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Background: The development of communication, speech and language follows three stages (development of the parent--child relationship, interactions and actual speech and language acquisition). Children born with cleft lip and/or palate are at increased risk of communicative problems while parents may be going through an emotionally difficult time. Early parent-implemented logopaedic intervention that supports both parents and child is important. Three systematic reviews have examined the effects of early speech and language interventions, but not their structure and content. Aims: To investigate which early parent-implemented logopaedic interventions already exist for children with cleft lip and/or palate, and to evaluate their structure, content and time of onset against the three stages of communicative development. Methods: Six databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, APA PsycInfo, Cinahl and Scopus) were searched between inception and 31 March 2023 to identify published articles that reported early parent-implemented logopaedic interventions in children with cleft lip and/or palate, aged 0 to 3 years, clearly describing the strategies used to train parents. Two authors independently assessed the eligibility of the studies. Quality assessment was conducted using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database quality assessment tool, Single-Case Experimental Design tool and the National Institutes of Health pre-post-study tools. The structure and content of the interventions were analysed taking into account the needs and difficulties of both the parents and the child according to the three stages of communicative development. Main contribution: The systematic literature search identified four studies that met the inclusion criteria. Three of them had a Level of Evidence III and one study had a Level of Evidence IV. Strategies appropriate for Stage 1 of communicative development (parent--child relationship) are well represented in only one study, but the psychosocial needs of parents are currently not included in these programmes. However, research shows that parental emotional difficulties can adversely impact a child's communicative development. Strategies appropriate for Stage 2 (promoting social interactions) are better represented. However, strategies appropriate for Stage 3 (acquiring correct speech and language patterns) are most represented in all intervention programmes. Conclusions: Three out of four intervention programmes focus on Stage 3 (actual speech and language stimulation). Stage 1 is underrepresented and the psychosocial needs of parents are currently not included in existing intervention programmes. Further research is needed in close collaboration with psychologists to construct a comprehensive, longitudinal, developmentally appropriate intervention programme that equally represents the three stages of communicative development and considers the psychosocial needs of parents.

COVID-19 pandemic led to temporary closures of public schools and increased need for technology to support students' access to learning capabilities. The situation created enormous burdens for all education stakeholders with teachers struggling on how to package learning materials that are easily accessible to students at home, and parents struggling to structure a home learning environment to support their children. This research was conducted to develop an understanding of challenges that African Nova Scotian (ANS) parents faced when supporting their learners throughout the COVID-19 crisis. The underlying concern was that COVID-19 related school closures combined with a seismic shift in the learning environment would widen pre-existing achievement gaps among ANS learners. Utilising a methodology framed from a Participatory Action Research perspective, ANS household survey data was collected and analysed. Gaining a better understanding of how ANS students and their support network experienced remote learning is critical for the successful implementation of the current inclusive education policy in the Nova Scotia education system. With an understanding of the challenges faced by ANS learner households and perspectives for the future presented through an ANS lens, our study can help inform a more productive and inclusive public education system in the post-COVID-19 world.

The Argentine shortfin squid Illex argentinus is one of the most important commercial species for the Argentine fisheries. The understanding of its stock structure is therefore necessary to ensure fishery sustainability and, given the relevance of squids in the regional food web, for biodiversity conservation. An overlap between parasitology and fisheries lies in the use of parasites as biological tags to identify the stock composition of exploited resources, however, the efficiency of this methodology has been questioned for stock assessment in cephalopods. In this work, the value of parasite assemblages of I. argentinus to discriminate between the co-occurring summer spawning stock (SSS) and south patagonic stock (SPS) in a mixing area over the Patagonian continental shelf during summer was evaluated for two cohorts. Five shortfin squid samples corresponding to SSS and SPS were examined for metazoan parasites. The squid size affected the parasite assemblage similarities, conversely, no gender effect on the infracommunities was observed. Multivariate analysis evidenced similarity in parasite assemblage composition and structure between both stocks captured in the mixing area on the same date. This similarity was related to the presence of short-lived trophically transmitted parasites, which are associated with their recently consumed food items and, indirectly, to the oceanographic conditions. The same set of host and environmental variables were identified as the most probable causes of the temporal variability observed in parasite assemblages between SPS cohorts and even intra-cohort. Despite the value of parasites as tags for discriminating squid stocks may have little value when cohabiting stocks are analysed, their variability could serve as a valuable indicator of environmental conditions. The use of parasites as biological tags to discriminate stocks needs to be verified at different spatiotemporal scales, including samples from other non-sympatric stocks in the analyses.

Introduction. The time of examination and evaluation is a stressful period where anxiety is at its highest levels. To some extent, a low level of stress can help motivate the students; however, more stress can be discouraging. It will make students exhausted, overwhelmed, and confused. High self-esteem promotes physical health and enhances coping with threat; on the other hand, low self-esteem is associated with mental health difficulties like anxiety, depression, and personality disorder. Hence, the present study focuses on assessing the academic test anxiety and self-confidence and finding out the efficacy of practicing mindfulness meditation to relieve test anxiety, thereby improving the self-confidence and self-esteem in their life. Objectives. Determine the pre-interventional academic test anxiety and self-confidence among undergraduates in experimental and control groups and determine the effectiveness of MBSR on academic test anxiety and self-confidence.

The increasing adoption of 2D/3D laser line sensors in industrial and research applications necessitates accurate and efficient simulation tools for tasks such as surface inspection, dimensional verification, and quality control. This paper presents a novel algorithm developed in MATLAB for simulating the measurements of any 2D/3D laser line sensor on STL CAD models. The algorithm uses a modified fast-ray triangular intersection method, addressing challenges such as overlapping triangles in assembly models and incorporating sensor resolution to ensure realistic simulations. Quantitative analysis shows a significant reduction in computation time, enhancing the practical utility of the algorithm. The simulation results exhibit a mean deviation of 0.42 mm when compared to real-world measurements. Notably, the algorithm effectively handles complex geometric features, such as holes and grooves, and offers flexibility in generating point cloud data in both local and global coordinate systems. This work not only reduces the need for physical prototyping, thereby contributing to sustainability, but also supports AI training by generating accurate synthetic data. Future work should aim to further optimize the simulation speed and explore noise modeling to enhance the realism of simulated measurements.

The importance of logistics and supply chain management cannot be overemphasized for optimal management of pharmaceuticals and other health commodities. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of pharmaceutical supply chain management activities and evaluate the forecasting, procurement and inventory management practices of health professionals in four states of South-South region of Nigeria. A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out from February to July 2015 among 150 respondents working in registered practice settings (Hospitals and Community Pharmacies) in Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa-Ibom and Cross River States of Nigeria. Data collection tool was a pretested questionnaire to assess respondents’ knowledge of pharmaceutical supply chain activities and forecasting, procurement and inventory management practices. Data collected were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. The respondents had a good knowledge of pharmaceutical supply chain activities. Information used for forecasting included stock on hand, dispensed to user data, issue data and disease prevalence. Procurement practices included tender, local purchase order and medical representatives. Inventory management practices included use of stock card, ledger and computer. The knowledge of respondents to pharmaceutical supply chain activities was good. Several forecasting and procurement and inventory management practices were employed. Observed knowledge deficit and poorly computerized inventory control system is a major drawback which need improvement for satisfactory monitoring.

Though school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic affected all students globally, the effect was significantly more for students from marginalized and vulnerable communities. In Nova Scotia, Canada, the concern was the racial achievement gap that the education system is addressing through an inclusive education policy. The worry, especially for Black Nova Scotian students, was the online learning demands and the associated challenges. Through an analysis of a household survey and intersectionality framework, we explored these challenges. We argue that students have multiple and simultaneously acting identities that lead to differential learning experiences and outcomes, and an intersectionality approach should be considered to inform education improvement decisions.

The Argentine shortfin squid, Illex argentinus, inhabits in the southwest Atlantic; it is a semelparous species which grows rapidly along its 1 year lifespan. The identification of its stocks is critical for sustainable fishery exploitation. Parasites have been used as biological indicators in a lower number of studies dealing with squids, therefore a validation of this methodology is necessary. The intra- and inter-cohort variability of parasite assemblages in the summer-spawning stock of I. argentinus was analysed to assess their value as indicators of stock structure. Four squid samples from the continental shelf of central Patagonia, corresponding to 3 consecutive cohorts, were examined for metazoan parasites. Results evidenced heterogeneity in terms of parasite assemblage composition and structure, dominated by short-lived gastrointestinal parasites, with a strong influence of host size, but no effect of squid sex. These changes are related to their recent habitats and diets, which change with ontogeny and migrations, clouding any interpretation of patterns when samples spatially or temporally separated are compared. Many squid species share these characteristics; therefore, it is recommended that the use of parasites as biological tags should be restricted to simultaneous sampling, while size or age must be considered for deriving proper conclusions.

El artículo que presentamos entrega el caso de un paciente masculino de 45 años de edad, con reciente diagnóstico de VIH con linfoma de Burkitt y síndrome de Guillain Barré, con la finalidad de estudiar, a partir de estudios previos, su sintomatología, diagnóstico y pronóstico para brindar un manejo adecuado que permita incrementar la esperanza y la calidad de vida de las personas infectadas. La infección por VIH es considerada a nivel global como uno de los problemas de salud pública con mayor relevancia, debido también al surgimiento de otras enfermedades y complicaciones infecciosas que representan problemas para la salud como son el riesgo de aparición de neoplasias malignas a consecuencia de una inmunidad celular deteriorada, entre estas los linfomas no Hodgkin (LNH), que son las neoplasias más frecuentemente observadas en este grupo de pacientes y considerada una enfermedad definitoria de Síndrome de Inmuno deficiencia adquirida (SIDA), cuyo linfoma B difuso de células grandes y el linfoma de Burkitt son las variantes más comunes. Adicionalmente, los trastornos neuromusculares como el síndrome de Guillain Barré (SGB), constituyen otro grupo de complicaciones relacionadas al VIH que, aunque no resultan ser tan frecuentes, deben hacer sospechar de la presencia de infección por VIH. Incluso se revela que existe una posible relación patogénica que vincula estas tres patologías, asociada con la existencia de SGB paraneoplásico, principalmente asociado con linfomas. Estas entidades pueden representar complicaciones para los pacientes con esta condición, por lo tanto, realizar un diagnóstico oportuno resulta esencial.

Data on immune responses following COVID-19 booster vaccinations and subsequent infections in the immunocompromised are limited. We studied antibody responses after the fourth dose and subsequent infections to define patient groups benefiting most from boosters. Fourth vaccine (booster) doses were, in Finland, first recommended for severely immunocompromised individuals, whom we invited to participate in our study in 2022. We assessed spike protein-specific IgG and neutralizing antibodies (NAb) against the ancestral and Omicron BA.1 strains one month after the fourth dose from 488 adult participants and compared them to the levels of 35 healthy controls after three doses. We used Bayesian generalized linear modeling to assess factors explaining antibody levels and assessed vaccine-induced and hybrid immunity six months after the last vaccine dose. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and immunosuppressive therapy (IT) were identified as factors explaining sub-optimal antibody responses. The proportion of participants with a normal antibody response and NAbs was significantly lower regarding CKD patients compared to the controls. By the 6-month sampling point, one-third of the participants became infected (documented by serology and/or molecular tests), which notably enhanced antibody levels in most immunocompromised participants. Impaired antibody responses, especially NAbs against the Omicron lineage, suggest limited protection in individuals with CKD and highlight the need for alternative pharmaceutical preventive strategies. Vaccination strategies should take into account the development of robust hybrid immunity responses also among the immunocompromised.

Diabetes is a major cause of morbidity and premature mortality worldwide and now identified as a ‘public health emergency’ and a ‘modern and preventable pandemic’. Indigenous populations are disproportionately affected by type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and associated complications. Student run free clinics (SRFCs) may play an important role in the prevention and management of T2DM. The primary objective of this scoping review was to investigate the opportunity for curriculum enhancement through the role and effectiveness of SRFCs in managing T2DM. Electronic databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, Science Direct and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to October 2022. Identified records from database literature searches were imported into Covidence®. Two independent reviewers screened and extracted the data. The research team collectively created a data charting table/form to standardize data collection. A narrative synthesis was used to summarize the evidence. Six studies (total of 319 participants) that met our eligibility criteria were included in this scoping review. SRFCs can provide high-quality diabetic care, especially for uninsured and economically weaker population. Preliminary evidence further indicate that shared medical appointments and telehealth may facilitate diabetic care especially during times where access to care may be difficult (e.g., COVID lockdown). However, no study included in the review explored or discussed family centred/culturally sensitive interventions. Hence, such interventions should be made part of the curriculum in the future with students in SRFCs exposed to such an approach.

The increasing adoption of 2D/3D laser line sensors in industrial and research applications necessitates accurate and efficient simulation tools for tasks such as surface inspection, dimensional verification, and quality control. This paper presents a novel algorithm developed in MATLAB for simulating the measurements of any 2D/3D laser line sensor on STL CAD models. The algorithm uses a modified fast-ray triangular intersection method, addressing challenges such as overlapping triangles in assembly models and incorporating sensor resolution to ensure realistic simulations. Quantitative analysis shows a significant reduction in computation time, enhancing the practical utility of the algorithm. The simulation results exhibit a mean deviation of 0.42 mm when compared to real-world measurements. Notably, the algorithm effectively handles complex geometric features, such as holes and grooves, and offers flexibility in generating point cloud data in both local and global coordinate systems. This work not only reduces the need for physical prototyping, thereby contributing to sustainability, but also supports AI training by generating accurate synthetic data. Future work should aim to further optimize the simulation speed and explore noise modeling to enhance the realism of simulated measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents data collected in a qualitative study of Nigerian English language teachers working in Nigeria. Many of these Nigerian teachers have not had a formal introduction to reflective practice. Most of them work in conditions of constraint and challenge, experiencing a lack of resources, support and often working with large classes. The study was focused on establishing whether they saw themselves as reflective and could articulate ways in which reflection was important for them in their everyday practice. Even with those teachers who have been introduced to reflective practice, our data suggests that teachers may perceive reflection differently from their trainers. The article draws on interviews, questionnaires and focus groups in detailing how Nigerian teachers conceptualise reflection and in what ways it is important for them. The article finishes by arguing that more data, perhaps in the forms of reflective vignettes of experience, interview extracts, journal entries and descriptions of teaching challenges from teachers is important in making reflective practice less vague and more achievable for teachers. The data suggests that reflection can happen in an intuitive and self-determined way and these experiences (and associated texts) would make good data for making reflection in teaching more tangible for trainee and novice teachers.

Background: The development of communication, speech and language follows three stages (development of the parent–child relationship, interactions and actual speech and language acquisition). Children born with cleft lip and/or palate are at increased risk of communicative problems while parents may be going through an emotionally difficult time. Early parent‐implemented logopaedic intervention that supports both parents and child is important. Three systematic reviews have examined the effects of early speech and language interventions, but not their structure and content. Aims: To investigate which early parent‐implemented logopaedic interventions already exist for children with cleft lip and/or palate, and to evaluate their structure, content and time of onset against the three stages of communicative development. Methods: Six databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, APA PsycInfo, Cinahl and Scopus) were searched between inception and 31 March 2023 to identify published articles that reported early parent‐implemented logopaedic interventions in children with cleft lip and/or palate, aged 0 to 3 years, clearly describing the strategies used to train parents. Two authors independently assessed the eligibility of the studies. Quality assessment was conducted using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database quality assessment tool, Single‐Case Experimental Design tool and the National Institutes of Health pre‐post‐study tools. The structure and content of the interventions were analysed taking into account the needs and difficulties of both the parents and the child according to the three stages of communicative development. Main contribution: The systematic literature search identified four studies that met the inclusion criteria. Three of them had a Level of Evidence III and one study had a Level of Evidence IV. Strategies appropriate for Stage 1 of communicative development (parent–child relationship) are well represented in only one study, but the psychosocial needs of parents are currently not included in these programmes. However, research shows that parental emotional difficulties can adversely impact a child's communicative development. Strategies appropriate for Stage 2 (promoting social interactions) are better represented. However, strategies appropriate for Stage 3 (acquiring correct speech and language patterns) are most represented in all intervention programmes. Conclusions: Three out of four intervention programmes focus on Stage 3 (actual speech and language stimulation). Stage 1 is underrepresented and the psychosocial needs of parents are currently not included in existing intervention programmes. Further research is needed in close collaboration with psychologists to construct a comprehensive, longitudinal, developmentally appropriate intervention programme that equally represents the three stages of communicative development and considers the psychosocial needs of parents. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: Children with cleft lip and/or palate are at increased risk of speech and language problems from birth. Parents of these children often have emotional problems following their child's diagnosis. The effectiveness of early intervention to facilitate the child's speech and language development has already been proven. Early intervention is recommended for both parents and child, but little is known about early parent‐implemented logopaedic interventions that also provide psychosocial support for parents. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: This review has shown that existing early parent‐implemented logopaedic interventions for children with cleft lip and/or palate focus mainly on facilitating responsive interactions and actual speech and language development (Stages 2 and 3 of communicative development).However, Stage 1, where the parent–child relationship develops, is currently not included, even though this stage is a prerequisite of subsequent stages. If parents are struggling with emotional problems (following their child's diagnosis) this can negatively impact their mental health, the parent–child relationship, attachment and their child's development. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: A clinical implication of the findings in this review is that more attention should be paid to Stage 1 of communicative development in early parent‐implemented logopaedic interventions. By working closely with the psychologist of the cleft (and craniofacial) team, any psychosocial needs of the parents can be included in the counselling. As a result, the parents and their child are seen and supported as a unit and the parent–child relationship can develop optimally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 pandemic led to temporary closures of public schools and increased need for technology to support students' access to learning capabilities. The situation created enormous burdens for all education stakeholders with teachers struggling on how to package learning materials that are easily accessible to students at home, and parents struggling to structure a home learning environment to support their children. This research was conducted to develop an understanding of challenges that African Nova Scotian (ANS) parents faced when supporting their learners throughout the COVID-19 crisis. The underlying concern was that COVID-19 related school closures combined with a seismic shift in the learning environment would widen pre-existing achievement gaps among ANS learners. Utilising a methodology framed from a Participatory Action Research perspective, ANS household survey data was collected and analysed. Gaining a better understanding of how ANS students and their support network experienced remote learning is critical for the successful implementation of the current inclusive education policy in the Nova Scotia education system. With an understanding of the challenges faced by ANS learner households and perspectives for the future presented through an ANS lens, our study can help inform a more productive and inclusive public education system in the post-COVID-19 world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Understanding the features of preventive care uptake is critical for assessing the performance and viability of primary care in any healthcare system. There are gaps in previous studies that focused on primary healthcare features, challenges and way forward in Nigeria but were mainly public sector focused and do not characterize the features of preventive care. Since private healthcare sector remains the most accessed and utilized in Nigeria, this study sought to characterize the features of uptake of preventive care to better understand the current preventive healthcare landscape. Method A descriptive cross-sectional study, using survey questionnaire were randomly administered to adult patients attending the Family Medicine Out-Patient Department (OPD) at Nisa Premier Hospital, Jabi Abuja. The study was conducted over a three-month period. (January to June 2017). Data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 23 (IBM SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA). Descriptive statistics in the form of frequency and percentage were used to report the results. Results A total of 381 participants completed the survey. The results revealed that while an over overwhelming majority (> 90%) of participants indicated knowledge of benefits of preventive care, and preferred interventions aimed at preventing a disease before they occur, 48% preferred interventions aimed at reducing disease or injury impact or interventions aimed at ameliorating the impact of ongoing disease or injury with long lasting effect (43%). Unfortunately, less than 40% of respondents would visit the hospital when their health condition is not serious. Important barriers to uptake of preventive care were revealed as cost (45%), distance to the healthcare provider (36%) and lack of health insurance (33%), whereas poor education (19%), social norms (13%) as well as cultural and religious beliefs (10%) towards accessing certain health services appeared to be lesser barriers. Conclusion Although people are aware of the benefits of preventive care, its uptake will greatly be enhanced through improved health insurance coverage, refocusing primary healthcare functions on preventive rather than curative care and instituting policies that mandatorily prescribe uptake for the insured, both at the individual and the insurer’s level.

Actuators made of dielectric elastomers are used in soft robotics for a variety of applications. However, due to their mechanical properties, they exhibit viscoelastic behaviour, especially in the initial phase of their performance, which can be observed in the first cycles of dynamic excitation. A fully fractional generalised Maxwell model was derived and used for the first time to capture the viscoelastic effect of dielectric elastomer actuators. The Laplace transform was used to derive the fully fractional generalised Maxwell model. The Laplace transform has proven to be very useful and practical in deriving fractional viscoelastic constitutive models. Using the global optimisation procedure called Pattern Search, the optimal parameters, as well as the number of branches of the fully fractional generalised Maxwell model, were derived from the experimental results. For the fully fractional generalised Maxwell model, the optimal number of branches was determined considering the derivation order of each element of the branch. The derived model can readily be implemented in the simulation of a dielectric elastomer actuator control, and can also easily be used for different viscoelastic materials.