Planning Support Research Articles

An Exploration of the Peri-Diagnostic Experiences of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual People With Dementia Using the Candidacy Framework.

How dementia affects lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer people or those with other minoritised sexual/gender identities (LGBTQ+) is not well understood. Furthermore, existing research often excludes the voices of LGBTQ+ people living with dementia and focuses instead on their care partners. This study addresses this evidence gap by drawing on the ESRC/NIHR funded DETERMIND cohort, consisting of 940 newly diagnosed people with dementia, to explore the peri-diagnostic experiences of people living with dementia who identify as LGBTQ+. We recruited five people (who identified as lesbian, gay or bisexual [LGB]) and completed semi-structured interviews with them and their partner caregivers (n=3) discussing their experiences of (1) engaging with dementia health care services, (2) receiving a dementia diagnosis, and (3) the support they were offered after diagnosis. Interviews were shaped by the Candidacy Framework, a theoretical model for understanding accessibility of health services, and an inductive thematic analysis was employed to develop common themes. Participants did not routinely disclose their LGBTQ+ identities to health service professionals, despite feeling this was an essential aspect of who they are. They relied on their resilience of overcoming previous experiences of lifetime discrimination to navigate complicated dementia care systems. The importance of 'chosen families' as informal support networks for LGBTQ+ people living with dementia was highlighted, particularly given the lack of formal care services they felt comfortable accessing. All participants were concerned about their future care needs and whether they would receive home-based or community-based support that respected their LGBTQ+ identities. This study adds to the limited evidence base that can be used to inform future research, policy and practice seeking to address inequalities across the dementia care pathway. We only interviewed people who identified as LGB so generalizability to the whole LGBTQ+ population is limited, however our data suggest dementia health care professionals should encourage and support disclosures of LGBTQ+ identities so that inclusive care and support planning can be provided to LGBTQ+ people at every stage of dementia.

Is clinician reported practice in Western Australian emergency departments aligned with direct discharge pathway protocols for minor self-limiting fractures? A multi-centre professional survey.

To determine ED clinician's current management for five common minor self-limiting fractures (MSLF) and evaluate practice against evidence-informed direct discharge pathway (DD) protocols. A survey was provided to doctors, nurse practitioners and advanced scope physiotherapists working in seven metropolitan, public health EDs in Perth, Australia. The relative odds of ED location (e.g. which facility) and clinician level factors (e.g. country of initial training, years of ED experience, profession) on recommending care completely consistent with evidence informeddirect discharge pathway protocols were estimated. Two hundred sixty-two clinicians completed the survey. There was variability in practice across all sites, with most reported care assessed at 60%-76% consistency with individual elements of DD care provision. Highest consistency was seen in lower limb immobilisation and DVT prophylaxis. Lowest consistency was seen in weight bearing advice, pain management and (boxer's) fracture reduction and immobilisation. There were very low levels of complete consistency, ranging from 9% (boxer's fracture) to 25% (radial head fracture). Two factors were associated with increased odds of completely consistent care: (i) clinician experience working in ED, with greater duration of practice associated with increased odds ratios (OR range, 1.6-3.3); and (ii) profession, where advanced scope physiotherapy was associated with increased odds ratios (OR range, 3.2-25.0). Survey results suggested system wide variation in ED fracture management practice and target areas for service improvement. Avenues for service improvement could include hospital wide agreed management plans for specific fractures and support for less experienced clinicians.

Preparing Cadastral Map Databases for Mosul District

Investigates the development and implementation of digital cadastral map databases for Mosul District, Iraq, addressing the transition from traditional paper-based systems to modern geospatial technologies. The research explores the integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and Global Positioning System (GPS) technologies to enhance cadastral mapping processes. Encompass data collection from diverse sources, including high-resolution satellite imagery, aerial photography, and existing cadastral maps. A comprehensive analysis of data types— vector, raster, Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN), and tabular—is conducted to establish an optimal database structure. The study delineates the technical capabilities of GIS in data processing, spatial analysis, and model preparation, emphasizing the importance of data accuracy and consistency. A systematic approach to data entry, including map scanning, georeferencing, and digitization, is presented. The research outlines the creation of a multi-layered geographic database, incorporating both spatial and descriptive data. Protocols for database updating using satellite imagery and field surveys are developed, ensuring the currency and reliability of cadastral information. The results demonstrate significant improvements in data management, spatial analysis capabilities, and information accessibility compared to traditional methods. The study concludes that digital cadastral databases offer enhanced decision-making support for land administration and urban planning in Mosul District. Contributes to the body of knowledge on modernizing cadastral systems in developing regions, providing insights into technological integration, data standardization, and the challenges associated with transitioning to digital cadastral management systems. The findings have implications for policy makers and land administrators seeking to implement similar systems in comparable urban contexts.

Pedagogical infrastructures in multidisciplinary technology education

AbstractIn multidisciplinary technology education, teachers work together to support pupils in designing with technology. The different forms of support are based on establishing pedagogical infrastructures for pupils’ learning of technology. Although previous studies have identified the main forms of pedagogical infrastructure, how they can be leveraged in collaborative technology education remains elusive. This study adopts the perspective of teaching teams in exploring the kinds of pedagogical infrastructures involved in the collaborative planning and implementation of support for learning by collaborative designing (LCD). The data consist of semi-structured interviews with 11 technology education teaching teams. The participants were 21 experienced in-service teachers who worked in primary, secondary, and general upper secondary schools. A multiple case study approach was applied to identify the differences between the teaching teams in the planning and implementation phases. The data were analyzed following the principles of qualitative content analysis. The findings revealed that the application of pedagogical infrastructures varied during the teaching teams’ process of collaboration. In the planning phase, support was mainly based on establishing material-technological infrastructures. In the implementation phase, teachers often leveraged scaffolding and epistemological infrastructures. Pedagogical infrastructures were mostly targeted for the early stages of the LCD process, as well as in the stage of experimenting and testing design ideas.

Correlation between Soil Moisture Change and Geological Disasters in E’bian Area (Sichuan, China)

E’bian Yi Autonomous County is a mineral-rich area located in a complex geological structure zone. The region experiences frequent geological disasters due to concentrated rainfall, steep terrain, and uneven vegetation cover. In particular, during the rainy season, large amounts of rainwater rapidly accumulate, increasing soil moisture and slope pressure, making landslides and debris flows more likely. Additionally, human activities such as mining, road construction, and building can alter the original geological structure, exacerbating the risk of geological disasters. According to publicly available data from the Leshan government, various types of geological disasters occurred in 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023, resulting in economic losses and casualties. Although some studies have focused on geological disaster issues in E’bian, these studies are often limited to specific areas or types of disasters and lack comprehensive spatial and temporal analysis. Furthermore, due to constraints in technology, funding, and manpower, geophysical exploration, field geological exploration, and environmental ecological investigations have been challenging to carry out comprehensively, leading to insufficient and unsystematic data collection. To provide data support and monitoring for regional territorial spatial planning and geological disaster prevention and control, this paper proposes a new method to study the correlation between soil moisture changes and geological disasters. Six high-resolution Landsat remote sensing images were used as the main data sources to process the image band data, and terrain factors were extracted and classified using a digital elevation model (DEM). Meanwhile, a Normalized Difference Vegetation Index–Land Surface Temperature (NDVI-LST) feature space was constructed. The Temperature Vegetation Drought Index (TVDI) was calculated to analyze the variation trend and influencing factors of soil moisture in the study area. The research results showed that the variation in soil moisture in the study area was relatively stable, and the overall soil moisture content was high (0.18 < TVDI < 0.33). However, due to the large variation in topographic relief, it could provide power and be a source basis for geological disasters such as landslide and collapse, so the inversion value of TVDI was small. The minimum and maximum values of the correlation coefficient (R2) were 0.60 and 0.72, respectively, indicating that the surface water content was relatively large, which was in good agreement with the calculated results of vegetation coverage and conducive to the restoration of ecological stability. In general, based on the characteristics of remote sensing technology and the division of soil moisture critical values, the promoting and hindering effects of soil moisture on geological hazards can be accurately described, and the research results can provide effective guidance for the prevention and control of geological hazards in this region.

코로나19 팬데믹 상황에서 초기 청소년의 가정에서의 경험과 변화에 대한 개념도 연구

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the conceptual structure of early adolescents' experiences and changes at home in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: For this purpose, focusing questions were developed to generate ideas from 20 male and female students in the first and second grades of middle school, and ultimately 62 statements were derived. Research participants rated the similarity classification of the final statements and the degree to which they matched their own experiences and changes, and based on the results, multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis were performed to derive a concept map. Results: As a result of the study, the concept map was classified six clusters and composed of two dimensions : ‘the experience of living with family members’ vs. ‘personal life experience (x-axis)’and ‘class and academic attitude vs personal activities (Y-axis)’. Six clusters were ‘increased worries and conflicts about family members’, ‘as family members spent more time together, intimacy increase’, ‘changes in personal life patterns at home and opportunities for personal growth’, ‘changes in personal life patterns and increased negative emotional experiences’, ‘increased personal activities at home’, ‘changes in (online/offline) class and academic attitudes during the COVID era’. Second, as a result of evaluating the degree of agreement, the research participants recognized the ‘increased personal activity at home’ cluster as most consistent with their own experiences and changes. Conclusion: Based on these research results, implications regarding educational intervention and support plan for the healthy growth of early adolescents who experienced COVID-19 were discussed.

Multi–Scenario Prediction of Land Cover Changes and Habitat Quality Based on the FLUS–InVEST Model in Beijing

As urbanization accelerates worldwide, understanding the impact of urban expansion on habitat quality has become increasingly critical in environmental science research. This study examines the impact of urban expansion on habitat quality in Beijing, forecasting land cover changes and ecological effects by 2030. Using CA–Markov and FLUS models, the research analyzes habitat quality from 2000 to 2030 through the InVEST model, revealing a significant urban land increase of 1316.47 km2 and a consequent habitat quality decline. Predictions for 2030 indicate varying habitat quality outcomes across three scenarios: ecological priority (0.375), natural growth (0.373), and urban development (0.359). We observed that the natural growth scenario forecasts a further decline in habitat quality, primarily due to increased low–value habitat regions. Conversely, the ecological priority scenario projects a notable improvement in habitat quality. To mitigate habitat degradation in Beijing and enhance regional habitat quality and ecological conditions, it is recommended to control urban land cover expansion, adopt effective ecological conservation policies, and systematically carry out national spatial restructuring and ecological restoration. This research provides vital decision–making support for urban planning and ecological conservation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive land cover and ecological strategies in urban development. Additionally, our findings and methodologies are applicable to other rapidly urbanizing cities worldwide. This demonstrates the broader applicability and relevance of our research, providing a framework for sustainable urban planning in diverse global contexts.

Advance directives in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease of the upper and lower motoneuron. It is associated with a life expectancy of 2–4 years after diagnosis. Individuals experience paralysis, dysphagia, respiratory failure and loss of communicative function, rendering advance care planning (ACP) critically important. This systematic review primarily aimed to internationally compare the application of advance directives (AD) and ACP in ALS. Its secondary aim was to identify ACP preferences, identify fields for future research and to generate recommendations for improving patient care through ACP.MethodsWe conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Five electronic databases (Embase, Medline, Scopus, PsycInfo and CENTRAL) were searched for qualitative and quantitative primary literature from 1999 to 2024. Cross-references were used to identify additional publications. Study selection was performed based on inclusion criteria. Number and content of AD were extracted systematically. After statistical analysis consecutive meta-analysis was performed for international differences and changes over time. Quality assessment of studies was performed using the MMAT (Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool). PROSPERO Registration (June 07, 2021) : CRD42021248040.ResultsA total of 998 records was screened of which 26 were included in the synthesis. An increase in publication numbers of 88.9% was observed from 1999 to 2024. Results regarding use and content of AD were heterogeneous and international differences were detected. AD were signed in 60.4% of records (1,629 / 2,696 patients). The number of AD decreased over time when separating the review period in two decades (1st 1999–2011: 78% vs. 2nd 2012–2024: 42%). Study quality was superior in qualitative and mixed method designs compared to quantitative studies.ConclusionFurther prospective studies should include detailed analyses on preferences regarding ventilation and artificial nutrition in ALS and should encompass countries of the global south. Despite the complexity of ACP with regard to individual patient needs, ACP should be part of each individual support plan for ALS patients and should specifically comprise a discussion on the preferred place of death. The available disease-specific AD documents should be preferred.

A Super-Resolution and 3D Reconstruction Method Based on OmDF Endoscopic Images.

In the field of endoscopic imaging, challenges such as low resolution, complex textures, and blurred edges often degrade the quality of 3D reconstructed models. To address these issues, this study introduces an innovative endoscopic image super-resolution and 3D reconstruction technique named Omni-Directional Focus and Scale Resolution (OmDF-SR). This method integrates an Omnidirectional Self-Attention (OSA) mechanism, an Omnidirectional Scale Aggregation Group (OSAG), a Dual-stream Adaptive Focus Mechanism (DAFM), and a Dynamic Edge Adjustment Framework (DEAF) to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of super-resolution processing. Additionally, it employs Structure from Motion (SfM) and Multi-View Stereo (MVS) technologies to achieve high-precision medical 3D models. Experimental results indicate significant improvements in image processing with a PSNR of 38.2902 dB and an SSIM of 0.9746 at a magnification factor of ×2, and a PSNR of 32.1723 dB and an SSIM of 0.9489 at ×4. Furthermore, the method excels in reconstructing detailed 3D models, enhancing point cloud density, mesh quality, and texture mapping richness, thus providing substantial support for clinical diagnosis and surgical planning.

An interdisciplinary overview of levee setback benefits: Supporting spatial planning and implementation of riverine nature‐based solutions

AbstractNature‐based solutions (NbS, and related concepts like natural infrastructure, Ecosystem‐based Adaptation, and green infrastructure) are increasingly recognized as multi‐benefit strategies for addressing the critical sustainability challenges of the Anthropocene, including the climate emergency and biodiversity crisis. Mainstreaming NbS in professional practice requires strategic, landscape‐level planning integrating multiple sources of benefits and their synergies and trade‐offs. Levee setbacks (LS) are among the best‐studied riverine NbS with recognized benefits for flood risk management, drought resilience, water quality management, recreational opportunities, and ecological restoration for biodiversity. Although awareness of the multifarious benefits of LS as forms of Natural Capital is growing, implementation remains ad‐hoc and opportunistic. To address this critical implementation gap for one major example of NbS, we review and synthesize literature across diverse disciplines to provide an overview of the primary social, economic, and ecological mechanisms that affect the co‐benefit delivery of LS projects. Next, to make this information relevant to NbS practitioners, we link these mechanisms to spatial metrics that can be used to approximate the relative magnitude of project benefits and costs across these mechanisms. Finally, we highlight examples of key synergies and trade‐offs among benefits that should be considered for LS planning. This synthetic approach is intended to familiarize readers with the diverse potential benefits of LS, and provide an understanding of how to select and prioritize potential sites for further study and implementation. Synergies and trade‐offs among important benefit drivers abound, and social equity concerns will be paramount in ensuring the successful implementation of LS and other NbS in the future.This article is categorized under: Engineering Water > Sustainable Engineering of Water Engineering Water > Planning Water Water and Life > Nature of Freshwater Ecosystems

Perceived Social Isolation Among Patients With Multiple Sclerosis Suffering From Disease-Induced Pain and Disability.

Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) face a wide range of symptoms, including physical disability, imbalance, motor disorders, and acute and chronic pain. The psychosocial consequences of these symptoms may limit social well-being and quality of life in these patients. The aim of the study was to assess self-perceived social isolation among patients with MS and its relationship with pain intensity and disability status. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 patients with MS referred to neurology wards and clinics, the MS Association, and rehabilitation centers. Data collection tools used included a demographic information form, Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Expanded Disability Status Scale, and Social Isolation Questionnaire. The mean scores of 4.66 ( SD = 1.15) for disability and 4.18 ( SD = 2.22) for pain intensity both indicated moderate levels of both. Of the sample, 21.5% (43 patients) reported no pain, 22.5% ( n = 45) reported mild pain, 35% ( n = 70) reported moderate pain, and 21% ( n = 42) reported intense pain. The average social isolation score was 63.52 ( SD = 3.32), which is higher than the theoretical average. Of the sample, 44.5% reported low social isolation, whereas 55.5% indicated high social isolation. Gender, duration of MS, economic status, disability status, and pain intensity were all found to be significantly associated with social isolation in patients with MS (all p s < .05). Based on the findings, comprehensive support plans are necessary to improve psychosocial well-being, social life, and quality of life in patients with MS.

Pregnancy and Parenthood Among US Surgical Residents

The ability to pursue family planning goals is integral to gender equity in any field. Procedural specialties pose occupational risks to pregnancy. As the largest procedural specialty, general surgery provides an opportunity to understand family planning, workplace support for parenthood, obstetric outcomes, and the impact of these factors on workforce well-being, gender equity, and attrition. To examine pregnancy and parenthood experiences, including mistreatment and obstetric outcomes, among a cohort of US general surgical residents. This cohort study involved a cross-sectional national survey of general surgery residents in all programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education after the 2021 American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination. Female respondents who reported a pregnancy and male respondents whose partners were pregnant during clinical training were queried about pregnancy- and parenthood-based mistreatment, obstetric outcomes, and current well-being (burnout, thoughts of attrition, suicidality). Primary outcomes included obstetric complications and postpartum depression compared between female residents and partners of male residents. Secondary outcomes included perceptions about support for family planning, pregnancy, or parenthood; assisted reproductive technology use; pregnancy/parenthood-based mistreatment; neonatal complications; and well-being, compared between female and male residents. A total of 5692 residents from 325 US general surgery programs participated (81.2% response rate). Among them, 957 residents (16.8%) reported a pregnancy during clinical training (692/3097 [22.3%] male vs 265/2595 [10.2%] female; P < .001). Compared with male residents, female residents more frequently delayed having children because of training (1201/2568 [46.8%] females vs 1006/3072 [32.7%] males; P < .001) and experienced pregnancy/parenthood-based mistreatment (132 [58.1%] females vs 179 [30.5%] males; P < .001). Compared with partners of male residents, female residents were more likely to experience obstetric complications (odds ratio [OR], 1.42; 95% CI, 1.04-1.96) and postpartum depression (OR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.11-2.40). Pregnancy/parenthood-based mistreatment was associated with increased burnout (OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.48-2.78) and thoughts of attrition (OR, 2.50; 95% CI, 1.61-3.88). Postpartum depression, whether in female residents or partners of male residents, was associated with resident burnout (OR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.27-2.92), thoughts of attrition (OR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.36-3.96), and suicidality (OR, 5.58; 95% CI, 2.59-11.99). This study found that pregnancy/parenthood-based mistreatment, obstetric complications, and postpartum depression were associated with female gender, likely driving gendered attrition. Systematic change is needed to protect maternal-fetal health and advance gender equity in procedural fields.

Spatial imaginaries and the politics of inter-regional transport infrastructure development in Northern England

ABSTRACT This article explores how relationships between policy actors at different scales, and their changing character over time, shape the production of spatial imaginaries and their use in transport infrastructure planning. Based on research on the planning of a major rail project in Northern England between 2011 and 2022, the article illustrates how spatial imaginaries reflect interactions between national, sub-national, regional and local institutions. Drawing on a programme of interviews with policy actors, the research highlights the tensions manifested in planning for transport infrastructure about which places are prioritized in policy, and the institutional influences shaping these decisions. The article develops understanding of how inter-scalar politics influences the production of spatial imaginaries and how these imaginaries are in turn utilized in support of transport infrastructure plans by policy actors at different spatial scales.

Palliative Care Coordination Interventions for Caregivers of Community-Dwelling Individuals with Dementia: An Integrative Review.

Alzheimer's disease is a serious illness with a protracted caregiving experience; however, care coordination interventions often lack the inclusion of palliative care. The purpose of this integrative review is to identify and synthesize existing care coordination interventions that include palliative care for individuals with dementia and their caregivers living in community settings. The Whittemore and Knafl framework guided the review, with data analysis guided by the SELFIE framework domains. Study quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool, while the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines informed reporting results. Nine care coordination interventions involving family caregivers across eighteen publications were identified. Only a single intervention explicitly mentioned palliative care, while the remaining interventions included traditional palliative care components such as advance care planning, symptom management, and emotional support. Many of the identified interventions lacked theoretical grounding and were studied in non-representative, homogeneous samples. Further research is needed to understand the lived experiences of people with dementia and their caregivers to alleviate care coordination burden.

A randomized, embedded, pragmatic, Bayesian clinical trial examining clinical decision support for high flow nasal cannula management in children with bronchiolitis: design and statistical analysis plan

BackgroundHigh flow nasal cannula (HFNC) has been increasingly adopted in the past 2 decades as a mode of respiratory support for children hospitalized with bronchiolitis. The growing use of HFNC despite a paucity of high-quality data regarding the therapy’s efficacy has led to concerns about overutilization. We developed an electronic health record (EHR) embedded, quality improvement (QI) oriented clinical trial to determine whether standardized management of HFNC weaning guided by clinical decision support (CDS) results in a reduction in the duration of HFNC compared to usual care for children with bronchiolitis.MethodsThe design and summary of the statistical analysis plan for the REspiratory SupporT for Efficient and cost-Effective Care (REST EEC; “rest easy”) trial are presented. The investigators hypothesize that CDS-coupled, standardized HFNC weaning will reduce the duration of HFNC, the trial’s primary endpoint, for children with bronchiolitis compared to usual care. Data supporting trial design and eventual analyses are collected from the EHR and other real world data sources using existing informatics infrastructure and QI data sources. The trial workflow, including randomization and deployment of the intervention, is embedded within the EHR of a large children’s hospital using existing vendor features. Trial simulations indicate that by assuming a true hazard ratio effect size of 1.27, equivalent to a 6-h reduction in the median duration of HFNC, and enrolling a maximum of 350 children, there will be a > 0.75 probability of declaring superiority (interim analysis posterior probability of intervention effect > 0.99 or final analysis posterior probability of intervention effect > 0.9) and a > 0.85 probability of declaring superiority or the CDS intervention showing promise (final analysis posterior probability of intervention effect > 0.8). Iterative plan-do-study-act cycles are used to monitor the trial and provide targeted education to the workforce.DiscussionThrough incorporation of the trial into usual care workflows, relying on QI tools and resources to support trial conduct, and relying on Bayesian inference to determine whether the intervention is superior to usual care, REST EEC is a learning health system intervention that blends health system operations with active evidence generation to optimize the use of HFNC and associated patient outcomes.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05909566. Registered on June 18, 2023.

Psychological manifestations in patients with tuberculosis: prevalence and contributing factors

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a major global health concern impacting millions of people each year. Beyond its outward symptoms TB can have a significant negative influence on psychological health and cause psychological anguish in those who are afflicted. The purpose of this review is to recapitulate the frequency and contributing variables of psychological discomfort in TB patients. Previous studies show varying prevalence rates of psychological distress which frequently manifests as stress, worry, and depression. Numerous factors such as sociodemographic characteristics the severity of the disease the treatment plan, stigma, and social support. these factors can alter gene expression patterns, epigenetic modifications, and immune responses linked to higher psychological distress. Psychological factors like stress, anxiety, and depression can influence gene metabolism in TB patients through various mechanisms. These factors impacting TB susceptibility, disease progression, and treatment outcomes. To effectively address the mental health needs of TB patients, it is imperative to comprehend the prevalence and factors of psychological distress in tb population. Promote the holistic well-being of TB patients, it is imperative that mental health treatments be integrated into TB care in conjunction with initiatives to lessen stigma and enhance social support.

Exploring school support stakeholders’ perceptions in identifying learning barriers: the case study of selected rural schools in the Eastern Cape

Identification of learning barriers is a critical issue for support provision in inclusive classes, as it informs individualised support plans for each learner who experiences barriers to learning. However, the school support stakeholders in Quintile 1 rural schools in South Africa face challenges in identifying learning barriers experienced by learners in their classes. Quintile 1 is a socially based ranking given to schools in poverty-stricken communities where most people are unemployed. This study focuses on identifying the perceptions of school support stakeholders in the identification of learning barriers in Quintile 1 rural schools. In this qualitative research study, a multiple case study design was used and 15 participants from three categories (teachers, principals, and school-based support team coordinators) were purposively sampled from three secondary and two primary rural schools due to the different roles expected from each category in the identification of learning barriers. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. The findings revealed insufficient knowledge about the identification of learning barriers; lack of support in identifying learning barriers; lack of continuous in-service training on inclusive practices and education policies as barriers to the identification of learning barriers, which led teachers to perceive their roles in identifying learning barriers in a negative way. In general, this article contributes to understanding the complexities surrounding the identification of learning barriers for support provision in rural settings. It highlights areas for improvement in inclusive practices and supports structures to enhance the inclusivity and effectiveness of rural education systems.

Relationships among perceived social support, mindful self-care, and resilience among a sample of nurses in three provinces in China: a cross-sectional study.

In this study, we aimed to determine the relationships among perceived social support, mindful self-care, and resilience in a sample of nurses in three provinces of China. A cross-sectional study was conducted in seven hospitals in Guangdong, Guizhou, and Henan provinces between August and October, 2023; the provinces are located in south, southwest, and central China. A total of 389 nurses were surveyed using a self-designed sociodemographic characteristics questionnaire and the Chinese versions of Multidimensional Scale of the Perceived Social Support, Brief-Mindful Self-Care Scale and the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10). Of the 389 nurses, the majority were women (n = 365; 93.8%), aged 26-35 years (n = 244; 62.7%) and had bachelor's degrees (n = 337; 86.6%), had worked for 10-20 years (n = 136; 35%), with junior professional titles (n = 331; 85.1%), and had a monthly income in the range 3,001-6,000 yuan in CNY (n = 239; 61.4%). Nurses' resilience was measured using the CD-RISC-10, which ranges from 10 to 40 points. And average score of nurses' resilience was (23.94 ± 6.95). Multiple linear regression showed that scores for resilience were higher among nurses who had higher educational attainment (95% confidence interval: 0.568-3.024, p < 0.01), professional titles (95% confidence interval: 0.009-1.693, p < 0.05), scores of mindful self-care (95% confidence interval: 0.086-0.155, p < 0.01), and scores of perceived social support (95% confidence interval: 0.242-0.328, p < 0.01). Nurses with higher educational attainment and professional titles exhibited higher levels of resilience. Perceived social support and mindfulness self-care are significantly positively correlated with resilience of nurses. The findings of this study are beneficial to further our understanding of nurses' resilience. The identification of associated factors is conducive to providing more support for nurses who tend to have lower resilience earlier, and can provide useful information for research targeted intervention and support plans aimed at improving nurses' resilience in the future.

Knowledge and flood management behavior of the older people and their families at the selected flood-prone villages in East Jakarta

Older people are identified as a vulnerable group in disaster. There should be more focus on their capacities and needs. Yet, there are limited studies on flood knowledge, family support, and emergency response plans affecting older people's flood-management practices. The study aimed to examine the correlation between sociodemographic characteristics; knowledge of Disasters Resilience Family Program (KATANA), disasters, and floods; family support; and the emergency response plans in flood management. This study employed a quantitative approach and utilized a cross-sectional research design. It involved 105 participants selected using simple random sampling. The study found that (1) knowledge of KATANA, disasters, and floods remained relatively low; (2) older persons' practices before floods differed by age and gender, and practices after a flood varied by employment status; (3) family support for older people facing a flood was relatively poor; (4) emergency response plan vary based on education, gender, marital status, and family type; (5) older people with good knowledge of KATANA, disasters, and floods were 5.79 times more likely to be well-practiced in flood management than those who had not (OR = 5.79, p = 0.000). These findings suggest increasing older peoples' knowledge of KATANA, disasters, and floods through disaster-preparedness training and simulating government and civil society mitigation efforts to strengthen older individuals' disaster resilience. At the governmental level, detailed, comprehensive, and realistic actions in disaster management, especially targeted at older people, should be put in the New Disasters Rules for 2024 by the Indonesian National Disasters Management Agency.

Resilience in the face of ecological challenges: Strategies for integrating environmental considerations into social policy planning in Africa

AbstractAfrica faces severe ecological crises, such as climate change, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss, undermining sustainable development efforts and exacerbating poverty and hunger. Integrating environmental concerns into social policy planning could help build community resilience and support sustainable development. This study employed policy analysis and stakeholder engagement to identify key environmental issues, policy gaps, and strategies for integrating environmental considerations into social policies across various sectors in Africa. The study found a significant lack of integration of environmental concerns into social policy across areas like disaster management, agriculture, urban planning, healthcare access, and infrastructure development policies. As a percentage of respondents, the top environmental issues were flooding (32%), drought/desertification (13%), and food security/agriculture (11%), with farmers (35.4%) and women (21.7%) being the most vulnerable to climate change. Most community stakeholders (87.5%) emphasized the importance of integrating environmental considerations into social policy, with 56.25% rating it a high priority. They underscored the need for more locally driven planning, ecological monitoring, land restoration, diversified livelihoods, and climate change adaptation support through social policies to enhance environmental sustainability. This study's novelty lies in its comprehensive approach to understanding and addressing the complex interplay between environmental challenges and social policy planning in Africa. The findings emphasize the urgent need for policymakers to develop cross‐sectoral national and local policies that use participatory processes to prioritize environmental sustainability, adaptation, community empowerment, and alignment with sustainable development goals while being responsive to continuing environmental uncertainty and change.