4,889 results
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152. DETERMinants of quality of life, care and costs, and consequences of INequalities in people with Dementia and their carers (DETERMIND): A protocol paper.
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Farina, Nicolas, Hicks, Ben, Baxter, Kate, Birks, Yvonne, Brayne, Carol, Dangoor, Margaret, Dixon, Josie, Harris, Peter R., Hu, Bo, Knapp, Martin, Miles, Eleanor, Perach, Rotem, Read, Sanna, Robinson, Louise, Rusted, Jennifer, Stewart, Rob, Thomas, Alan, Wittenberg, Raphael, and Banerjee, Sube
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MEDICAL care costs , *DEMENTIA , *QUALITY of life , *CARE of dementia patients , *CHANGE theory , *TREATMENT of dementia , *MEDICAL quality control , *RESEARCH , *CAREGIVERS , *RESEARCH methodology , *EVALUATION research , *MEDICAL cooperation , *SOCIOECONOMIC factors , *COMPARATIVE studies , *COST effectiveness , *RESEARCH funding - Abstract
Objectives: DETERMIND (DETERMinants of quality of life, care and costs, and consequences of INequalities in people with Dementia and their carers) is designed to address fundamental, and, as yet unanswered questions about inequalities, outcomes and costs following diagnosis with dementia. These answers are needed to improve the quality of care and equity of access to care, and therefore the quality of life, of people with dementia and their carers.Method: DETERMIND is a programme of research consisting of seven complementary workstreams (WS) exploring various components that may result in unequal dementia care: WS1: Recruitment and follow-up of the DETERMIND cohort-900 people with dementia and their carers from three geographically and socially diverse sites within six months following diagnosis, and follow them up for three years. WS2: Investigation of the extent of inequalities in access to dementia care. WS3: Relationship between use and costs of services and outcomes. WS4: Experiences of self-funders of care. WS5: Decision-making processes for people with dementia and carers. WS6: Effect of diagnostic stage and services on outcomes. WS7: Theory of Change informed strategy and actions for applying the research findings.Outcomes: During the life of the programme, analysing baseline results and then follow-up of the DETERMIND cohort over 3 years, we will establish evidence on current services and practice. DETERMIND will deliver novel, detailed data on inequalities in dementia care and what drives positive and negative outcomes and costs for people with dementia and carers, and identify factors that help or hinder living well with dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2020
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153. A Thematic Review of the Main Research on Construction Equipment over Recent Years.
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Naskoudakis, Ilias and Petroutsatou, Kleopatra
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CONSTRUCTION equipment , *RESEARCH papers (Students) , *META-analysis , *CONSTRUCTION projects , *ROBOTICS - Abstract
A considerable body of literature has been dedicated to research studies on construction equipment. Many topics were discussed and analysed, and various conclusions have been reported. However, research papers published regarding construction equipment, are highly diversified, and there is a lack of systematic analysis and classification. Hence, a complete understanding of the topic is not possible, nor is the assessment of any future research direction. A meta-analysis of the latest journal papers dedicated to construction machinery would not only delineate the fields the academic research was concentrated on but would additionally reveal potential gaps for future research. In the current study, through a systematic review of the academic literature published over the last decade, primarily identified via online databases, main research themes such as optimisation, maintenance/downtime, productivity, robotics and automation, operator competence, innovation, and environment are determined and discussed, with future research directions suggested. The outcome of this paper will facilitate future researchers to develop a body of knowledge of progress on construction equipment and its potential functions and provide future research directions on this issue. Furthermore, some pointers will be provided regarding the optimum selection of fleet equipment as a key factor for the success of any construction project. These will be given as part of the necessary holistic and strategic approach required to deliver a construction project successfully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2016
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154. Thin layer chromatography coupled to paper spray ionization mass spectrometry for cocaine and its adulterants analysis.
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De Carvalho, Thays C., Tosato, Flavia, Souza, Lindamara M., Santos, Heloa, Merlo, Bianca B., Ortiz, Rafael S., Rodrigues, Rayza R.T., Filgueiras, Paulo R., França, Hildegardo S., Augusti, Rodinei, Romão, Wanderson, and Vaz, Boniek G.
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ELECTROSPRAY ionization mass spectrometry , *COCAINE abuse , *THIN layer chromatography , *CRIME laboratories , *BENZOCAINE , *AMIDES , *CAFFEINE , *COCAINE , *COMPARATIVE studies , *DRUG adulteration , *LIDOCAINE , *MASS spectrometry , *RESEARCH methodology , *MEDICAL cooperation , *NARCOTICS , *RESEARCH , *EVALUATION research - Abstract
Thin layer chromatography (TLC) is a simple and inexpensive type of chromatography that is extensively used in forensic laboratories for drugs of abuse analysis. In this work, TLC is optimized to analyze cocaine and its adulterants (caffeine, benzocaine, lidocaine and phenacetin) in which the sensitivity (visual determination of LOD from 0.5 to 14mgmL(-1)) and the selectivity (from the study of three different eluents: CHCl3:CH3OH:HCOOHglacial (75:20:5v%), (C2H5)2O:CHCl3 (50:50v%) and CH3OH:NH4OH (100:1.5v%)) were evaluated. Aiming to improve these figures of merit, the TLC spots were identified and quantified (linearity with R(2)>0.98) by the paper spray ionization mass spectrometry (PS-MS), reaching now lower LOD values (>1.0μgmL(-1)). The method developed in this work open up perspective of enhancing the reliability of traditional and routine TLC analysis employed in the criminal expertise units. Higher sensitivity, selectivity and rapidity can be provided in forensic reports, besides the possibility of quantitative analysis. Due to the great simplicity, the PS(+)-MS technique can also be coupled directly to other separation techniques such as the paper chromatography and can still be used in analyses of LSD blotter, documents and synthetic drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2016
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155. Should the Use of Adaptive Machine Learning Systems in Medicine be Classified as Research?
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Sparrow, Robert, Hatherley, Joshua, Oakley, Justin, and Bain, Chris
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AbstractA novel advantage of the use of machine learning (ML) systems in medicine is their potential to continue learning from new data after implementation in clinical practice. To date, considerations of the ethical questions raised by the design and use of adaptive machine learning systems in medicine have, for the most part, been confined to discussion of the so-called “update problem,” which concerns how regulators should approach systems whose performance and parameters continue to change even after they have received regulatory approval. In this paper, we draw attention to a prior ethical question: whether the continuous learning that will occur in such systems after their initial deployment should be classified, and regulated, as medical research? We argue that there is a strong
prima facie case that the use of continuous learning in medical ML systems should be categorized, and regulated, as research and that individuals whose treatment involves such systems should be treated as research subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2024
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156. Rural healthcare professionals' participation in Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD): beyond a binary decision.
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Sedgwick, Monique, Brassolotto, Julia, and Manduca-Barone, Alessandro
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EUTHANASIA laws , *JOB involvement , *NURSES , *LANGUAGE & languages , *MEDICAL personnel , *RURAL health , *DEATH , *QUALITATIVE research , *PROFESSIONAL ethics , *GOVERNMENT policy , *RESEARCH funding , *INTERVIEWING , *FAMILIES , *DECISION making , *UNCERTAINTY , *FEDERAL government , *SOUND recordings , *THEMATIC analysis , *ETHICS , *ATTITUDES of medical personnel , *RESEARCH , *RESEARCH methodology , *PHYSICIANS , *CONSCIENCE , *SOCIAL support , *INTERPERSONAL relations , *HUMAN comfort , *SUFFERING , *VALUES (Ethics) - Abstract
Background: Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) was legalized in Canada in 2016 and amended in 2021. At the time that this study was conducted, the federal government was considering expanding the eligibility criteria to include patients whose death was not reasonably foreseeable. The purpose of this study was to better understand rural healthcare professionals' experiences with assisted dying set against the backdrop of legislative expansion. Methods: A qualitative exploratory study was undertaken with general rural practice physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, ethicists, patients, and patient families in rural Southern Alberta, Canada. For this paper, data from 18 audio-recorded and transcribed semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals were analyzed using thematic analysis. Categories and patterns of shared meaning that linked to an overarching theme were identified. Results: Between the binary positions of full support for and conscientious objection to assisted dying, rural healthcare professionals' decisions to participate in MAiD was based on their moral convictions, various contextual factors, and their participation thresholds. Factors including patient suffering; personal and professional values and beliefs; relationships with colleagues, patients and family, and community; and changing MAiD policy and legislation created nuances that informed their decision-making. Conclusions: The interplay of multiple factors and their degree of influence on healthcare professionals' decision-making create multiple decision points between full support for and participation in MAiD processes and complete opposition and/or abstention. Moreover, our findings suggest evolving policy and legislation have the potential to increase rural healthcare professionals' uncertainty and level of discomfort in providing services. We propose that the binary language typically used in the MAiD discourse be reframed to reflect that decision-making processes and actions are often fluid and situational. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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157. Characteristics of primary care practices associated with patient education during COVID-19: results of the cross-sectional PRICOV-19 study in 38 countries.
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Kirkove, Delphine, Willems, Sara, Van Poel, Esther, Dardenne, Nadia, Donneau, Anne-Françoise, Perrin, Elodie, Ponsar, Cécile, Mallen, Christian, Stylianou, Neophytos, Collins, Claire, Gagnayre, Rémi, and Pétré, Benoit
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PATIENT education , *CROSS-sectional method , *SELF-evaluation , *SCALE analysis (Psychology) , *STATISTICAL models , *HEALTH literacy , *FAMILY medicine , *HEALTH insurance reimbursement , *ATTITUDES toward illness , *PRIMARY health care , *SOCIOECONOMIC factors , *QUESTIONNAIRES , *CAPITATION fees (Medical care) , *FEE for service (Medical fees) , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *PHYSICIANS' attitudes , *CHRONIC diseases , *RESEARCH , *INTRACLASS correlation , *DATA analysis software , *COVID-19 pandemic , *HEALTH care teams , *EDUCATIONAL attainment - Abstract
Background: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization established a number of key recommendations such as educational activities especially within primary care practices (PCPs) which are a key component of this strategy. This paper aims to examine the educational activities of PCPs during COVID-19 pandemic and to identify the factors associated with these practices across 38 countries. Methods: A "Patient Education (PE)" score was created based on responses to six items from the self-reported questionnaire among PCPs (n = 3638) compiled by the PRICOV-19 study. Statistical analyses were performed on 3638 cases, with PCPs with missing PE score values were excluded. Results: The PE score features a mean of 2.55 (SD = 0.68) and a median of 2.50 (2.16 – 3.00), with a maximum of 4.00, and varies quite widely between countries. Among all PCPs characteristics, these factors significantly increase the PE score: the payment system type (with a capitation payment system or another system compared to the fee for service), the perception of average PCP with patients with chronic conditions and the perception of adequate governmental support. Conclusion: The model presented in this article is still incomplete and requires further investigation to identify other configuration elements favorable to educational activities. However, the results already highlight certain levers that will enable the development of this educational approach appropriate to primary care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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158. Cultural adaptation and validation of the caring behaviors assessment tool into Spanish.
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Leyva-Moral, Juan M., Watson, Carolina, Granel, Nina, Raij-Johansen, Cecilia, and Ayala, Ricardo A.
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STATISTICAL correlation , *LANGUAGE & languages , *MULTITRAIT multimethod techniques , *SCALE analysis (Psychology) , *CRONBACH'S alpha , *RESEARCH methodology evaluation , *HUMANITY , *ETHNOLOGY research , *TRANSLATIONS , *NURSING models , *MEDICAL care , *PATIENT care , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *LINGUISTICS , *PSYCHOMETRICS , *NURSING practice , *RESEARCH methodology , *RESEARCH , *FACTOR analysis , *STAKEHOLDER analysis , *COMPARATIVE studies , *DATA analysis software , *COGNITION ,RESEARCH evaluation - Abstract
Background: The aim of the research was to translate, culturally adapt and validate the Caring Behaviors Assessment (CBA) tool in Spain, ensuring its appropriateness in the Spanish cultural context. Methods: Three-phase cross-cultural adaptation and validation study. Phase 1 involved the transculturation process, which included translation of the CBA tool from English to Spanish, back-translation, and refinement of the translated tool based on pilot testing and linguistic and cultural adjustments. Phase 2 involved training research assistants to ensure standardized administration of the instrument. Phase 3 involved administering the transculturally-adapted tool to a non-probabilistic sample of 402 adults who had been hospitalized within the previous 6 months. Statistical analyses were conducted to assess the consistency of the item-scale, demographic differences, validity of the tool, and the importance of various caring behaviors within the Spanish cultural context. R statistical software version 4.3.3 and psych package version 2.4.1 were used for statistical analyses. Results: The overall internal consistency of the CBA tool was high, indicating its reliability for assessing caring behaviors. The subscales within the instrument also demonstrated high internal consistency. Descriptive analysis revealed that Spanish participants prioritized technical and cognitive aspects of care over emotional and existential dimensions. Conclusions: The new version of the tool proved to be valid, reliable and culturally situated, which will facilitate the provision of objective and reliable data on patients beliefs about what is essential in terms of care behaviors in Spain. Key points: • This paper provides a culturally translated, adapted, and validated version of the Caring Behaviors Assessment tool in the Spanish context, which can be used to obtain reliable and culturally adapted data on essential aspects of patient care. • The findings of this study contribute to the wider global clinical community by demonstrating the importance of considering cultural factors when assessing and evaluating patient care from patients' own perspective, and also emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive approaches in healthcare settings. • This validated instrument facilitates the measurement of caring behaviors in the Spanish context, allowing for objective evaluation and improvement. Use of the Caring Behaviors Assessment tool could thus serve as a valuable resource for both future research and clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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159. An Exploratory Qualitative Analysis of the Stanford-Templeton Convenings on Islam and Suicide.
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Awaad, Rania, Quadri, Yasmeen, Sifat, Munjireen, Elzamzamy, Khalid, Suleiman, Kamal, Rehman, Obaid, Husain, Amina, Abdelrehim, Amira, Rushdi, Rufaida, Belanger, Chelsea C., Hill, Terrence D., and Koenig, Harold G.
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SUICIDE risk factors , *LIFE , *MENTAL health , *QUALITATIVE research , *RESEARCH funding , *ISLAM , *INTERVIEWING , *PSYCHOLOGY & religion , *MUSLIMS , *THEMATIC analysis , *ATTITUDE (Psychology) , *SUICIDE , *RESEARCH , *RESEARCH methodology , *CONCEPTUAL structures - Abstract
For over 70 years, studies have reported lower rates of completed suicide in Muslim-majority countries and individuals who identify as Muslim. To this point, the mechanisms underlying the relationship between Islam and lower risk of suicide remain understudied. In an effort to advance our understanding, we convened a bilingual international interdisciplinary panel of experts for a discussion of the current state and future directions of the field. In this paper, we present an exploratory qualitative analysis of the core themes that emerged from the group interviews. We also derive a general theoretical model of the association between Islam and suicide risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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160. Methodological Exclusion of the Transcendent? Implications for Theory and Research in Religion, Spirituality and Health.
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Moreira-Almeida, Alexander and Hood Jr., Ralph W.
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MEDICAL protocols , *HEALTH , *RELIGION , *SPIRITUALITY , *RESEARCH , *SPIRITUAL healing , *THEORY - Abstract
Early in the founding of psychology of religion, a debated issue was the methodological exclusion of the transcendent (MET). While cautiously endorsed by Theodore Flournoy, others, notable William James and Frederic Myers, refused to be limited by this principle. This paper discusses (a) what is MET as proposed by Flournoy and the reasons he provided to adopt it, (b) problems with MET, implications for research and theory in religion/spirituality and health, and why the transcendent should be included in psychological, medical and other academic research and theory on spiritual experiences (SE), and (c) some methodological guidelines perform it fruitfully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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161. Enhancing inclusive and visible consumer authorship: Recommendations for research and publishing practice.
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Gustafsson, Louise, Cox, Ruth, and Miller, Elizabeth
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SERIAL publications , *DIVERSITY & inclusion policies , *INTERPROFESSIONAL relations , *RESPONSIBILITY , *AUTHORSHIP , *MANUSCRIPTS , *OCCUPATIONAL therapy , *PUBLISHING , *RESEARCH , *PATIENT participation - Abstract
The article presents the discussion on research community increasingly partners with consumers and community in the design and conduct of research. Topics include Recent studies have explored the perceptions of Editor-in-Chiefs regarding the acceptability for consumer co-researchers to be authors on papers; and authorship were developed by the scientific community to ensure appropriate attribution for the work.
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- 2024
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162. Conditionality and contentment: Universal Credit and UK welfare benefit recipients' life satisfaction.
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THORNTON, ISAAC and IACOELLA, FRANCESCO
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SATISFACTION , *PSYCHOLOGICAL distress , *PROBABILITY theory , *QUESTIONNAIRES , *QUANTITATIVE research , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *MOTIVATION (Psychology) , *RESEARCH , *PUBLIC welfare , *FACTOR analysis , *CONFIDENCE intervals , *POVERTY , *REGRESSION analysis - Abstract
Introduced in the United Kingdom in 2012, Universal Credit (UC) is a welfare benefit that replaces six working-age 'legacy' benefits for out-of-work and low-income people. Designed with the aim of simplifying benefits and incentivising paid work, UC represents a deepening of conditionality in the British welfare state. Considering these developments, this paper quantitatively investigates the effect of UC on recipients' life satisfaction. Data from the United Kingdom Household Longitudinal Study is analysed, primarily using a fixed-effects regression approach. Results reveal a significantly negative effect of UC recipience on life satisfaction. Robustness checks and alternative model specifications, including difference-in-differences and inverse probability weighting, confirm this finding. Additionally, mediation models give credence to the idea that UC also negatively affects life satisfaction indirectly by increasing psychological distress. Heterogeneity tests indicate that UC has a less negative effect on single parents' life satisfaction compared to non-parents. Meanwhile, UC has a significantly more negative effect on the life satisfaction of people not in paid work (for reasons other than unemployment) than those in paid work. Discussion focuses on the potential effect of welfare conditionality specifically, and implications for future research and policy are explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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163. Clinical research imperatives: principles and priorities from the perspective of Allied Health executives and managers.
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Hillier, Susan, Lodge, Duncan, Nolan, Jo, Yandell, Rosalie, Chur-Hansen, Anna, George, Stacey, and Lynch, Elizabeth
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PROFESSIONAL practice , *FOCUS groups , *MEDICAL quality control , *MEDICAL care , *INTERVIEWING , *QUESTIONNAIRES , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *ALLIED health personnel , *PUBLIC health administration , *THEMATIC analysis , *RESEARCH , *PRIORITY (Philosophy) , *ATTITUDES of medical personnel , *RESEARCH methodology , *CONCEPTUAL structures , *QUALITY assurance , *EVIDENCE-based medicine , *LABOR supply , *INDIGENOUS Australians ,RESEARCH evaluation - Abstract
Objective: It is widely understood that a key means of improving health systems and patient outcomes is through research – accessing, understanding, generating and applying research evidence-based practice. To promote more targeted and strategic research in Allied Health practice, this study sought to establish the principles, areas and priorities for clinical research as perceived by Allied Health leaders in the South Australian public health system. Methods: The study used a mixed-methods design (full, sequential and equal model). Participants were recruited from the South Australian Department of Health and Wellbeing employment lists for Allied Health senior leaders. Consenting participants attended face-to-face focus groups; after an overview presentation, they discussed the principles for Allied Health research, followed by areas and priorities for research. Summaries of the responses were themed descriptively and circulated electronically so participants could confirm the research areas and ascribe priority ratings, clinical populations and services. Results: A total of 28 people attended the stakeholder forum (5 online); 20 responded to the second-round electronic summary. Nine principles of research action were agreed. Fourteen research areas were identified and prioritised. There was a relatively consistent prioritisation of measuring Allied Health value, Allied Health workforce, hospital avoidance and closing the gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples health outcomes – whether the individuals were thinking about their own service or the state as a whole. Conclusions: Allied Health leadership identified key principles and priorities for research to improve service delivery and patient outcomes. These priorities should generate further discussion and interest for novice and experienced researchers and leaders and can be used to inform granting and project plans. What is known about the topic? Allied Health are well equipped to engage in research but have limited capacity. What does this paper add? We have identified key priorities and principles to inform Allied Health research activity. What are the implications for practitioners? Practitioners, funders and other stakeholders can develop these identified principles and priorities to direct research time and resources for the most impact on health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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164. How the training pathways and capacity of rural physicians inform their scope of practice: A qualitative study examining the experiences of Australian and international medical graduates in South‐East New South Wales, Australia.
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Burgis‐Kasthala, Sarath, Bain‐Donohue, Suzanne, Tailby, Ellen, Stonestreet, Kathryn, and Moore, Malcolm
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QUALITATIVE research , *FAMILY medicine , *INTERVIEWING , *FOREIGN physicians , *THEMATIC analysis , *LONGITUDINAL method , *RURAL conditions , *RESEARCH methodology , *RESEARCH , *CONCEPTUAL structures , *PHYSICIANS , *MEDICAL practice , *LABOR supply - Abstract
Introduction: Current strategies to address shortages of rural doctors focus on developing a pipeline for rural generalist practice. Limited research has explored how doctors' professional journey engenders the skills required to practice rurally. Objective: This paper analyses how rural general practitioners' clinical pathway informs their scope of practice and future retention. Design: Qualitative thematic analysis using semi‐structured telephone interviews. Twenty‐one general practitioners appointed in their local health district of Murrumbidgee and Southern New South Wales, Australia, within the past 10 years. Participants comprised 10 Australian medical graduates (AMG) and 11 international medical graduates (IMG). Findings: AMGs and IMGs contrasted how their pathway into rural practice, and capacity to work rurally, informed their scope of practice. Australian medical graduates' familiarity with rural areas was consolidated through congruous experiences, including at rural clinical schools. Paradoxically, the fluency of their training limited the amount of unsupervised experience and confidence AMGs gained. Together with a focus on work‐life balance, this limited many to providing mainstream general practice, precluding extending their scope of practice. International medical graduates described disseminated experiences, often unsupervised in high‐volume contexts. However, a lack of professional opportunities prevented them from extending their scope of practice. Discussion: IMG and AMG motivation and pathway for working rurally differ. Respective cohorts have concerns regarding requisite skills and knowledge for rural practice, which incorporates opportunity and recognition. Entry points for training should be variable to allow consideration of life stage, prior skill development and extension of scope of practice. Conclusion: Doctors' scope of practice is informed by their pathways into rural practice. Australian medical graduates may not gain adequate competence during expedited training programs to confidently undertake extended clinical activities. International medical graduates, however lacked the opportunities and support, to utilise their expertise in rural practice. Complementarily utilising the expertise and commitment of both AMGs and IMGs may synergistically address workforce shortages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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165. The social determinants of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults who do not smoke in regional Australia.
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Heris, Christina, Caudell, Reuben Z., Barrett, Eden M., Brinckley, Makayla‐May, Cohen, Rubijayne, Kennedy, Michelle, Whop, Lisa J., Calma, Tom, and Maddox, Raglan
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CROSS-sectional method , *HEALTH services accessibility , *SOCIAL determinants of health , *PSYCHOLOGICAL distress , *SMOKING , *SOCIOECONOMIC factors , *FOOD security , *POPULATION geography , *DISEASE prevalence , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *QUANTITATIVE research , *SURVEYS , *RACISM , *NON-smokers , *RESEARCH , *METROPOLITAN areas , *EX-smokers , *CONFIDENCE intervals , *DISCRIMINATION (Sociology) , *INDIGENOUS Australians , *WELL-being - Abstract
Introduction: Commercial tobacco use was systematically embedded as a valuable commodity through colonisation that continues to be exploited for profit by the Tobacco Industry. There have been significant declines in current smoking prevalence among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples 18 years and over, from 55% in 1994 to 43% in 2018–2019. This paper seeks to better understand smoke‐free behaviours, and to systematically quantify associations between a range of SDOH and non‐smoking/never‐smoking among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults (≥18) living in regional Australia. Objective: To explore the social determinants of health (SDOH) related to non‐ and never‐smoking among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in regional Australia. Design: Cross‐sectional analysis of the NATSIHS, weighted to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adult population living in regional Australia, was conducted. Participants were characterised as people who were current smokers, never‐smokers and non‐smokers (ex‐ and never‐smokers). The social determinants of health exposures related to socioeconomic position, well‐being and access to healthcare. Setting: Regional Australia is distinct from urban and remote areas, based on the ASGS Remoteness Structure (ABS) 2018–2019. Participants: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults (≥18 years) who were selected, consented and asked questions about smoking in the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey (NATSIHS 2018/19). Results: High income was associated with non‐smoking (Prevalence Ratio [PR] = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.66–2.57) and never‐smoking (PR = 2.02; 1.46–2.79), as was completing year 10 (non‐smoking PR = 1.34; 1.12–1.61 and never‐smoking PR = 1.56; 1.20–2.03). Better food security was associated with a higher prevalence of never‐smoking (PR = 2.42; 1.48–3.98). Lower psychological distress scores were associated with non‐smoking (PR = 1.30; 1.10–1.53) and never‐smoking (PR = 1.56; 1.21–2.01). Never‐smoking was more frequent in participants reporting no experiences of unfair treatment (PR = 1.59; 1.22–2.06). Having a usual healthcare provider was associated with non‐smoking (PR = 1.38; 1.02–1.86). Positive exposure to the SDOH were associated with non‐ and never‐smoking among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults in regional Australia. Structural and systemic changes to address the SDOH, including discrimination and racism, are expected to accelerate non‐smoking behaviours and improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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166. Are pre‐race serum blood biomarkers associated with the 24‐h ultramarathon race performance?
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Amatori, Stefano, Sisti, Davide, Bertuccioli, Alexander, Rocchi, Marco B.L., Luchetti, Francesca, Nasoni, Maria Gemma, Papa, Stefano, Citarella, Roberto, Perroni, Fabrizio, and Benedetti, Serena
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LEUCOCYTES , *STATISTICAL correlation , *LONG-distance running , *MONOCYTES , *MULTIPLE regression analysis , *BLOOD cell count , *RETROSPECTIVE studies , *LACTATE dehydrogenase , *ELECTROLYTES , *ATHLETES , *RESEARCH , *HEMATOCRIT , *CHOLESTEROL , *ALANINE aminotransferase , *PHYSICAL fitness , *ATHLETIC ability , *INFLAMMATION , *TRIGLYCERIDES , *BIOMARKERS , *EOSINOPHILS - Abstract
The 24‐h ultramarathon (UM) race is one of the most demanding competitive sports in terms of muscular and physiological exertion. In this context, predictors of UM athletes' physical performance are in high demand; however, data on the predictive capabilities of hematological variables are still sparse. In the present paper, we retrospectively took into consideration the pre‐race blood biomarker levels (including basic blood count, leukocyte subpopulations, markers of inflammation and organ function, metabolic profile, and electrolytes) of 50 UM athletes (M = 33, F = 17) who completed a 24‐h competition in order to identify a combination of analytes capable of predicting the athletic performance in terms of distance covered during the 24‐h run. The multiple regression analysis produced a model that explained a significant portion of the variance in the dependent variable, with an adjusted R‐squared value of 0.783 (F(13, 36) = 14.58, p < 0.001). A greater race distance was correlated with higher pre‐race values of hematocrit, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total cholesterol, HDL/LDL ratio, and triglycerides and lower levels of monocytes, eosinophils, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT), total proteins, and sodium. This study represents the first of its kind conducted on 24‐h UM athletes that investigated the association between blood markers and endurance performance. Our model, given its promising predictive power, would serve as a starting point that will require refinement and integration with other traditional performance prediction measures, in order to support athletes and coaches in better managing the training loads during the race‐approaching phases. Highlights: A combination of pre‐race hematological parameters was found to predict the 24‐h ultramarathon race distance in ultra‐endurance athletes.A greater race distance was correlated with higher pre‐race values of hematocrit, lactate dehydrogenase, total cholesterol, HDL/LDL ratio, and triglycerides, and lower levels of monocytes, eosinophils, alanine aminotransferase, gamma‐glutamyl transferase, total proteins, and sodium.The predictive model generated by the multiple regression analysis explained a significant portion of the variance in the dependent variable (race distance), with an adjusted R‐squared value of 0.783. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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167. Queering racialized designations: centering queer and trans latine students at an emerging hispanic serving institution (eHSI).
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Ortiz, Gabi C.
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HISPANIC-serving institutions , *SEGREGATION , *PSYCHOLOGICAL resilience , *INSTITUTIONAL racism , *HISPANIC Americans , *LGBTQ+ people , *UNIVERSITIES & colleges , *INTERVIEWING , *RACIALIZATION , *NEED (Psychology) , *EXPERIENCE , *RESEARCH methodology , *RESEARCH , *CONCEPTUAL structures , *COMMUNITY life , *PSYCHOLOGY of college students , *SOCIAL support , *NEEDS assessment , *STUDENT attitudes , *PSYCHOSOCIAL factors ,AMERICAN transgender people - Abstract
The holistic needs of Queer and Trans Latine students have been habitually excluded from prominent discussion in US higher education. This paper positions itself as an urgent addition to the literature on Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) and emerging HSI (eHSI) institutional identity to consider the needs of Queer and Trans Latine students directly. I conducted a total of four semi-structured interviews that were methodologically integrated with the testimonio framework. In these interviews, participants engaged in a journey toward healing from the injustices they (may) have faced at their eHSI while also deeply ingraining students in the process of what an equitable HSI institutional and organizational identity could be for Queer and Trans Latine students. The data were analyzed through an intersectionality and LatCrit theoretical framework. Findings showcase (1) the impact of department-level support of Queer and Trans identity as profoundly influential in students' Queer and Trans identity development and navigational capital and (2) the impact that low levels of visibility of Queer and Trans Latine persons on campus have on how Queer and Trans Latine students navigate campus services and faculty support. I conclude with a discussion on how Queer and Trans Latine student experiences should be explored to develop campus resources further and supports for a historically resilient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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168. Pushing the Boundaries for Evidenced-Based Practice: Can Online Training Enhance Andrology Research Capacity Worldwide? An Exploration of the Barriers and Enablers - The Global Andrology Forum.
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El Ansari, Walid, Arafa, Mohamed, Shah, Rupin, Harraz, Ahmed, Shokeir, Ahmed, Zohdy, Wael, Savira, Missy, and Agarwal, Ashok
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ONLINE education , *ANDROLOGY , *META-analysis , *RESEARCH , *WEBINARS - Abstract
Purpose: This is the first study to design and assess a research capacity building (RCB) specifically tailored for clinical and nonclinical andrology practitioners worldwide. We appraised: 1) the barriers and enablers to research among these practitioners; 2) attendees’ satisfaction with the webinar; and 3) research knowledge acquisition as a result of the webinar (before/after quiz). Materials and Methods: A online RCB webinar was designed, comprising two presentations in research design and systematic review/meta-analysis (SR/MA). An online survey using validated published questionnaires assessed the three above-stated objectives. Paired t-test compared the means of the pre- and post-webinar scores. Subgroup analysis was performed on the participants’ professional background, sex, and number of years in practice. Results: A total of 237 participants attended the webinar, of which 184 completed the survey and are included in the current analysis. Male participants were about double the females and 60.9% were from Asian countries. The most common research enablers were to publish scientific papers (14.8%) and to develop research (14.7%) or new skills (12.7%). The most common barriers were the lack of training in research (12.4%), training in research software (11.8%), and time for research (11.8%). Satisfaction with the webinar was considerably high (86.3%–88.4%) for the different features of the webinar. Compared to the pre-webinar knowledge level, there were significant improvements in participants’ research knowledge acquisition after the webinar in terms of the total score for the quiz (13.7±4.31 vs. 21.5±4.7), as well as the scores for the study design (7.12±2.37 vs. 11.5±2.69) and SR/MA sessions (6.63±2.63 vs. 9.93±2.49) (p<0.001 for each). Conclusions: Clinical and non-clinical andrology webinar attendees recognized the importance of research and exhibited a range of research skills, knowledge and experience. There were significant improvements in the participants’ knowledge and understanding of the components of scientific research. We propose an RCB model that can be implemented and further modeled by organizations with similar academic research goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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169. MEDLINE citation tool accuracy: an analysis in two platforms.
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Scheinfeld, Laurel and Chung, Sunny
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DATABASES , *RESEARCH methodology evaluation , *ARTIFICIAL intelligence , *LIBRARIANS , *STATISTICAL sampling , *CITATION analysis , *AUTHORSHIP , *MEDLINE , *BIBLIOGRAPHICAL citations , *PUBLISHING , *INFORMATION literacy , *INFORMATION retrieval , *ADULT education workshops , *BIBLIOGRAPHY , *BIBLIOMETRICS , *RESEARCH , *ELECTRONIC publications , *ONLINE information services - Abstract
Background: Libraries provide access to databases with auto-cite features embedded into the services; however, the accuracy of these auto-cite buttons is not very high in humanities and social sciences databases. Case Presentation: This case compares two biomedical databases, Ovid MEDLINE and PubMed, to see if either is reliable enough to confidently recommend to students for use when writing papers. A total of 60 citations were assessed, 30 citations from each citation generator, based on the top 30 articles in PubMed from 2010 to 2020. Conclusions: Error rates were higher in Ovid MEDLINE than PubMed but neither database platform provided error-free references. The auto-cite tools were not reliable. Zero of the 60 citations examined were 100% correct. Librarians should continue to advise students not to rely solely upon citation generators in these biomedical databases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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170. Marking parties for marking written assessments: A spontaneous community of practice.
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Vaccari, Emma, Moonen-van Loon, Joyce, Van der Vleuten, Cees, Hunt, Paula, and McManus, Bruce
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WORK , *COMMUNITIES of practice , *FACILITATED communication , *MEDICAL education , *PERSONNEL management , *UNDERGRADUATES , *QUESTIONNAIRES , *INTERVIEWING , *PROFESSIONAL licensure examinations , *EXPERIENCE , *MOTIVATION (Psychology) , *MEDICAL schools , *RESEARCH , *ACQUISITION of data , *CLINICAL education , *DEMOGRAPHY - Abstract
In programmes of assessment with both high and low-stakes assessments, the inclusion of open-ended long answer questions in the high-stakes examination can contribute to driving deeper learning among students. However, in larger institutions, this would generate a seemingly insurmountable marking workload. In this study, we use a focused ethnographic approach to explore how such a marking endeavour can be tackled efficiently and pragmatically. In marking parties, examiners come together to individually mark student papers. This study focuses on marking parties for two separate tasks assessing written clinical communication in medical school finals at Southampton, UK. Data collected included field notes from 21.3 h of marking parties, details of demographics and clinical and educational experience of examiners, examiners' written answers to an open-ended post-marking party questionnaire, an in-depth interview and details of the actual marks assigned during the marking parties. In a landscape of examiners who are busy clinicians and rarely interact with each other educationally, marking parties represent a spontaneous and sustainable community of practice, with functions extending beyond the mere marking of exams. These include benchmarking, learning, managing biases and exam development. Despite the intensity of the work, marking parties built camaraderie and were considered fun and motivating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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171. COVID-19 and Immigrant Status: A Qualitative Study of Malawian Immigrants Living in South Africa.
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David, Ifeolu, Lembani, Martina, Tefera, Gashaye M., and Majee, Wilson
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IMMIGRANTS , *EMIGRATION & immigration , *COMMUNITY support , *QUALITATIVE research , *SOCIOECONOMIC factors , *INTERVIEWING , *UNEMPLOYMENT , *THEMATIC analysis , *RESEARCH , *RESEARCH methodology , *CONCEPTUAL structures , *DATA analysis software , *COVID-19 , *EMPLOYMENT , *COVID-19 pandemic , *RELIABILITY (Personality trait) - Abstract
Migration to South Africa is motivated by the pursuit of employment, safety, and improved living conditions. However, immigrants encounter significant challenges, such as restricted access to essential services, which were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Malawian immigrants in South Africa, addressing the lack of attention given to this immigrant population by highlighting their vulnerabilities. Using a qualitative exploratory and descriptive approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with 24 Malawi immigrants who were over 18 years old and had established residency in South Africa before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Five key stakeholders were also interviewed for additional perspectives and to ensure triangulation and improve data reliability. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis strategies and coding with Nvivo12 software. The study highlighted the exacerbated struggles of Malawian immigrants in South Africa amid the COVID-19 pandemic, uncovering systemic discrimination in healthcare, marked by longer wait times and reluctance from health workers to treat undocumented immigrants. The study also revealed a dire security situation, with immigrants living in high-crime areas and feeling particularly targeted due to their foreign status, a situation worsened by the pandemic's economic effects. Additionally, the economic downturn induced by COVID-19 significantly impacted employment opportunities, with many immigrants facing prolonged unemployment and job losses, especially in sectors where they traditionally found work. The detailed accounts of participants highlight not only the multifaceted challenges imposed by the pandemic but also the critical need for inclusive policies and support systems that ensure healthcare access, safety, and economic resilience for immigrants, particularly during global health emergencies. Future research should focus on effective interventions for socioeconomic integration and well-being, particularly for immigrants from other African countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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172. Embodied preparation for learning basic quantum chemistry: A mixed‐method study.
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Müller, Charlotte H., Reiher, Markus, and Kapur, Manu
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COMPUTER simulation , *CHEMISTRY , *COGNITIVE testing , *T-test (Statistics) , *RESEARCH funding , *EDUCATIONAL outcomes , *QUESTIONNAIRES , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *PROBLEM solving , *ANALYSIS of covariance , *NONVERBAL communication , *THEMATIC analysis , *EXPERIMENTAL design , *RESEARCH methodology , *CONCEPTUAL structures , *RESEARCH , *LEARNING strategies - Abstract
Background: Haptic feedback has been shown to be an effective facilitator of the learning of scientific concepts in a series of studies. However, little is known about the underlying salient learning mechanisms, which are activated when learning from haptic feedback. Objectives: We investigate the learning mechanism in a higher chemistry education setting, in which the students learned about the abstract concept of potential energy in a quantum chemical context. Methods: In this work, we present a mixed‐methods problem‐solving prior to instruction (PS‐I) study with chemistry bachelor students. In an interactive quantum chemistry learning environment, the students explored the energetic profiles of nucleophilic substitution reactions and the corresponding activation barriers experienced as repulsion and attraction. We measured cognitive and affective mechanisms which have been shown to be activated in PS‐I designs, such as knowledge gap awareness, state curiosity, and positive affect as well as the learning outcome quantitatively and the learning trajectories qualitatively. Results and Conclusions: Planned contrasts revealed a small hindering effect of the haptic feedback on the learning outcome. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data lets us attribute this effect to the lack of scaffolding of the haptic feedback and the spontaneous atomic movements in the simulation, which may be interpreted as a visual representation of force in itself. This work highlights the importance of accurate mappings of the haptic feedback unto the target domain and further delivers insight into the prior conceptions of chemistry undergraduate students. Lay Description: What is already known about this topic: Haptic feedback can facilitate learning by grounding abstract concepts in sensory experiences.While previous studies have reported positive affective results, the cognitive results are ambiguous.Moreover, it was frequently reported that the learning of potential energy in a (quantum) chemical context is particularly difficult due to (i) the lack of grounding opportunities and (ii) the diverse previous conceptions. What this paper adds: A learning environment to interact with molecular systems in real‐time is proposed.The concept of activation energy is grounded in sensory experience of pushing and being pulled.The mixed‐methods design allows to explore cognitive and affective variables as well as the specific prior conceptions activated by the environment. Implications for practice and/or policy: We found a small negative effect of the haptic feedback on the learning outcome, potentially due to insufficient introduction of it to the students.The spontaneous movement of the atoms was identified as a more suitable external representation of the force.Future studies should investigate, if explicit introduction of the embodied metaphor can reverse this effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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173. Differences in the perception of the role of instructors among Western and Chinese students in online teaching practices.
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Liu, Xiaojing and Zhou, Chunmiao
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SAFETY , *OCCUPATIONAL roles , *RESEARCH funding , *T-test (Statistics) , *CRONBACH'S alpha , *EDUCATORS , *EDUCATIONAL outcomes , *TEACHING methods , *EDUCATIONAL technology , *QUANTITATIVE research , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *FOREIGN students , *MOTIVATION (Psychology) , *ONLINE education , *RESEARCH , *MULTIMEDIA systems , *STUDENT attitudes , *PSYCHOLOGY of college students , *DATA analysis software , *WELL-being , *PSYCHOSOCIAL factors , *VIDEO recording - Abstract
Background: The global introduction of complex measures directed at the containment of the COVID‐19 spread has spurred a massive shift to distance learning among educational institutions. As far as such a learning mode is rather forced and, probably, only a few establishments faced no difficulties with it, the matter of assuring teaching activities' effectiveness in the practice of e‐learning is relevant. Objectives: The main purpose of this article was to assess the efficiency of online‐based tools and technologies in the context of distance education and develop a set of recommendations aimed at improving the effectiveness of online teaching. Methods: The research methodology was based on an empirical approach presupposing an exploratory questionnaire survey addressed to university students. As for the e‐learning platform used, the focus was set on Microsoft Teams. Results and Conclusions: In general, the conducted investigation unveiled that the perception of the role of the instructor differs among Western and Chinese students in terms of willingness to accept psychological help and the feeling of safety during online lessons. Given this, it is reasonable to pay more attention to the psychological well‐being of international students. The comprehensive analysis of survey outcomes allowed the development of a set of recommendations able to enhance the effectiveness of teaching in online settings. These encompass, for example, giving preference to small student group formations, setting greater emphasis on means increasing students' motivation to learn, involvement of instructors in the development and delivery of video lectures, the introduction of automated student assessment, use of multimedia information, and informing students about possible ways of interaction. Lay Description: What is already known about this topic: The comprehensive analysis of survey outcomes allowed developing a set of recommendations able to enhance the effectiveness of teaching in online settings.The most convenient digital features during e‐learning implementation were instant access to information and the availability of a shared chat room.Pre‐pandemic electronic learning was often criticized for insufficient student engagement and social interaction, leading to the need to increase student engagement through interactive online activities, virtual group projects, online discussion forums, and accessibility. What this paper adds: In general, the conducted investigation unveiled that perception of the role of instructor differs among Western and Chinese students in terms of willingness to accept psychological help and the feeling of safety during online lessons.It appeared that international students are more exposed to stress factors and are less likely to trust an educator to the degree allowing them to ask for help.It was possible to develop a set of recommendations aimed at improving the effectiveness of teaching activities during e‐learning through an in‐depth analysis of survey results. Implications for practice and/or policy: Several implications for future investigations can be identified, namely: conducting further studies on the psychological well‐being of international students in online learning, examining cross‐cultural differences, exploring the effectiveness of teaching practices, and addressing broader social issues and consequences.Further research should focus on institutions across China to generalize the results obtained and formulate more reliable inferences.Another limitation is related to the instructors themselves. This variation in specialization among participants could have had an impact on the study's results, but it was not possible to address this issue within the constraints of the current research design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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174. Artificial intelligence education for young children: A case study of technology‐enhanced embodied learning.
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Yang, Weipeng, Hu, Xinyun, Yeter, Ibrahim H., Su, Jiahong, Yang, Yuqin, and Lee, John Chi‐Kin
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DIGITAL technology , *SCHOOL environment , *CURRICULUM , *ELEMENTARY schools , *RESEARCH funding , *ARTIFICIAL intelligence , *SCIENTIFIC observation , *INTERVIEWING , *EDUCATIONAL outcomes , *TEACHING methods , *JUDGMENT sampling , *TEACHERS , *RESEARCH methodology , *CHILD development , *COMPUTER literacy , *STORYTELLING , *RESEARCH , *LEARNING strategies , *COMPUTER assisted instruction , *LITERACY , *CASE studies , *CHILDREN - Abstract
Background: Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy is a crucial part of digital literacy that all individuals should possess in today's technologically advanced world. Despite the potential benefits that AI education offers, little research has been done on how to teach AI literacy to children. Objectives: This study aimed to fill that gap by investigating how children were engaged in AI literacy activities that are supported by intelligent agents. These activities were implemented in a Hong Kong kindergarten with a class of six 5‐year‐olds (Mage = 62.83 months, SD = 2.91) over a 6‐week period. Methods: The study gathered data from multiple sources, including classroom observations, teacher interviews, and documents/artefacts. Results and Conclusions: The results showed that children could learn about AI through interaction with intelligent agents in embodied learning contexts. The findings of this study have implications for the broader field of digital technology education, particularly in the context of early childhood education. Lay Description: What is already known about this topic: Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy is essential in today's world.Little research exists on engaging young children in learning AI literacy. What this paper adds: Technology‐enhanced embodied learning approach affords multimodality in enabling young children's learning with AI‐related agents.Project‐based learning and real‐life examples can enhance children's learning. Implications for practice and/or policy: Early exposure to AI can help children navigate the increasingly digital world.Practical approaches, such as embodied and multimodal learning, seem to be effective.Teachers can enhance children's digital learning by using pedagogical strategies like project‐based learning and real‐life examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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175. Tracking activity-based therapy for people living with spinal cord injury or disease: insights gained through focus group interviews with key stakeholders.
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Kaiser, Anita, Sessford, James, Chan, Katherine, Martin, Samantha, McCullum, Shane, Athanasopoulos, Peter, Rice, Chris, Leo, Jennifer, Forrester, Scott, MacRitchie, Iona, Zariffa, José, and Musselman, Kristin E.
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PHYSICAL therapy , *FOCUS groups , *RESEARCH funding , *QUALITATIVE research , *INTERVIEWING , *QUESTIONNAIRES , *CONTENT analysis , *SPINAL cord injuries , *DECISION making , *THEMATIC analysis , *RESEARCH methodology , *QUALITY of life , *RESEARCH , *STAKEHOLDER analysis , *PHYSICAL activity , *WELL-being - Abstract
The development of a tool to track participation in activity-based therapy (ABT) for people with spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D) was identified as a priority of the Canadian ABT Community of Practice. The objective of this study was to understand multi-stakeholder perspectives on tracking ABT participation across the continuum of care. Forty-eight individuals from six stakeholder groups (persons living with SCI/D; hospital therapists; community trainers; administrators; researchers; and funders, advocates and policy experts) were recruited to participate in focus group interviews. Participants were asked open-ended questions concerning the importance of and parameters around tracking ABT. Transcripts were analyzed using conventional content analysis. Themes reflected the Who, What, Where, When, Why and How of tracking ABT. Participants described the importance of involving hospital therapists, community trainers and individuals with SCI/D in tracking ABT to capture both subjective and objective parameters across the continuum of care and injury trajectory. Digital tracking tools were favoured, although paper-based versions were regarded as a necessity in some circumstances. Findings highlighted the importance of tracking ABT participation for individuals with SCI/D. The information may guide the development of ABT practice guidelines and support the implementation of ABT in Canada. Tracking the details of activity-based therapy (ABT) sessions and programs across the continuum of care and injury trajectory may provide important information to support the development of ABT practice guidelines and implementation strategies. Tracking objective and subjective parameters are needed to provide a comprehensive description of an ABT session and program. Clinicians and individuals with spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D) should both be able to track ABT to accommodate all settings and types of data. Digital tracking tools, such as an app, may provide an accessible, versatile and efficient way of tracking ABT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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176. A kaleidoscope of well-being to authentically represent the voices of children and young people with complex cerebral palsy: a case study series.
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Pickering, Dawn M., Gill, Paul, and Reagon, Carly
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PLAY , *PARENTS , *QUALITATIVE research , *RESEARCH funding , *INTERVIEWING , *DRAWING , *CEREBRAL palsy , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *EMOTIONS , *JUDGMENT sampling , *NONVERBAL communication , *THEMATIC analysis , *PSYCHOLOGY , *QUALITY of life , *INTENTION , *RESEARCH , *CONCEPTUAL structures , *CASE studies , *THEORY , *COMPARATIVE studies , *SELF advocacy , *SOCIAL support , *WELL-being , *SOCIAL participation , *CHILDREN - Abstract
This paper authentically represents the voices of non-verbal children with cerebral palsy using a case study design. Policy suggests that children should have the right to play and leisure opportunities, however non-verbal children with cerebral palsy have fewer choices. Additionally, children with communication, learning and mobility limitations are usually excluded from research. The aim of this research was to capture the voices of non-verbal children by exploring their well-being impact in terms of their experiences and choices about their level of participation in recreational activities. A qualitative case series study included interviews, observations, photographs and diaries. Where possible, the diaries were completed by both caregivers and children. Data were analysed thematically, and the lens of positioning theory applied. Seven children aged nine to sixteen years participated. The findings showed how equipment, people and environments enabled or hindered the children's participation. The children also advocated as champions for their own well-being. Positioning theory was applied across the data and was adapted offering a way to better understand the children's well-being responses. The findings demonstrate how these children were able to self-advocate, demonstrating their well-being by their intentional behaviours from their level of participation in a recreational activity. The voices of non-ambulant and non-verbal children are underrepresented in the literature. This study offers an innovative approach to highlight their voices using visual data. The images project the narrative about their choices for participation in recreational activities. The proposed kaleidoscope of well-being offers a way to demonstrate the fluctuations in their emotional responses from their participation. Choices for participation in recreational activities remains limited for non-ambulant and non-verbal children with cerebral palsy. Designers and policy makers should consider how equipment and environments can be adapted or created to increase the choices for non-ambulant and non-verbal children with cerebral palsy. Practitioners in health and social care should consider how to listen to the voices of non-verbal and non-ambulant children with cerebral palsy and their parents/guardians and work towards jointly setting participation goals to affirm their strengths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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177. A scoping review on the use of speech-to-text technology for adolescents with learning difficulties in secondary education.
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Matre, Marianne Engen and Cameron, David Lansing
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AUTOMATIC speech recognition , *READING , *SPEECH , *GREY literature , *RESEARCH funding , *EMPIRICAL research , *PROFESSIONAL peer review , *INFORMATION storage & retrieval systems , *QUANTITATIVE research , *SYSTEMATIC reviews , *ACADEMIC achievement , *TECHNOLOGY , *LITERATURE reviews , *RESEARCH methodology , *RESEARCH , *MEDICAL screening , *LEARNING disabilities , *WRITTEN communication , *ERIC (Information retrieval system) , *PSYCHOLOGY information storage & retrieval systems - Abstract
To identify and describe the aims, methodological approaches, and major findings of studies on the use of STT among secondary pupils (age 12–18) with learning difficulties published from January 2000 to April 2022. This scoping review includes empirical studies published in peer-reviewed journals and grey literature between January 2000 and April 2022. Searches were conducted in April 2022 in three databases: ERIC, PsycINFO and Scopus. In addition, related reviews were manually screened for relevant papers. Eight peer-revied studies and five publications of grey literature were found to meet the inclusion criteria; two studies employed experimental designs, four employed quasi-experimental designs and seven employed explorative designs. Six studies described STT as an assistive technology (a compensatory aid for poor writing performance); two assessed STT as an instructional technology to determine whether it improves overall writing and related skills (e.g., reading). Results suggest that STT may increase pupils' abilities to produce texts with fewer errors, provide help with spelling and improve reading comprehension and word recognition. To date, there is a paucity of high-quality research on the use of STT among adolescents with LD. The scoping review shows that very little research has been conducted on the use of STT for adolescents with learning difficulties in secondary education. Findings from the studies identified five areas of interest: writing related skills, text assessment, writing processes, accuracy of the technology, and participants' experiences. Findings indicate that writing performance among students with learning difficulties improves when using STT. Parents, teachers, and pupils report positive experiences with the technology, particularly for students with severe reading and writing difficulties. There is a great need for more robust research on the use of speech-to-text technology (STT) in educational settings, especially on its effect on writing skills Studies describe STT as either an assistive (a compensatory aid for poor writing performance) or instructional technology (aiming to improve learning in general). It is important that practitioners are aware of the different aims and possible consequences of introducing STT to learners with writing difficulties. STT provides both opportunities and challenges for writers with learning difficulties in secondary education. Findings indicate that writing performance among students with learning difficulties improves when using STT, yet inaccuracy of the technology was presented as one of the main challenges. Parents, teachers, and pupils report positive experiences with the technology, particularly for students with severe reading and writing difficulties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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178. Photovoice as an instructional tool—creatively learning social justice theory.
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Harrietha, Beatrice, Pelley, Jessica, Badaiki, Winifred, Wells, Sophia V., and Shea, Jennifer M.
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SOCIAL justice , *PHOTOVOICE (Social action programs) , *TEACHING aids , *QUALITATIVE research , *EXPERIENTIAL learning - Abstract
This article aims to provide a record of how the use of the method of photovoice facilitated an enriched teaching and learning experience for graduate students in a Theories of Social Justice in Health class. The course required students from multiple disciplines to learn about social justice theories and then apply them to a health issue/concern. For their final project, students chose a topic of interest and choose to complete a traditional paper or a photovoice project using one (or more) of the social justice theories examined in the course. Our manuscript describes four students' and the professor's experiences to document the positive impact the photovoice project had on their learning of social justice theory. Through this process, the students found the qualitative research method of photovoice to be a successful pedagogical tool for engagement and provided an experiential learning opportunity for co-creating and sharing knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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179. Catalysing global surgery: a meta-research study on factors affecting surgical research collaborations with Africa.
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Kirengo, Thomas O., Dossajee, Hussein, Onyango, Evans M., Rachakonda, Reema H., Schneider, Bailey, Sela, Declan P., Hosseinzadeh, Zahra, Nadeem, Zohaib, and Obonyo, Nchafatso G.
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MIDDLE-income countries , *COVID-19 pandemic , *SURGERY - Abstract
Introduction: In December 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the urgent need for rapid collaboration, research, and interventions. International research collaborations foster more significant responses to rapid global changes by enabling international, multicentre research, decreasing biases, and increasing study validity while reducing overall research time and costs. However, there has been low uptake of collaborative research by African institutions and individuals. Aim: To systematically review facilitating factors and challenges to collaborative surgical research studies conducted in Africa. Methodology: A meta-research review using PubMed®/MEDLINE and Embase on surgical collaboration in Africa from 1st of January 2011 to 31st of September 2021 in accordance to PRISMA guidelines. Surgical studies by collaborative groups involving African authors and sites were included (55 papers). Data on the study period, geographical regions, and research scope, facilitating factors, and challenges were extracted from the studies retrieved from the search. Results: Most of the collaborations in Africa occurred with European institutions (76%). Of the 54 African countries, 63% (34/54) participated in surgical collaborations. The highest collaboration frequency occurred in South Africa (11%) and Nigeria (8%). However, most publications originated from Eastern Africa (43%). Leveraging synergies between high- and low- to middle-income countries (LMICs), well-defined structures, and secure data platforms facilitated collaboration. However, the underrepresentation of collaborators from LMICs was a significant challenge. Conclusion: Available literature provides critical insights into the facilitating factors and challenges of research collaboration with Africa. However, there is a need for a detailed prospective study to explore the themes highlighted further. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO 2022 CRD42022352115. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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180. A Call to Action: Urgently Strengthening the Future Physician-Scientist Workforce in Infectious Diseases.
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Swartz, Talia H, Apewokin, Senu, Carpenter, Stephen M, Chakraborty, Rana, Dennis, Ann M, Houpt, Eric, Surana, Neeraj K, Zerr, Danielle M, and Pirofski, Liise-anne
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Infectious diseases (ID) research is vital for global public health, typically led by physician-scientists. This Perspective addresses challenges in the ID workforce and suggests solutions. Physician-scientists have made key discoveries that have significantly impacted human health. The importance of ID research in understanding diseases, leading to treatments and vaccines, is emphasized, along with the need to address persistent and new infections, antimicrobial resistance, and threats like HIV and influenza. The paper analyzes the physician-scientist workforce's struggles, including funding, training, and research-practice integration gaps. We suggest increased funding, better training, and mentorship, more collaborative and interdisciplinary research, and improved recognition systems. The article stresses the urgency of supporting physician-scientists in ID, advocating for proactive prevention and preparedness, and calls for immediate action to enhance ID research and care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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181. Internationalization of higher education research in the Greater Bay Area of China: Building capacities, alleviating asymmetries.
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Oleksiyenko, Anatoly V., Liu, Jie, and Ngan, Christy
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Internationalization is known to enhance university capacities in cross‐border learning and encourage institutional transformations for improved quality of scholarship and education. Studies on internationalization of research and teaching are, however, under‐problematized with regard to asymmetries that pervade different collaborating systems and cultures. This paper addresses this gap by elucidating asymmetries in the Greater Bay Area of China (GBA), which is dealing with differences in legacies and experiences of internationalization in university research and teaching. At a time when the governments in the three constituent jurisdictions of GBA—Guangdong Province, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), and Macao SAR—encourage universities to collaborate across jurisdictional borders, this study applies a bibliographic analysis to shed light on asymmetries and mitigation strategies in internationalization of research and teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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182. Machinic assemblages—The role of school policies in producing children's sense of agency.
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Kokko, Anna Kristiina, Paananen, Maiju, and Hirsto, Laura
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RESEARCH , *SCHOOL environment , *ACTIVITIES of daily living , *CHILD behavior , *ETHNOLOGY research , *QUALITY of life , *SELF-perception in children , *INTERPERSONAL relations , *SCHOOL administration , *STATISTICAL correlation , *SOCIAL skills , *CONTROL (Psychology) - Abstract
This paper presents an account of how children's sense of agency is produced in machinic assemblages. The ethnographic data used in this study originated in one elementary school classroom. By utilising children's own expressions of their agency and by examining the machinic assemblages in which these expressions were produced, we demonstrate that school policies are not merely a background for schools' mundane practices. Rather, when combined with other elements in a school setting, policies have heterogeneous consequences for children's sense of agency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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183. Encircling discourses—A guide to critical discourse analysis in caring science.
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Dahlborg, Elisabeth, Boman, Åse, Eriksson, Henrik, and Tengelin, Ellinor
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RESEARCH , *SOCIAL constructionism , *THEORY of knowledge , *PHILOSOPHY of nursing , *DISCOURSE analysis , *NURSING research , *STANDARDS - Abstract
Aim: The aim of this article was to introduce Fairclough's critical discourse analysis (CDA) in caring and nursing science, to provide a guide on how to perform such an analysis, and to describe the wider context of discourse epistemology. Design: The article is designed as a methodological paper, including (a) epistemological roots of discourse analysis, (b) an overview of discourse analytical research within caring and nursing science which points out an increased trend, and (c) a guide to conducting a CDA. Analysis: It is important that discourse analysis is available and accessible to nursing and caring researchers. Through the process of encircling discourses, valuable insight is given into fields that otherwise would be lost or would not be available. Conclusion: Our summary stance is that discourse analysis as it is presented in this article is strongly advisable for use in nursing and caring sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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184. A "global village": promoting research and careers in the pediatric radiology community through diversity.
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Andronikou, Savvas, Elsingergy, Mohamed M., Hailu, Tigist, Mekete, Yadel, Wieczkowski, Sydney, Otero, Hansel J., and Darge, Kassa
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PEDIATRIC radiology , *ACADEMIC departments , *TIME pressure , *RADIOLOGISTS , *VILLAGES - Abstract
There is a severe shortage of pediatric radiologists in the USA and across the globe due to multiple factors. These severe shortages, along with increased clinical demand, growing research costs and limited funding sources place pediatric radiologists, particularly those in academic departments, under increasing time pressure, affecting their ability to maintain research productivity. In this paper, we model a new concept that should help boost the research efforts within the pediatric radiology community, while diversifying the academic workforce through the involvement of international medical graduates (IMGs). We describe the mutual advantages this concept could have on academic pediatric radiology departments and IMGs alike, as well as pose some of the unique challenges that could impact this concept and effective strategies to ensure success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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185. A Comparison of 7 Tesla MR Spectroscopic Imaging and 3 Tesla MR Fingerprinting for Tumor Localization in Glioma Patients.
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Lazen, Philipp, Lima Cardoso, Pedro, Sharma, Sukrit, Cadrien, Cornelius, Roetzer-Pejrimovsky, Thomas, Furtner, Julia, Strasser, Bernhard, Hingerl, Lukas, Lipka, Alexandra, Preusser, Matthias, Marik, Wolfgang, Bogner, Wolfgang, Widhalm, Georg, Rössler, Karl, Trattnig, Siegfried, and Hangel, Gilbert
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STATISTICAL correlation , *NUCLEAR magnetic resonance spectroscopy , *GLIOMAS , *RESEARCH funding , *MAGNETIC resonance imaging , *TUMOR markers , *LONGITUDINAL method , *RESEARCH , *COMPARATIVE studies - Abstract
Simple Summary: This study compared two brain imaging methods, 7T magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI), which can image metabolic processes, and 3T magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF), which can image magnetic relaxation times, in 12 people with brain tumors called gliomas. Our goal was to understand how well these two approaches corresponded to each other, and which metabolite or relaxation time map was closest to the clinical standard, a neuroradiologist's tumor segmentation. In order to do this, we defined hotspots for each method and compared their overlaps. Additionally, we investigated the region around the tumor to look for evidence of possible tumor infiltration. The results of this study could improve how we use magnetic resonance imaging to monitor gliomas in patients. This paper investigated the correlation between magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) and magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) in glioma patients by comparing neuro-oncological markers obtained from MRSI to T1/T2 maps from MRF. Data from 12 consenting patients with gliomas were analyzed by defining hotspots for T1, T2, and various metabolic ratios, and comparing them using Sørensen–Dice similarity coefficients (DSCs) and the distances between their centers of intensity (COIDs). The median DSCs between MRF and the tumor segmentation were 0.73 (T1) and 0.79 (T2). The DSCs between MRSI and MRF were the highest for Gln/tNAA (T1: 0.75, T2: 0.80, tumor: 0.78), followed by Gly/tNAA (T1: 0.57, T2: 0.62, tumor: 0.54) and tCho/tNAA (T1: 0.61, T2: 0.58, tumor: 0.45). The median values in the tumor hotspot were T1 = 1724 ms, T2 = 86 ms, Gln/tNAA = 0.61, Gly/tNAA = 0.28, Ins/tNAA = 1.15, and tCho/tNAA = 0.48, and, in the peritumoral region, were T1 = 1756 ms, T2 = 102 ms, Gln/tNAA = 0.38, Gly/tNAA = 0.20, Ins/tNAA = 1.06, and tCho/tNAA = 0.38, and, in the NAWM, were T1 = 950 ms, T2 = 43 ms, Gln/tNAA = 0.16, Gly/tNAA = 0.07, Ins/tNAA = 0.54, and tCho/tNAA = 0.20. The results of this study constitute the first comparison of 7T MRSI and 3T MRF, showing a good correspondence between these methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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186. Time perspective and self-stigma in schizophrenia.
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Styła, Rafał and Świtaj, Piotr
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SCHIZOPHRENIA , *PERSONALITY , *RESEARCH , *SELF-perception , *ATTITUDE (Psychology) , *CROSS-sectional method , *SOCIAL stigma , *REGRESSION analysis , *LIFE , *PATIENTS' attitudes , *PSYCHOLOGICAL tests , *RESEARCH funding , *STATISTICAL correlation , *SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC factors - Abstract
Time perspective (TP) offers a new understanding of human personality, postulating that there are individual differences in how our mind assigns our experiences to different time categories. This concept may shed new light on the role of personality traits in shaping vulnerability to the internalized stigma. In this paper we propose a novel approach to clarifying the underpinning of self-stigma by empirically exploring its links with TP. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 86 patients with ICD-10 diagnoses of paranoid schizophrenia to validate the predictive role of TP for self-stigma. We used the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI), Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness scale (ISMI) and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). We found significant positive correlations of self-stigma with Past-Negative, Future-Negative and Present-Fatalistic TP categories and negative correlation with the Future-Positive category. The hierarchical regression analyses revealed that two TP categories and Deviation from the Balanced Time Perspective (DBTP) are significant predictors of self-stigma over and above sociodemographic and clinical control variables. Conclusion. The results of the study confirm the hypothesis that TP opens new possibilities to understand proneness or resistance to self-stigmatization, and this may provide a basis for novel approaches to anti-self-stigma interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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187. European value-based healthcare benchmarking: moving from theory to practice.
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García-Lorenzo, Borja, Gorostiza, Ania, Alayo, Itxaso, Zas, Susana Castelo, Baena, Patricia Cobos, Camiña, Inés Gallego, Narbaiza, Begoña Izaguirre, Mallabiabarrena, Gaizka, Ustarroz-Aguirre, Iker, Rigabert, Alina, Balzi, William, Maltoni, Roberta, Massa, Ilaria, López, Isabel Álvarez, Lobera, Sara Arévalo, Esteban, Mónica, Calleja, Marta Fernández, Mediavilla, Jenifer Gómez, Fernández, Manuela, and Hitar, Manuel del Oro
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RESEARCH , *STATISTICAL significance , *HEALTH facilities , *HUMAN research subjects , *KEY performance indicators (Management) , *LUNG tumors , *HEALTH outcome assessment , *MEDICAL care costs , *REGRESSION analysis , *VALUE-based healthcare , *BENCHMARKING (Management) , *INFORMED consent (Medical law) , *QUESTIONNAIRES , *CLINICAL medicine , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *RESEARCH funding , *SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC factors , *ELECTRONIC health records , *CLUSTER analysis (Statistics) , *BREAST tumors , *LONGITUDINAL method , *DELPHI method - Abstract
Background Value-based healthcare (VBHC) is a conceptual framework to improve the value of healthcare by health, care-process and economic outcomes. Benchmarking should provide useful information to identify best practices and therefore a good instrument to improve quality across healthcare organizations. This paper aims to provide a proof-of-concept of the feasibility of an international VBHC benchmarking in breast cancer, with the ultimate aim of being used to share best practices with a data-driven approach among healthcare organizations from different health systems. Methods In the VOICE community—a European healthcare centre cluster intending to address VBHC from theory to practice—information on patient-reported, clinical-related, care-process-related and economic-related outcomes were collected. Patient archetypes were identified using clustering techniques and an indicator set following a modified Delphi was defined. Benchmarking was performed using regression models controlling for patient archetypes and socio-demographic characteristics. Results Six hundred and ninety patients from six healthcare centres were included. A set of 50 health, care-process and economic indicators was distilled for benchmarking. Statistically significant differences across sites have been found in most health outcomes, half of the care-process indicators, and all economic indicators, allowing for identifying the best and worst performers. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first international experience providing evidence to be used with VBHC benchmarking intention. Differences in indicators across healthcare centres should be used to identify best practices and improve healthcare quality following further research. Applied methods might help to move forward with VBHC benchmarking in other medical conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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188. College Student Perceptions of the Root Causes of Sexual Violence Before and After a Curricular Intervention.
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Liddell, Jessica L., Sheffield, Sydney Mei, Johnson, Katherine M., and Lederer, Alyssa M.
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COLLEGE students , *RESEARCH , *QUANTITATIVE research , *RISK assessment , *QUALITATIVE research , *SEX crimes , *RESEARCH funding , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *STUDENT attitudes , *CURRICULUM planning , *THEMATIC analysis , *DATA analysis software , *EDUCATIONAL outcomes , *INDUSTRIAL research - Abstract
Campus sexual violence is prevalent and consequential. After a climate survey at our university revealed high rates of sexual violence, a semester-long academic course was designed as a curricular intervention for first-year students. This study examines an assignment completed at the beginning and end of the course. Students were asked: "What are the root causes of sexual violence?" Thematic analysis of papers revealed that many students altered or expanded their thinking to more complex, structural factors compared to their initial perceptions. An academic course may broaden students' understanding of the determinants of sexual violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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189. How Helpful Is Bystander Intervention? Perspectives of Dating and Sexual Violence Survivors.
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McMahon, Sarah
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COLLEGE students , *RESEARCH , *SOCIAL support , *RESEARCH methodology , *DATING violence , *INTERVIEWING , *GENDER-nonconforming people , *QUALITATIVE research , *SEX crimes , *SOUND recordings , *LGBTQ+ people , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *RESEARCH funding , *SOCIAL skills , *THEMATIC analysis , *EMOTIONS - Abstract
While bystander intervention education has demonstrated promise as a strategy to reduce dating and sexual violence (DSV) on campus, little is known about whether survivors on whose behalf the interventions take place find these helpful. This paper uses qualitative, in-depth interviews with 33 DSV survivors to explore their perspectives on bystander intervention. Results indicate that while some interventions were identified as helpful, especially those that provided support to the survivor, many were not helpful enough or even harmful. Further work is needed to understand the consequences of bystander action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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190. A qualitative study assessing allied health provider perceptions of telepractice functionality in therapy delivery for people with disability.
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Benz, Cloe, Dantas, Jaya, Welsh, Mai, Norman, Richard, Robinson, Suzanne, and Hendrie, Delia
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RESEARCH , *SHOES , *HEALTH services accessibility , *ATTITUDES of medical personnel , *TELEPSYCHOLOGY , *RESEARCH methodology , *MATHEMATICAL models , *MEDICAL care , *INTERVIEWING , *QUALITATIVE research , *METAPHOR , *THEORY , *SHOPPING , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *PEOPLE with disabilities , *DATA analysis , *THEMATIC analysis , *ALLIED health personnel - Abstract
Introduction: Telepractice service delivery of allied health interventions to people with disability can potentially reduce access barriers and improve service equity. However, questions remain regarding telepractice functionality for people with disability. This study addressed questions related to how allied health clinicians and managers perceive telepractice as functioning in the provision of therapy services to people with disability. Methods: Thirteen interviews of allied health clinicians and managers from across Australia were conducted between 21 November and 22 February via MS teams. Qualitative methodology and critical realist theoretical paradigm underpin the study. Data analysis was completed using a reflective thematic analysis method and five themes were generated and described utilising an analytic metaphor. Results: The study themes were described in relation to a shopping for shoes analytic metaphor and the five themes included (1) a shoe for every foot, (2) planned purchases, (3) shoe on the other foot, (4) you need both shoes and (5) help choosing their shoes. In summary, the function of telepractice fits differently for each individual, similar to pairs of shoes. Conclusions: Telepractice has its own strengths and weaknesses and isn't a direct substitute for in‐person sessions, much like left and right shoes are similar but not the same. The results support participant perceptions that telepractice functions best as an adjunct to in‐person sessions through a flexible hybrid delivery model in the provision of therapy services to people with a disability. A strategy for improving perceived usefulness may involve positioning telepractice as unique with strengths and weaknesses, not replacing in‐person care. Patient or Public Contribution: The paper forms part of a larger codesign process which included customer and carer participants throughout the design and planning of the project, inclusion of a peer researcher, and the selection of the analytic metaphor including in the findings of this article production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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191. Co‐designing a telepractice journey map with disability customers and clinicians: Partnering with users to understand challenges from their perspective.
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Benz, Cloe, Scott‐Jeffs, William, Revitt, Jerah, Brabon, Chloe, Fermanis, Chloe, Hawkes, Melanie, Keane, Catherine, Dyke, Robert, Cooper, Samantha, Locantro, Matthew, Welsh, Mai, Norman, Richard, Hendrie, Delia, and Robinson, Suzanne
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RESEARCH , *WELL-being , *PHYSICIANS' attitudes , *INTERVIEWING , *PEOPLE with disabilities , *CONTENT analysis , *COVID-19 pandemic , *LONGITUDINAL method - Abstract
Introduction: Telepractice has the potential to align with the directive to reduce inequalities by United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10. Telepractice additionally addresses a national digital health strategic plan for accessible digitally enabled models of care. To plan improvements, it is essential to understand the experience of telepractice for people with disability, which may be achieved through an approach such as journey mapping. The current article provides both a disability‐specific case study and a methodological guide for the inclusion of customers and clinicians in the meaningful redevelopment of services. The Perth, Australia‐based case study aimed to gain insights into the experience of telepractice for people with disability. The methodological aim describes using co‐design to produce a journey map in collaboration with customers and clinicians, for potential replication in a wide range of health and social care contexts. Method: Interview transcripts gathered from a cohort of customer participants (n = 17) were used to inform the journey map. A group of customers (n = 5) and clinicians plus one manager (n = 5) distributed the findings onto a customer experience journey map during a co‐design workshop. The journey map describes the emotional experience and actions taken, along five phases of a timeline through telepractice service interactions: (1) before, (2) selecting telepractice, (3) telepractice preparation, (4) during telepractice sessions and (5) after. Results: A journey map visualisation of customer experiences was produced that identified strengths of telepractice service delivery (flexibility) while noting challenges (with technology) as opportunities for improvement. The consensus of participants was the desire to have access to telepractice currently and in the future, in addition to in‐person delivery. Conclusion: These findings are valuable in the context of advocating for the incorporation of customers and clinicians through co‐design workshops in the content analysis and creation of a journey map that is representative of the lived experience of accessing telepractice services. Patient or Public Contribution: The paper forms part of a larger co‐design process that included customer participants throughout the design and planning of the project, inclusion of a peer researcher and the co‐designers in the workshops, journey map and this article production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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192. Processes of assistive technology service delivery in Bangladesh, India and Nepal: a critical reflection.
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Karki, Jiban, Rushton, Simon, Bhattarai, Sunita, Norman, Gift, Rakhshanda, Shagoofa, and De Witte, Prof Luc
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RESEARCH , *HUMAN rights , *RESEARCH methodology , *MEDICAL care , *INTERVIEWING , *QUALITATIVE research , *ASSISTIVE technology centers , *RESEARCH funding , *PEOPLE with disabilities , *CONTENT analysis , *THEMATIC analysis , *POLICY sciences - Abstract
This paper critically reviews and reflects on the processes for providing Assistive Technology (AT) services to Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in Bangladesh, India and Nepal. The aim is to investigate the AT service delivery systems in these countries and suggest improvements where weaknesses are identified. We carried out a descriptive qualitative exploratory study in Bangladesh, India and Nepal by conducting key informant interviews with policymakers (5), AT service providers (22) and mobility and hearing related AT service users (21). We used a directed content analysis approach guided by a seven-point AT service delivery process model to thematically analyse the existing processes for AT service delivery, from first contact through to follow-up and maintenance. AT service delivery processes are sub-optimal in all three countries, and improvements are needed. No common AT service delivery process was found, although there are common features. In general, it is easier for PWDs in India and Nepal to access AT than for those in Bangladesh, but all three countries are failing to live up to their commitments to uphold the human rights of PWDs. Although good elements of AT service delivery processes can be identified, the systems in all three countries are fragmented and generally weak. A more holistic approach of looking at the process of AT service delivery, from first contact right through to follow-up and device maintenance, with a single door service delivery system, free of cost at the point of service is recommended in these countries. Although we found significant weaknesses in AT delivery in all three countries, there are some good AT service delivery practices and opportunities for these countries to learn from one another. A systematic and stepwise approach to assessing current AT service delivery processes in the three countries – examining the delivery system as a whole, from initiation to repair and management – can help identify opportunities to improve the process for (prospective) AT users. A more coherent single door system of AT service delivery will increase the quality and efficiency of the fragmented AT service delivery practices in Bangladesh, India and Nepal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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193. Missed nursing care: A cross‐sectional and multi‐centric study from Turkey.
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Dursun Ergezen, Fatma, Çiftçi, Bahar, Yalın, Hayat, Geçkil, Emine, Korkmaz Doğdu, Ayşegül, İlter, Sümeyra Mihrap, Terzi, Banu, Kol, Emine, Kaşıkçı, Mağfiret, and Ecevit Alpar, Şule
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MEDICAL quality control , *RESEARCH , *NURSING , *SOCIAL support , *RESEARCH methodology , *CROSS-sectional method , *RISK assessment , *PUBLIC hospitals , *EMOTIONS , *PREDICTION models , *PATIENT safety - Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study is to explore the extent of missed nursing care in Turkey and identify its predictors. Design: This was a descriptive, cross‐sectional, multicentre study. Methods: A total of 477 nurses working in seven public hospitals participated in this study from March to July 2019. The survey included two components: a personal and professional characteristics data form and the MISSCARE survey. Results: The study revealed that emotional support, patient bathing and ambulation were the most frequently missed nursing care activities. An inadequate number of assistive personnel and staff, along with an unexpected increase in patient volume, were identified as the primary reasons for missed nursing care. Of the 21 missed nursing care activities, nine predictive models showed statistical significance (p < 0.05). Factors such as the type of unit, years of work experience, working hours, number of patients cared for in a shift and intention to leave the unit were found to be significant predictors of seven missed nursing care activities (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study found that numerous variables influence each care activity, which suggests the need to devise more targeted and specific strategies to minimize missed nursing care. Thorough investigation into the impact of these strategies on each care activity is essential. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? The problem of missed nursing care (MNC) affects healthcare institutions universally.MNC can serve as an indicator of patient safety, practice environment and quality of care.Intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational and cultural factors may contribute to MNC.What this paper adds: This study found that nurses prioritize more structured and time‐sensitive care activities.This study showed the significant influence of staffing adequacy, patient volume and other variables on MNC.This study identified several significant predictors for each care activity, including the nature of the unit, weekly working hours, nurse‐to‐patient ratio, professional experience and intention to leave.The implications of this paper: To effectively reduce or eliminate MNC, the nature of each care activity should be examined separately.To develop more targeted, specific and comprehensive strategies, predictors of each care activity should be considered.A combination of observation and interview methods is recommended for a comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness of the developed strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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194. Development and psychometric validation of the Sickness Presenteeism Scale‐Nurse.
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Baris, Veysel Karani, Intepeler, Seyda Seren, and Unal, Aysun
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EXPERIMENTAL design , *MEDICAL quality control , *RESEARCH , *PILOT projects , *PRESENTEEISM (Labor) , *NURSES' attitudes , *LABOR productivity , *RESEARCH methodology , *RESEARCH methodology evaluation , *PSYCHOMETRICS , *QUALITATIVE research , *CRONBACH'S alpha , *TEST validity , *MULTITRAIT multimethod techniques , *FACTOR analysis , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *JOB performance , *STATISTICAL sampling , *DATA analysis software ,RESEARCH evaluation - Abstract
Aim: This study's aim is to develop and psychometrically assess the Sickness Presenteeism Scale‐Nurse. Background: Evaluation of the effects of sickness presenteeism on nurses' performance and productivity is important for healthcare quality. Design: This was an instrument development and validation study. Methods: Scale items were created based on literature review and qualitative research. Data were collected from 619 nurses between October and December 2021. The factor structure of the scale was determined by explanatory and confirmatory factor analysis performed with different sample groups. Convergent and discriminant validity were investigated, and reliability was evaluated with Cronbach's α values, adjusted item‐total correlation, composite‐reliability and split‐half reliability. Results: Explanatory factor analysis showed that Sickness Presenteeism Scale‐Nurse consisted of four sub‐dimensions and 21 items and explained 57.9% of the total variance. This factor structure was confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis. The convergent and discriminant validity was confirmed. The total Cronbach's α value of the scale was calculated as 0.928, with Cronbach's α values of the sub‐dimensions calculated as 0.815–0.903; composite reliability values were calculated as 0.804–0.903. Conclusions: The Sickness Presenteeism Scale‐Nurse is a valid and reliable measurement instrument that can be used to evaluate the effect of nurses' sickness presenteeism behaviour on job performance. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Presenteeism can reduce work performance and productivity.Nursing is one of the occupations where presenteeism is commonly reported, but there is no scale to measure the effect of presenteeism on nurses' work performanceWhat this paper adds? In this study, the Sickness Presenteeism Scale‐Nurse, an instrument that can be used to evaluate the effects of sickness presenteeism on nurses' work performance, was developed.The Sickness Presenteeism Scale‐Nurse consists of four dimensions: general performance, patient safety, relationships within the team and emotion.This study provides evidence of the validity and reliability of the Sickness Presenteeism Scale‐Nurse.The implications of this paper: Effects of presenteeism on the performance and productivity of nurses can be evaluated by using Sickness Presenteeism Scale‐Nurse to provide information to guide policy makers in determining interventions to promote work performance and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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195. Prevalence of smoking among nurses and its association with blood pressure: A cross‐sectional study in 11 cities of China.
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Zhao, Bin, Li, Jing, Zhang, Luqi, Liu, Jie, Feng, Di, Hao, Xiaoran, Li, Yun, Li, Xian, Ding, Junqin, Li, Laiyou, Li, Lanfeng, Yin, Xiaohua, and Cui, Wei
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HYPERTENSION risk factors , *BLOOD pressure , *RESEARCH , *HYPERTENSION , *NURSES' attitudes , *CROSS-sectional method , *MULTIPLE regression analysis , *SURVEYS , *NURSES , *HEALTH behavior , *DISEASE prevalence , *QUESTIONNAIRES , *CHI-squared test , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *RESEARCH funding , *SMOKING , *STATISTICAL correlation , *METROPOLITAN areas , *LOGISTIC regression analysis - Abstract
Aim: Smoking is harmful to human health. However, the relationship between smoking and blood pressure (BP) has not been consistent. This study aimed to analyse nurses' smoking behaviours and their relationship with BP. Methods: This cross‐sectional study recruited 128 009 nurses in 11 cities in China. They were surveyed with questionnaires including BP measurements. The main contents of the questionnaire included smoking status and other factors that might be associated with hypertension. Multiple linear regression analyses and binary logistic regression analyses were used to analyse the data. Results: The results showed there was a significant difference in the smoking rate among nurses with different characteristics (P < 0.05). For both male and female nurses, smoking was associated with increased diastolic BP and mean arterial pressure, but only with increased systolic BP of male nurses. The prevalence of hypertension among male and female nurses was not related to smoking. Conclusion: Despite a relatively low overall smoking rate, rates among some groups are high. Different cities, hospitals, and departments can combine local data and conditions to formulate targeted tobacco control measures to improve nurses' physical and mental health. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic?: The number of tobacco‐related diseases has been steadily increasing worldwide over the past few decades.A decrease in the smoking rate of medical staff can lead to a decrease in the smoking rate of the general population.The association between smoking and blood pressure remains controversial, and further clarification is required. What this paper adds?: There was a significant difference between the smoking rates of nurses with different characteristics.The smoking rates were relatively high for nurses in emergency departments and operating rooms and those with >10 night shifts per month within the last 6 months.Among nurses, smoking is related to increase in diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure in both men and women but only to increased systolic blood pressure in men; however, there was no association with hypertension risk. The implications of this paper: This study can support nursing managers to take targeted interventions to target smoking populations to reduce their smoking rates.For nurses who smoke due to high pressure, it is suggested that the working hours and cycles should be adjusted appropriately, the proportion of nurses should be increased, and the work intensity should be reduced to alleviate the work pressure.Nurses with high blood pressure should especially be dissuaded from smoking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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196. Agri-silvicultures of Mexican Arid America.
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Andablo-Reyes, Araceli del Carmen, Moreno-Calles, Ana Isabel, Cancio-Coyac, Beatriz Adriana, Gutiérrez-Coatecatl, Ernesto, Rivero-Romero, Alexis Daniela, Hernández-Cendejas, Gerardo, and Casas, Alejandro
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AGRICULTURAL history , *HUMAN-animal relationships -- History , *RESEARCH , *CONSERVATION of natural resources , *CULTURAL pluralism , *COMMUNITIES , *ETHNOLOGY research , *RESEARCH funding , *NATURE , *CLIMATE change , *ANIMALS - Abstract
Background: Agri-silvicultures (ASC) are biocultural practices procuring either the maintenance of wild diversity in predominantly agricultural spaces or introducing agrobiodiversity into forests. In the Mesoamerican region, ASC contribute to food sovereignty and territorial conservation and provide strategies for dealing with global changes. Previous inventories of ASC identified gaps in information about these systems in the Mexican Arid America region. This article raises the general question: How have human interactions between cultural, wild, and domesticated biodiversity in this territory? The particular questions in this paper are: (i) How have historical processes shaped human interactions between wild and domesticated biodiversity in the region? and (ii) What types of agri-silvicultures have emerged in Mexican Arid America since these relationships? Methods: We trace a methodological border where archaeologists have identified the Mesoamerican region to define our study area as Arid America northern of this line in Mexico. We analyzed agriculturalization processes in Arid America through a historical review. Then, we carry out an inventory of Arid America ASC based on academic papers and other documented experiences. We constructed a spatial database and a typology to understand what kinds of agri-silviculture occur in the region. Results: We identified several pre-Hispanic agri-silvicultural practices in the region, like hunting, fishing, terraces, gathering, and irrigation systems. The cultivation of native species of maize, beans, and squash even was registered. The Spanish colonization forced the agriculturization in arid northern Mexico, where itinerant hunting-gathering patterns predominated. In the twentieth century, the Green Revolution adopted this area as the principal setting for industrialized agriculture. The industrialized irrigated systems expansion and other political strategies provoked the simplification of productive landscapes. The practices that integrate wild and agricultural diversity systems were marginalized and invisibilized in such a context. Our research group proposes seven types of agri-silvicultural systems (natives agrisilvicultures, the oases agroforestry, Mesquite and Huisache ASC, homegardens and other traditional forms of agroforestry or agri-silvicultures). These agri-silvicultures provide food, medicine, fodder, and other contributions, as income to the families that practice them and protect native and exotic species. Discussion and conclusion: The agriculturization of the arid environments initiated during Spanish colonization and the subsequent modernizing projects shaped dominant actors and ideologies in the arid north of Mexico. However, aridity has favored ancestral and agroecological relationships between cultures and biodiversity, emerging and subsisting Arid American agri-silvicultures. These agri-silvicultures deserve to be understood, adopted, and adapted to new contexts. They could be essential alternatives in the context of environmental changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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197. "My name on the door by the Professor's name": The process of recruiting a researcher with a learning disability at a UK university.
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Anderson, Rebecca J., Keagan‐Bull, Richard, Giles, Jo, and Tuffrey‐Wijne, Irene
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EMPLOYEE recruitment , *LEARNING disabilities , *UNIVERSITIES & colleges , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *DATA analysis software , *REFLECTION (Philosophy) - Abstract
Background: The advantages of including people with learning disabilities in research teams have been well described, but it is rare for researchers with learning disabilities to be employed at a university. This paper explores the extent to which university recruitment procedures are accessible to job applicants with learning disabilities. Methods: We present reflections on the process of recruiting a Research Assistant with a learning disability onto a university research team. The recruitment process is described from the perspectives of the employee, line manager and Human Resources representative. Findings: The recruiting manager and Human Resources representative had to make adjustments to a wide range of standard processes, including centralised online recruitment systems that were difficult to navigate, inaccessible job descriptions and difficult application forms. Finding workarounds to ensure reasonable adjustments were made was time‐consuming. The employee needed significant support from within his own networks to cope with the application process and had concerns about the potential impact of fixed‐term job contracts on future benefits. Despite our efforts, procedures remained difficult for the applicants to navigate. Conclusions: Employing researchers with learning disabilities is important. Fundamental changes to job application systems are required, including easy‐to‐understand information, alternative formats of application forms, and support available where needed. Flexibility from the Human Resources departments is key. They will need support from teams with experience working with people with learning disabilities. Accessible summary: It is important that people with learning disabilities are involved in research, but not many people with learning disabilities have a job at a university as part of the research team.We can learn from examples where people with learning disabilities applied for a university job. One example is Richard Keagan‐Bull, who got a job as a Research Assistant at Kingston and St George's University of London.What was it like to advertise for the job, apply for the job, and get the job? In this article, three people talk about this: Richard (who got the job), Irene (his manager) and Maria (who sorts out the paperwork and computer systems at the university).They found that the university's systems for finding and employing new staff were too complicated for people with learning disabilities. They had to make many changes to it, such as writing an easy‐read job advert and asking easier questions on the application form.This all took a lot of time. Irene and Maria made things easier but didn't always get it right. Richard still found it all quite complicated. They wrote this article because they want other universities to learn from their mistakes. They hope that more universities will employ researchers with learning disabilities.People might lose their benefits when they start a job. Research jobs at universities are usually only for a short time (1 or 2 years). It can be hard and stressful to get back onto benefits. This may put people off doing these jobs.You can see an easy‐read version of this paper in Supporting Information Appendix 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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198. A multidimensional account of social justice for global health research.
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Pratt, Bridget
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MEDICAL care research , *SOCIAL justice , *BIOETHICS , *WORLD health , *SOCIAL integration , *ENDOWMENT of research , *PUBLISHING , *HEALTH equity , *WELL-being - Abstract
A transformation of global health research is urgently needed if it is to eliminate long‐standing structural inequities within the field and help reduce global health disparities. Ethics has a key role to play in fostering such a transformation: it can help identify what the transformation should entail. Yet, ethics scholarship linking global health research to greater equity and social justice has limited authority and capacity to do so for two related reasons: it largely fails to apply theories and concepts of justice from the global South and it says little about whether or how to address the coloniality and epistemic injustices inherent within global health research. This paper develops a multidimensional social justice lens using social justice and decolonial theory from the global North and global South. This lens identifies five core dimensions of social justice: power, recognition, harmony, inclusion, and well‐being. This paper then applies the multidimensional lens to the global health research context. For each dimension of social justice, several key ways to transform global health research are identified and described. They include shifting control of global health research funding, education, conduct, and publishing away from the global North and making knowledge from the global South visible and valued. To conclude, potential objections are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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199. Supportive care among head and neck cancer patients: An initial validation of the Dutch version of the Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck Cancer (D‐PSS‐HN).
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Baudelet, Margot, Van den Steen, Leen, Wouters, Sophie, De Bodt, Marc, Vanderveken, Olivier, Duprez, Fréderic, and Van Nuffelen, Gwen
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RESEARCH , *ACADEMIC medical centers , *STATISTICAL reliability , *CONFIDENCE intervals , *SOCIAL support , *RESEARCH methodology evaluation , *RESEARCH methodology , *HEAD & neck cancer , *SPEECH evaluation , *HEALTH outcome assessment , *DISCRIMINANT analysis , *CHEMORADIOTHERAPY , *FUNCTIONAL assessment , *PSYCHOMETRICS , *CANCER patients , *PEARSON correlation (Statistics) , *QUALITY of life , *QUESTIONNAIRES , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *INTRACLASS correlation , *RESEARCH funding , *SQUAMOUS cell carcinoma , *PALLIATIVE treatment , *LONGITUDINAL method ,RESEARCH evaluation - Abstract
Background: Acute and late toxicities in patients treated with (chemo)radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC) is common and can negatively impact quality of life and performance. Performance status instruments measure the functional ability to perform daily life activities and are important tools in the oncologic population. Aims: Since Dutch performance status scales for the HNC population are lacking, we conducted this study to translate the Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck Cancer Patients (PSS‐HN) into Dutch (D‐PSS‐HN) and to validate this version. Methods & Procedures: The D‐PSS‐HN was translated into Dutch according to the internationally described cross‐cultural adaptation process. It was administered to HNC patients and together with the Functional Oral Intake Scale completed by a speech and language pathologist at five different time points during the first 5 weeks of (chemo)radiotherapy. Patients were asked each time to complete the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy and the Swallowing Quality of Life Questionnaire. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to calculate convergent and discriminant validity and the evolution of D‐PSS‐HN scores was assessed by means of linear mixed models. Outcomes & Results: A total of 35 patients were recruited and > 98% of the clinician‐rated scales were completed. Convergent and discriminant validity were demonstrated, with all correlations rs between 0.467 and 0.819, and between 0.132 and 0.256, respectively. The subscales of the D‐PSS‐HN are sensitive to detect changes through time. Conclusion & Implications: The D‐PSS‐HN is a valid and reliable instrument to assess performance status in patients with HNC treated with (chemo)radiotherapy. It is a useful tool to measure HNC patients' current diet level and functional abilities to perform daily life activities. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: Acute and late toxicities in patients treated with (chemo)radiotherapy for HNC are common and can negatively impact quality of life and performance. Performance status instruments measure the functional ability to perform daily life activities and are important tools in the oncologic population. However, Dutch performance status scales for the HNC population are lacking. Therefore, we translated the Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck Cancer Patients (PSS‐HN) into Dutch (D‐PSS‐HN) and validated this version. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: We translated the PSS‐HN and demonstrated its convergent and discriminant validity. The subscales of the D‐PSS‐HN are sensitive to detect changes through time. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: The D‐PSS‐HN is a useful tool to measure HNC patients' functional abilities to perform daily life activities. The tool can easily be used in clinical settings: since data collection duration is very short, this facilitates clinical (and research‐related) implementation of the scale. Patients' individual needs could be identified by using the D‐PSS‐HN, resulting in more appropriate approaches and (early) referrals if needed. Interdisciplinary communication could be facilitated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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200. Longitudinal data on speech outcomes in internationally adopted children compared with non‐adopted children with cleft lip and palate.
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Okhiria, Åsa, Persson, Christina, Johansson, Monica Blom, Hakelius, Malin, and Nowinski, Daniel
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RESEARCH , *SPEECH therapy , *INTERNATIONAL relations , *ACADEMIC medical centers , *SPEECH disorders , *CLEFT palate , *VELOPHARYNGEAL insufficiency , *SPEECH evaluation , *MANN Whitney U Test , *FISHER exact test , *LANGUAGE acquisition , *CLEFT lip , *TREATMENT effectiveness , *COMPARATIVE studies , *ADOPTED children , *RESEARCH funding , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *CHI-squared test , *DATA analysis software , *LONGITUDINAL method , *DISEASE risk factors , *DISEASE complications - Abstract
Background: At the beginning of the 21st century, international adoptions of children with cleft lip and/or palate increased dramatically in Sweden. Many children arrived partially or totally unoperated, despite being at an age when palatoplasty has usually been performed. To date, the speech development of internationally adopted (IA) children has been described up to age 7–8 years, but later development remains unstudied. Aims: To investigate speech development between ages 5 and 10 years in children born with cleft lip and palate (CLP) adopted from China and to compare them with non‐adopted (NA) children with CLP. A secondary aim was to compare the frequencies of secondary palatal surgery and number of visits to a speech and language pathologist (SLP) between the groups. Methods & Procedures: In a longitudinal study, 23 IA children from China were included and matched with 23 NA children born in Sweden. Experienced SLPs blindly reassessed audio recordings from routine follow‐ups at ages 5 and 10 years. Velopharyngeal function (VPF) was assessed with the composite score for velopharyngeal competence (VPC‐Sum) for single words and rated on a three‐point scale (VPC‐Rate) in sentence repetition. Target sounds in words and sentences were phonetically transcribed. Per cent correct consonants (PCC) were calculated at word and sentence levels. For in‐depth analyses, articulation errors were divided into cleft speech characteristics (CSCs), developmental speech characteristics (DSCs) and s‐errors. Information on secondary palatal surgery and number of visits to an SLP was collected. Outcomes & Results: VPF differed significantly between the groups at both ages when assessed with VPC‐Sum, but not with VPC‐Rate. Regardless of the method for assessing VPF, a similar proportion in both groups had incompetent VPF but fewer IA than NA children had competent VPF at both ages. IA children had lower PCC at both ages at both word and sentence levels. More IA children had CSCs, DSCs and s‐errors at age 5 years, and CSCs and s‐errors at age 10. The development of PCC was significant in both groups between ages 5 and 10 years. The proportion of children receiving secondary palatal surgery did not differ significantly between the groups, nor did number of SLP visits. Conclusions & Implications: CSCs were more persistent in IA children than in NA children at age 10 years. Interventions should target both cleft and DSCs, be comprehensive and continue past the pre‐school years. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on this subject: At the beginning of the 21st century, IA children with cleft lip and/or palate arrived in Sweden partially or totally unoperated, despite being at an age when palatoplasty has usually been performed. Studies up to age 7–8 years show that adopted children, compared with NA peers, have poorer articulation skills, demonstrate both cleft‐related and developmental articulation errors, and are more likely to have velopharyngeal incompetence. Several studies also report that adopted children more often require secondary palatal surgery due to fistulas, dehiscence or velopharyngeal incompetence compared with NA peers. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: This longitudinal study provides additional knowledge based on longer follow‐ups than previous studies. It shows that the proportion of children assessed to have incompetent VPF was similar among IA and NA children. It was no significant difference between the groups regarding the proportion that received secondary palatal surgery. However, fewer IA children were assessed to have a competent VPF. Developmental articulation errors have ceased in most IA and all NA children at age 10 years, but significantly more adopted children than NA children still have cleft‐related articulation errors. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: Speech and language therapy should target both cleft‐related and developmental articulation errors. When needed, treatment must be initiated early, comprehensive, and continued past the pre‐school years, not least for adopted children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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