Regular Practice Research Articles

Female blind baseball players against gender discrimination: the "red diamonds" experience.

Sport has the well-known power of improving body awareness, self-esteem, and social interaction, thus promoting quality of life and psychophysical wellbeing. Specifically referring to adapted disciplines, habitual practice often becomes an effective integration and self-efficacy booster. Among disabilities, visual impairment deeply alters body image perception, autonomy, and environmental/social interaction heavily reducing sport or leisure involvement opportunities. In particular, visually impaired women represent one of the most vulnerable categories to gender and disability discrimination. Moreover, even when congenitally sightless, they perceive social pressure of mainstream beauty ideals, mostly spread by media, comparable to their sighted peers. On these premises and the previously demonstrated psychophysical benefits of Italian blind baseball practice on this target population, the present study aimed to deepen the social and educative potentialities of such adapted sport applying a more sociological research approach. The "red diamonds" event, namely, the first ever female blind baseball match, was the setting for the administration of our structured online survey. In detail, our survey comprised different evaluation tools such as the 18-item Psychological Well-Being Scale, the 12-item Short Form questionnaire, the Dresden Body Image questionnaire, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and sociological model designed questions. Quality of life, psychological wellbeing, self-esteem, body image, and perceived female sport psychological violence were investigated in the whole women sample (n = 33) voluntarily adhering to the game. Survey results revealed no statistically significant differences between visually impaired players (n = 13; mean age: 32.84 ± 12.05 years) and sighted on-field subjects (i.e., coaches, assistants, and referees; n = 20; mean age: 47.15 ± 12.31 years) in almost all the inquired variables, thus remarking the social and functional benefits of adapted sport through the "dual embodiment" and empowerment phenomenon. Given that the event was inspired by and performed on the World Day against women violence, our study deepened not only the topic of disability discrimination but also the currently alarming gender-related one. In such a context, the present research might provide interesting cues for further investigations on disability and gender disparities in sports, hence spreading interest in this under-investigated field. In perspective, the "red diamonds" experience could also contribute to inspiring and progressively developing educative tools against any kind of discrimination by promoting integration and social growth through regular sports practice.

Women's Perspective on Self-Breast Examination.

Background Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women in the world. Timely detection is important to reduce the rate of deaths. Among the various screening modalities, self-breast examination is suggested as an easy, inexpensive method, especially in low-resource settings. Objective To understand women's perspective on self-breast examination and analyze the benefits and barriers of self-breast examination. Method The total number of study participants was 100. After obtaining informed consent, the study participants were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire on their perspective towards self-breast examination along with the benefits and barriers of performing the examination. Results Among the study participants, 66% of women were aware of self-breast examination. Only 8% were aware of the age to begin self-breast examination. Lack of privacy was considered as a barrier in 18% of women and embarrassment as a barrier was 14%. Almost all (99%) agreed that completing a self-breast examination each month may help them find breast lumps early. Conclusion The participants were reasonably aware of the term self-breast examination. But the clearcut procedure, the age to begin the examination and changes to be picked up on the examination were all unknown and hence must be emphasized at the society level. Overcoming the barriers and accepting the benefits of self-breast examinations are necessary to adopt this examination as a regular practice.

The effect of self-hypnosis on anxiety level and self-efficacy of pregnant women in dealing with childbirth during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has become a multidimensional disaster, affecting various countries, including Indonesia. Adaptation is crucial in addressing the physical and mental health challenges within communities, which includes the adaptation of pregnant women who are preparing for childbirth amidst the pandemic with the aim of reducing maternal mortality rates in Indonesia. This research aimed to assess the impact of self-hypnosis on the anxiety levels and self-efficacy of pregnant women preparing for childbirth during COVID-19. The study utilized a quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test measures. It involved 30 respondents in both the control and intervention groups, who were selected through consecutive sampling. Anxiety levels were measured using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS), while self-efficacy was assessed with the New General Self-Efficacy Scale. Data analysis employed paired t-tests and independent t-tests, with the significance level set at p<0.05. The results indicated a significant difference in anxiety levels and self-efficacy between the control and intervention groups, with a p-value of 0.000. Regular self-hypnosis practice positively influenced both anxiety levels and self-efficacy among pregnant women preparing for childbirth during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Critical reflections on formal teaching observations.

Formal teaching observations not only have an essential role in the visibility of teaching and learning but also allow for constructive, critical feedback for improvement. In both nursing and teaching, there is an emphasis on the need for efficient, regular reflective practice; this not to identify negative aspects but to transform professional practice. This article provides a personal insight into formal teaching observations, and themes arising from them of motivation, the teacher's voice, the use of abbreviations and acronyms and the use of exemplars, using a critical reflective approach.

The Influence of Orthodontic Treatment on Periodontal Health between Challenge and Synergy: A Narrative Review.

By correctly repositioning teeth, orthodontic therapy improves both the function and appearance of an occlusion. The relationship between teeth and the tissues that surround and support them significantly influences these alterations. With ever more adults seeking orthodontic care, orthodontists are increasingly seeing patients with periodontal issues. Concerns about the patient's appearance, such as uneven gingival margins or functional issues caused by inflammatory periodontal diseases, should be accounted for when designing orthodontic treatment plans. Furthermore, orthodontics may increase the chances of saving and recovering a degraded dentition in cases of severe periodontitis. Today, general dentists, dontists, and orthodontists play integrative roles that enable them to achieve the best possible results for their patients. This review will improve the results of interdisciplinary treatments and increase cooperation between dental specialists by drawing attention to the essential connection between orthodontics and periodontics in regular clinical practice.

Perceptions and experiences of adult caregivers receiving mindfulness-based behavioural education: A qualitative study.

Adult caregivers (ACGs) are largely responsible for caring for their family members, which can increase their stress levels. This increased stress makes them more susceptible to chronic illnesses. The adoption of health-promoting behaviours, particularly through mindfulness-based behavioural education (MBBE), can significantly impact the daily habits of ACGs. However, there is limited research on this topic in the context of Thailand. Thus, this study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of ACGs receiving MBBE, focusing on physical, mental, social and other influential factors. A qualitative study was conducted among 19 ACGs living in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and observations were conducted. The FGDs were digitally recorded, and their contents were analysed. The ACGs were found to perceive and experience improvements in their mental stability and habitual behaviour. These improvements manifested as increased calmness, relaxation, clear communication, empathy, reduced risky behaviour, decreased desire for excessive consumption and travel and reduced pain. Furthermore, mindful behaviour was influenced by both internal and external personal factors as well as the specific situational environment. MBBE could lead to an increase in promotional behaviour, especially when combined with awareness, self-recollection and a self-efficacy approach. This finding encourages health personnel to consider incorporating regular skill practice as a complement to health education.

Effectiveness of aerobic training with blood flow restriction and ischemic preconditioning on anaerobic performance

The aim of the study was to analyze the effectiveness of aerobic training (AT) with restricted blood flow (BFR+AT) and ischemic preconditioning (PCI+AT) on the anaerobic performance of non-exercising individuals. This is a longitudinal study, with a sample of 23 sedentary men (age= 30.0 ± 5.57 years; = 1.77 ± 0.07 m; body mass= 91.10 ± 18.66 kg), who underwent specific aerobic power tests in vertical cycloergometer, step and treadmill. An aerobic training program was carried out for 4 weeks. The subjects were randomized into three groups: BFR+AT: continuous at 50% of the auscultatory pulse; PCI+AT: three cycles of 05' min of vascular occlusion/reperfusion at 220 mmHg; Control: AT without BFR. All groups performed the same training (6' min per ergometer with 45" min interval at an intensity of 50% of VO2max). Anaerobic performance was verified using the RAST TEST, analyzing the measurements of lactate (La), peak power (PP) and fatigue index (%F). There were significant differences in La Pre vs Post levels (∆ =40%) in the PCI group; an increase was noted in PP (∆=23%) compared to the other groups; there was no significant difference in any of the groups in the F variable. However, there was a greater tendency to fatigue in the Control group (∆=23%). Aerobic training with restricted blood flow and ischemic preconditioning has been shown to be effective in improving anaerobic performance, considering lactate levels, peak power. However, the fatigue index showed a greater tendency of decreasing fatigue, thus improving the anaerobic capacity of individuals without regular physical practice.

Comprehensive Analysis of Ferrocement-Strengthened Reinforced Concrete Beam

Starting with the premise that the choice of the optimal method for strengthening reinforced concrete (RC) structures is a complex task and that ferrocement strengthening is comparable to other advanced strengthening technologies due to its cost-effectiveness, ease of construction, and durability, this paper presents a comparative study of the flexural bearing capacity of RC beams strengthened with ferrocement strips applied by gluing. An overview of the life cycle assessment (LCA) based on embodied energy or CO2 is presented in the introduction, based on the existing literature review. The research includes tests of 15 RC beams of identical cross-sections (150/250 mm) and a span of 3000 mm. Strengthening was conducted by applying four types of ferrocement strips (different widths and wire mesh layers). Two factors were examined: the verification of the comprehensive FEM numerical model against the experimental results and the applicability of existing simplified calculation methods for sufficiently accurate results which could be used in regular practice. The results show that the failure forces obtained from numerical models and experimental models differ by no more than 3.94%. The increase in the bearing capacity of the strengthened models is up to 21.4%. The transformed area method for the cracked section showed good results when compared to the FEM and experimental models. The analytically calculated failure force is contingent upon the partial factor for variable action, which was explored within the 1.5–1.7 range.

Effects of Regular Exercise on the Biochemical, Oxidative, and Inflammatory Profiles and Quality of Life in Older Spaniards with Metabolic Syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The regular practice of physical activity is a crucial factor for healthy aging and for controlling and preventing chronic diseases. To assess the effects of regular physical activity on the biochemical and inflammatory profiles, as well as the quality of life of older adults diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. Participants (aged 55-70 years; living in the Balearic Islands, Spain) were divided into two groups (n = 50 each) according to the degree of physical activity measured by metabolic equivalents of task (METs). Anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, biochemical and hematological parameters, and inflammatory biomarkers were measured. Beck Depression Inventory and adherence to the Mediterranean diet questionnaires, as well as the Dietary Inflammatory Index, chair test, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity, were also determined. The characterization of the patients was similar in both groups, showing a homogeneous sample. The group with the highest METs experienced a decrease in depression and an increase in the intensity of physical activity. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and HRQoL physical dimensions increased in participants with the highest METs, also showing a decrease in glycemia and glycosylated hemoglobin values. Inflammatory biomarkers, including tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, and osteoprotegerin, decreased in patients practicing more physical activity. High levels of physical activity are related to a healthier lifestyle, characterized by high adherence to the Mediterranean diet, decreased depressive behavior, oxidative stress, and inflammatory status in older people with metabolic syndrome.

Exemplar Hospital initiation trial to Enhance Treatment Engagement (EXHIT ENTRE): protocol for CTN-0098B a randomized implementation study to support hospitals in caring for patients with opioid use disorder

BackgroundHospitalizations involving opioid use disorder (OUD) are increasing. Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) reduce mortality and acute care utilization. Hospitalization is a reachable moment for initiating MOUD and arranging for ongoing MOUD engagement following hospital discharge. Despite existing quality metrics for MOUD initiation and engagement, few hospitals provide hospital based opioid treatment (HBOT). This protocol describes a cluster-randomized hybrid type-2 implementation study comparing low-intensity and high-intensity implementation support strategies to help community hospitals implement HBOT.MethodsFour state implementation hubs with expertise in initiating HBOT programs will provide implementation support to 24 community hospitals (6 hospitals/hub) interested in starting HBOT. Community hospitals will be randomized to 24-months of either a low-intensity intervention (distribution of an HBOT best-practice manual, a lecture series based on the manual, referral to publicly available resources, and on-demand technical assistance) or a high-intensity intervention (the low-intensity intervention plus funding for a hospital HBOT champion and regular practice facilitation sessions with an expert hub). The primary efficacy outcome, adapted from the National Committee on Quality Assurance, is the proportion of patients engaged in MOUD 34-days following hospital discharge. Secondary and exploratory outcomes include acute care utilization, non-fatal overdose, death, MOUD engagement at various time points, hospital length of stay, and discharges against medical advice. Primary, secondary, and exploratory outcomes will be derived from state Medicaid data. Implementation outcomes, barriers, and facilitators are assessed via longitudinal surveys, qualitative interviews, practice facilitation contact logs, and HBOT sustainability metrics. We hypothesize that the proportion of patients receiving care at hospitals randomized to the high-intensity arm will have greater MOUD engagement following hospital discharge.DiscussionInitiation of MOUD during hospitalization improves MOUD engagement post hospitalization. Few studies, however, have tested different implementation strategies on HBOT uptake, outcome, and sustainability and only one to date has tested implementation of a specific type of HBOT (addiction consultation services). This cluster-randomized study comparing different intensities of HBOT implementation support will inform hospitals and policymakers in identifying effective strategies for promoting HBOT dissemination and adoption in community hospitals.Trial registrationNCT04921787.

Deep transfer learning technique to detect white blood cell classification in regular clinical practice using histopathological images

Deep transfer learning technique to detect white blood cell classification in regular clinical practice using histopathological images

Benchmarking Relevance for Hospital Design and Planning: An International Web-Based Survey.

The study aims to investigate what design practitioners and healthcare facility managers deem as important benchmarking metrics worldwide, investigating country differences in benchmarking usage and which metrics are prioritized. Benchmarking is a regular practice in the healthcare sector, both for clinical and managerial aspects to compare, measure, and improve standardized processes. However, limited knowledge is available about benchmarking procedures in hospital planning, design, and construction. A web-based survey was designed, revised, and pilot-tested in five countries; it was adjusted according to local experts' suggestions and submitted globally via SoSci multilingual platform to persons involved in hospital design, research, construction, and facility management. It was composed of closed questions on 5-point Likert-type scale ranking frequency or importance and open-ended questions divided into six sections. Two hundred and eighty full responses have been collected. Statistical analysis was performed via PowerBI and R-Studio, while qualitative analysis was performed via MAXQDA. The findings reported allow for both specific insights per each country or category as well as enabling general considerations of a practice that is becoming always more international with 30%-50% of respondents working in the international context. The evaluation of the survey highlights the most important benchmarks, among others. For example, for respondents from the top five countries (Sweden, Spain, Germany, Italy, and the United States), the most important metric for benchmark comparability is whether the project was new construction, new construction attached to an existing hospital, or interior renovation. Construction date, client type (public vs. private), and country of location were also generally rated as the most important metrics by respondents. Other metrics that were consistently rated as important globally included inpatient unit layout, walking distances, number of floors, and whether all patient rooms are private. Space-related metrics are considered very important elements in the design and planning of healthcare facilities worldwide. Regarding cost-related metrics, all countries consider the ratio construction cost per building gross area as the most important. Benchmarking emerges as a relevant tool for hospital design and planning as it can support efficiency, standardization, and confidence; currently, benchmarking is still underutilized due to the challenge of international comparison, access to data outside each specific company, and variation design metrics nationally. Benchmarking strategies should be further investigated to support knowledge exchange and to ensure reliable and comparable information globally.

Reduce stress and the risk of burnout by using yoga techniques. Pilot study.

This article examines the effectiveness of yoga in managing stress, with a particular focus on work-related stress. Yoga combines physical postures, breath control, and meditation, and has gained recognition for its potential to relieve stress. This study aimed to investigate the motivating factors behind individuals adopting yoga exercises and to assess the effects of regular yoga practice, with a particular focus on age-related differences. Additionally, we aimed to compare participants' expectations with the actual results of their yoga practice. To achieve this, we conducted a comprehensive survey using an online form, which was completed by 520 yoga practitioners. Participants were surveyed about their motivation, the effects they experienced, and the type of yoga they practiced. The results showed that the most common motivation for individuals practicing yoga was stress reduction. Additionally, the analysis of the effects of regular yoga practice demonstrated a significant reduction in stress levels, with experienced practitioners reporting lower stress levels compared to beginners. In conclusion, the study suggests that regular yoga practice can be an effective way to reduce stress levels. Dynamic forms of yoga, which incorporate fluid movements and synchronized breathing techniques, are highly effective approaches to stress management and relief. These findings highlight the value of yoga as a tool for individuals of all ages seeking stress relief and overall well-being. Another advantage of yoga practice is its affordability and lack of negative side effects.

Antiplasmodial Activity and Phytochemical Evaluation of the Stems of Albizia coriaria and Ficus sur

Background: Malaria continues to cause havoc on various populations because of the high mortality and economic burden associated with the disease. Progress made in the therapeutics of the disease is threatened by the emerging parasite resistance to currently used first line treatment drugs. This has prompted the search for new, effective, and safe antimalarial agents. The use of traditional medicine in the treatment of various types of diseases including malaria is a regular practice seen with many cultures in Ghana. The stems of Albizia coriaria Welw ex. Oliver and Ficus sur Forssk are such plants used with little evidence about their in vivo efficacy. Aim: This study therefore aimed to assess the in vivo antiplasmodial potential, and the acute toxicity of the hydroethanolic stem extract of Albizia coriaria and Ficus sur. Method: Qualitative phytochemical screening was done on the powdered plant material using standard methods. Acute toxicity was carried out according to OECD guidelines using the Limit test. In vivo antiplasmodial activity of the hydroethanolic extract was assessed using the Peter’s 4-day suppressive and Rane’s curative test. Results: The 70% ethanol extract was safe with the lethal dose above 3000 mg/kg. All the extracts significantly (P < 0.05) suppressed parasitaemia in the Peter’s suppressive and Rane’s curative test with Albizia coriaria producing the highest chemotherapeutic activity of 68.89 and 61.46% in the suppressive and curative test respectively. That of F. sur was less than 50% in both assays. Artesunate reference drug recorded over 80% suppression in the curative test but lesser activity in the suppression assay compared to A. coriaria. Several plant metabolites including terpenoids, flavonoids and coumarins were found in both plant samples. Conclusion: Albizia coriaria and Ficus sur 70% ethanol extract showed considerable antiplasmoidal activity and were found to be non-toxic in acute toxicity study, thus justifying their safe use in the treatment of malaria as suggested by folklore medicine.

The Influence of Family Education on Primary School Students’ English Speaking

English, as a globally prevalent language for communication, holds significance in various spheres of life. Language acquisition, contingent on the linguistic milieu, especially in the sociocultural context, is profoundly influenced by familial factors. Both domestic and international studies have underscored the considerable impact of family background on students' English language acquisition. This paper aims to delve into the influence of family background on English language acquisition, with a specific focus on three pivotal aspects: family circumstances, parental cultural competence, and the home environment. This examination aims to provide readers with a comprehensive insight into the pivotal role that family background plays in shaping linguistic proficiency. Research findings underscore that family circumstances, encompassing socioeconomic status and access to educational resources, exert a significant influence on English language acquisition. Furthermore, parental cultural competence, which encompasses their educational attainment and exposure to the English language and culture, assumes a crucial role in this process. In addition, the familial atmosphere, inclusive of parental involvement, encouragement, and support, significantly impacts children's motivation and attitude toward English language learning. To optimize language acquisition, it is imperative for families to acknowledge the importance of their background and actively engage in efficacious educational practices. Recommendations encompass creating an English-rich environment within the home, exposing children to diverse English learning resources, nurturing a positive disposition toward learning, and encouraging regular English practice and communication.

Clinical Study of Pleural Effusion in Elderly

Abstract Background: The usual sign of a wide variety of diseases is the formation of fluid in the pleural region. Pleural effusion (PE) is a prevalent condition in regular medical practice and has a wide range of underlying medical conditions as causes. The prognosis and treatment of PE can be greatly affected by the cause; hence, accurate differential diagnostic classification is essential. Materials and Methods: This prospective and observational clinical study was conducted between August 2013 and February 2015. A total of 100 patients were enrolled in the study. The clinical history and physical examination were done. For radiological evaluation X-ray of the chest was taken, and if necessary, ultrasonography and computed tomography were done. Thoracocentesis was performed after obtaining informed consent, and all necessary investigations were done. Results: Out of 511 patients, 100 patients were included in the study who were 60 or above 60 years of age. The most common comorbid condition was hypertension, which was found to be (32.81%) in males and (30.56%) in females. In exudative PE, tuberculosis (TB) was mostly found in males (53.13%) and malignancy in females (25%), while in transudative PE, the cardiac cause was mostly found in females (30.56%) as compared to males (15.63%). Conclusion: In India incidence of tubercular PE is more common than malignant. Accurate diagnosis and treatment can prevent disease progression and complications.

Exploring Factors Impacting Engagement in Speech Pathology Intervention for Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction

Speech pathology is the first-line treatment for inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO) and involves behavioral techniques to address symptoms and modify maladaptive laryngeal postures. Benefit from speech pathology is reliant on patients engaging in treatment sessions, regular home practice, and generalizing techniques to everyday activities. There is limited research exploring engagement in speech pathology treatment for ILO, particularly from the patient perspective. This study aimed to explore the experiences of living with ILO and how this experience may impact the way patients engage in speech pathology treatment. Qualitative study. Semistructured interviews were completed with seven participants exploring their experiences living with ILO, their diagnostic process and their experiences with speech pathology treatment. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis to determine shared meanings across participants and themes were developed. Three major themes were identified - Life with ILO, Challenges of Speech Pathology Treatment, and What Matters to Me. Patients' reports of living with ILO and interacting with speech pathology suggested that these experiences impacted their readiness to start treatment and persist through the challenges of the treatment. Engagement appeared to be positively associated with significant ILO symptom burden and life impact, confidence in the diagnostic process, recommendation for speech pathology treatment, a tailored intervention by a patient-perceived expert in the field and working in a partnership with the speech pathologist to develop a sense of agency. Patients indicated their engagement was negatively influenced by competing time demands, social embarrassment when using symptom relief techniques and laryngeal exercises, and a low ILO symptom burden and life impact. The reasons behind engagement in speech pathology treatment for ILO appear to be a complex interaction between previous experiences of living with ILO including the diagnostic process and the experience of speech pathology treatment. A patient-centered approach to therapy may help to maximize engagement by exploring readiness and expectations for treatment. The greater understanding of the patient experience provided through this study may allow speech pathologists to devise meaningful ways to maximize engagement in treatment for people with ILO.

Exercise oncology clinical trials during treatments: a commentary to address the safety concerns of human subjects regulatory reviewers and committees.

Exercise oncology clinical trials contribute to the advancement of our scientific knowledge and to the safety and care of patients diagnosed with cancer. Nevertheless, regulatory reviewers and committees may not be familiar with the well-documented long-term health benefits and safety of the regular practice of physical activity. Moreover, they may not see how the benefits outweigh the risks in the context where patients diagnosed with cancer are typically seen as vulnerable. Therefore, we would like to provide a purpose-built overview of exercise oncology clinical trials for members involved in institutional review committees, including the Scientific Review Committee (SRC), the Institutional Review Board (IRB), and the Data Safety Monitoring Committee (DSMC) to facilitate a greater understanding of the safety and benefits of physical activity during cancer treatments. Communication is key to improve the success of exercise oncology clinical trials, which are vital for patients diagnosed with cancer.

Practice matters: The role of mindfulness skills in emotion dysregulation in borderline personality disorder

Mindfulness skills training constitute a core element of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) that has been proposed as a key component to improve emotion dysregulation (ED) in borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, the relationship between the time spent practicing mindfulness skills at home and changes in ED is not well-understood. This study aimed to determine whether daily mindfulness practice meaningfully improves ED, and, if so, the minimum dose needed to do so. A total of 75 BPD outpatients participated in a 10-week DBT mindfulness skill training program. We systematically tracked the participants' mindfulness practice and their ED levels throughout the sessions. A total of 499 observations were recorded. We used multilevel modeling with a time-lagged approach to investigate the association between weekly practice and ED over time. Greater mindfulness practice predicted improvements in ED in the following week. A bidirectional relationship was also found; a higher level of ED impaired subsequent mindfulness practice. When accounting for the previous week's ED level, participants who practiced ≥3 days and >30 min per week experienced a statistically significant decrease in ED compared to those who did not engage in regular practice. These results highlight the key role of mindfulness practice as a behavioral component to improve emotion regulation in individuals with BPD. These findings suggest that therapists should inform patients about the minimum dose of mindfulness practice needed to improve emotion regulation in order to adjust expectations and improve treatment outcomes.

The Investigation into Pronunciation Problems Faced by Teacher-Trainees: A Case Study at the National Institute of Education (NIE) in Cambodia

This study investigates pronunciation challenges among English major -students at National Institute of Education, focusing on segmental and supra-segmental pronunciation issues, contributing factors, and potential remediation strategies. The study employed qualitative approach utilizing research apparatuses adjusted from previous studies. Additionally, ten teacher trainees with at least six years of English language learning background consented to participate in this study, while four lecturers were also incorporated. The findings were identified primarily with labiodental, dental, velar, alveolar, and palatal consonants, and with the monophthong sounds /i:/ and /ɒ/, and diphthongs /eɪ/ and /ɪə/. Factors influencing pronunciation proficiency include inadequate qualified teachers, insufficiently structured language programs, first language interference, and limited access to learning resources, alongside motivational and environmental factors, age, and beliefs. Recommendations for improvement emphasize integrating technology and social media for accessing pronunciation tutorials, extending instructional hours, and encouraging regular English-speaking practices.