05). Significant but weak to fair correlations between knowledge, attitude and practice were observed. Overall, there was satisfactory knowledge, attitude, and practice of face mask use among the Seremban 2 adult population in Malaysia. However, future public health education targeted toward the use of face masks requires more emphasis on proper usage and disposal to translate good knowledge into a good attitude and practice of face mask use to ensure the effectiveness in curbing the spread of infection. None declared.