This dissertation describes the dynamics of motor competence (MC) development from early childhood (EC) to middle childhood (MCD). Being motor competent in early childhood creates a window of opportunity for taking part in physical activities later in childhood and adulthood. However, there is a worrying …

ABSTRACT The rise of global agricultural value chains presents both opportunities and challenges for rural transformation and economic development. In this regard, we propose that the expansion of the service sector in developing countries significantly influences the development of agricultural value …

Brain disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy have been linked to an imbalance in excitatory and inhibitory (E/I) inputs in the brain. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying E/I balance and plasticity in the brain are largely unresolved. Inhibitory synapses have a strong impact on brain …

Flow balancing is the process of changing the geometry of an extrusion die to achieve a uniform flow distribution at the die-exit. This can be an iterative and costly process. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is often used to aid in flow balancing of extrusion dies by predicting the flow profile without …

The landscape of medical research is complex and constantly evolving. This complexity becomes especially evident when actors need to balance the ethical and scientific values that protect research participants with considerations of scientific integrity. These two key values, established in international …

The study explored how chronic sorrow in parents of disabled children impacts everyday interactions between parents and professionals in caregiving contexts. Chronic sorrow, characterized by ongoing feelings of grief and loss in parents, related to their child’s disability, is increasingly recognized …

Introduction: Nursing education traditionally teaches skill acquisition in isolated practice drills and guided by step-by-step protocols. While these approaches may seem to provide a solid foundation, they do not adequately bridge the gap between a controlled learning environment and the reality of nursing …

Due to the variegated nature of the teaching profession system, different actors operating in this system (teachers, school leaders, policy makers) are inevitably intertwined and assumably influence each other’s sensemaking processes, especially when system-wide educational change occurs. Gaining insight …

Chapter 1: General introduction. A specific group of people with disabilities includes individuals with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD). However, individuals with PIMD form a heterogeneous group regarding the origins of their underlying conditions leading to profound disabilities …

Pregnancy and early parenthood mark a transformative period where women become caregivers and assume a new role with new responsibilities. While often portrayed positively, the transition to motherhood can be overwhelming. This is especially true for women living in adverse circumstances, presenting …