Physical Resources Research Articles

Lessons Learned From Extracorporeal Life Support Practice and Outcomes During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is increasingly being used to support patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure and cardiogenic shock. During the COVID-19 pandemic, consensus guidance recommended extracorporeal life support for patients with COVID-19-related cardiopulmonary disease refractory to optimal conventional therapy, prompting a substantial expansion in the use of this support modality. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was particularly integral to the bridging of COVID-19 patients to heart or lung transplantation. Limited human and physical resources precluded widespread utilization of mechanical support during the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitating careful patient selection and optimal management by expert healthcare teams for judicious extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use. This review outlines the evidence supporting the use of extracorporeal life support in COVID-19, describes the practice and outcomes of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for COVID-19-related respiratory failure and cardiogenic shock, and proposes lessons learned for the implementation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to transplantation in future public health emergencies.

Needs Assessment for Primary Care for Best Practice Implementation: The CIRCE Joint Action

Abstract Introduction CIRCE is a Joint Action (JA) supporting the transfer of six best practices (BPs) to new primary care settings in Europe. High-quality needs assessment can set the foundation for strong planning and implementation of the CIRCE-JA best practices in these new primary care settings. Methods A needs assessment tool was developed based on the TO-REACH knowledge transfer framework and learnings from a scoping review of international knowledge transfer frameworks. The needs assessment provides structured tool for local sites to self-assess the alignment of the BP with local priorities, readiness of the local site to successfully implement the BP, the availability of necessary leadership, resources and partnerships, and an examination of barriers to local BP implementation and mitigation strategies. Results Twenty-six CIRCE-JA teams completed the needs assessments. Local teams identified the CIRCE-JA BPs were value-adding and aligned with local priorities. Cross-cutting barriers were identified which were common among the six CIRCE-JA best practices across five thematic areas: (1) provider level, (2) intervention level, (3) health system/policy level, (4) partnership and physical resources and (5) information technology. The needs assessment supported primary care sites with a structured approach to planning for transfer of BPs to their local setting that is based on established international best practices and knowledge transfer frameworks including early identification of barriers and mitigating strategies. Conclusions The needs assessment has supported teams with conducting a self-assessment and informing initial planning for adoption of the BP in their local primary care practice. Given the importance of the local needs assessment to high quality implementation of BP the CIRCE-JA experience with local needs assessment may provide learnings for future BP transfer initiatives. Key messages • Local needs assessment supports the transfer of best practices to primary care settings, which is a critical component of service transformation during the post-COVID-19 period. • For successful transfer of best practices in primary care, it is vital to give to examine such as provider capacity, available human resources, health policy, and information technology.

Phenotypes of Italian workers with disability: a cluster analysis on workers with multiple sclerosis

Abstract Background While job maintaining/reintegrating are clearly complex issues in multiple sclerosis (MS), where many aspects (physical, psychological, relational and personal resources) can play a key role, they offer scope for potential interventions. This study aimed to identify and describe phenotypes of workers with MS considering specific work-related domains such as work-related difficulties, anxiety and depressive symptoms, and coping strategies. Methods A cross-sectional online survey on MS workers was conducted in Italy. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed by the Ward method followed by k-means cluster analysis. Results A total of 209 workers with MS were included in the analysis. We identified four phenotypes: phenotype 1 had low work difficulties, low depressive symptoms and mild anxiety, with a moderate tendency to use problem focus and positive attitude and a mild one to use social support as coping strategies (n = 82, 39.2%); phenotype 2 had low-to-mild work difficulties, mild anxiety and low depressive symptoms, with a high tendency to use positive attitude and religion, moderate problem focus and social support, and mild denial (n = 38, 18.7%); phenotype 3 had low-to-mild work difficulties, moderate anxiety and depressive symptoms, with a mild tendency to use problem focus, positive attitude, religion, social support, denial as coping strategies (n = 50, 23.9%); phenotype 4 had mild-to-moderate work difficulties, moderate anxiety and depressive symptoms, with a moderate tendency to use problem focus, positive attitude, and mild social support and denial as coping strategies (n = 39, 18.7%) Conclusions This explorative analysis aimed to find distinct workers with MS profiles in a working-age population based on work-related domains such as work-related difficulties, coping strategies, and psychological aspects. This could lead to a better tailoring of the vocational rehabilitation interventions for workers with MS. Key messages • This approach, in which different domains related to work are considered, could help to identify a taxonomy that recognizes distinct and predominant MS worker phenotypes. • Identification of subgroup MS workers, could result in better tailoring of the vocational rehabilitative interventions for people with MS.

Smart Factory Operation Management System and Innovation in the Era of Smart Manufacturing

This study is dedicated to the innovative research of smart factory operation management systems in the era of smart manufacturing. Against the backdrop of the rapid evolution of the information revolution, smart manufacturing, represented by a new generation of information technologies such as mobile Internet, big data, and artificial intelligence, is rapidly emerging. As an information-physical fusion system, smart factories interpenetrate physical and virtual resources by interweaving multi-scale production systems, forming an open, complex giant system with multiple levels and dimensions. It is found that smart factories face a complex and variable structure, and their production and operations involve a large number of cross-domain, cross-industry, and cross-region manufacturing resources, requiring the establishment of a new operation management system framework and breakthroughs in key theories and methods. This study provides comprehensive and in-depth theoretical and technical support for constructing a smart factory operation management system. It lays the foundation for the smart upgrading of the manufacturing industry.

Exploring Implementation of Reasonable Adjustments in Hospitals for People With Intellectual Disability: Using a Realist Lens.

To explore the factors influencing the implementation of reasonable adjustments in hospitals for people with intellectual disability: using a realist lens. A qualitative study using a realist lens. Data collection involved one focus group interview and three semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals working in hospital or community settings in September 2023. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis and findings were mapped to the Context and Implementation of Complex Interventions (CICI) framework across the dimension's context, implementation and setting. Healthcare professionals support the provision of reasonable adjustments in acute hospitals as a person-centred approach to caring for people with intellectual disability. While reasonable adjustments are evident in practice, they are mostly individual-level cases with little evidence of strategic system-level implementation. The factors influencing the implementation of reasonable adjustments in practice were conceptualised using the CICI framework. Context factors spanned the domains of epidemiological (e.g., ageing population), socio-cultural (e.g., historical healthcare), political (e.g., lack of integrated care pathways) and ethical (e.g., provision of person-centred care). Implementation factors spanned the domains of strategies (e.g., leadership strategies), agents (e.g., liaison and advocacy roles) and outcomes (e.g., individual-level reasonable adjustments). The setting for the complex intervention was the acute hospital. System-level indicators for successful implementation include intellectual disability specific policies/procedures for integrated care pathways, education and awareness training for hospital staff, and leadership strategies such as the development of liaison nursing roles and the appropriate allocation of physical and human resources. A radical change is needed where implementation of reasonable adjustments in acute hospitals are broadened beyond isolated individual-level cases to system-level healthcare. This research highlights the importance of exploring the integrated dimensions of context, implementation and setting in complex interventions such as reasonable adjustments and sets foundation for further implementation research in this area. Reasonable adjustments at the system-level within acute hospitals would promote person-centred care and help address the inequities and health disparities experienced by people with intellectual disability. This research uses a realist lens to explore the factors influencing the implementation of reasonable adjustments in acute hospitals for people with intellectual disability. The factors influencing the implementation of reasonable adjustments in practice were conceptualised using the CICI framework across the dimensions of context (domains epidemiological, socio-cultural, political and ethical), implementation (domains strategies, agents and outcomes) and setting. System-level indicators for successful implementation include intellectual disability specific policies/procedures for integrated care pathways, education and awareness training for hospital staff, and leadership strategies such as the development of liaison nursing roles and the appropriate allocation of physical and human resources. This research highlights the importance of exploring the integrated dimensions of context, implementation and setting of complex interventions such as reasonable adjustments and sets a foundation for further implementation research in this area. This research adhered to the Equator research reporting guideline: standards for reporting qualitative research. A parent of a child with intellectual disability was involved in the conduct of this research, specifically in the design, data collection and preparation of the manuscript.

Investigating the Feasibility and Acceptability of a Facebook Delivered, Parent Mediated, Physical Activity Intervention for Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder

ABSTRACT Objective Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) experience difficulties performing fundamental movement skills, resulting in reduced physical activity (PA). Given low PA can impact mental and physical health, improving PA in DCD appears imperative. This study investigates the feasibility of a Facebook delivered, parent mediated, PA intervention for children with DCD. Methods Parents of children with DCD (n=31; 5-11 years), were invited to private Facebook groups where physical activity resources and questionnaires were provided over 12 weeks. Parents and their children wore activity trackers during the intervention period. Feasibility and acceptability of the intervention was considered with reference to (1) Facebook engagement, (2) adherence intervention components, and (3) parent perspectives. Results Facebook engagement was high, with 78.03% (SD=23.06) of all intervention posts being viewed by parents on average. Activity trackers were worn correctly for 92.45% of intervention days and 95.61% of intervention weeks. Weekly questionnaires were completed, on average, 84.37% of the time. Parent perspectives were positive, with 80.77% somewhat or strongly agreeing that the intervention was useful for themselves and their child. Conclusions Given the results described, Facebook appears to be a feasible platform through which parent mediated physical activity interventions can be provided to children with DCD.

Exploring How Female Scientists are Uplifted in Research Networks in STEM Fields in Public Universities in Uganda

Participation in research networks is inevitable for the female scientists in the Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields because they provide a platform for collaborative activities. New research communities of women are created to support each other through mentoring, advancing shared research interests, co-organizing conferences with men, participating in the editorial and the publications. It was on this basis that this study explored how female scientists were uplifted by research networks in STEM fields in public universities in Uganda. This study was anchored on the existential phenomenology by Martin Heidegger in the interpretive world view. Eight female scientists in research networks in STEM fields in public universities in Uganda were interviewed and they were selected from the hard applied and hard pure disciplines as classified in Becher and Biglan’s typology of academic disciplines. Using thematic analysis, two themes such as research collaboration activities and capacity development emerged in this study. This qualitative study set out to explore how female scientists were uplifted in research networks in public universities in Uganda.The public universities included Makerere University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Gulu University and Busitema University. Both semi-structured interviews and document check data generation strategies were used in this study. In semi-structured interviews, a sample comprising eight female academics with not less than five years in research networks in public universities were selected, while documents such as the annual reports and strategic plans were used. This study concludes that research networks are uplifting the female scientists in STEM fields in public universities in Uganda because they were internationally exposed, networked, funded, research skills were strengthened, and progressed in career. This study concludes that it was important for female scientists to access physical and human resource in their research networks as this increased their research performance and outputs in STEM fields in public universities in Uganda. This study therefore recommends that, to uplift female scientists in research networks in STEM fields in public universities in Uganda, female scientists in the research networks and senior colleagues should act as ambassadors and mentors to young female scientists in STEM fields

Influence of socioeconomic aspects on morbidity and mortality rates from COVID-19 in the state of Tocantins, Brazil

This study aimed to analyze the spatial correlation of COVID-19 with social vulnerability indices in the state of Tocantins. Methodology: An ecological and cross-sectional study was conducted, analyzing the temporal evolution of the pandemic using the local bivariate Moran's index and the Kernel intensity estimator for COVID-19 cases in Tocantins from 2020 to 2022. Results: The northern region of the state showed the highest concentration of cases and deaths, a concerning fact given the high social vulnerability of most municipalities in this region. Conclusion: The study identified a positive spatial correlation between the incidence and mortality rates of COVID-19 and the social vulnerability index of the municipalities. These findings highlight the need to strengthen preventive measures and expand the physical, technological, and human resources of the healthcare network, especially in areas serving populations with higher vulnerability and traditional communities. This is particularly relevant as the disease also affects more isolated areas, impacting indigenous, riverside, and quilombola populations.

Trends in the quality of maternal and neonatal care in Sweden and Norway as compared to 12 WHO European countries: A cross-sectional survey investigating maternal perspectives during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Maternal-neonatal healthcare services were severely disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic in even high-income countries within the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region. The objective of this study was to compare trends in the quality of maternal and neonatal care (QMNC) in Sweden and Norway to 12 other countries from the WHO European Region during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to identify domains for improvement. This cross-sectional study included women giving birth in Europe from March 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022. Women answered an online, anonymous questionnaire which included 40 WHO Standard-based Quality Measures collectively scored as the total QMNC index (0-400) and separately in four subdomains (0-100): provision of care, experience of care, availability of human and physical resources, and reorganizational changes due to COVID-19. To assess reported QMNC changes over time, we used adjusted quantile regression models. gov Identifier: NCT04847336. Of the 45151 women included in the study, 13 117 (29.1%) were from Sweden and Norway and 32034 (70.9%) from the 12 WHO European countries. The total QMNC index for Sweden and Norway (median: 325, IQR: 285-355) was higher than the 12 WHO European countries (median: 315, IQR: 265-350, p < 0.001) as were trends in QMNC index over time (Sweden and Norway median: 310-345; 12 WHO European countries median: 305-340). Sweden and Norway also had higher scores in three-of-four QMNC subdomains, with the 12 WHO European countries scoring higher only for reorganizational changes due to COVID-19. In adjusted quantile models of the total QMNC index, Sweden and Norway had higher scores, with largest differences in the lower quantiles (p < 0.001 in all percentiles). Across Europe, there are significant gaps in the quality of maternal-neonatal healthcare services. Although women giving birth in Sweden and Norway reported higher QMNC scores in all subdomains except for "reorganizational changes due to COVID-19," there is room for improvement and shared learning across Europe. Policymakers should prioritize long-term investments in maternal and neonatal healthcare, ensuring that facilities are adequately equipped during public health crises and that all women have access to high-quality, evidence-based, equitable, and respectful care.

Roles of Infrastructure and ICT Facilities in Enhancing Curriculum Implementation in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions

This paper explored the role of infrastructure facilities in enhancing curriculum implementation in Nigerian tertiary institutions. The paper used secondary data, sourced from print and online publications. The study highlights that infrastructure facilities, including physical and technological resources, is crucial for the effective delivery of curricula. Key findings indicate that well-developed infrastructure significantly enhances teaching, learning, and administrative processes, thereby promoting successful curriculum implementation. The paper emphasizes the growing importance of modern facilities such as ICT resources, which are integral to advancing education in the 21st century. In light of these findings, it is recommended that the government prioritize the provision of adequate and modern infrastructure across all tertiary institutions. Additionally, tertiary institution management should adopt public-private partnerships to foster infrastructure development, and private organizations should contribute to the enhancement of facilities in Nigerian higher education. Further studies should conduct empirical research on the impact of infrastructure facilities and ICT resources on curriculum implementation in tertiary institutions.

VIRTUAL LABORATORIES IN SCIENCE EDUCATION: UNVEILING TRAJECTORIES, THEMES, AND EMERGING PARADIGMS (2013-2023)

Virtual laboratories are transformative tools in science education, yet comprehensive reviews of their prospects are limited. This study addresses this gap through a bibliometric analysis of 218 articles published between 2013 and 2023. Key findings included: (1) research has evolved from initial exploration to rapid expansion; (2) virtual labs have demonstrated adaptability across various scientific disciplines, including chemistry, physics, biology, engineering, and medicine; (3) five research trajectories focus on virtual labs, science education, and computer-based learning; and (4) eight research topics, such as comparisons with physical labs and student performance, have gained prominence. These findings had implications for educational practices, research methodologies, and policy considerations. For educational practices, virtual laboratories offer benefits by removing the need for physical resources, providing flexible delivery, enabling safe exploration, fostering engagement through hands-on experimentation, and enhancing understanding with immersive experiences. For research, virtual labs improve learning and analytical skills, generate detailed data on student behaviors and learning patterns, and lead to innovations in teaching methods and curriculum design. For policymakers, strategic planning is needed to create supportive policies for the effective adoption of virtual labs, including teacher training, infrastructure development, and curriculum integration, making science education more accessible and equitable for all students. Keywords: bibliometrics analysis, science education, research trends, virtual laboratory

Progress in physical activity research, policy, and surveillance in Canada: The global observatory for physical activity – GoPA!

BackgroundThe purpose of this paper is to examine the evolution of physical activity research and the comprehensiveness of national physical activity policies and surveillance systems in Canada.MethodsA systematic review was conducted by the Global Observatory for Physical Activity (GoPA! ) on physical activity and health publications between 1950 and 2019. Findings from Canada were extracted and included in the present analysis. The number of articles published, female researcher involvement in authorship, author institution affiliations, and publication themes were examined. Policies were evaluated by determining if there was a standalone physical activity plan and if national guidelines existed. Surveillance systems were assessed for periodicity, instruments used, and age inclusivity.ResultsOut of 23,000 + publications analyzed worldwide; 1,962 included data collected in Canada. Physical activity research in Canada increased considerably from the 2000s to 2010s (543 articles vs. 1,288 articles), but an apparent stabilization has been observed more recently. Most physical activity publications in Canada focused on surveillance (37%), with fewer articles on policy (8%) and interventions (7%). The proportion of female first authors increased from 38% in the 1980s to 60% in the last decade. However, females remain the minority for senior authors. With respect to policy, “A Common Vision” is Canada’s national plan, which has a singular policy focus on physical activity. National surveillance data is collected regularly with both the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) and the Canadian Community Health Survey. In addition to self-report, the CHMS also collects accelerometer data from participants.ConclusionThrough collaborative and coordinated action, Canada remains well equipped to tackle physical inactivity. Continued efforts are needed to enhance sustained awareness of existing physical activity promotion resources to increase physical activity.

Emotionally Demanding Research: A Wartime Quest or a Journey of Connection

Emotionally demanding research (EDR) is a branch of qualitative inquiry that heavily draws from researchers’ psychological, emotional, and physical resources. EDR researchers have acknowledged diverse experiences and effects of EDR, including compassion fatigue, interpersonal tensions, and ill-being but there remains restricted, empirical understanding of how researchers perceive their relationship with EDR. Building on Kumar and Cavallaro’s (2018) model of researcher self-care in EDR, we explored how expert qualitative researchers encountered both the positive and the negative experiences and effects throughout their entire EDR journeys. Interview data were analyzed using a holistic form of structural analysis. Researchers narrated their EDR journeys through a “quest” typology. We interpreted this quest through the metaphor of war with the researchers facing distinct battles in the pre-data collection, data collection, and post-data collection phases. Theoretical reflections are posed in relation to existential-humanism, relational-cultural theory, and researcher self-care. Practical and method implications are also offered.

Genetics, emotion and care: Navigating future reproductive decisions in families of children with rare genetic conditions.

Little is known regarding the future reproductive decision-making of parents of children with rare genetic conditions. Our research draws on data from an online survey and qualitative photo-elicitation interviews with families living with Noonan Syndrome. We demonstrate how genetic knowledge and prenatal genetic testing become embedded in reproductive practices. Yet the idea of using selective genetic technologies to influence reproductive outcomes remains highly emotive. Our analysis reveals that for these parents, the rationalities of reproduction, although technologised and biomedicalised, remain centred on caring for their disabled child. Genetic subjectivities become entangled with responsibilities of care-giving and emotion tied to the realities of living with disability. We argue that for these parents, reproductive decisions are relational and affective, situated within families and communities and shaped by access to emotional, financial, physical and temporal resources. Our findings provide new insights into the ontologies of selective genetic technologies and reproductive governance in families living with disability.

Improved experimental scheme for the generation of pair coherent state in traveling-wave optical fields

Abstract Pair coherent state (PCS) is a two-mode non-Gaussian state recently generated within spatially confined superconducting cavities. Under typical conditions, it is unsuitable for performing global quantum missions in open space. Several methods have been proposed to generate this state with the capability to propagate unrestrictedly. However, these methods employed an excessive amount of unnecessary physical resources or relied on coherent displacement within the low regime. This paper presents a novel experimental approach to generate this state, specifically designed for facilitating long-distance quantum information processing and communication tasks. The method involves the utilization of two weak cross-Kerr nonlinear media, two balanced beam splitters, and an on/off photodetector. Furthermore, the input comprises three CSs with high amplitudes. These physical resources are potentially accessible within existing technology. The analysis of success probability and fidelity demonstrates that the PCS can be successfully generated with a high coherent parameter amplitude, even in scenarios where the photodetector efficiency is low, provided that the coherent amplitudes are sufficiently high.

Individually Perceived Parameters of Residential Infrastructure and Their Relationship with Cardiovascular Risk Factors

In modern medicine, studies devoted to the assessment of the parameters of residential infrastructure and the population’s attitude towards them have become quite large-scale. Objectives: The aim of the study was to establish associations between individually perceived parameters of residential infrastructure and the main modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, obesity, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism disorders) in one of the subjects of the Russian Federation. Methods: The epidemiological study “Study of the influence of social factors on chronic non-communicable diseases” started in 2015 and ended in 2023. The sample was formed by using the stratification method based on the assignment to a medical organization. The study included 1598 respondents aged 35 to 70 years (491 rural residents). The study of infrastructure parameters was conducted based on the subjective opinions of respondents using the neighborhood environment walkability scale (NEWS) questionnaire, divided into eight scales. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify associations between infrastructure parameters and cardiovascular risk factors; the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval were evaluated. Results: Individually perceived infrastructure parameters of the scale B, reflecting the accessibility of infrastructure facilities, were associated with hypertension [OR = 1.33], obesity [OR = 1.40], and abdominal obesity [OR = 1.59]. Elements of the social infrastructure of the scale C, describing the streets in the residential area, increased the likelihood of developing obesity [OR = 1.42] and visceral obesity [OR = 1.43]. The characteristics of the residential area, represented by the scale D that evaluates pedestrian infrastructure, were associated with all major cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension [OR = 1.65], obesity [OR = 1.62] and abdominal obesity [OR = 1.82], and disorders of lipid [OR = 1.41] and carbohydrate metabolism [OR = 1.44]). Conclusion: Social factors represented by various aspects of infrastructure have become important criteria for determining cardiovascular health. Environmental conditions affect cardiovascular risk factors through behavioral patterns that shape the respondent’s lifestyle. Interventions in urban planning—increasing accessibility to infrastructure facilities for the population, developing a pedestrian-friendly urban environment, improving physical activity resources in areas, planning recreation areas, and landscaping—can become the most important concept for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Revealing the Secrets of Metaverse Technology Adoption for Sustainable Performance via Dual-Stage SEM-ANN Analysis

The growing ubiquity of the metaverse among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) offers a game-changing chance for creative business plans and improved communication. This adoption reduces the consumption of physical resources and promotes an environmentally responsible business model in besides increasing operational efficiency. In accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UNDP, our study attempts to clarify how the metaverse might improve the sustainable performance of SMEs. We developed a comprehensive study model based on the diffusion of innovation (DOI) and technical organizational and environmental (TOE) paradigms. For data analysis a hybrid approach merging partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and artificial neural network (ANN) was implemented. The study highlights the crucial roles of relative advantage, value alignment, compatibility, and top management after analyzing data from 369 respondents across Chinese SMEs that was collected both physically and online. The understanding of decision-makers becomes evident as a crucial element impacting the adoption of metaverse and ensuing sustainable (social, economic, and environmental) outcomes. This study offers valuable insights on metaverse adoption and sustainable performance for Chinese SMEs. Additionally, it offers appropriate suggestions for managers of SMEs, policy makers, and metaverse developers.

'For me it's just the conversation:' responsive feeding influences among early childhood educators.

Early learning and childcare (ELCC) programmes play an important role in shaping children's eating behaviours and long-term health by establishing a responsive feeding environment that encompasses not only mealtime behaviours but also extends to play activities and language used throughout the day. Despite their potential benefits, many ELCC centres do not consistently implement responsive feeding behaviours, facing challenges with organisational and behavioural changes within these environments. This study aims to identify influences on responsive feeding behaviours among early childhood educators prior to an intervention. A qualitative study guided by the Behaviour Change Wheel framework and Capability Opportunity Motivation - Behaviour (COM-B) model. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted, recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was employed to identify themes, categorising them within the corresponding COM-B domains. Canada. Forty-one ELCC staff in various roles across eight centres from two provinces in eastern Canada. Fifteen influences, spanning across all six domains of the COM-B model, were identified, highlighting gaps in educators' knowledge and skills, varied approaches to food and feeding, and the interactions with children, parents, and co-workers on mealtimes dynamics. Additionally, costs, centre location and other physical resources emerged as enabling opportunities for responsive feeding behaviours. These findings offer a comprehensive exploration of the diverse factors influencing responsive feeding behaviours among educators, each varying in its potential for future behaviour change intervention.

Análise SWOT de uma experiência de estágio em Medicina Geral e Familiar na ilha de São Vicente em Cabo Verde

A 3-week internship at a health center in Cape Verde allowed a reflective analysis of the situation of Primary Health Care in the country. This experience is presented using the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis and an integrative literature review. The authors identified strengths (organization of appointments, accessibility to Nutrition and Psychology care, training of family doctors), weaknesses (child health surveillance, maternal health and family planning mostly carried out without the support of medical staff; lack of computerization; underuse of physical and human resources; shortage of materials; unavailability of certain medicines; the need to evacuate complex cases), opportunities (young population, openness to educational actions, growing interest of foreign doctors in doing internships in the country) and threats (geography, non-free family planning, socioeconomic conditions, cultural particularities). The authors hope that this study will contribute to a constructive approach that will help improve healthcare in Cape Verde.

Fostering adaptation to climate change among farmers in Pakistan: the influential role of farmers’ climate change knowledge and adaptive capacity

IntroductionAdaptation to climate change (ACC) is imperative to avoid deleterious consequences of climate change in agriculture. However, the uptake of adaptation measures has been slow among farmers because of low adaptive capacity (AC) in developing countries, particularly in Pakistan. Farmers and their supporting institutions have been successful in introducing technological innovations to respond and adapt to environmental challenges. The present study intended to determine the impact of farming technologies, along with human, financial, social, physical, natural, and climate information resources that support AC and hence ACC.MethodsThe study collected data from 360 farmers in Punjab through a multi-stage random sampling technique. A binary logit model and odds ratio were used to identify the factors affecting ACC. The study also utilized correlation tests to show the correlation between each pair of variables included in the analysis.ResultsThe results indicated that physical capital such as ownership of tube wells, transportation, and sowing and harvesting tools by the farmers builds farmers’ AC and consequently determines the ACC such as change crop variety (CCV), change crop type (CCT), change planting date (CPD), soil conservation (SC), water conservation (WC), and diversification strategies (DSs). The findings also revealed that human capital (age, education, family size, and labor), financial capital (off-farm employment, access to the marketing of produce, and agricultural credit), social capital (farmers-to-farmers extensions, access to extension services, and the farm association membership), and natural capital (land ownership, tenancy status, and the location of the farm) were importantly related to farm households’ ACC strategies. The odds (likelihood) of adaptation were higher for the users of farm technology as compared to non-users.DiscussionThe analysis conducted in this study showed that climate information resources amplify the adaptation to climate change: technology allows farming to be much more efficient, while climate change knowledge (CCK) self-motivates farmers to adopt more ACC measures. Our findings provide evidence that suggests the need to provide credits and financial support for farming technologies that speed up the ACC in the long run, while in the short run, climate information should be spread among farming communities.