Finishing Effect on Fatty Acid Profile of Intramuscular Fat in Extensively Reared Steers

Both the amount and the composition of fat depots in beef may be influenced by several factors i.e. feeding system. Related to this factor, extensively reared cattle may produce beef with a more desirable fatty acid (FA) composition in terms of beneficial effect on human health, especially in relation to the content of n-3 type FAs. However, concentrate finishing improves some carcass traits and meat quality. In this sense, the objective of this work was to study the effect of concentrate finishing on intramuscular (IM) FA profile of Longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle in pasture fed steers

Introduction to the National Cancer Imaging Translational Accelerator (NCITA): a UK-wide infrastructure for multicentre clinical translation of cancer imaging biomarkers

Summary: The National Cancer Imaging Translational Accelerator (NCITA) is creating a UK national coordinated infrastructure for accelerated translation of imaging biomarkers for clinical use. Through the development of standardised protocols, data integration tools and ongoing training programmes, NCITA provides a unique scalable infrastructure for imaging biomarker qualification using multicentre clinical studies

Identifying the research, advocacy, policy and implementation needs for the prevention and management of respiratory syncytial virus lower respiratory tract infection in low- and middle-income countries

Introduction: The high burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in young children disproportionately occurs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The PROUD (Preventing RespiratOry syncytial virUs in unDerdeveloped countries) Taskforce of 24 RSV worldwide experts assessed key needs for RSV prevention in LMICs, including vaccine and newer preventive measures. Methods: A global, survey-based study was undertaken in 2021. An online questionnaire was developed following three meetings of the Taskforce panellists wherein factors related to RSV infection, its prevention and management were identified using iterative questioning. Each factor was scored, by non-panellists interested in RSV, on a scale of zero (very-low-relevance) to 100 (very-high-relevance) within two scenarios: (1) Current and (2) Future expectations for RSV management. Results: Ninety questionnaires were completed: 70 by respondents (71.4% physicians; 27.1% researchers/scientists) from 16 LMICs and 20 from nine high-income (HI) countries (90.0% physicians; 5.0% researchers/scientists), as a reference group. Within LMICs, RSV awareness was perceived to be low, and management was not prioritised. Of the 100 factors scored, those related to improved diagnosis particularly access to affordable point-of-care diagnostics, disease burden data generation, clinical and general education, prompt access to new interventions, and engagement with policymakers/payers were identified of paramount importance. There was a strong need for clinical education and local data generation in the lowest economies, whereas upper-middle income countries were more closely aligned with HI countries in terms of current RSV service provision. Conclusion: Seven key actions for improving RSV prevention and management in LMICs are proposed

Effect of Teacher Readiness on the Implementation of Competency Based Curriculum in Public Primary Schools in Awendo Sub County, Migori County, Kenya

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effect of teacher readiness on the implementation of Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) in public primary schools in Awendo Sub County, Migori County, Kenya. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of teachers’ motivation, in public primary schools in Awendo Sub – County. The research applied the Pedagogical Content Knowledge Theory. The study used a descriptive survey research design. The target population was 1741 respondents comprising 1666 grade one to four teachers and 75 head teachers. The researcher used simple random sampling in selecting the sample size for both grade one to four teachers and head teachers. Thirty percent of 1666 grade one to four teachers and 75 head teachers were selected to constitute a sample size of 500 CBC teachers and 23 head teachers. Data was collected through Teachers’ questionnaire and HT’s interview schedule. Reliability and validity were approximated through research instruments. Pilot testing was conducted in the neighboring Rongo Sub – County. Reliability of the research instruments were calculated using split half method obtaining a coefficient of 0.8. Content and construct validity were ascertained through the University supervisors’ scrutiny and pilot testing. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The study findings revealed that motivation of teachers had statistically significant effect while teacher in- service was moderate. The study’s other independent variables contributed 63.7% of variables in the level CBC implementation in teaching and learning (R2 = 0.637).  Teacher motivation was the most potent predictor of CBC implementation. β = 0.960, t(18) = 3.169,  < 0.05). The study therefore, recommends that material rewards should be given to teachers for them to do better in all areas in the school and for encouragement. The school management should also ensure that school environment is conducive for teachers by offering accommodation and food to ensure their motivation and satisfaction with their jobs. Keywords: Competency based curriculum, Resources, competencies, Readiness DOI: 10.7176/JEP/13-5-04 Publication date: February 28th 202