82984 research outputs found
Sort by
Knowledge of the voice in the teachers' population and their ability to refer children with voice disorders to a speech-language pathologist
Full text linkOBJECTIVES : The objectives of this study were to investigate (1) the knowledge of primary school teachers regarding voice and voice disorders, (2) the primary school teacher's ability to identify and refer a dysphonic child to a speech-language pathologist (SLP), and (3) potential contributing factors that might affect this ability.
METHOD AND MATERIALS : Thirty-one primary school teachers (30 women, one man) with a mean age of 33 years (range: 22-57 years; SD: 11.1 years) were included in this study. They filled out an online questionnaire, gathering demographic information, estimations of their knowledge regarding voice and voice disorders, and their ability to refer a dysphonic child to an SLP. Furthermore, they completed an online quiz (maximum score: 9) with basic questions about the voice, vocal health and voice disorders.
RESULTS : Most teachers (58.1%) rated their knowledge as basic, 16.1% as adequate and 25.8% as good. One out of four teachers (25.8%) received voice-related information during their education. A substantial part (38.7%) gathered information through other channels, such as voice therapy. Almost all participants (90%) reported to have no or little experience with dysphonic children. Half of them (51.6%) felt unsure about their ability to refer a dysphonic child to an SLP, and 54.8% were willing to attend extra voice workshops. A significant association was found between the estimated knowledge regarding voice (disorders) and attendance of voice therapy (P = 0.020). More than half of the teachers who attended voice therapy (57.1%) estimated their voice-related knowledge as good, compared to only 16.7% of the teachers who did not attend voice therapy. Moreover, a significant association was found between the years of teaching experience and the quiz total score (P = 0.040). The majority of the teachers with the least teaching experience (57.1%) achieved a score between 4 and 6, whereas the teachers with more experience achieved a score between 7 and 9.
CONCLUSION : This study suggests that the voice-related knowledge of primary school teachers is limited. Consequently, teachers do not feel confident in referring a dysphonic child to an SLP. As teachers can be important sources in indirect assessment of pediatric dysphonia, they need to be well informed and extensively trained in using voice screening protocols. Interdisciplinary cooperation between SLPs and teachers should be optimized to provide the best available care and improve the children's quality of life.The Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO).http://www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-voice2023-08-08hj2023Speech-Language Pathology and Audiolog
Uncovering the diversity of bats in the Mbam Minkom Massif, Cameroon : insights into the importance of tropical inselbergs
Full text linkWe report the results of two expeditions (2019 and 2022) to the Mbam Minkom Massif (Centre Region, Cameroon), focused on an assessment of the montane area's bat fauna. We describe bat species' richness and highlight the incredible diversity and ecological importance of this highly threatened ecosystem. Across both years, we captured a total of 36 bat species representing 21 genera and six families on Mbam Minkom Massif and in the surrounding lowland forest. Our findings include two new species records for Cameroon, and two additional records of the recently described bat, Pseudoromicia mbamminkom. We provide accounts for all captured species, including new locality records, detailed capture locations, and notable taxonomic and distributional observations, as well as echolocation call data. Sampling curves suggest adequate sampling coverage, yet also the potential non-detection of several bat species, highlighting the need for further fieldwork to develop a comprehensive species checklist. Conservation strategies are urgently needed to protect this vital ecosystem and mitigate both the loss of forest cover and consequent species loss. Our findings illustrate the importance of the Mbam Minkom Massif and the need to better understand and conserve inselberg ecosystems within rainforests that are facing intense anthropogenic pressures.Financial contributions raised through community support; ALG from Portland State University's Lester Newman Undergraduate Research Scholars Program; Spike Wadsworth and Y. Sherry Sheng Fund for Biology; a Faculty Enhancement Grant from Portland State University.https://miiz.waw.pl/en/wydawnictwa/spis-artykulow/24-acta-chiropterologicahj2024Mammal Research InstituteZoology and EntomologySDG-15:Life on lan
Unveiling the link : the potential roles of vitamin D in keloid pathophysiology
Full text linkDATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT : The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author. The data are not publicly available due to privacy or ethical restrictions.Keloid disease, a fibroproliferative skin disorder, is characterised by scar tissue growth that extends beyond the original wound boundaries. Despite advancements, current treatments, particularly surgical excision, often result in high recurrence rates, ranging from 45% to 100%. Recent investigations into the role of vitamin D (vit D) in keloids present a promising avenue for novel therapeutic strategies. Studies have highlighted the multifaceted involvement of vit D, including its immunomodulatory effects and influence on key processes such as fibroblast activity, collagen production and extracellular matrix dynamics. Additionally, emerging research has explored the potential impact of vit D on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and endothelial dysfunction, both of which are implicated in keloid formation and progression. This review consolidates the current evidence linking vitamin D deficiency to keloid pathogenesis, shedding light on potential mechanisms and therapeutic targets. By elucidating the intricate interplay between vit D signalling and keloid development, this study paves the way for innovative treatment approaches that may enhance patient outcomes and mitigate the burden of this challenging dermatological condition.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/16000625hj2024PhysiologySDG-03:Good heatlh and well-bein
Trends in the prevalence and factors associated with indoor smoking in 24 countries Party to the WHO FCTC : implications for equitable policy implementation
Full text linkDATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT : Data are available in a public, open access
repository. The data used in this study (demographic and health survey) are
publicly available and can be accessed through formal request at https://
dhsprogram.com. The authors do not have permission to share data.INTRODUCTION : The health consequences of secondhand smoke (SHS) are a long-standing concern. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) is an evidence-based treaty that aims to protect people from health and environmental harms of commercial tobacco use and exposure to SHS. This study quantified the prevalence of daily smoking inside the house (indoor smoking) and change over time and examined the determinants of indoor smoking in 24 WHO FCTC Parties.
METHODS : We used data from the 2 most recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) from 24 countries. Counties were selected if they submitted at least one FCTC implementation report and had two DHS surveys conducted after 2010. The weighted prevalence and percentage changes in daily indoor smoking in the two consecutive surveys were calculated, including rate of change, and a two-sample test of proportions was used to assess changes. Multinomial logistic regression model was employed to examine the association between socioeconomic characteristics and indoor smoking. All results were presented by country.
RESULTS : A significant decline in the prevalence of daily indoor smoking was detected in 16/24 countries, with the rate of decline ranging from −45.8% in Liberia to −15.2% in India. Jordan reported a significant increase in daily indoor smoking from 57% to 60%; p=0.002. The meta-analytical estimate showed that overall, the relative risk ratio (RRR) of daily indoor smoking was significantly lower for households in the 5th wealth quintile compared with counterparts in the 1st quintile (RRR=0.40; 95% CI: 0.30 to 0.52), and in households where head of the household attended higher education compared with no formal education (RRR=0.60; 95% CI: 0.53 to 0.69).
CONCLUSIONS : This study demonstrated that prevalence of daily indoor smoking was associated with low socioeconomic status. Reducing SHS exposure is critical, including addressing inequities to help improve health outcomes. Currently, over 2.8 billion people in low-income countries are not protected by smoke-free environment laws, and only 18% of the world’s population is covered by strong restrictions on tobacco marketing.https://gh.bmj.com/hj2024School of Health Systems and Public Health (SHSPH)SDG-03:Good heatlh and well-bein
Decomposition of sulfide phases and subsequent matte collection in the black top of a platinum group metal smelter
Full text linkThis study explored, on a laboratory scale, how matte separates from the gangue in the black top of
a PGM smelter. Two PGM concentrates, one with high sulfide content (17.3 mass%, Platreef concentrate)
and the other with low sulfide content (1.3 mass%, UG-2 concentrate), were studied in the temperature
range of 800°C to 1480°C, which is the temperature gradient across the black top. The results showed that
effective matte separation occurs at temperatures when the matte is completely molten, and
a substantial amount of liquid silicate phase has formed. The main matte separation mechanism is the
coalescence of sulfide prills and their gravitational settling through the continuous path created by the
liquid silicate phase. Complete matte separation occurs at lower temperatures in Platreef concentrate
(1400°C in Platreef concentrate vs. 1480°C in UG-2 concentrate), due to the higher concentration of liquid
silicate phase of lower viscosity, as well as the higher amount of sulfide minerals in this concentrate. PGMs
already dissolve and collect in a nickel-iron-based alloy associated with the matte at temperatures as low
as 900°C.Anglo American.http://www.tandfonline.com/journals/gmpr20am2024Materials Science and Metallurgical EngineeringSDG-12:Responsible consumption and productio
Understanding and managing introduction pathways into protected areas in a changing climate
Full text linkThe Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework 2030 calls for the conservation of 30% of the world’s ecosystems, focusing on protecting areas vital to biodiversity, identifying and managing invasive species introduction pathways, and minimizing the impacts of climate change on biodiversity. While protected areas (PAs) have historically limited the introduction, establishment, and spread of non-native species, climate change is likely to increase their susceptibility to invasion. Yet we know little about how pathways may shift in the future, making it difficult for managers to plan appropriately. This paper explores how climate change may affect primary and secondary pathways of introduction and presents an adaptive management approach to avoid, minimize, and mitigate impacts. Climate change has influenced introduction pathways by modifying human behaviors (e.g., forced migration and shifting travel and vacation destinations), and by altering transportation routes, natural dispersal mechanisms, and the environmental conditions along these pathways and in donor and receiver regions. These changes increase the risk of non-native species introductions and their subsequent spread within PAs. Implementing climate-smart adaptive biosecurity, an iterative process that includes the incorporation of new technologies and perspectives, will become increasingly important for invasive species prevention and management of PAs as it provides flexibility in management response and maximizes positive outcomes when resources are limited.https://link.springer.com/journal/10530hj2024Zoology and EntomologySDG-13:Climate actionSDG-15:Life on lan
A possible genetic predisposition to suspected hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy
Full text linkDATA AVAILABILITY : No data was used for the research described in the article.Within the last decade, several studies have explored whether there might be a genetic component in hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) that influences susceptibility to or outcomes following hypoxic-ischaemic injury. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the findings to date from published studies investigating the genetics of HIE. It also highlights some of the challenges faced by researchers, as well as recommendations for future research.The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, USA; the South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; and the University of Pretoria through the Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine.https://www.elsevier.com/locate/bbadishj2024Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM)ImmunologySDG-03:Good heatlh and well-beingSDG-15:Life on lan
Digging out another cryptic species : a new sand frog (Anura: Pyxicephalidae: Tomopterna) from Mozambique
Full text linkA new species of Tomopterna is described from Banhine National Park, southern Mozambique. It differs from all other sand frogs by an uncorrected p-distance of 4.9–8.7% for 16S rRNA. The new species can be distinguished from all other described species of sand frogs by: males 37 mm SVL or less, undivided subarticular tubercles, more than three phalanges free of webbing on the fourth toe, a continuous glandular ridge below the tympanum, a distinct tympanic membrane, the nostrils closer to the snout tip than the eye, the rounded canthus rostralis, a round tympanum, the absence of an outer metatarsal tubercle, an interrupted inter-orbital bar, small dorsal warts, the absence (or weakness) of vomerine teeth, the solid pigmented throat in mature males, the distinct palmar tubercles, the smooth ventral surface, and barring on the limbs. This description adds a further amphibian to the list of Mozambican frogs, which has increased significantly in recent years.https://mapress.com/zt/indexhj2024Zoology and EntomologySDG-15:Life on lan
Advocacy coalitions and the co-production of anti-corruption policy in Botswana : a discourse network analysis
No full textThe advocacy coalition framework (ACF) has provided a sound theoretical lens to better understand dynamic and complex policy issues for over three decades. Yet, its application in non-Western contexts remains scant. This article focuses on two critical variables of the ACF—advocacy coalitions and policy core beliefs—to analyze the patterns of interaction that occurred between anti-corruption policy actors in the passage leading to the development of one of Botswana's most recent anti-corruption laws—the Declaration of Assets and Liabilities Act (DALA). The study relied on secondary data (policy statements and positions [n = 368]) retrieved from various sources such as parliamentary transcripts (Hansard) and mainstream media (n = 149). The results of the discourse network analysis revealed several types of coalitions that emerged in the DALA policy sub-system. In addition to highlighting the significance of collaborative efforts and the exchange of ideas between different policy actors, the study contributes to the ACF literature by unpacking the role of advocacy coalitions in an understudied and underrepresented context.http://www.wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/ropr2027-01-16hj2024School of Public Management and Administration (SPMA)SDG-16:Peace,justice and strong institution
Understanding cargo sorting and interactive effects of membrane vesicles in fungal phytopathogens : current knowledge and research gaps
No full textOrganisms from all kingdoms of life release membrane vesicles, which are tiny, spherical structures made of a lipid bilayer. These vesicles carry out several functions, such as forming new cell membranes, removing waste products from the cell, and transporting lipids and other substances. The payloads often contained in the vesicles are sorted via the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) pathway stepwise. Furthermore, alterations to this endomembrane system reduces formation of vesicles and produce aberrant endosomal compartments. In pathogenic fungi, studies that have generated mutants with disruption in the ESCRT genes demonstrated negative effects on virulence and growth. Despite these important roles, only a few fungal species have to date been evaluated for the ESCRT pathway. In this review, we comprehensively evaluate recent developments in the ESCRT fungal pathway and its role in plant fungal pathogenesis.Thuthuka funding instrument of the South African National Research Foundation (NRF), and the South African National Department of Science and Innovation-NRF Centres of Excellence programme and South African Research Chairs Initiative.https://www.elsevier.com/locate/fbr2026-01-30hj2024Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM)Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI)SDG-15:Life on lan