Specific Difficulties Research Articles

Financial Challenges of Brick and Mortar Stalls with the Advent of E-commerce Businesses in and Around Bangalore

The explosive rise of e-commerce has led to a paradigm shift in the retail industry globally. This study looks at the specific economic difficulties faced by traditional brick and mortar shops in and around Bengaluru, India, as they discuss the changed market environment with the growth of e-commerce companies. This research provides complete knowledge about the economic challenges faced by the brick-and-mortar stalls by analysing key factors such as changing consumer behaviour, changing market trends and the generally increasing operating costs of the metropolitan setting of Bengaluru. The study examines the impact of low pedestrian traffic, changes in pricing strategies and rising maintenance costs, highlighting the complexity of these issues in the Bengaluru retail environment. The report examines various strategies and corrective measures that can help brick and mortar shops survive and compete in the face of the increasing dominance of e-commerce. The report provides robust guidance for traditional traders who want to thrive in this changing economic environment and provides comprehensive information about the regional market dynamics of Bengaluru. This research provides useful information for company owners, legislators and other stakeholders who want to maintain the life of traditional retail in the digital age. This will deepen our understanding of the complex interactions between brick-and-mortar shops and e-commerce in Bengaluru.

Parental evaluations of neighbourhood green and play spaces and children's mental health

AbstractGeographical analyses of mental health problems have been undertaken since at least the 1930s, with such work preoccupied primarily with ecological correlations between the prevalence of mental illness and small‐area variations in socioeconomic status. More recently, parks and other green spaces have emerged as place characteristics of interest for their possible public health significance, as they relate to both physical and mental health, including the psychosocial well‐being of children. In this paper, I consider the relationships between parent‐reported adequacy of neighbourhood play and green spaces and children's psychosocial well‐being, as measured by parental assessments of their children's mental health, as well as scores on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, a psychometric instrument that is demonstrably effective in the identification of behavioural problems in children and adolescents. The findings reported here are consistent with the notion that access to natural spaces and opportunities to play are associated with a reduced risk for mental health problems. Specifically, risk reduction is suggested for overall behavioural functioning, as well as specific behavioural difficulties related to problems in peer relationships, hyperactivity, and emotional problems, as well as parent‐assessed child mental health status.

한국형 성인 실행기능 척도 타당화

Objectives In this study, the adult executive functioning scale ADEXI(Adult Executive Functioning Inventory) de-veloped by Holst and Thorell (2017) was adapted and validated into Korean to measure the executive function ing of adults.
 Methods An executive functioning scale was selected through a review of previous research literature, permission to use the scale was obtained from the original author, and the Korean Adult Executive Functioning Scale (KADEXI) was constructed through translation and back-translation. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted on 237 adults aged 19 or older.
 Results Confirmatory factor analysis was performed, and convergent and criterion validity were verified. The Korean adult executive functioning scale was ultimately composed of 14 items each for self-report and other-re-port, and the subfactors were 9 items for working memory and 5 items for inhibition, identical to the original scale. A test-retest performed 2 weeks later was found to be reliable.
 Conclusions By presenting specific difficulties in daily life through the validation of a Korean scale measuring adult executive functioning, it appears to be of great clinical utility in that it can provide guidance for therapeutic inter-vention and change. In addition, when implementing the executive functioning scale, cross-verification with self-report and meaningful other person's report can be used to ensure validity in identifying the degree of execu-tive functioning deficiency.

PEDAGOGICAL STRATEGIES TO ENHANCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES

Promoting effective pedagogical strategies is essential to enhance the development of students who face learning challenges. In this context, it is imperative that educators adopt personalized and innovative approaches to create an inclusive environment that meets the individual needs of students. A fundamental strategy is pedagogical differentiation, which involves adapting content, methodology and assessment according to each student's skills and learning styles. This allows the educator to adjust their teaching to ensure that all students have access to the curriculum, regardless of the specific difficulties they may face. Continuous and formative assessment plays a crucial role. It not only provides information about student progress, but also allows for quick adjustments to teaching strategies. This allows educators to early identify areas that require additional attention, offering timely interventions to fill learning gaps. Encouraging active student participation is also a valuable strategy. Involving students in practical activities, collaborative projects and discussions stimulates interest and understanding, making the learning process more meaningful. Furthermore, it provides opportunities to identify and develop each student’s individual skills. Educational technology can be a powerful ally. Digital tools and resources can be customized to meet the specific needs of students with learning disabilities, offering interactive and adaptive activities that make learning more engaging and accessible.The partnership between school and family is a vital component. Maintaining open and constant communication with parents allows you to share information about the student's progress, discuss effective strategies, and involve the family in the educational process.

A quantitative study examining infographic assessment guidelines for undergraduate nursing students with specific learning difficulties (SpLDs)

This research investigates the perceived clarity and usefulness of infographic versus traditional text-based assessment guidelines among undergraduate nursing students with and without specific learning difficulties (SpLDs). Through quantitative analysis, the study reveals that undergraduate nursing students with SpLDs significantly prefer infographics over text-based guidelines, both in terms of clarity and usefulness (p < .001). Interestingly, there were no statistically significant differences in the perceptions of students without SpLDs. These findings suggest that the use of infographics as a tool for presenting assessment guidelines could contribute to more inclusive educational practices. The research further highlights the potential of infographics to not only make complex information more accessible but also to cater to diverse learning needs. As higher education institutions strive to be more inclusive, adapting assessment guidelines to suit the varied learning styles and cognitive needs of all students, particularly those with SpLDs, becomes increasingly important. This paper provides initial evidence to support the adoption of infographic-based assessment guidelines as a step towards achieving this goal.

Using the Book "Al-Miftah lil-‘Ulum" in Teaching Arabic Grammar at the Islamic Boarding School in Indonesia: Benefits and Obstacles

This research aims to comprehend the utilization of the book "Al-Miftah lil-‘Ulum" in teaching Nahwu science at Darul Falah International School, Bagon Mataram, and to identify obstacles arising in teaching Nahwu science using the book. The research methodology employed is qualitative descriptive, utilizing observation, interviews, and documentation as data collection techniques. Data analysis involves data reduction, presentation, and result verification. The findings reveal that the Nahwu science teaching process with the book "Al-Miftah lil-‘Ulum" includes pre-lesson, core activities, and concluding activities. Challenges encountered encompass students' difficulty in reading writings on the board, specific difficulties in each volume, student boredom, and teacher absenteeism hindering goal achievement. Teacher obstacles include student delays, students not bringing books during teaching, non-repetition of "Al-Miftah lil-‘Ulum" lessons in the dormitory, difficulty understanding students' abilities, classroom management challenges, and difficulty providing motivation. This research supports recommendations to explore the effectiveness of "Al-Miftah lil-‘Ulum" as a Nahwu learning source and evaluate its teaching methods. It is suggested to focus on its impact on students' understanding and strategies to enhance its integration into the official curriculum. The research encourages exploring student responses to the book's use, identifying challenges, and proposing solutions through qualitative and quantitative methods for comprehensive understanding.

Nutrition and techniques for memory’s enhancement in children with special learning difficulties and the role of ICTs

Specific learning difficulties are neurodevelopmental disorders connected to deficits in working memory. As the suitable nutrition affects both brain devlopment and memory function, it affects positively the ways of coping with learning difficulties. The specific articlee attempts to locate, by means of a literature review, the nutritional elements that are beneficiary in the case of children with learning difficulties, and also to seek the most suitable strategies for the enhancement of their memory. Based on conclusions it was found that the adoption of a balanced diet consisting of fatty acids trace elements, amino acids, metals and vitamins minimizes the possibility for the appearance of specific learning difficulties. Research has also led to the conclusion that the utilization of ICT, the conquest of metacognition, breathing techniques, the pivotal role of exercise, quality sleep and clinical hypnosis are crucial intervention methods for the enhancement of the memory of children with specific learning difficulties.

Emotion Dysregulation and E-Cigarette Expectancies among College Student E-Cigarette Users

Background: E-cigarette outcome expectancies (i.e., beliefs about the expected consequences of e-cigarette use) are a key factor in motivating use. Emotion regulation difficulties have demonstrated significant associations with outcome expectancies; however, there has yet to be an examination of associations between specific emotion regulation difficulties and specific e-cigarette outcome expectancies, which could serve as targets for intervention efforts. Therefore, the current study sought to examine the unique predictive ability of specific emotion regulation difficulties in terms of e-cigarette outcome expectancies. Methods: Participants were 116 college student e-cigarette users (Mage = 19.72, SD = 1.88; 71.6% female) who completed self-report questionnaires for course credit. Results: Greater difficulties engaging in goal-directed behavior when experiencing negative emotions and fewer difficulties accessing effective emotion regulation strategies were associated with positive reinforcement outcome expectancies. Greater emotion regulation difficulties in general were also associated with negative reinforcement outcome expectancies, though there were no significant individual predictors. Conclusion: These results suggest that greater emotion regulation difficulties are associated with mood-related e-cigarette outcome expectancies, and targeting emotion regulation difficulties, particularly difficulty engaging in goal-directed behavior when upset, may be useful to incorporate into intervention efforts.

N19 Nurses' difficulties in supporting the sexual well-being of patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract Background Sexual well-being is a state of sexual happiness and satisfaction that combines mental stability and physical health as well as builds on mutual caring and intimacy with the partner. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) undergo distress as they experience dating, marriage, and childbirth while living with the disease. Previous studies have indicated the importance of support related to sexual well-being but have suggested that it is a difficult topic for discussion. Hence, this study sought to clarify nurses' specific difficulties and barriers in supporting the sexual well-being of patients with IBD. Methods Nurses who had considerable experience caring for with patients with IBD were recruited using a snowballing method or opportunistic sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via a video meeting system. Some examples of the interview questions include ‘Please tell us about your experience talking with patients about romantic relationships and sexual concerns and ‘Could you tell us about your difficulties in supporting patients with IBD in relation to their sexual concerns?’ We performed a reflexive thematic analysis. Results We interviewed 20 participants (Male: 4, Female: 16) in 13 facilities, 2 of which were focus group interviews. The mean length of experience in IBD nursing was 13 years. Three themes were identified as reflecting the difficulties nurses faced in discussing sexual issues with their patients: ‘The nurses' experience and their relationships with patients’, including gender and age barriers and difficulties in building rapport; ‘Assessment of sexual well-being’, including difficulties in broaching the issue and identifying people who needed support; and ‘Education for patients and nurses in supporting sexual well-being’, including lack of materials for patients and lack of opportunities for nurses to learn. Most participants rarely experienced discussions about sexual topics and did not initiate conversations about sexual well-being on their own. Conclusion Due to the sensitive topic of sexual issues, the difficulties described by nurses were influenced by the level of rapport with patients, the lack of training on how to handle the topic, and the lack of resources. Our results suggest the need for further research into approaches to reduce nurses' difficulties, while considering the identified barriers and needs related to the sexual well-being of patients with IBD.

Polish Translation and Linguistic Validation of the SCAR-Q.

Introduction Patient-reported outcome measurements (PROMs) are gaining considerable popularity as tools to assess the effectiveness of the treatment in plastic surgery, being a complement to surgical outcomes. The SCAR-Q questionnaire has been recently developed for patients with surgical, traumatic, and burn scars. Aim The study aims to describe the process of translation and linguistic validation of the scar questionnaire (SCAR-Q) for use in Polish patients undergoing scar treatment. Material and methods An official Polish translation and language validation of the SCAR-Q were done in adherence to International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) guidelines. The process consisted of four steps: two independent forward translations, a back translation, a review of the back translation, and cognitive participant interviews. Results The field-tested version of the SCAR-Q consisted of 29 items across three scales measuring appearance concerns, symptoms, and the psychosocial impact of the scar. The forward translation was done by two independent translators and revealed specific difficulties in translation to the Polish language (4/29 items). The back translation showed no significant differences compared to the original English version. Cognitive debriefing interviews involved nine Polish patients with postraumatic scars, burn scars, and scars after skin tumor resection. Participants have not reported any major difficulties in understanding the content of the questionnaire. Conclusions The ISPOR provides a straightforward and thorough guideline for the PROMs translation process. The new SCAR-Q is an accessible and efficient PROM that can be implemented in Polish patients to assess the effectiveness of scar treatment.

Understanding Speaking Difficulties of Accountancy Business and Management Students at Leyte National High School

This paper explored understanding the speaking difficulties of Grade 11 and 12 Accountancy, Business and Management students at Leyte National High School, Tacloban City. Respondents were 239 grade 11 and 170 grade 12 ABM students. During class recitation, students have difficulties in expressing their thoughts and ideas using the English language. Though, results presented that majority of the ABM students are having moderate anxiety in speaking the English language, which means that in general they do not feel anxious about speaking the English language, although they are still anxious in certain situations. On the other hand, grade 11 and 12 ABM students are having specific difficulties in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. They also fear of making mistakes and that they lack confidence. Moreover, poor grammar skills, poor pronunciation skills and lack of vocabulary are considered major factors affecting speaking difficulties for grade 11 ABM students. While grade 12 ABM students considered lack of vocabulary and poor grammar skills as major factors affecting speech difficulties

Current Status of Difficult Airway Information Dissemination at a Tertiary Pediatric Hospital.

Difficult airway is one of the most common potential risk factors for increased fatality in craniofacial/plastic surgery patients. To date, there is no well-established and all-around difficult airway notification system in China, which has recently been recommended by existing guidelines to improve the care of patients with known difficult airways. This study aimed to investigate the current status of critical information communication concerning difficult airway management in our institute. Vital information required to establish a difficult airway registry and notification system was collected through a literature review and expert suggestions. After approval by the Research Ethics Board, 3 online questionnaires were developed and sent to surgeons, anesthesiologists, and proxies of the patients. Knowledge of difficult airways, the willingness to be involved in the difficult airway notification system, and the way to disseminate the information were investigated in the 3 groups. The specific information that was disseminated, required, and available was investigated in the anesthesiologist group. Compared with the surgeons and anesthesiologists, significantly fewer patients knew the definition of a difficult airway and thought it was a potential risk factor. There were no significant differences in the willingness to be informed of the difficulty encountered during airway management. Significant differences were detected in the willingness and way to disseminate the airway information when the participants communicated with different groups. Significantly more patients would disseminate the information to the surgeon and significantly more surgeons would disseminate the information to the patient and the other surgeon. Significantly more anesthesiologists would disseminate the information to the patient and the other anesthesiologists. A significant difference was observed between what was expected and what was available for the anesthesiologist to retrieve the airway information of a patient with known airway difficulty. Significantly more anesthesiologists would notify only the patient of the diagnosis of a difficult airway both oral and written, whereas significantly more anesthesiologists would notify the other anesthesiologist of the specific difficulties in oral only. Most participants agreed to be involved in the difficult airway notification system despite the significantly lower percentage in the patient group (89%). Difficult airway information dissemination is, at the time of this writing, ineffective, which leads to a large gap between the expectation and practice of the anesthesiologist when caring for a patient with a difficult airway. Thus, a difficult airway registry and notification system should be developed, that has a solid foundation in all the participants.

Conservation of Defensive Military Structures Built with Rammed Earth

Earth is a complex material with mechanical and physical behaviors that differ from modern building materials. The conservation of rammed-earth (RE) constructions presents specific difficulties that are challenging to overcome. A lack of knowledge about RE due to its abandonment for decades and interventions adopting materials and repair methodologies designed for conventional constructions have led to inadequate interventions. In the case of historic defensive constructions, the doubts and technical difficulties are even greater due to the nature of so-called military RE (with physical and mechanical characteristics which differ significantly from those of civil, more common RE) and, not least, due to the historical and cultural heritage value of these constructions. Some important interventions have been carried out recently, while others are underway or in the planning stage, and there is a constant lack of information and technical data regarding the best ways to intervene. To fill this gap, the state of conservation of defensive RE structures and the results of interventions carried out throughout history in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula are being assessed. This article sets out a framework for the subject, identifies material and construction techniques and recognises the main causes of RE constructions’ deterioration and decay. With special focus on the most frequent damages detected in historic military defensive structures built with RE, it analyses and discusses the most common techniques that have been used for the repair and conservation of these particular structures.

Chhattisgarh's Perspective on Investigating Cybercrime: Challenges and Solutions

Chhattisgarh is not an exception to the ubiquitous effects of cybercrime, which has become a global problem. Cybercriminals take advantage of weaknesses as digital technologies develop, providing particular difficulties for Chhattisgarh's law enforcement organisations and authorities. In order to boost cybersecurity measures and improve law enforcement capacities, this research study addresses the specific difficulties the state faces in pursuing cybercrime. The study examines case studies, evaluates current cybersecurity activities, and provides thorough recommendations while also analysing the current cybercrime scenario. Chhattisgarh can successfully fight cybercrime and establish a safer online environment by comprehending and tackling these issues.

Contributing to an inclusive education for neurodivergent students: sharing reflections, practices, and experiences.

It is estimated that one in seven individuals, more than 15% of the population in the UK, are neurodivergent. In recent years, there has been a notable increase in university students disclosing disabilities, specific learning difficulties, or mental health conditions. Despite this, students with disabilities and learning differences often experience lower levels of well-being compared to their peers, and their completion rates are significantly lower. Two years ago, I was tasked with creating a training program for academic staff to enhance their support for neurodivergent students. In this commentary, I share reflections on what I have learned while developing this training, and I outline effective strategies and approaches that can be implemented in the design and delivery of educational content. I advocate a collaborative approach to training development with neurodivergent students and with colleagues with various roles. The commentary draws upon the Universal Design for Learning framework to advocate for an educational environment that is welcoming and accommodating to all learners. It champions strength-based practices, steering clear of the traditional deficit-focused narratives. My goal with this reflection is to prompt educators to reflect on their teaching methodologies, engage in conversations with their students, and to consider substantial pedagogical changes that prioritize inclusivity over reasonable adjustments.

The Handwriting Legibility Scale: A Language and Age Extension for Students With and Without Specific Learning Difficulties

Handwriting is a useful skill through education, yet handwriting difficulties are common in students with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD), including Developmental Coordination Disorder. There are few practical tools to assess legibility, among these the Handwriting Legibility Scale (HLS) shows good reliability and validity for 9- to 14-year-olds in the United Kingdom. The aims of the current study were to investigate applicability of the HLS in students with and without SpLD in (a) another language and (b) older age groups. First, the HLS was translated and applied to writing scripts of 193 9- to 14-year-olds in Italy. Findings support previous work on reliability and validity. A principal component analysis confirmed a single component for the HLS at this age and there was differentiation between scripts from students with and without SpLD. Second, the HLS was applied to writing scripts of 80 15- to 16-year-olds and 120 17- to 25-year-olds in the United Kingdom. Results showed good reliability and differentiation between scripts from students with and without SpLD. A principal component analysis revealed two components for the HLS in the older age groups. Language and age differences in the use of the HLS are discussed, alongside other considerations when applying the tool to help identify handwriting difficulties in students.

Constraints on novel word learning in heritage speakers.

Recent research on word learning has found that adults can rapidly learn novel words by tracking cross-situational statistics, but learning is greatly influenced by the phonological properties of the words and by the native language of the speakers. Mandarin-native speakers could easily pick up novel words with Mandarin tones after a short exposure, but English-native speakers had specific difficulty with the tonal components. It is, however, unclear how much experience with Mandarin is needed to successfully use the tonal cue in word learning. In this study, we explored this question by focusing on the heritage language population, who typically are exposed to the target language at an early age but then develop and switch to another majority language. Specifically, we investigated whether heritage Mandarin speakers residing in an English-speaking region and speaking English as a dominant language would be able to learn novel Mandarin tonal words from statistical tracking. It helps us understand whether early exposure to the target feature is sufficient to promote the use of that feature in word learning later in life. We trained 30 heritage Mandarin speakers with Mandarin pseudowords via a cross-situational statistical word learning task (CSWL). Heritage Mandarin speakers were able to learn the pseudowords across multiple situations, but similar-sounding words (i.e., minimal pairs) were more difficult to identify, and words that contrast only in lexical tones (i.e., Mandarin lexical tone) were distinguished at chance level throughout learning. We also collected information about the participants' heritage language (HL) experience and usage. We did not observe a relationship between HL experience/usage and performance in tonal word learning, suggesting that HL exposure does not necessarily lead to an advantage in learning the target language.

Analyses of algebra knowledge and difficulties among Ghanaian Junior High School learners: Insights from standard-based mathematics curriculum implementation

Learners' algebra knowledge significantly determines their performance in mathematics. Based on the critical role of learners’ algebra knowledge in their mathematics achievements, the current study sought to investigate the algebra knowledge and difficulties of Junior High School learners in public and private schools in Ghana. Utilising the learning behaviour dimensions of the recently implemented standard-based mathematics curriculum in the Ghanaian context, the study employed the descriptive survey design and involved the participation of 441 learners using an achievement test instrument. The findings revealed a continuous decline in average scores and the number of learners operating at higher levels of the dimensions. Public school learners demonstrated proficiency up to the Evaluating level, whilst private school learners exhibited proficiency up to the Creating level, with private school learners exhibiting higher knowledge across all six levels and the overall algebra knowledge as compared to their counterparts in public schools. Furthermore, the study identified ten major algebra difficulties among Junior High School learners. The study provides valuable insights into the depth of algebra knowledge and specific difficulties among JHS learners in Ghana. The findings underscore the significance of teacher preparation, professional development and teaching practices in addressing the identified challenges in algebra.

Recent developments in synthesis of attapulgite composite materials for refractory organic wastewater treatment: a review.

Attapulgite clay, due to its unique crystalline hydrated magnesium-aluminium silicate composition and layer-chain structure, possesses exceptional adsorption and catalytic properties, which enable it or its composites to be utilized as adsorbents and catalysts for wastewater treatment. But the drawbacks of attapulgite are also very obvious, such as relatively low specific surface area (compared to traditional adsorbents such as activated carbon and activated alumina), easy aggregation, and difficulty in dispersion. In order to fully utilize and improve the performance of attapulgite, researchers have conducted extensive research on its modification, but few specialized works have comprehensively evaluated the synthesis, applications and challenges for attapulgite-based composite materials in refractory organic wastewater treatments. This paper provides a comprehensive review of controllable preparation strategies, characterization methods and mechanisms of attapulgite-based composite materials, as well as the research progress of these materials in refractory organic wastewater treatment. Based on this review, constructive recommendations, such as deep mechanism analysis from molecular level multi-functional attapulgite-based material developments, and using biodegradable materials in attapulgite-based composites, were proposed.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Postpartum Depression Among Women in Low‐Income Developing Rural Areas: A Cross‐Sectional Study in China

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) significantly affects the welfare of mothers, infants, families, and communities. Mothers in rural areas often face low incomes, poor social security, low education levels, and inadequate medical services. These specific cultural, social, and economic aspects have led to a worsening of PPD in rural areas. However, the current situation of PPD among women in rural areas of China is still insufficiently explored.Aim: This study aims to explore the prevalence and risk factors of PPD among women in low‐income developing rural areas of China.Methods: A cross‐sectional design was used in this study. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was applied to evaluate PPD symptoms. General demographic questionnaire, obstetrics‐/pediatrics‐related questionnaire, and psychosocial‐related questionnaire were adopted. Abuse Assessment Screen (AAS) was utilized to assess experienced intimate partner violence during pregnancy and postpartum. Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) was utilized to measure their levels of social support.Results: Of the 467 participants, the overall prevalence of PPD among women in rural areas of China was 16.5%, and the average EPDS score was 8.35 (SD = 4.50). PPD occurred most frequently at 7–9 months postpartum (33.8%). Six factors associated with PPD were whether the sex of the baby was in line with the family’s expectations, monthly income of partners, social support, IPV during pregnancy and childbirth, and negative life events in the last 1 year, as well as physical and mental exhaustion from caring for a baby.Conclusions: This study sheds light on the prevalence and various risk factors associated with PPD among women residing in low‐income developing rural areas of China. The findings highlighted the need for targeted interventions and support systems designed to address the specific socioeconomic and cultural difficulties encountered by rural mothers.