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ABSTRACT The main purpose of this study was to analyse the psychometric properties of the Chilean-Spanish version of the Attitudes towards Inclusion Scale (AIS), the Intention to Teach in Inclusive Classrooms Scale (ITICS), and the Teacher Efficacy for Inclusive Practices (TEIP) scale. The secondary objective was to establish whether the intention to teach in inclusive classrooms is influenced by attitudes and self-efficacy. Participants were 569 in-service teachers. The results indicated adequate reliability scores for the three instruments. The results of the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of the AIS confirmed the existence of two factors. The ITICS was determined to be unidimensional. The factor structure of the TEIP scale differed substantially from that of the original scale, and two factorial solutions were determined to be the best fit for Chilean teachers. Self-efficacy for inclusive practices and attitudes towards inclusion had a positive effect on intention to implement inclusive practices. The implications of the findings for teacher education programmes are discussed.

On Earth, there is an abundance of soil that has been utilized to build homes for millions of people. Manufacturing compacted stabilized adobe blocks requires adequate water added to the appropriate soil type that has been admixed with binders and fibers to attain maximum density. The mixture is then compressed using the appropriate adobe-forming machine. Currently, the major environmental and human health risks worldwide come from industrial and agricultural wastes because of disposal concerns. The production and use of cement and cement blocks bring numerous economic and environmental issues. Utilizing locally available resources and enhancing standard production and testing methods are two feasible options for sustainable growth. Researchers have seen the promise of earthen construction as an alternative building material, and it is becoming more popular in the context of sustainable development. Marble dust (MD) (Industrial waste) , sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA), and paddy straw fiber (PSF) (Agricultural wastes) were utilized in this research to manufacture the unfired admixed soil blocks. This study utilizes marble dust composed up to 25%–35%, paddy straw fiber constituted 0.8%–1.2%, and bagasse ash made up 7.5%–12.5% of the soil. The marble-dust-bagasse-ash-soil mix was strongly adherent to PSF, according to SEM investigation. In addition, as is apparent from the image, the number of pores is insignificant. These images support the preceding conclusions regarding this sample’s increased flexural and tensile strength. The primary constituents discovered on the surface of an unfired ad-mixed soil block strengthened with PSF of length 75 mm were silica (Si) and oxygen (O), according to the EDS examination. Aluminum (Al) and magnesium (Mg) were found in trace amounts. The endurance characteristics of the block were determined by conducting different tests on the eighty-one (81) design mixes of the produced unfired ad-mixed adobe blocks, followed by modeling, optimization and microstructural analysis. The results show that the recommended technique improves the durability characteristics of admixed soil blocks without burning better than burnt bricks.

Abstract The world population is expected to be around 9 billion by 2050 which would be 34 per cent greater than the today’s population. This will enhance the food demand to match the rising population. Horticultural commodities in general and fruit in the particular has been designated as the source of nutraceuticals. For reaching up optimum level of production, Biostimulants may come up with and the emerging concept of to meet out with this challenge and over the last decade, utilization of natural plant biostimulants is gaining importance. The use of biostimulants can be extensively exploited under fruit crops as they contribute towards a crucial role in enhancing the anatomical, morphological, physiological, that ultimately ameliorated the fruit productivity, and quality of the fruits. In addition, the application of biostimulants helps in promoting physiological actions like photosynthesis, nutrients metabolism, enzymatic activities, chlorophyll, protein and carbohydrate content. It also helps to mitigate abiotic stress like water stress, salinity, temperature, and changes related to oxidation–reduction reaction, reactive oxygen species detoxification, stress signaling, and hormonal pathways. After much exploration regarding the effects of biostimulants on fruit crops, there is still a void that exists in the area related to its impact on various traits. Henceforth, an appropriate tactics approach is much needed under the areas of research about biostimulants. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Background Vascularized composite tissue allotransplantation (VCA) to replace limbs or faces damaged beyond repair is now possible. The resulting clear benefit to quality of life is a compelling reason to attempt this complex procedure. Unfortunately, the high doses of immunosuppressive drugs required to protect this type of allograft result in significant morbidity and mortality giving rise to ethical concerns about performing this surgery in patients with non‐life‐threatening conditions. Here we tested whether we could suppress anti‐graft immune activity by using a safe β2‐adrenergic receptor (AR) agonist, terbutaline, to mimic the natural immune suppression generated by nervous system‐induced signalling through AR. Methods A heterotopic hind limb transplantation model was used with C57BL/6 (H‐2b) as recipients and BALB/c (H‐2d) mice as donors. To test the modulation of the immune response, graft survival was investigated after daily intraperitoneal injection of β2‐AR agonist with and without tacrolimus. Analyses of immune compositions and quantification of pro‐inflammatory cytokines were performed to gauge functional immunomodulation. The contributions to allograft survival of β2‐AR signalling in donor and recipient tissue were investigated with β2‐AR−/− strains. Results Treatment with the β2‐AR agonist delayed VCA rejection, even with a subtherapeutic dose of tacrolimus. β2‐AR agonist decreased T‐cell infiltration into the transplanted grafts and decreased memory T‐cell populations in recipient's circulation. In addition, decreased levels of inflammatory cytokines (IFN‐γ, IL‐6, TNF‐α, CXCL‐1/10 and CCL3/4/5/7) were detected following β2‐AR agonist treatment, and there was a decreased expression of ICAM‐1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 in donor stromal cells. Conclusions β2‐AR agonist can be used safely to mimic the natural suppression of immune responses, which occurs during adrenergic stress‐signalling and thereby can be used in combination regimens to reduce the dose needed of toxic immunosuppressive drugs such as tacrolimus. This strategy can be further evaluated for feasibility in the clinic.

Parental perspectives about the inclusion of their child with a disability has received limited attention in the literature. Considering parental voice plays an important role in determining the quality of inclusive education, the lack of reliable and valid tools to investigate parental experiences has significantly limited research in this area. One of the key objectives of this study was to build the evidence base in the field by testing the psychometric properties of the newly developed Parental Perception of Inclusion Climate Scale, using a systematic approach drawing on a review of available research in the field. The scale incorporates items that address parental perspectives regarding six key aspects of inclusion for their child including presence, participation, acceptance, achievement, happiness and belonging. Participants were recruited through social media, and data from 190 parents of children with additional learning needs attending a range of school settings were collected. Results suggested a three-factor structure, with strong internal consistency for the scale. These factors were: Teacher and School Support; Student Engagement; and Friendships. The scale showed that parents are generally moderately satisfied with their child’s inclusion in school overall. A series of independent sample t-tests and one-way ANOVAs revealed significant differences in parental perspectives of inclusion as measured by the scale according to school sector, disability type, and parent gender. Parents whose children attend government schools reported less satisfaction with their child’s inclusion at school and also with the support provided by teachers and schools more broadly as measured by the Teacher and School Support subscale, as compared to parents of children who attend independent schools. Results also suggested that parents of children with a social emotional disability reported less satisfaction with their child’s engagement in school as measured by the Student Engagement subscale as compared to parents of children without a social emotional disability. Finally, fathers reported higher levels of satisfaction with their child’s engagement in school as measured by the Student Engagement subscale and also higher levels of satisfaction with their peer relationships as measured by the Friendships subscale than mothers. This study provides a tool that researchers, school educators, and policy makers could use to collect evidence about the efficacy of inclusive practices for students with a disability or additional support needs. The scale could provide educators and researchers with a valuable tool to guide evidence-based practice and theory in inclusive education.

The kiwifruit [Actinidia deliciosa (A. Chev.) C.F. Liang & A.R. Ferguson] has attained significant importance for commercial cultivation in the mid-Himalayan region of the Indian subcontinent during the last three decades. The fruit quality matching international standards has remained a concern. Keeping in mind the bio-stimulatory effects of seaweed extract, a marine bioactive component in horticultural crops, the current study conducted to elucidate the impact of seaweed extract on kiwifruit growth, yield, and quality was conducted in the Department of Fruit Science’s kiwifruit block at Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Himachal Pradesh, India. For the studies, nine-year-old Allison kiwi vines of uniform size and vigor were planted at a spacing of 4 m × 6 m. With 11 treatments, the experiment was set up in a randomized block design viz, T1: Spray treatment of 1000 ppm (seaweed extract) SWE at fruit set (FS); T2:Spray treatment of 2000 ppm SWE at FS; T3: Spray treatment of 3000 ppm SWE at FS; T4: Spray treatment of 1000 ppm SWE at FS and 10 days after Fruit set (FS); T5: Spray treatment of 2000 ppm SWE at FS and 10 days after FS (DAFS); T6: Spray treatment of 3000 ppm SWE at FS and 10 days after FS; T7: Fruit dip treatment of 1000 ppm SWE at 10 days after FS; T8: Fruit dip treatment @ 2000 ppm SWE at 10 days after FS; T9: Fruit dip treatment @3000 ppm SWE at 10 days after fruit set; T10: Fruit dip treatment @ 5 ppm CPPU at 10 days after fruit set; T11: Control. The current study compared several seaweed extract treatments, which were applied at various times and concentrations, to N-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-N-phenyl-urea (CPPU-5ppm) and untreated control. Seaweed extract (SWE) dip at 3000 ppm 10 days after the fruit set produced significant growth in fruit length and diameter in growing kiwifruit, which was non-significant with CPPU treatment and superior to control. The shape index, fruit weight, and total fruit yield were also found to be the highest with the same treatment. Fruit quality parameters, namely fruit soluble solids contents (SSC) and total sugars, were recorded at a maximum with the SWE Spray dose of 3000 ppm at FS and 10 DAFS. The SSC: Acid ratio and reducing sugars were recorded as the highest with an application of SWE dip at 3000 ppm 10 DAFS. The application of SWE dip at 2000 ppm 10 DAFS) was found to advance the harvesting maturity by 6 days and also exhibited the lowest physiological loss in weight (% PLW) with the highest ascorbic acid content. After 15 days of storage at ambient room temperature (25 ± 2 °C), the application of SWE dip at 3000 ppm 10 DAFS recorded the highest SSC acid ratio and the lowest titratable acidity. Thus, the application of seaweed extract dip at 3000 ppm 10 days after the fruit set can be recommended to the farmers as an appropriate alternative to the chemical treatment.

In recent times, the existence of microplastics in the food chain has emerged as a physiological stressor and a multifactorial food safety issue, necessitating an immediate strategic perspective due to the associated human health and eco-toxicological risks. To the best of our knowledge, edible fruit crop facts have not yet been compiled, despite their presence in various food webs. Due to the risks associated with the public’s health when consuming products (e.g., fruit crops) that contain a high concentration of microplastic pollutants, a strategic approach to the emerging issue is essential. In this review, we discussed the possible sources of microplastics and their effect on horticultural crops, soil, and microorganisms; the techniques used to know the constitution of microplastics; the eco-toxicity of microplastics and their derivatives on horticultural crops; and suggested mitigation measures and public policies on control alternatives. This research aims to help environmentalists, biotechnologists, and policymakers understand the mechanism and dynamics of microplastics in soils and edible parts so that potential risks can be mitigated in advance.

Pedestrian crossing speed is the key element in the design of pedestrian facilities. It depends on various attributes related to road, traffic and pedestrians. In this paper, an attempt has been made to explore the variation, examine the influencing factors and formulate a model for the pedestrian crossing speed at signalised intersection crosswalks. The data have been collected using video graphic technique at 16 signalised crosswalks of the Chandigarh city. The findings reveal that a 15th percentile crossing speed (1.11-1.31 m/s) exceeds the design crossing speed of 0.95 m/s. It is also higher than the crossing speed of 1.2 m/s, usually being prescribed and adopted in the developed countries. The statistical analysis indicates no significant difference in the percentile crossing speeds between males and females. However, the variation exists among different age groups, group sizes, and crossing patterns. The correlation analysis depicts that the pedestrian crossing speed has significant negative correlation with the crosswalk width, the crosswalk length, the width of the pedestrian island, the classification of road, average traffic flow and average pedestrian delay, whereas the availability of separate bicycle paths at intersections is positively correlated. Furthermore, the stepwise regression model with 70.1 percent accuracy reveals that the crosswalk width, the width of the pedestrian island and the average pedestrian delay play a predominant role in determining the pedestrian crossing speed. The authors propose the usage of the developed model for setting out the standards for the appropriate design crossing speed for different crosswalks having similar geometric and traffic conditions as that of the study area.

In recent decades, organic kiwifruit farming has come up as a feasible method for high-quality kiwi production without using chemical fertilizers. The primary objective of this research was to investigate how the sole application of organic and the combined application of organic manures affected the growth, yields, and quality of Allison kiwifruit, as well as the soil’s physicochemical characteristics. The field trial was conducted on cv. Allison to determine the efficacy of organic manures (OM) on growth, nutrient absorption, production and soil health. The experiment involved eight treatments, viz.: T1: 100% Dairy manure (DM); T2: 100% Vermicompost (VC); T3: 100% chicken manure (CM); T4: 50% DM + 50% CM; T5: 50% DM + 50% VC; T6: 50% CM + 50% VC; T7: DM + CM + VC in equal proportions; and T8: Recommended nutrients inorganic NPK + 40 kg DM. A randomized complete block design comprising three replicas was used in this investigation. The use of inorganic fertilizers (NPK) in combination with DM enhanced Spad Values Chlorophyll, fruit production, leaf number, leaf area, and stem diameter while also improving the soil’s chemical characteristics. The flower initiation was recorded with DM and Vermicompost (50:50). Furthermore, when compared to inorganic fertilizer treatment, OM treatment significantly improved fruit quality by improving fruit chemical composition in terms of soluble solids contents and leaf nutrient status, as well as improving soil’s physical properties with DM and Vermicompost (50:50). The study’s outcome revealed that OM had a significant impact on flowering time, fruit SSC, leaf nutritional status, and soil physical characteristics. In comparison to organic treatments, recommended fertilizer dosages (NPK + DM) improved plant growth, fruit yield, and soil chemical characteristics.

Nowadays, rapid increases in anthropogenic activities have resulted in increased greenhouse gases (GHGs; CO2, CH4, N2O) release in the atmosphere, resulting in increased global mean temperature, aberrant precipitation patterns, and several other climate changes that affect ecological and human lives on this planet. This article reviews the adaptation and mitigation of climate change by assessing carbon capture, storage, and utilization by fruit crops. Perennial plants in forests, fruit orchards, and grasslands are efficient sinks of atmospheric carbon, whereas field crops are a great source of GHG due to soil disturbance, emission of CH4 and/or N2O from burning straw, and field management involving direct (fuel) or indirect (chemicals) emissions from fossil fuels. Thus, there is a need to establish sustainable agricultural systems that can minimize emissions and are capable of sequestering carbon within the atmosphere. Fruit orchards and vineyards have great structural characteristics, such as long life cycle; permanent organs such as trunk, branches, and roots; null soil tillage (preserving soil organic matter); high quality and yield, which allow them to accumulate a significant amount of carbon. Hence, the fruit plants have significant potential to sequester carbon in the atmosphere. However, the efficiency of carbon sequestration by different fruit crops and their management systems may vary due to their growth and development patterns, physiological behavior, biomass accumulation, and environmental factors.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze the objective and subjective visual outcomes of patients bilaterally implanted with the extended range of vision intraocular lens (EROV IOL), the Tecnis Symfony. Methods: This was a prospective interventional case series conducted at a tertiary eye care hospital in South India. The study included patients with bilateral implantation of EROV IOLs. The uncorrected and corrected visual acuity for distance, intermediate, and near vision was recorded at 6 weeks and 6 months' postoperative visit. A subjective questionnaire was administered to assess spectacle independence, photic phenomenon, and overall satisfaction. All data were recorded using Microsoft Excel worksheet. The analyses were performed using SPSS for windows software. Results: Our study included fifty patients with bilateral implantation of EROV IOLs. The mean age was 59.84 ± 11.68 years. The mean uncorrected binocular distance, intermediate, and near visual acuity (in standard decimal equivalent) was 0.89,0.99 and 0.99 respectively, at 6 months' postoperative visit. Ninety-six percent of the patients did not require spectacles for distance and 98% of the patients were free from spectacles for intermediate and near vision. 94% of our patients perceived no or minimal photic phenomena such as glare and halos. The mean subjective patient satisfaction score (out of 10) for distance, intermediate, and near was 9, 10, and 9, respectively. Conclusion: The EROV IOLs demonstrated high levels of spectacle independence for distance, intermediate, and near vision. The incidence of photic phenomena observed was minimal with a high level of patient satisfaction.

Introduction: Urologists tend to prefer retroperitoneal approach for open nephrectomy and transperitoneal route for laparoscopic nephrectomy. Urologists consider retroperitoneal laparoscopic approach difficult to learn and perform. There is a need to objectively define predictors of difficulty during laparoscopic retroperitoneal simple nephrectomy (LRSN) for the proper preoperative selection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to prospectively assess the factors associated with difficulty during LRSN. Materials and Methods: All adult patients of nonfunctioning kidneys (due to benign causes) planned for simple nephrectomies from November 2014 to January 2017 were included in the study. Various clinical and radiological parameters were noted along with intraoperative difficulty parameters (difficulty score, total operative time, and estimated blood loss). Renal and perirenal parameters were assessed and noted on computed tomography scan. Difficulty scale was calculated based on the three difficulty parameters and was used to objectively categorize the patients in easy and difficult group. Results: A total of 44 patients were included in the study. There were 23 patients in Group I (Easy) and 21 patients in Group II (Difficult). Various preoperative clinical and radiological parameters were analyzed and compared between these two groups. History of pyonephrosis and presence of nephrostomy tube were the only two statistically significant factors associated with difficult cases (Group II). None of the factors were statistically significant in multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Based on the findings of our study, history of pyonephrosis and presence of nephrostomy are the most significant factors predicting difficulty during LRSN.

Objectives: Evaluation of deterioration in renal function and risk of micro albuminuria after radical, simple and donor nephrectomy. Materials and Methods: A total of 594 patients underwent nephrectomy (159 radical, 318 simple and 117 donors) from February 2009 to December 2012 in our institute. First 300 eligible patients were divided in 3 groups, each having equalled number of patients. Group 1 was consisted of patients who underwent radical, group 2 had simple and group 3 had donor nephrectomy. These patients were followed up to February 2015. Follow up of all the patients were done at first month following the surgery and then in every six months subsequently. The follow up included the measurement of serum creatinine and urinary micro albumin in a spot urine sample. CKD-EPI equation was used for calculation of e GFR. Results: At the end of our study, 35 patients (41.6%) in group 1 and 8 patients (8.69%) in group 2 developed CKD stage 3. During the follow-up period, 41% patients in group 1, 13% in group 2 and 4% in group 3 developed MA. Conclusion: Nephron-sparing surgery should be the standard treatment of renal tumors, wherever possible. There should be a regular follow up of the patients after radical, simple and donor nephrectomy because of risk of CKD. Early consultation with nephrologists should be done by the patients who are suffering from MA after nephrectomy.

Aims: This is a prospective study of the use and efficacy of a novel technique of circumferential tubularised lingual mucosal graft (LMG) in obliterative and near obliterative bulbar urethral stricture of >2 cm where excisional and augmented anastomotic urethroplasty are not feasible. Materials and Methods: The stenotic urethral segment was opened dorsally in midline and fibrosed urethra was excised taking care to preserve the healthy spongiosum tissue. LMG (av. Length 3 cm) was placed from one end of corporal body towards spongy tissue in a circumferential manner. Another LMG was placed in similar manner to deal with longer stricture. The urethra was tubularised over 14 Fr silicone catheter. Results: A total of 12 men, of mean age 47 years underwent this procedure. The mean follow up period was 11 months starting from July 2014 till manuscript submission. Follow up included voiding cystourethrogram at 3 weeks, cystoscopy at 3 months (one patient didn't turned up) and subsequent follow up. Mean stricture length was 4.66 cm (range, 3–8.5 cm) and mean operative time was 195 min. (range, 160 to 200 min.). The technique was successful (normal voiding with no need for any post-operative procedure) in 11(91.6%) patients. One patient developed early recurrence at 4 month of surgery and had anastomotic stricture which was successfully managed by direct visual internal urethrotomy. Conclusion: Single stage circumferential tubularised graft urethroplasty is an excellent technique for strictures that include segments of obliterative and near obliterative diseased urethra. It provide a wider neourethra than patch graft urethroplasty.

For decades, there has been growing advocacy and policy reform to provide an inclusive education for students with disabilities which has since been specified as their human right under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Teachers play an essential role in implementing inclusive education, yet they describe inadequate support to ensure its success. This study aims to identify and synthesise research examining teachers' perceived support needs for implementing inclusive education in classrooms that were published between 2007 and 2020. A systematic procedure was used to identify articles which resulted in the selection of 25 studies for the review. Results revealed that teachers often advocate for appropriate teacher professional learning, improved availability of teaching assistants and sufficiency in resourcing. Teachers also noted the importance of being able to appropriately modify and adapt the curriculum, as well as to collaborate with other teachers, and being given adequate time to plan and to teach in smaller classes.

This study examines how well in-service teachers in Hong Kong (N = 1,110) are supported in their efforts to teach in inclusive classrooms. It also examines the psychometric properties of the newly developed Teachers' Perceived Support Needs scale to measure in-service teachers' perceived support needs. Factors that predict teachers' perceived support needs are also identified. The exploratory factor and confirmatory factor analyses revealed two factors: 'support in using inclusive teaching strategies' and 'support in expert guidance'. The results show that the Hong Kong in-service teachers felt under-supported in implementing inclusive education. The experience teaching students with disabilities, level of confidence, level of training, gender and school type emerged as significant predictors of their perceived support needs in inclusive education.

In this paper, a group of nine international scholars reflect on the collective responsibilities of stakeholders within inclusive educational settings. This reflection was prompted by the need to identify specific elements which would support intentional, collective responsibility to support authentic inclusion for all students. In order to engender this collectivist mindset, mirroring the metaphor of the nurturing village, the group conducted a qualitative study based on structured and semi-structured dialogue, written reflections and previously constructed research to inform a framework to support inclusivity more collectively. Results suggest that nurturing spaces, empathetic relationships, supportive networks and targeted teaching, all contribute to bona fide inclusion, especially if this responsibility is shared and cohesive. Data further revealed that inclusivity is a values-driven process which flourishes when all stakeholders subscribe to common values and tenets regarding socially just educational provision. The authors inculcate the village-mindset, a now popularly received notion, reinforcing the need for active and deliberate dialogue focusing on shared responsibilities and vision. In this paper, we intend to reiterate the need for educational systems which foster more collective, compassionate and nurturing inclusive practice in educational settings.

Research has recognized that enhancing pre-service teachers' attitudes, efficacy, and decreasing concerns about inclusive education are essential factors in teacher preparation. However, no research has compared the relative ability of online courses to affect these factors when compared to traditional face-to-face instruction. The current study used pre-post survey methods to measure the effects of the online versus face-to-face formats of teaching inclusive education content to Canadian pre-service teachers. Moreover, we studied the relationships between these variables and the participants' intentions for inclusive teaching practices. Results showed that while the face-to-face format influenced pre-service teachers' attitudes and efficacy, it did not foster lower concerns or higher intentions. In contrast, the online course made no significant difference in any of the dependent variables. Given the well-established importance of affective as well as practical variables to effective inclusion, implications and limitations are discussed.

The study examines attitudes, concerns, self-efficacy, and intentions of secondary school teachers from Australia (n = 140) and Switzerland (n = 221) to teach in inclusive classrooms. Australian educators had more positive attitudes towards inclusion, fewer concerns and higher self-efficacy to teach inclusively when compared to their Swiss counterparts. Further, the authors found that Australian teachers had significantly more positive intentions to teach in inclusive classrooms when compared to their Swiss counterparts. Considering intentions to enact a behaviour play an important role in the actual enactment of the behaviour, (Ajzen 1991) it was important to determine if predictors of participants' intentions differed in Australia and Switzerland. Overall, Swiss teachers' intentions to teach in inclusive classrooms were more strongly influenced by the variables of attitudes, concerns and self-efficacy than those of the Australian teachers. All three variables predicted Swiss participants intention scores, while two (i.e. attitudes and self-efficacy scores) predicted Australian educators' intention scores. The researchers examine the variability of policy reforms and teacher education programmes as a potential explanation for the differences in these two countries and discuss implications of our findings for both these and other countries implementing inclusive education reforms.

A need for the successful and sustained implementation of positive and proactive approaches to behaviour support has been widely acknowledged in Australia. School-wide positive behavioural interventions and supports (SWPBIS) is one approach that has been increasingly adopted across Australia to meet the social and behavioural needs of all students. However, successful and sustainable implementation of SWPBIS with fidelity has proven a challenging task. At present, limited exploration of SWPBIS implementation efforts have been undertaken in Australia. The current study addressed these gaps in two ways. First, the fidelity of Tier 1 SWPBIS implementation was assessed within 15 schools. Results indicated the majority of schools were implementing Tier-1 SWPBIS with fidelity. Second, a survey instrument was developed, validated, and used to assess 241 teachers' perceptions of variables that may help or hinder SWPBIS implementation across these same Victorian schools. Based on these data, a two-step hierarchical regression model was used to identify predictors of implementation fidelity. The first model found leadership, resourcing, data, teacher beliefs about behaviour, and pre-service preparation were predictive of implementation fidelity, while the second found school duration of implementation, along with resourcing and data, predicted fidelity. The implications of these findings and future research directions are discussed.

Inclusive education is a key goal of modern educational reforms, yet its implementation is complex. This study examines the roles of teacher attitudes and self-efficacy in predicting their intentions to use inclusive practices across five western countries: Canada, Germany, Greece, Italy, and Switzerland. The study identified both significant differences and commonalities in prediction patterns across these countries. For instance, beliefs about inclusion varied in their significance, being the most influential predictor among Italian teachers, while managing challenging behaviour was a key predictor for Swiss teachers only. For the other predictors, no significant differences were found, and self-efficacy in collaboration was the strongest predictor nominally. The study suggests that, while aspects such as collaboration seem generally important across countries, effective strategies for promoting inclusive education may also need to be tailored to each country's unique context, considering aspects of historical background of inclusive education, teacher training, and support. It also emphasizes the need to consider domain-specific aspects of teacher self-efficacy, as different facets differently affect teachers' intentions.

Despite policy initiatives to ban use of corporal punishment, some teachers still use punitive classroom management strategies in countries like Indonesia. With the urgent need for teachers to use evidence-based strategies to address challenging behaviours, it is important to understand the factors that may predict teachers' likelihood to employ proactive practices. This study examined the influence of teacher attributions for student behaviour problems, teacher self-efficacy in classroom management, and teachers' background variables in their likelihood to use proactive classroom behaviour management strategies in a sample of 582 primary school teachers in Indonesia. Data was collected using self-report questionnaires. Regression analysis indicated that teacher self-efficacy in classroom management, teacher attribution to family-related factors, and teachers' participation in teacher professional learning programmes predicted Indonesian teachers' reported use of proactive strategies in managing student behaviour. Implications for future research and teacher professional learning programmes for Indonesian teachers are discussed.

Previous research has identified the importance of teacher attitudes and self-efficacy in supporting inclusive education. This study involved a multi-national exploration of a further dimension of inclusive education, collective efficacy, through the testing of a new tool, the Teacher Efficacy for Inclusive Practice-Collective (TEIP-C) Scale. The study also aimed to investigate whether teacher attitudes, self-efficacy, collective efficacy and intention to teach in inclusive classrooms differ across countries. Participants included 1,523 teachers from Canada, Greece, Italy and Switzerland. Results suggested a two-factor structure for the TEIP-C, Engagement, and Inclusive Pedagogies, with strong internal consistency for the scale. Several differences across countries were identified, with teachers from Italy reporting more positive attitudes towards inclusion and a greater intention to teach in inclusive classrooms. Implications of the study in terms of further strengthening inclusive practice are discussed.

Educational research is giving much attention to implicit variables such as teachers’ attitudes, self-percepts of efficacy, concerns and intentions for the successful implementation of inclusive classroom practices, thus becoming core targets in course programme planning. This study was conducted to assess the possible impact of a teacher education course for future Learning Support Teachers (LSTs) on the variables involved in planning intentional behaviour aimed at fostering school inclusion. Using the Theory of Planned Behaviour as the guiding framework, it was hypothesised that LSTs with lower degree of concerns, higher levels of teaching efficacy, and favourable attitudes are likelier to have positive intentions to implement inclusive practices. Results show that the course may have influenced these variables positively. The authors conclude that further research needs to be conducted on the teaching strategies to be used in these courses. Promuovere l’intenzionalità ad agire in favore dell’inclusione: l’impatto della formazione sugli insegnanti specializzati per il sostegno La ricerca educativa ha già da tempo focalizzato l’attenzione sullo studio delle variabili implicite che influenzano l’agire didattico dei docenti, come gli atteggiamenti, le percezioni di auto-efficacia, le preoccupazioni e le intenzioni ad implementare pratiche didattiche inclusive. In questo filone di ricerche si inserisce il presente studio che ha come obiettivo la valutazione del possibile impatto di un corso di formazione rivolto a futuri insegnanti specializzati per le attività di sostegno sulle variabili che intervengono nella pianificazione di comportamenti intenzionalmente volti a promuovere l’inclusione scolastica. Assumendo la Teoria del Comportamento Pianificato come framework teorico di riferimento, l’ipotesi da cui muove lo studio è che gli insegnanti che mostrano minori preoccupazioni, livelli più elevati di auto-efficacia e atteggiamenti favorevoli, rivelino un’intenzionalità maggiore nell’attuazione di pratiche inclusive. I risultati evidenziano che l’attività di formazione potrebbe aver influenzato positivamente queste variabili, invitando ad ulteriori approfondimenti circa le strategie didattiche da impiegare nei percorsi formativi.

Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) is a major seasonal public health problem in Bihar, India. Despite efforts of the Bihar health department and the Government of India, burden and mortality of AES cases have not decreased, and definitive etiologies for the illness have yet to be identified.The present study was undertaken to study the specific etiology of AES in Bihar.Cerebrospinal fluid and/or serum samples from AES patients were collected and tested for various pathogens, including viruses and bacteria by ELISA and/or Real Time PCR.Of 540 enrolled patients, 33.3% (180) tested positive for at least one pathogen of which 23.3% were co-positive for more than one pathogen. Most samples were positive for scrub typhus IgM or PCR (25%), followed by IgM positivity for JEV (8.1%), WNV (6.8%), DV (6.1%), and ChikV (4.5%).M. tuberculosis and S. pneumoniae each was detected in ~ 1% cases. H. influenzae, adenovirus, Herpes Simplex Virus -1, enterovirus, and measles virus, each was detected occasionally. The presence of Scrub typhus was confirmed by PCR and sequencing. Bihar strains resembled Gilliam-like strains from Thailand, Combodia and Vietnam.The highlights of this pilot AES study were detection of an infectious etiology in one third of the AES cases, multiple etiologies, and emergence of O. tsutsugamushi infection as an important causative agent of AES in India.

Context: Various factors predict recoverability of kidney function preoperatively. Placement of percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) and measuring the differential creatinine clearance (diff. %CrCl) is still regarded as a simple and reliable method. Aims: The aim was to evaluate correlation between renal cortical thickness (CT), hydronephrosis, intrapelvic pressure (IPP), PCN output, renal morphological factors such as length, width, echogenicity, corticomedullary differentiation (CMD), status of c/l kidney, and presence of infection which can predict recoverable function. Settings and Design: A prospective study done between July 2013 and June 2014 in Urology Department. Subjects and Methods: Hundred and sixty patients of supravesical obstruction for various causes who need PCN either due to chronic renal failure or nonvisualized kidney on contrast study, were included. IPP was measured during PCN placement. After 4 weeks 24 h urine was sent for CrCl and urine pH. Statistical Analysis Used: Correlation of continuous and categorical variables with dependent variable (diff. %CrCl) was formulated using spearman correlation and Mann–Whitney U test. Simple and multiple linear regression analysis were performed. Results: The study includes 160 patients with median age of 65.5 years. Hydronephrosis were due to stone in 76 (47.5%), pelviureteric junction obstruction (PUJO) in 40 (25%), cancer in 32 (20%), others in 12 cases (7.5%). IPP was 20 cm H2O in 48 (30%). There was significant correlation between IPP and diff. %CrCl with correlation coefficient ρ = 0.509 (P = 0.0001). Conclusions: CT, parenchymal echogenicity, CMD, pre-PCN creatinine, and status of c/l kidney are the only independent variables which can predict the renal function while other variables like renal size, urine output, infection, hydronephrosis lost their statistical significance in multivariate analysis. Furthermore, IPP measured before PCN directly correlated with daily urine output and diff. %CrCl.

Fourteen member countries of the Pacific Islands Forum have adopted The Pacific Education Development Framework as a means of improving quality of education across the region. Within this framework, special education and inclusive education are seen as priority areas that endorse a rights-based approach to education. Aligned with other Pacific regional advances for improving the measurement of the effectiveness of this Framework, is the development of a set of indicators to measure efforts towards disability-inclusive education specifically in the Pacific islands. The aim of this study is to identify existing measures that governments currently employ to report against education outcomes. Data were collected by written responses from relevant ministries in the 14 Pacific member countries to a set of questions specifically developed to address this aim. This paper provides an analysis of these surveys and discusses how these data are informing the development of the indicators to ensure the provision of quality education for children with disabilities in the Pacific islands.

Intestinal volvulus is not an uncommon cause of obstruction in pregnancy. Diagnosis is often delayed due to poor knowledge of the condition and a hesitation to use abdominal X-rays in a pregnant patient. Here, two cases of caecal volvulus in pregnancy are reported. Proper diagnosis and early treatment of the condition is emphasized.