Search

Field education provides students with the opportunity to supplement classroom learning with the hands-on practice needed to be successful after graduation. However, in recent years, field education has encountered several challenges including a changing societal environment, placement scarcity in the face of increased enrollment, and strict guidelines for the provision of adequate supervision. In response to these challenges, semi-structured qualitative interviews with 35 social work field education coordinators, directors, faculty liaisons, field instructors and field supervisors were conducted throughout the prairie region of Canada between July and December of 2020. These interviews were aimed at determining innovative, promising, and wise practices that would address the various challenges in the provision of field education while also providing a pathway forward to the transformation of more sustainable social work field education practices. Findings indicate that there is a need for additional supervision strategies and increased flexibility within field placements, as well as a greater focus on the need for decolonization within the social work field education sphere. The emergence of COVID-19 was also discussed as both an exasperating factor within the current field education system while simultaneously creating an opportunity to reevaluate and restructure current field education practices.

This epidemiological model forecasted reductions in recurrences and recurrence treatment cost savings with adjuvant atezolizumab vs best supportive care among Canadians with stage II-IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at national and provincial levels. The population had resected, programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1)–high (≥50%), EGFR−, ALK−, stage II-IIIA NSCLC eligible for adjuvant treatment. Patients with recurrence or death and the costs of treating recurrences were estimated for those receiving adjuvant atezolizumab or best supportive care each year (2024–2034). Proportions of patients expected to be event free up to 10 years after treatment initiation were extrapolated with parametric survival analyses. In the base case analysis, 240 fewer recurrences were estimated to occur over 10 years (2024–2034) with adjuvant atezolizumab vs best supportive care across Canada, with 136 (57%) and 104 (43%) fewer locoregional and metastatic recurrences, respectively. Projected costs of treated recurrences were CAD 33.2 million less over 10 years with adjuvant atezolizumab at a national level (adjuvant atezolizumab, CAD 135.8 million; best supportive care, CAD 169.0 million). This model predicts a considerable long-term reduction in recurrences and substantial treatment cost savings with adjuvant atezolizumab vs best supportive care for patients with PD-L1–high early-stage NSCLC in Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article shares the results of a study designed to identify the most significant challenges in social work field education from the perspectives of Canadian field educators and students. A web-based survey was conducted with 155 participants, and the findings were analyzed thematically. The most significant challenges included lack of preparation, support, and training; the burden of multiple responsibilities and roles; communication and supervision challenges; administrative challenges; COVID-19- related changes to online learning and practice; equity, inclusion, diversity, and access (EIDA); and competition and unfair placement selection procedures. The findings provide insight to inform change in social work field education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Transforming the Field Education Landscape (TFEL) project conducted a survey to gather information from field education coordinators and directors (FECDs) about their field education programs, staffing models, resources, and activities, and to invite their perspectives on field education in Canada. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to better understand the state of social work field education in Canada, from the perspectives of FECDs in accredited Canadian social work education programs. The study used an adapted version of a survey instrument developed by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) in the United States in 2015. Field education staff at 39 of the 43 accredited programs in Canada completed the survey. Results revealed differences in staffing and program administration models based on program size, and highlighted the workloads and challenges experienced by FECDs in facilitating quality practicum opportunities. The results show that FECDs are engaged in unique activities and responsibilities within social work education programs. The impacts of funding cutbacks, student readiness for placement, and resource shortages, including staff, time, institutional support, and placement disruptions, are among the challenges discussed in this article. The findings establish a baseline on the state of social work field education in Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field education provides students with the opportunity to supplement classroom learning with the hands-on practice needed to be successful after graduation. However, in recent years, field education has encountered several challenges including a changing societal environment, placement scarcity in the face of increased enrollment, and strict guidelines for the provision of adequate supervision. In response to these challenges, semi-structured qualitative interviews with 35 social work field education coordinators, directors, faculty liaisons, field instructors and field supervisors were conducted throughout the prairie region of Canada between July and December of 2020. These interviews were aimed at determining innovative, promising, and wise practices that would address the various challenges in the provision of field education while also providing a pathway forward to the transformation of more sustainable social work field education practices. Findings indicate that there is a need for additional supervision strategies and increased flexibility within field placements, as well as a greater focus on the need for decolonization within the social work field education sphere. The emergence of COVID-19 was also discussed as both an exasperating factor within the current field education system while simultaneously creating an opportunity to reevaluate and restructure current field education practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Social Work Review / Revue Canadienne de Service Social is the property of Canadian Association for Social Work Education 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.)

Summary : Social work field education has experienced major disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while also embracing new opportunities to grow. The Transforming the Field Education Landscape research partnership developed a cross-sectional web-based survey with closed- and open-ended questions to understand student perceptions of COVID-19's impacts on social work field education. The survey opened during the first wave of the pandemic from July 8 to 29, 2020 and was completed by 367 Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) students across Canada. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Findings : Respondents experienced reduced practicum hours and placements terminating early or moving online. Students were concerned about gaining adequate experience for future job prospects. They were generally positive about academic institutional responses to COVID-19 but described financial challenges with tuition costs and a lack of paid practica. Respondents were mostly satisfied with practicum supervision. They experienced negative impacts of COVID-19 on mental health with isolation and remote learning and described a lack of institutional mental health support. Students were concerned with missing direct practice skills, while some students reported more flexible hours, access to online events beyond their region, and increased research experience. They expressed a need for practicum flexibility and accommodation. Applications : Recommendations include an increase in flexibility and accommodations for practicum students, exchanges of promising and wise field education practices, and accessible postsecondary mental health supports. Professional development opportunities should support graduates who missed learning opportunities in their practicum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) is one of the persistent water pollution problems in many coal mines of U.S.A. and Canada. Only few mines in India face this problem. The treatment of acid mine water has become a statutory requirement in almost all mines of the world. Metal removal and alkalinity generation is essential feature of any AMD treatment system but sulphate removal from acid mine drainage is still given the secondary importance. In the present study, four AMDs were treated in laboratory Successive Alkalinity Producing System (SAPS) for five different hydraulic retention times (HRT). The total iron removal and corresponding sulphate removal along with net alkalinity generation were studied during AMD treatment process by SAPS. A complete removal of total iron and sulphate removal of over 59% have been achieved. The study revealed that the total iron removal and sulphate removal increases with increase in HRT and its removal exhibited linear relationship. A substantial increase in alkalinity was also found after SAPS treatment. The findings of the study can be utilized in design of SAPS for removal of iron and sulphate during treatment of AMD in mining areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Initial investigation of the impact of a Cancer Survivorship Clinic following its introduction in February 2017.Methods: A systematic chart review of 176 patients enrolled in the Cancer Survivorship Clinic (CSC) who completed a minimum of one follow-up visit after the initial baseline visit. This was assessed using three screening tools: distress thermometer (DT), Canadian Problem Checklist (CPC), and Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS). Descriptive statistics and t tests were utilized to assess the impact of the CSC.Results: Distress thermometer: Statistically significant decline in scores from the baseline visit to the follow-up visit among the study population (p < 0.05). There was a significant decline in score among high-risk patients with an initial DT≥4 (p < 0.0001). Canadian Problem Checklist: Based on the initial baseline visit, the top five reported causes of distress among the study population include pain, anxiety, fatigue, tingling in hands and feet, sleep. Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale: Statistically significant decline in reported pain, tiredness, nausea, depression, anxiety, drowsiness, and shortness of breath scores (p < 0.05).Conclusions: Overall, patients had a significant reduction in distress from the baseline visit to the follow-up visit. High-risk patients experienced a more significant reduction in distress. Reduction in patient distress was independent of the number of visits to the clinic. Reported symptom severity for pain, tiredness, depression, anxiety, drowsiness, and shortness of breath also declined significantly following clinic intervention. Further qualitative studies required to establish the clinical significance of study findings.Implications For Cancer Survivors: Continued active clinical support and education for cancer survivors should be considered a potentially essential element in the cancer treatment trajectory to address patient well-being and distress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canada is one of the most diverse countries in the world, but do Canadians accept diversity? This study examines the factors that predict the perceptions of social interactions among individuals in Canada. The data were obtained from the Ethnic Diversity Survey (EDS) conducted by Statistics Canada and the Department of Canadian Heritage in 2002. Multivariate analyses were applied to investigate whether individuals’ racial, linguistic, religious, socioeconomic, and immigrant status influence their perceptions of their social interactions. The data comprised 41,695 responses from individuals in ten provinces of Canada, using a computer-assisted telephone interview method. The logistic regression results indicate that it is likely that people who belong to a visible minority, have lower socioeconomic status, speak non-official languages, and follow a religion other than Christianity feel discriminated against, uncomfortable/out-of-place, and worried about becoming a victim of hate-crime in Canada. The French-speaking people also feel discriminated against and out-of-place in Canada. This study informs us about the public attitude on the dynamics of social interactions in a multi-cultural and multi-racial society. It reinforces the need for community-based researchers, community development workers and policy makers to address discrimination and hostility and to invest in programs and policies that promote an inclusive society in Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ARRAY(0x56341e682060) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial refrigeration can be found in many types of applications such as food processing, product preservation, and more. In many cases, it can represent one of the largest energy consumers in a facility. Studies show that it is possible to reduce energy consumption by up to 40 percent in industrial refrigeration systems. This article presents an analysis of the energy conservation opportunities identified in an ammonia-based industrial refrigeration system in a Canadian warehouse. Some of the energy conservation opportunities included in the analysis are: application of a floating head pressure control; application of variable-frequency drives in evaporator fans; optimization of hot gas defrost; heat recovery opportunities from the evaporative condensers; reduction of infiltration of air in cold storage; application of bi-level lighting control in the lamps in the cold storage; and application of screw compressor VFD controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various industrial and manufacturing facilities use chilled water in the manufacturing process. In chilled water systems, the following options present potential energy- and cost-saving opportunities: Installation of energy-efficient chillers, chiller bank optimization, chiller sequencing, variable-flow chilled and condenser water pumping, application of wet-side economizer, optimization of chilled water use, and reduction of chilled water mixing. The viability of these energy conservation measures as retrofit options in a chilled water plant depends upon variables such as system installed, chiller load profile, climate, economic factors, reliability issues, the process requirement, application engineering issues, and more. This article presents the techno-economic analyses of various energy conservation options applicable to the chilled-water installation in a Canadian plastic extrusion plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the efficiency of vegetated filter strips for phosphorus removal from cropland runoff in Ontario. Effect of vegetation within the flowpath on water infiltration and water turbulence; Phosphorus concentration of the artificial runoff used; Average phosphorus trapping efficiency of all vegetated filters.

It is often believed that the settlement and integration of skilled immigrants is moderately easy in Canada, and that skilled immigrants do well in Canada after a brief adjustment period. However, numerous barriers prevent the effective integration of skilled immigrants in the mainstream society. Despite being famous for its Federal Skilled Worker Program, which includes the immigration of skilled workers through Express Entry, Canada shows disappointing results in the economic and social outcomes of the integration of skilled immigrants. This has socioeconomic implications for the immigrants and affects their health and wellbeing. Therefore, there is a need for all those who are involved with immigrant integration to explore and be conversant about the contexts and issues faced by skilled newcomers in Canada. In reviewing the academic and grey literature on the settlement and integration of skilled immigrants in Canada, this paper highlights the challenges faced by skilled immigrants in Canada and the needs experienced by them in facing these challenges. It provides an overview of the experiences and expectations of skilled immigrants related to their settlement and integration in Canada. This paper indicates a need to evaluate the availability of immigrant services focused on skilled immigrants and the effectiveness of the existing support offered to them by various government and non-government agencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel wood‐concrete system for high‐rise construction in seismic regions is presented. • The system is achieved by substituting concrete slabs with prefabricated light‐frame wood modules. • To demonstrate the system's feasibility, 30‐story buildings are designed for Vancouver, Canada. • The hybrid building's seismic load demand is 19% lower compared to an all‐concrete building. • Nonlinear time history analyses demonstrated that the system meets the seismic code requirements. A novel wood-concrete system that can be used for high-rise construction in seismically active regions is presented and analysed. The hybrid system is achieved by substituting two out of every three concrete floors and walls in a conventional coupled core wall concrete building with prefabricated light-frame wood modules. To demonstrate the system's feasibility, a 30-story concrete building and a 30-story hybrid building are designed for the seismicity of Vancouver, Canada, according to the 2015 National Building Code of Canada. Both buildings are evaluated with nonlinear time history analyses. To accurately consider the seismic hazard contribution from the Cascadia subduction zone, a multiple event-based conditional mean spectrum record selection method is adopted to construct target spectra for each hazard source (crustal, subcrustal and subduction). The results show that the seismic mass of the proposed hybrid system is reduced when compared to the concrete building, resulting in a shorter fundamental period but also a lower seismic load demand. The nonlinear time history analyses demonstrated that the hybrid system meets the current seismic code requirements and has lower seismic demands in terms of floor displacement, inter-story drift ratio and story shear forces in both coupling and cantilever directions, demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed system for high-rise construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]