Program Resources Research Articles

Genome-Wide Profiling of the Genes Resistant to Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in Pinus tabuliformis Carriere

Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is a pine wood nematode capable of destroying pine forests. Exploring the genes providing resistance to this pathogen and understanding their resistance mechanisms is thus necessary and constitutes an effective way to tackle this problem. We used Pinus tabuliformis Carriere to dissect its response to B. xylophilus strain BxFC. The 30 d inoculation results showed that the P. tabuliformis germplasms exhibited a wide resistance spectrum. Some lines were sensitive with the needles fully wilted and the MDA content and the relative conductivity of needles greatly increased, while some lines demonstrated strong resistance with good needle vigor and better physiological conditions. Moreover, the transcriptome analysis revealed 7928 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the resistant and sensitive germplasm pools, including 3754 upregulated and 4174 downregulated genes in the resistant lines. These DEGs were specially enriched in the pathways of plant–pathogen interaction (318 genes), phenylpropanoid biosynthesis (108 genes), ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis (47 genes), carotenoid biosynthesis (18 genes), and monoterpenoid biosynthesis (9 genes). Accordingly, P. tabuliformis utilized multiple ways to control the proliferation and activity of B. xylophilus, such as immune response, ubiquitination, thickening plant cell walls, and increasing its terpenoid and antioxidant contents. Our results could thus help in better understanding the resistance process of P. tabuliformis against B. xylophilus and offer some new strategies and gene resources for a molecular breeding program of resistant P. tabuliformis.

Genomic and Transcriptomic Analysis to Explore the Biological Characteristics of Cyclocybe chaxingu

Cyclocybe chaxingu is an edible wood-decaying fungus widely cultivated in China, valued for its nutritional and economic significance. Despite its importance, molecular and genetic breeding studies on C. chaxingu have been limited by the lack of comprehensive genomic information. In this study, we performed whole-genome sequencing of the type strain JAUCC1847 of C. chaxingu for the first time and conducted extensive genomic and transcriptomic analyses. We assembled a high-quality genome of the C. chaxingu strain C27, with a total length of 50.79 Mb and a GC content of 50.90%. Comparative genomic analysis revealed a close evolutionary relationship with species from the genera Agrocybe and Stropharia, suggesting a recent common ancestor. The high ANI values between C. chaxingu, Agrocybe chaxingu, and Agrocybe cylindracea indicate a close phylogenetic relationship, raising the possibility of synonymy among these strains. Genome annotation identified a rich array of 573 carbohydrate-active enzymes, highlighting the metabolic diversity of C. chaxingu, particularly in lignocellulose degradation. Comprehensive analysis of the A and B mating-type locus in C. chaxingu revealed the distribution and structural characteristics of mating-type genes, providing crucial genetic information for further studies on the reproductive biology of this species. Transcriptomic analysis revealed distinct gene expression patterns in mycelia, stipe, and cap, reflecting their functional specialization. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses demonstrated the stipe’s association with structural integrity and transport, while the cap is linked to metabolic activity, gene regulation, stress responses, and DNA repair. These insights clarify the taxonomic status of C. chaxingu, supporting its recognition within the genus Cyclocybe and providing a valuable resource for future research and breeding programs.

Assessing programming education needs of primary and secondary teachers in Guangxi border areas

The development of artificial intelligence (AI) education shows shortcomings in China’s border areas. To bridge the gap in programming education between border and developed regions, enhancing the programming instructional capacity of primary and secondary school educators in border areas has emerged as a key strategic priority. This study employed a questionnaire survey via an online educational platform targeting educators in the Guangxi border region, exploring the current state of programming education and the professional development needs of teachers in these areas. Through the analysis of teachers’ basic profiles, their participation in training, and their training needs, three key constraints are identified: (1) Gender, age, and fundamental differences in the programming proficiency of teachers across different regions; (2) programming training opportunities are scarce and unevenly distributed, with teachers’ training needs exhibiting distinct characteristics; (3) the shortage of programming resources represents a significant barrier to the development of programming education in border regions. This study suggests four strategic interventions: (1) an implementation strategy of precision training; (2) innovation in mixed training models; (3) adaptation and allocation of regional resources; and (4) systemic guarantees and ecological reconstruction. These recommendations and countermeasures aim to enhance the quality of educational and training programs in primary and secondary schools within border regions, providing practical guidance for the development of teacher training in underdeveloped regions with limited educational resources.

Ethyl Methanesulfonate Mutagenesis Conditions of Walnut Seeds and Preliminary Construction of Mutant Library

This study investigates the use of ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutagenesis to enhance the genetic traits of walnut seeds. By varying EMS concentrations, treatment times, and temperatures, optimal mutagenesis conditions are identified to construct a diverse mutant library. Phenotypic and genotypic analyses reveal mutants with superior characteristics, such as enhanced disease resistance, improved growth vigor, and higher yield potential. These mutants contribute valuable genetic resources for walnut improvement programs. The findings offer an effective method to enhance walnut seed quality and yield, potentially increasing farmers' income and supporting sustainable agriculture. Additionally, the study highlights the potential of EMS mutagenesis as a practical tool for accelerating breeding programs and generating genetic diversity in walnut populations.

Current trends in anatomy course characteristics across US physician assistant programs.

Anatomy is a required curricular component within physician assistant (PA) programs, but the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) does not regulate specific course characteristics such as how or when anatomy is taught or the inclusion or type of specific laboratory approaches. The growing number of newly accredited PA programs could impact trends in these and other course characteristics. This project presents descriptive and correlational outcomes of US PA programs and their anatomy course characteristics. Program names and year of initial accreditation were obtained from the ARC-PA website for currently accredited programs. Two independent evaluators reviewed and extracted data from each program website related to term(s) anatomy was taught, whether anatomy was taught independently or combined with other subjects, the instructional format of lab components, and anatomy credit hours. Additional contextual measures included the term system used, overall program and didactic curriculum lengths, and program credit hours. Summary and inferential statistics were used to test relationships between these data. Most anatomy courses are taught independently and in a single term, and the number of newly accredited PA programs since 2019 did not shift emphases on laboratory instruction. Programs averaged 5.5 credit hours for anatomy, but averages differed between semester versus quarter-system courses, independent anatomy courses versus courses that combined anatomy with other subjects, and courses that used dissection versus prosection laboratory instruction. Broad variation in program and course characteristics aligns with previous findings that local curricular decisions are made according to program and institution resources and constraints.

Improving the Methodology for Developing Information Competence of Future Primary School Teachers in The Context of Digital Education

The rapid digitalization of education necessitates a fresh look at teacher training programs, especially with regard to enhancing information competence among future primary school teachers. This article examines the current challenges in teacher education related to the integration of digital tools into pedagogical practice and offers methodological insights on the development of information competence. The research focuses on how different teaching strategies and digital resources can be implemented to foster information-searching and problem-solving skills. The study employed an experimental methodology with a control and experimental group, highlighting how structured exposure to digital resources strengthens future teachers’ technology-based instructional approaches. The findings suggest that a refined methodology, emphasizing both theoretical foundations and hands-on activities, significantly improves the information competence of teacher candidates. The article concludes that a systematic integration of digital resources in teacher education programs positively impacts the pedagogical skills of future primary school teachers, thus contributing to a more dynamic and interactive learning environment for young students.

Planning and resource allocation models in research‐intensive universities: budget allocation and the search for excellence

Research universities worldwide operate in an environment of constant change, with multiple missions, highlighting the importance of efficient and effective management of their financial resources. One of the significant concerns is the allocation of resources in budget programmes that promote institutional objectives of strategic planning related to academic excellence and socioeconomic relevance. In this context, research university managers seek to employ strategies to address this issue. The research question addressed in this article refers to whether institutional planning, linked to the allocation of resources in academic units, may contribute to promoting excellence and relevance inside academic units. This article provides an update on how research universities worldwide have approached this issue and presents a case study using data from one of the most prominent research universities in Latin America. The article examines budget allocation models and indicators with a specific emphasis on institutional strategies within the Global South. Using mathematical analysis, we propose a novel model that demonstrates the relationship between institutional strategic objectives in budget programmes and the results of each academic unit, with flexibility while preserving their particularities in terms of missions and areas of knowledge. This model allows the university and the academic units themselves to prioritise their indicators. The university can then use its budget to encourage units to move in a direction that is in the interest of the university as a whole and the units themselves.

Influence of parental background on growth, fruit size and shelf life in F1 NIL Sletr1-2 tomatoes

Sletr1-2 is a tomato mutant known for its extended fruit shelf life, making it a valuable genetic resource for plant breeding programs. However, its small fruit size limits its commercial viability. To address this limitation, NIL Sletr1-2 has been developed, integrating the long shelf-life trait of Sletr1-2 with improved fruit size, offering new opportunities for commercial tomato production and genetic improvement. The objective of this study was to identify and characterize the growth, and fruit shelf life of three generations of F1 NIL-Sletr1-2 tomatoes generation. NIL Sletr1-2 tomatoes were crossed with three commercial tomato varieties, namely Costoluto, Oxheart, and Sart Roloise to obtain the F1 generation. The results showed that there were differences in growth and yield characteristics of the three generations of F1 NIL Sletr1-2. NIL Sletr1-2 crossed with Oxheart produced the tallest plants and the most flowers, but lower leaf number, while the largest fruit was obtained from NIL Sletr1-2 crossed with Sart Roloise. NIL Sletr1-2 crossed with Sart Roloise and Oxheart had a longer fruit shelf life, which was 6.47 and 6.60 days longer than Costoluto. The addition of exogenous ethylene did not significantly affect the decrease in fruit shelf life of the three F1 NIL Sletr1-2 generations.

Effect of Program Planning Practices on Program Performance: A Case of Vision Umurenge Programme in Gasabo District, Rwanda

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of project planning practices on performance of Vision Umurenge Programmes (VUP) in Gasabo District, specially to assess the effect of project human resource planning on VUP performance, to examine the effect of risk planning on VUP performance and to examine the effect of time planning on VUP performance in Gasabo district. The theories that guided this study were the goal settings, resource-based view and the theory of constraints. The study adopted descriptive and correlational research design in addressing the statement of the problem. Questionnaire and interview guides were used to collect data from 97 respondents selected from a population of 26,593 using census and simple random sampling techniques. A census method and simple random sampling were used to get sample for the study. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics methods using statistical SPSS. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The study results showed that that human resource planning rates had an overall mean of (4.01˂4.32˂5.00) which indicates a very high mean and standard deviation of (0.848˃0.5) which indicates a no-homogeneity in responses. The overall descriptive statistic mean of risk planning was (4.01˂4.29˂5.00) an indication very high mean and standard deviation of (0.823˃0.5) an indication of homogeneity in responses. The overall time planning mean was (4.01˂4.29˂5.00) an indication of very high mean and standard deviation of (0.848˃0.5) an indication of no-homogeneity in responses. The study further found that in the regression model the association between human resource planning and program performance was positive and significant effect (R=0.563, sig=0.000˂0.05). It was evident that there is a positive association and significant effect between risk planning and program performance (R=0.294, sig=0.005˂0.05), and there was a positive association and significant effect between time planning and program performance (R=0.601, sig=0.000˂0.05). The study concludes that program human resources planning, risk planning and time planning significantly contribute to predicting and positively influencing Vision Umurenge Programme in Gasabo district. The study suggests that local authorities should provide adequate training to human resources, address diverting cash for beneficiaries to unplanned activities, and assess their graduation. It also recommends that beneficiaries should understand the types of VUP components. Risk planning is crucial for program performance, and project scope should be used to estimate risk, with the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) linked to the project plan. Accurate activity sequencing is essential for accurate and achievable schedules. Regular checks and controls are crucial for early identification of deviations, allowing the project team to take necessary actions.

124 Collaborative method to improve investigator assistance for study planning

Objectives/Goals: Planning research studies can be daunting for early-career investigators. The UW Madison Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR) has many services to assist, but navigating them can be convoluted. Therefore, we developed a method to streamline services for investigators. Methods/Study Population: Investigators were reaching out to ICTR research support services for assistance in the wrong order, delaying their study progress. To streamline ICTR services and improve investigator support, we developed the ICTR COllaborative Network (ICON) that meets weekly to discuss investigator needs and how best ICTR services can assist them. This group consists of members from ICTR’s Research and Protocol Development Program, the Recruitment and Retention Resource Center, and the Collaborative Center for Health Equity. After discussion and decision-making, a member of the group schedules a studio, bringing key services together at one time to help investigators more efficiently. Results/Anticipated Results: The group has worked with 22 investigators, decreasing the time to study implementation. One investigator indicated ICON saved her team over four months of work. Other investigators indicated the assistance with finding community partners and collaborators was essential to their success. We expect ICON, with its goal to streamline regulatory submissions and study planning, will continue to help investigators improve organization during study start up and execution, while enhancing recruitment strategies. This will result in quicker study completion and the capability to move forward with future projects and grant submissions. Discussion/Significance of Impact: ICON streamlined the consult process, improved efficiency of study planning, and brought together various experts for studio meetings with investigators. This efficient method can improve study function and execution for early-career investigators resulting in improved study success.

363 The art and science of data navigation for translational research

Objectives/Goals: Translational researchers spend significant amounts of time finding available datasets and other research data resources for their purposes. Objectives of this program are develop and evaluate a multipronged approach to supporting researchers with existing data resources. Methods/Study Population: We established a dedicated service with expertise in data resources to increase awareness, understanding, and utilization of existing data resources. This program assists investigators and trainees discover appropriate data resources, formulate scientific problems in computable formats, advise on state-of-the-art data analytics, data management, build collaborations, mentor data users, and develop a service pipeline for streamlined data resource project management. This is accomplished through these essential functions: (1) Discover, catalog, document, and manage metadata resources, (2) train and present data resources to the research community, (3) provide individual consultations, and (4) explore and assess novel data resources. Results/Anticipated Results: In a phased approach, the data navigation program is performing outreach to the research community and integrating with existing data efforts on campus, presenting and demonstrating existing data resources, established a consultation service, and building core competencies into long-term usage and navigation of resources across campus. Evaluating the program monthly has shown an increase in various metrics for evaluating commitment and engagement including number of requests for access to data resource, consultations, publications and presentations, co-authorship, and proposals. Unawareness and inappropriate use of data resources leads to delays in performing research and potentially unnecessary duplications of efforts. Discussion/Significance of Impact: Our data navigation program has increased use of data resources in research. Next steps are to continue evaluation and further streamline informatics approaches to data discovery, abstraction, formulation, and analysis. Harmonized data resource programs are important translational science approach to foster the next generation of research.

Evaluating common bean elite lines in two contrasting ecologies of north India: eco-phenological dynamics and environment relations to crop yields.

Common bean is traditionally cultivated in the hilly regions of India, but recent breeding efforts aim to introduce this crop into non-traditional plain areas. In this study, twenty-nine exotic common bean lines, along with three local checks, were evaluated using an augmented design in Shimla (Northern Hill Zone, NHZ) during rainy season (July-November) and in Kanpur (Northern Plain Zone, NPZ) during winter (November-March) across two consecutive years (2020-2022). The study objective was to evaluate site-specific genotypic responses to environmental factors, eco-phenological dynamics, genotype-by-environment interactions, and identify superior exotic breeding lines of common bean. Results indicated that crop yield in NPZ was 33-41% lower compared to NHZ. The vegetative and reproductive phases were extended by 7.8-8.7 days and 5.3-6.7 days, respectively, in NPZ compared to NHZ. Notably, minimum temperatures during flowering (TMINF) and the reproductive period (TMINR), along with relative humidity, showed significant positive associations with yield, highlighting the crop's sensitivity to low temperatures in NPZ. Multivariate analysis revealed that extended crop duration and lower TMINF and TMINR negatively affected yield. Linear mixed-model analysis confirmed that variation in crop-stage-specific temperatures and the lengths of vegetative and reproductive phases, driven by environmental factors, significantly influenced crop yield. The accessions EC931971, EC931452, and ARUN, which exhibited longer reproductive phases, higher seed weight, and more pods plant- 1, were identified as high-yielding and stable lines. The study suggests that breeding for low-temperature tolerance is crucial for improving yields in NPZ, and the identified exotic lines could be valuable genetic resources for crop improvement programs.

Integrated Transcriptome and Metabolome Analyses Reveal Candidate Genes Associate with Phenolic Compound Biosynthesis in Different Varieties of Perilla frutescens.

Perilla frutescens (Perilla) has great potential for utilization in food and medicine due to the abundance of secondary metabolites, especially phenolic compounds. However, the molecular mechanism underlying phenolic compound synthesis in perilla remains poorly understood. By targeted metabolome analysis, we found nine differentially accumulated metabolites among QS2, QS6, and QO7 leaves and nine unique metabolites which only exist in QS6. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis showed the differential expression genes (DEGs) were significantly enriched into phenylpropanoid- and flavonoid-related pathways. Moreover, the integrated transcriptome and metabolome analyses indicated 14 candidates highly correlated with phenolic compound biosynthesis. In addition, phenylpropanoid- and flavonoid-biosynthesis-related DEGs, including one PAL, one CYP73A, one 4CL, two CHI, two F3H, one FLS, three CHS, two CYP75B1, one ANS, and two DFR, were isolated. The results in this study provide useful information for the metabolic regulation of phenolic compounds and serve as essential gene resources for future breeding programs.

Healthcare providers' perspectives on the organization of health services to manage people with multiple long-term conditions in primary care settings in Kerala, India: a qualitative exploratory study.

Multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs) are a major public health challenge globally. Complexity in managing MLTCs and their adverse consequences confronts the public healthcare systems in India. However, data from India to understand how to improve capacity to manage multiple chronic conditions are limited. We aimed to explore the challenges healthcare providers (HCPs) face in managing people with MLTCs in a south Indian primary care setting. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with HCPs in four districts of Kerala, India. Key themes and sub-themes were identified using the Framework method for thematic analysis. We categorized the systemic drivers that influenced management of patients with MLTCs in the government primary care settings as health system, organizational and individual HCPs, and patient-levels. 33 in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted. Two main themes with sub-themes were found: multimorbidity preparedness (program and human resource planning; treatment guidelines and protocols; combination medicines; and handover communication between HCPs), multimorbidity care competence (awareness, implementation, and practices; attitudes of HCPs; and multimorbidity patient characteristics). Management of MLTCs at primary care was facilitated by the presence of programs for chronic respiratory conditions and depression, perceived value of electronic health records, awareness of HCPs regarding programs and patients' needs. However, several challenges at the health system level including lack of long-term planning, treatment guidelines and combination medicines, leading to fragmentation of care and poor program implementation and uptake by HCPs and patients. Our study confirms sub-optimal health system preparedness and highlights the challenges for a transitioning primary care for managing people with MLTCs in one of India's states with a well-developed healthcare system. Our results suggest a need for improved planning and re-organization of primary health services with ongoing training support for HCPs.

The Co-design of the Dementia Lifestyle Intervention to get healthy together (DELIGHT) program: An authentic partnership approach.

Improving supports to enhance wellbeing of people living with dementia is a priority. Engaging people living with dementia, care partners, and other stakeholders in development of interventions increases the likelihood they will be relevant and impactful. We describe the participatory approach used to co-design the Dementia Lifestyle Intervention for Getting Healthy Together (DELIGHT) program, which aims to promote the health and wellbeing of people living with dementia and care partners. The DELIGHT project was guided by a team of researchers, people living with dementia, care partners, and an Alzheimer Society representative. The co-design team included additional people living with dementia, care partners, exercise professionals, dietitians, health care professionals, and community service providers (n = 29). The co-design was planned for in-person but was transitioned to six online, 1.5-h sessions due to COVID-19 related restrictions. We used breakout rooms for discussion, with people living with dementia in each breakout room. Co-design meetings focused on identifying target population and outcomes and developing program components and structure. Two or three guiding questions focused discussion in each meeting. The final co-design session focused on the overall structure of the DELIGHT program. Program resources were iteratively designed with the research team, co-design team, and other external stakeholders. The result of the co-design process was the DELIGHT program, an 8-week, twice weekly program designed to promote living well with dementia for people living with dementia and care partners. Each session includes 50-60 minutes of exercise and 20-30 minutes of facilitated, shared learning with an associated resource. A healthy snack may be offered. Shared learning focuses on healthy eating, sleeping well, mental well-being, social connection, and physical activity. Our vision is that the co-designed DELIGHT program will promote the health and wellbeing of people living with dementia and care partners, increasing the likelihood of living well with dementia.

Genomic Insights Into the Origin, Decline and Recovery of the Once Critically Endangered Iberian Lynx.

The Iberian lynx was at the brink of extinction by the year 2000 but has since then, and thanks to intensive conservation measures, gone through a remarkable recovery, providing a much-welcomed and encouraging conservation success story. Genetic issues have probably contributed to the decline in the past, and the genetic management of inbreeding and genetic diversity is likely contributing to its recent recovery. The species was an early adopter of genetic and genomic approaches, and the combination of an extreme decline, an intensive monitoring and management programme and extensive genomic resources and data makes the Iberian lynx an excellent model for conservation genomics. Here, we review how genetic and genomic data have contributed to the knowledge of the species evolutionary and demographic history, the evaluation of the genetic status of the species through time, including historical and ancient data, and how this information has prompted and guided conservation actions. In the process, genomics provided valuable insights into the dynamics of functional variation in bottlenecked populations and the consequences of intraspecific and interspecific admixtures. In more applied terms, the species is subjected to an ambitious genetic monitoring and management programme, covering captive, remnant and reintroduced populations, which has succeeded in improving the genetic status of the species and thereby contributed to its recovery. Current genomic work aims at expanding these contributions with novel genomic resources and data whilecapitalising on extensive demographic and genealogical data provided by the ongoing non-invasive genetic monitoring programme.

Evaluation of Tatanen di Bale Atikan-Based Extracurricular Environmental Education Program

This study evaluates the Tatanen extracurricular program at Bale Atikan (TdBA) in Purwakarta elementary schools using the CIPP (Context, Input, Process, Product) evaluation model. The assessment examines program effectiveness, student impact, and resource efficiency through a mixed-method approach. A quantitative survey of 187 teachers from 12 schools was conducted alongside qualitative analysis via interviews, observations, and document studies. The findings indicate that the program aligns with the Merdeka Curriculum and Strengthening the Pancasila Student Profile (P5) and is supported by local regulations. The input aspect scored 4.78 (95.50%), highlighting strong curriculum design, student readiness, and instructor availability, though improvements in teaching materials and infrastructure are needed. The process evaluation yielded a 4.81 (96.11%) score, demonstrating effective project-based learning, though challenges in time management and teacher mentoring persist. In terms of product, TdBA significantly enhances ecological awareness (4.83 or 96.67%), fosters innovation (4.75 or 95.00%), and contributes to environmental preservation (4.88 or 97.50%), averaging 4.82 (96.39%). This study provides a framework for evaluating local wisdom-based programs and offers insights for policymakers to support environmental education and expand similar initiatives in other schools.

Large‐Scale Ocean‐Atmosphere Interactions Drive Phytoplankton Accumulation in the Northern Antarctic Peninsula

AbstractThe northern Antarctic Peninsula (NAP) region is a highly productive ecosystem that supports a large krill‐based food web. In summer 2006, the NAP region had substantially elevated phytoplankton biomass, with surface chlorophyll‐a concentrations that reached the greatest level during 2001–2023. Using the long‐term in situ data from the U.S. Antarctic Marine Living Resources program, satellite observations, and ERA5 reanalysis products, the mechanisms of the elevated chlorophyll‐a anomalies in summer 2006 were analyzed. The results suggest that the position of the Amundsen Sea Low (ASL) shifted considerably westward that summer, resulting in strong positive sea level pressure anomalies west of the NAP, which induced southerly wind anomalies and reduced the advection of moist airflow toward the NAP. This in turn reduced the cloud coverage and increased photosynthetically available radiation over this region, which directly increased the phytoplankton photosynthesis. The intensified radiation also increased the ocean temperature and strengthened stratification, which increased phytoplankton growth rates and allowed phytoplankton to accumulate in the upper euphotic zone. This work underlines the important role of coupled atmospheric‐oceanic processes in generating large phytoplankton biomass in the NAP region.

Process evaluation of quality of precancerous cervical lesion screening program in selected public health centers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Process evaluation of quality of precancerous cervical lesion screening program in selected public health centers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The Exclusivity of 'Vulnerable': Exploring How a Canadian Community Dental Clinic Defines and Describes Its Targeted Population.

Addressing inequitable oral health access is a global priority. In Canada, community dental clinics (CDCs) play a crucial role in this endeavour, yet limited resources necessitate strategically targeting communities for interventions. Various methods exist for defining communities and measuring outcomes, but how CDCs determine their target populations is under-researched. This study aimed to explore how decision-makers planning an inner-city CDC define the population they intend to serve. Data was collected through key informant interviews, document analysis, and field observations. Purposive sampling was employed to select key informants and documents related to clinic planning and design. The researcher was immersed in the data throughout the study, which underwent inductive content analysis facilitated by NVivo software. Analysis included semi-structured key informant interviews (n = 11), textual data from public sources and key informants (n = 9), and field observations totalling 275 hoursover 1 year (2020-2021). Key informants agreed that the clinic served a "vulnerable" population, but definitions of "vulnerable" varied. Initial coding revealed two distinct patient groups with differing portrayals. Based on five patient characteristics Sossauer etal. (2019) described, one group was portrayed positively, while the other was depicted negatively. This study underscores the necessity of establishing a shared understanding of "vulnerability" in interdisciplinary projects like the CDC examined here. Assumptions about community groups hold significant consequences, shaping resource allocation, programme implementation, and policy decisions. It is imperative to critically assess who is making these decisions, their conception of vulnerability, and the repercussions of these beliefs on affected communities.