Restricted Opportunities Research Articles

Peripheral immune profiling of soft tissue sarcoma: perspectives for disease monitoring

Studying the tumor microenvironment and surrounding lymph nodes is the main focus of current immunological research on soft tissue sarcomas (STS). However, due to the restricted opportunity to examine tumor samples, alternative approaches are required to evaluate immune responses in non-surgical patients. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the peripheral immune profile of STS patients, characterize patients accordingly and explore the impact of peripheral immunotypes on patient survival. Blood samples were collected from 55 STS patients and age-matched healthy donors (HD) controls. Deep immunophenotyping and gene expression analysis of whole blood was analyzed using multiparametric flow cytometry and real-time RT-qPCR, respectively. Using xMAP technology, proteomic analysis was also carried out on plasma samples. Unsupervised clustering analysis was used to classify patients based on their immune profiles to further analyze the impact of peripheral immunotypes on patient survival. Significant differences were found between STS patients and HD controls. It was found a contraction of B cells and CD4 T cells compartment, along with decreased expression levels of ICOSLG and CD40LG; a major contribution of suppressor factors, as increased frequency of M-MDSC and memory Tregs, increased expression levels of ARG1, and increased plasma levels of IL-10, soluble VISTA and soluble TIMD-4; and a compromised cytotoxic potential associated with NK and CD8 T cells, namely decreased frequency of CD56dim NK cells, and decreased levels of PRF1, GZMB, and KLRK1. In addition, the patients were classified into three peripheral immunotype groups: "immune-high," "immune-intermediate," and "immune-low." Furthermore, it was found a correlation between these immunotypes and patient survival. Patients classified as "immune-high" exhibited higher levels of immune-related factors linked to cytotoxic/effector activity and longer survival times, whereas patients classified as "immune-low" displayed higher levels of immune factors associated with immunosuppression and shorter survival times. In conclusion, it can be suggested that STS patients have a compromised systemic immunity, and the correlation between immunotypes and survival emphasizes the importance of studying peripheral blood samples in STS. Assessing the peripheral immune response holds promise as a useful method for monitoring and forecasting outcomes in STS.

A feasibility trial of olanzapine for young people with Anorexia Nervosa (OPEN): clinicians’ perspectives

BackgroundThe OPEN feasibility trial testing olanzapine in anorexia nervosa (AN) in young people (YP) was not successful due to poor recruitment. This study aims to understand clinicians’ views and experiences of using olanzapine in AN and the challenges in implementing the trial in National Health Service (NHS) clinical settings.MethodsWe conducted qualitative interviews with eating disorders (ED) clinicians involved with the study (n = 11). Framework analysis was applied to qualitative data to identify barriers and facilitators to recruitment and study implementation. A web-based semi-structured Qualtrics survey was administered to ED clinicians (n = 24). Findings from the survey were used to corroborate and expand on the information derived from qualitative interviews.ResultsQualitative analysis identified four main themes: (1) Acknowledging Service User (SU) / Family Concerns, (2) Prioritising person-centred care, (3) Limited Service Capacity and (4) Study eligibility criteria. Subthemes are outlined accordingly. Clinicians appeared confident addressing SU concerns around olanzapine in clinical discussions, but timing was critical, and olanzapine was considered one aspect of treatment that needed to align with their holistic approach. Service pressures restricted opportunities for recruitment and the ability to offer regular review. At the same time, some YP were ineligible for the trial, as they were already taking olanzapine, or needed to be prescribed it more promptly than the study procedures allowed. Survey findings underlined confidence in prescribing and informing on olanzapine, the various possible benefits of olanzapine besides weight gain, and the importance of therapeutic alliances and informed consent. Both data sets highlight the need for further evidence on long-term safety, side effects and efficacy of olanzapine use for AN. Where clinical service capacity is at a premium, research implementation is not prioritised, particularly in intensive clinical settings.ConclusionsFindings provide first-hand insight into individual and systemic challenges with research implementation in the NHS, which need to be considered when designing future clinical research studies. We emphasise a person-centred approach when discussing olanzapine to consider a holistic recovery from AN beyond weight-gain as an isolated outcome for improvement.

Using Duolingo in Teaching and Learning Vocabulary: A Systematic Review

This systematic review examines the extant literature on the efficacy of the Duolingo application for vocabulary development in instructed second language (L2) contexts. Drawing on several empirical studies, the review synthesises findings related to (a) the comparative effectiveness of Duolingo versus traditional pedagogies, (b) the impact of Duolingo on learner motivation and engagement, and (c) practical implications for classroom integration. While the majority of evidence attests to measurable gains in receptive vocabulary knowledge, the findings must be interpreted with caution due to methodological limitations, including small sample sizes, short intervention periods, and construct underrepresentation. The motivational appeal of Duolingo's gamified interface emerges as a prominent theme, corroborated by self-report data. However, the limited research employing psychometrically robust motivational measures precludes definitive conclusions about the temporal stability and transferability of this motivational effect. Theoretically, the provision of individualised feedback aligns with interactionist theories, yet the restricted opportunities for the negotiation of meaning raise doubts about the depth of lexical engagement. Pedagogically, the reviewed studies advocate the careful integration of Duolingo as a supplementary tool within formal instructional contexts. However, optimal implementation strategies remain unspecified, necessitating further classroom-based research employing mixed-methods designs. Significant gaps are identified, including the lack of investigations into the differential impacts of Duolingo's features, vocabulary transfer to authentic communication, and the development of self-regulated learning strategies.

The future of the Chimborazo paper sector: Strategic Management, development and road infrastructure

Introduction: Chimborazo, a mountainous province in Ecuador, stood out as a major potato producer. Its climatic and geographical conditions favored the cultivation of this tuber, which not only fed the local population but also boosted the regional economy. However, the quality of the road infrastructure posed a significant obstacle to the sector's development. Methods: The research aimed to explore the situation of potato production in Chimborazo, highlighting its potential and the challenges it faced, particularly regarding road infrastructure. The methodology applied consisted of reviewing information from official sources such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, the National Institute of Agricultural Research, and the Provincial Government of Chimborazo. Results: The research determined that potato production in Chimborazo presented high potential, driven by favorable agroecological conditions and market demand. However, this potential was limited by poor road infrastructure, which led to harvest losses, increased transportation costs, and restricted marketing opportunities. Conclusions: It was concluded that investment in road infrastructure, including roads, bridges, drainage, and adequate signage, was essential to strengthen Chimborazo's potato sector. This would reduce losses, optimize transportation logistics, and expand market access possibilities

Barriers to healthy eating practices among school-aged children in Armenia: A qualitative study

The aim of this study was to use diverse perspectives of stakeholders to explore barriers to healthy eating, and attitudes, norms, and practices contributing to unhealthy food choices among school-aged children in Armenia. A qualitative study was carried out through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews, using the Theory of Planned Behavior. The study was conducted in 21 public schools located in three provinces (marzes) of Armenia: Shirak, Lori, and Tavush, and the capital city Yerevan. These study areas were chosen purposefully to target more vulnerable regions and have a geographically diverse sample. Purposive sampling techniques were used to choose the study participants. Five groups were targeted: high school students, school principals, teachers, school cafeteria staff members, and mothers of school children. Overall, 10 focus group discussions, and 51 in-depth interviews were conducted with a total of 94 participants. The study explored two main themes underlying unhealthy eating behaviors among school-aged children in Armenia – suboptimal preferences and restricted opportunities. Three subthemes were identified within the theme of suboptimal preferences: preferences/tastes, attitudes, and role models/normative referent, and another three subthemes within the theme of restricted opportunities: choice restrictions, time constraints, and financial barriers. The study found that most of the constructs of theory of planned behavior, such as general attitudes, preferences, perceived norms and perceived behavioral control, impacted unhealthy eating behaviors of school-aged children in Armenia. The recommendations for practice included enhancing the appeal of healthy foods, highlighting the significance of breakfast and healthy eating in educational activities utilizing role models, expanding and empowering school canteens, including higher grade students in school feeding programs, and extending school breaks to provide sufficient time for healthy eating.

GEMINI GOOGLE: A POTENTIAL TOOL FOR ENGLISH LEARNING

Based on previous surveys, it is evident that Food Technology students at Thu Dau Mot University face challenges in learning English, such as limited vocabulary, weak grammar, inaccurate pronunciation, and poor listening and speaking skills. These can lead to declining academic performance and restricted career opportunities. The paper highlights the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in overcoming these challenges. AI tools like Gemini Google can provide personalized learning experiences, improve interaction with the language, and offer immediate feedback. Gemini is specifically chosen due to its free access, Vietnamese interface, and support for over 40 languages. This study demonstrates that Gemini is an effective tool for undergraduate students, particularly those in Food Technology who have weak English backgrounds, to improve their English skills. Gemini improves vocabulary, grammar, speaking, listening, pronunciation, reading, and writing. It offers simple instructions and ideas in both English and Vietnamese, making it ideal for beginners, self-learners, and people with limited English proficiency. Unlike traditional learning, Gemini provides access at any time and from any location, as well as the ability to overcome shyness and blunders. Gemini's large, up-to-date database and user-friendly interface enable personalized learning paths and can be paired with other methods for best language learning. The study also proposes various strategies for utilizing Gemini Google to improve English learning effectiveness in areas like vocabulary, grammar, listening, speaking, reading, writing, and creating a positive learning environment. Furthermore, Gemini's value extends beyond languages, offering assistance in a variety of other areas

Alpine viper in changing climate: thermal ecology and prospects of a cold-adapted reptile in the warming Mediterranean

In a rapidly changing thermal environment, reptiles are primarily dependent on in situ adaptation because of their limited ability to disperse and the restricted opportunity to shift their ranges. However, the rapid pace of climate change may surpass these adaptation capabilities or elevate energy expenditures. Therefore, understanding the variability in thermal traits at both individual and population scales is crucial, offering insights into reptiles' vulnerability to climate change. We studied the thermal ecology of the endangered Greek meadow viper (Viperagraeca), an endemic venomous snake of fragmented alpine-subalpine meadows above 1600 m of the Pindos mountain range in Greece and Albania, to assess its susceptibility to anticipated changes in the alpine thermal environment. We measured preferred body temperature in artificial thermal gradient, field body temperatures of 74 individuals in five populations encompassing the entire geographic range of the species, and collected data on the available of temperatures for thermoregulation. We found that the preferred body temperature (Tp) differed only between the northernmost and the southernmost populations and increased with female body size but did not depend on sex or the gravidity status of females. Tp increased with latitude but was unaffected by the phylogenetic position of the populations. We also found high accuracy of thermoregulation in V.graeca populations and variation in the thermal quality of habitats throughout the range. The overall effectiveness of thermoregulation was high, indicating that V.graeca successfully achieves its target temperatures and exploits the thermal landscape. Current climatic conditions limit the activity period by an estimated 1278 h per year, which is expected to increase considerably under future climate scenarios. Restricted time available for thermoregulation, foraging and reproduction will represent a serious threat to the fitness of individuals and the persistence of populations in addition to habitat loss due to mining, tourism or skiing and habitat degradation due to overgrazing in the shrinking mountaintop habitats of V.graeca.

Brain drain incidence and health-care infrastructural deficit challenges: the role of capacity development among “JAPA” physicians in Nigeria

PurposeThe brain drain challenge has become a cankerworm confronting not only the public health-care sector in Nigeria but almost all sectors of the national economy. This study aims to explore the push factors responsible for brain drain incidence among the migrated, JAPA, physicians to other global work environments. The study investigates the mediating role of capacity development among migrated, JAPA, physicians between the health-care infrastructural deficit and brain drain syndrome.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a survey cross-sectional research design to examine the 214 migrated physicians in four notable perceived countries (UK, USA, Canada and Australia). The study used a probability sampling strategy to survey a self-administered online research instrument. The study adapted a battery of scales from several authors to measure the relevant constructs of this study. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to examine factors that provoke the incidence of brain drain burden among the JAPA Physicians. While Macro Hayes Process was used to investigate the mediating role of capacity development among migrated physicians.FindingsThe study revealed from the “JAPA” physicians that working conditions are turbulent and utterly poor which led to the incidence of brain drain. The study indicated that poor remuneration and benefits are the predominant reason for JAPA physicians to European countries and USA/UK. The findings of the study demonstrated that restricted opportunities and poor standard of living in the country were additional factors responsible for the brain drain of Nigerian physicians to other international countries. The outcome of the study also illustrated that inadequate infrastructure and facilities are the dominant variables that pushed physicians to foreign nations. It was revealed that there is a toxic mix of several issues that led to a brain drain albatross among the migrated physicians from Nigeria. The last part of the study indicated that physicians’ capacity development was a game changer that would discourage brain drain incidence and establish motivation for working in Nigeria's public health-care sector.Originality/valueThe study has given a direction for providing succinct solutions to the cankerworm of brain drain that has depleted the Nigerian public health-care industry. It has proffered a possible trajectory that will reverse the JAPA syndrome among the professional health-care workforce. This will not only benefit the public health-care personnel but also be significant for all the human capital across all the sectors of the national economy of Nigeria.

Bangladesh Ship Breaking Industry: Is it an Opportunity or Obstacles for Out-Migrant Workers?

The ship breaking industry flourished in Bangladesh after the liberation war in 1971. Since then Bangladesh is leading in this ship breaking sector around the globe. The rapid growth of this industry is specially driven by national iron demands, income generation, and the easy opportunity of employment for the poor people. As most of the workers working here are poor and hail from underdeveloped regions of the country hence this study was designed to find out the obstacles and opportunities that need to encounter when they leave this industry after extensive working years. The instrument used for this research was semi close ended questionnaires, in depth interviews, ethnographic analysis and secondary research. The respondents are from southern and northern parts of Bangladesh, aged 18 years and above. This study revealed that a majority portion of the out migrant workers are sufferings from numerous challenges such as health issue, social stigma, psychological trauma, restricted employment opportunities, limited geographical mobility and so on. Conversely, only a minority of the out migrators are benefited from this industry, specifically those employed in technical or supervisory roles. Overall, this industry has proven detrimental, creating more obstacles rather than opportunities for out-migrant workers lives.

Impacts of COVID‐19 on social work teaching and learning in Bangladesh

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic had a significant impact on both classroom instruction and practical learning within Social Work Departments in Bangladesh. This research took two state universities in Bangladesh as case studies, using a qualitative methodology. Researchers conducted 10 Key Informant Interviews, with professors and field supervisors, 20 in‐depth interviews with Master of Social Sciences (MSS) students and two Focus Group Discussions with MSS students. During the pandemic, University faculty experimented with virtual classrooms, pre‐recorded lectures, and online chat forums to interact with postgraduate students. However, these approaches were not completely successful due to the limitations of digital infrastructure at the Universities and at students' residences. Shortcomings in virtual education included technological barriers, insufficient access to educational resources, and an unusual mental health situation for many students. Student practica were difficult to organize, due to technological barriers, restricted field placement opportunities, disruption in client interaction, and community outreach, interruptions in fieldwork and data collection, as well as insufficient faculty supervision and support. Universities ought to take proactive measures to integrate technology into teaching and learning in normal times so that both can continue during public health emergencies without adding educational crisis to the general state of emergency.

What influences provision of information about recovery on stroke units? A focused ethnographic case study

ObjectivePatients and carers frequently report dissatisfaction with post-stroke information provision. This study aimed to develop an in-depth understanding of the factors influencing provision of information about recovery in stroke units. MethodsFocused ethnographic case-studies in two UK stroke units, including non-participant observations and semi-structured interviews with professionals, patients and carers, and documentary analysis. A Framework approach to analysis was undertaken. ResultsTwenty patients, 17 carers and 47 professionals participated. The unpredictable recovery trajectory led professionals to present prognostic estimates as uncertain possibilities. The need to maintain patients’ motivation limited sharing of negative predictions, and generic information over-emphasised the importance of therapy in recovery. A structured multidisciplinary team approach to delivering information improved consistency. Complex clinical reasoning was required to identify and meet patients’ needs. Hospital environments and routines restricted opportunities for dialogue, particularly with carers. ConclusionsThe process of providing information about post-stroke recovery is complex, requiring enhanced clinical reasoning and communication. The challenges faced by professionals are numerous and if not addressed can result in suboptimal provision.Practice implications: Professionals should develop a co-ordinated multidisciplinary approach to information provision; and engage in dialogue to ensure a tailored approach to identifying and meeting patients’ and carers’ information needs.

Long-term health conditions and UK labour market outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Long-term health conditions can affect labour market outcomes. COVID-19 may have increased labour market inequalities, e.g. due to restricted opportunities for clinically vulnerable people. Evaluating COVID-19's impact could help target support. To quantify the effect of several long-term conditions on UK labour market outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic and compare them to pre-pandemic outcomes. The Understanding Society COVID-19 survey collected responses from around 20,000 UK residents in nine waves from April 2020-September 2021. Participants employed in January/February 2020 with a variety of long-term conditions were matched with people without the condition but with similar baseline characteristics. Models estimated probability of employment, hours worked and earnings. We compared these results with results from a two-year pre-pandemic period. We also modelled probability of furlough and home-working frequency during COVID-19. Most conditions (asthma, arthritis, emotional/nervous/psychiatric problems, vascular/pulmonary/liver conditions, epilepsy) were associated with reduced employment probability and/or hours worked during COVID-19, but not pre-pandemic. Furlough was more likely for people with pulmonary conditions. People with arthritis and cancer were slower to return to in-person working. Few effects were seen for earnings. COVID-19 had a disproportionate impact on people with long-term conditions' labour market outcomes.

The recognition and negotiation of class-based barriers to progression and inclusion in accounting professional services firms

Drawing on interviews with accountants working at professional services firms (PSFs) in the UK, we explore how reflexivity enables accountants to recognise and negotiate class-based barriers to progression and inclusion. We identify a range of reflexive practices (including conversations with colleagues and clients, observations, mentoring, mulling over, and imagining) and show how these interact with habitus to structure the individual (mis)recognition of class-based barriers in the workplace. We find that reflexivity can engender an awareness of ‘difference’ and sense of inferiority relative to others, primarily for those from less privileged backgrounds. We provide evidence of the enabling role of reflexive practices which lead to purposive action for negotiating class-based barriers. However, we also find that reflexivity can lead to idiosyncratic strategies which support assimilation to (rather than challenging) existing practices in the accounting field. We find contradictory accounts of the effects of class, where class is recognised as a barrier, yet individuals are thought to progress through merit. We explain this tension through the limitations of reflexivity, restricted opportunities for reflexivity, and misrecognition of the effects of class in a seemingly meritocratic system. We provide examples of enduring and unrecognised class-based inequalities in accounting PSFs, including team composition and work allocation, class-segmented service lines, and the long-term consequences for those from less privileged backgrounds of having to work harder to ‘reach the same level’. Our findings suggest that PSFs must facilitate ‘difficult’ conversations aimed at breaking the culture of silence around class.

How a 5-Day Stay in the Tobacco-Free Environment of the Stoptober House Supports Individuals to Quit Smoking: A Mixed Methods Pilot Study

Introduction: The Stoptober House is part of the annual national Stoptober smoking cessation campaign in the Netherlands. During the first week of October, 48 volunteers resided in the tobacco-free Stoptober House for 5 days and received smoking cessation counseling. This pilot study explored how the Stoptober House may have facilitated smoking cessation among participants. Methods: We included 48 individuals who were selected for the Stoptober House (intervention group) and 67 individuals who were not selected (control group). Surveys were conducted at baseline, immediately after 2 and 8 weeks of post-intervention. We compared self-reported abstinence, psychosocial mediators related to smoking cessation, and perceived active elements of the Stoptober House between the intervention and control groups using t/χ2 tests and linear mixed model (LMM) analysis. Sixteen semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted to explore participants’ perspectives on the elements contributing to their success in quitting smoking. Results: At 8 weeks of follow-up, a higher proportion of participants in the intervention group (24/48 [50%]) reported being abstinent compared to the control group (5/67 [7%]; p < 0.001). Among participants who reported making a quit attempt, 22/38 (57.9%) in the intervention group remained abstinent compared to 4/17 (23.5%) in the control group (p = 0.022). The intervention group also exhibited higher self-efficacy to quit smoking throughout the follow-up period and higher social support immediately after the Stoptober House. No significant differences were observed in other psychosocial factors. The interviews highlighted several perceived elements of the Stoptober House that contributed to smoking cessation success, including restricted smoking opportunities, access to smoking cessation counselors, and peer support. Conclusion: This pilot study suggests that the Stoptober House provides support that can help people quit smoking. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and determine the cost-effectiveness of this intervention in promoting long-term abstinence among specific groups of smokers.

Life After Bars: A Narrative-Case Study of Ex-convicts

In the Philippines, ex-convicts face severe hurdles during reintegration, including public stigma, restricted work opportunities, insufficient support, and discriminatory behaviors, all of which impede a smooth return to society. This qualitative narrative case study investigates the psychological, social, and economic aspects of ex-convicts’ lives after jail. The Life Course Perspective is used as the study’s theoretical framework, acknowledging the importance of personal, societal, and historical elements in individual development. Six successfully reintegrated participants, each with a minimum five-year prison sentence, constituted the basis for in-depth interviews conducted in a quiet and secure atmosphere using snowball sampling. The study sought to explore ex-convicts’ issues, coping methods, life realizations, and viable therapeutic programs. The findings highlight the numerous challenges, such as societal stigma, economic constraints, and disrupted social bonds. Coping methods, which include spiritual rehabilitation and emotional acceptance, emerge as critical components of the reintegration process. Life realizations become transforming forces, characterized by a dedication to positive change and social contributions, which is frequently motivated by familial support and a desire to protect loved ones. For effective reintegration, the study underlines the importance of public acceptance, tailored interventions, and support networks. It finds that addressing these issues, as well as encouraging familial stability, boosting community involvement, and engaging employers, are critical to reducing recidivism and facilitating long-term rehabilitation. Recommendations urge for coordinated efforts from families, communities, and businesses, emphasizing the importance of a complete strategy to assisting ex-convicts on their path to successful society reintegration.

Deconstructing gender stereotypes in standardized English language school textbooks in Algeria: Implications for equitable instructional materials

The pressing need to promote gender equality in today’s globalized society is underscored in Sustainable Development Goals and juxtaposed with the goal of cultivating global citizenship. Despite these efforts, mainstream post-colonial discourse on Maghrebi women categorizes them as less citizens neglecting ‘the complexity’ of their lives and experiences. The scarcity of research that depicts Algerian women’s experiences along with the treatment of the topic of gender as ‘taboo’ restricted opportunities on researching this important category of society. While there are numerous studies conducted in the Algerian context on female’s stereotypical depiction and invisibility in school textbooks, the discussion of the topic remains ahistorical. It relegates the status of women as ‘the oppressed’ which runs the risk of reproducing colonial epistemologies. Guided by Goffman’s gender stereotype theory and Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis conceptual framework, the paper draws on data collected from four standardized English language school textbooks that are currently used in Algeria. The textbooks content affirms the ‘subaltern’ categorization of Algerian women through emphasizing their deagentialization, dependence, and disempowerment. These findings have implications for gender equity in Algeria, the Maghreb, and the broader North Africa contexts.

"…full of opportunities, but not for everyone": A narrative inquiry into mechanisms of labor market inequity among precariously employed gay, bisexual, and queer men.

This study brings lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (trans), and queer (LGBTQ+) populations into scholarly discourse related to precarious employment through a political economy of queer struggle. Drawing on narrative inquiry, 20 gay, bisexual, and queer men shared stories of precarious employment that were analyzed using Polkinghorne's narrative analysis. Results tell an overarching narrative in three parts that follow the trajectory of participants' early life experiences, entering the labor market and being precariously employed. Part 1: Devaluation of LGBTQ+ identities and adverse life experiences impacted participants' abilities to plan their careers and complete postsecondary education. Part 2: Participants experienced restricted opportunities due to safety concerns and learned to navigate white, cis, straight, Canadian ideals that are valued in the labor market. Part 3: Participants were without protections to respond to hostile treatment for fear of losing their employment. These stories of precarious employment illustrate unique ways that LGBTQ+ people might be particularly susceptible to exploitative labor markets.

"Gender-Based Water Violence": Cross-Cultural Evidence for Severe Harm Associated With Water Insecurity for Women and Girls.

We examined how study participants in Indonesia and Peru viewed the relationship between water insecurity and women's health via thematic analysis of interviews and focus groups. Participants reported that water insecurity led to vaginal infections, miscarriage, premature births, uterine prolapse, poor nutrition, restricted economic opportunities, and intergenerational cycles of poverty. Participants in both countries stated that extreme burdens associated with water insecurity should be categorized as violence. Based on these findings, we developed the concept of "gender-based water violence," defined as the spectrum of stressors associated with water insecurity that are so severe as to threaten human health and well-being, particularly that of women and girls.

The Impact of Restricted Clinical Experiences During a Pandemic on Newly Graduated Nurses' Experiences: A Descriptive Study.

A multihospital study examined the impact of restricted clinical opportunities during COVID-19 on newly graduated nurses' experiences, self-reported competence, and self-reported errors upon entry into a nurse residency program and at 6 months. Newly graduated nurses' experiences (n = 2,005) were described using comparative data from cohorts before and during restricted experiences across 22 hospitals; minimal differences were observed. Nursing professional development specialists can utilize this information when creating and sustaining transition-to-practice programs.

Mental models guide electric vehicle charging

To discover conceptual and behavioral barriers to electric vehicle (EV) charging, in-depth interviews were conducted in person with experienced and novice EV users. Mental models were found to affect vehicle charging strategies. Novice EV users drew from their existing mental models for petrol refueling and misapplied them to EV charging. Most experienced users had developed new mental models appropriate for the physical and temporal realities of EV charging—they are adapted to diverse rates of charge, EVs' longer energy filling duration, co-location of EV charging with certain user activities, and EVs drivers’ shorter equipment engagement time. Three predominant mental models for EV charging were found: 1. Monitor the fuel gauge, when low, seek a refill location (from liquid-fueling model), 2. Prior to a trip, plan where and when to charge, 3. Event-triggered charging (unique to the EV mental model). Misapplication of liquid fuel models to EVs has detrimental effects: more effort and more frequent anxiety regarding recharging, buyer choice of EV characteristics mismatched to need, manufacturer oversizing of batteries, policy overemphasis on fast public charging, and restricted opportunity to reduce load on the grid. Solutions are suggested to forestall or minimize these detrimental effects and facilitate EV adoption.