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To make better use of brine, it is necessary to detect the element content before mining and processing. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a fast, simple, and flexible analytical method. However, the absorption of laser energy by liquid greatly reduces the plasma life and emission intensity. Although an improvement in the excitation source improves the characterization of the liquid, it makes the device more complicated and increases the cost. This article introduces a method for detecting Na and Mg in brine using LIBS with filter paper adsorption (FPA-LIBS). The limits of detection were 7.98 and 10.57 mg L−1 for sodium (Na) and magnesium (Mg), respectively. The results of six brine samples obtained using this method and inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectrometry were compared. The discrepancy and recovery values were 1.34–8.94% and 91.64–107.35%, respectively. In addition, the results of the analysis after storage for five days were consistent with those measured initially. These results indicate that FPA-LIBS accurately determined Na and Mg in brine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic, and ensuing physical distancing measures, poses challenges for researchers in the field of interprofessional care. Pandemic management has highlighted the centrality of interprofessional working to effective healthcare delivery during crises. It is essential to find ways to maintain interprofessional research that has commenced, while also designing research to capture important learning from pandemic management and response. However, it also creates opportunities for new research projects and novel research designs. This discussion paper explores ways of adapting existing research methodologies and outlines potential avenues for new research. Specifically, considerations to bear in mind when designing interprofessional research during the pandemic include research ethics and integrity, research design, data collection methods, research opportunities, implications and limitations. Interprofessional research can continue to make a valuable contribution in informing global responses to COVID-19 and in planning for future global health crises. We call for, insofar as possible, for interprofessional research to continue to be developed during this time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify the definitions of a fall, faller classifications and outcomes used in prospectively-recorded falls research among people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). A systematic review of peer-reviewed journal articles was conducted using electronic databases. Relevant data were extracted by one reviewer and verified by a second independent reviewer. Twenty-six papers met the inclusion criteria. A relative degree of heterogeneity existed amongst studies for the outcomes of interest to this review. Thirteen different fall definitions were identified. Fourteen different falls outcomes were used across the included studies, with six of these reported by only one study each. Data regarding injurious falls were presented by only eight papers. The majority (n = 17) of papers classified individuals as a faller if they fell at least once. This review highlights the large variation in fall definitions, faller classifications and outcomes used in this research field. This hinders cross-comparison and pooling of data, thereby preventing researchers and clinicians from drawing conclusive findings from existing literature. The creation of an international standard for the definition of a fall, faller classification and falls outcomes would allow for transparent and coordinated falls research for people with MS, facilitating progression in this research field. Falls are a common occurrence among people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) resulting in numerous negative consequences. There is large heterogeneity in the definitions, methods and outcomes used in falls research for people with MS. This lack of standardisation prevents the accurate cross-comparison and pooling of data, impeding the identification of falls risk factors and effective falls prevention interventions for people with MS. Consequently, clinicians should interpret the outcomes of falls research for people with MS with caution, particularly when comparing studies regarding falls risk assessments and falls prevention interventions for use in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on the first systematic review of literature associated with participatory research involving people identified with sensory impairments and/or intellectual impairments. It was initiated as part of ARCHES, an European Union-funded heritage project. The review sought to examine processes and activities used for organising participatory research involving people identified with sensory and/or intellectual impairments. 54 papers were included, involving studies from 14 countries and varying numbers of participants across different time scales. Insights were gained into use of advisory groups, organisation and support, collecting and analysing data, sharing findings and activity types. Emergent themes enabled an identification of the while of participation. The while represents the tensions, outcomes and component parts which are evident within the multiple moments that span an experience of participatory research. Participation is not about types of activity but how any activity is undertaken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Drug overdose deaths in Texas have been accelerating in recent years with an increase of 33% in the 12 months leading up to December 2020. Accurate counts of nonfatal overdoses – including associated aspects of overdose, such as substances involved, demographic information, and reversal agents administered is critical to increase timely and adequate response to individuals and communities in need. Methods: Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted with harm reduction workers across four Texas counties to understand existing methods of reporting overdoses, naloxone dissemination/administration, and recommendations for improving overdose surveillance. Interviews were transcribed and emergent themes were identified based on the a priori research goals. Results: Findings highlighted a variety of overdose data collection methods and tools among harm reduction organizations including Excel spreadsheet, web-based TONI application, notes on personal cell phones, and paper notes. Types of overdose data collected varied widely. Participants noted existing methods are suboptimal and that there is a need for a unified, statewide reporting system to improve overdose data capture. Participants also highlighted that overdose surveillance should include "hidden populations" of people who use drugs that are not currently counted in surveillance methods as a result of not interacting with the healthcare system. Conclusions: Texas lacks a unified overdose reporting system to capture critical data to inform overdose response and prevention efforts. Nontraditional reporters may be critical toward improving overdose syndromic efforts and capturing data among hard-to-reach populations. Harm reduction organizations are uniquely positioned to facilitate reporting among community gatekeepers and people who use drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In palliative care in the UK, occupational and/or physiotherapists consult with patients to assess how they are managing their activities for daily living in light of their life-limiting condition(s), and to identify any activities that might benefit from therapeutic intervention. In this paper we use conversation analysis to describe a patient's practice in these consultations, which we call "procedural detailing," whereby they produce a step-by-step description of how they do some everyday activity, such that it is depicted as adequate, stable, and unproblematic. Based on a collection of 15 cases identified in video recordings of consultations in a large English hospice, we demonstrate how patients use this practice to normalize their routine conduct and thereby reject or rule out an actual or anticipated therapeutic recommendation. Our analysis suggests that such descriptions let patients participate in shared decision-making by revealing their preference for routines that preserve their level of independence and dignity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Bloomberg Data for Health Initiative Research and Development Arm at Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, has thus far collected NCD risk factor data from more than 13,000 citizens of three LMICs (Bangladesh, Tanzania and Uganda), and has actively worked to improve capacity with partners worldwide. Objective: This paper focuses on how a research project, can also act as a capacity building activity through its research into collecting non-communicable disease risk factor data using different mobile phone modalities. Methods: This paper evaluates the activities undertaken by the project using the ESSENCE Planning Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for Research Capacity Strengthening. Results: The project was able to successfully integrate meaningful capacity development activities across all partners. Training, networking, sharing resources, joint data collection, and analysis across individual, organizational and project levels were some of the strategies used. The ESSENCE framework allowed a good assessment strategy for this type of work. Conclusions: This paper highlights the value of making capacity development a high priority for digital health research activities, while also considering the need to monitor and evaluate those activities in order for them to be meaningful and sustainable. It also considers how to utilize the ESSENCE Framework to evaluate capacity development activities through research, and how best to adapt the Framework to different programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper centres on the roles and contributions of fieldworkers-local data-collectors in Global Health research in postcolonial contexts. It is informed by two separate ethnographies, conducted in two different East African biomedical research institutions. It discusses how common characterisations of fieldworkers as 'low-skilled' and 'local' make them attractive to research institutions in two important ways – as community-embedded data-collectors thus facilitating community participation and as being unlikely to fabricate data because they lack the skills to avoid detection. This paper questions these assumptions. It draws on Daston's idea of the 'scientific persona' and Fanon's concepts of mask-making to explore how fieldworkers construct identities and data within their liminal roles. Fieldworkers create particular pseudo-personae or masks for getting and staying employed. They dumb-down CVs and emphasise their similarities with community members in ways which are partially 'real' but also 'fake'. These constructed identities provide fieldworkers with a persona that allows them to fabricate or modify data without raising suspicions. They frequently engage in practices known as 'genuine fake' data fabrication which is data perceived as factually correct and verifiable yet methodologically incorrect, hence it is real and fake in varying degrees. We understand the 'pseudo' as the blurry space between real and fake where fieldworkers construct their identities and data. Given the seemingly laudable aims of Global Health, we argue that fieldworkers' masking and making up data signal the need for greater attention by those designing its research, to better understand and address why and how these practices unfold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper illustrates the development, value and outcome of co-working with a 'child research advisory group' (CRAG) within healthcare research. The UK qualitative study completed as part of a Doctorate in Education (EdD) primarily explored the child's experience of hospital in Northern Ireland from the perspective of the child (and children's nurse). Essentially the role of the CRAG was to co-develop simple research questions and a data collection tool which was child centered, rather than adult centered – the research tool would be used with the main study child participants aged six to 12 years old in 2017. Five primary school children, with experience of hospital from year six and seven agreed to act as a CRAG in 2016. The outcome being an innovative data collection tool which is an App featuring the choice of two talking cartoon characters who asked the co-designed research questions via an iPad. The characters are Sprinkle Cupcake and Ronaldo Football. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for current practical advice in how to conduct research by videoconference is internationally recognised. Many researchers in medical education are transitioning to using online methods for the first time, through design or necessity. This paper aims to provide practical advice on utilising videoconference technology for research, from design to execution. The tips include how to manage important elements such as ethics approval, online etiquette, contingency planning, technology management, and data capture. Recommendations include how to promote participant engagement with online data collection methods, in some cases paralleling the literature around synchronous online learning. The tried and tested tips have been developed by the authors based on their research experience, a literature review and the results of a post-participation survey of medical students on their experiences engaging in research online via videoconference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies about dementia in relation to the built environment have not always include patients with dementia as active participants. This paper presents a systematic review focusing on recent available literature on people with dementia as active participants in studies related to the physical environment. The aim is to analyze methods, adversities and challenges of their involvement. A total of 14 studies were reviewed. The results reinforce the fact that people with dementia offer unique insights. Data collection methods should be adapted for their inclusion as well as a more careful approach and a special attention regarding the consent of participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Internet and the development of more user-engaging applications have opened a whole new world for researchers as a means of recruitment and data collection source. This paper describes the methodological approach of a research study that explored the experiences of Australian military spouses who packed up their family and home to accompany their spouse on an overseas posting. The study used Facebook as a recruitment tool and then as a data source through the conduct of an asynchronous virtual focus group. This paper outlines the advantages and disadvantages of this unique data source as a means of capturing the voices of a hard-to-reach population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimization of the human-centeredness of technological innovations – policy digitalization - has exceedingly proliferated in most policy sectors. Yet, a few studies exist on the implications of digital policy tools in realizing social protection policies for older people, particularly in Africa. This paper discusses this issue. It examines data on the 'digital capabilities' of older persons and how digital technologies impact their usage and access to social safety net programs in Kenya, where digital policy tools like mHealth and e-Payment platforms are used to realize them. The data collection involved interviews with 81 respondents between 65-90 years of age (individuals targeted by social safety net programs and Social Protection officers). Findings show a need for more robust and policy target-sensitive efforts and budget allocation to overcome policy digitalization challenges, especially those arising from structural governance inequalities or older people's capability deficits that underpin digital transformation pathways for different policy targets. Most older people in rural areas have negative attitudes and low user digital capabilities toward digital services. This is partly due to a range of challenges from infrastructural deficiencies, low access to internet resources to inadequate policy communication around digital tools. However, higher digital capabilities of policy targets and positive societal attitudes toward digital platforms could improve effective 'public policy digitalization' with more targeted investments and user-sensitive designs in place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many health-related measurement instruments have been developed to measure psychological constructs and whilst several instruments are usually available for a particular study, finding the right tool for the job is important. Systematic reviews of measurement properties of instruments have long been identified as a valuable strategy to ensure that we select the right tool to assess mental health. There are many important steps and procedures to guide these types of systematic reviews to find the "best fit" and this paper summarizes some of these key processes and steps. The selection of instrument(s) to use should be made considering the most recent comprehensive review of the quality of the outcome measurement instrument based on unbiased assessment of its psychometric properties, responsiveness, and generalizability of results. Researchers planning to conduct a systematic review of health-related measurement instruments should design the review beforehand using standardized frameworks. Conducting systematic reviews of the quality and psychometric properties of health-related measurement instruments is important to ensure we choose the best tool for the research question and target population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the expansion of the coal mining depth and scales, the content of coal mine methane (CMM) is increasing, bringing the great challenge to the safe coal mining and greenhouse gas control. Researching CMM emission laws and its drainage technologies in underground coal mining is essential. This paper analyzed the sources of CMM emission in the workface and then put forward the grid method to measure the CMM emission laws in the single coal seam, which error was verified by the integral method. The CMM emission laws of the S2107 workface of the Yuwu mine, northeastern Qinshui basin, China were researched as a case study and it is found that the upper corner was the key position of CMM control in the workface. The sub-source CMM drainage methods by the strike high-level roadway and long vertical buried pipes were applied against the different CMM sources in the S2107 workface. The gas concentration in the return air was less than 0.6% during the CMM drainage, verifying the effectiveness of the sub-source CMM drainage methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Librarians are committed to supporting teaching, learning, and research. They are equally committed to supporting student success and retention. Demonstrating the impact that learning management system (LMS) embedded librarians make on student learning has been difficult to correlate, however. Studies that assess this connection, using qualitative and quantitative data have been undertaken in recent years. In a university regional campus library study conducted in 2016-2017, LMS embedded librarians explored the relationship between student learning and information literacy instruction, relying primarily on a customized LMS embedded librarian page of library resources and learning objects. They used a rubric to assess student research papers and bibliographies, LMS course analytics, instructors' grades, and student feedback. This article reviews the literature and their methodology, challenges, and findings. They wish to guide colleagues, committed to assessing how librarians contribute to student learning, in selecting assessment approaches and validate their instructional role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing from qualitative research conducted in a participatory action research framework with 28 transgender women in Colombia, this paper presents the stigma-related barriers to healthcare experienced by trans women and their experiences of multi-level violence within the healthcare system. The authors also discuss how advocacy work was conducted as part of the research process and how trans community leaders were involved throughout the project in order to promote policy-relevance and community-based implementation of findings. The paper concludes with a discussion of how the experiences of violence and stigmatisation within the health care system is linked to broader processes of structural stigma reproduced within Colombian society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Investigators are increasingly using qualitative research methods in studies with people with aphasia. While most qualitative research has relied on the pragmatic method of inquiry, and methods reliant on verbal communication such as interviews, there exists a gap in the literature on how to use these methods with people with communication impairments such as aphasia. Aims: This paper aims to be a starting point for researchers new to qualitative research wanting to learn about how to collect qualitative data from people with aphasia. A secondary aim is to encourage researchers to report the creative ways in which they manage the communication challenges presented by people with aphasia in data collection. Main Contribution: This tutorial provides an overview of qualitative data collection methods and adjustments for making them aphasia-friendly, including interview and alternative interviewing methods, focus groups, observation, and photovoice. Each data collection method is discussed in the context of ethical and logistical considerations specific to people with aphasia. Conclusions: Qualitative data collection with people with aphasia can be challenging due to their communication difficulties, but when done properly researchers can help people with aphasia get their stories and perspectives into the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the many emerging markets in East Asia, access to contemporary anthropometric data for this region is important for designers and manufacturers seeking to produce the best fitting products and living environments for consumers. The purpose of this paper is to describe Korean anthropometric data collection and survey techniques for those who are interested in ethnic characteristics, conducting surveys, and formulating ergonomic product designs for South Korean and, more broadly, East Asian populations. The Size Korea survey was conducted in 2003–2004 and 2010. A total of 14,200 civilians aged 0–90 years participated in the survey, with 119 body and weight dimensions measured in 2004. Twenty new dimensions from Inbody measurement were added in 2010 and the data were continuously updated. We referred to ISO 7250, 8559 and 15535 to ensure validity and reliability. Fifty major body dimensions, including weight, are summarised in this paper, and 34 of these dimensions can be compared with 11 multinational data already reported  in other publications. Practitioner Summary:This paper presents the up-to-date anthropometric database of East Asian physical characteristics and survey methodology. These data satisfy the ISO standards and comprise 50 physical dimensions including weight. Thirty-four dimensions of these can be directly compared with available multinational data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goals of this study were to design and implement an experiential learning assignment in an undergraduate developmental psychology and aging course and to explore students' perceptions of it. One hundred and forty-three first-year students enrolled in an introductory course on developmental psychology across the life span recorded, transcribed, and analyzed the life story of an older person. Afterwards, they wrote a paper that combined theoretical concepts and reflections on this story and were asked about the benefits and difficulties of the task. The answers to these questions were content analyzed. The reported benefits were grouped into two categories: benefits related to the academic objectives of the project (improving learning of developmental concepts, research-related skills, and attitudes towards old age) and personal growth. The former were reported by approximately two-thirds of the participants and, in most cases, were related to the acquisition of theory. The latter were mentioned by 70.6% of students, and learning some kind of life lesson was the most cited benefit. Students mentioned some difficulties in interviewing, transcribing, and analyzing the interview, and in writing the paper. Interviewing seemed to be the most difficult task. Collecting and analyzing an older person's life story seems to have many positive effects, not only on students' knowledge, skills, and attitudes, but also on their personal development. Thus, despite the difficulties posed by this experiential learning assignment, it might be a useful tool to complement more traditional lecture-based teaching methods in developmental psychology and aging courses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of the many shortcomings of traditional copper ore detection methods, this paper proposes a new method for copper ore content detection, which is to detect copper ore content through spectral information. And we propose an error compensation extreme learning machine model. Using the error compensation extreme learning machine and the spectral information of the copper ore can quickly and accurately identify the copper content in the copper ore. Finally, the satellite remote sensing data were simulated, and the copper content distribution in the mining area was obtained. This provides guidance for future mining, reclamation and ore prospecting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consensus group methods are widely used in research to identify and measure areas where incomplete evidence exists for decision-making. Despite their widespread use, these methods are often inconsistently used and reported. Using examples from the three most commonly used methods, the Delphi, Nominal Group and RAND/UCLA; this paper and associated Guide aim to describe these methods and to highlight common weaknesses in methodology and reporting. The paper outlines a series of recommendations to assist researchers using consensus group methods in providing a comprehensive description and justification of the steps taken in their study. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Challenges to the conceptualization and delivery of services for people with communication disabilities (PWCD) have been described in the lead article in this issue, which was itself a response to the World Report on Disability. A number of commentaries followed the lead article, where authors from around the world responded to the lead article (Wylie, McAllister, Davidson & Marshall, 2013), and the World Report on Disability. This paper synthesizes the issues, ideas, and challenges raised in the preceding commentaries. This has been done by addressing each of the four key issues posed in the lead article. A number of proposals for better responding to the needs of PWCD are outlined. These include: engaging with the collection of epidemiological data, consideration of which PWCD are under-served and how this may be changed, the use of documentation, adoption of new roles and strategies for speech-language pathologists, the challenges of community-directed vs individually-focused approaches, and the suggestion of public health communication disability workers and mid-tier workers, who could work alongside more traditional speech-language pathologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides an overview of a PhD pilot study which aimed to develop innovative, exploratory research strategies for harnessing the pupil voice of children with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties (BESD). The paper highlights how a PhD pilot study engaged young people in novel data collection methods. The main aim of this paper is to locate the pupil at the heart of the data collection and to examine how specific turning points can impact upon the educational experiences of young people with BESD. An overview of the methods employed in the research are offered here; these included activity sessions that involved role play and games in order to facilitate an exploration of pupils' responses to their different experiences of BESD provision. Following on from the activity sessions, interviews were conducted to gain a more detailed insight into pupils' educational experiences. The methods employed throughout this paper were interactive, with emphasis placed on engaging and involving the young people in the research process. The paper ends by offering a discussion of the preliminary findings from the pilot study and the researcher's experiences of engaging young people with BESD in research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to estimate the prevalence of cigarette smoking among students in Vietnam ages 13-15 and examines its relationship with compositional and contextual factors. The data used in this paper were obtained from the 2007 Global Youth Tobacco Survey conducted in nine provinces in Vietnam. A multilevel logistic regression model was applied to analyse the association between the current incidence of cigarette smoking and factors on both the individual and school level. The prevalence of cigarette smoking among students was 3.3% overall. The prevalence of smoking among male students (5.9%) was higher than that among females (1.2%). Parental smoking was a significant risk factor for smoking among the students. Having a friend who smoked was the strongest predictor of smoking status among the study subjects. We have demonstrated that school-level factors appeared to impact the prevalence of cigarette smoking among students ages 13-15. This paper highlights the importance of utilising an extensive range of actions to prevent students from using tobacco in Vietnam. These actions should include providing specific curricula for students that address both individual characteristics and the school environment. Further, prevention programmes should also target both parental- and peer-smoking issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the recent increase in interest in the experience sampling method (ESM), researchers have repeatedly criticised the high burden and levels of interruption that it imposes on participants, and alternative cost-effective methods, such as the Day Reconstruction Method (DRM), have been adopted by the Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) community. In this paper, we review the use of ESM and DRM in the HCI field and argue for a new paradigm called Technology-Assisted Reconstruction (TAR), according to which passively logged data of users' behaviours are used in assisting the later reconstruction of experiences and behaviours. We discuss five methods of Technology-Assisted Reconstruction that we have developed in our past work and conclude with a framework that highlights three directions for Technology-Assisted Reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite a strong desire among most older adults to age in place, there are few widely available services to support planning and preparing for one's future housing needs. Objective: To develop a prototype of a web-based housing counselling intervention for use in later life, by employing a user-centred design. Material and Methods: As the first step in intervention development, we employed a development process based on research circle methodology. Nine older adults participated in three sessions. Findings from literature reviews, a meeting with a technology and design panel (n = 6) and interviews with representatives of nonprofit organizations, companies, and municipalities (n = 7) served as discussion points. Result: An on-paper prototype was derived, composed of the THINK, LEARN and ACT module reflecting different stages of the decision-making process. Each module addressed preferences, health, home and social and financial resources. Key design features and theoretical underpinnings were included. Conclusion and Significance: A user-centred design process can result in services that are aligned with older adults' preferences for obtaining housing information. Services for planning and preparing future housing needs have the potential to increase older adults´ well-being at home as well as reduce costs for care and housing provision by the municipalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we discuss how life history drawings can serve as a valuable method for global health research. The introduction discusses qualitative approaches to concepts such as reliability, validity and triangulation, and situates the use of participatory visual methods within the broader field of participatory research. The paper reports on an experience using life history drawings as part of extended ethnographic research in rural Mexico and among Mexican migrants living in Atlanta. The primary method for that parent project was comparative ethnographic research, which included life histories collected from 13 pairs of women over 15 months of participant observation. Early in the research, the drawings contributed to a major reorientation in the direction of the research project. The insights generated through analysis of the life history drawings exemplify how this participatory research technique can direct attention to social processes that feel salient to community members. In this case, they called attention to the enormity of social change in this community over one generation, reorienting the study from one focused on change causes by migration to one that focused on two trajectories of change: generational and migration-related. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global health research typically relies on the translation of knowledge (from health professionals to the community) and the dissemination of knowledge (from research results to the wider public). However, Greenhalgh and Wieringa [2011. Is it time to drop the ‘knowledge translation’ metaphor? A critical literature review.Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 104(12), 501–509. doi:10.1258/jrsm.2011.110285] suggest ‘that while “translation” is a widely used metaphor in medicine, it constrains how we conceptualize and study the link between knowledge and practice’ (p. 501). Often the knowledge garnered from such research projects comes from health professionals rather than reflecting the lived experiences of people and communities. Likewise, there has been a gap in ‘translating’ and ‘disseminating’ the results of participatory action research projects to policymakers and medical practitioners. This paper will look at how using participatory visual methodologies in global health research with children and youth facing global adversity incorporates the multiple functions of their lived realities so that research becomes a means of intervention. Drawing from a literature review of participatory visual methods as media, content and processes of global health research, this paper raises practical, theoretical, and ethical questions that arise from research as intervention. The paper concludes by exploring what lessons emerge when participatory visual methodologies are integrated into global health research with children and youth facing global adversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:The third nationwide hepatitis B virus (HBV) sero-epidemiological survey conducted in China in 2006 showed a hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive rate of 7.18% and the number of carriers to be 93 million. To compensate for the lack of data on the national prevalence of hepatitis B from 2006 onwards, we performed a meta-analysis to investigate HBsAg-positive rates among the general Chinese population aged 1–59 years.Methods:We systemically reviewed published studies (January 2007 to September 2013) from full-text databases such as VIP, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and PubMed and assessed HBsAg-positive rates using a random effects regression model with comprehensive meta-analysis software.Results:After evaluation of the quality of the papers, 36 were finally included, with a total sample size of 314 103 individuals. The meta-analysis showed that the combined HBsAg-positive rate was 6.1% (95% confidence interval (CI), 5.4–6.8%) among general Chinese populations aged 1–59, with a higher HBsAg-positive rate in males (6.6%; 95% CI, 5.7–7.7%) than in females (5.1%; 95% CI, 4.4–5.9%). Our data also showed a higher HBsAg-positive rate of 6.9% in mid-western China (95% CI, 5.2–9.1%) against 5.6% in eastern China (95% CI, 4.9–6.4%).Conclusion:This meta-analysis suggested that the positive rates of HBsAg in China are reducing compared with previous 2006 sero-survey results, and China has changed from a high endemic area for HBV to an intermediate endemic area. However, owing to the large population, there remain an estimated 80 million HBsAg carriers in China. Thus, the prevention and control of hepatitis B represent a serious challenge, particularly in mid-western China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well established in the literature that school-based practice is fraught with challenges such as acquisition of appropriate and sufficient resources, communication barriers among professionals, parental burden, and redundancies and gaps in services. The purpose of this perspective paper is to reframe potentially problematic school-based practices using a critical social science perspective, suggesting a vision and strategies for therapists working in the context of school-based practice. We illustrate our approach with a case example. To reframe school-based practices, we begin with Jill's case, exploring it through a critical lens to identify potential issues and opportunities for change. We then trace these findings to our larger dataset from an ongoing program of research to ensure relevance to the broader context of school-based practice. Reframing of three school-based practice issues is discussed from: (a) advocacy by proxy to collaborative dialogue, (b) governing texts to guiding texts, and (c) playing the “right” part to having a voice. Although this is a perspective paper based on a case exemplar, we posit how we may reframe and rethink school-based practices in pediatric rehabilitation. We suggest that only with a genuine shift in our professional values will we see the enactment of collaborative practice in school-based settings. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Critical incidents are unanticipated events (either positive or negative) that teachers may encounter during a lesson or other situation causing them to reflect on their approach and change accordingly..Critical incidents have great potential for learning as they are vividly remembered and set the conditions for systematic reflection. However, despite the importance of the critical incident technique for professional learning in Initial Teacher Education (ITE), it is not generally used in teacher education programmes until the practicum stage when video-analysis is used. This study aims to analyse student teachers' individual and group reflections regarding two cases recorded on video in Portugal and Spain. Under the context of an Erasmus research project entitled 'Digital Practicum 3.0: Exploring Augmented Reality, Remote Classrooms, and Virtual Learning to enrich and expand preservice teacher education preparation (2020–1-ES01-KA226-HE - 096,120)' two cohorts of 39 and 22 student teachers, respectively, reflected upon two critical incidents previously selected by the student teachers who had taught the two lessons that were video recorded. They had to watch the videos and analyse the incidents both in group discussion and individual reflection. Findings suggest that such a strategy is key to enhancing the development of critical reflection in Initial Teacher Education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To prevent opioid-related overdose among high risk youth, research on the predictors of opioid misuse (OM) initiation among justice-involved children (JIC) is needed. Living in a single-parent household, an important adverse childhood experience, is prevalent among JIC and linked to substance abuse. It is hypothesized that JIC who live in single-parent households will have a higher likelihood of meeting criteria for past-30 day OM than those who live in two-parent households. Methods: The data in this paper were obtained from the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (FLDJJ). Cross-sectional data on 79,960 JIC from FLDJJ were examined. To test the hypothesis, multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed. Results: Over 2,000 JIC in the sample met criteria for past-30 day (P30D) OM. Over 27.1% of those who met criteria for past-30 day OM lived in a two-parent household while 21.3% of those who were non-past-30 day users lived in two-parent households. Contrary to our hypothesis, JIC who lived in grandparent-only households were 28% as likely to report P30D OM as those who lived in single-parent households. Those who lived in two-parent households were 16% as likely to meet criteria for P30D OM as those in single-parent households. These relationships varied by age. Conclusion: Two-parent and grandparent-only households maybe associated with increased access to opioids compared to other family structures with fewer adults. The risk of increased access may be more harmful than the strain of a single-parent household. Disposal of prescription medication initiatives should target households with multiple adults and grandparents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In online learning, the high dropout ratio is a serious problem and reflects a poor level of motivation in e-learning programmes. Social-interactive engagement may greatly affect users' attitudes and choices in many fields; among these, online learning is inevitably impacted by factors such as social connections. To study the impact of social-interactive engagement on the dropout ratio and learning progress, iMOOC was employed as the study object using data from 619 courses and 2,071,147 learners, as well as 19,451,428 learning records. As engagement is a process of collecting experiences, the learner's experience plays a significant role in reducing the dropout ratio. Social-interactive engagement helps to reduce the dropout ratio; thus, learners should be encouraged to engage in online activities, such as discussions, note sharing, commenting and Q&A, to alleviate the feelings of being disconnected and isolated. Through an empirical study, we also find that the longer a learner's registered time is, the lower the dropout ratio. From the perspective of the courses themselves, the dropout ratios of shorter or more difficult courses are lower than those of longer or less-difficult courses. This paper provides theoretical and practical recommendations for reducing the dropout ratio in online learning and improving learning efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This paper highlights important environmental dimensions of HIV vulnerability by describing how the sex trade operates in Nairobi, Kenya. Although sex workers there encounter various forms of violence and harassment, as do sex workers globally, we highlight how they do not merely fall victim to a set of environmental risks but also act upon their social environment, thereby remaking it, as they strive to protect their health and financial interests. In so doing, we illustrate the mutual constitution of ‘agency’ and ‘structure’ in social network formations that take shape in everyday lived spaces. Our findings point to the need to expand the focus of interventions to consider local ecologies of security in order to place the local knowledges, tactics, and capacities that communities might already possess on centre stage in interventions. Planning, implementing, and monitoring interventions with a consideration of these ecologies would tie interventions not only to the risk reduction goals of global public health policy, but also to the very real and grounded financial priorities of what it means to try to safely earn a living through sex work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper critically reviews existing literature relating to performance analysis (PA) in football, arguing that an alternative approach is warranted. The paper considers the applicability of variables analysed along with research findings in the context of their implications for professional practice. This includes a review of methodological approaches commonly adopted throughout PA research, including a consideration of the nature and size of the samples used in relation to generalisability. Definitions and classifications of variables used within performance analysis are discussed in the context of reliability and validity. The contribution of PA findings to the field is reviewed. The review identifies an overemphasis on researching predictive and performance controlling variables. A different approach is proposed that works with and from performance analysis information to develop research investigating athlete and coach learning, thus adding to applied practice. Future research should pay attention to the social and cultural influences that impact PA delivery and athlete learning in applied settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this didactic paper, I offer an example of how we can use a phenomenologically-informed sociological approach to analyse ethnographic and interview data from a clinical encounter. I show that the value of this approach is not that we will reach a more accurate interpretation of qualitative data, but that it opens up multiple ways of seeing and interpreting thus challenging us to re-think our scientific and lay assumptions. By explicating the interpretation process, I hope to increase awareness of how theoretical and practice assumptions may hinder deep, nuanced, and new understandings of clinical encounters. In doing so, physiotherapists and other health professionals can see the value of seeing clinical encounters beyond clinical models and ask questions of how they understand their work environments and clients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper proposes a new approach based on C4.5 decision-tree for islanding detection in distributed generation systems. Characterised by high effi ciency and performance, C4.5 decision-tree is particularly applicable to the condition of large amounts of mining data. This novel method greatly reduces the damage to the utility resulting from the islanding running state, and also highly enhances the capability of detecting islands of the protection relay. This method was tested on a typical distribution system with multiple distributed recourses by using Matlab/ Simulink tools. The simulation results show that C4.5 decision-tree is effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose:This paper proposes practice guidelines to evaluate community-based rehabilitation (CBR) programs. Method:These were developed through a rigorous three-phase research process including a literature review on good practices in CBR program evaluation, a field study during which a South Africa CBR program was evaluated, and a Delphi study to generate consensus among a highly credible panel of CBR experts from a wide range of backgrounds and geographical areas. Results:The 10 guidelines developed are summarized into a practice model highlighting key features of sound CBR program evaluation. They strongly indicate that sound CBR evaluations are those that give a voice and as much control as possible to the most affected groups, embrace the challenge of diversity, and foster use of evaluation processes and findings through a rigorous, collaborative and empowering approach. Conclusions:The practice guidelines should facilitate CBR evaluation decisions in respect to facilitating an evaluation process, using frameworks and designing methods.Implications for rehabilitationTen practice guidelines provide guidance to facilitate sound community-based rehabilitation (CBR) program evaluation decisions. Key indications of good practice include:• being as participatory and empowering as possible;• ensuring that all, including the most affected, have a real opportunity to share their thoughts;• highly considering mixed methods and participatory tools;• adapting to fit evaluation context, local culture and language(s);• defining evaluation questions and reporting findings using shared CBR language when possible, which the framework offered may facilitate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Despite the existence of numerous prevention strategies, pressure ulcers remain highly prevalent in those with spinal cord injury (SCI). The concept of habit, broadly defined, may help understand the persistence of this problem and offer strategies for its mitigation by occupational therapy. Aim:The aim of this paper is to describe the relationship between habits established prior to sustaining an SCI and post-injury habits that impacted on pressure ulcer risk. Methods:Secondary analysis of qualitative data collected during an ethnographic study of community-dwelling adults with SCI. Results:Participants’ habits appeared to substantially affect their risk of developing pressure ulcers. Habits established before incurring the SCI either facilitated or hindered the acquisition of new habits intended to prevent pressure ulcers. Conclusions:An understanding of the individual’s pre-existing habits may be important when designing a rehabilitation programme intended to minimize risk of pressure ulcer development following SCI. Habit-change strategies could be used to supplement education in pressure ulcer prevention techniques. Significance:Occupational therapists have a longstanding interest in habit. A more comprehensive understanding of this concept may provide important insights into the persistence and management of pressure ulcers following SCI. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: It can be challenging to research aspects of people's health behaviour, attitudes, and emotions due to the sensitive nature of these topics. We aimed to develop a novel methodology for discussing sensitive health topics, and explore the effectiveness in focus groups using prostate cancer and screening as an example. Method: We developed a fictitious case and employed it as a projective technique in focus groups on prostate cancer and screening. The participants were men and their partners who lived in Denmark. Results: The technique encouraged emotional and cognitive openness in focus group discussions about the risk of prostate cancer, the benefits and harms of screening, and decision-making about screening. It appeared that using the fictitious case allowed the participants to personally distance themselves from the topic, project emotions onto the case, and thereby openly talk about their emotions. Conclusion: This article presents a methodological contribution to communication about sensitive topics in focus groups, using prostate cancer screening as an example. Further refinement of the methodology is needed to enable participants to transfer improvements in knowledge to their own decision about screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Programmatic assessment is an integral approach to the design of an assessment program with the intent to optimise its learning function, its decision-making function and its curriculum quality-assurance function. Individual methods of assessment, purposefully chosen for their alignment with the curriculum outcomes and their information value for the learner, the teacher and the organisation, are seen as individual data points. The information value of these individual data points is maximised by giving feedback to the learner. There is a decoupling of assessment moment and decision moment. Intermediate and high-stakes decisions are based on multiple data points after a meaningful aggregation of information and supported by rigorous organisational procedures to ensure their dependability. Self-regulation of learning, through analysis of the assessment information and the attainment of the ensuing learning goals, is scaffolded by a mentoring system. Programmatic assessment-for-learning can be applied to any part of the training continuum, provided that the underlying learning conception is constructivist. This paper provides concrete recommendations for implementation of programmatic assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this paper, the insights and experiences of a research team involved in conducting qualitative research with families living with autism spectrum disorder are drawn upon to provide reflections and recommendations across all stages of the qualitative research process. Particular attention is given to the steps involved in semistructured interviews, specifically, interview guide preparation, participant recruitment, obtaining informed and voluntary consent/assent, conducting effective interviews, accurate analysis and interpretation of data, ways to involve participants in data analysis, effective communication of research findings, and providing feedback to participants. In addition, reflections and recommendations are provided for maintaining researcher health throughout the qualitative research process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal factors influencing adolescent alcohol initiation and use are not well documented in Tanzania. The goal of this qualitative study was to explore the structural and environmental factors influencing adolescent alcohol uptake and use in urban Tanzania. 177 adolescents aged 15–19 from varying socioeconomic backgrounds participated in 16 participatory groups (separated by sex and in-school/out-of-school status) at sites in four different locations in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Participatory methods were used, including listing and ranking activities, and photovoice, exploring adolescent's perceptions around youth alcohol use, and recommendations for structural interventions to prevent or reduce adolescent alcohol uptake and use. Themes included: (1) "idle time" shapes adolescent alcohol use in urban Tanzania; (2) societal influences shape the locations where adolescents consume or purchase alcohol; and, (3) adolescents' recommendations about structural approaches for reducing their idle time and vulnerability to alcohol use. Our findings highlight the need for programs and policies aimed at reducing youth idle time as an approach to reducing alcohol use, such as increasing opportunities for employment, extracurricular activities, and entertainment, particularly for adolescent boys in urban Tanzania, given their increased vulnerability to the uptake and use of alcohol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2001, Afghanistan's Ministry of Public Health inherited a devastated health system and some of the worst health statistics in the world. The health system was rebuilt based on the Basic Package of Health Services (BPHS). This paper examines why the BPHS was needed, how it was developed, its content and the changes resulting from the rebuilding. The methods used for assessing change were to review health outcome and health system indicator changes from 2004 to 2011 structured along World Health Organisation's six building blocks of health system strengthening. BPHS implementation contributed to success in improving health status by translating policy and strategy into practical interventions, focusing health services on priority health problems, clearly defining the services to be delivered at different service levels and helped the Ministry to exert its stewardship role. BPHS was expanded nationwide by contracting out its provision of services to non-governmental organisations. As a result, access to and utilisation of primary health care services in rural areas increased dramatically because the number of BPHS facilities more than doubled; access for women to basic health care improved; more deliveries were attended by skilled personnel; supply of essential medicines increased; and the health information system became more functional. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Copyright of European Journal of Social Work is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

There has been a tendency for researchers and practitioners to overlook the needs and experiences of children and young people in relation to disasters. In this paper, we report on our exploration of the question of whether to involve children and young people in post-bushfire research, and if so how? In considering children's rights in this context we were guided by a number of conceptions of the child (reflecting research debates within the Sociology of Childhood): The citizen child; the child at risk; and the developing child. We engaged in formal, progressive consultations with experts internationally and with bushfire affected community partners. This study determined that research with children post-bushfires was an important, ethical and appropriate activity, provided the methodology was sensitive and allowed children to provide informed consent and to have a sense of control over the issues being discussed. We conclude that carefully considering a rights approach materially changed the final methodology that includes the perspectives of children and young people in research about recovery from traumatic disasters, while still respecting their right to be safe and supported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postmodernism is a notion that causes as much confusion as it does consternation, yet in recent years it has become one of the most widely debated philosophies in health care research. Based on skepticism of grand narratives and an opening towards diversity and inclusiveness, postmodern research provides a set of tools and some distinctive ways of thinking that encourage researchers and practitioners to critically analyse the taken-for-granted obviousness of life. What is more, postmodernism offers a way to liberate people to think differently about their experiences, ideas and practices. In this paper I provide a brief review of postmodernism as a philosophy and as an approach to research. Taking as my starting point the need for reform in the physiotherapy profession, I explore some of the key principles underpinning postmodern research. Drawing on a case study of a recently published postmodern study, I offer a critique of the modernist assumptions underpinning physiotherapy, and present an example of how a postmodern study may be undertaken. Postmodernism has much to offer physiotherapy. It encourages us to ask questions of those things that normally pass unnoticed beneath our gaze, and it calls us to examine the discourses that have made the present possible. In examining how postmodern research may be applied to the study of physiotherapy practice I hope to encourage readers to move away from ossified ways of thinking and consider what might be possible if physiotherapy were otherwise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]